The temperatures have already started soaring in Kolkata and you're probably planning a getaway to the hills. Well, ditch the regular ones this time and go offbeat instead.
Tumling is a tiny hamlet located along the Sandakphu trek route offering breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga. You can also catch a glimpse of the beautifully-lit towns of Kurseong, Siliguri, Darjeeling and other places from Tumling. The village is located halfway through the Sandakphu trek. It's actually more a part of Nepal than India but borders between both countries remain blurred giving a free passage to tourists on both sides.
There's not much sightseeing in Tumling besides the serene weather, greenery and stunning Kanchenjunga views. If you're looking for a quiet getaway just to relax and live in peace for while, away from the chaos of the city, then Tumling is where you should be. Catch the sunrise and sunset from atop the hill, get uninterrupted views of the Kanchenjunga, go trekking to Singalila National Park and spot rare wildlife like the Red Panda, Himalayan Black Bear and Pangolin. You can also trek to Tonglu, known for breathtaking sunrise and Kanchenjunga views.
Tumling witnesses heavy snowfall during winters, which is when trekking is also possible. There are quite a few places you can stay at, the most popular being the Shikhar Lodge. Besides that, there's Satkar Lodge, Hotel Siddhartha and Mountain View Lodge.