Chefs Retreat

CULINARY IMMERSION

FOR CHEFS & BY CHEFS

Foraging, discovering, cooking, learning and soaking in the cultures, cuisines and flavours of the hills

In the plantations, hills and forests of the magnificent Glenburn Tea Estate near Darjeeling, high up in the Himalayas, overlooking the mighty Kanchenjunga range

And the charming hillside town of Kalimpong, where a quiet food revolution is brewing

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Foraging in the 1600 acre Glenburn Estate

Exploring the post-monsoon lush green plantation, hills, and forests teeming with natural bounty, discovering local mountain ingredients, herbs, vegetables and fruits
A Day in the foodie town of Kalimpong

Local organic markets, Himalayan meals, sessions with local cheese, wine and sausage makers, chefs and restaurateurs, artisanal coffee
Dining Experiences

Heady mix of Nepali, Tibetan, Bhutanese, Chinese, Bengali and Colonial cuisines at homes, restaurants and elegant dining rooms
Local Culinary Traditions & Techniques

Fermentation, Pickling, Drying, Cheesemaking, Wine Making, Sustainable practices
Darjeeling Tea - the Champagne of Teas

Tea plantation and Factory Tour with the famous ‘Chaiwala family’ ; tea tastings and flavour profiles, cooking with tea
Cooking with fellow Chefs

Cooking with local Chefs in their kitchens, campsite barbecue , Grand Cookout with fellow participant chefs
Luxurious stay

Guest residences at the Glenburn Tea Estate are in the lovingly restored century old Burra Bungalow, home to generations of planters, and in the Water Lily Bungalow perched on the edge of the hill facing Kanchenjunga

Itinerary at a Glance

Arrival at Bagdogra Airport by afternoon. Chauffeured Car Pick Up
2 hr Drive to the charming town of Kalimpong nestled in the Himalayan foothills; Scene of a quiet food revolution proudly championing local ingredients, traditions and terroir and ranging from coffee to seasonal greens and more.
Check in to the classic Hotel Mayfair or Elgin Silver Oaks or similar.
Fermentation Workshop with local restaurateur & food writer Ishita Rai -Gundruk , Kinema, Pickles, Churpi, Sel Roti.
Curated Nepali dinner at Cloud 9 Himalayan Kitchen
Visit to Kalimpong Haat and Organic Food Market for farm-grown vegetables, herbs, local produce , homemade pickles and delicious snacks
Visit to a local trout farm
Drive to Glenburn Tea Estate ( 1.5 hours). Check in to your luxury suite
Al Fresco Lunch under the Old Pomelo tree with local specialities like Perilla Chutney, Stinging Nettle Soup, local pork, country chicken, vegetables
Thongba ( millet beer) tasting
High Tea at the 110 year old Burra Bungalow, with freshly baked cakes and savouries
Explore the gardens and the village, relax in the various cozy nooks, enjoy the sunset. Beautiful views of Kanchenjunga on a clear day.
Brainstorming Session and Groupings with fellow Chefs for Saturday’s Grand Cookout
Tibetan & Chinese themed dinner in the elegant Dining Room.
Tea Plantation and Factory Tour; Premium Darjeeling Tea Tasting Sessions
Nature Walk down to the river; foraging in the hills and forests on the way - discover mushrooms, wild gooseberry, tamarillos, stinging nettle and more
BBQ at the campsite by the roaring River Rungeet; cooking with fellow chefs; grilling mountain trout, meats and vegetables on open firewood
Evening Cocktails: Planning & Prep for tomorrow’s Grand Cookout
Tea Themed Dinner by Chef Shaun Kenworthy
Sustainability in Mountain Cuisine / Sourcing Ingredients from the hills - a session over breakfast
Foraging in the hills and forests Part 2 ; discover blue turmeric, drooping fig, sawtooth coriander and more
Nepali Lunch at the Glenburn Orchard - cooking on clay stoves with a Nepali family
Prep & Planning for the evening
Grand Cookout on the Estate lawns
Item description
Item description

Glenburn Tea Estate & Boutique Hotel

A heavenly plantation retreat that lies on a hillock above the banks of the River Rungeet, high in the Himalayas, overlooked by the mighty Kanchenjunga range.

With 1000 acres of private forest, and two rivers running through the estate, it is haven for plants and herbs and natural produce, and wonderful place to stay with sublime views.

Website

The Champagne of Teas

"From this majestic Darjeeling tea garden comes the 'Champagne' of Indian tea, infused with pure mountain air"

Experience the cultivation and production of Darjeeling Tea at one of the finest tea estates. Taste and learn about The First, Second and Autumn Flush, classic black teas and specialty teas like the White Needle and the Glenburn Moonshine. Experience tea-themed dinners and cook with tea.

Inclusions and Price

3 nights stay in a luxurious suite at Glenburn Tea Estate. 1 night stay at the Mayfair Himalayan Resort in Kalimpong.

All meals - breakfast, lunch, high tea, cocktails, dinner.

All gastronomic experiences, foraging, tea tours and tastings, chef workshops, masterclasses, riverside barbeque, grand cookout.

Chauffeured transport to and from hotel and venues; two way airport transfers.

Rs 60,000 per person / US$ 800 per person, plus taxes on twin sharing basis

Contact us on +91 7044800150
Contact us on argha@gormeitravel.com or +91 7044800150

Getting there

Nearest airport: Bagdogra ( IXB)

Flights from Kolkata ( 50 mins ), Guwahati ( 35 mins ), Delhi ( 2 hours ) , Mumbai ( 2 hours ), Bengaluru (2.5 hours), Chennai (2.5 hours)

You are requested to book your flights to arrive at Bagdogra airport latest by 3 pm on Friday Aug 30. The program starts with your chauffeured car pick up from Bagdogra airport and drive to Kalimpong (3 hours).