Tinchuley

Tinchuley is a small mountain village (rather a hamlet) in Darjeeling district and located at an altitude of 5,800ft, and just 3kms above Takdah. The word Tinchuley means Three Ovens (i.e. Tin Chullahs). And such name to the village has been given because of the three prominent hill tops that surround the place and which from far look like ovens or chullahs. Tinchuley faces the Kalimpong hills.
It's a developing tourism place. In fact the organization WWF (World Wide Federation) has been actively assisting some 17 families here to develop a model organic village and promote village tourism.
Some of the village homes have been extended and converted into guesthouses or homestays for tourists. The villagers with support from WWF have adapted modern farming methods and developed floriculture, vermiculture, and other organic projects.
So why should you plan a trip & stay in Tinchuley? Simple. If you love nature, the lovely views of the Himalayan range, like to see the meandering Teesta flow through the mountain landscapes, enjoy tea gardens, orange orchards, want to walk along village trails, watch varieties of birds, experience local culture, people and food, then this is the right place for you.
On top of it, you are away from the typical crowd of Darjeeling hill town. Tinchuley is a calm and quiet village offering the tranquility and nature which most city dwellers long for. And there are several great attractions, beautiful places and view points nearby.
Attractions & Activities in & around Tinchuley
1) Visit the lovely Orange Orchards of Nirmal's (8kms drive from Tinchuley). This family owned property also has a factory producing fresh orange juice, marmalades and pickles which you can buy at reasonable prices.
2) Visit the Tinchuley Monastery. Here a Lama had meditated for 17 long years. You will see the long line of prayer wheels on outside wall.
3) There are six tea gardens within short distances where you can experience the garden life, watch tea plucking, visit the factory and see tea processing. The nearest tea estate is the well known Rungli Rungliot. Another one is Peshok Tea Estate.
4) Watch the magnificent sunrise from Tinchuley View Point and see how the snow peaks of Kanchenjunga and other Himalan peaks sparkle as the day light breaks.
5) Walk for about 20 minutes through forest of ferns and reach Gumbadara, another great view point from where you see the river Rangeet and a part of Sikkim. You can also get great views of Kanchenjunga from here on a clear day. The large rocks here have historical significance. They are great training grounds for rock climbers. There are also several caves here which you can explore.
6) Walk through the lovely nature trails, trek and explore the nearby villages. Your guesthouse or homestay can arrange for a local guide which is recommended. Although the local villagers apparently seem to be shy, once you chat with them in a friendly manner, they too can be very friendly and hospitable. Almost all village houses here are adorned with flowering pots.
7) When you visit the Peshok Tea Gardens also visit the Lover's Meet View Point on Peshok Road. You get marvelous view of Triveni from here - the confluence of rivers Teesta and Rangeet.
8) You can also visit all attractions that I have described under Takdah as well. Tinchuley is only 3kms away from Takdah.
How to reach Tinchuley
Tinchuley is 32kms from Darjeeling (1.5 hours by car), 73kms from NJP (about 2.5 hours), 77kms from Bagdogra (about 3 hours) and 35 kms from Kalimpong (about 1.5 hours drive).
While coming from NJP/Siliguri by taxi, you will need to take Sevoke Road (NH10) and go towards Teesta Bazaar. Along the way you will go past places like Klijhora, Rambi Bazaar etc., and after going past the Teesta Bridge and about 2kms thereafter there is a sharp semicircular turn to the left starting an uphill journey... this is Peshok Road which is fairly steep and condition of the road is usually not good. Initially from forests of bamboo and pines the landscape changes to forest of tall trees.
You will pass through three tea gardens... Teesta Valley, Rungli Rangliot, and Gille tea gardens all offering marvelous views of the expansive tea estates on hill slopes. You will then go past places such as Takdah Club and Takdah Bazaar and then head to Tinchuley.
You can get reserved taxis from NJP, Bagdogra, Siliguri, Darjeeling and Kalimpong. Shared taxis/Jeeps are available from Siliguri (Sevoke Road, behind Vishal Cinema Hall or from Ranjit Garage behind 9/10 Hotel Sevoke) up to Takdah. From Takdah you will need to take a private taxi (like a Maruti van) for a short drive up to Tinchuley. From Darjeeling you can get buses up to Takdah (leaving in the afternoon).
Where to stay in Tinchuley : Gurung's Guesthouse, Abiraj Homestay