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Near Bhutia Market, Haren Mukherjee Road, Ward No. 12, Hakim Para, Siliguri – 734001
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Near Bhutia Market, Haren Mukherjee Road, Ward No. 12, Hakim Para, Siliguri – 734001
+91 70017 24300
If you are an adventure enthusiast or a nature lover, you must visit this offbeat location, located in a border village adjacent to Nepal. Visiting this quaint village seems like experiencing serenity in the clouds, with a splendid rolling hill view of the Himalayas. It is indeed a dreamy hamlet that embraces tourists into its magical arms.
Altitude
2,970 meters
Region
Darjeeling
Min temp
0°C and 7°C
Max temp
24°C
Tumling is located in the eastern part of the Himalayas and stands tall as a small yet wonderful hamlet at an impressive altitude of 9,600 ft. and is a popular track for trekkers to reach their trek destination, Sandakphu. From the starting point of the Sandakphu and Phalut trek, alongside the jeep ride point, which is from Manebhanjan, the approximate distance to Tumling is near about 11 km, which by car will take about 45 minutes for the ride to reach Tumling. From a distance, you will be greeted with a splendid sight of small huts and cottages, with about 15 Nepali families residing in this village. The border between India and Nepal is quite blurred here, as the movement by the people between the 2 nations is very smooth.
Tumling offers entry to the Singalila trek route, where you can expect Kanchenjunga views and raw Himalayan charm. I went on a trip to Tumling, which appeared magical at dawn, and I witnessed the snow peaks light up slowly and was charmed by the slow fluttering of the colourful prayer flags.
Tumling is situated on the eastern side of the Himalayas in Nepal’s Ilam District, as a small hamlet at an impressive altitude of 9,600 ft. Tumling is now a very popular destination among adventurers and nature lovers equally, as it opens the path to the thrilling Sandakphu trek. Interestingly, if you are in search of a small trek, you can consider a light trek of 35 minutes from Meghma to Tumling.
Tumling is a year-round destination for tourists, each season demonstrating its uniqueness.
| Season | Temperature | Weather | Best activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | Day: 9.8-19.9°C | vibrant rhododendrons & wildflowers in bloom, pleasant | birdwatching, flower viewing, trekking |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Day: 11-19°C, Night: Cold (0-5°C) | cooler nights, moderate days, occasional rain | exploring nearby areas, trekking, nature walks |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | Day: 6-18°C, Night: 6-13°C | best Kanchenjunga & Everest views, clear skies | experiencing local culture, photography, Kanchenjunga & Everest viewing |
| Winter (December to February) | Day: 0-10°C, Night: Below 0°C | occasional heavy rainfall, cold | stargazing, cosy stays, snow treks |
You can visit Tumling all year. However, we can be a little biased in our choice here, considering what our guests would want to see the most while planning a trip to Tumling. So, October to February is considered the best season to visit this wondrous village in the lap of the majestic Himalayas to capture its truest and prettiest glimpses. This is the time to witness the best panoramic views, alongside getting a chance to witness snowfall, especially between January and February. Also, we recommend you visit Tumling during the spring season, which typically falls between March and April, when you can witness the vibrant rhododendron blossoms in full bloom. The scenery seems just magical with vibrant rhododendrons carpeting the valleys.
I reached Tumling in autumn, where I witnessed golden sunrise views making the Kanchenjunga glow in golden hues, which created a cherished memory in my mind.
| Months | Weather | Footfall | Category | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | blooming wildflowers, rhododendrons, warm, pleasant | Moderate | Peak Season | birdwatching, flower viewing, trekking, photography |
| Monsoon (June-August) | cold nights, moderate temperature | Low | Off-Season | nature walks, nearby explorations, trekking |
| Autumn (September-November) | Everest and Kanchenjunga views, comfortable weather | High | Peak-season | local culture experience, photography, trekking |
| Winter (December-February) | occasional snowfall, cold, temperature falling below 0°C occasionally | Low to Moderate | Shoulder Season | stargazing, cosy stays, snowfall experience |
Being a tiny hamlet nestled in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, Tumling seems not much in its store to offer tourists, other than its immense serenity in its ambience and the scintillating view of the entire Kanchenjunga with snow-dusted peaks. There are, however, great viewpoints in Tumling and some fun activities too.
There are a few nearby attractions and places which are situated close to Tumling, a serene and quaint village on the Indo-Nepal border. Here is the list to end your quest:
I took walks around the misty trails, witnessing the Sleeping Buddha peaks every day and woke up early to take serene morning walks as well.
Sandakphu
Sandakphu is the highest mountain peak in West Bengal, which is popular among tourists for its magnificent Kanchenjunga views and the panoramic Everest range, especially on a clear day with the blue sky in the backdrop. Sandakphu is also known as a trekker’s paradise and is world-famous for the expansive glimpse of the majestic Sleeping Buddha formation by the peaks. This is best visible during the Spring (March to May) and the Autumn (October to November) seasons.
Singalila National Park
This national park near Tumling is popular for its rich biodiversity and is home to numerous rare species like the Himalayan Red Panda, Himalayan black bear and numerous exotic birds. This park is truly a heaven for animal and nature lovers. The Spring season, from March to May, is the best time to visit this National Park to witness the excellent rhododendron and magnolia blossoms and clear views during the day.
Meghma
This is another small village near Tumling, surrounded by lush greenery and mist and has a local monastery and a resting point for trekkers, who trek to Sandakphu. The best time to explore this village is between October and the first week of December for a great trek experience.
Phalut
Your quest to witness the magnificent sunrise and sunset ends here at Phalut, which offers stunning Kanchenjunga views during sunrise and sunset. This place is a must-visit, especially for trekkers. Capturing a crystal-clear mountain view is best possible during the autumn season, from October to November.
Chitrey
This village near Tumling will surely make you fall in love with it for its scenic beauty, which is exuded by the pine forests surrounding Chitrey. This village is also another popular place to start the Sandakphu trek for trekkers.
There are 3 different ways to reach Tumling: either by flight to Bagdogra, then a drive to Tumling, or via train to NJP and then from NJP to Tumling on the road and lastly, directly on the road.
You can trek to Tumling from Manebhanjan or enjoy a Land Rover ride. My trip to Tumling in a Land Rover was jolt-worthy, where I witnessed stunning vistas on my way.
By Air
The nearest airport to Tumling is the Bagdogra Airport, which is located at an estimated distance of 108 km, which is a long drive of nearly 4 hours and 15 minutes, via Mechi Hwy/H07, depending on the road conditions and traffic. You will reach Manebhanjan in a hired cab or shared jeep. From here on, it will take you approximately 45 minutes to reach Tumling by car (Land Rover). No permit has been given to vehicles outside Manebhanjan to go further.
By Train
The nearest railway station is the New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP), located at an estimated distance of 123 kilometres from Tumling. It will take nearly 4 hours and 30 minutes by car from NJP to Manebhanjan via Mechi Hwy/H07, including a short 10-minute tea break. NJP has a great train service with almost all major cities being well-connected to it, be it Kolkata, Mumbai or Delhi. It takes nearly 10 to 12 hours to travel from Kolkata to NJP on the Kanchankanya Express or the Darjeeling Mail. After arriving at the NJP station, you can either hire a taxi or get on a shared jeep to travel from NJP to Manebhanjan and further hire a parked vehicle (Land Rover) from Manebhanjan to Tumling, which will take another 45 minutes.
By Road
The distance between Siliguri and Manebhanjan is approximately 75 km, which takes about 3 hours by car, via NH 110 and Matigara-Kurseong Road. If you hire a taxi, the fare will be somewhere between 3000/- and 4500/-. After arriving at Manebhanjan, you need to book a Land Rover and reach Tumling, which is around 45 minutes from Manebhanjan. No outside vehicles are permitted to move beyond Manebhanjan. From Darjeeling, the distance to Manebhanjan is approximately 25 km, which takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to drive, considering a short tea break.
Local cuisines in Tumling are all about tasting a hearty and simple meal, added with the love and emotions of the local people. So, on your trip to Tumling, do not miss out on the hot, steamy Momo( veg/non-veg), Thukpa (noodle soup) and Sel Roti. Please don’t miss out on their butter tea. These are their comfort food, which are all infused with the authenticity of the flavours of the hill. Tumling offers a blended culture influenced by the Buddhist, Tibetan and Nepali communities, which you can experience at every single foggy moment, chants and meals of the region.
Enjoying the Monastery vibes
You can visit the peaceful and small monasteries of Tumling to enjoy the chants and sounds of bells along with fluttering prayer flags in the wind. You will feel relaxed by participating in the morning prayer sessions, which are filled with the sound of rolling prayer wheels and the scent of incense burning.
Relishing the Local food
You must try out the delicious local food here, which is often prepared by the hosts of the homestays or is found in small eateries. This will give you an idea about the food culture that prevails in the region.
There are many accommodation facilities available in Tumling, wherein options range from Private accommodations like Shikhar Lodge with superior amenities and are visible from a distance, once one approaches Tumling. You also have other options like Mountain View Lodge and Hotel Siddhartha. You also have the option of staying in guesthouses, which, however, have basic amenities. However, you can experience the rustic charm of village life while staying in these guesthouses.
I stayed at a wooden homestay in Tumling, where the Kanchenjunga views from the window and sunrise views felt surreal and memorable.
| Category | Best stay | Price range | Features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homestays / Lodges | Bara hatta homestay,Sherpa Passang homestay,Siddhartha Lodge, Mountain Lodge,Green Hill Paradise Hotel, Satkar Lodge Tumling, Shikhar Lodge | ₹1000 - ₹1800 (often includes meals) | Electrically heated bedding in some places, some with attached baths, hot water, Kanchenjunga views from rooms/balconies , local meals, warm hospitality, comfortable rooms | budget travellers, trekkers, families, nature lovers |
| Trekkers' Hut (GTA) | (Closest one is Tonglu Trekkers' Hut) | ₹400 (per bed) + extra for food | dormitory style, basic amenities,restaurant facilities, located on hilltop with Kanchenjunga views | large groups, budget trekkers |
Homestays
The homestays of Tumling offer basic comfort, stunning views for nature enthusiasts and warm hospitality.
So, if you plan to experience the serenity and splendid views of the mountains, with a touch of warm hospitality, not very far from Siliguri, you can keep your hands on selecting Tumling, which is sure to promise you unforgettable experiences and memories, a perfect escape from the city hassles.
Where is Tumling located?
Tumling is situated in the Indo-Nepal border, nestled within the Ilam district of Nepal, in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas.
What is the altitude of Tumling?
Tumling is situated at an elevation of around 9,600 feet.
Why is Tumling popular?
Tumling is popularly known for its stunning Himalayan views, Sandakphu trek halt, peaceful ambience, local culture and biodiversity.
What are the things to do in Tumling?
You can enjoy several activities here, such as trekking, exploring sunrise viewpoints, birdwatching, exploring Singalila National Park, photography and camping.
When is the best time for a Tumling trip?
The best seasons for a Tumling trip are Spring and Autumn. Spring offers rhododendron blooms and pleasant weather, and autumn comes with clear Himalayan views and clear skies. Winters being extremely cold create opportunities for heavy snowfall and a picturesque snow-capped landscape.
How can I reach Tumling?
You can reach Tumling from NJP or Darjeeling via Maebhanjan. You can either trek or take a Land Rover to reach Tumling from Manebhanjan with a permit for the Singalila range.
What kind of accomodations can be found in Tumling?
You can find simple but comfortable stay options in Tumling, which are in the form of homestays and private lodges which offer warm hospitality and Nepali meals.
Do I need a permit to visit Tumling?
No, you will not need any permit to enter Tumling; only a valid ID will suffice at the forest check posts. However, you will need a permit to enter the Singalila National Park, which you can gain from Manebhanjan or the park entrance.
What should I take into consideration for safety and health in Tumling?
There is a risk of altitude sickness due to the high elevation of Tumling. You must avoid strenuous activities and stay hydrated, and acclimate well. If your condition worsens, you must descend immediately and seek medical help.
How is the condition of road to Tumling?
The road to Tumling from Manebhanjan is very rough, and you might need a sturdy 4-wheel vehicle to complete the journey. The roads can get blocked due to heavy snowfall in winter.
Can I find mobile connectivity in Tumling?
Mobile connectivity is patchy in Tumling with limited services, and internet connection is mostly unavailable here.
What kind of food is available in Tumling?
You will be served delicious Nepali dishes in the lodges and homestays of Tumkling, such as Dal Bhat, Chhurpi, Thupka and Momo, along with local drinks such as Chhang and Tongba.
Can I see the milky way from Tumling?
If you are lucky on clear days with clear skies, you can see the Milky Way from Tumling.
What should I pack for a trip to Tumling?
You must pack warm clothes for a trip to Tumling along with a power bank, trek gear, snacks, a water bottle, and personal medications.