“Just got back from a 3 night solo stay at the glenburn tea estate. I can’t believe how they are ranked #4. They should be #1 hands down.

Pick up at the airport was prompt with a safe driver and clean car. The driver stopped at a picturesque spot for a quick picnic lunch – paneer Kathi rolls, brownies and of course tea!

Enough had been written about the last descent to glenburn, so I won’t write anymore. But it’s all true!

Once you reach the estate, you are blown away by the setting. I was lucky as the weather was clear and I could see the Kanchenjunga peak in all its beauty. Luxurious accommodations with all the conveniences you need. I had some issues with the hot water in my bathroom but they moved me to another room immediately. And even offered complimentary massages for my inconvenience.

I did use the massage as I did 3 treks on the next day – 1. Hike to Ramitay Dara, 2. Hike to the campsite and 3. Hike to manjitar suspension bridge. Great views from ramitay Dara and it’s an easy 1.5 HR uphill trek. The campsite is a completely different setting from the mountains. And they do a fabulous barbecue lunch. Just relax by the river and enjoy the food. The 3rd trek to manjitar was ok and can be skipped. I wasn’t impressed.

The dinners are along with all the other guests and it’s like you are having dinner in someone’s house. Met people from Germany, London, San Francisco, Denver and Singapore. Wow! Great conversations over great food.

Food is a little bland for Indian taste but Faye made me a spicy butter chicken thx next day.

Breakfasts are outside the water lily bungalow. Awesome setting. Fabulous service and good choices – eggs, one special every day, and the usual stuff.

The 2nd day I hiked to Badamtam tea estate and the Buddha of Badamtam. It’s on the hill right opposite the glenburn tea estste – so you go down to 1000 feet and then trek uphill back to 3300 feet. And then they sent a car there to take me to Darjeeling – it’s about 40 mins from Badamtam tea factory.

Nothing great in Darjeeling. Except to have coffee/tea at Glenarys.

Faye ( the estate manager) is very good with the guests and is always available to answer any questions and offer suggestions. Along with Will and Camilla, they make a great team. And not to forget all the staff – my trekking guides – Mandeep and Dinesh. The staff – Sajit, Binod, everyone.

A great place in the eastern Himalayas -‘not to be missed!”