Level: Moderate   *   Seasons: March—May and October—December

 

 

The Singalila Ridge is an imposing Himalayan divide between Sikkim and Nepal.  The trail offers commanding views of Mt. Everest in Nepal, Mt. Kanchenjunga in Sikkim and Mt. Chomolhari in Bhutan. Nowhere else in the world do such steep heights offer a rich variety of flora and fauna with magnificent and unobstructed views.

 

Arrival (evening): Delhi

Namaste. Welcome to India! Arrive at Delhi International airport. You will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

Delhi is a bustling metropolis that incorporates the ancient with the modern. Amidst the skyscrapers, the monuments stand as a silent reminder to India’s legacy. Driving from the airport, you will be impressed with Delhi’s spacious, tree-lined streets and garden parks. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 1: Delhi

After breakfast, tour the sites of Delhi: Red Fort, a marvel of red sandstone; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; and Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India.  Also drive past the President's Palace and India Gate.  Overnight in Delhi.

 

 

 

Day 2: Delhi—Darjeeling

After breakfast, fly to Bagdogra. Upon arrival, drive through tea gardens and quaint villages to reach Darjeeling (3 hours). Darjeeling is a town in the Indian state of West Bengal in the lower ranges of the Himalayas. It is internationally famous for its tea industry and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Darjeeling maintains a strong European influence from the British Raj, particularly evident in its schools, architecture and cuisine. Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel. Overnight in Darjeeling.

 

 

 

 

 

Day 3: Darjeeling

In the early morning, take a jeep ride to Tiger Hill.  From here the great Mount Everest is visible on clear days. At sunrise, the snow-clad mountain peaks constitute a glorious feast of color. Return to your hotel, en-route visiting the Ghoom Monastery. Later, proceed on a half day tour of Darjeeling. Visit Lebong village, the Mountaineering Institute, House of Tensing Norgay and the Botanical Gardens. In the evening, tour the enchanting tea gardens. Overnight in Darjeeling.

 

 

 

Day 4: Darjeeling—Lodhoma Khola—Rimbick

Trek: 3-4 hours

After breakfast, drive 3 hours to the trek head at Lodhoma Khola. After distributing your luggage to porter’s or Dzo’s, begin your trek to Rimbick. The trail ascends gradually but continuously until you reach Rimbick, a small village bustling with markets. Overnight in tents.

 

 

Day 5: Rimbick—Ramam

Trek: 7-8 hours

Start trekking early in the morning to Ramam. The trail ascends gradually through colorful villages and cultivated potato fields, prime crop for the mountain region. The views of Darjeeling are superb, especially when illuminated at night. Overnight in tents.

 

 

 

Day 6: Ramam—Molle

Trek: 7-8 hours

The trail to Molle passes through dense pine forests and rhododendrons. Situated at an altitude of 11,811 feet, Molle grants spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the 3rd highest mountain peak in the world. The vegetation changes rapidly as you descend to camp. Overnight in tents.

Day 7: Molle—Phalut

Trek: 3-4 hours

From Molle, hike to Phalut, which forms the  junction of Nepal, Sikkim and West Bengal. Phalut is a Lepcha word that means Summit. The terrain is bare and treeless and offers beautiful views of the surrounding areas. Overnight in tents.

 

 

 

Day 8: Phalut—Sandakphu

Trek: 8-9 hours

The trail to Sandakphu offers exciting ridge walking with the Nepal mountains on the right and Darjeeling hills on the left. Sandakphu is a window to one of the finest views of the mighty Everest in Nepal, the legendary Kanchenjunga in Sikkim and the revered Chomolhari in Bhutan. In the evening, walk to vantage points and observe the splendid sunset. Overnight in tents.

 

 

Day 9: Sandakphu—Gairibans

Trek: 4-5 hours

After breakfast, proceed on a gradual downhill trek through beautiful forests of different varieties of flowers. The length of trees starts to  increase as the altitude dips. Reach Gairibans, a small settlement inside the Singalila National Park. Overnight in tents.

 

 

Day 10: Gairibans—Tonglu

Trek: 4-5 hours

Today, the trail gradually ascends toward Tonglu for commanding views of Everest and Kanchenjunga. Overnight in tents.

 

 

Day 11: Tonglu—Manebhanjang—Darjeeling

Trek: 4-5 hours

Today is a steep downhill trek, en-route passing the villages of Megma and Chitrey. End your trek at Manebhanjang and bid farewell to your porters and kitchen staff. A vehicle will be waiting to drive you to Darjeeling (2 hours). Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Overnight in Darjeeling.

Day 12: Darjeeling—Delhi

In the morning, drive to Bagdogra for your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Afternoon at leisure to explore India’s multicultural capital. Overnight in Delhi.