Sandakphu Singalila Ridge Trek - 6 Days

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  • Duration6 Days
  • DestinationIndia
  • Difficulty LevelModerate
  • Max Altitude12,139Ft - 3,636Mt

About Trip

Welcome to the ultimate trek in Darjeeling – the Sandakphu 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 grandHimalayas 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?

What to Expect on the Darjeeling Sandakphu Singalila Ridge Trek?

The Sandakphu 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 the 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, 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 Himalayas. 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.

Sandakphu Singalila Trekking Route 

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 and 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.

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

Highlights

  • Mesmerizing view from Sandakphu of Mount Everest (8848 meters), Kanchenjunga (8586 meters), Lhotse (8516m), and Makalu (8481m).
  • Trekking through the National Park.
  • Seeing some of the countless species that inhabit Singalila National Park.
  • 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 and Trekkers Hut.
  • Max elevation: 3,636m, Sandakphu.

Itinerary

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Dear Guest This is our regular Itinerary and most people have done this itinerary.  So If you have any special requests 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 it in your email, and we will work out your request. 

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

We meet at your hotel by 6 am Start your journey with a refreshing drive from Darjeeling to Rimbeek is about a 4-hour drive. 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 black forests.

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 a small Family homestay.

  • Homestay
  • 6:30
  • Lunch, 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 /Trekkers Hut
  • 8am
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 3,636 Mt
  • 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 : 3 km | Trek Duration: 1 hour 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 more 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 the hotel onward your journey.

Thank you for taking the Sandakphu Singalila Ridge Trek 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 !

  • Breakfast, Lunch,
  • 2,130m
  • Trekking and Drive
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Sandakphu Singalila Ridge Trek - 6 Days map

What's Included

  • Meals breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek with hot tea/coffee for breakfast as per the itinerary
  • Trek Permits for foreigners ( If you are a Non - Indian, then you must pay an extra amount of INR 1,500 per person for permit charges at the base camp before starting the trek.) 
  • Accommodations in lodges/tea houses during the trek on twin sharing basis
  • An experienced, helpful, and friendly local guide
  • 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 Manayvanjang 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
  • All the alcoholic and non-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 to property, illness
  • Trek Permits for foreigners ( If you are a Non - Indian, then you must pay an extra amount of INR 1,500 per person for permit charges at the base camp before starting the trek.) 
  • Extra accommodation and meals outside of the 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
  • Accommodations in Darjeeling before trek and after the trek

Useful Information

How high and located trek route of the Sandakphu Singalila ridge trek?

The Sandakphu 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 begins from the Rimbeek trail through the national park then continues to Singalila Ridge with a night at the beautiful village Gurudhum, Sandakphu, Phalut, Gorkhey and Timburey villages end your trek Sirikhola and you drive to Darjeeling. 

How difficult is the Trek Route to Sandakphu Singalila Ridge?

The 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 Trek Route to Sandakphu It is suitable for people of all ages and experience levels.

Darjeeling Sandakphu Singalila Ridge Trek Permit?

Yes, you need a permit for the Sandakphu 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 Rimbeek. The cost national park fee (is 500 INR per day per person and the camera is 100 INR for foreigners ) and for Indian guests Rs,( Rs, 150 /- per day per person and the camera is 100 

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 doesn't 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 in early March in the lower elevation, and gradually towards the end of spring on higher altitudes. Rhododendron and Giant Magnolia are the two most famous along with several other wildflower species. A cloudy or misty atmosphere is common during the Spring season. Although clear mountain views are not uncommon, especially during the morning.

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

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

Do cell phones work on the way to Trek?

Darjeeling is the last place where you’ll get a 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 homestay on this trek with an extra charge of about INR 40

Recommended equipment for Trek?

Visiting the high Himalayan region abasedly 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 usage things are recommended 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 the 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 the available place every day we recommend 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 place as well.

How early should I book my Trek?

We recommend you book your trip a few months in advance. Even if you arrive and want to organize your trip we accommodate However, for Trekking like the Darjeeling Singalila Ridge region we need to reserve the accommodation so we highly recommend earliest is best for us.

Trek with a Local Company?

Booking the Himalayan trek directly with a local company is 100% safe and reliable cost. You can book online, and your payment will be secure. There are more than 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 Choose Ashmita for the Sandakphu Singalila Ridge Trek?

Ashmita Treks and Tours believes in giving you the best tour experience possible. We love Darjeeling and are passionate about showing visitors the authentic side of Darjeeling. our passion shows through. Since 2007, our knowledgeable staff and guides have strived to fulfill and exceed all of our client’s expectations. We have been recommended by Lonely Planet travel guide books Trekking Agency highly ranked based on Adventure Outdoor Activities organizer for Nepal, Sikkim, and Darjeeling Himalaya region as well as hundreds of past clients. and you can even read our reviews on the TripAdvisor page and Google reviews they are real reviews of what they have experienced with us, so, you can plan your adventure holidays with Ashmita Trek and Tours Teams without any doubt so.

Note

IMPORTANT POINTS 

- It is mandatory for trekkers to carry 6-7 Each person a copy of their Passport and India Visa for International Guest along with their original passport and India visa and domestic guest need Valid ID like an Aadhar card / Election card / or Indian passport for entry at forest check posts on the trek. 

- On the trek, your stay will be staying in a Tea house/lodge 

- We do not have a clock room facility at Darjeeling, do not carry any excess luggage on the trek 

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 (the 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.

FAQs

During the Trek : we provide Lodge/Tea house during the Sandakphu 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).

There are limit electricity available in some of the villages like Tumling - Tonglu – Sandakphu – Phalut - Gorkhey 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.

On the Sandakphu Singalila ridge trek with Ashmita Trek & Tours, three meals a day are included while trekking. This means that breakfast, lunch, and dinner are covered in the package cost while you can buy additional snacks and drinks on your own. 

Typically, breakfasts on the trek will consist of porridge, thukpa, roti tarkari, or eggs with bread. We will have lunches on the way, while dinners will be served at the lodges we'll spend the night. Meals will typically include rice, lentils, vegetables, and meat or fish, with a variety of spices and flavors. 

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

  • L

    Lisan, United Kingdom - April 22, 2023

    Thank you for such a great trek. From the very beginning Subash of Ashmita Trek and Tours communicated with us promptly every time and organised a 5 day bespoke trek specially for us. Rupesh our guide looked after us so well, ensuring we got the very most out of our time on the trek. He seemed to know everyone and always knew the best stops for yet another cup of tea. He even organised some amazing views of Everest for us from Sandakphu.

    Thank you Subash for organising such a wonderful trek and thank you Rupesh for being the best ever guide.

  • I

    Ian Watson, New Zealand - March 16, 2023

    We have just completed the Darjeeling Singalila ridge trek organised by Ashmita Trek and Tours. It was a fantastic experience, we had very clear views of the mountain ranges of Kangchenjunga and Everest. The organisation of the Trek was superb, all permits and passes were in order which led to a very smooth experience in that regard. All bookings for accommodation went well, food was simple, plentiful and good quality, local and organic. Our guide, Dawa, went over and above what we expected, he was so accommodating. Guided us to all of the best view spots ensured we were safe and well talked to us about culturally significant issues and the geography. Really brilliant experience. We have booked with Asmita for Sikkim Trek Goeche la trek with Ashmita.

  • L

    Lucille Harper, Canada - March 05, 2023

    We did the Sandakphu Offbeat Trek. It was a memorable and gratifying experience. The trip was well organized. Our guide Tenzing was very attentive to our needs and abilities. He was thoughtful, and knowledgeable about the plant and wildlife as well as about the local culture. We appreciated his encouragement, kindness and sense of humour. The Ashmita office was helpful in mapping out the trek, answering all our questions with detail and patience. We would highly recommend Ashmita and Tenzing.

  • D

    Dominique_eurospeak, Spain - March 04, 2023

    I am Dominique from Spain. I travelled recently to Darjeeling and Sikkim with a French friend. We contacted Ashmita Trek to organize our 4 days trek in Singalila and 8 days trek in Sikkim. We had a great time. Nature was so beautiful even cloudy. Everything went perfectly. We had a wonderful guide, Sangay, so helpful and friendly. Always looking after us, and telling us interesting stories about Tibetan culture. The food in the homestays was good….tea whenever we wanted. we can strongly recommend the Ashmita trek. Subash is really nice and welcomed us so well. We keep great memories! Thank you!

  • J

    Jonathan wtait, United Kingdom - March 02, 2023

    My partner and I were guided on the Singalila Ridge Trek by Ashmita Trek and Tours in February 2023. I can honestly say that it was one of the best experiences we have ever had. We booked at the Ashmita Trek office in Darjeeling and were assisted by the extremely helpful Norbu who explained all of the trek details. Once we booked the Trek, Subash, the General Manager of Ashmita contacted us to check if we had any further queries before we set off, which was greatly appreciated. Our guide, Sangay, collected us from our hotel and immediately put us at ease, explaining the plan in detail. Sangay then took us on a four-day journey that we will never forget. He was a truly incredible guide, combining a warm and encouraging approach with some much-needed encouragement during some of the tougher stages of the trek. Sangay has an exceptional knowledge of the route (as well as many other local routes) and is also a very highly qualified trekking and climbing instructor. He entertained us with some amazing stories of his adventures and his excellent sense of humour added a really personal touch to the trip. Our every need was taken care of by Sangay and at no stage did we feel unsafe. Sangay was quite literally the best guide we have had on any trip, anywhere in the world. He is also an all-round lovely man. During the trip, we saw some unforgettable scenery including getting a clear view of the Kanchenjunga mountain range at sunrise. When we returned to Darjeeling, Subash went out of his way to meet us in person to thank us for choosing Ashmita. We are extremely grateful to Sangay, Subash, Norbu, and to the rest of the Ashmita Trek and Tours Team for a truly outstanding experience.

Trip Advisor