Tabakoshi is one of the most beautiful offbeat destinations in Darjeeling district—a quiet hamlet tucked inside tea gardens and resting along the Rangbang River.
In this blog, I will share local, practical, and honest information about Tabakoshi: where it is located, how to reach it, what makes it special, and why it is still untouched by mass tourism.
If you are looking for peace, tea gardens, riverside life, and authentic village culture, Tabakoshi may surprise you.
How Did Tabakoshi Get Its Name?
The name Tabakoshi has an interesting local story.
“Taba” means copper
“Koshi” refers to a large, powerful river
The river flowing through this valley is known today as the Rangbang River. Local elders believe that many years ago, due to heavy rainfall and frequent landslides, the river used to turn copper-colored, flowing violently—similar to the Koshi River of eastern Nepal. Over time, people started calling it Tabakoshi.
Later, the entire area came to be known by the same name.
Locally, Tabakoshi is also popularly known as Tukre.
Nearby Town: Mirik
The nearest hill town to Tabakoshi is Mirik, located about 10 km away.
Routes from Mirik:
There are two main routes:
Via Thurbo Road (shorter route)
Via Gopaldhara Tea Estate
Important Local Advice: Road conditions are often poor, especially after monsoon. Vehicle breakdowns are common, particularly for tourists coming from the plains in their own cars. Always check the road condition locally before planning your visit.
Surrounded by Famous Tea Gardens
Tabakoshi is a beautiful valley surrounded by well-known tea estates:
Gopaldhara Tea Garden
Sangma Tea Garden
Thurbo Tea Garden
Nagri Tea Estate
Chamong Tea Estate
Salembong Teagarden
You are not just seeing tea gardens here—you are living inside them.
Distance from NJP & Bagdogra:
NJP to Tabakoshi
Distance: 60–65 km
Time: Around 2.5 hours
Depends on traffic, road condition, and photo stops
The drive from Siliguri to Mirik is extremely scenic. You will often find yourself stopping at viewpoints, orange orchards, and roadside tea stalls.
From NJP, reach Darjeeling More, then take the road towards Mirik.
Bagdogra to Tabakoshi:
Distance: Same as NJP (60–65 km)
Preferred routes:
Via Upper Bagdogra → Panighatta → Dudhia
Alternate route via Khoribari / Khaprail More → Darjeeling More
Modes of Transportation:
Taxi:
Easily available from NJP, Siliguri Junction, or Darjeeling More
Fare (approx):
Small car: ₹2,500 – ₹3,000
Bigger vehicle: ₹3,500 – ₹4,000
Prices may increase during peak season or road blockages
Bus (Budget Option):
No direct bus to Tabakoshi
Take a bus up to Mirik Bazaar, then hire a local taxi
Saves money but less comfortable
Shared Taxi (Local Way):
This is the most local and interesting option.
Reach Darjeeling More
Look for shared vehicles (Sumo, Bolero) going to:
Nagri
Pokhriabong
Mangerjung
These vehicles pass through Tabakoshi
Available from 6:30 AM to around 2:30 PM
Weather & Best Time to Visit:
| Season | Months | Weather | Why Visit |
| Spring | March – May | 12°C – 24°C | Tea plucking season, rhododendrons, birdwatching |
| Monsoon | June – Sept | 18°C – 28°C | Lush greenery, river activities (check safety) |
| Autumn | Oct – Nov | 10°C – 20°C | Clear mountain views, orange harvesting |
| Winter | Dec – Feb | 3°C – 16°C | Bonfires, riverside stays, peaceful village life |
What Does Tabakoshi Offer & Why Visit?
Tabakoshi is for travelers who want to slow down. Unlike crowded Darjeeling or Mirik, here time moves gently.
1. Tea Garden Life
You stay inside the tea estates.
Walk through green slopes
Talk to tea pluckers
Visit Gopaldhara Tea Factory
Understand how world-famous Darjeeling tea is made
2. Rangbang River Experience
The river is the soul of Tabakoshi.
Riverside cottages and tents
Sitting on river rocks with your feet in cold water
Summer river dips
Traditional angling (available at some homestays)
3. Wildlife & Birdwatching
Because the area is untouched:
Himalayan Magpies
Verditer Flycatchers
Sunbirds
Rare Himalayan Salamander (best seen July–October near Nakapani or Sukhiapokhari)
4. Winter Orange Orchards
From November to January, the valley turns orange.
Walk through organic orchards
Pluck fresh oranges
Taste local marmalade and homemade orange wine
5. Authentic Village Stay
No big hotels
Only homestays & eco-cottages
Wooden attic rooms and stone houses
Home-cooked Gorkha & Tamang food:
Phapar ko Roti
Seasonal vegetables
Local fruit wines (including medicinal rhododendron wine)
6. Local Spiritual & Nature Spots
Riverside gardens for quiet time
A small Shiva Temple, where locals come to pray
Nearby Day Trips
Mirik Lake (Sumendu Lake) – 8 km
Bokar Monastery (Mirik)
Simana Viewpoint (Indo–Nepal border, Kanchenjunga views)
Pasupati Bazaar ( Nepal Market for shopping)
Where to Stay in Tabakoshi:
Some trusted options include:
Sunakhari Homestay
River Valley Homestay
Sungava Resort
Tabakoshi Homestay
Khusifarm Homestay
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Final Words (From a Local):
Tabakoshi is not about Luxury. It is about river sound instead of traffic, tea gardens instead of crowds, and human warmth instead of hotel formalities.
If you respect nature and village life, Tabakoshi will stay with you long after you leave.