In pictures: Finding zen in picturesque Tinchuley, near Darjeeling
Hikes through sun-dappled forest trails, views of the Kanchenjunga, wildlife and quaint homestays make for a tranquil mountain getaway
By
Pooja Mitra |
Published 07.06.22, 05:21 PM
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About 30-odd kilometres from Darjeeling and Kalimpong, and a mere 3km from Takdah, the montane hamlet of Tinchuley is known for its views of the eastern Himalayas and the Teesta and Rangeet rivers
All images by Pooja Mitra
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The serpentine Tinchuley-Lopchu road that passes through the Gumbadara viewpoint offers majestic mountain views. The Gumbadara (‘Gumba’ means monastery and ‘dara’ means hilltop) viewpoint affords unhindered vistas of the Kanchenjunga and other peaks amidst pristine blue skies and wispy clouds
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A small uphill walk along a stone and gravel path is all it takes to reach the viewpoint. Be careful to not slip on little rolling pebbles, because the view is sure to distract you
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Walking in the opposite direction to the viewpoint, towards the other end of the hamlet near Gurung homestay, brings you to trails through montane forests. A quick glimpse of a deer quickly passing by, the sound of birds chirping — a Tinchuley trip is incomplete without a walk through the woods
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Dappled sunlight on moist ferns, and on a clear day, glimpses of an azure sky from the canopy of towering pines along the jungle trail and the thrill of the unknown make for a walk to remember. It is not advisable to not go too deep into the forest to avoid any conflict with the local wildlife
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Prayer flags flutter in the mountain breeze at different points along the walk. Among the sights to be seen at Tinchuley is the Tinchuley Monastery, where locals say that a lama meditated for 17 years
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Tinchuley’s postcard-perfect hill station scenes include quaint, colourful homes of locals, often fringed by multi-coloured blooms in flower pots
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In flower pots by homes and along the mountain trails, the hamlet has an abundance of wild flowers — from pristine white to pop colours that shine bright in the sun lifting the mood in an instant
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Mountain diaries are incomplete without bonfires and a spectacular sunset. It is a unique experience watching the sun set over the mountains with a crackling fire and the music of winds through pine trees for company, as the sky glows one last time before fog engulfs the valley. (This photograph was taken from the patio of Gurung Homestay)
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The Gurung Homestay, the oldest in the village, stands pretty at the point where Tinchuley ends and the sought-after mountain trail begins
