About Tonglu |
Tonglu (3036 m amsl) is the one of the higher peaks of the
Singalila Ridge and a small settlement inside the Singalila
National Park in the Darjeeling subdivision,Darjeeling
district in the state of West Bengal in India near the India -
Nepal border. It is a roadside halt along the trekking route
from Manebhanjan to Sandakphu.
Situated at an altitude of 10,074 feet above sea level Tonglu
lies on the eminence of the Singalila Range and is an ideal
destination for trekkers on the way to Sandakphu. It is a 11
km trek from Maneybhanjan, the last police station in
Darjeeling.
From Tonglu a wonderful view of Kanchanjangha Mass is visible
over the undulating slopes of green hills. Tonglu is a tiny
form of Sandakphu as far as the view of snow ranges is
concerned. Watching the sunrise over the snow ranges from the
trekkers' hut in Tonglu is a memorable experience.
After Tonglu the trek route ascends steeply to Sandakphu and
winds through the pine and rhododendron forests. Located on a
peak close to the Indo-Nepal frontier, Tonglu commands a fine
view of the Nepalese Valleys and of the plains of North
Bengal, with the snow fed Tista on the east and Kosi on the
west with a network of streams and smaller rivers between
them.
A small village between Manebhanjan and Sandakphu in the
Darjeeling district, Tonglu is the perfect retreat to unwind
and/or explore the mountains.The village is named after one of
the higher peaks on the Singalila Ridge. It is situated inside
the Singalila National Park in the Darjeeling subdivision of
the district, near the India-Nepal border.
A trek through a forest in the eastern Himalayas, a panoramic
view of snow-covered peaks such as the Kanchenjungha, Pandim
and the Makalu, a scenic trekkers’ hut and solitude - Tonglu
promises much and delivers for the most part.
The village usually serves as a night halt for trekkers on
their way to Sandakphu.The best way to reach Tonglu is via
Dhotre, the starting point of the Sandakphu trek. From here, a
5 km trek route winds through the forest to Tonglu. The route
remains closed from June to September. |
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Best Time to Visit Tonglu |
The
best time to visit Tonglu is between mid-September and December
and between March and early April, when the rhododendrons and
magnolias bloom, turning the forest a riot of colours.
The park is a birder’s delight. Rare and exotic species like the
scarlet minivet, kalij pheasant, blood pheasant, satyr tragopan,
parrotbills, and fire-tailed myzornis can be spotted here.There
are not many carnivores and snakes in the national park, making
it a popular family camping destination. The mammals that can be
seen are red panda, leopard cat, yellow-throated marten, barking
deer, wild boar, pangolin and the pika.
According to forest officials, there are more than 600 varieties
of orchids in the forest, which explains the heady fragrance
that hangs in the air.At 3,070 metres above the sea level, the
peak and the surrounding areas are peaceful. It is the perfect
place to meditate in.Red pandas reared at the Darjeeling zoo
were reintroduced into the wild at the national park. |
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