Darjeeling Tea Garden trek 2024 | HT (HIMALAYA TREKKERS)

Overview
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Darjeeling Tea Garden Trek: A hiking trail inside tea plantations, along a river, from one village to another

There is no shortage of treks in India going to high altitudes, offering stunning peak views, lakes, pristine forests, alpine meadows, and so on. In fact, one or more of these are the USPs of most of the popular and even off-beaten trails.

But the vibrant Indian Himalayas have to offer more—a different set altogether. For that, you do not need to go to high altitudes or spend long days in the mountains, which may be physically demanding for some of you. However, we are all nature lovers and probably like to travel and explore untouched or unique trails. So here is a brand new and rare trail that blends the cultural and natural beauties of the lower Himalayas.

darjeeling-hike-inside-tea-garden — One-of-a-kind hike inside Darjeeling Tea gardens

dangia-camp-beside-rangit — Inside prinstine nature

mesmerisding-mountain-views-from-low-altitudes — Impressive mountain views

tea-garden-and-kanchenjunga-views-together — Tea gardens and high mountains

Why is our trail so special?

So here is our proposed trail that is inside Darjeeling district, West Bengal, and not far from Darjeeling city itself. We start from Majua village, which is 5 km downhill from Maneybhajung town—the trek base for the famous Sandakphu Singalila Ridge trek.

map-of-village-trek-inside-tea-plantations-gardens-in-darjeeling-himalayas — Darjeeling Tea Plantation Hiking Trail (click on the image to view a larger image)

This is a relatively low-altitude trail, i.e., why you see tea plantations. At the same time, it is very Himalayan. You get the flavour and essence of the eastern Himalayas; its very charm Here, we try to highlight the reasons:

Being low in elevation, between 1200 and 1600 m, this trail is soft from a weather perspective, and you can visit this trail throughout the year, apart from the monsoon months between June and September.

Our easy and relaxed hike starts with a downhill walk from Majua to the meandering little Rangit River, to a village called Dangia. The walk is among broadleaf and bamboo forests. It is essentially the evergreen forests of the lower eastern Himalayas, comprising the ecoregion and biodiversity hotspot. On the way we cross Arubotey village. We stay in a neatly crafted homestay just beside the river.

walking-amidst-green-evergreen-forest — Charming walk through the forest

dangia-village-beside-little-rangit-river — Dangia village and Little Rangit

From Dangia, we cross the river, and the first stretch of hiking inside the tea garden starts. It is a short but steep climb inside the tea plantation to our next destination, Mim. We have the option to stay beside the tea garden in a cosy homestay, or you may like to experience the stay inside Mim Tea Garden itself (optional, at an additional cost). This place has stunning views of Kachenjunga and other high mountains. Here we will visit the tea processing unit and taste the essence of the finest Darjeeling tea.

walking-and-hiking-inside-darjeeling-tea-gardens — Walking inside Darjeeling tea garden and plantation

stay-at-mim-village-with-stunning-kanchejunga-views — Stay at Mim homestay

From here onward, we will walk more stretches of tea gardens, some of the oldest in Darjeeling, namely Pembong, Tumsong, Lingia, and finally Mariabong. The walk is gradual, a mix of gentle ascents and descents through tea plantation slopes. If you like to indulge yourself in a classy tea estate stay, then we may take a halt at Tumsong. An upscale tea boutique with a colonial heritage. We continue our hike inside tea plantation to reach our final destination, a strategically located lodge just beside the Marybong tea garden. Today we will walk approximately 4 to 5 hours.

hiking-inside-mim-pembong-tumsong-lingia-marybong-tea-garden-trail-in-darjeeling — Walk through Mim – Pembong – Tumsong – Lingia to Marybong Tea Garden trail

mariabong-tea-garden-stay — Remarkable Location at Marybong

darjeeling-city-in-the-evening-seen-from-marybong — Darjeeling city from Mariabong

Suggested itinerary for Darjeeling Tea garden trek:

Day 1: Drive from NJP/Bagdogra (latest by noon) to Majua via Maneybhanjyang (90 km, 4 hours). Homestay accommodation.
Day 2: Trek to Dangia via Arubotey. 3 to 4 hours of walking. Homestay accommodation is beside the Little Rangit River.
Day 3: Trek to Mim Tea Garden (2 to 3 hours). Accommodation in Mim Heritage inside Tea garden (upon availability) or homestay accommodation just beside Mim Tea Plantation.
Day 4: Trek to Marybong Tea Garden via Pembong – Tumsong and Lingia gardens: 4 to 5 hours hike. Lodge accommodation is just beside the tea garden.
Day 5: Drive back to NJP/Bagdogra (80 km, 4 hours) or continue your tour towards Darjeeling (25 km, 1 hour or so) or Sikkim via Jorethang.

Notes:

You need to arrive at NJP station, Bagdogra airport or Siliguri city by noon on Day 1. While returning, you will reach NJP or Bagdogra by noon or early afternoon, as per the above itinerary.
You can reach from or return to Darjeeling to trek base and endpoints in an hour or so.te