The train takes a final curve of the Batasia loop another 90 degree curve as it departs the Batasia War Memorial (Trayambak Ojha)

The train crosses the viaduct which is used to connect to the elevated section as the train had entered the loop below it some moments back (Trayambak Ojha)

Our driver by now had become enthusiastic about our endeavour and was very clear about our goals. Hence he suggested this monastry gate to be our next shooting point (Trayambak Ojha)

Chasing the train we finally arrive at Ghoom. There was a thick fog in the entire valley and light had reduced dramatically. The Khalasi here exchanges flag conforming that all was well at the Ghoom station (Trayambak Ojha)

The inflammable fire of the Crew's dedication to his work was by no means inferior to the fire of the steam loco furnace (Trayambak Ojha)

As the loco reverses it takes the mainline tracks and not the loop adjacent to the Platform the train was standing (Trayambak Ojha)

A symbolic image of Monks passing by where the steam service also starts it's journey up the hills (Trayambak Ojha)

After the joyride departed to our surprise another service from Kurseong arrived with steam instead of a diesel loco. Diesels were on maintenance that weekend (Trayambak Ojha)

These steam beauties are stunning to look but required a lot of care as the ALP of the loco releases the steam pressure and inspects the loco for its further journey (Trayambak Ojha)

After a prolonged halt at Ghoom the service to Darjeeling from Kurseong departs amidst thick fog. We had asked the LP why could'nt he switch on the headlamps he said it was not working and the noise of the loco and the horn was sufficient for the people t

The train arrived at Batasia in no time and this time there was no halt as it starts to descend the Alpha loop (Trayambak Ojha)

Although the thick cloud cover meant that we could not photograph the train against the back drop of the Kanchenjunga but this place is spectacular nevertheless. More on the loop here - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batasia_Loop (Trayambak Ojha)

This cute little train descends from the Batasia loop to surge ahead seamlessly towards Darjeeling. This service has one First Class coach and 1 Second class while the Joyride has both First Class coaches (Trayambak Ojha)

And the train finally halts at the water filling point. Seen here in a more bulky look (Trayambak Ojha)

After another round of inspection and watering the train starts its last small leg towards Darjeeling (Trayambak Ojha)