Sandakphu Trek – Darjeeling | Darjeeling Sandakphu Treks | Trekking in the Darjeeling Hills

Best Season: October-May.

Trek Grading: Easy to Moderate.

Maximum Altitude: 3636m/11926ft.

Trekking into Sandakphu starts off from an altitude of 1,524 meters (5,000 ft) and gradually climbs up through forests of rhododendron, giant magnolias, spruce and other trees of sub-alpine region and more than 600 varieties of orchids-the largest to be found in one geographical area in the world. For flora worshippers, the months of April and May are the best time of the year for the trek while for those who have an insatiable thirst for a view of the mountains, the best months are in autumn.

The view from Sandakphu is unsurpassed by any view anywhere. Where else can be seen 180 degrees of snow-capped mountains which includes Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, Kumbhakarna, Kanchenjunga, Chomolhari in one single stretch of snows-an ethereal beauty. It is easy to understand why people leave hearth and home, travelling sometimes thousands of miles to walk through ripples of terraced fields of maize, rice, millet and barley, leaving the last traces of civilization far behind.

The 8 Day Trek

Average distance to be covered daily: 15 km (10 miles)

Walking time, excluding stops: 4-6 hours

Lowest Altitude: 1,400 meters (4,400 ft)

Highest Altitude: 3,600 meters (1 1,900 ft)

First Day : Batasia-Barahatta (1,744 meters or 5,725 ft):

It is a two-hour drive from Darjeeling to Batasia, the starting point of the trek. The first two hour trek is a slow ascent up the dirt road and trail to Dhodre, 2,438 meters (8,000 ft) where it is time for lunch and a short rest. It is then downhill all the way through forests and streams to Paimajua from where after another hour's walk down-hill the village of Barahatta is reached. Here camp is set in the village school ground. The descent has offered lovely views of surrounding valleys and ridges and steep terraced hillsides.

Second Day: Barahatta-Rimbik (2,286 meters or 7,500 ft):

After breakfast an early descent leads to crystal clear waters of the Lodoma Khola, where it is hard to resist a dip and a wash. It is a steady climb for the rest of the day through open country and field of millet, potato and corn. The Nepalese are in a majority. The Rimbik Forest Bungalow provides a good view of Darjeeling. Amidst the emerald green of the forest filled with several kinds of orchids and close to the bungalow is the site for the camp.

Third Day: Rimbik-Raman (2,453 meters or 8,000 ft):

The day starts with an hour's steep descent to the Siri Khola (stream) through forests teeming with hundreds of species of birds, including the colorful Himalayan Monal, the Emerald Dove, the Maroon Oriole and others. After the river is crossed, begins the stiff climb through towering forests of exotic, moss laden trees- rhododendrons, silver firs, pines, spruce, chestnuts, oaks, giant magnolias and hemlocks as well as through open country fields. The camping site is near the forest bungalow at Raman.

Forth Day: Raman-Molle (3,590 meters or 11,803 ft):

A pleasant three hour morning walk takes one to the top of the Singalila ridge, where a corresponding change in the vegetation with the altitude is discernible with the forest gradually giving way to the stark landscape of dead trees. A couple of hour's walk northward after lunch leads to rolling open country and the first glimpses of Everest and the Kanchenjunga ranges. The camping site is at Molle.

Fifth Day : Molle-Phalut (3,599 meters or 11,811 ft):

Always in sight of the Himalayan peaks, an excursion to the northernmost point of the trek at Phalut and back, takes three hours each way. With the beautiful valleys of Nepal on one side on those of Sikkim on the other, the vegetation is of the alpine class-an undulating ripple of dwarf rhododendron bushes and shrubs of poisonous aconite. Forming the junction of Nepal, Sikkim and West Bengal, Phalut along with Pamyangchi and Sandakphu, is considered one of the most rewarding places to visit.

Phalut - Peeled Summit (or Denuded Peak)

The top of the mountain is bare of forests, hence the name Phalut. Kanchenjuna is only 48 km away as the crow flies and bestows the honor of the best view on Phalut.

Conquered Everest remains aloof and rarely designs to come out from behind the veil; it is however, hidden by the peak No. XIII, a mountain resembling an enormous armchair of snow. Nearly all treks pass through to the Phalut Ridge for a one-night stop. The Government is now working on a project to improve communication between Sandakphu and Phalut through the forests roads and the aerial ropeway. Some day, a possibility exists of holding winter sports there as well.

Sixth Day: Molle - Sandakphu (3,638 meters or 11,929 ft):

It takes a full day's walk along the ridge to Sandakphu-the culmination of the trekking adventure at its highest. At a distance of 58 km from Darjeeling, Sandakphu is a window to one of the finest views of the snowy mountains from the mighty Everest in Nepal, to the revered Kanchenjunga in Sikkim and the legendary Chomolhari in Bhutan. Everest is 144 km from here as the crow flies. The sunrise and sunset over the mountains is a spectacle, one cannot afford to miss.

The deadly aconite plant grows thick just below Sandakphu, the loftiest peak of not only the Singalila Range, but of the whole district; it is there, it might seem, to protect this green tableland, from human exploitation. Indeed, all is quiet, all is calm and but for a stray shepherd, not a soul can be seen.

As one approaches Sandakphu, the wild elemental grandeur of the snows begins to assert itself, till the climax is reached at sunrise, when it soaks the snow laden peaks in crimson and mauve, orange and gold. Kanchenjunga and Everest are seen in all their glory against the background of an azure sky speckled with lazily floating, fleecy clouds. The whole snowy range of Bhutan, Sikkim and Nepal, about 320 kilometers in length, a wonderful square mass of mountains looking like a wall of snow, is visible, but the gigantic height and breadth of towering Kanchenjunga, with its attendant peaks, Karbu, Janu and Pandim dominates the scene; Everest, (8,848 meters or 29,028 ft) graceful and majestic, 160 kilometers away, soars above, peeping shyly from the northern horizon with Lhotse (8,500 meters or 27,890 ft) on the right and Makalu (8,482 meters or 27,824 ft) on the left.

Sandakphu is a trekker's paradise, the narrow road leading from Darjeeling is jeep-able to Maneybhanjang, about 26 km from the town and 11 km from Tonglu (37 km to the west of Darjeeling). Mules, hired in Darjeeling, carry the food and warm clothing to Tonglu from Maneybhanjang. After resting for a night in Tonglu, the Dak Bungalow crowns the Summit of the peak, the trekkers proceed to Sandakphu passing through magnificent forests of Oak, Magnolia, Chestnut and Rhododendron; woods, overflowing with a wealth of vegetation, abound in moss-covered and creeper bound giants of the forest, the dimensions of which inspire awe. The night is spent in a Dak Bungalow or Youth Hostel, afloat in the clouds.

Seventh Day: Sandakphu-Tonglu (3,070 meters or 10,074 ft):

It is a pleasant day's walk descending slowly through villages, the population of which is mostly Sherpa - the hardy, generous and famed people steeped in Himalayan lore for their indispensable role as fearless guides. After stopping for lunch at one of the Sherpa villages, Tonglu is reached by evening.

Eighth and Final Day. Tonglu-Maneybhanjang (1,969 meters or 6,458 ft):

The final descent to Maneybhanjang takes only three hours, passing an old monastery which is worth visiting for a look it the Tibetan statues. From Maneybanjang, you have a 26km ride by jeep to you hotel in Darjeeling. It has been a rewarding venture brimming with scenic delights.

You can know more about of Darjeeling at http://darjeelinginformation1.blogspot.com/

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Sandakphu Trek – Darjeeling, Darjeeling Sandakphu Treks, Trekking in the Darjeeling Hills and more

Darjeeling Tea Garden | Darjeeling Tea Estates | Darjeeling Teas | Darjeeling Green Tea

Dr. Campbell, a civil surgeon of the Indian Medical Service, was transferred from Kathmandu to Darjeeling in 1839 as Superintendent of this new territory and of the Sanitarium. His first problem was to attract settlers. In 1841, Dr. Campbell brought China tea Seeds from Kumeon and planted near his residence in his garden at Beechwood, Darjeeling, 2000 m above sea level. He must have been successful in raising the plant because the government, in 1847, elected to put out tea nurseries in this area.

The experiment was followed by several others, for example Dr. Withcombe, Mr. James Grant, of the Civil Service, and Captain Samler. The plants, by their healthy and vigorous growth, gave much promise of the experiment succeeding. Dr. Hooker planted tea in 1848 at Lebong, a thousand feet below Darjeeling where also the tea plants succeeded admirably.

By 1852 several plantations in various stages of advancement, both of Assam and China plants were found including the ones at Kurseong and Pankhabari established by Mr. Martin.

Darjeeling Tea occupies a place of pride for the whole of India. The aroma and taste of Darjeeling orthodox tea is unparalleled in the world. There are a total of 78 tea estates in the hills which have been accorded the status for its produce, as Darjeeling Tea by the Tea Board of India. These estates cover over 17,500 hectares producing over 9 million kg of tea engaging about 50 percent people of the district.

The Darjeeling Tea industry is the mainstay of the economy up in the hills and provides a rewarding life to its workers by way of a steady livelihood and other facilities like housing, statutory benefits, allowances, incentives, creches for infants of working mothers, children's education, integrated residential medical facilities for employees and their families and many more.

In Darjeeling the first trial plantation of seed was planted at an altitude of 700 ft. by Dr. A Campbell and in 1845 an experimental nursery in Darjeeling was set up by the Government. In 1847 the Government planted a nursery at Lebong and the rest, as they say, is history.

Tea plantations in Darjeeling are restricted to Darjeeling and Kurseong sub-divisions only. Kalimpong sub-division was left out as it already had agricultural holdings and reserve forest.

Tea is grown at an altitude ranging from 600 to 2000 meters above mean sea level and requires a minimum of 50" to 60" of rainfall in a year and for this Darjeeling did not lack. The cool and moist climate, the soil, the rainfall and the slopping terrains all combine to give Darjeeling tea its unique "Muscatel flavour" and "Exquisite Banquet". The combination of natural factors give Darjeeling tea its unique distinction not found anywhere else in the world. Thus, it is the most sought after and highly valued. In the affluent Western and Japanese markets, 80% of the total produce is exported every year.

Darjeeling still manufactures the original methods of tea manufacture, known as the "Orthodox" tea manufacture, as against the "C.T.C." type of manufacture adopted in the plains, now.(C.T.C. stands for Curling, Tearing & Crushing). 'Organic tea' is a name given to tea grown using natural manure and ecologically sustainable practices. There is no use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in an organic tea garden. In recent times growing appreciation and demand for the organic products in the western countries have driven some tea gardens of Darjeeling to produce organic tea.

'Tea tourism' is the latest concept being popularized in India. The tourists are encouraged to stay in tea garden Bungalows with all amenities during which apart from enjoying serene atmosphere of tea garden they can also see the tea manufacturing process and the unique culture of tea garden. Nature walks, tea plucking session, trekking, rafting and golf is also on offer.

The Darjeeling logo is a hallmark of excellence. Launched in 1986, the Darjeeling logo has come to represent high quality muscatel flavored tea with the unmistakable class that only Darjeeling can offer. The logo is a significant landmark in the history of the tea industry. Conceptualized by the Association in Darjeeling and launched in the international and domestic market by the Tea Board, it guarantees genuine Darjeeling tea, tested, and packed for the connoisseurs of tea throughout the world. The Darjeeling tea industry is a happening place and has more surprises to unfurl. You can know more about of Darjeeling at http://darjeelinginformation1.blogspot.com/.

Darjeeling Tea Facts:

According to the census carried out in the hills in 1971, the total population of three hill sub-divisions Darjeeling, Kurseong and Kalimpong was approximately 600,000. From the records maintained by the tea gardens, the resident population is over 300,000.

Apart from tourism, Tea is the biggest industrial activity, offering the largest employment in the hills. The turnover of the Darjeeling tea industry is nearly 7.5 million USD, which is more than the money generated by tourism in the Darjeeling hills. Because of its location, Darjeeling was the hot-weather headquarters of the Bengal government under the British Raj and a popular vacation spot. It is famous today as the place of exile of the Dalai Lama.

Tourist Information in Darjeeling:

Darjeeling tea gardens are unlikely to be opened to tourists any time soon despite the best efforts of the West Bengal government and the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council.

The lease contracts between the tea garden owners and the state government do not provide for any tourism-related activity in the gardens. Therefore, the garden owners want the contracts suitably changed before they can allow tourists in. They also want specific guidelines regarding revenue sharing with the local government. The tea planters also want guidelines regarding the procedure of collecting revenue from the tourists.

The contracts do neither allow the garden owners to make new constructions within the prescribed area nor use a section of it for purposes not mentioned in the contract.

Leisure walk through Tea Gardens:

Tourists can venture into the tea gardens, experiencing the busy life of the estate workers there. You may find thousands of workers plucking the tea leaves in the fields. You can witness them carrying large buckets on their back and working hard all through the day. Their are many families in Darjeling, who are totally engaged in this profession for generations. It is one such place where you can witness the making and manufacturing of tea directly.

Village Visit:

Than you make a nearby village visit to know about the lifestyle of the people in the mountains. You may enchant with the people there, who have deep belief in their culture and religion. The village offers the visitors the rare and unique experience.

Teesta Tea Festival:

You can be part of the popular Teesta Tea Festival, which is held in the month of November/ December in Darjeeling and Sikkim every year. The main attractions of the festival are the colourful cultural festivals that are held in the lush greenery of tea gardens, rolling hills and spectacular forests.

The Tea of Darjeeling:

The fine quality and flavour of Darjeeling tea has resulted in it having a worldwide reputation for excellence. The tea is grown at an elevation of 750 - 2000 metre in century old Tea Gardens. It can take up to ten years before the leaves are ready to be plucked. The tea bushes are nurtured by intermittent rainfall, sunshine and moisture laden mellow mists. The soil is rich and the hilly terrain provides natural drainage for the generous rainfall the district receives.

The high quality results in extremely low yields, only some 10 million kilos of tea a year. The taste of Darjeeling varies with the seasons. The first growth after the Winter dormant period (the First Flush) producing astringent flavoury teas much prized by some buyers, particularly in Germany. However, some people thinks that the finest tea produced each year comes from the second growth (Second Flush) which produces a more mature and lasting flavour. The tea has a full taste with a hint of muscat.

There are only 86 Tea Estates which produce Darjeeling Tea on a total area of 19,000 hectares and the tea from Darjeeling makes up for 3 per cent of India's total production. The Darjeeling tea industry at present employs over 52 thousand people on a permanent basis, while a further 15,000 persons are engaged during the plucking season which lasts from March to November. More than 60 percent are women and the employment is on a family basis.

The income of a garden worker is half in the form of cash and the other half by way of perquisites. For example, the workers are provided with free accommodation, subsidised cereal ration and free medical benefits. Gardens used to run primary schools which have since been taken over by the government but the buildings continue to be maintained by the garden management.

Fake Darjeeling Tea:

Almost 40 million kg is sold as "Darjeeling Tea" when the actual production capacity is just 10 million. Most of this teas comes from Sri Lanka and Kenya and in an effort to stop this market a logotype is developed. Some of the fake tea is called Lanka Darjeeling or Hamburg Darjeeling but most of the time it's called Pure Darjeeling.

Japan, a largely orthodox-tea growing area, has already discovered the chemical constituents present in the Darjeeling variety, but industry watchers say that this will not enable them to grow the true Darjeeling variety.

According to the Tea Board Of India, "Darjeeling Tea" means: "tea which has been cultivated, grown, produced, manufactured and processed in tea gardens (current schedule whereof is attached hereto) in the hilly areas of Sadar Sub-Division, only hilly areas of Kalimpong Sub-Division comprising of Samabeong Tea Estate, Ambiok Tea Estate, Mission Hill Tea Estate and Kumai Tea Estate and Kurseong Sub-Division excluding the areas in jurisdiction list 20,21,23,24,29,31 and 33 comprising Subtiguri Sub-Division of New Chumta Tea Estate, Simulbari and Marionbari Tea Estate of Kurseong Police Station in Kurseong Sub-Division of the District of Darjeeling in the State of West Bengal, India. Tea which has been processed and manufactured in a factory located in the aforesaid area, which, when brewed, has a distinctive, naturally occurring aroma and taste with light tea liquour and the infused leaf of which has a distinctive fragrance."

Darjeeling Tea Grading:

Tea in Darjeeling is mostly produced with an orthodox method that keeps the leaves hole during the production. When the tea is sold it is classified by size and quality. This is made by Darjeeling Tea Growers Association.

Orthodox Tea, Whole Leaf

Acronym	Meaning	Description
FOP	Flowery Orange Pekoe	FOP indicates that the tea contains the second and the third leaves of the pluck, the orange pekoe and the pekoe leaves.
GFOP	Golden Orange Pekoe	Early in the growing season the young tips have a golden color. Teas produced at this time are referred to as Golden.
TGFOP	Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe	When the proportion of golden tips is relatively high, this is indicated with "Tippy".
FTGFOP	Fine Tippy Golden Orange Pekoe	FTG indicates that the tea contains many tips.
SFTGFOP	Super Fine Tippy Golden Orange Pekoe	The lighter colored liquors are given the "S" designation by the Darjeeling Tea Growers Association.

Orthodox Tea, Broken Leaf

Acronym	Meaning
BOP1	Broken Orange Pekoe One
GFBOP	Golden Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe
BPS	Broken Pekoe Souchong
GBOP	Golden Broken Orange Pekoe
FBOP	Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe
BOP	Broken Orange Pekoe

Orthodox Tea, Fannings

Acronym	Meaning
TGOF	Tippy Golden Orange Fannings
GOF	Golden Orange Fannings
OF	Orange Fannings

Green Tea, Whole Leaf

Acronym	Meaning
YH	Young Hyson
FYH	Fine Young Hyson

Green Tea, Broken Leaf

Acronym	Meaning
GP	Gun Powder
H	Hyson
FH	Fine Hyson

Green Tea, Fannings

Acronym	Meaning
SOUMEE	Soumee

Green tea, Dust

Acronym	Meaning
DUST	Dust

Darjeeling Tea Plucking Season:

The Flavours of Darjeeling Tea differs from Season to Season. According to the plucking period, the seasons can be categorized as follows:

Flush	Time	Description
Easter Flush (First flush)	Late February  to Mid April	These are springtime teas. The young leaves yield a light green tea with a liquor that is light, clear, bright and imparts a pleasant brisk flavour. Their arrival is impatiently awaited by connoisseurs, and they are sometimes specially   airlifted to the buyers around the world.
Spring Flush  (Second flush)	May - June	This flush is famed for its prominent quality. The leaf has a purplish bloom. The liquor is bright, the taste full and round with a fruity note. It is during this period that the famous "Muscatel" flavour becomes pronounced.
Summer Flush	July - September	During this period the nature of the liquor changes, becoming stronger, yet retaining brightness and character. The teas picked during the rainy season are thought to hold too much water.
Autumn Flush ("autumnal teas")	October - November	These autumn-harvested Darjeelings are characterised by large leaves that give a round taste and coppery liqour.

Varieties of Darjeeling Tea:

Traditionally, Darjeeling teas are classified as a type of black tea. However, the modern Darjeeling style employs a hard wither (35-40 % remaining leaf weight after withering), which in turn causes an incomplete oxidation for many of the best teas of this designation, which technically makes them a form of oolong. Many Darjeeling teas also appear to be a blend of teas oxidized to levels of green, oolong, and black.

1st Flush is harvested in mid-March following spring rains, and has a gentle, very light color, aroma, and mild astringency.

In Between is harvested between the two "flush" periods.

2nd Flush is harvested in June and produces an amber, full bodied, muscatel-flavored cup.
Monsoon or Rains tea is harvested in the monsoon (or rainy season) between 2nd Flush and Autumnal, is less withered, consequently more oxidized, and usually sold at lower prices. It is rarely exported, and often used in Masala chai.

Autumnal Flush is harvested in the autumn after the rainy season, and has somewhat less delicate flavour and less spicy tones, but fuller body and darker colour.

Grades of Darjeeling Tea:

When Darjeeling teas are sold, they are graded by size and quality. The grades fall into four basic groups: whole leaf, broken leaf, fannings, and dust.

Whole Leaf.

SFTGFOP: Super Fine Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe indicates that it contains many tips and are long and wiry in appearance. The liquors are lighter in color.

FTGFOP: Fine Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe.

TGFOP: Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe

Broken Leaf consists of small tea leaves or pieces of large leaves.

FTGBOP: Fine Tippy Golden Broken Orange Pekoe.

TGBOP: Tippy Golden Broken Orange Pekoe.

FBOP: Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe.

BOP: Broken Orange Pekoe.

Fannings consists of even smaller leaf size than the brokens.

GFOF: Golden Flowery Orange Fannings.

GOF: Golden Orange Fannings.

Dust represents the lowest grade in classification, consists of small pieces of tea leaves and tea dust.

D: Dust

Tea Estates of Darjeeling:

There are many tea estates (also called "tea gardens") in Darjeeling, each producing teas with different character in taste and aroma. Some of the popular estates include Arya, Chamong, Glenburn, Lingia, Castleton, Jungpana, Makaibari, Margaret's Hope, and Risheehat. Below is a non-exhaustive list:

• Ambootia

• Arya

• Avongrove

• Badamtam

• Balasun

• Bannockburn

• Barnesbeg

• Castleton

• Chamong

• Chongtong

• D'alrus

• Gielle

• Giddapahar

• Ging

• Glenburn

• Goomtee

• Gopaldhara

• Glenburn

• Happy Valley

• Hilton

• Jogmaya

• Jungpana

• Kaley Valley

• Kanchan View

• Lingia

• Longview

• Makaibari

• Margaret's Hope

• Mim

• Moondakotee

• Mission Hill

• Nagri

• Namring

• Orange Valley

• Puttabong

• Peshoke

• Phoobsering

• Phuguri

• Poobong

• Potong

• Princeton

• Pussimbing

• Ringtong

• Risheehat

• Rohini

• Runglee Rungliot

• Samabeong

• Seeyok

• Selimbong

• Singbulli

• Singell

• Singla Tea Estate

• Soom

• Soureni

• Snowview

• Steinthal

• Sungma

• Takdah

• Teesta Valley

• Thurbo

• Tindharia

• Tongsong Dtriah

• Tumsong

• Upper Fagu

• Vah Tukvar

View images of Darjeeling Tea Estate:

Different types of Darjeeling Tea:

Black Tea:

Black tea accounts for over 90% of the tea consumption in the western world. During the production process of black tea the leaves are changed substantially, allowing the characteristic flavors of black tea – ranging from flowery to fruity, nutty and spicy – to emerge.

Oolong Tea:

Also known as partially or semi-fermented tea, the oolongs have some of the qualities of both black and green tea. At their best, oolongs are beautiful, full-bodied tea with a fragrant flavor and fruity, sweet aroma.

Green Tea:

Green tea, for centuries the beverage of choice in Asia, is rapidly gaining popularity in the western world. Its natural aroma and widely acclaimed health benefits make green tea appealing to both the tea lover and previously non-tea drinker.When preparing green tea, it is important to use water below the boiling point and to carefully watch the infusion time to avoid bitterness.

White Tea:

White tea are the most delicate of all tea; the finest varieties are appreciated by tea connoisseurs for their unmatched subtlety, complexity and natural sweetness. The production of the most delicate white tea consists of only two steps: Steaming and drying. The absence of withering, rolling and oxidation leaves the appearance of the leaves essentially unaltered.

Blended, Flavored & Scented Tea:

Blended Tea: Earl Greys, Breakfast & Afternoon Blends, Russian Caravan Tea and Lapsang Souchons.

Flavored Tea: Flavored Black Tea, Flavored Oolong Tea, Flavored Green Tea.

Scented Tea: Jasmine, Litchee and Rose Tea.

Seasonal Blends: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter & Holiday Blends.

Darjeeling Tea Recipes:

It is amazing how versatile you can be with Darjeeling Tea. You can ice it, spice it, cream it, punch it, even eat it. You can win friends with it and lose weight with it. But always, you drink your health with it.

Below are a selection of suggestions. Try a few with pure Indian Darjeeling Tea.

Remember, Darjeeling is the exotic one, the 'champagne' of teas.

Hot Darjeeling Tea Recipe:

Take fresh water from the cold tap and boil.

Warm teapot by rinsing out with hot water.

Put one teaspoonful of tea leaf for each cup into teapot.

Pour boiling water into it. Cover and wait for three minutes.

Pour liquid tea from the teapot into cup through a strainer.

Add milk / sugar to taste.

Darjeeling Iced Tea Recipe:

Take fresh water from the cold tap and boil.

Put two teaspoonsful of tea into teapot for each person to get strong brew.

Pour in boiling water. Cover teapot and wait for at least five minutes.

Fill three-fourths of a large glass tumbler with ice cubes. Pour tea from the teapot. Add sugar syrup and sliced lemon to taste, but no milk. You can add a sprig of mint.

Cool for a few minutes and imbibe straight or through a straw.

Darjeeling Lemon Tea Recipe:

A tempter at all times ! Into a piping hot cup of tea, add a few drops of lemon (not milk) and sugar to taste, stir, and sip in the goodness of tea with the richness of lemon.

Darjeeling Hot Spiced Afternoon Tea Recipe:

4 pints water

1/2 level tsp. whole cloves

1/2 a stick of cinnamon

1 oz. tea

4 oz. sugar

1/4 pint Orange Juice Or squash

Juice of 2 lemons

Cinnamon sticks to serve

Add the spices to the water and bring to the boil. Pour onto the tea and allow to brew for 5 minutes. Stir, strain onto the sugar and stir until dissolved. Add the fruit juices. To reheat before serving (if necessary) place over a low heat-do not simmer or boil. Serve with cinnamon sticks.

Sufficient for 12 people.

Darjeeling Tea Fruit Cup Recipe:

4 oz. sugar

2 pints water

1/4 pint strong fresh tea, strained

1/4 pint Fruit Syrup (e.g. rose hip)

1/4 pint orange squash

1/4 pint lemon squash

1/4 pint pineapple Squash

1 small bottle lemonade

12 fresh or canned cherries

2 bananas, sliced Ice

Boil the sugar and 1/4 pint water together for 5 minutes. Add the cooled tea, the rest of the water, the fruit syrup and fruit squashes. Chill and when ready to serve add the other ingredients and the ice.

Sufficient for 12 people.

Darjeeling Tea Punch Recipe:

1/2 pint strong tea

6 oz. sugar

1/2 pint orange squash

4 tbsps. lemon juice

2 small bottles ginger ale

1 large bottle lemonade

1 orange, sliced

Put the hot tea in a bowl, add the sugar and stir until dissolved. Add the orange squash and lemon juice and strain. Chill. Just before serving mix in the ginger ale, lemonade and orange slices.

Sufficient for 12 people.

Darjeeling Tea Ice Cream Recipe:

(for making 2 lbs. of tea ice cream)

(a) Dry tea (with good flavour) 2 oz

(b) Refined sugar 1 lb

(c) Arrowroot or cornflour 1 oz

(d) Fresh milk 2 lbs

(e) Water 10 oz

- Heat water and remove quickly from fire when boiling. Rinse out teapot with hot water and put in tea leaves. Pour boiling water into teapot. Infuse for 8 to10 minutes. Strain off infusion and keep aside.

- Boil milk. Next, blend sugar with arrowroot (or cornflour) thoroughly and add lo boiled milk. Let mixture simmer for about10 minutes stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Remove from fire, add tea infusion, stir and freeze.

Darjeeling Tea Jelly Recipe:

2 lemons

1 pkt. lemon jelly

3/4 pint (approx.) freshly brewed tea,

Whipped cream to decorate

Grate the skins of the lemons finely. Place the jelly in a measure and make up to 1 pint with freshly brewed tea. Stir until dissolved, then cool. When it is slightly thickened stir in the grated lemon peel and pour into a wetted 1-pint mould or into individual moulds. Decorate with cream.

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News about Darjeeling Tea:

Majority of Darjeeling tea to go organic

View more images of Darjeeling Tea Garden and more:

You can know more about of Darjeeling at http://darjeelinginformation1.blogspot.com/.

Darjeeling Tea Garden, Darjeeling Tea Estates, Darjeeling Teas, Darjeeling Green Tea and more

Darjeeling To Kanchenjunga Trekking | Trekking in Darjeeling | Darjeeling Trek | Kanchenjunga Trekking

Darjeeling Kanchenjunga Trek:

From Darjeeling hills where tea plantations stretch as far as the eye can see, to Sikkim, an ancient Himalayan kingdom of Tibetan culture, this trek offers breath-taking views of the Himalayan range from Cho Oyo to Kanchenjunga. At first through luxuriant rhododendrons, pines, spruces and giants magnolias forests, then through green meadows and yak pastures, the trek leads us towards east Sikkim, close to the Nepali border.

Along the Onglakhing glacier moraines and Samity sacred lake, we climb up to Gocha La pass, highlight of this magnificent itinerary, where we will savour the breath-taking scenery of the Talung glacier and the impressive east face of the third highest summit in the world, Kanchenjunga (8586m). We are surrounded by Rathong (6679m), Kabru (7338m), Talung (7349m) to the south, and Kirat Chuli (7365m) and Pyramid Peak (7123m) to the north. The way ack via a recently opened path, goes through lush green jungles overgrown with lianas and orchids.

Darjeeling Kanchenjunga Trekking Tours

Day 01:

Arrive Delhi, where you will be met and transfered to your hotel. (Hotel B&B)

Day 02):

Delhi – Bagdogra (by plane) – Darjeeling (2130m) by car.

Arrive Bagdogra Airport and drive to Darjeeling, charming 4-hour journey, through Assam tea plantations and tiny villages takes us to Darjeeling. Built on top of a ridge, Darjeeling faces the Himalaya and is a popular destination for Westerners and Bengalis alike. Overnight in Darjeeling.

Day 03): Darjeeling visit.

We could take an early trip to Tiger Hill to see the sunrise. Afterwards we visit the famous Ghoom monastery that enshrines an image of the Maitreya Buddha (the coming Buddha). Later on we can visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and tea plantations. Overnight in Darjeeling.

Day 04): Darjeeling – Manay Bhanjang ( 2134m. 1h 30) by car – Tonglu (3070m)

Early morning drive from Darjeeling to Manay Bhanjang. The trail overlooks the Bengali plain south, and we have tantalising glimpses of Kanchenjunga ahead, as we zigzag through rhododendrons.

Day 05): Tonglu – Garibas (2620m) in 4h.

We take a mossy paved path, that snakesthrough a succession of forests and hamlets, giving way, from time to time, to spectacular mountain sceneries.

Day 06): Garibas – Sandakphu (3640m) in 4h 30 min.

We steadily climb to join the ridge trail towards Kalpokhari. Afterwards we start a long and steep climb onto the Singalila ridge that leads us to Sandakphu. A remarkable 360 ° view from the top.

Day 07 ): Sandakphu – Phalut (3600m) in 6h.

We walk to a prominent viewpoint for the magnificent sunrise over the Kanchenjunga, Jannu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyo. Throughout the day, there are ever-changing views: yak herds, silvery pine forests, tiny lakes ringed with grass, and the snow-capped Himalayan range in the background.

Day 08): Phalut – Raman (2560m) in 5h.

A pleasant descent through the woods takes us to Gorkhey (2500m) then we climb up towards Raman.

Day 09): Raman – Rimbik (2280m) in 4h.

We pass through numerous villages and cross the Sri Khola over a remarkable suspension bridge.

Day 10):

Rimbik – Pelling by car (9h)

Day 11): Pelling – Pemayangtse – Yuksam by car (2h).

2.5 km from Pelling, we will visit the Pemayangtse monastery. Perched at 2800m, it is one of the oldest and most impressive gompas in Sikkim.

Day 12): Yuksam - Tsoska (3030m) in 6h.

The trail leads up the Rathong valley, through thick, semi-tropical forests. Afterwards a steep climb takes us to the tiny Tibetan village of Tsoska. The landscape has now changed into pine, rhododendron and magnolia forests. We get excellent views of the entire Himalayan range and Kanchenjunga.

Day 13): Tsoska – Dzongri (4020m) in 5h.

A steep trail zigzags up through temperate forest and large clusters of rhododendrons, to the vast clearing of Phedang. During April and May, the spectacle is gorgeous, as the land becomes a mass of flowers (400 species have been listed so far). After 300m, we follow the ridge to Dzongri, a pasture area for Yuksam yaks from April to October.

Day 14): Dzongri – Thangshing (3930m) in 4h.

We descend through rhododendron forest towards the the glacial Prek river. We establish our campsite on the grassy pastures of Thangshing. The southern ridge of Kanchenjunga and the Onglakhing glacier are visible directly ahead and there are close-up views of Pandim.

Day 15): Thangshing – Samity Lake (4200m) in 3h.

A pleasant walk below the west side of Pandim, through dwarf azaleas and rhododendrons to Zemathang. We take our first footsteps on the Onglakhing glacier, and climb up to the shores of the Samity lake, reputed to be the sacred source of the Prek river. Ringed by prayer flags, the lake reflects Forked Peak, Kabru North, Gocha Peak and other snow-capped peaks.

Day 16): Samity Lake – Gocha La (4940m) – Thansing in 7h.

We have to leave quite early this morning, as fog and clouds descend on the pass shortly after sunrise. The track to Gocha La climbs steeply through moraines. From the pass, ringed with colorful prayer flags, we can see Kanchenjunga and beyond that, the Talung glacier.

Day 17): Thangshing – Lam Pokhari (4230m) in 5h.

After a steep descent, we climb through alpine areas and pass by tiny lakes.

Day 18): Labdang– Tashiding (1740m) in 5h.

An easy walk, in an atmosphere becoming more humid and heavier as we descend.

Day 19): Tashiding – Martam by car (4h).

We visit the Tashiding monastery, one of the most isolated in Sikkim, perched on the top of a hill set between two rivers.

Day 20): Martam – Gangtok by car (1h).

En route we visit Rumtek monastery, reputed for its religious Tibetan art. Visitors are welcome to attend prayers. Afternoon at leisure in Gangtok.

Day 21):

Gangtok – Bagdogra (by car) – Delhi (by plane). (Hotel B&B)

Day 22):

At leisure in Delhi. Safety day for your international flight. (Hotel B&B)

Day 23):

Transfer to airport and fly back home.

You can know more about of Darjeeling at http://darjeelinginformation1.blogspot.com/

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