Tumjang Trek : Step by Step Guide To Mt. Sielkal Peak

Tumjang Trek or trek to Mt. Seilkal has been trending on Instagram recently. Tumjang trek was promoted as the “trek to Assam’s highest point”, “the Dzükou Valley of Assam” etc. As a blogger, I wanted to write about it immediately. But then I thought, why not experience the trek firsthand and share the trekking experience later?

So, the Tumjang trek was added to my bucket list in 2022 and ticked off the list in the winter of 2023. Finally, one month after the trek, I am writing the step-by-step guide to Mt Seilkal or Tumjang Peak.

Tumjang Trek: Planning Your Trip

Before you plan your trek to Tumjang, let me just tell you, the Tumjang peak or Mt Seikal is located in the Dima Hasao district of Assam. Dima Hasao is considered as the mini Switzerland of Northeast India.  The blue hills, the lake views, and the white clouds don’t need a filter in your phone. So, you must explore other tourist places of Dima Hasao along with Tumjang trek.

In my case, I made a 2 day/2 night travel plan for this. As I was travelling from Guwahati, I explored Panimur Waterfall, then Umrangso Lake and then stayed at Haflong for the night. Next day, I went for the trekking.

You may plan your trip your own way, but I would advise you to stay at Haflong for a night and start your trekking in the morning the next day.

It is because, the best time to visit the Tumjang peak is the morning hours. Further, you cannot just reach Tumjang village and start trekking. Even though it is situated at low altitude, it stills need your energy. So, reach Haflong by evening, relax at your hotel and start your journey in the morning.

How To Reach Haflong

Haflong is well-connected to the Guwahati – state capital of Assam and it is located southeast of Guwahati approximately 330 km away. It can be reached through various modes of transport like train, bus and hired taxi.

By Train: Haflong is the main railway station of Dima Hasao. Haflong is well connected by train from Guwahati and Silchar. It takes approx 6 hour 30 minutes from Guwahati to Haflong by train. There are at least 6 trains from Guwahati to Haflong both in morning and afternoon hours.

By Air: LGBIA (Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport) in Guwahati is the nearest airport of Haflong, Dima Hasao. You can take a taxi service from airport to Haflong or use public transport like buses and trains.

By Road: The roads of Dima Hasao are well-connected to main cities like Guwahati, Silchar and Lanka. There are several buses, both private and state run which offer transportation services from the main cities of Assam to Dima Hasao. For bus services from the state capital Guwahati to Haflong, one can travel by overnight buses that depart from Guwahati at 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm everyday. To travel back to Guwahati, one can travel by buses that depart from Haflong at 6:00 pm and 6:30 pm everyday.

Planning Tumjang Trek : Routes and Guide

As I was staying in at hotel in Haflong a day prior to my trek, I enquired about visiting Tumjang peak in front of the hotel helpline desk. The kuki guy (whose house is in Tumjang village) took my 30 minutes of life, but in the end, saved more than 30 hours of planning.

So, to reach Tumjang trekking route from Haflong, you need to visit a village called Mahur. The road distance between Haflong and Mahur village is is 3o km. If you have your own vehicle, you can drive or else book a taxi. The road condition is very good all the season.

From Mahur village, you need to head towards P. Leikul village. It is a motorable road, but a narrow road. It is a stretch of almost 10 km. As I was traveling in winter season, there was no issue. However, during rainy season you will need an experienced driver.

Once I was 10 km into the road, I saw the signage (location of the signage) of Mt Seilkal peak. My taxi driver stopped there and unloaded my backpack.

As you can see, the trek is only 5 km from this point. That makes a total trekking distance (up and down) of 10 km, from P Leikul village to the peak. The trekking route passes through the left side of this signboard. There is a small shop near this. You can buy water bottle, chips, seasonal fruits and biscuits from this. If you are too choosy with your food, you should pack your food from haflong as there are limited options in P. Leikul village.

If you are driving  your own vehicle, you will park your vehicle at P. Leikul village at Rs. 100 (per four-wheeler) and Rs. 50 (per two-wheeler). Here, you need to book a local guide and it is mandatory. The fees of the local guide for Tumjang trek is ₹600. You may get relaxation if you are visiting with a local.

Starting Your Trek to Mt. Tumjang or Sielkal Peak

After you walk a distance of 2 km through a line of pine tress, you will reach the gate of the Tumjang village. Trekking to this location is fairly easy. As you can see from this picture below, the road is a dirt road. You will need proper trekking shoes beyond this point, especially during rainy season.

In addition, in Tumjang village entry point, you have to register again and pay a fee of Rs. 100 per person.

The road to Mt. Tumjang or Sielkal Peak passes through Tumjang village. It is a Kuki- majority village with a population of 600-700 people. The village was established in the year 1871. Once you start your trek through this village, you would notice wooden huts with cultivation of seasonal vegetables beside every house. As I was travelling in December, there was a plentiful of pumpkin (locally known as Maye) cultivation.

After you walk another 2 km distance. you would see the signboard displaying Mt Tumjang or Seilkal Peak. At this point, you trek is 80% done.

From this point onwards, you would be amazed by the natural beauty of the Barail mountain range that has the Tumjang peak and Seilkal peak. During my time of visit, the rage was full of winter mist and dew. Even in winter season, the whole view was full of green. Even if visit Tumjang peak during summer days, the place is full of mist, as I was told by the local guide.

I reached the peak at around 11 Am. So it took me around 2 and a half hour from P. Leikul village. It is mention that I am not a slow hiker, but along the way, I interracted with locals and took almost 10 GB worth of photos.

After an hour of stay at the stay, I started my descending journey. But that one hour was the best hour of the year 2023 for me. I don’t know what cord connects me to the woods.

Best Time to Visit Tumjang Peak

The best time to visit Sielkal Peak is during the post-monsoon months, from October to March, when the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear. However, if you love rain, no one can stop you from visiting it during monsoon. Just carry a pair of waterproof shoes.

Cost of Tumjang Trek and Visit to Seilkal Peak

As I was visiting from Guwahati to Tumjang peak, I would give you a brief idea of the expenses during the trip excluding my trip to other tourist places of Haflong.

• Guwahati To Haflong Bus Fare: Rs. 1200,
• Guwahati to Haflong Train Fare (Vistadome Coach) : Approx Rs. 1200,
• Accomodation cost at Haflong: Rs 1500 (premium hotel), Rs. 800 (Budget hotel)
• Haflong To Mahur Village (by premium cab, Toyota Innova): Rs. 1000, for normal taxi(Maruti Suzuki Swift), it would cost Rs. 500.
• Parking Fees: Rs. 100 (per four-wheeler) and Rs. 50 (per two-wheeler)
• Tumjang Peak Entry Fees: Rs. 100
• Local Guide Fees: Rs. 600

So, If you are travelling from Guwahati to Tumjang/Seilkal Peak, it would cost you around Rs. 6000 (including one day stay at Haflong Hotel and excluding food expenses)

Guidelines for Trekking To Seilkal Peak or Tumjang Peak

• Ensure waterproof jackets and shoes for rainy season hikes.
• Note: Tumjang Village lacks electricity, rely on solar power.
• Bring power banks for electronic devices due to limited charging options.
• Avoid shorts during rainy season due to prevalent leeches.
• Refrain from playing loud music to respect the trekking environment.
• Respect the Kuki village’s Christian beliefs and cultural norms.
• Follow local guides’ instructions for a safe and respectful trekking experience.
• No wild animals pose danger, but stay cautious during the treks.
• Dress appropriately for winter conditions; carry sunglasses and hats year-round.