Phoktey Dara Trek Overview

About the destination:


Situated at an altitude of 3733 meters (12,245 feet), the Phoktey Dara Trek is popular for the hill top view point. The appealing beauty of the scenic Sikkim/High Nepal ranges and an extensive immaculate jungle trail are enough to describe this trek.


This viewpoint lets you witness the sweeping view of the world’s highest 4 peaks out of the five. You can see Mt. Nuptse, Mt, Lhotse, Mt. Makalu and Mt Everest and in the east you enjoy the magnificent views of Mt. Kokthangm Mt. Sinolchu, Mt. Rathong, Mt Narsing, and Mt Khangchendzonga.


There is nothing like observing the 360-degree opening sight of the Kanchenjunga range and all mountains in the famous formation of “sleeping Buddha''. Sunset and sunrise panorama are profound and surreal here.

About the Phoktey Dara Trek:


A drive of 6-7 hours from Siliguri brings you to the Hilley where lies the Phoktey Dara Trek starting point. After arriving at Hilley you pass through the verdant Jorethang Forest, and spend the night at a Hilley hotel. En route, you enjoy the beauty of the undisturbed patches of mixed coniferous and wet temperate forests, Sikkim’s rural villages, and Teesta Rivers charm.


The trail within the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary takes you through Rhododendron trees, giant blooming magnolias and clinging ferns. You will also hear the relentless singing and tweeting of birds like babblers, Thrushes, warblers and sun birds besides spot the sightings of the marbled cat, red panda, and the barking deer.


The next day you begin an uphill trek to Joributi, spend the night at a campsite here and set forth for Kalijhora the next day. Walking along the hill slope you pass Uttarey and take a break at the Thulo Dhap swampland. You welcome the next morning with the Sleeping Buddha’s enigmatic view and leave for Singalila Pass.


After a return from the pass you spend the night and the next morning you trek to Phoktey Dara. Later, you descend downhill towards Uttarey via the Mainibas Falls, and Chewbanjang pass. Your Phoktey Dara Trek ends as you head back to Siliguri enjoying enroute sightseeing at Kaluk, Rinchenpong, and Singshore Bridge. 

Phoktey Dara Trek Itinerary

Day 1
Bagdogra/NJP to Hilley

Organizers of your Phoktey Dara Trek will pick you up from Bagdogra/NJP and take you to Hilley via road. During this time, you will pass through the lush green Jorethang forest and the Kitam Bird Sanctuary where you may spot the Parrotbills and Red Crossbill. On reaching Hilley you spend the night at a hotel. 

Day 2
Reach Barsey from Hilley

The second day of your Phoktey Dara Trek begins after you breakfast and start hiking through the less trodden trail of the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary. This sanctuary is just five minutes away from the hotel and here you get to enjoy the silence of pristine nature beside the forest’s quintessence.


If you are lucky then you may spot the vividly colored and endangered, Kalij Pheasant or Satyr Tragopan. Avoid trampling when trekking, as the vegetation at high altitude is weak. After sometime, the Kanchenjungha’s first view is going to leave you awestruck.


Your second day ends with a wholesome dinner and a camp stay.  

Day 3
Reach Joributi from Barsey

The third day of the Phoktey Dara Trek begins as you continue exploring Sikkim’s alpine forest after breakfast. Traversing from hill to hill you move towards the Singalila range where you walk through the canopied Bamboo, magnolia and rhododendron forests. By evening, you reach the Joributi campsite and spend the night at the camps here. 

Day 4
Reach Kalijhora from Joributi

The fourth day of the Phoktey Dara Trek begins after breakfast as you start walking along the hill slope and pass Uttarey. At Uttarey you will catch the sightings of Red Pandas and witness the magical beauty of the Kanchenjunga if the skies are clear. With continuous hiking you reach the moist and damp forest replete with bushes and the singing of birds.


This place is the Thulo Dhap swampland where you stop for a break. After tracing your way through several jungle trails you reach the campsite here and enjoy the barren Himalayas’ perfect view. The day ends with a freezing stay at the campsite.

Day 5
Reach Singalila Pass from Kalijhora/Kharka Dara

Welcome the fifth day morning with the Sleeping Buddha’s mystifying view. You admire the sunrise from Kharka Dara and after the breakfast leave for the Singalila Pass. You reach Kalijhara. The spectacular viewpoint of Phokey Dara lies at Kalijhora’s top and the Singalila Pass here is going to leave you dazed.


Spend some time here with the enthralling and majestic Sikkim and Nepal Himalayas. The views of Mt. Everest and the peaks of Tenzingkhang, Pandim, Baruntse, Chamlang, Simvo, and others will excite you. Beside Everest's group of peaks, you also get to witness the whole Kabru Range, Frey peak, Fork I/II, Rathong that appear in the form of a semicircle before the gigantic massif of Kanchenjunga.


By lunchtime, you return to the camps and explore around to spend your free evening time. The fifth day ends with an overnight stay at the campsite.

Day 6
Reach Uttarey from Phuktey Dara

The sixth day is all about starting your trek to visit the Phoktey Dara to make the most of the splendid sunrise and the stunning landscape. Take your phone or camera to capture the place’s beauty from every angle. Return to the camp for breakfast and reach Uttarey by descending down the jungle. After reaching Uttarey, call it a day by spending the night at a hotel here.


Day 7
Reach Bagdogra/NJP from Uttarey

The seventh day marks the end of your trek. After you are done with your breakfast, leave Uttarey to begin your return journey from Bagdogra/NJP. While en-route, make the most of the scenic views of hill stations like Rinchenpong, Bermiok, Hee, and Dentam. You can stop for lunch at Jorethang and bid adieu to North Bengal.

Select Package Options

Meals

Accommodation

Transfers

Price Includes
  • Guide
  • Transfers
  • Meals
  • Stay

More Details about Phoktey Dara Trek

Know Before You Go for Phoktey Dara Trek

  • Before you begin your trek build your physical endurance by working out outdoors or in a gymnasium.
  • There are two distinct seasons for the trek, choose from either spring/summer season or the clear fall/winter season.
  • Get in touch with a trek organizer that organizes the entire trek of yours including camping charges, permit fee, and stays at the various campsites, in advance.
  • Procure your trekking permits from the Forest Checkpost at Hilley by submitting your photos and other ID proofs.
  • Carry your trek essentials that include torch, rucksack, socks, trekking shoes, and microspikes. You must also carry knapsacks, warm jackets, windcheater, waterproof and woolen gloves besides knee caps.
  • Carry antibiotics in the form of anti- diarrhoearal medicines, mild analgesics, and antibiotics in your medical kit.
  • Keep yourself hydrated at all times by drinking enough fluid so that there are no cramps.

Things To Carry for Phoktey Dara Trek

  • Hiking shoes
  • Thermal inners
  • Warm clothes