The trek from Shivkhola to Tindharia up a narrow and rough road through Tindharia Tea estate is an exciting trek route for amateur trekkers as well as beginners. The 7 kilometre stretch has certain steep parts but overall the trek should not be too difficult even for beginners. The contrasting landscapes on both sides means you will get the amazing view of the Upper Tindharia and Giddey hills at the front as you climb up. You only have to turn backwards to be treated to a wide-angle, panoramic view of the Mahananda river going past Shiv Khola, meandering its way all the way to the plains past Gulma.
The Route Overview
The trek starts from Shivkhola temple. You follow a narrow jungle path for around 500 metres after which you will land on the narrow rugged road of Tindharia Tea Estate. A 20 minute trek from here will bring you to the tea factory of Tindharia Tea Estate. From here you continue walking up the rough road which is largely without vehicular traffic barring the odd tea garden jeep. At one point the road splits into two, one going down on the right side to Manjushree tea garden. The other road goes further up with a slight left turn and before long you will find yourself near the first of the three sharp turns of Tindharia.
There is another option to reach Tindharia from Shivkhola. Here you walk up on the Shivkhola to Sepoydhura Tea estate route till you reach the Sepoydhura factory. From here you turn right and walk for ten minutes to arrive at Chunbhatti on Hill Cart Road. From Chunbhatti you can walk another 4 kilometres to reach Tindharia.
However, the first option is the ideal route chosen by trekkers.
Highlights of the Trek
- Shivkhola Lake and the Origin of the Mahananda River
Mahananda is an important river in North Bengal. It makes its way through Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, North Dinajpur and Malda districts before meeting the mighty Ganges south east of Malda. To explore and understand the origins of this rivers is fascinating, especially for those who have more than the average interest in river routes and topography. The main source of the Mahananda is the water from the Paglajhora Slump valley that lands in the Shivkhola Basin. Another water source is from a different jhora that origins in the Mahaldiram forests. The two sources converge at different point on the Shivkhola Lake. - Contrasting landscapes and Views on the Way Up
As you trek up, all you can see are the steepl ridges of Tindharia and Giddey Pahar. If you look back, you get an expansive view of the Mahanda valley overlooking the Mahananda Wild Life Sanctuary and the plains of Siliguri. This contrast in landscapes is something which is rare to witness and makes the trek particularly memorable. - Tea Gardens on All Sides
Just like in most areas of Darjeeling, Kurseong and Mirik, you will find yourself in the midst of beautiful tea gardens, spreading across like a carpet on the undulating hill sides and valleys. The call of nature greets you, manifesting itself through the buzz of the crickets and the gurgling sound of waterfalls in the distnace. You will find solace in the lonely surroundings though you would never feel lost. - Friendly Locals
Local residents, especially tea garden workers are quite friendly and all of them visit Siliguri regularly since the town is just 25 kilometres away. They seem well versed with the ways of the city and will strike a friendly chord with you. Some of them will suggest other exciting trek routes in surrounding areas.
Tips for Trekkes
Best Time to Visit: Except the months of June, July and August when it rains heavily, you can make this trek any time of the year.
What to Pack: Comfortable hiking shoes and light clothes. Tindharia is not as cold as the the higher altitudes in Darjeeling. Be sure to pack your camera and a pair of binoculars.
Difficulty Level: This trek is moderately difficult, so it’s suitable for fit beginners as well as experienced hikers looking to explore the terrain and the topography.
Respect the Environment and the Dignity of the People: As always, ensure you carry any waste back with you so that you do not dirty the place. Return the friendly attitudes of the locals with warm positive vibes.
