Imagine this surrounded by mountains, cold fresh air, pine forests, and a breathtaking view of the Kanchenjunga right in front of you. That’s exactly what Tumling feels like — a little paradise hidden in the hills of Ilam, Nepal, sitting peacefully at around 10,000 feet above sea level.
This tiny hamlet is home to just about 10–15 families, mostly from the warm and humble Gurung community. The atmosphere here is so peaceful that you’ll wake up to nothing but birdsong and a chilly breeze brushing past your window.
Located about 10.5 km uphill from Manebhanjan, Tumling can be reached in two ways — either hop into a vintage British-era Land Rover, or trek through misty mountain trails if you’re up for an adventure. There are a few simple yet cozy guesthouses to stay in — the most popular being the Mountain Lodge, known for offering stunning views of Kanchenjunga right from your room. And if the sky is clear, a short 15-minute walk ahead rewards you with a distant glimpse of Mount Everest.
Interestingly, although Tumling is in Nepal, travelers from India or those holding an Indian visa can visit freely — no passport checks, no border hassles. The border here is so seamless, it feels like the two countries melt into one landscape.If you’re someone who loves mountains, nature, and peace, Tumling is that offbeat destination you didn’t know you needed. A place where it feels like the rest of the world fades away, and it’s just you, the sky, and the silent beauty of the Himalayas.
🛤️ How to Reach Tumling from NJP (New Jalpaiguri)
Step 1: NJP / Siliguri to Manebhanjan
Option 1: Shared Jeep / Reserved Taxi From NJP, first travel to Darjeeling or Sukhiapokhri.
Then take a taxi or shared jeep to Manebhanjan, the starting point of the Tumling trek or jeep ride.
Typical route: NJP → Siliguri → Ghoom → Sukhiapokhri → Manebhanjan
⏱️ Travel Time: 5–6 hours total 💰 Fare: ₹400–₹700 (shared jeep), ₹3000–₹4000 (reserved taxi)
🚙 Step 2: Manebhanjan to Tumling
Option 1: Trekking – The distance from Manebhanjan to Tumling is around 10.5 km. Takes approximately 6 to 8 hours on foot. The trek is moderately challenging.
Option 2: Land Rover (Jeep Safari) Manebhanjan has a dedicated Land Rover Association that operates vintage jeeps on the Sandakphu route. You can hire a jeep directly to Tumling.
⏱️ Travel Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
💰 Fare: ₹4000–₹5000 (reserved vintage Land Rover)
🏡 Where to Stay in Tumling? Mountain Lodge / Siddhartha Lodge / Shikhar Lodge
(Pre-booking is recommended during season)
No passport or visa required for Indian travelers, even though Tumling is in Nepal. Best time to visit: October to April for clear views of Kanchenjunga and Mount Everest.
