Stay in a Heritage Plantation Retreat in Ging Tea House
A Premier Hotel in Darjeeling
Ging Tea House is one of the premier hotels in Darjeeling. Travel back in time and experience the laid-back luxury of a tea planter’s life in Darjeeling. Located just half an hour from Darjeeling and three hours from Siliguri in West Bengal, the heritage tea gardens invite you to the Himalayas. Built in 1866, the house is one of the first bungalows established by colonial tea planters.
Ging Tea Estate, a leading producer of Darjeeling tea, has pioneered organic practices in the tea industry. Immerse yourself in the rich beauty of the gardens, explore the history of tea cultivation and enjoy the unique blend of historical charm and modern sustainability.
Unique Activities
Join a Walking Trail
Over 60 per cent of the tea estate remains a natural forest, offering walking trails that reveal untouched nature, wildflowers, abundant birdlife, small villages and the sweet rhythm of Nepalese life. Special trails have been curated to suit every preference, whether you're looking for a walk or an adventurous trek, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Kanchenjunga Range.
Walking trails offer an immersive experience in untouched nature, vibrant wildflowers, diverse birdlife and local culture. These trails provide an immersive experience, allowing you to connect deeply with the serene and picturesque environment.
Relish a Tea-Tasting Experience
A tea-tasting experience at Ging Tea Estate offers an exciting journey into the world of Darjeeling tea. Begin with a guided tour through the tea gardens, where you'll learn the art of plucking 'two leaves and a bud.' Enjoy a rustic tea picker’s lunch, savouring local flavours. Then, visit the tea factory to observe the intricate process of withering, rolling, fermenting, drying and sorting the leaves.
Finally, engage your senses in a tea-tasting session, sampling different brews and appreciating their unique aromas and flavours. This experience deepens your understanding of tea cultivation and production, leaving you with an appreciation for the famed Darjeeling tea.
Lodging
Relax in Classic Suites
Located high in the Lebong Valley, Ging Tea House offers six uniquely styled suites, each reflecting the old-world charm of British colonial times. The Blue Lady Suite and the Empress Teal Suite are adorned with Butah Persian prints and feature antique king beds and empress cupboards.
The Spring Suite is the most spacious, boasting a luxurious four-poster Bengal bed with elegant drapes. The Peony Blush Suite, the only room with twin single beds, is decorated with timeless peony print furnishings. Each suite combines historical elegance with modern comfort, providing a distinctive and memorable stay.
Dining
Enjoy Fine Dining
The spacious dining room is perfect for long lunches, three-course evening meals, great conversations and good wine. Weather permitting, breakfast is served on the open deck overlooking the rolling tea fields. Menus feature fresh, seasonal produce, often sourced from the organic kitchen garden, providing a true farm-to-fork experience.
The tea house boasts a long lobby with large openings offering views of the private gardens. This area is ideal for those who love to sit and read, enjoy a cup of tea or simply spend some quiet time. Each space is designed to enhance your relaxation and connection to the serene surroundings.
Sustainability Story
As a leading producer of Darjeeling tea, Ging Tea Estate and its sister gardens are pioneers in organic practices. Certified 100 per cent bio-organic by IMO and Naturland, their tea is free from harmful chemicals. They prioritise the environment and the workers, preserving over 60 per cent of the estate as natural forest, ensuring mountain wildlife thrives.
Certified by Rainforest Alliance and HACCP standards, they support the workers with free housing, rations and medical coverage, and maintain local schools and hospitals. The sustainable practices include providing interest-free loans for animal husbandry, benefiting both the community and the soil. Proud members of Fairtrade and Ethical Tea Partnership, they continually strive to improve plantation workers' lives.
Discover More Immersive Experiences at Ging Tea House
Affiliate Partner
Postcard Travel Club is an inclusive community of conscious travellers, travel designers, storytellers, and others who are shaping the future of travel.
Subscribed
Subscribe for free to receive weekly posts highlighting boutique properties that advance responsible tourism.