Singalila Sandakphu Trek, Sikkim

About Singalila to Sandakphu Trek

If you ask any trekker about the best trek in the Eastern Himalaya, which is a complete package of everything good and beautiful, then their obvious answer will be Singalila Sandakphu trek. With the mountains decorated with green alpine trees, magnificent monasteries soaked up in rich cultural history, hues of flowers, verdant paddy valley, and emerald forest, Singalila Sandakphu trek is ideal for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The trek also offers breath-taking views of the Himalayan range from Cho Yo to Kanchenjunga.

Area : Darjeeling Himalayas

Duration : 07 days (2 days travel/5 days trekking)

Best Season : March – Mid June & Mid Sept - November

Grade :Easy

Altitude : 3640 mts/11940 ft

Total Trekking : 60 K.M

Trekking to the Sandakphu peak is somewhere like experiencing a sweet paint, as the journey is going to be difficult but the views will be fantastic. The trekking expedition will start from Tonglu. After covering the forest in search of Red Panda and the Tragoapn, trekkers will reach Garibas. Further, the trekkers will proceed to Sandakphu from where one can feast their eyes on the peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Kanchenjunga, Baruntse, Chamling, Chomolonzo, Machapucchare and other peaks of the Annapurna range. After spending some time in Sandakphu, trekkers will pass through the mountain pass to reach Phalut. Beautiful view of Himalaya never goes out of sight throughout the journey. Next destination in the trekking trail is Rammam, probably one of the best places in Himalaya to behold sunset. After descending through the Srikhola villages, trekkers will visit Rimbik, the final destination of the trek.

Embark on a journey to Singalila Sandakphu Trek, and witness a wonderland where the beauty of nature is at its best.

Singalila to Sandakphu Trekking Tour Highlights

• Relish the panoramic view of the neighbouring mountains - Frey Peak (5830m), Koktang (6,148m), Kabru Peak (7,412 m), Ratong, Chandra Peak and the Kabru Dome (6600m).
• Trek to West Bengal's highest point, Sandakphu.
• Enjoy panoramic views of Kanchenjunga and Everest.
• Experience the greatness of nature with a walk across the Singalila National Park.
• Take a tour of a Darjeeling tea garden, learn about the various kinds of teas, and spend some time in the midst of nature.
• Walk through the emerald green forest and exotic orchid plantations.
• Take a break from the regular adventure activities and go out to explore monasteries.

Best Time to Visit Singalila to Sandakphu Trek

Mid-March to June end & Mid-September to Mid-November

Spring is the best time to go for trekking as wildflowers and rhododendron are in its fullest bloom. Also, trekkers can explore the place during the monsoon too, but there is a higher risk of the landslide during that season.

Trekkers should avoid going for trekking during the monsoon as the trails get slippery and roads remain blocked due to torrential rains. In the winter season, the trekking is often impossible as it snows heavenly and trails become inaccessible and weather quite foul.

Since trekking requires covering large distances, usually by walking up and down hills and mountains, it is necessary that the trekkers should be physically fit. Altitude acclimatisation is thoroughly necessary as the air gets lighter and with lower oxygen beyond Singalila.

Where is the Singalila to Sandakphu Trek ?

Perched at an elevation of 3636m above the sea level, Sandakphu is the highest peak in the West Bengal region. Located at fringes of Singalila National Park, the Sandakphu is sprinkled with hostels and small villages on the summit. Some of the highest peak in the world namely Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu can be seen from its summit.

How to Reach Singalila to Sandakphu Trek ?

By Railways : The closest railway station is the New Jalpaiguri railway station, around 124 km away from Maneybhanjang.

By Airways : The nearest airport is the Bagdogra airport, which is around 110 km away from Maneybhanjang.

Nearest Town: Darjeeling which is 25kms away from Maneybhanjang

Fixed Departure with Dates 2016

01 April 2016	08 April 2016	15 April 2016
22 April 2016	29 April 2016	06 May 2016
13 May 2016	20 May 2016	27 May 2016
03 June 2016

Singalila to Sandakphu Trek (Detailed Itinerary)

Day 01: Arrive Bagdogra - Darjeeling (124 km / 3-4 hrs)

Board an early morning flight to Bagdogra airport. After arriving in Gangtok, meet our guide who will help transfer you to Darjeeling and check into the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the Darjeeling hotel.

Day 02: Darjeeling - Maneybhanjang (2134m/1h 30) - Tonglu (3070m) in 4h.

Rise and shine, today before breakfast you will visit Tiger Hill to chase the dawn. While going back to the hotel from the tiger hill, visit the sacred Ghoom Monastery, which features one of the largest Maitreya Buddha-"the future Buddha" statue. After breakfast, get ready for a drive to the starting point of the trek, Tonglu. Your journey till Tonglu will be picturesque as you will come across the tiny settlements located on the edges of the Indo-Nepal border, chattering waterfall, rhododendron, giant magnolias, spruce and other forests of Maneybhanjang. At Tonglu, you will be rewarded with the picturesque view of the Mt Kanchenjunga and its neighbouring peaks. Overnight stay in Tonglu cam/rest house.

Day 03: Tonglu - Garibas (2620m) in 4h.

Early morning, after watching the sun rays dancing on the Kanchenjunga mountains, trekkers will embark on a downhill expedition towards Garibas. This trek will be a downward trek and after descending 3 hours from Tonglu, you will arrive in Gairibas. Dinner and overnight stay in Garibas camp.

Day 04: Garibas - Sandakphu (3640m) in 4.5 hr.

Today in Singalila Sandakphu Trek, you will trek uphill towards Kalpokhari. And the trail is a gradual climb onto the Singalila ridge that leads us to Sandakphu, the final destination of the trek. A remarkable 360° view of the Singalila National Park and nearby landscapes awaits once you reach the Sandakphu. Overnight stay in Sandakphu camp/hotel.

Day 05: Sandakphu - Phalut (3600m) in 6h.

An early morning trek to Phalut will offer you the astounding sunrise views over Mt Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), Mt Jannu (7,710 m), Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Makalu (8,481 m) and Cho Oyo (8,201 m). On a journey to Phalut, you will notice a drastic change in its geographical conditions: yak herds, silvery pine forests, tiny lakes ringed with grass, and the snow-capped Himalayan range in the background. Sprawling fir and rhododendron forests add radiance to this trekking route. Overnight stay in Phalut camp or hotel.

Day 06: Phalut - Raman (2560m) in 5h.

Post breakfast, a lovely trek through Chestnut, Pine and Hemlock forests, will take you to the confluence point of the Gorkhey and Khola, two of the vicious streams flowing through this region. After walking for 8 km, you will land at Rammam, a village enriched with picturesque settings and is known for its agricultural richness.

Day 07: Raman - Rimbik (2280m) in 4h - Bagdogra

After a delicious breakfast in the Raman camp, you will start your journey to Sri Khola, after descending downhill, while pass through the dense forest, and exotic orchid plantations. Don't forget to pick up binoculars, as you might spot colourful, unique bird species. An easy trek from Sri Khola will finally take you Rimbik. With the advent in Rimbik, this incredible Singalila Sandakphu Trek will come to an end.

Tour & Services End.