Lingia Tea Estate - History
In 1867, German missionary brothers J.A and F.J. Wernicke established Lingia Tea Estate in the Golden Top valley, about 30 kilometers west of Darjeeling town and near the border between India and Nepal. The area, known as “Ling-ge” in the Lepcha language, means “the triangle of 8 peaks.” The estate boasts stunning views of the snow-capped Kanchenjunga and ranges in altitude from 2800 ft to 6000 ft.
Acquired by the Chamong Group in 2001 from Williamson Magor Company Ltd, Lingia is a small heritage estate spanning only 220 hectares, with 141 hectares planted with pure China leaf of the Black China variety - a type of tea bush genetically close to the rose bush.
Certified as 100% bio-organic, Lingia holds several accreditations and certifications, including IMO (Switzerland) for EU accreditation for organic farming, USDS, NPOP, JAS, SGS (India), and recognition for conforming to HACCP (SQF) standards.
Home to approximately 5000 people, mostly of the local Gorkha (Nepali) race, the Chamong Group is committed to improving the lives of Lingia’s residents by providing free primary education, medical facilities, and housing to all its workers and their families. The Group also addresses environmental concerns by operating hydro power plants in all its Darjeeling gardens.
Lingia’s unique black china tea is renowned worldwide for its exclusive rose flavor - a distinguishing feature that cannot be produced in any other Darjeeling garden.
