Nestled in the esteemed Mirik Valley of Darjeeling, the Selimbong Tea Estate—locally known as Silbung—has been crafting teas since 1886. Spread across 153 hectares of lush Chinary bush plantations at elevations ranging from 1,100 to 1,700 meters, the estate is famed for its nuanced, high-altitude teas. The Balasun River gently threads through its lower slopes, while the Sukhia Forest Reserve embraces its upper reaches, creating a landscape as serene as it is fertile.Though originally founded by William Lloyd in 1866 near Pokhriabong in the Rungbong Valley, the estate entered a transformative chapter in 1995 under the stewardship of Tea Promoters India (TPI). This family-run enterprise specializes in reviving underperforming tea gardens with a deep-rooted commitment to environmental and social responsibility. Under TPI’s care, Selimbong embraced organic cultivation, eventually earning recognition as a certified organic, fairtrade, and biodynamic farm—accredited by Demeter FR. It also received the Tea Board of India Quality Award for excellence.Managed by the Mohan family for three generations, Selimbong blends traditional craft with thoughtful innovation. Beyond its renowned black teas, the estate is also a center for community empowerment, supporting several local development initiatives. Located close to the Indo-Nepalese border, Mirik Valley is not only known for its fine teas but also for its flourishing orange groves, adding to the region’s rich agricultural charm.
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