Tenzing Rock & Gombu Rock

Tenzing Rock & Gombu Rock: Iconic Climbing Spots in Darjeeling

Tenzing Rock and Gombu Rock are two legendary natural rock formations located on Lebong Cart Road, just 20 minutes by car from Darjeeling’s main town. Facing each other across the road, these rocks are deeply connected to the history of Himalayan mountaineering.

Tenzing Rock

- **Named For a Legend:** This massive rock is named after Tenzing Norgay, who, along with Sir Edmund Hillary, was the first to summit Mount Everest in 1953. Tenzing himself practiced climbing here and even demonstrated a harness-free climb to Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru[1][2][3][6].

- Rock Climbing Mecca:The rock serves as both a professional training zone for the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) and a popular spot for tourists to try their hand at climbing. The left face is used by pros and trainees, while the right face is accessible to amateur climbers and tourists under expert supervision. For a nominal fee (about ₹100–₹500), even beginners can attempt a climb with safety gear and guidance.

- Tourist Experience: Aside from climbing, visitors can enjoy beautiful valley views, food stalls serving tea and snacks, and serene moments surrounded by pine forests and mist. The best months for visiting are March to May and October to December, when the rocks are dry and safe[8][6].


 Gombu Rock


- **In Honor of Everest’s Double Conqueror:** Gombu Rock sits directly opposite Tenzing Rock. It is named after Nawang Gombu, Tenzing’s nephew, who became the first person to summit Everest twice (1963 & 1965) and later served as Director of Field Training at HMI[1][2][9][10].

- **Climbing & Training:** Like Tenzing Rock, Gombu Rock is steep and favored for both professional and amateur climbing. While it’s a bit smaller and less intimidating visually, it offers equally thrilling challenges for experienced climbers as well as guided climbs for visitors.


Practical Visitor Details


| Feature | Tenzing Rock | Gombu Rock |

|----------------------|-----------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------|

| Location | Lebong Cart Road, left side from Darjeeling | Opposite Tenzing Rock, same road[1][2][5] |

| Entry Fee | No entry fee; ₹100–₹500 for rock climbing[2][6] | No entry fee; fee for climbing if offered[2][9] |

| Timings | Sunrise to sunset; generally 8AM–5PM[8][6] | Same as Tenzing Rock[2][9] |

| Main Activities | Rock climbing, photography, food stalls | Rock climbing, HMI training, photography[9][10]|

| Difficulty | Left face: pro climbers; right: tourists | Slightly easier, but still a good challenge |

| Best Season | March–May, October–December[8][6][11] | Dry months, to avoid slippery moss[2][9] |


### Tips for Tourists


- **Book a Climb:** Even total beginners can safely climb the easier face under the supervision of HMI guides.

- **Weather Watch:** The rocks are slippery in monsoon (July–September); check conditions before planning a climb[2][8][6].

- **Combine With Nearby Attractions:** Both rocks are close to the HMI campus, Darjeeling Zoo, and Tibetan Refugee Centre—ideal for a half-day outing.


Tenzing Rock and Gombu Rock are not just natural wonders—they are living symbols of courage and adventure, inviting anyone in Darjeeling to test their limits or simply enjoy an iconic piece of Himalayan history[1][2][3][9][6][4].


Citations:

[1] Tenzing & Gombu Rock - Darjeeling https://darjeeling.gov.in/tourist-place/tenzing-gombu-rock/

[2] Tenzing & Gombu Rock Darjeeling https://www.darjeeling-tourism.com/darj_000028.htm

[3] Tenzing Rock - Darjeeling Adventure Tourism https://darjeelingadventuretourism.com/tenzing-rock

[4] Tenzing & Gombu Rock | Travel & Tourism | Explore India https://v2.india.gov.in/explore-india/travel-and-tourism/details/tenzing--gombu-rock-4663757093535919

[5] Gombu Rock - Tripopola https://www.tripopola.com/location/darjeeling/gombu-rock/13715

[6] Tenzing Rock Offers A Best Climbing Experience In Darjeeling https://traveltriangle.com/blog/tenzing-rock/

[7] TENZING ROCK HMI (2025) All You Need to Know ... - Tripadvisor https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attraction_Review-g304557-d7194017-Reviews-Tenzing_Rock_HMI-Darjeeling_Darjeeling_District_West_Bengal.html

[8] Tenzing Rock, Darjeeling: How To Reach, Best Time & Tips https://www.thrillophilia.com/attractions/tenzing-rock

[9] GOMBU ROCK (2025) All You Need to Know BEFORE ... - Tripadvisor https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attraction_Review-g304557-d13958193-Reviews-Gombu_Rock-Darjeeling_Darjeeling_District_West_Bengal.html

[10] Tenzing rock Darjeeling | Climbing Adventure in ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFpvgn-Gh5w

[11] A Complete Guide For Rock Climbing In Darjeeling https://tripxl.com/blog/rock-climbing-in-darjeeling/

[12] Tenzing and Gombu Rocks - The Tour India https://www.thetourindia.com/old/tenzing--gombu-rocks.php

[13] Tenzing and Gombu Rocks - The Tour India https://www.thetourindia.com/tenzing--gombu-rocks.php

[14] Tenzing Rock HMI and Gombu Rock | Darjeeling | West Bengal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ck_KPeHVYps

[15] Tenzing & Gombu Rock - Darjeeling https://darjeeling.gov.in/gallery/tenzing-gombu-rock/


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