Local Tea Garden Trek

happy Valley Tea Garden and its adjacent Vilages

Local Darjeeling Tea Garden Trek- 1 Day
Duration

1 Day

Destination

Happy Valley tea Garden – Darjeeling

Difficulty Level
Moderate
 
Max Altitude

2,100 m

Time to visit

Early morning (6-7 AM start) Throughout the year

One-Day Local Trek: Darjeeling Town → Happy Valley Tea Estate → Sirubari Village → Lumthang → Chota Kothi → Chardhure → Happy Valley → Darjeeling

 

  • Duration: 5-6 hours (moderate pace)
  • Distance: ~10-12 km (loop trail)
  • Difficulty: Moderate (some steep sections)
  • Best Time to Trek: Early morning (6-7 AM start) to avoid afternoon mist

 

1. Darjeeling Town → Happy Valley Tea Estate (1.5 km, 30-40 min)

  • Start from Chowrasta Mall Road or Lebong Cart Road.
  • Walk downhill via Zoo Road or Hill Cart Road towards Happy Valley Tea Estate (one of Darjeeling’s oldest tea gardens).
  • Explore the tea estate, interact with workers, and enjoy views of the lush plantations.

2. Happy Valley → Sirubari Village (~2 km, 45 min, descending)

  • Take the trail below the tea factory, heading towards Sirubari Village (a small settlement under Happy Valley).
  • Walk through terraced tea gardens with panoramic views of Darjeeling hills.
  • Pass by traditional Gorkha homes and small streams.

3. Sirubari → Lumthang Village (~1.5 km, 30 min, gentle descent)

  • Follow the village path towards Lumthang, a quiet hamlet with cardamom and vegetable farms.
  • Enjoy the serene countryside atmosphere.

4. Lumthang → Chota Kothi (~1.5 km, 30-40 min, mixed trail)

  • Descend further towards Chota Kothi (a small settlement near a stream).
  • Cross wooden bridges and walk through mixed forests.

5. Chota Kothi → Chardhure (~2 km, 45 min, uphill return)

  • Begin ascending towards Chardhure, a vantage point with views of the valley.
  • The trail rejoins the Happy Valley Tea Estate from the lower side.

6. Chardhure → Happy Valley → Darjeeling (~3 km, 1 hour, uphill)

  • Return to Happy Valley Tea Estate and trek back uphill to Darjeeling via Hill Cart Road or Zoo Road.
  • Alternatively, take a shared taxi from Happy Valley if tired.

Key Tips:

✔ Wear sturdy shoes (trails can be slippery, especially near streams).
✔ Carry water & snacks (limited shops in villages).
✔ Start early (afternoons often get foggy).
✔ Respect local culture (ask before photographing tea workers).
✔ Check weather (avoid trekking in heavy rain).

This trek offers a perfect mix of tea gardens, village life, forests, and mountain views—all within a short distance from Darjeeling town! 

 

Things to Do During the Darjeeling → Happy Valley → Sirubari → Lumthang → Chota Kothi → Chardhure Trek

This one-day trek offers a mix of nature, culture, and adventure. Here’s how you can make the most of it:

1. Explore Happy Valley Tea Estate

✔ Tour the Tea Factory (if open) – Learn about tea processing.
✔ Walk Through Tea Gardens – Observe tea pluckers at work.
✔ Taste Fresh Tea – Buy directly from the estate’s outlet.
✔ Photography – Capture the lush green slopes with Mt. Kanchenjunga in the background (if clear).

2. Experience Village Life in Sirubari & Lumthang

✔ Interact with Locals – Greet villagers (a polite “Namaste” works).
✔ Try Local Snacks – Look for small shops selling sel roti (Nepali rice doughnut) or aloo dum (spicy potatoes).
✔ Spot Traditional Homes – Notice wooden houses with tin roofs and kitchen gardens.

3. Nature & Scenic Stops

✔ Forest Trails – Listen to birds (like the Himalayan bulbul or scarlet minivet).
✔ Stream Crossings – Pause at small waterfalls or brooks (great for quick foot soak if safe).
✔ Viewpoints – Stop at clearings for panoramas of Darjeeling’s hills.

4. Cultural & Historical Pauses

✔ Chota Kothi Area – Look for old colonial-era bungalows (some are ruins).
✔ Buddhist Prayer Flags – Spot them near villages (common in Nepali/Gorkha settlements).

5. Food & Refreshments

✔ Pack a Picnic – Carry sandwiches/fruits to eat at a quiet spot.
✔ Tea Stall Breaks – Stop at a village dukaan (shop) for hot chai.
✔ Post-Trek Meal – Return to Darjeeling for momos or thukpa (Glenary’s or Kunga’s are great).

6. Photography Ideas

✔ Golden Hour Shots – Early morning mist over tea gardens.
✔ Candid Portraits – Tea workers with bamboo baskets (ask permission).
✔ Wildflowers & Ferns – Close-ups of trailside flora.

7. Souvenirs to Collect

✔ Fresh Tea Leaves – Buy from Happy Valley’s factory shop.
✔ Handicrafts – If passing a village market, look for bamboo products.

Avoid Doing:

✖ Littering – Carry back all trash.
✖ Trespassing – Don’t enter private tea garden zones without permission.
✖ Disturbing Wildlife – Quiet trails are home to birds/small animals.

Bonus:

If time allows, detour to Lebong Cricket Ground (oldest high-altitude cricket pitch) on the way back.

Visit Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (if you finish early).

This trek is as much about the journey as the destination—so take it slow, chat with locals, and soak in the Himalayan vibes!

Why Trek with Nawang Trek?

 

  • Local Expertise – Over a decade of Himalayan trekking experience.
  • Safety First – Certified guides, medical kits, and acclimatization days.
  • Eco-Friendly Practices – Leave No Trace principles followed.

Book Your Adventure Today!

 

Contact Nawang Trek for a seamless Himalayan experience!

  • Call/WhatsApp: 9733005338 / 7001882054
    Email: nawangtrekking@gmail.com
    Website: www.nawangtrek.com

Join us for the Trek

The journey through beautiful landscapes, remote trails, and towering peaks. Witness stunning views , explore pristine forests, and experience the untouched beauty of Himalayas.

Nawang Trek Darjeeling

Nawang Treks & Tours, located at 8 Robertson Road, Clubside, Darjeeling, is a tour operator specializing in trekking and sightseeing experiences in Darjeeling and Sikkim.

Company Address

Address: Clubside, 8 Robertson Road, Near Keventers- Darjeeling – 734001
Phone: 9733005338 / 7001882054
Email: nawangtrekking@gmail.com

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