An Offbeat Trek Route To Sandakphu Singalila Ridge - 6 Days

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  • Duration6 Days
  • DestinationIndia
  • Difficulty LevelModerate
  • Max Altitude3,636Mt

About Trip

SANDAKPHU SINGALILA RIDGE - A TREK TO REMEMBER

Against the picturesque background of snow-capped mountain peaks, lies the immortal Sandakphu. Hailed as the highest point in West Bengal, Sandakphu in the Singalila Ridge is a paradise for trekkers. For more than a decade, Sandakphu trek has been in the bucket list of backpackers all over the world. A journey to any place around the world is steeped in adventure but trekking offers a phenomenal perspective of life. The mesmerizing trek will offer you a peek into four of the five highest peaks in the world namely Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu.

AN OFFBEAT TREK ROUTE TO SANDAKPHU - SINGALILA RIDGE

Sandakphu Singalila Ridge Trek is the ultimate travel destination offering enticing views of the cosmos. Hailed as the highest point in West Bengal, Sandakphu is a backpacker’s delight. For over a decade, Sandakphu’s divine wonders have been beckoning globetrotters. Here, you can witness the spectacular view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu- 4 of the 5 highest peaks in the world. If you are a lover of tranquility, natural wonders, and all things rejuvenating, then get prepared to come closer to paradise at Sandakphu.

Sandakphu Singalila Ridge is a trekking magnet. However, very recently, tourists have started visiting this magnificent destination via - the only car that can access the steep terrains. It is not an unknown fact that the very essence of this place lies in trekking. Travelling through the rugged labyrinths while seeping in sweet sweats of labor and imbibing the wonders of nature is an experience unsurpassed. It can thus be concluded that a car ride will never let you explore the idyllic destination as seamlessly as a trek. Hence, to uphold this unique aspect of trekking and to avoid congested traffic we have discovered an unknown trajectory, especially for our clients.

You will begin the journey by taking a 4 hrs drive from Darjeeling to Rimbeek. The path is steeped in sheer natural beauty. On reaching the beautiful quaint hamlet of Rimbeek, you will trace your way to Gurdum by the black forest. Get ready to be exposed to the fresh wilderness and vibrancy. From Gurdum, you shall ascend the enchanting Sandakphu. Treat your senses to the jubilant creations of the Universe, soak up the mountain Sun, feel the air brush against your face and discern the best of adrenaline rush. Here, you shall get a first-hand glimpse of the picturesque view of the mountains. Expect to relish every moment that you spend here. From there, you shall trail to Phalut with the mountains being a constant companion. The snow-capped mountain peaks with their untainted splendor are a sight for sore eyes. The next day, you shall skim through the glorious beauty of Phalut to Gorkhey. The next day you will trail from Gorkey to Timburey. And on the last day, you will trek through the magnificent beauty of Timburey till you reach Srikhola and drive back to Darjeeling.

Highlights

  • Enticing view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu from Sandakphu
  • Trekking through the effete landscapes of Singalila National Park and getting a chance to witness
  • rare species of animals and birds
  • Stargazing at Phalut by ‘camping out
  • Mingling with local people and coming closer to the culture
  • Trekking through the most charming natural sceneries and alpine ridge.
  • A range of sceneries : agricultural fields to forests to alpine ridges
  • Overall Darjeeling area has more than 400 species of birds
  • Local mountain village and meet with local people
  • Trek duration  : 6 days
  • Trek difficulty : We rate Sandakphu as a trek of Moderate difficulty
  • Accommodation type : Guest houses & Lodges
  • Max elevation: 3,636m, Sandakphu
  • Best season : March - May and October - December

Itinerary

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Find the Detail itinerary for the Sandakphu Singalila Ridge Trek 6 Days. We also have shorter version of Sandakphu Trek for 4 days for those having limited days. 

This is the standard itinerary that we offer you. However, it is customizable as per your time frame and availability. So, Contact us for the customized and tailor-made itinerary when the offered one is not suitable for you.

Trek Distance : 10 km | Trek Duration : 5.6 hours | Altitude Gain : 2,286 Mt. to 2,438 Mt.

We meet at your hotel by 8am Start your journey with a refreshing drive from Darjeeling to Rimbeek. Rimbeek is a small hamlet packed with natural serenity and aura. You are bound to imbibe energy by breathing in the fresh mountain air.Once in Rimbeek, your trail will commence. You will trek to Gurdum following the path across the blackforests.

Gurdum is a small village and undoubtedly a pocket of happiness. On your way, you will be gifted with some of the best views of mountains, variegated rhododendrons, and lush green forest Overnight Stay at small Family home stay.

  • Home Stay
  • 7am
  • Lunch and dinner
  • 2,438 Mt.
  • Trekking

Trek Distance : 13 km | Trek Duration : 7 hours | Altitude Gain : 2,438 Mt. to 3,636Mt 

Today, you will take a steep climb to Sandakphu. No words will ever suffice the beauty of Sandakphu. From this ridge, you will witness 4 out of the 5 highest mountain peaks in the world namely Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu.

About Sandakphu

Sandakphu is a mountain peak in the Singalila Ridge on the border between India and Nepal. It is the highest point of the ridge and the state of West Bengal, India. The peak is located at the edge of the Singalila National Park and has a small village on the summit the most astounding feature of this majestic peak is that it offers you a sweeping view of four of the five highest peaks in the world namely Mount Everest (29,029 feet), Kanchenjunga (28,169 feet), Lhotse (27,940 feet), and Makalu (27,838 feet). If you are a lover of run-of-the-mill activities, then Sandakphu will impart you a life- changing picturesque trek and tour.

  • Lodge or Trekkers Hut
  • 8am
  • Brekfast,Lunch and Dinner
  • 3,636 Mt
  • Trekking

Trek Distance : 21 km | Trek Duration : 7.8 hours | Altitude Descend : 3,636Mt to 3,600 Mt

Day 3 will take you to Phalut. Phalut is the second highest peak of Singalila ridge after Sandakphu. It lies at an elevation of 11,900 ft and is a haven for adventure junkies. The trail helps explore the diverse flora and fauna of the region. Phalut rests amidst the charm of natural scenery and the snow-capped mountain peaks are a faithful friend of the place. With its surreal and extraordinary beauty, Phalut offers tranquility and peace to those who seek solitude and calm.here is Phalut trekker’s hut, where we stay for the night. Because of the remoteness of this area, there are no guest houses or homestay. Anyways, the place has an amazing view!

  • Trekker Hut
  • 8am
  • breakfast,Lunch and dinner
  • 3,600 Mt
  • Trekking

Trek Distance : 14 km | Trek Duration : 7 hours | Altitude Descend : 3,600 Mt to 2,346 Mt

Stepping out of the hut as the sun rises, you are reminded of what a gorgeous place we are in. The valley below us is filled with clouds, while the mountain peaks shine in the distance. Upon leaving last night’s “campsite,” we temporarily say goodbye to the awesome views of Kanchenjunga and the eastern Himalaya. Head down through lush rhododendron and magnolia forests, finding peace with the singing birds. Eventually, we reach Gorkhey and stay at a pleasant, family-owned guest house

  • Home stay
  • 8am
  • Breakfast,lunch and dinner
  • 2,346 Mt
  • Trekking

Trek Distance : 15 km | Trek Duration : 7 hours | Altitude Descend : 2,346 Mt to 1,996 Mt

After breakfast, begin today’s journey. We hike through a village called Samandin and and after about 5 hours, we reach Ramam. Here, the trail reaches a junction of two streams called Gorkhey Khola – a sight so perfect, it could be on a postcard. Keep going to Timburey, where we stay at Saumbu Homestay, run by a local Tamang family. During dinner, learn about the culture and lifestyle of locals while cooking food with them – a valuable experience!

  • Home Stay
  • 8am
  • Breakfast,lunch and dinner
  • 1,996 Mt
  • Trekking

Trek Distance : 3 km | Trek Duration : 1 hours Drive Distance : 85 km | Drive Duration : 4 hours | Drop off point Ashmita trekkers: Darjeeling.

The last day will help you traverse through Srikhola, another exotic destination. Srikhola nestles amidst wild growths of magnolia, chestnuts, oaks, pines, and birches. A river runs through the place making it cooler and vibrant than usual. Seep in the extraordinary scenery and mesmerizing view of the landscapes. You may also witness wild birds and exquisite animals. In short, the experience is bound to transfer you into an entirely different cosmos. Finally, drive back to Darjeeling. In the evening, rest, refresh, and wander around if you would like. Overnight in hotel onward your journey.

Thank you for taking the An Offbeat Trek Route To Sandakphu with Ashmita Trek & Tours! We look forward to seeing you again.

Sandakphu is not just a travel destination, it is an emotion personified. Hence, it is pertinent that you experience every trace of this lingering feeling. Trekking offers clarity as it brings you closer to the crafts of the universe. Now that we have discovered an unknown route, pick up your backpack and bear testimony to one of the best wonders of the world.

Namastey !

  • 8am
  • Breakfast and lunch
  • 2,042 Mt
  • Trekking and drive
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What's Included

  • Meals ( breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trek with hot tea/coffee for breakfast as per the itinerary
  • Trek Permit Fee for Singalila National Park included for Indian clients ( Note for foreign clients need to pay an extra INR,500 additionally per day per person
  • Accommodations in lodges/tea houses during the trek on twin sharing basis
  • Professional, experienced, certified, and English-speaking trekking guide for your entire trekking
  • A good quality sleeping bag arranged by Ashmita Trek and Tours
  • Bring your own sleeping if you have a high altitude specific personal Sleeping Bag. This is always better for hygienic reasons
  • Transportation from Darjeeling to Base Camp Rimbeek and from Srikhola to Darjeeling in public transport by shared jeep
  • Basic Medical & First Aid kit carried by our Guide
  • Salary, food, and accommodation for the  Ashmita trek’ crew
  • International Airfare and Airport departure tax
  • Alcoholic drinks, chocolates, snacks, mineral water, telephone calls, laundry, battery recharge, 
  • Tips for trekking guide staff and driver
  • Costs from unexpected occurrences (i.e. cancellations, weather problems, damages of property, illness, 
  • Trek Permits for foreigners client national park fee Rs,500/- needs to pay additionally per day per person
  • Your travel (necessary), medical, and any other forms of insurance
  • Personal gear and expenses for the trek
  • Video and movie camera Fees in the National Park
  • Accommodations in Darjeeling before trek and after the trek
  • Porter / Horse 
  • Anything apart from inclusions

Useful Information

How difficult is the An Offbeat Trek Route to Sandakphu ?

The An Offbeat Trek Route to Sandakphu Singalila Ridge is considered moderately difficult. The toughest portion is in the first couple of days when you ascend to the ridge. The trail climbs about 1500 meters in elevation in two days, which is a bit of a challenge. Also, for several days, you will be trekking and sleeping around the ridge, which lies above 3,636 meters (11,929 feet). Overall, if you have trekked before or if you are motivated, you should not have any issues with the An Offbeat Trek Route to Sandakphu It is suitable for people of all ages and experience levels.

How can I prevent altitude sickness ?

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) happens while trekking at high altitudes (3000+ meters). If you feel any symptoms of AMS, you should descend to lower elevation as quickly as possible. What is altitude sickness, and how to prevent altitude problems? For the information, visit this section.

Best Season for Sandakphu Singalila Ridge Trek ?

Sandakphu trek can be visited in two different seasons. The first season starts from March to May when the temperature ranges between 10 to 15 degrees. The second season starts from October to early December when the temperature ranges from 5 to -5. It doesnt matter when you visit as both the seasons have their glory and you will surely bear testimony to a sight to remember.

Drinking-Water Sandakphu Singalila Ridge Trek ?

Bottled water is available along the trail until the last village. You can buy boiling water from the lodge or tea shop or you can use Iodine or water-purifying medicines. All the lodges and hotels provide free drinking natural spring water.

Spring for Rhododendron Season in Sandakphu Singalila Ridge Trek ?

From mid of March to Mid of May. Flowering starts from early March in the lower elevation, and gradually towards end of spring on higher altitude. Rhododendron and Giant Magnolia are two most famous along with several other wild flower species. Cloudy or misty atmosphere is common during Spring season. Although clear mountains views are not uncommon, specially during morning.

Autumn & Winter for clear weather in Sandakphu Singalila Ridge Trek ?

From October to January. clouds start moving out from this region and weather becomes clearer. November and December is particularly known for its crystal clear views of the mountains. 

Do cell phones work on the way to Trek ?

Darjeeling is the last place where you’ll get mobile network. Make sure you finish your important telephone calls before reaching Rimbeek the starting point of your trek and Please inform family members about poor connectivity on the trek. and Yes you can charge there are electricity charging points available on home stay on this trek with extra charge about INR 40

Recommended equipment for Trek ?

Visiting the high Himalayan region abasly is cold, so you need to have heat trekking gear. It is a regular hiking trail, so you don’t need to have any technical equipment. Some warm and good quality body wears with daily usages things are recommending for the trek. Check our equipment list for the Gear Checklist on Trekking in the Himalayas page it may help you. 

Meals and drinks expect on Trek ?

The meals are included in our price of the trek and they are taken in lodges; we will have breakfast and dinner at the lodge where we stay overnights and our will guide will choose and stop for lunch on available place every day and we recommends you to bring water purification pills since you will have normal water for free, then you can have the normal water and use the medicine and drink however you have options of buying bottled water or boiled water in every places as well.

How early should I book my Trek ?

We recommend you to book your trip in few month advances. Even you arrive and want to organize your trip we accommodate However, for Trekking like Darjeeling singalila ridge region we need to reserved the accommodation so we highly recommend earliest is best for us.

Trek with Local Company ?

Booking the Himalaya trek directly with a local company is 100% safe and reliable cost. You can book via online, and your payment will be secure. There are more then hundreds of local agencies in Darjeeling who are organizing the Sandakphu-Singalila Ridge trek from Darjeeling.

Not only to save money, but it will also be a great support to the local economy if you book your Darjeeling Sandakphu - Singalila Ridge trek with a local company. It will be easy to communicate about the tour if you go with the local agency. They have well-field experience and updated information.

Why Trek with Ashmita ?

We only run quality treks to Himalaya region with the best staff, service, acclimatisation and itinerary. all our team members for tours and treks, are local, multilingual guides, ensuring the best possible knowledge of the area including historical, cultural and heritage sites. we are recommended by lonely planet travel guide book trekking Agency highly rangket based on Adventure Outdoor Activities organizer for Nepal, Sikkim, and Darjeeling  or you can even read our reviews on TripAdvaisor page they are real reviews what they have experienced with us, A Company registered by Department of Tourism Govt. of West Bengal India so, you can plan your adventure holidays with Ashmita Trek and Tours Teams without any doubt so.

 

Customer Reviews

  • S

    Simon Limmer, United Kingdom - November 10, 2022

    Really well organised by Subash and his team and the whole Trek went like clockwork! Our guide Rupesh was brilliant and it turns out he can cook as well! Thoroughly recommended.

  • M

    Matthew Collins, France - November 04, 2022

    We booked ahead with Ashmita Travels for a 3 day Singalila Ridge trek. The owner ? And his right hand man were both very lovely people and super helpful the day before the trek when we got to Darjeeling. The first days trek and the first night spent in an isolated Homestay in the mountains were quite splendid. Unfortunately, on the 2nd day my wife got sick and was unable to finish the trek. Our guide, Rupe, changed the itinerary so that instead of walking to a second Homestay at altitude we walked back to a small village and Homestay with road access and he arranged for an early morning taxi the following day to get us back to Darjeeling. He also carried my wife's pack (and his own) for 15km. A lovely guy and a very good guide. It was just a shame we didn't get to do the whole trek ... Five stars for the exceptional service, BUT, it took 3 to 4 hours in a shared taxi to get to/from the start point and the trek was not actually a Ridge trek. It was mainly through forests. Very lovely forests admittedly, but not the real Singalila Ridge, (which is along the Nepalese border).

  • E

    Elizabeth Anne, United States - May 08, 2022

    “We had the best time on our trek with Ashmita Trek and Tours! It was a last minute decision for my friend and I to do the 6 day / 5 night trip while already in Darjeeling, so we didn’t have much time for preparation. The Ashmita team are so organized and helped us navigate all the paperwork needed for border check ins, figure out what kind of gear we would need on the trek, and how to get from Darjeeling to the start in Rimbick.

    Subash, the owner, was in constant communication with us in the days leading up to starting, ensuring we had all the info for taxi times, who our guide was, what we’d need to pay for real-time versus later on, and answering any questions we had. Our guide, Rupesh, picked us up at our hotel in Darjeeling and walked us to the taxi we booked to ride to Rimbick.

    We loved having Rupesh as our guide. He’s incredibly knowledgeable about the areas we walked through, pointing out things to see we didn’t notice, and showing us things we could eat while on the path. We had a great time talking with him about things beyond the actual trek too. He’s always very funny and always felt relaxed, never hurrying us or making us feel like we were moving too slow. We asked to try and catch the sunrise at Sandakphu and once again at Phalut, so he got up early to check the weather both days for us and let us know when to come out and catch the sun. At night he made sure we had enough blankets to keep warm and kept us on track for all of our meals and tea breaks along the way.

    The food was delicious — breakfast, lunch and dinners. We packed snacks for daytimes, but had so much at mealtimes that we didn’t end up needing most of them. The trekker huts and home stays were great and we even got to charge our phones (aka our cameras) on most of the days when electricity was on in them! There’s little to no service, which we loved. Every person we stayed with, drank tea with, and chatted to at the stops was so kind and it felt like Rupesh knew all of them!

    The trip back to Darjeeling was just as smooth as the rest of the trek. Rupesh scheduled us a shared taxi and walked us back to Ashmita’s store front to make sure we picked up all our gear and could back a few things we’d borrowed. We had a great time debriefing with Subash and Rupesh about the off-beat route we’d taken.

    Overall, I would absolutely suggest booking with Ashmita and going on the off-beat route. The whole experience was so easy (minus the actual hiking up a mountain part) and the team truly are fantastic!”

  • C

    Chandra Saraogi, India - April 05, 2022

    We were a group of five people with age group ranging from 45 years to 8 years. But I must say, irrespective of our age or our individual physical stamina, we thoroughly enjoyed the trek and were able to successfully complete it. While some credit goes to us overall, but most of all the credit goes to our Guide Mr. Sangay Bhutia and the company Asmita Trek & Tours through whom we had organised our trek to Sandakphu.

    From the beginning Mr. Subash Tamang, the owner or Asmita Trek & Tours was very forthcoming and professional. When we first made an enquiry with him, he was quick with his response and replies. He shared all relevant details of the trek and how it will be managed and organized. Since we were a group of mixed ages, we had lots of questions to ask from him, but he was always available for a response and answered all our queries with enough details and patience.

    Ashmita Trek & Tours provides a very professional outlook towards trekking with an equal measure of a homely feeling with not much frills and fancies. It's exactly what one would expect when one is planning a family trek. Furthermore, it's got a good team of professional and experienced people in their company.

    The guide we were assigned, Mr. Sangay Bhutia comes with great experience in Mountaineering. He is an ex-trainer of HMI, Darjeeling and has himself led multiple expeditions and treks for professionals and expert mountaineers. He was an excellent guide and an even more excellent host throughout the trek. He took care of each and every aspect during our five days of trekking through the trails with him. The lodgings and fooding arrangements were very good throughout all the days and nights and Mr. Sangay ensured that we got the best of hospitality in all the places we stayed at. In fooding too, we were a mixed group with some us being pure vegetarians while a few were non-veg eaters. Mr. Sangay ensured we had enough food and variety for both veg and non-vegetarians in the group. During our meals he used to literally serve us and be around the dining hall till we finished our meals to ensure everything was in order. Just imagine the bliss of getting to eat super hot food in freezing temperatures and that too freshly made and equally tasty too. All our tiredness of the day would vanish away eating the sumptuous meals.

    Not only fooding, Mr. Sangay ensured each and every aspect of the trek was to our liking. He used to keep enquiring on our health and wellbeing. On days we reached the destination earlier, he used to ensure we were kept busy and did not sleep during afternoon/evening time, as that would not be a healthy thing to do and would mess with our getting acclimatized.

    Apart from the guide, the horse-man, Mr. Anjan that was assigned to us was equally good and professional. The horses don't stay in the same place as we do, once we have reached our destination. They have to stay a little far away where the horses stables are available, sometimes, even as far as 10 kms away from the lodges. However, the horse-man was never late on any of the days . He was always on time and maintained strick discipline throughout the trek. Even the horses that we had were of good health and strong ones capable of carrying an adult through the arduous trek if the need arose. The horseman was professional yet friendly. Post the end of each day's trek, he would happily give a joy ride to our son on his horse, and he and my son would chat away with eachother as if they were friends for a long time.

    Overall, we had an amazing trek and a memorable one too. We enjoyed the Sandakphu trek because it provided an equal measure of it being challenging and a bit arduous, at the same time it was well paced and well planned. The views throughout the trek was amazing and breathtaking. And ofcourse, the icing on the cake were the views from Sandakphu. We were lucky to get a clear weather and we received very clear views of the entire range of Kangchenjunga all the way to Makalu, Mt. Everest, Lhotse and even beyond. Even the smaller peaks in between were visible to us including the 'Three Sisters'. One needs to see it with one's own eyes to believe how beautiful the view is from Sandakphu. We also enjoyed the trek because of Ashmita Trek & Tours.

    Special Thanks to Mr. Tamang (owner Ashmita Trek), Mr. Sangay Bhutia (Guide) and Mr. Anjan (Horseman). We look forward to book another trek with Ashmita Trek & Tours soon.
    Thank you!

  • V

    Valentyna T, Canada - March 02, 2020

    Ashmita Trek organized for us just great treking on the Singalil route. we climbed 3600 and admired the four eight-thousanders of the world. We had a very good guide Dava Lama - kind, experienced, caring. Accommodation, food, transport, everything was on time and of high quality. I will contact them again) Highly recommended!

Trip Advisor