6 days
Duration
Darjeeling
Destination
10
Min. Groupsize
Trekking
Tour Type

The Singalila ridge trek

Sandakphu .

Trek along with Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Lhotse and a grand Himalayan panorama of more than 20 other peaks. Swing along the border trails between India and Nepal. Walk through the clouds and rhododendron forest, in the Singalila National Park, to climb Sandakphu, the highest peak of West Bengal. At 3636 meters, this is not only the best trek for a beginner, but also stands out from lots of other treks in the Himalayas in terms of views and experience it has to offer.

Of course you will have to make an effort and trek uphill to experience this ‘top of the world’ feeling but we assure you it is definitely worth all the effort.

Sandakphu or Sandakfu or Sandakpur (3636 m; 11,941 ft) is the highest peak in the state of West Bengal, India. It is the highest point of the Singalila Ridge in Darjeeling district on the West Bengal-Nepal border. The peak is located at the edge of the Singalila National Park and has a small village on the summit with a few hostels. Four of the five highest peaks in the world, Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu can be seen from its summit.

From Sandakphu, the best view of the mountain Kangchenjunga is possible, which is called as the Sleeping Buddha or the Sleeping Shiva.

The trek along the Singalila Ridge to Sandakphu is one of the most popular ones in the Eastern Himalayas, due to the grand views of the Kangchenjunga range and the Everest range which can be seen from the ridge. This trekking route is  also famous for the seasonal wildflower blooms.

Highlights of the trek :

  • Complimentary stay at Manebhajang
  • Homestay trek

About Singalila National Park

The Singalila National Park, located in Darjeeling district of West Bengal covers an area of 78 km and has an altitudinal range of 2,400-3,650 metres. The National Park shares a natural boundary with Nepal on the west and with Sikkim on the north. The international border between India and Nepal is identified by a 52 km road running from Phalut (3,650 m) down to Manebhanjyang (1,920 m).The National Park is an Important Bird Area and an IUCN Category IIProtected Area.

The Singalila area in Darjeeling was purchased by the British Government from Sibbim Durbar in 1882, and notified a Reserve Forest under the Indian Forest Act 1878. It was notified as a National Parb in 1992 and was also officially opened up for tourism.

Sherpas, Tibetans, Rais,Tamangs, Newars, Lepchas, Chettris, Bahuns, Sunwars, Limbus, Gurungs and Bhujels are the hey ethnic groups in the landscape.

Darjeeling Himalaya is very rich in plant life and is estimated to have about 2,900 species of angiosperms (Das 2011). Singalila National Park has a large number of flowering ground flora of which the Primulas,Aconites, Asters, Arisaema, Meconopsis, Cotoneasters, Geraniums are predominant.

Rhododendrons are regarded by many as the best flowering evergreen plants in the temperate landscape. Sir Joseph Hooker,the famous naturalist discovered 25 new species of rhododendrons in the Himalayas. Singalila National Park has 18 recorded species of rhododendrons.

Singalila National Park has a record of 350 species of birds.
Singalila National Park with its diverse habitats supports a rich community of birds ranging from small sized birds like warblers, sunbirds and flowerpeckers to the relatively larger sized species like Raptors, Magpies, Jays and Thrushes.

Previous trips photo gallery 

1

Day 1- Bagdogra / Maneybhajang

Arrival at Bagdogra Airport & transfer to Maneybhanjyang. Overnight at home stay.
Note: Flight arrival in Bagdogra should be before 1:30  pm 

Meals: Dinner

2

Day 2- Maneybhajang to Tumling trek

After breakfast. We check in at the office and take care of entry formalities. Begin trekking through the forested trail, through colorful oak  and rhododendron trees. The uphill hike leads us to Tonglu / Tumling after 5-6 hours. Here, we have stunning views the Kanchenjunga  range in the distance, and the city of Darjeeling beneath us. Overnight in home stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

3

Day 3 -Tumling to Kalapokhari Trek

Rise out of bed before the sun rises for a magical view of the Singalila and Chola ranges of Kanchenjunga from Tumling / Tonglu Top.  Seeing the sunlight illuminate these peaks is an unforgettable sight. Hike down to Tumling / Tonglu for breakfast and then head to  Kalapokhari after passing Gairibas. The route leads through bamboo and mixed forests, and fields of crops, admiring the  little villages along the way. The trail is continuously uphill to Kalapokhri so we stay overnight in a homestay. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

4

Day 4 -Kalapohkari to Sandakphu trek

After your Breakfast by 8am, we start hike on an even trail to Bikhebhanjyang 2km from kalapokhari (or ‘Valley of Poison’). From here, it’s  a steep climb over 4 kilometres to Sandakphu. No words will ever suffice the beauty of Sandakphu. From this ridge, you will witness 4 out  of the 5 highest mountain peaks in the world namely Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu. We overnight stay at  homestay/Trekkers Hut.  

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

5

Day 5 -Sandakphu to – Sirikhola trek & drive to DARJEELING

Like the previous day, we recommend waking up for the surreal sunrise over the Himalayas. We climb up a little bit to a perfect viewpoint.  Today’s view is even more fabulous than the previous, simply because the panorama is so expansive. Return to Sandakphu for breakfast  and continue down towards Sirikhola. On the way, we have some of the best views of the trek. Through dense forests, we catch many  glimpses of the highest mountain range on Earth. The trail is covered with bamboo, rhododendron, and other lush trees. Upon arrival in  Sirikhola, have lunch & drive back to Darjeeling.  

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

6

Day 6 - Darjeeling to Bagdogra/NJP drive

After breakfast transfer to Bagdogra Airport for further journey.  

Meals: Breakfast

DATES: 2023

December 10th 2023 – Ex NJP/Bagdogra

INCLUDED Accommodation  in hotels/homestay  on non-trekking days Sanctuary and Park Entrance Fees
Home Stay/Trekking huts with meals  during trekking,  Trekking guide
Nepal entry fees
NOT INCLUDED All beverages (including bottled mineral water) Airport transfers  Bagdogra
Camera fees Meals apart from those during the trek
All insurance All tips
Porter during the trek Personal medical requirements
Activity point transfers All not mentioned in the ‘Included’ section

Please note that cancellation charges are calculated of the total amount payable and not of advance amount. If 100% of the amount is not paid while registering, the cancellation policy stands void.

A) Rs. 25,200/- per person group of minimum 5 pax + 5%GST  – Ex Manebhajang

B) Rs. 21,600/- per person group of minimum 10 pax + 5%GST  – Ex Manebhajang

C) Rs. 18,000/- per person group of 10 – 15 pax + 5%GST – Ex Manebhajang

Transportation cost :

∙ Transport from Bagdogra to Maneybhanjyang (Rs 5500/- per vehicle each way, on a capacity of 5-7 pax) 

∙ Transport from Sirikhola to Darjeeling (Rs 6000/- per vehicle each way, on a capacity of 5-7 pax) 

∙ Transport from Darjeeling to Bagdogra (Rs 5000/- per vehicle each way, on a capacity of 5-7 pax) 

The Sandakphu Phalut trek

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