Sikkim Feature

Sikkim Places

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.

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.