Darjeeling Singalila Ridge Trek

On reaching Kathmandu international airport our staff will receive and transfer to the hotel in the hub of Kathmandu around Thamel area, an interesting place with shops, stores, international standard restaurants.

Morning sightseeing tour at places of interest with world heritage sites of Kathmandu best places of Pashupatinath Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa and Kathmandu old palace square, afternoon at leisure preparation for the trip to Darjeeling and Sikkim.

Morning transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport for flight to Bhadrapur with a super panorama of snow-capped mountain range including Mt. Everest and Mt. Kanchenjunga during 45 minutes flight, on reaching Bhadrapur town located South East of Nepal in sub-tropical climatic zone close to India North East border.

From here on leaving Nepal to enter Indian soil with an interesting drive towards Darjeeling, the road climbs on the green hills with a sea of tea plantations driving on the zig-zag and winding road passing many villages and towns and finally reaching the famed hill station in Darjeeling known as “Queen of the Hills.”

Morning a short drive with a tour of major places of Darjeeling visit the famous Zoological Park where you can watch the rare Red Panda, Snow Leopards and other Himalayan wild cats and other mammals, from here a short walk to Mountaineering Institute with much information of Himalaya and of early expeditions to Mt. Everest and Kanchenjunga, where late Tenzing Norgay Sherpa (the 1st summiteers on Mt. Everest in May 29th 1953 with Sir Edmund Hillary) was the chairperson of this institute. After a wonderful time visiting the local busy bazaar where you will see many Darjeeling people of Nepali origin with the same language and culture as in Nepal. From the market with interesting time return back to hotel preparation for the next trip to Sikkim and the trek around Kanchenjunga.

Waking up early morning for an hour drive to Tiger Hill famous for sunrise views over Eastern Himalaya chain of mountains from Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Everest to Makalu range, this hilltop at 3,160 meters high offering panoramic views of mountains with stunning sunrise, this hill is densely forested with rhododendron, magnolia, birch, pines and oak trees. After catching an awesome views drive to Mani Bhanjyang with tour of famous Ghoom monastery that enshrines an image of the Maitreya Buddha (the future Buddha), drive continues close to Nepal North East border with Darjeeling at Mani-Bhanjyang town, from here with a steep climb through several scattered farm villages and forested area to reach our first overnight camp at Tonglu with wonderful view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and adjoining peaks.

After the first day trekking, morning walk leads on a mossy paved path that snakes through a succession of forests and hamlets, giving way, from time to time, to spectacular mountain sceneries and with short descends and gradual winding trail passing village of Ramdhura right at the border of Nepal / India and then route climb for an hour to reach at Kal Pokhari village which lies close to Nepal border also.

Today, walk leads to the highest point of this trek and with half day as well, starting with steady climb to join the ridge trail above Kalpokhari, and then walk continues with a long and steep climb onto the Singalila ridge that leads to Sandakphu hilltop at 3,636 meters the highest spot of this trip with remarkable 360 ° view from the top of world’s highest Mt. Lhotse 8,501 m, Mt. Everest 8,848 m, Mt. Makalu 8,475 m, Mt. Jannu 7,710 m. Along the Ridge, facing North, are very clear views of Kokthang 6,147 m, Rathong 6,679 m, Kabru South 7,317 m, Talung 7,349 m and the massive Mt. Kangchenjunga at 8,586 m. Towards the east, view of beautiful Pandim peak 6,691 m, presiding over the forested ridges of Sikkim.

Morning with another striking sunrise views over Mt. Kanchenjunga, Jannu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyo. After a remarkable and enjoyable time at Sandhu continue walk on the Singalila Ridge, countering the hills with lovely forest area and throughout the day views of mountains and coming towards herd of yaks grazing on pasture with silver pine forests, tiny lakes ringed with grass, and the snow-capped Himalayan range in the background and finally reaching to camp at Phalut a small herders place with incredible views of surrounding landscapes and snow clad peaks.

From this tranquil, isolated campsite morning walk continues with constant views of mountains on the winding ridgeline into beautiful forested area and then a gradual downhill into woods brings at Gorkhey 2,500 meters a small farm village for lunch and from here continue trek to reach the Singalila ridge top with a steep climb to reach Raman village for overnight stop.

From here onwards for few hours the views are hidden, as the morning and the last walk of this trip, follows in a forested gorge area and walking towards warmer area as the altitude decreases following more farmlands and rural villages and crossing Sri Khola over a remarkable suspension bridge to reach at Rimbick with many Sherpa and Tamang people living in this pretty village, here at Rimbick inside nice lodges for overnight.

From Rimbick, morning drive to another charming place of Darjeeling zone to Kalimpong town, the drive leads near Teesta Bridge. From the bridge following the River Teesta for a short while then the road branches off on the winding uphill for an hour to Kalimpong, in Kalimpong overnight in one of the most convenient accommodation at Hotel Himalayan, located on a magnificent spot. Hotel Himalayan still retains the touch of heritage from the British Raj.

Today an end at Indian soil leaving for Kathmandu, from Kalimpong drive is pleasant reaching the subtropical area on the low lands, on arrival at the border of the Indian side, check in at Indian Immigration, then a short drive to Nepal frontier at Kakarvita for another Government immigration formalities. From here an hour drive to Bhadrapur for the flight back to Kathmandu, arriving at Kathmandu domestic terminal transfer back to respective hotels after an enjoyable and remarkable trip to Darjeeling Singalila Ridge Trek.

A free day in Kathmandu with morning guided sightseeing tour (on request) at places of interest. Kathmandu city and the surrounding valley steeped with history, culture. Kathmandu is full of World Heritage Sites with old Temples, Monasteries, Stupas, Royal Courtyard and Palaces, afternoon free at leisure for souvenirs shopping.

Last day in Nepal with the memorable moment and awesome experience and good time with Jugal Holidays services, as per the international flight time our staff will transfer you to the airport for the flight back home or to respective countries.