Tumsong Tea Retreat

The drive from Ghoom was the one hard part. The approach road was rough and took about 1 hour 15 minutes, though that’s outside the retreat’s control. Once we got there, the peace, scenery, and hospitality made the journey feel worthwhile. We stayed in the Summer Abode room, with a quiet partial view of Mt. Kanchenjunga. From the sprawling lawn, the whole range opened up in front of us, especially beautifully at sunrise. The 120-year-old property has been cared for so well that its history shows in every corner, while still feeling like a warm, comfortable home. The library was a real highlight, with thought-provoking books on spirituality and business, plus a wonderful collection about tea and history. Anyone interested in Darjeeling’s heritage or how tea is made will find plenty to enjoy there. We also had unlimited cups of fresh, aromatic first-flush Darjeeling tea whenever we asked. It felt like getting to experience tea culture at its source. Anurag, the bungalow’s caretaker, was warm, humble, and attentive, and the whole staff made us feel looked after. They made customized meals to suit our 3-year-old daughter’s tastes. When she had a runny nose, they quickly offered comforting home remedies, including garlic oil infused with methi. Those personal touches meant a lot. Tumsong Tea Retreat left us feeling rejuvenated and grateful, with memories we’ll cherish for years. It’s a stay steeped in heritage, calm, and heartfelt service.

The tea garden views and the peaceful setting were lovely, but the tea experience fell well short of the immersive tea culture advertised on the website. Although this is a working estate, there was only one kind of first-flush tea on offer. Tastings amounted to one cup each of first and second flush, no tea leaves were available to buy, and the factory visit was rushed, disorganized, and barely informative. We learned very little about tea production or the estate’s heritage. The staff were pleasant, though rarely proactive. We often had to find someone even for simple requests, and they showed little initiative in sharing the estate’s tea traditions. For a place marketed to tea lovers, the lack of variety, engagement, and basic tea education was disappointing. Even at a discounted rate, it felt severely overpriced, especially with the difficult access and such an insufficient tea experience. It’s better suited to people looking for a restful, tranquil stay than anyone hoping for real tea immersion or attentive “luxury” service.

The road to the property was a real roller coaster, and that was the one downside. Once there, the four of us and our pet felt right at home. The wooden floors, fireplaces, books, and staircase brought back a nostalgic feeling. The bungalow is beautiful and exquisitely maintained, with large spacious rooms and well-kept sitting areas around the property. We went as a family in mid-July, during monsoon season, expecting storms and clouds over the Himalayas. We got those, but the mighty Kanchenjunga also appeared three times during our six-day stay. The quiet surroundings, nearby hills, and well-stocked library made it a special place to slow down. The staff were fantastic, with Ankita in charge. Special mention to the chefs, who came up with different cuisines every day to suit our tastes, and the service was spot-on. I’d highly recommend Tumsong to anyone looking for quiet, mountain scenery, wonderful food, friendly and efficient staff, and cups of Darjeeling tea. The Datta family.

The quiet and lovely ambience brought me closer to nature, and I felt completely relaxed here. The staff were very courteous, and the service was excellent. The resort lived up to our expectations. I’d strongly recommend it to my friends.