Singalila trek or Sandakphu trek as it is popularly called is one of the most beautiful trekking destination in the eastern Himalaya. The highest National Park in West Bengal it spreads between 2400 to 3636 mts. Singalila boasts of some of the rare flora and fauna. Walk through Rhododendron forests (Singalila boasts of many species of rhododendrons) and especially during flowering season (i.e. April/ May) when the entire forests turns blood red – the experience is magical! Ground flowers supplements the atmosphere. Singalila ridge is the only place from where one can see whole of Mt. Everest and Mt. Kanchenjunga range, and sunrise view on the mountain is out of the world experience. Interacting with locals and understanding their lifestyle and culture adds to the experience during the trek. Over all Singalila trek is an experience one would cherish lifelong.
Day 01 – Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi airport and transfer to hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 02 – Delhi
Full day combined sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi – visiting Qutab Minar one of the tallest brick tower in the world, drive pass India Gate and President House and other government buildings, Red Fort one the architectural brilliance of mighty Mughal empire, Jama Masjid one of the biggest mosque in India, Chandni Chowk and Raj Ghat (Mahatma Gandhi Memorial).
Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 – Delhi to Bagdogra and Darjeeling
In time transfer to airport to board the flight for Bagdogra. Arrive Bagdogra and drive to Darjeeling (98 Km). Arrive Darjeeling and check in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 – Darjeeling
Morning visit some of sites of tourist interest in Darjeeling – Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Everest Museum, Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park especially for Red Panda and Snow Leopard. Afternoon take a toy train “A World Heritage Site” ride to Ghoom one of the highest railwaystation in the world. Also, visit Ghoom Monastery that houses the statue of Maitrya Buddha (coming Buddha). Return to Darjeeling in the evening.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 – Darjeeling to Gairibas and Kalipokhari (Trek)
Early morning drive to Gairibas (2621 Mts) and start trekking uphill through Rhododendron Forest to Kalipokhari (3170 mts). Arrive Kalipokhari and check in at Tea House. Kalpokhari is a small charming hamlet that takes it’s named from the lake located on the edge of the village. Colour of water here is surprising dark thus it is named Kalipokhari or the Black Lake. Legend has it that a demon that was hiding in the lake was subdued by a local sage by burning the lake with his magical power, thus colour of the lake is dark. Trekking time today will be around 3/ 4 Hrs.
Overnight at Tea House.
Day 06 – Kalipokhari to Sandakphu
Morning continue trek walking on gentle slope passing through sparse Rhododendron forest and local hamlets to Bikhebhanjyan or valley of poison (The most common poisonous plant found here is Aconite which is considered quite a potent poison). From here steep two hours climb will take you to Sandakphu top (3636 mts) highest point of Darjeeling and during this trek. Arrive Sandakphu highest point of Singalila which commands breath taking view of mountains and the surrounding hills. Trekking time today will be 3/ 4 Hrs.
Overnight at Tea House.
Day 07 – Sandakphu to Sabargram
Early morning wake up in time to witness sunrise view when snow capped mountains manifests a spectacular colour display with the changing light of rising sun. Sandakphu commands a panoramic view of Kanchenjunga and Mt. Everest range (third highest and the highest mountain of the world). One can see other prominent peaks like Jannu, Kabru, Pandim, Simbhu, Sinolchu etc. in Kanchenjunga range and Makalu, Lotse, Neptse etc. in Mt. Everest range. A charming Three Sisters peak also stands between these two giant ranges.
After exploring the place for a while, depart Sandakphu for Phalut. This is the most beautiful stretch of this trek. While one walks through undulating trails on the Singalila ridge through Silver Fir and Rhododendron forest view of snow capped mountains are omnipresent.
End the day at Sabargram. Trekking time today will be 4/ 5 Hrs.
Overnight in tents.
Day 08 – Sabargram to Gorkhey
Morning continue trek towards Phalut (3600 Mts.) which once was the meeting place of three country’s (Nepal, India and Sikkim) borders. Take a last look at Mt. Everest range from Phalut and descend through Chestnut, Pine forest to Gorkhey a very scenic valley on the bank of Gorkhey Khola (large stream).
Afternoon walk around Ghorkey and explore the lost valley of Samanden. This beautiful valley with pine forest in the backdrop is inhabited by Sherpa clans who basically make their living by farming thus one can see potato fields all round. Legend has it that ‘Yeti’ the elusive Himalayan Ape fought with a Lepcha here for the supremacy of hunting ground – however due to equal strength the fight ended with a treaty and a stone was erected in the middle of the woods to mark their friendship, which is revered by locals.
Trekking time today is 05/ 06 Hrs.
Overnight in tents or trekker huts.
Day 09 – Gorkhey to Srikhola
Morning continue trek descending gentle down hill to Srikhola a picturesque village situated on bank of a large mountain stream.
Overnight in tents or trekker hunts.
Day 10 – Srikhola to Roadhead and Darjeeling
A short trek in the morning will take you to road head, board awaiting vehicle and drive Darjeeling. Arrive Darjeeling and check in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 11 – Darjeeling
Day at leisure or free for optional activities. One can opt for a half day tour of Tea Garden where one gets to observe how this King of all the beverages is cultivated and processed in the factory.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 12 – Darjeeling to Bagdogra
Morning depart Darjeeling for Bagdogra to connect flight for onward destination.
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