Travel

IIE DIGITAL DESK  :The planning to travel to the hills during the monsoon, away from the chaos of crowded tourist spots, the small Himalayan village of Tumling might just be the serene retreat you are looking for. Nestled at an altitude of approximately 9,600 feet, Tumling is located near the Indo-Nepal border, a picturesque stop on the famous Sandakphu trek route in the Darjeeling district. Though small in size, this hidden gem offers expansive views, dense clouds rolling over green valleys, and the quiet rhythm of mountain life—all especially magical during the monsoon.

Tumling becomes a mystical land during the rainy season. As the monsoon showers wash the landscape clean, everything seems to breathe new life—the forests turn greener, the mountain slopes glisten under a veil of mist, and the cool breeze carries with it the fresh fragrance of wet earth and blooming rhododendrons. The rain brings peace here, not problems.

Located about 11 km from Manebhanjan, Tumling is not far from Darjeeling but feels like a world apart. With only a handful of houses, most of which now serve as homestays for trekkers and visitors, this quiet village stands as a beautiful example of sustainable, minimalist tourism. The number of tourists is far fewer during the monsoon, making it an ideal destination for those who seek solitude, peace, and nature in its most raw form.

From Tumling, on clear days, you can get a spectacular view of the Kanchenjunga range. Though monsoon clouds often obscure the peaks, they also bring a different kind of charm. The occasional glimpse of the mountains peeking through heavy mist is unforgettable. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a rare sighting of Mount Everest in the distance.

Life in Tumling is slow and simple. You won’t find luxury hotels or cafes here. Instead, you’ll stay at traditional Nepali-style lodges or family-run homestays, where the warmth of your hosts replaces WiFi and room service. Food is local, often made with vegetables grown in their backyard, and served with care. Hot thukpa (noodle soup), momos, and butter tea are some of the favorites that add warmth to rainy evenings.

The monsoon also makes the short treks around Tumling more enchanting. Trails become mist-laden paths through forests where every leaf glistens with raindrops. You can walk to nearby spots like Tonglu, Meghma, or Gairibas if weather permits. Each route opens up a new vista—rolling green hills, cloud-covered valleys, and deep silence broken only by birds or the sound of your own footsteps.

Of course, travelling to Tumling in the monsoon does come with its challenges. Landslides are possible, and the roads—especially the last few kilometers from Manebhanjan—can be muddy and slippery. Shared jeeps or four-wheel drive vehicles are the safest option, and it's always wise to travel with experienced local drivers. Carrying rain gear, waterproof shoes, a torch, and extra clothing is essential.

But these difficulties are small compared to what Tumling gives back. Time slows down here. You wake up to the sound of rain tapping on tin roofs, sip tea wrapped in a shawl while watching clouds drift by, and spend your day reading, writing, walking, or simply doing nothing. It’s the kind of place where silence speaks volumes and solitude becomes soulful.

This is not the monsoon that floods streets and ruins travel plans. This is monsoon in its truest, most poetic form—rain that soothes, mists that inspire, and hills that embrace. Tumling is for the traveler who wants to experience the hills not just as a destination, but as a feeling.

So if you are planning to go to the hills in the rain, skip the crowded Darjeeling Mall or busy Sikkim towns. Choose Tumling. Let the rain wash away your stress, let the clouds cover your worries, and let the mountains teach you to pause.

In the lap of the Eastern Himalayas, Tumling waits quietly, like a secret whispered through rain and mist—only to those who are listening.