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Near Bhutia Market, Haren Mukherjee Road, Ward No. 12, Hakim Para, Siliguri – 734001
+91 70017 24300
Tonglu is a small hamlet situated in the Eastern Himalayas which looks otherworldly for its fantastic untouched wilderness, all away from the chaotic life in the city life. This place is known for its ethereal beauty and is a treasure trove for nature and adventure lovers. This picturesque destination is located at the Singalila Ridge which offers excellent views of the entire Kanchenjunga range.
Altitude
3,070 m
Region
Sikkim
Min temp
-3°C to -5°C
Max temp
24°C
Tonglu is gaining popularity among tourists who were previously known only as a mere stopover point for trekkers. Tonglu, which was earlier known just as one of the peaks in Singalila Ridge, has recently become a tranquil destination for tourists, in nature’s arms, enveloped by the vibrant rhododendron blossoms, carpeting the valleys, misty clouds and rolling hills. This place is also a getaway for trekkers to the Sandakphu-Phalut trail. Tonglu cannot be overlooked by nature and adventure lovers; it has now become a destination exuding unforgettable experiences for its untouched beauty. Unravelling this destination is not short of a treat. So, stay with us till we unwrap its beauty.
You can expect natural beauty, basic facilities and peaceful stays from Tonglu. I felt a deep connection with the mountains during my trip to Tonglu, where I was surrounded by rare stillness.
You will come across a small, quaint hamlet located between Manebhanjan and Sandakphu. This is Tonglu, for you. This village is located at an impressive height of 3070 m and is among the many peaks of the Singalila range, which falls under the Darjeeling district. The settlement is situated inside the popular Singalila National Park. Tonglu remains an offbeat location, untouched by its scintillating beauty. It promises tourists a blend of magnificent Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Pandim views, solitude for the heart and picturesque landscape views, perfect to unwind amidst nature.
The Spring season lasts from March to May, when the daytime temperature fluctuates between 10 and 15℃ and the temperature at night fluctuates between 5 and 8℃. This is the season with the most pleasant weather in Tonglu and gorgeous rhododendron blossoms. This season is ideal for photography and trekking. From June to August, it is considered the Summer season, when the temperature during the day typically ranges between 15 and 18℃. In this season, the nights are cooler than the days, and overall, you can escape the heat waves of the mainland. You will also experience a moderate degree of rainfall during this season, so don’t forget to carry waterproof gear to protect from the rain.
September to the first week of December is considered the Autumn season when the temperature during the day remains typically between 10 and 14℃; however, it falls at night to 5 to 8℃. This season is perfect for photography with marvellous Kanchenjunga views with the azure blue skies in the backdrop. Also, the refreshing chilly winds against the skin feel rejuvenating. The Winter season, marked from the second week of December till February, experiences chilly wintry mornings and nights, even snowfall, when the daytime temperature ranges between 5 and 8℃, while at night, it drops as low as 5℃. The winter season turns Tonglu into a magical land, covered with snow.
| Season | Temperature | Weather | Best activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | 5 - 15°C | blooming wildflowers, pleasant | flower viewing, birdwatching, trekking |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 10 - 13°C | occasional rain, cold at night, moderate temperature | nature walks, trekking |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | 10 - 20°C | best views of Everest and Kanchenjunga, clear skies, crisp air | enjoying local culture, Kanchenjunga views, trekking, photography |
| Winter (December to February) | 0 - 7°C | clear skies, occasional snowfall, cold | stargazing, snow trekking, cosy stays |
The best time you plan a trip to Tonglu is between September and December, which is considered the Autumn season in this region. The speciality of this time/season is its ability to offer some of the most scintillating views of the majestic Kanchenjunga, against the azure blue skies in the backdrop. Also, you can plan to explore Tonglu anytime between March and the first week of April, which is best known to tourists as the most vibrant season, which turns the first by the vibrant riot of colours with the magnolia and rhododendron blossoms.
I went to Tonglu in November, where I enjoyed clear views of the Kanchenjunga range and crystal clear sky views.
| Months | Weather | Footfall | Category | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | blooming wildflowers, rhododendrons, pleasant | Moderate | Peak Season | flower viewing, trekking |
| Monsoon (June-August) | misty views, heavy rainfall | Low | Off-Season | budget travels, avoiding crowds |
| Autumn (September-November) | best Kanchenjunga views, clear skies | High | Peak-season | trekking, Kanchenjunga views |
| Winter (December-February) | clear views, occasional snowfall, cold | Low to Moderate | Shoulder Season | cosy stays, snowfall |
The serene vibes in Tonglu are not just all about this quaint travel destination. You can also visit the surrounding places, which will ensure your travel is memorable. Here is a short guide to all the nearby gems from Tonglu:
I enjoyed a private show from nature while watching the golden sunrise painting the serene mountains.
Sandakphu
Sandakphu is recorded as the highest point in West Bengal and is popular as a Trekker’s paradise. This place is world-famous for catching the magnificent view of the Sleeping Buddha and also Mt Everest, on those days with clear blue skies. This place is worth each step of the trek.
Singalila National Park
This national park is a great place to witness a diverse species of animals and plants, and is a great place to explore for wildlife and nature lovers. A slice of Himalayan magic is felt while exploring this park.
Tumling
Tumling is very close to Tonglu, just a short walk away and offers stunning mountain views with a good number of options available for accommodations. This is also an excellent place to immerse oneself in the beauty of the Himalayan sunset.
Manebhanjan
Manebhanjan is a quaint village, which is a getaway town for the fantastic Singalila trek. Here, you can also explore the local monasteries and experience the local culture and food.
Phalut
This place near Tonglu is another scenic gem, which is popular for its peaceful ambience and excellent views of the Himalayas. This spot is also popular among trekkers who trek to Sandakphu.
Chitrey
This is a perfect spot for tourists to admire the scintillating beauty of the scenery and the fluttering of the colourful prayer flags with the tranquillity of the monastery in the background.
You can reach Tonglu either by flight to Bagdogra, then a drive to Tonglu, or via train to NJP and then from NJP to Tonglu on the road and lastly, directly on the road.
I trekked to Tonglu in the Sandakphu trail route, where each turn offered breathtaking views, misty ambience and serene silence.
By Air
The nearest airport to Tonglu is the Bagdogra Airport, which is located at an estimated distance of 93 km, which is a long drive of nearly 3 hours and 30 minutes, via NH 110 and Matigara-Kurseong Road, 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 30 minutes to reach Tonglu, 11 km from Manebhanjan, 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 95 kilometres from Tonglu. It will take nearly 3 hours and 45 minutes by car from NJP to Manebhanjan via NH 110 and Matigara-Kurseong Road, 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 about 12 hours to travel from Kolkata to NJP on the Kanchankanya Express or 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 Tonglu, which will take another 30 minutes to cover 11 km.
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 Tonglu, which is around 30 minutes from Manebhanjan (11 km). 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.
Tonglu offers a delicious blend of Bhutia, Gorkha and Nepali traditions in their meals, which also gets reflected in their daily lifestyle. Tonglu is full of surprises for nature enthusiasts, offering warm Himalayan hospitality, delicious fire-cooked meals and slow living. The dishes of Tonglu are soul-satisfying, warm and simple. You must try out the following dishes if you are on a trip to Tonglu: Dal-Bhaat-Tarkari, Gundruk Soup, Phagshapa, Momo, Thukpa, Churpi and Tongba. You can experience the rhythms of a Himalayan lifestyle on your trip to Tonglu:
Simple Farming life
You can talk with the locals, which will allow you to participate in their daily plantation or harvesting sessions, where you can get an idea about their traditional methods.
Forest walks
You can take serene walks around the village and forests and hear stories about trekking, forest or wild herbs.
Gathering around the bonfire
You can sit around the warm bonfire and hear the locals share their legends about the Yeti and other mountain folklore that has been passed down between them for generations.
Spiritual cleanse
You can visit the houses of locals residing here by taking their permission, and witness their shrines and take part in their prayer flag offerings or morning incense rituals.
You can spend the night at Tonglu at the GTA (Gorkha Territorial Administration), which is a common place for night stays for tourists and trekkers. However, if you plan to stay a more nights at Tonglu, you can also book a room at the District Magistrate Bungalow, which requires pre-booking from Darjeeling. Availability of these rooms is limited due to the rush, especially during the peak seasons.
I stayed at a basic trekker hut in Tonglu, which felt soulful and rustic. I woke up to misty views every day and got to taste simple meals and enjoyed chilly nights, which was an unforgettable memory.
| Category | Best stay | Price range | Features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trekkers' Hut (GTA) | Tonglu Trekkers' Hut | ₹400 (per bed) + extra for food | best Kanchenjunga views,restaurant facilities, hilltop location, dormitory style | large groups, budget trekkers |
| Homestays | Homestays | ₹1200 - ₹1500 (may include meals) | Kanchenjunga views, basic amenities, cottage style, home-like ambience | nature lovers, trekkers |
| DI Bungalow | District Magistrate's Bungalow | ₹1200 (per room) | nice views, spacious rooms | small groups |
Homestays
The homestays of Tonglu cater to the needs of nature lovers and trekkers who seek a tranquil ambience and stunning views.
A trip to Dhotrey is just not a simple journey; it is a complete soothing experience and a peaceful retreat into the soul of the magical Himalayas, surrounded by simplicity and silence. This place has something to offer to everyone, be it a trekker or a peace chaser. This is a journey you will remember long after your trip.
Where is Tonglu located?
Tonglu is situated on the peaks of the Singalila Ridge in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal.
What is the altitude of Tonglu?
Tonglu is situated at an elevation of around 3,070 meters.
What is Tonglu known for?
Tonglu is known for panoramic Kanchenjunga views and other snow-capped peaks of the Eastern Himalayas. On clear days, you can also get a glimpse of Mount Makalu and Mount Everest. It is a popular stop for trekkers on the way to Sandakphu and is known for birdwatching and nature lovers.
What are the things to do in Tonglu?
You can enjoy activities such as Kanchenjunga views, trekking, nature walks, visit Tumling, explore nearby villages, spot red pandas and medicinal plants.
When is the best time for a Tonglu trip?
The best time for a trip to Tonglu is from October to April, when you can enjoy clear skies, the best Kanchenjunga views and blooming rhododendrons.
How can I reach Tonglu?
You can trek to Tonglu from Dhotrey or Manebhanjan. It will take you around 4.5-5 hours to complete the 6 km route to Tonglu from Dhotrey, if you are a beginner. You can also reach Tonglu from NJP/Siliguri or Darjeeling. You can drive up Manebhanjan and then reach Topnglu in a Land Rover to complete the remaining 11 km.
What are the type of accomodations available in Tonglu?
There are limited accommodation options in Tonglu, which are in the form of GTA, private homestays and DM (District Magistrate's) Bungalow
Do I need a permit to visit Tonglu?
Although you do not need a permit to visit Tonglu, you will need a permit to enter the Singalila National Park.
What should I pack to trek in Tonglu?
You must pack a valid ID, warm clothes, trekking gear, sun protection, rain gear, extra batteries, basic medicines and toiletries if you are planning to trek in Tonglu.
Can I find mobile network in Tonglu?
Mobile network is inconsistent in Tonglu, with the Airtel network working in most areas. However, mostly the network is very limited.
Can I see Mount Everest from Tonglu?
Yes, on clear days, you can witness the entire snow range, including Kanchenjunga and Mount Everest, from Tonglu.
How is the road to Tonglu like?
The road to Tonglu is quite challenging, and the road from Manebhanjan to Gairibas is concretised, which passes through Tonglu. You can take a 4x4 vehicle, such as a Land Rover, to cross the steep sections.
Do I need a guide to trek to Tonglu?
Although you can trek independently, hiring a guide will help with logistics such as arranging permits, booking vehicles, arranging a guide or porter and so on.