Trip facts
Introduction
The history of Darjeeling tea started in the early 19th century when the British developed Darjeeling into a health resort for British residents looking for a getaway from the scorching heat of the plains. Subsequently, this led to the extensive establishment of tea plantation on the slopes of the hills and tea growers developed hybrids of black tea and created new fermentation techniques. This resulted in the development of the most typical Darjeeling tea, internationally recognized and ranked among the most popular black teas in the world.
Today tea tourism in Darjeeling and the adjoining areas have acquired a global name and tourist from all over the world visit Darjeeling and the surrounding areas to witness the tea cultivation and manufacturing process. Tea tour in Darjeeling along with its’ pristine nature, lush green surrounding , rolling hills with the snow capped peaks of Kanchenjunga always at the background and the colorful people make it truly a lifetime experience and above all one can experience the tea manufacturing process from plucking the leaves at the tea garden till the packaging of the final product.
Below are some of our tea tour packages.
Chamong Chiabari Tea Retreat.
Day 1. Arrival in Bagdogra-Chamong Tea Retreat.
Upon arrival meet our driver/representative and drive to Chamong Chiabari Tea Retreat via Ghoom along thick forests of pine and Oak.Evening free to relax and enjoy the surrounding. Overnight in Chamong Chiabari Tea Retreat.
Day 2. Factory and Tea Garden visit.
After an early breakfast you will be taken to the factory to show how some of the finest tea in the world is made followed by a tea tasting session of varieties of teas grown in various Tea Estates of Chiabari group. After lunch visit the tea Garden, walk through the tea bushes and interact with the tea workers. Evening free to relax and enjoy the beautiful surrounding.
Overnight in Chamong Chiabari Tea Retreat.
Day 3. Excursion to Darjeeling.
After breakfast depart for a day’s trip to Darjeeling, in Darjeeling visit HMI & Z00(closed Thursday), Darjeeling Ropeway, Tibetan Refugee Centre, Tenzing rock and Botanical garden. Afternoon visit the Japanese Temple and the Dali Gompa monastery. Return back to Chamong Tea Retreat in the evening.
Note: Option is also available for DHR(toy train) ride until Ghoom(extra cost).
Day 4. Departure.
Transfer to the airport via Mirik after a most memorable experience.
Tumsong Tea Retreat.
Day 1: Arrival at Bagdogra-Tumsong.
Upon arrival meet our representative/driver and drive to Tumsong Tea Retreat via Ghoom. After a traditional welcome on arrival followed by high tea. Settle down and relax at Royal Heritage Tumsong Bungalow.
Overnight in Tumsong Tea Retreat.
Day 2. Factory and Tea Garden visit.
After breakfast with the views of the beautiful valley and magnificent Kanchenjunga range drive to the Organic Tea Factory to witness how some of the finest tea in the world is made followed by a tea tasting session of varieties of teas grown in various Tea Estates of Chiabari group. After lunch either relax at the retreat or take a moderate hike through the walking trails that opens through the vast Tumsong Tea Garden. Overnight in Tumsong Tea Retreat.
Day 3:Excursion to Rong Bong riverside.
After breakfast will take you to beautiful Rong Bong riverside flowing through our garden for a very exclusive private picnic. Evening is to relax after a day’s long activities. Overnight in Tumsong Tea Retreat.
Optional : If you skip the riverside picnic, excursion to Darjeeling can be arranged.
Day 4:Departure.
Transfer to the airport after a most memorable experience at Tumsong Tea Retreat.
Glennburn Tea Estate & Retreat
Day 1. Arrival at Bagdogra-Glenburn.
Upon arrival meet our vehicle and transfer to Glennburn Tea Estate. Glenburn situated an altitude of 1127m is one of the oldest tea gardens in Darjeeling. It covers an area of 1600 acres of land and offers a breathtaking view of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Overnight in Glennburn Tea Retreat.
Day 2. Factory and Tea Garden visit.
Today we will visit the factory to have an idea of how tea is produced, we shall visit the four main section of production unit, withering, fermenting, drying and sorting, if the tea tasting is on process we can even participate in the tea tasting session. After lunch visit the tea plantation and the evening is free to stroll along the tea buses. Overnight in Glennburn Tea Retreat.
Note : Tea tasting session is optional and if during the visit tea tasting is done guests can participate in it.
Day 3. In Glenburn(Activities can be planned as per your interest)
Excrusion to Glenburn campsite-hike along the river Rungeet to Manhjitar village in Sikkim with a picnic lunch with barbeque by the river side along with river rafting(if operational with extra cost).
Optional : Excursion to Darjeeling.
Day 4. Departure.
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Sourenee Tea Estate & Boutique Resort
Day 1. Arrival at Bagdogra-Sourenee Tea Estate.
Upon arrival at the Bagdogra airport meet our representative/driver and transfer to Sourenee Tea Estate. The road climbs up through winding mountain road across Gyabaree and Phuguri Tea Estate to Sourenee. Upon arrival check in to the Tea Resort and evening is free to take a leisurely stroll through the tea gardens. Overnight in Sourenee Tea Resort.
Day 2. Factory and Tea Garden visit.
After an early breakfast we will for the process of tea manufacture accompanied by the factory representative or the the Estate Manager. We will observe the whole of the tea processing from the tea being plucked from the bushes to the cups. After the visit to the factory we have the option hike through the tea bushes and forests down to the stream for a picnic lunch amidst chirping bird and the sound of the gurgling stream.
After lunch option is also available for an excursion to Mirik or you can simply relax and enjoy the surroundings of the tea Estate. Overnight in Sourenee Tea Resort.
Day 3. Excursion to Darjeeling.
After breakfast depart for a day’s trip to Darjeeling, in Darjeeling you have the option to enjoy the World Heritage Toy Train ride from Darjeeling to Ghoom(extra cost), through the picturesque Batasia Loop and back to Darjeeling. Packed lunch will be provided at a convenient location, after lunch half day Darjeeling sightseeing that includes Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Museum, Zoological Park(closed Thursday), take a stroll through the Chourastha Mall road and shop for local crafts and antiques along the way. Evening return to Sourenee for overnight. Overnight in Sourenee Tea Resort.
Note : Toy train joy ride ticket has to be booked in advance and depends on availability.
Day 4. Departure.
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Note :
• Entrance fees, ticket charges for local sightseeing at Darjeeling and toy train tickets will be extra and directly payable[In case you require the joyride please inform us well in advance in order to book the tickets].
• Tea packages are designed for guest to visit Tea Estate and Factory only.
• Sightseeing options are optional and done on request. Clients have to state their interest for sightseeing in advance, so we can arrange accordingly.
• Tea tasting session in Sourenee and Glennburn is optional if tea tasting is done during the visit guests can participate whereas in Chamong and Tumsong Tea tasting is included in the package