An easy but rewarding trek which offers spectacular views of the big mountains including Everest and Kanchenjunga. This trek traverses along the Singalila ridge which forms the international border line between India and Nepal. It offers a good distant view of Mt. Everest (8850 m) accompanied by Lhotse (8501m) and Makalu (8475m) and a close view of Kanchenjunga (8586m). Kanchenjunga along with the surrounding ranges closely resembles a person sleeping and hence the view from Sandakphu is popularly called 'The Sleeping Buddha'. The Singalila ridge is actually an extension of one of the ridges that sweep down from the high snows of Kanchenjunga itself and the trek along this ridge is renowned as being one of the most scenically rewarding in the entire Himalayas. This area is also culturally diverse, with Tibetan, Mongolian, and Indians intermixed with immigrant Nepalese. Buddhism is the most popular religion and during the course of our trip there's immense chance of interaction with the warm locals at Trekker's Huts that dot this trail.
Itinerary
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Arrive Bagdogra airport and drive 3-4 hrs through the tea estates to Darjeeling. Overnight at Hotel.
After an early breakfast, we drive for 2.5 hrs to Dhotrey our start point of the trek. The walk starts from Dhotrey and snakes through beautiful forest trail up to Tonglu (3070m), located in dense forest overlooking the entire Darjeeling hills. Overnight at Trekker's-Hut.
From Tonglu we continue along the rhododendron covered ridges and descend to Jaubari, just inside the Nepal border, to gain our first uninterrupted views of the eastern Himalaya. From Jaubari descend to Gairibas (2620m) before a long, gradual ascent to the small lake and settlement at Kalapokhri. Overnight at Trekker's Hut.
From Kalapokhri it is a 3 hour steep walk up to the ridge and the trekkers’ huts at Sandakphu, the highest point on our trek. Overnight at Trekker's Hut.
We wake up early in the morning to catch a glimpse of one of the most beautiful sights in the Himalaya, all the big mountains in one giant arc covering 3 countries - Bhutan, Nepal & India. After a relaxed breakfast we walk down through dense Himalayan forests till Gurdum. Overnight at Trekker's Hut.
It is a short downhill walk till Sirikhola (a big tributary of the Teesta River), cross the beautiful bridge and walk 2 kms on a rough Jeep track to reach Sepi, where our vehicles would be waiting for us. Drive to Darjeeling. Overnight at hotel.
Drive 3 hrs from Darjeeling to either Bagdogra Airport or railway station at New Jalpaiguri(NJP). Departure. Trip ends!
3
Beginner Trek
