7 Days

Singalila Ridge trek South in N Bengal, visiting Phalut and Sandakphu 3636m (highest point), starting and finishing in Darjeeling. The route follows the border between W. Bengal and Nepal, passing in and out of both countries with magnificent views en route.

1. Drive to Rimbik, overnight in trekking lodge
2. Trek to hamlet of Ramman along a lovely open river valley through small settlements, then through cardamom forest, and finally, climbing steeply to reach our campsite on grassy sward with lovely views.
3. Trek to Molley, quite a steep climb through forest, with lovely trees and our first Rhododendrons. Pleasant campsite just above trekkers hut near crest of Singalila ridge.
4. Day walk to Phalut and back to Molley. Pleasant walking on or near the crest of the ridge. Possibilities of wonderful views of Kanchenjunga and adjacent mountains. At Phalut, Mani wall marking junction of Sikkim, Nepal and Bengal borders.
5. Trek to Sandakphu following crest of ridge. High camp on the ridge. Superb mountain views.
6. Trek to Tonglu. The path twists around, dropping right down to Gairi Bas before climbing once more to reach camp. We pass through wonderful forests with superb Magnolias, Rhododendrons and many other shrubs. It is a good place to recall the travels of the great 19th century botanist Joseph Hooker. It is also a great place for birds.
7. Descend to village of Dottray with its fields full of peas and other crops, and drive to Darjeeling.