Darjeeling and Singalila
13 Days | Trekking 06 Days
Suitable for families with young children
Sandakphu, 3636 Meters
Highest point/ Max altitude
Fitness Grade
Moderate
5-7 hours activity per day with steep uphill and downhill sections or high passes. Some days at high altitudes, good level of physical fitness recommended.
The eastern end of the great Himalayan chain, and its lush foothills, is one of the least visited parts of this magnificent mountain range. After two nights in the grand old hill station of Darjeeling, we embark on this classic Himalayan trek which follows the Singalila Ridge with truly stupendous views of Kanchenjunga (8,586m), the world’s third highest mountain. Along the way you'll have the chance to experience the culture and everyday life of the local people.
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Tour Highlights
- Darjeeling, known for its tea plantation & the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
- Rimbik & Ramam, the popular descents from Singalila.
- Sandakphu, the highest point on the Singalila Ridge.
- Tonglu, one of the higher peaks of the ridge usually made a halt of the trek.
- Kalimpong, a hill station in the Mahabharata Range.
- Flexible tailor-made booking options
Best Season
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Tour Details
The trip starts in Delhi, from where we fly to Bagdogra and then drive into the hills to reach the colonial resort of Darjeeling, surrounded by tea plantations and served by the famous ‘toy train’. After a two-night stay, which gives plenty of opportunity to take in the local sights, we’ll drive to the trailhead at Dhodrey. Following the India-Nepal border, we’ll gradually ascend to the dramatic landscapes of the Singalila Ridge, one of the region’s classic trekking routes. Trekking high above the valleys through forests of rhododendron and magnolia, there are numerous opportunities to gaze across the spectacular Himalayan panoramas. Weather permitting, at Sandakphu, the highest point of the trek at 3,636m, we will have spectacular views of the huge bulk of Kanchenjunga (8,586m) ahead of us, and we can also see three more of the world’s five highest mountains; Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,512m) and Makalu (8,462m). We pass through friendly villages and follow ancient paths on this beautiful circular trek. We descend through Samaden and Rimbik, a large Sherpa settlement, and then travel by road to the lively hill town of Kalimpong, ending the trip visiting the town with its bustling bazaar.
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Flexibility Guaranteed
Please note: You can use this itinerary as a guide to fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have.
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DAY 01 - Delhi
Arrive Delhi and transfer to hotel
Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi our KVT’s representative will meet and greet at the airport and would assist you there, later board the vehicle and transfer to hotel for check-in. Rest of the day is free for you to relax at the hotel or can explore the surroundings by own.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 02 - Darjeeling
Morning fly to Bagdogra, drive to Darjeeling
Morning we have breakfast and will be transferred to the airport to board the flight for Bagdogra, arrive at Bagdogra airport and drive to Darjeeling (2050m). Reach Darjeeling and transfer to hotel for check-in, rest of the day is at leisure at the hotel. (Distance: 70 km appx)
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 03 - Darjeeling
Darjeeling Sightseeing
Today we proceed for the sightseeing tour of Darjeeling, it is noted for its tea plantation and the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy train) a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a “Queen of Hill stations”. We start our sightseeing tour by visiting Ghoom / Ghum monastery also known as Sakya Monastery and located 8 km from Darjeeling, it was built in 1875 by Lama Sherab Gyatso and the largest monastery amongst the other monasteries in Ghum. Then we visit Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, which was set up to encourage mountaineering and carries out various mountaineering courses every year and then we visit Himalayan Zoological Park which was opened in 1958. It is the largest high altitude zoo in India. (2050m)
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 04 - Tonglu
Drive to Dhotrey, trek to Tonglu (3070m|3-4hrs trek | Trek begins)
Morning after having breakfast we drive to Dhotrey the starting point of our trek (Distance: 45 km appx). We start trekking from here towards Tonglu our campsite for the night. The trail leads us through forest of rhododendron and one can have a spectacular view of Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) and Himalayan Mountains range. Reach Tonglu and rest at the hut. (3070m|3-4hrs trek | trek begins)
Overnight Trekker's Hut
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DAY 05 - Kalapokhri
Trek to Kalapokhri (3186m | 6hrs trek)
This morning we start trekking towards Kalapokhri (3186m) means “Black Lake”, it will be our next campsite for the night. The trail leads us through the forest of rhododendron and descends down to a village Jaubari (2750m) which is in Nepal and from here we can be blessed with the breathtaking views of the Eastern Himalayas (if the weather is clear). Then we again descend down to Garibas (2621m) which is located on the border of India – Nepal and a small settlement inside Singalila National Park. From here we start climbing to Kalapokhri and halt for the night. (3186m | 6hrs trek)
Overnight Trekker's Hut
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DAY 06 - Sandakphu
Trek to Sandakphu (3636m | 5-6hrs trek)
Today after breakfast we proceed for our trek towards our next campsite Sandakphu (3636m) which is the highest point on Singalila Ridge trek. After walking for an hour we reach Bhekey bhanjyang – valley of poison. Now it is a steep climb to reach Sandakphu, from where one can see an awe-inspiring view of the peaks of Mount Everest (8848m), Kanchenjunga (8586m), Lhotse (8516m) and Makalu (8485m). Later reach Sandakphu and enjoy the views of surroundings. (3636m | 5-6hrs trek)
Overnight Trekker's Hut
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DAY 07 - Sabargam
Trek to Sabargam (3536m | 3-4hrs trek)
A fairly short trek to Sabargam (3536m), we walk on the most spectacular section on the Singalila ridge. The trail follows the ridge through forests of chestnut, oak and silver fir, reach Sabargam and relax at the hut. (3536m | 3-4hrs trek)
Overnight Trekker's Hut
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DAY 08 - Samaden
Trek to Samaden via Phalut (2480m | 7-8hrs trek)
Morning we have breakfast then start descending through forest of firs and rhododendron, on the way we reach Phalut (3600m) the second highest point and located at the border of Indian states West Bengal and Sikkim. After that we move towards Samaden and the view is magnificent all way down through forest of firs, oak, and rhododendron. (2480m | 7-8hrs trek)
Overnight Trekker's Hut
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DAY 09 - Rimbik
Trek to Rimbik en-route pass Ramam (2280m| 7-8hrs trek | Trek ends)
In the morning we start trekking downwards it is an easy descending today and on the way we will be passing Ramam village. Then we descend down to Rimbik village en-route we will be crossing the bridge at Sirikhola and after passing through several villages we reach Rimbik village. (2280m | 7-8hrs trek) (Trek ends)
Overnight Trekker's Hut
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DAY 10 - Kalimpong
Drive to Kalimpong
Today morning after having breakfast we load our luggage to the vehicle and drive towards Kalimpong (1247m). Kalimpong is a hill station and well known for its educational institution and situated on the ridge overlooking the Teesta River. The weather is pleasant here because of the lower altitude. Reach Kalimpong and transfer to the hotel for check-in; afternoon and evening is free to relax. (1247m) (Distance: 110 km appx)
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 11 - Kalimpong
Kalimpong Sightseeing
Today after breakfast we proceed for the sightseeing tour of Kalimpong, we start with a visit to Durpin Monastery. This monastery is situated on the Durpin Dara Hill, which offers a breathtaking view of the plains below. Some of the places that can be viewed from here include the Teesta and Rangeet rivers, western Sikkim, the Kanchenjunga peak, Peshoke and Lopchu tea estates, Nathu-la pass and the towns of Siliguri and Kurseong. Later we visit the paper factory, flower and cactus nurseries and head to Catholic Church. Afternoon and evening free to relax at the hotel. (1247m)
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 12 - Delhi
Flight to Delhi from Bagdogra airport
Morning after breakfast, we drive to Bagdogra airport to catch flight for Delhi. Arrive Delhi and transfer to the hotel for check-in; evening is at leisure.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 13 - Delhi
Departure Delhi
Today you will be transferred to Indira Gandhi international airport, Delhi to board the flight for back home.
Tour Map (Only key areas marked)
Send an enquiry
Flexibility Guaranteed! Using the above itinerary as a guide you can fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have. On receiving your enquiry we will respond with prices and work with you to create a truly personalised holiday experience that is in your budget and personal style.
