Darjeeling Singalila Ridge Trek view of Mt. Everest & Kanchenjunga

Visit Our New - An Offbeat Trek Route To Singalila Ridge. Explore More..
Watch Video
  • Duration6 Days
  • DestinationIndia
  • Difficulty LevelModerate
  • Max Altitude12,139Ft - 3,636Mt

About Trip

Welcome to the ultimate trek in Darjeeling – the Darjeeling Singalila Ridge Trek! Just two hours from the city, the wonderful path begins. Though not a far drive from the city, the trail seems like it is in the middle of nowhere, as you traverse from ridge to ridge. The scenic Singalila Ridge connects the grand Himalaya of Nepal to India. The highlight of the trek is walking this ridge to Sandakphu (3636 meters/11,929 feet), the highest point in West Bengal, where you get jaw-dropping views of the highest peaks on the planet.

Rise from your peaceful slumber at Sandakphu and make a short climb to a viewpoint. From here, see Mount Everest (8848 meters), Kanchenjunga (8586 meters), Lhotse (8516 meters), and Makalu (8481 meters) in all their glory. It is truly one of the best, if not the best mountain view in India. Where else can you see 4 of the 5 highest peaks in the world in one sweeping view?

Singalila National Park is one of India’s best trekking destinations, without a doubt. The landscape, wildlife, people, and every other bit of the experience make Singalila unique and lovable. The trail begins from Maneybhanjyang on the outskirts of Singalila National Park.  Hike over and around the verdant, forested hills before arriving at the barren meadows of Tumling and Kalapokhri. Then, we make a final ascent to Sandakphu. The mountains give a true sense of perspective and we feel humbled just to be in their presence. Take some moments to just admire them and take some photos, though photos cannot do this view justice.

The splendor does not stop. From Sandakphu to Phalut, the mountains remain with us. In fact, the view from Phalut is nearly as mesmerizing as the day before. The barren open area gives way to an exposed viewpoint of the majestic snow-capped peaks. In Phalut, we stay in a trekker’s hut, face-to-face with the grand Himalayas. From Phalut, we trek through the picturesque scenery of Gorkhey and Timburey before getting a ride back to Darjeeling. 

Every night on the trek (except at Phalut), we stay in teahouses owned by local families.This is one of the most memorable parts of the trek. Learn about the culture and individual families that run the lodges. At the homestay in Gorkhey and Timburey, learn cooking and other traditional local favorites!

Note : Starting from December 2021 Indian authorities are not allowing foreigners to stay in Nepal side while walking on the Singalila ridge

At present foreigners can stay at the village of Maneybhanjung, Tonglu, Gairibas (non functional/almost deserted), Sandakphu, Timburey, Phalut, Gorkhey, Srikhola/Sepi. They can’t stay at Chitrey, Tumling or Kalapokhri as there is nothing in the West Bengal/India side.

Highlights

  • Mesmerizing view from Sandakphu of Mount Everest (8848 meters), Kanchenjunga (8586 meters), Lhotse (8516m), and Makalu (8481m).
  • Trekking through national park.
  • Momo making lesson with a local family in Timburey.
  • Camping out’ under the stars in Phalut.
  • Seeing some of the countless species that inhabit Singalila National Park.
  • Cultural tour in Darjeeling after the trek.
  • 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

Expand all +Collapse all -

Dear Guest This is our regular Itinerary and most people have done this itinerary.  So If you have any special request on this itinerary you can contact us via email. We can Customize this trip with your request. If you want to make it shorter Trek or longer or want to add some other tours with this package please mention on your email, we will work out on your request. 

Trek Distance : 11 km | Trek Duration : 5.6 hours | Altitude Gain: 2,926Mt to 3,070Mt.

The adventure begins! A two-hour jeep ride takes us to the quiant village of Maneybhanjyang, just outside Singalila National Park. Stop by the office and take care of visa/passport formalities, before trekking through the forested trail. The path leads through colourful oak and rhododendron trees. The uphill hike leads us to Tumling after 5-6 hours. Here, we have stunning views the Kanchenjunga range in the distance, and the city of Darjeeling beneath us. Overnight at the Shikhar Lodge, run by a friendly Gurung family. 

  • Home Stay
  • 8am
  • Lunch, Dinner
  • 2,940m
  • Trekking

Trek Distance : 19 km | Trek Duration : 7.8 hours | Altitude Gain : 3.070Mt to 3,636Mt.

Rise out of bed before the sun rises for a magical view of the Singalila and Chola ranges of Kanchenjunga from Tumling Top. Seeing the sunlight illuminate these peaks is an unforgettable sight. Hike down to Tumling for breakfast and then head to Sandakphu after passing Gairibas and Kalapokhri. The route leads through bamboo and mixed forests, and fields of crops, admiring the little villages along the way. The trail is continuously uphill to Kalapokhri, where we eat lunch. After a rest, hike on aneven trail to Bikhebhanjyang (or ‘Valley of Poison’). From here, it’s a steep climb over 4 kilometers to Sandakphu. On this ridge, you will see one of the greatest mountain views in the region. See Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and other majestic peaks. Overnight at Sunrise Lodge, owned by a friendly Sherpa family.

  • Home Stay
  • 8am
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 3,636m
  • Trekking

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

Like the previous day, we recommend waking up for the surreal sunrise over the Himalayas. We climb up a little bit to a perfect viewpoint. Today’s view is even more fabulous than the previous, simply because the panorama is so vast. Head back down for breakfast and resume trekking towards Phalut to continue the circuit. It’s already been an awesome trek and there is more to come! After about 4 hours, we come across a stone house on top of a ridge. Near 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 homestays. Anyways, the place has an amazing view!

  • Trekker Hut
  • 8am
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 3,600m
  • 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, Dinner
  • 2,143
  • 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, Dinner
  • 1,800m
  • Trekking

Trek Distance : 10 km | Trek Duration : 3 hours Drive Distance : 85 km | Drive Duration : 4 hours | Drop off point Ashmita trekkers: Darjeeling.

The last day of the trek does not disappoint. We have breakfast in Timburey and start the hike towards Rimbeek. It is a relatively flat trail for about 10 kilometers. On the way, pass through Srikhola village and stop for a tea or snack if you’d like. When we reach Rimbeek, we have lunch and meet the driver to take us to Darjeeling. In the evening, rest, refresh, and wander around if you would like. Overnight in hotel.


  • 8am
  • Breakfast, Lunch,
  • 2,130m
  • Trekking
Want to read it later?

Download this trip's brochure & start trip planning offline.

Download PDFTrip Map
Darjeeling Singalila Ridge Trek view of Mt. Everest & Kanchenjunga map

What's Included

  • Meals ( breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trek with hot tea/coffee in breakfast as per the itinerary
  • Permit Fee for Singalila National Park included for indian client ( Note for foreign client need to Pay extra INR,500/- additionally per day per person
  • All accommodations in lodges/tea houses during the trek on twin sharing basis
  • An experienced, helpful and friendly guide and porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers and a porter will carry maximum of 20 KG)
  • A good quality sleeping bag arrange 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.)
  • All necessary transport with private / shared 
  • Basic Medical & First Aid kit carried by our Guide
  • Salary, food, and accommodation for Ashmita trek’ crew
  • International Airfare and Airport departure tax.
  • Alcoholic drinks, chocolates, snacks, mineral water,telephone calls, laundry,battery rechrage,shopping etc.
  • Tips for trekking guide staff and driver.
  • Costs from unexpected occurrences (i.e. cancellations, weather problems, damages of property, illness, etc.)
  • Foreign Client National Park fee Rs,500/- need to pay additionally per day per person.
  • Extra accommodation and meals outside of itinerary.
  • 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.

Useful Information

How high and location trek route of Singalila ridge trek?

The Singalila Ridge is located on the north-south mountain Himalaya ridge which runs about 85km altitude of 3,636mt - 11,929ft along the India–Nepal and Sikkim border in Darjeeling the typical itinerary is over 6 days each day you will be walking about 6-7hours. the trek begin from Manevanjang trail thrugh national park then continues to Singalila Ridge with night at the beautiful village Tumling, Sandakphu, Phalut, Gorkhey and Timburey villages end your trek rimbeek and you drive to Darjeeling. 

How difficult is the Darjeeling Singalila Ridge Trek?

The Singalila Ridge Trek in Darjeeling 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 Singalila Ridge Trek. It is suitable for people of all ages and experience levels.

Darjeeling Singalila Ridge Trek Permit 

Yes, you need a permit for the Singalila Ridge Trek. The permit allows you to enter Singaila Ridge National Park. It can be obtained from the Forest Department in Manebhanjan or at the entrance of the park about 1 km from Tumling. The cost national park fee (200 INR per day per person and camara 100 INR ) is taken care of by Ashmita Trek and Tours.

Best seasons to visit Darjeeling - Singalila ridge trek

Best season for Singalila ridge trek the first season Spring (March to May) In the springtime, the colorful flowers are blooming like rhododendrons,orchids and magnolia. during the fall, the skies are usually clearer the temperature ranges from 8 - 14 degrees C°, and the second Season is after the monsoon starting from 15th September to early December the snow peaks show in their dazzling beauty in a clear blue sky when the temperature ranges from from - 5 to 6 degrees C° 

What to Expect on the Darjeeling Singalila Ridge Trek

The Singalila Ridge Trek is the quintessential Northeast India trail. On this 6-day adventure, you emerge from a peaceful forest onto an exposed ridge that presents breathtaking views of 4 of the 5 highest mountains in the world. You can’t get a view like this anywhere else.

The jungles in the lowland house an array of rare flora and fauna that you never knew existed. Singalila National Park is one of few places on the planet where you can get a glimpse of the Red Panda. Though there are only known to be about 32 of these elusive critters in the park, you may also spot the Himalayan black bear, leopard, pangolin, wild boar, chinkara, the barking deer, and dozens of bird species. You can also expect to hike through verdant forests of bamboo, rhododendron and oak trees. Few visitors trek in Singalila National Park, so you’ll find peace and quiet on the trail.

The highlight of the trek is reaching the Singalila Ridge, which straddles the border of Nepal and India. Behold the snowy vastness of the East Himalaya. The eye-popping vista includes the peaks of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu. Quaint villages and deep valleys below the ridge add to the grandeur. Whatever your expectations are, the Singalila Ridge Trek will fulfill them, and then some.

Why Trek to Darjeeling Singalila Ridge with us?

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, so, you can plan your adventure holidays with Ashmita Trek and Tours Teams without any doubt so.

Our Darjeeling Singalila Ridge Trek for 9 days including pickup and droop one day caltural tours and 3 night stay comfortable two start hotel in Darjeeling. If you would like a shorter trek itinerary with just as amazing mountain views, see our Darjeeling Sandakphu Timburey Trek.

Note

Singalila National Park timing – Restrictions in Sandakphu Trek :

The trail to Sandakphu mostly runs inside Singalila National Park. During monsoon, no permit is issued inside the Park (boundary starts just after Tumling phatak) and the annual closure of the national park is from 15th June to 15th September. So Sandakphu trek remains CLOSED from 15th June to 15th September every year.

Though the trekking trail frequently enters Nepal you don’t need a Nepal visa for this trek foreigners. need carry four photocopies of your passport and Indian visa along with the original. A few copies of your recent passport size photos can be handy to keep.

Stay restrictions imposed on foreigners visiting Sandakphu Singalila Ridge Trek 2022

Starting from December 2021 Indian authorities are not allowing foreigners to stay in Nepal side while walking on the Singalila ridge. Non-Indian citizens are only allowed to stay inside India and not in any accommodation which is in Nepal. So for foreign nationals, the accommodations are GTA operated Govt trekkers huts within Singalila National Park and private lodge/ homestay. This is enforced on spot by the Indian paramilitary personnel stationed at various check posts along the trail on the India – Nepal border.

Please Note : that the GTA operated Govt huts by are available at limited spots with basic need and cleen setup. Rooms are of dormitory type and toilets are common some attached place are .

At present foreigners can stay at the village of Maneybhanjung, Tonglu, Gairibas (non functional/almost deserted), Sandakphu, Timburey, Phalut, Gorkhey, Srikhola/Sepi. They can’t stay at Chitrey, Tumling or Kalapokhri as there is nothing in the West Bengal/India side.

FAQs

Dear Guest we provide you standard good 2 star family run home stay or hotel in Darjeeling with breakfast – before and after your trek ( 3 nights ) 

During the Trek : We provide Lodge/Tea house during the Singalila ridge trek and the rooms are mostly basic lodges and trekkers' huts. just a bed with a pillow and blankets, A few have electric lights  we offer private rooms do not expect luxury like TV, geyser etc. for most part of the route there is no electricity although some lodges offer limited use of solar powered lights (usually 6pm to 9pm).

We at Ashmita Trek and Tours will provide private vehicles for the airport transfers pickup and droop and local cultural sightseeing tour in Darjeeling as per your trip itineraries.

There are limit electricity available in some of the villages like Tumling – Sandakphu – Phalut and Timburey where you can re- charges your camera batteries and there is solar power in some villages we trek through and you can recharges your batteries in those places as well if they have enough power and we suggest you to have spare batteries as well and you will have pay some for recharging batteries on our Singalila ridge trek we suggest you to have spare batteries as well.

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 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.

Depends on the season of course and generally it's comfortable tours/treks. Please ask for more details based on the tour of your preference. You could be trekking in a T-shirt or with a wind breaker, but mostly the days are fine and the evenings the temperature will be cool to chilly. For Darjeeling it is just perfect for most of the time. If you are doing treks above 3000miters in winter then it could get -10 degree Celsius at the most. 

Yes, Ashmita Trek & Tours will be provided high altitude sleeping bags that can withstand temperatures as low as -10 ºC. only in winter trek from Oct - Fab requred. and other moth like April - may are not requred becouse at home stay are provided blanket.

Tips do not form any part of the wages of guides, porters and other trekking crews. but they are expected by the porters, guide, Sherpa and cook. norm in Asian culture in the Himalayas means there is an expectation it is a nice way of saying thank-you to someone who will play a large part in your trekking experience and who will prove invaluable to you on this trip. Our porters and guides will be paid more than working for other big tour and trek companies. we suggest to tip bellow as guide line This amount must be given in Indian rupee or your currency.

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.

Customer Reviews

  • 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).

  • J

    Josephine, Australia - March 10, 2020

    Amazing trip. I did this walk in early March 2020, when it was still pretty cold - days 3 and 4 we were walking through snow, which made it all the more beautiful! Thanks to the Coronavirus effect, I was the only one on the walk in the end, but my guide (Binod) and porter (Roshan) were so helpful and friendly. Some of the accommodation was pretty basic (especially in Phalut) but the food was always delicious, and I had enough clothes to keep me warm. Most days we finished our walking at about 2-3pm, so there was lots of down time in the afternoons for relaxing, reading, etc.

  • M

    Mary Rock, Mexico - March 05, 2020

    Subash the owner at Ashmita arranged a trek for me on very short notice (less than a week). From the moment I was picked at my hotel in Siliguri until I was dropped off at the Badogra airport 6 days later I was well cared for by drivers, guides and hotel/guest house folks. I was physically unable to complete the planned trek but my guide, Pemba, came up with an alternative that worked. Subash then arranged a tour of Darjeeling to replace one day of trekking. If you do not see trek or tour that fits your itinerary on trip advisor to Ashmita's web page I recommend that you contact Ashmita directly. They may be able to create a plan that works for you as it did for me.

  • 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!

  • E

    Ende, United Kingdom - February 13, 2020

    We did a 4-day private hiking trek with ashmita trek this january (3 people + guide). The tour was amazing, a little foggy in the beginning but when we were on the top everything was bright and clear with views on the everest and kangchendzonga. Since it was january it was quite cold especially at night but we got a lot of blankets and also a hot water bottle for sleeping so the temperatures were not a problem. We hardly met any people on the way, maybe cause it was winter and our guide dawa lama took care of us really well. The food on the way was delicious, we were always provided with hot tea and also boiled water to fill our provisions.
    I can definately recommend this tour to anybody!

Trip Advisor