Journée des cueilleurs de thé

It was a valuable experience because I didn't think I could pick tea in Darjeeling. Our guide Sunny was kind enough to explain a wide range of things, including tea and tea gardens. I went to the Ging Tea Garden, and they showed me around the factory where they process tea and gave me a few tastings. We had the opportunity to actually pick tea in the tea garden, which was more than we could afford! On the way home, I had the opportunity to taste a lot of tea at a local tea shop, and I was very satisfied.

A fulsome and memorable day. We didn't just see the factory, but at our request, they arranged to have us walk amongst the tea shrubs to observe the tea pickers at work. Got plenty of smiling pictures with the hardworking women. We then got to learn by sampling the various grades of tea at a retail tea shop.

Wonderful even during the monsoon. Our guide was excellent. Lots of attention to us. On the other hand, it would be better for the organization not to schedule a visit on Sunday day of rest of tea pickers

Relaxing day with an excellent Guide (Sunny) and Driver (Kewal). Had a nice gentle walk from the Guest House to the Tea Factory. Learned about tea planting and watched the tea being plucked from the bushes. Then back to the Guest House for a delicious lunch al fresco. Then back to the Hotel

Fantastic day. Our guide and driver were amazing and extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Lunch at Ging Tea estate was a highlight.

Walking inside the tea estate was wonderful. To stop at different stations along the way to the factory was very interesting(dispensary, school). Our guide sunny was flexible and explained many customs to us. Guide at tea estate was also very informative. Only disappointing aspect was the tea tasting as we were only able to try 2 types of tea(not extensive). At lunch we were treated to another cup of darjeeling. It would have been nice to sit in the wonderful garden with its fantastic view and enjoy the tea estate a little longer.

If you are visiting Darjeeling or Sikkim, please make it a point to take at least one tour with this group. They are absolutely marvelous. We thoroughly enjoyed our walking tours. Thoughtful guides, drivers, made sure we had an amazing experience. Anirban completely delivered on a tailor made experience that we would not have got with any one else.

Anirban is a great host and very passionate about tourism. We had a great time at the Ging Tea Estate. If you’re going to Darjeeling and want to experience the authenticity, please walk with DARJEELINGWALKS

Darjeeling Walks (Anirban and Adijte) must be the best Tour Operator in the region! Simply an outstanding tailor-made 2-week holiday for myself and my daughter starting in Darjeeling and then onto Sikkim. Highlights are hard to pin point. I loved the day spent on Ging Tea Garden amongst the tea pluckers learning all about Darjeeling tea. Our guide and drivers took us to various beautiful villages in rural Sikkim with breathtaking views of the Khangchendzonga range early mornings. The flowers of Spring (Rhodedhendrons, azaleas, amaryllis, orchids and many more) were out in their full glory. We spent the days hiking along hidden paths viewpoints, visiting temples ( learning about Guru Padmasambhava) as well as walking through the hillside villages so we could chat to the locals and learn all about their way of life. In the evenings, we stayed in homestays (some eco) which were charming, the families always keen to make sure that we were comfortable and very well fed (daal and locally produced fresh vegetables). In Yuksom, we were even invited to a "mo-mo" making cookery class and afterwards our hostess taught us some nepalese dance moves! At the end of the holiday, we spent a day in Rinchenpong which is incredibly interesting for its position on the silk route, its market still being an important trade centre and the influence of the Scottish missionaries in years gone by. Finally, we explored Nara Valley Wildlife Sanctuary and whilst we did not see any red pandas or tigers, we did visit an impressive waterfall at the bottom of the valley. Sikkim is a very special place that has not yet been spoilt by tourism.

The tour guide and driver were very kind and informative about the tea and culture of the region. I did the tour of the Ging Tea Estate. It was incredible beautiful and I couldn't stop asking questions and taking photos. The day ended with a delicious meal that was made with my dietary restrictions in mind. I hope one day to do another tour with Darjeeling Walks.