Discover Maneybhanjang: India’s hidden ‘village of land rovers’ in the Darjeeling hills

Where the past still drives the present — Maneybhanjang, the Himalayan village where 1950s Land Rovers still roar up misty mountain roads. (Image: Instagram/ @shreyas_kothawade_ )

Imagine a place where vintage Land Rovers from the 1950s still rumble up misty mountain trails, their engines echoing through pine-covered valleys. A village where time refuses to move forward, and heritage rides on four wheels. That place is Maneybhanjang, a quiet settlement tucked in the Darjeeling hills near the India–Nepal border — lovingly known as the “Village of Land Rovers.”

Here, British-era vehicles aren’t museum showpieces but everyday companions, carrying locals and trekkers up some of the steepest Himalayan roads. The air smells of adventure and nostalgia — a rare blend that draws travellers from around the world.

Where Heritage Meets the Himalayas

Perched at the foothills of Singalila National Park, Maneybhanjang is the gateway to Sandakphu, West Bengal’s highest peak. Yet, what captures attention long before the snowcaps do are the iconic vintage Land Rovers, still running strong after seven decades. These rugged beauties, painted in fading greens and blues, climb terrains where even modern SUVs hesitate.

A Legacy Left Behind

Locals say the first Land Rovers arrived here during the British Raj, when officers and tea planters needed reliable vehicles to navigate the unforgiving slopes. When the British left, many of these machines stayed — passed down to villagers who turned them into lifelines. Today, around 35 Land Rovers remain in service, their longevity a testament to craftsmanship and care.

Each family in Maneybhanjang seems to share a bond with these rovers — some drive them, others repair them, and many simply cherish their place in the village’s identity. Mechanics here can rebuild an engine from memory; for them, every nut and bolt carries a story.

The Only Way to Sandakphu

There’s a reason these vehicles have survived — they’re the only ones allowed on the treacherous mountain road to Sandakphu. The narrow, bumpy track demands power, balance, and grit — all qualities the old Land Rovers possess in abundance.

Travelling in one feels like time-travel: the engine growls, the cold wind whips your face, and soon you’re climbing through clouds. On a clear day, the view reveals not just Kanchenjunga, but also a distant glimpse of Mount Everest — a sight that leaves every traveller awestruck.

Heritage on the Move

A viral social media video recently turned the spotlight on this fascinating village, and viewers were stunned. “This is what heritage meets adventure looks like… a village that keeps history not in museums, but on the move,” one user wrote. Another shared, “My father owned that Land Rover jeep in 1983, in Darjeeling, and he ran it as a taxi. I used to be like a conductor, and I was 3 years old.”

For the people of Maneybhanjang, these Land Rovers are not just vehicles — they’re pride, livelihood, and history rolled into one. They’ve become symbols of resilience, powering both tourism and community life in this remote Himalayan outpost.

Viral Reel: When the ‘Village of Land Rovers’ Took Over Instagram

An Instagram reel captured the charm of Maneybhanjang’s vintage Land Rovers in action — roaring up misty Himalayan roads that modern cars wouldn’t dare to climb. The video quickly went viral, drawing travellers’ curiosity to this hidden mountain gem.

 

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A post shared by CA Shreyas Kothawade (@shreyas_kothawade_)

Beyond the Wheels

Yet Maneybhanjang’s magic goes beyond its vehicles. The village itself charms visitors with its serenity — colourful homes lined with prayer flags, narrow stone lanes, and crisp mountain air that carries the scent of tea and woodsmoke. Locals serve hot momos, thukpa, and tales of the hills with equal warmth. And when sunset strikes, the sky turns gold and lavender over the distant peaks — a sight that lingers long after you’ve left.

Why You Should Visit

A visit to Maneybhanjang is a journey through living history — one that blends heritage with adventure.

• Ride an authentic 1950s Land Rover up Himalayan slopes.
• Begin your trek to Sandakphu and Phalut.
• Witness panoramic views of Kanchenjunga and Everest.
• Experience mountain hospitality and Darjeeling’s hidden charm.

In a world racing toward automation and electric cars, Maneybhanjang stands as a gentle reminder that some engines are too soulful to be replaced. Here, the past doesn’t gather dust — it keeps climbing.

So the next time you find yourself in Darjeeling, take a detour into history. Sit inside a roaring Land Rover, feel the rumble beneath your feet, and let this mountain village remind you that sometimes, the best journeys are the ones that refuse to age.