Ambiok (Hillton) Tea Estate

The Story

Ambiok Tea Estate, also known as Hillton Tea Estate, is a quiet and historically rooted tea garden located in the Kalimpong district, within the Gorubathan Community Development (C.D.) Block. Positioned in the eastern Himalayan foothills, the estate benefits from a warmer climate compared to high-altitude Darjeeling gardens, giving Ambiok its own distinct character.

The estate developed during the expansion of tea cultivation beyond the Darjeeling ridge, contributing to the broader Darjeeling–Kalimpong tea belt. Over the years, Ambiok has remained a low-profile, production-focused garden, supplying orthodox teas that reflect the transitional terroir between the hills and the Dooars.

Ambiok (Hillton) Tea Estate represents a bridge between classic hill teas and foothill expression, shaped by elevation, rainfall, and long-standing plantation practices.

Ownership & Management

Ambiok Tea Estate is managed as a traditional plantation, supporting a resident workforce living in and around the garden area. Management priorities typically include:

Stable leaf production

Estate-based processing

Maintenance of bush health

Sustaining livelihoods in a semi-remote location

The estate continues to function as an important agricultural and social unit within the Gorubathan region.

The Story

Ambiok Tea Estate, also known as Hillton Tea Estate, is a quiet and historically rooted tea garden located in the Kalimpong district, within the Gorubathan Community Development (C.D.) Block. Positioned in the eastern Himalayan foothills, the estate benefits from a warmer climate compared to high-altitude Darjeeling gardens, giving Ambiok its own distinct character.

The estate developed during the expansion of tea cultivation beyond the Darjeeling ridge, contributing to the broader Darjeeling–Kalimpong tea belt. Over the years, Ambiok has remained a low-profile, production-focused garden, supplying orthodox teas that reflect the transitional terroir between the hills and the Dooars.

Ambiok (Hillton) Tea Estate represents a bridge between classic hill teas and foothill expression, shaped by elevation, rainfall, and long-standing plantation practices.

Ownership & Management

Ambiok Tea Estate is managed as a traditional plantation, supporting a resident workforce living in and around the garden area. Management priorities typically include:

Stable leaf production

Estate-based processing

Maintenance of bush health

Sustaining livelihoods in a semi-remote location

The estate continues to function as an important agricultural and social unit within the Gorubathan region.

Additional Info

  • Establishment Date
    24/09/2004
  • Region
    East Darjeeling
  • Elevation Range
    Approx. 1,500 ft – 3,500 ft
  • Authenticity Check
    Verified

Share

Share this link via

https://teasofdarjeeling.com/estate/ambiok-hillton-tea-estate/
Copy Link

SUBSCRIBE NOW

For Those Who Want to Understand Tea—Not Just Drink It