Darjeeling Tonglu Tumling Two Day Trek - 2 Days

Thanks to Ashmita Trek and to our guide Dawa for an excellent experience: the Tonglu Tumling 2 day trek . This trek was an absolute high (in every sense) to our journey in India. We had the opportunity to sample local food (all very tasty) and local customs. The homestay in Tonglu was primitive (we knew), but had a really cosy feel to it. A tip however: if you're doing this trek in winter, be prepared for cold conditions, also inside the homestay. But the surroundings made it all more than worth it. Dawa was an excellent guide. At all times he was considerate with us. He was prepared to go slow, but when he noticed that we are experienced hikers, he was happy to adapt his tempo. During meals he was always inquiring if we had enough food and drinks, and during the walks he made for interesting conversations. As time allowed for this, he was happy to show us the Buddhist monastery of Chitrey and explain some things about Buddhism.

I absolutely loved this one day trek in Darjeeling! It was one of the things I looked forward to the most in my first trip to India this year, and I was mind blown. We got lucky and had beautiful views of the Himalayan mountain range, including Mt. Everest itself!

The treks themselves were fun and beautiful, and honestly, how cool is it to be hiking back and forth across the border of India and Nepal? Tourism is still down because of COVID but that meant we were able to have a fairly personal and quiet experience. Also got to meet and trek with some other travelers during these two days.

If you like nature, clean mountain air, and out-of-the-way cultural tourism, you'll love this trek.

We planned a four-day trek with Ashmita Trek & Tours, Darjeeling. We were a family of four with two kids of age 6 and 9. Ashmita Trek & Tours made customized tour plan and treks keeping their age and strength and capability in mind. I made multiple calls to them and coordinated with Mr. Subash Tamang over phone, email and WhatsApp.

He was very helpful and patiently answered all my questions, which helped in the perfect planning of our tour. Without Mr. Subhashish Tamang’s help we could never successfully complete this trek which was the first time in kids’ life and our life. We also opted for their airport car pick up and drop services. We requested for an English-speaking guide in the trips because the kids don’t understand Hindi. During the entire tour we were totally satisfied with their service.

Prior to the journey we were given the contact numbers of the driver and the guide. On the very first day of the journey, the guide was there in the hotel on time we started our journey as per schedule. We met Mr. Dawa Lama, the most knowledgeable person of the trekking route, who was there with us for the next three days. We were astonished to learn that he was working as a guide in this route for the past 25 years. He is also trained from the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and went into many expeditions. This man was a legend and surely, he helped us in each and every step and with his knowledge and familiarization with the route and his connection with the locals. His spoken English is excellent! Never in the trek did we face any trouble because of him.

We went from Darjeeling to Dhotrey by car and from there we trekked to Tonglu. We stayed at Trekkers Hut at Tonglu. Then next day we went to Tumling and Singalila National Park and stayed at Shikhar Lodge at Tumling. Next day, we trekked from Tumling to Chitrey and then we took the car from Chitrey to Darjeeling. One day later, we went to Chatakpur day trek with them and Mr. Lama was there to guide us as well.

We did not pay premium price to Ashmita Trek & Tours for this tour but in every step, we felt every penny was worth paying because of the preferential treatment that we received along with a personal touch from Mr. Dawa Lama. We tried to book a room near Ghoom but when all other places said “no vacancy”, Mr. Subash Tamang helped us out by arranging for a beautiful home stay near Jorebunglow. That happened to be the most exciting one of all the places we have stayed so far but that’s for another story (and review). During the entire car journey, we were provided with AC Innova as we requested and they promised. I would highly recommend Ashmita Trek & Tours for any kind of travel in Darjeeling.

I took a trekking tour with Ashmita Trek that covered around 10-12 miles through the Himalayan foothills through Tonglu and Tumbling. I went around mid-February. This area is incredibly beautiful, there are rolling green hills, cloud capped peaks, good views of the snowy Himalayas which feel so close, and also small houses and huts that serve as both posts for travelers and homes for those that live in the surrounding region.

I think its safe to say that this was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I absolutely loved this trekking tour - not just because the surrounding landscape was so beautiful but because our guide was so knowledgeable about the flora, fauna, and history of the region. He taught us things about the wildlife and the kinds of plants that grew there, about the hidden temples/monasteries and Buddhist writings, flags, and monks that you will find all over. The trek also covers a lot of ground - because it lasts a full day you have time to stop and appreciate all these things. On a clear day - you will get a view of Mt Everest. It was a little cloudy at the exact time we were passing by the spot you were able to get a view. However, a couple trekkers who left earlier on a similar tour with a different guide got a great picture on their camera.

Our guide was also a really good guy. Unfortunately I forget his name but it was Subash who set up the tour for us. He taught us about the history of the region, shared his views on its future and helped us talk to people there to learn more about them. He also treated us to a really delicious breakfast in the mountain town before heading out. He told me he was a very serious mountaineer and was planning to study in Seattle for a more ambitious climb the next year.

I think it was quite dark when I got back. I forget the time but it was late and I remember being tired. I was with 3 of my friends and they were fast asleep. He gave us green Buddhist sashes with markings on them and they were very beautiful. I really liked Ashmita because the whole experience was very personal. There were times we would just walk for a long time in silence. They really want you to experience everything first hand and for yourself. I believe its because they love the region so much, and they want everyone to love and experience it too

I booked the 2 day trek to Tonglu and Tumling via the Ashmita website. I was traveling on my own and looking to make last-minute plans that involved trekking, landscape photography, and seeing the outdoors. During the online booking process, which was very easy and straightforward, the Ashmita staff were highly professional and very attentive/responsive to my email queries.My guide was Sangay, who was perhaps the most thoughtful, kind, generous, and professional guide I have ever met. He is also a wonderful person with a rich knowledge of Darjeeling and the mountains, awesome hiking/mountain stories, and a warm sense of humor. He has significant experience as a guide and mountaineer and has excellent English language and people skills. We became friends instantly! I intend to keep in touch with him into the future!
I recommend Ashmita MOST HIGHLY to anyone looking to book a guided trek in the Darjeeling region. 
I myself intend to return for a second visit, and I plan to book my next trek through Ashmita.