The Tenzing Norgay Hiking Trail in Darjeeling is open to public now. The trail is significant historically. The legendary mountaineer Tenzing Norgay, who in 1953 with Edmund Hillary of New Zealand reached the summit of the Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, used to traverse along this route during his time as Field Director of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), Darjeeling.
The 12-km Tenzing Norgay trail starts from Chowrasta located in the heart of the Darjeeling Town and ends at Rangerung, a scenic tea garden village.
The trail stopped to be used after the agitation in Darjeeling in mid-1980s. The revival of the route happens to be materialised just months after Tenzing’s son, Jamling Tenzing Norgay Sherpa was seen walking along the route. The trekking route has been reintroduced as part of the Darjeeling Melo-Tea Festival organised by the The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) and Darjeeling Police from December 11 to 14, 2025. The Rangeroon Explorers Club also took initiative for reopening the trail.
Tenzing Norgay Trail: Chowrasta-Pandam-Rungdung-Rangerung. Rungdung Khola (river) will be there to cross on the way and walk would continue through Rangerung Tea Garden. Rangerung Village is known for its stunning mountain views including Kanchenjungha. Hiking difficulty is modarate.
Extended Route for experienced hikers: Rangerung-3rd Mile-Alubari Road-Chowrasta.
Photo courtesy: Rangaroon Trekkers Hut, Contact No. 8327392426/ 7501507266/ 8250587526.
