Singalila Trek

Overview

This nine-day trek beginning and ending in Darjeeling takes you along the famed “Singalila range” to Sandakphu (12,000) and Phalut (11,800). On the way you will pass through spectacular forests of silver fir, rhododendrons, chestnuts, oaks, magnolias and hemlock. A springtime trek reveals not only stunning views of the mountains but whole hillsides covered with rhododendron and magnolia flowers. A post monsoon trek reveals the mountains in crispier glory when the rains have washed away the haze. The trail from Sandakphu to Phalut is an exhilarating experience and one can see four of the world’s highest mountains: Everest, Makalu, Lhotse and Kanchenjunga in one glance.

Itinerary

• Day 1

  Arrive at Kathmandu (1300m) and transfer to hotel

  On arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by our staff, who will escort you to the hotel, where our Sherpa guide or the office staff will give you a brief orientation about the hotel, Kathmandu itself, trekking, and the do's and don’ts of the area. They will also review any additional information that you might require while in Nepal, including an overview of the next day's sightseeing tour. In the evening, you will enjoy a complimentary welcome dinner at one of the finest traditional Nepalese restaurants in Kathmandu, with the necessary transfer to and from the hotel by taxi, bus. Overnight in Hotel

• Day 2

  Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu valley

  After your breakfast, you will precede to Kathmandu Durbar Square, where you will tour the ancient palace, the temple of the Kumari, the living goddess of Nepal, Hanuman Dhoka and Kasthamandav Temple with a guide knowledgeable about Nepalese history, architecture, and religion. From there, you will proceed by taxi, bus to the Buddhist site, Swoyambhunath Stupa, also known as the "Monkey Temple" because of its lively troops of resident monkeys. You will then visit Pashupatinath Temple, the holiest shrine for Hindus, situated on the banks of the holy Bagmati River, a popular cremation site. Before returning to the hotel, you will visit Boudhnath Stupa, a Buddhist pilgrimage center and home to many colorful Gompas, or monasteries. Once back at the hotel, you will receive a briefing about the trek and have a chance to meet your guides and ask any last minute questions before tomorrow morning's departure. Overnight in Hotel

• Day 3

  Fly to Bhadrapur and drive to Darjeeling

  Today you will be transfer to domestic airport for your domestic flight to Bhadrapur. You will be received by the representative of our Darjeeling agent upon arrival at Bhadrapur airport and then will be driven to Darjeeling after completion of immigration formalities at the border. Overnight stay in Hotel

• Day 4

  Sightseeing in Darjeeling

  Today you will have full day sightseeing in Darjeeling. In the morning, you will be visiting Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute/Zoo and Happy Valley Tea Garden. Then you will visit Toy Train ride to Ghoom (8km/1hr), Railway Museum, Ghoom Monastery and Local Market. Overnight stay in Hotel

• Day 5

  Drive to Manibhanjang and trek to Tumling

  You will drive to Manibhanjang (2134m) and then Trek to Gairibas (2621m). It’s a steep climb up to to Meghma about 7km. Meghma is a small hamlet with few houses and a small monastery and impressive Chorten (stupa). Then again Meghma to Tonglu is another 2 km. Tonglu or the local name Tumling is in 3070m high and is one of the peaks of Singalila range. On a clear day you can get the fine view of the Nepalese valleys and of the plains of North Bengal with the snow fed Teesta on the east, Koshi on the west and a number of smaller rivers between them. Tonglu to Gairibas (2621m) is downhill. The distance is 9 km and it is a 2 hrs walk. (Foreign Nationals are required to show their passports with valid Indian Visa at the Manibhanjang Foreigner's Check Post). Overnight stay at Tented Camp

• Day 6

  Trek to Sandakphu via Kalopokhari

  Gairibas to Kalopokhari (3170m) is continuous 03 hours trek walking through rhododendron forest. You may stop here for a while for a tea break. There is a small pond at Kalopokhari (Black pond). The color of the water is black and the amazing thing is that it never freezes. From Kalpokhari the road descends to Bikaybhangyang - Valley of Poison (Aconites grow here) and from Bikaybhangyang to Sandakphu is a steep climb of 4 km and takes more than an hour to cover this part. Overnight stay at Tented Camp.

• Day 7

  Trek to Phalut

  The stretch from Sandakphu to Phalut is the most spectacular of the trek. The burned silver-fir forest makes most beautiful sight. While trekking this stretch the trekkers will be followed by the Everest group on the left and Kanchenjunga range right ahead. You will come across Sabarkum (about 14 km from Sandakphu) and next Molley (2 km form Sabarkum). A trekkers hut is available at Molley where one can stay. Again keeping the ridge on the left, you will follow the trail north ward. After about an hour the trail begins to climb through a series of zigzag till one reaches Trekkers' Hut. From here Phalut summit is about 20 minutes walking. Overnight stay in Hotel

• Day 8

  Trek to Ramam

  From Phalut the trail descends the ridge through the virgin forest of Chestnut, pines; hemlock etc. till the trail reaches the meeting of two streams called Gorkhey Khola which is a tributary of Ramam River. It is a beautiful place. You can enjoy the bath in the river after the hectic trek begins to climb up to Samandin - a lovely plateau and it is a small forest village. From Samandin the road descends to a small stream and again climbs up for another hour and a half to Ramam Trekkers' Hut. This is about 5 hrs walk or 15 km in distance from Phalut. Overnight stay at Tented Camp.

• Day 9

  Trek to Rimbick

  From Ramam the road is almost level walk for about 9 km and again it descends to Srikhola. The road rises steep, for about 1 km where it levels out again till it reaches Rimbick. Rimbick is accompanied by a small bazaar. In case the trekkers desire to return to Darjeeling the next day by bus/other vehicle, it is advisable to stay at Rimbick bazaar. Overnight stay at Tented Camp.

• Day 10

  Transfer to Bhadrapur and fly back to Kathmandu

  Today you will be transferred to Bhadrapur airport for flight to Kathmandu with halt at the border for immigration formalities. You will be received upon arrival in Kathmandu airport by our office representative and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay at Tented Camp.

• Day 11

  Sightseeing to Bhaktapur

  Today after your breakfast, you will drive to Bhaktapur also known as city of devotees for sightseeing tour. You will have lunch in the restaurant in Bhaktapur and later drive back to Kathmandu. Afternoon time will be free for last moment's shopping. Overnight stay in Hotel.

• Day 12

  Final departure

  Today keep in mind your international flight time, so make sure to keep your confirmed air ticket and your passport handy. Our staff will take you to the airport for your final departure from our amazing country, Nepal