The Singalila Trek Adventure (DSI-123)

Assistance on arrival at Bagdogra Airport/New Jalpaiguri Railway station and drive to Darjeeling.

DARJEELING:

Standing high in the Himalayas at an altitude of 2134m, ‘Dorje Ling’, or place of the Thunderbolt, offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountain peaks, with the Kanchendzonga rising higher than all the others. Often referred to as the “Queen of the Hills”, it remains just as alluring with its tiny waterfalls, little villages and a narrow gauge railway track. Surrounded by World Famous Tea Gardens and snow capped mountains, Darjeeling remains one of the most exotic destinations. Graeme Westlake in his book ‘ An introduction to hill stations on India’ refers to Darjeeling as having “A view Scarcely Unrivalled on Earth”. Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Maneybhanjang.

MANEYBHANJANG(2134m)

The starting point of the trek, Maneybhanjang is 26 kms from Darjeeling and situated on the border between India and Nepal. Maneybhanjang has a local market so in case you have forgotten something, this is the last chance of getting it. From grocery to medicines to camera rolls, everything is available here.

Begin trek to Tonglu which is steep and on a zigzag trail.

TONGLU(3070m):

The trek from Manebhanjang to Tonglu covering 11 kms(5 hrs) is steep up.Tonglu faces Darjeeling and Kurseong and commands excellent view of Mt. Kanchenjunga.

Tonglu: A peak on Singalila Range, at an altitude of 10,074 feet high, Tonglu is generally known as Tumling among the native of the district.Overnight in tents.

After breakfast begin trek to Sandakphu. The trek to Gairibas is downhill then gradually climbs up and the last part of the trek is very steep. Once you reach the top you will forget all your tiredness and enjoy the magnificent views of the mountains of this part of the world like Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Lhotse and other peaks of Sikkim and Nepal Himalayas.

SANDAKPHU

Situated to the north west of Darjeeling on the Singalila range at an altitude of 3636 mts(1200ft.) above sea level, Sandakphu is the highest spot in Darjeeling district and is one of the most popular trekking routes in the Himalayan area. One has to pass the temperate forest of rhododendron and magnolias to reach the top of Singalila range .In terms of scenic beauty, it offers you most fantastic views of snowy range from Mt. Everest in Nepal, to the Kanchandzonga in Sikkim and chomolari in Bhutan.  Apart from Rhododrendron and magnolias, numerous varieties of magnolias, primulas, orchids and ferns  are found  in bloom during the month of march and April. Mount Everest is 144 Kames from here as crow flies and Kanchendzonga is only 44 Kms. the view of Sun Rise and Sun set over the mountains is just magnificient    that one cannot afford to miss it. The name of Sandakphu means the hill of the poison plant, and has been given to this peak, because the poison plant “Acconite” grows thickly for some distance below the pick known by this name. Overnight in tents.

Early morning view the most spectacular sun rise as the first rays hit the Himalayan range.

After breakfast begin trek to Phalut (21 kms 8 hours approx.). The terrain goes gradual with ups and downs on the ridge of Singalila with a picturesque view of Everest and Kanchanjunga.                   

PHALUT (3600m):

Phalut is trijunction of Sikkim, Nepal and West Bengal. The Name Phalut is derived from Lepcha word Fak-lut which means the “peeled summit.”The trek from Sandakphu to Phalut is gradual with a few ups and downs on the ridge of Singalila Range with a picturesque view of Mt.Everest and Mt.Kanchenjunga.Overnight in tents.

After breakfast begin trek to Rammam. The trail plunges steeply into the Rammam valley till the village of Gorkhey after which it more or less flat land. Overnight in Trekkers Hut. Distance 19 km and 8 hours walking. Overnight in tents.

After breakfast begin last day of trek to Rimbik (19 kms/7 hrs) visiting Siri Khola and Farmland and then uphill through the forest to Rimbik.

Rimbick(2331 M)

Rimbick is a small village. The Rais, Tamangs and Sherpas to the picturesque village of Rimbick with the local inhabitants being mainly Sherpas. Later on drive from Rimbik to Darjeeling 70 kms 4 hours approx.. Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Bagdogra/NJP for onward connection.