A bit late to start recommending xmas presents but you could do worse that to check out...
Himalayan Journals - notes of a naturalist Vol 1 and vol 2 by J D Hooker (yes thats as in M. Hookerii) its available on amazon. ISBN-10: 8185019827
ISBN-13: 978-8185019826
failing that read it online, the descriptions of Dorjiling and Sikkim are delicious
http://www.harvestfields.ca/HerbBooks/01/001/00.htm