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Divjot Sinha
This trek was well-organized, Each step we take it gave us a nice-feeling, Secure-accommodation, Good-transport, healthy-foods, skillful-guide, and bre...
Roopmani Kaul
I and my partner took this trek in May. But I think, we should have taken it during Oct-Nov. Even though we completed this trek nicely with experienced...
Altitude: 3636 m
With a Singalila Ridge Trek extravaganza, brace yourself for some of the most breath-taking sights of the Himalayas.
You will be making your way to the lovely Singalila Ridge, the international border line of India and Nepal. Enjoy the trail amidst the bountiful Singalila National Park where you are greeted by an array of conifers, rhododendrons as well as orchids. The experience also gives you a feel of the diverse and rich culture of Tibetan, Mongolian, and Indians and immigrant Nepalese. The religion of Buddhism is highly prominent here.
On the Singalila Ridge Trek, you will get to feast your eyes on Kanchenjunga, Everest and Lhotse. Kanchenjunga and its ringing ranges appear like somebody sleeping up-close and thus the sight is known as 'The Sleeping Buddha'. Singalila Ridge extends from one of the ridges that plunge from the lofty snows of Kanchenjunga. With a fine mix of adventure, culture and sightseeing, the experience makes for a memorable one.
As a part of daily hygiene protocol, proper care of hygiene and sanitation is maintained all through to ensure utmost care and personal safety of the guests.
Arrival at Darjeeling
Arrive at the Bagdogra airport and transfer to Darjeeling.
Along the way, enjoy the drive of 3-4 hours amidst tea estates.
Spend the night at a hotel in Darjeeling.
Langurdang, Steady Ascent, Pine, Oak-acorn and Rhododendron Woodlands
This great day, dig into breakfast early and be driven to Dhotrey which is a tiny hamlet of around 85 homes.
This will serve as the starting point of the trekking activity.
To the left, with the valley below, is Langurdang.
The route to Tonglu is a lovely one as you ascend at a steady pace amidst pine, oak-acorn and rhododendron woodlands.
Several acorn nuts lie along the route.
The board Tonglu Medicinal Plant Conservation Area marks your entrance at Tonglu.
The motorable street that comes from Maneybhanjang joins the trek route close to the arch.
After 10 minutes ahead is the tea house at Tonglu where you will retreat for the night.
Downhill climb, Joebari, Even Ground, Gairibas, Kayakatta, Jeep Track
Today, you will first take the trail to Tumling, which is a downhill one of around 20 minutes passing a Chorten on your left.
From this place, you will embark on the trail to your left and go trekking through Nepal until at Kalapokhari.
Later on, you will trek to Joebari which is mostly on an even ground. It is a lovely tiny hamlet that has lodges fringing the road.
You will halt at Indira Lodge for tea that lies at the turning which takes you to Sandakphu.
The route which goes straight will take you to Ilam in Nepal.
From the lodge, you will opt for the right turn and proceed to Gairibas which is lower.
Expect a downhill climb and on your left, where you will have the valley.
As you climb down, you can see the trail to Kayakatta.
Gairibas to this place is about 2 km. Since it is a steep uphill climb, it would take you about 1.5 hours.
When at Kayakatta, you can relish in some lunch at a local teahouse.
There are two trails now that take you to Kalapokhari (meaning black lake).
Opt for the gradual one that is an often-used jeep track.
You will notice Kalapokhari to your left with prayer flags.
Post five minutes, you will reach the tea house which will be your retreat for the night.
Gradual Ascent, Steep Climb, Bhikey
Expect a gradual ascending trek of around 2.5 km and 50 minutes to Bikhey Bhanjang.
It means 'Poison Valley' for there are poisonous plants which thrive here.
Take a quick halt for tea when here.
From this place, there are two trails that will take you to Sandakphu.
The route on the Nepalese side is a steady uphill climb but lengthy and winding one.
Whereas the one on the Indian side is the slightly steeper and favoured choice.
This trail is around 3.5 km and will take about 3 hours and 20 minutes.
Along the way, you can savour beautiful sights of Bhikey and 3 routes which meet at the area from the top.
You will be able to witness the Indian and Nepalese here.
As land rovers keep coming this way, you can hitchhike to the top if you find the walk too tedious.
After a good day, retreat for the night at the tea house.
Himalaya Views, Forest Stretches, Bamboos, Oak, Acorn, Pine, Rhododendrons, Sirikhol, Prayer Flags
This day, rise and shine early to feast your eyes on what is considered as among the most stunning views of Himalaya, of all the mighty mountains in one massive arc that covers the 3 countries of Bhutan, Nepal and India.
Post breakfast, start trekking on a descending path until Gurdum making way amidst lovely forest stretches comprising bamboos, oak, acorn, pine and rhododendrons.
The climb down is a gradual one and gets a bit steep during the end.
The lengthy trekking activity is a delightful one.
You will also have to make your way through a burnt jungle where you will see black bare trees.
While descending, you will be able to see the way to Sirikhola.
Out far are the hamlets of Sikkim.
On your arrival at Gurdum a Chorten, as well as a white flag, greets you.
The tea house which will serve as your overnight rest is positioned at lower Gurdum settlement.
Bridge Crossing, Siri River,
Today is an easy one, the road head at Sepi is a bit further away to Sirikhola.
Climb down to Siri River from the teahouse and go crossing the bridge.
Trek away above the Timburay hamlet and climb down on a steady pace to the lodges plonked at Sirikhola at the meeting of Siri River where a tiny tributary comes from the left.
Take a halt for tea and later take the descent to the massive suspension bridge over the river.
Proceed trekking by the water body and pass small lodges, shops and home to arrive at Sepi.
From there, you hop on to the vehicle and transfer to Darjeeling.
Retreat for the night at a hotel in here.
Trip ends here
Today, you will be driven for around 3 hours from Darjeeling to Bagdogra Airport or Railway Station at New Jalpaiguri (NJP).
This marks the end of the Singalila ridge trek.
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Rated : 5.0
-
This trek was well-organized, Each step we take it gave us a nice-feeling, Secure-accommodation, Good-transport, healthy-foods, skillful-guide, and breathtaking views.
Rated : 4.0
I and my partner took this trek in May. But I think, we should have taken it during Oct-Nov. Even though we completed this trek nicely with experienced guides and instructors, I think the views get more heavenly during the winters. Overall, a trek worth in all the seasons.
Accommodations features in the Singalila Ridge trekking package include hotel stay while in Darjeeling, and lodging at rest houses and tea lodges at Tonglu, Kalapokhri and Gurdum. Accommodation in lodges and rest houses are offered on a twin sharing basis.
All meals are provided during the trek. This includes 6 breakfasts, 6 dinners and 5 lunches for each person. With tea plantations being a special attraction of the trek, tea breaks at several lodges are an added bonus in the package.
The Singalila Ridge trek is a longish one, taking around 7 days and 6 nights to be completed.
The difficulty level of Singalila trek is comparatively easy and considered as a soft or a light trek. Even many of the tourist use to long leisure walks as the altitude of summit is 11,929ft. But, some adequate preparations is required because of the weather conditions and various other factors, particularly if you have not trekked before.
You just need to remember one of the fundamental guidelines of a trek is that you should be mentally prepared and take it easy, enjoy the nature and hike. It is not only about reaching the top of the peak but also experiencing the whole journey and soaking in every moment. Take slow and easy steps, and enough breaks so that exhaustion doesn't spoil your vacation.
Singalila Ridge trek is both easy to mount and soft or light trekking experience. However, if you have never trekked before, you need to train your mind and body to cope with the weather conditions and other allied factors. Regular walking and small hiking experiences can help you achieve your desired physical fitness to escalate over the Singalila Ridge. Mental fitness is also of paramount importance to make your trekking adventure easier for you. You can enjoy a delightful natural trail.
Yes, the Singalila Ridge Trek is suitable for beginners as the trek's altitude is not more than 3636 meters off the ground level. The difficulty level of this trek is also relatively easy, thereby making it a soft and lighter trekking experience. Just make sure to practice brisk walking and hiking regularly before participating in this trekking adventure.
The best and ideal time for Singalila trek is during the summer season from April to May because of the pleasant weather when the temperature ranges from 8 to 15 degrees. And then during post-monsoons starting from October to early December when the temperature ranges from -5 to 5 degrees when you get the best views and the clearer sky.
These months will take you to the misty and dreamy land with the clouds hanging just above. You can also visit this place during the month of January when you will find the path covered with snow. Is is advisable to avoid visiting during monsoon season as the land becomes more prone to landslides.
If you are planning to visit Singalila ridge trek by train then the nearest station is New Jalpaiguri railway station at a distance of 134.2 km and takes around 4 hours 48 minutes to reach.
On the other hand, if you are traveling by air then the nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport at a distance of 115 km and direct flights are also available from all the major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai etc.
Whereas if you are traveling by road then it is the most convenient way and there are many private & government buses are available from Siliguri to Maneybhanjan via Sukhiapokhri. One can get the buses from Kolkata, Siliguri, and Darjeeling. One can also travel by hiring a private car or a taxi.
Yes, an experienced guiding team, camp staff and cook will be allotted to you throughout the Singalila trek and you will be assisted by a trek leader to make your trekking experience safe and secure. But, you are requested to pay attention to the details given by your trek leaders in order to enjoy a safe and sound trekking experience.
Yes, meals are included in the Singalila trek package and include 6 dinners, 6 breakfasts, and 5 lunch.
The Singalila ridge trek is approximately 52 miles or 84 kilometers and takes around 6-8 days to complete. The maximum elevation of the Singalila trek is 12,000 feet / 3,636 meters.
Yes, the Singalila trek is super safe for both solo and female travelers as the difficulty level of the trek is also light and soft. But, you will be accompanied by a trek leader to make your trekking experience safe. You just need to carefully listen to the instructions provided by the guide. In Addition, various safety precautions will be taken before you start your trek. You should carry your personal prescribed medications for further safety and security.
You can find scattered network connections of Vodafone and BSNL at some stretches of the trekking route. There will be a time when your phone automatically gets connected to Nepalese roaming networks, so you have to be cautious. Indian Networks mostly do not work along the trek.
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