Darjeeling Singalila Ridge Trek

Spring

March: The month of March is ideal for trekking and admiring the spectacular mountain peaks. Darjeeling Singalila Ridge trekking trail will be crowded with hikers beginning in March. In the Darjeeling Singalila Ridge region, the spring season begins in March, the month of the Rhododendron. Trekking in March will provide you with the most memorable experiences in a pleasant and mild climate. At lower altitudes, the weather is not particularly hot, and at higher altitudes, it is not particularly cold. The views of the mountains are spectacular, and the trail is excellent. Nature can be experienced at its most beautiful.

April: April is the beginning of spring in India, and the weather is ideal for trekking to Darjeeling Singalila Ridge Region. The views are bright and clear at this time of year, and everyone enjoys spring. The surroundings are vibrant and colorful, with rhododendrons in bloom. It is the best time of year to see various bird and butterfly species. During your April trip to Darjeeling Singalila Ridge, the weather is completely in your favor. The moderate heat of the sun, combined with the lack of wind, makes it ideal for trekking. Furthermore, the amount of rain and snow is insignificant.

May: May, the final month of the spring season in Nepal, is much hotter. Darjeeling Singalila Ridge Region trek in May has the highest temperature of the year. Temperature and weather will vary depending on the altitude throughout the trek. During the day, the weather in the lower sections will be extremely hot. The nights, on the other hand, are tolerable.

Summer 

June: June is the coldest time of the summer and has the least amount of rainfall.  The month of June is the offseason and therefore less popular for trekking. In the region, June marks the start of the wet monsoon season. The weather is slightly humid, and you can enjoy nature while it is wet and cool. If you enjoy the rain, rainbows, and less crowded trails, this is the month for you. During this month, the air begins to become humid due to continuous rain.

July: Trekking in India in July isn’t always joyful because the heavy rains can block your view of the beautiful mountains you’ll pass through. In July, you will notice that the temperature is not as chilly in the Darjeeling Singalila Ridge Region. As the rain washes away the dust and pollution, the environment opens up and becomes very fresh, and you will be able to enjoy nature despite the chilly weather.

August: In the Darjeeling Singalila Ridge region, August is the off-season for trekking. In August, the monsoon season produces strong rains, especially in lower places. Due to weather-related concerns, most hikers avoid this month. The summer monsoon season comes to an end in August. It rains regularly, and you may feel a little chilly as a result. You should also be cautious because the trails are slippery and the possibility of landslides and avalanches is considerable.

Autumn

September: The monsoon season finishes in September, marking the start of the fall season. The optimum time to trek to Darjeeling Singalila Ridge is in September. The weather and temperature for the Darjeeling Singalila Ridge Trek are ideal. The temperature is pleasant during the day, but it is extremely chilly at night.

October: October is the month that falls between September and November. As a result, it keeps both monsoon rain and winter’s biting cold at distance. The weather is warm and pleasant in October, with clear skies and fresh air. The nights, on the other hand, are a little chilly, with a brisk breeze coming from the campsite. Throughout October, the weather is pleasant, allowing people to enjoy an unobstructed view of the snow-capped peaks. They can also visit bright valleys and interesting scenery of various colors.

November: The last declared peak season for trekking in India is November. Bright, sunny days and beautiful skies characterize November. On the treks, these provide breathtaking, crystal-clear vistas of the mountains. The days are bright and sunny in November. The sky is clear, with perhaps a few stray clouds possible.

Winter

December: In the Darjeeling Singalila Ridge region, December is a rather dry month. It receives fewer than 25 millimeters of rain every year. Darjeeling Singalila Ridge Trek is in the shadow of the Himalayas. As a result, December has a lower chance of rain. It is also possible to walk the Darjeeling Singalila Ridge Trek in December. In December, hikers will get a unique perspective of the region.

January:  In India, January is in the midst of winter. The higher elevation receives moderate snowfall, whereas the lower elevation is ideal for trekking. During the day, you will feel warm, but as night falls, you will feel cold. In January, these areas receive little to no rainfall. As a result, the skies remain clear and the surroundings appear even sharper. The trails will be covered in snow, so you may need crampons to cross the pass.

February: The Darjeeling Singalila Ridge Region trek in February is an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to a place where all you can see are mountains and scenery. It’s peaceful because February is the coldest month of the year. Most people dislike trekking in the winter because they believe it is extremely difficult.

• Almost every trip begins with a flight from Delhi to Bagdogra. As it is the easiest way for your trek to the Darjeeling Singalila Ridge Trek.
• Delhi is 1121 kilometers from Bagdogra Airport. The domestic airport of Bagdogra is located in Siliguri, West Bengal.
• The airport is located at a height of 136m above sea level. It is operated by Indian Air Force.
• The flying time is around 2 hours 20 minutes. It is the 17^th busiest airport in India.

Beyond 2,500m (8,000ft), Altitude sickness is a sneaky monster that may attack even the fittest trekkers. These demands do everything in your power to prepare for altitude trekking and take things carefully throughout your Darjeeling Singalila Ridge Trek journey. With increasing altitude, the amount of available oxygen decreases, which is the primary cause of high-altitude sickness. 

So, you may suffer from different altitude sicknesses at an altitude of 4,600m. i.e., Acute Mountain sickness (AMS), High pulmonary edema (HAPE), High-altitude cerebral edema.

Your body requires time to adjust to thin air, so start at a lower altitude and work your way up. Some of the symptoms of Altitude sickness are:

• Increased breathing.
• Increased urination.
• Restless sleep.
• Periodic breathing at night because of altitude.
• Dehydration.
• Shortness of breath.
• Extreme fatigue.
• Respiratory failure.
• Cerebral edema.
• Coma.

Certain care should be made to ensure that the situation does not worsen. However, if the symptoms worsen, you may need to return to a lower height and seek medical help. There are, however, several other precautions you may take while trekking to Darjeeling Singalila Ridge Trek to lessen your risk of altitude sickness.

• Trekkers can modify their bodies by slowly and gradually climbing, as our bodies require time to adjust to the oxygen level. For high altitude trekking, at least one day of acclimatization rest is essential, and you should ascend as high as possible before returning to a lower altitude for the night.

• You should do various strength training exercises such as running, cycling, jogging, push-ups, and go to the gym to acquire strength and stamina for your adventure.

• As the air gets increasingly thin, an increase in elevation reduces oxygen levels, and in the Darjeeling Singalila Ridge Trek, an increase in altitude also means less vegetation. The consumption of alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, and tobacco decreases the body’s water content.

• The greatest remedy is to always stay hydrated. On your walk, instead of drinking cooled water, drink warm water.

• Diamox is the most effective altitude sickness medication; thus, you should bring a subscription with you on the trek. However, you should consult with your physician to see whether it is advantageous.

Drinking-Water in Darjeeling.

Trekkers must hydrate their bodies at a higher altitude than in lower elevations to avoid dehydration and altitude sickness. Lack of fluid can be the main hindrance during the trek. You should hydrate your body with at least 3-4 liters of water daily (Tea, soup, or normal drinking water).

There are many villages on the way to Singalila Ridge so you will not have a problem with getting drinking water. Springwater is also available along the route, but is quite not safe, as you are not used to the local water, and drinking it may result in Diarrhoea. So, we recommend you drink either boiled water or bottled water. Coldwater is free of charge, but for boiled water and bottled water, you have to pay a certain amount. However, if you are refilling your bottle with normal water, treat it with purifying tablets or a water filter (Steripen) before drinking. Plastic water Bottles and Polystyrene are banned throughout the state.

Every day, carry enough water for the day before beginning the trek. We recommend you bring a Reusable water bottle of 2-3ltr or a water pouch favorable for both hot and cold water.

Here are some ways that you can use to make the water drinkable.

1. Boiled water

Boiling water is the best way to purify the water. As we are climbing to a higher altitude you need to boil the water for about 3-minute and season it with a pinch of salt before drinking. You can get free tap water in the teahouse/guesthouses but for boiled water, it cost a certain amount.

2. Purification tablets or electrolyte powder.

Purification tablets like chlorine or iodine tablets are commonly used tablets by trekkers to disinfect the water. 1 tablet is enough for a liter of water. It takes around 30 min for the tablets to dissolve and become drinkable. Water purified by tablets may leave a taste in your mouth.

Electrolyte powder is another option. Electrolyte powder is a better way to purify water than tablets because electrolyte powder contains minerals such as salt, Potassium, Magnesium, which are important for your body during the trek.

3. UV Light water purifier/ SteriPEN.

It is a simple, effective, economic, and environment-friendly way to purify water. It kills the bacteria and virus within 10 sec by exposing them to ultraviolet light using Steripen, without changing the flavor of the water. This is a highly recommended means of purifying water (a one-time investment).

Electricity and Internet facility.

Electricity facility.

In this trek to Darjeeling Singalila Ridge Trek, you won’t be in darkness. The area is either powered by hydroelectricity or solar power lights/batteries.

Most of the villages/areas on the trek are powered by local hydroelectricity so there will be a charging socket in your rooms and you will have no problem with electricity and recharging your batteries. However, few areas/villages rely on Solar panels or solar power batteries for electricity that is enough to light the bulbs and charge small devices. And there will be no charging socket in your room. There is a commonplace for charging usually in the dining area. You might be able to charge a normal mobile set, camera battery, and power bank. Some allow it for free while some will charge a certain amount. Solar battery power might harm your device, so charge it at your own risk. As a result, it is recommended that you bring a power bank and spare camera batteries. If possible, less usage of a device with Low brightness, Wi-Fi and GPS off, and Airplane mode.

Internet Facility and Network Service

Only in the lower area in this trek, you will have Wi-Fi/internet access. However, check with each teahouse/lodge where you’ll be having lunch or staying overnight, if they have Wi-Fi, if you’re lucky, enjoy the Wi-Fi. Some provide it free of charge while some charge an amount. But as you climb to higher altitudes, the other way to connect by the internet is via. your cellular network’s data package.

There are many telecommunications services in India, such as Vodafone, Airtel, Jio, BSNL, however, Airtel telecommunication service is a highly preferred network over other networks. It has a stable signal range. With the Airtel 4G service, you will be connected during your journey. Buy the Airtel 4G sim card from the stores in any store in Darjeeling. By taking data packages you can use the cellular and internet service throughout the journey.

Document needed to buy a sim card.

For Foreigner = 1 passport size photo, Passport photocopy, or valid identity card.

The bag of a trekker also reveals the trekker’s level of experience. A good trekker should be a smart backpacker. You should be pre-prepared for the things that you need in the trek. Here are some of the things that you need to take with you for the trek.

Travel documents

• Airline tickets with the itinerary.
• Travel insurance policy documents.
• Original valid passport.
• Copies of passport.
• Passport-sized photos.
• Indian cash.
• Travel permits.

Clothing

• A pair of waterproof trekking shoes or hiking boots.
• A pair of flip flop slippers or running shoes.
• 2 Sets of thermals (leggings and tops)
• Pairs of hiking long sleeve shirts or tops.
• Pairs of hiking shorts and pants.
• Fleece jumpers or a set of tracksuits.
• Good quality windproof down jacket.
• Lightweight waterproof rain jacket and pants.
• Neck gaiter, leg warmer, and a packet of pocket hand warmers.
• 5-6 pairs of quick-dry socks, underwear, sports bra.
• Pair of inner and outer gloves.
• Knitted Hat, sun cap, beanie, or bandana.
• Glacier Sunglasses and eyeshade.

Trekking equipment

• Waterproof trekking bag of 40-50liter and Rucksack or duffel bag (if your backpack is not enough for all your item and need a potter).
• Reusable water bottle (both hot and cold) of at least 2liter.
• A sleeping bag and sleeping bag liner.
• Trekking stick/ poles.
• Route Map.
• Crampons (if you are trekking in the Winter season, Dec-Feb).
• LED Headtorch or solar lamp.
• Stuff sacks, Paper bags.
• Plug adapter, Charging appliances, Power bank, Camera batteries.
• Pocket knife.
• Travel Wallet.

Toiletries

• Rolls of Toilet paper, wet wipes, and tissue.
• Medium-sized quick-drying towel.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Sunscreen, lip balm, body lotions.
• Portable mirror.
• Shampoo and soap.

Personal First Aid Kit

• Antibiotics
• Painkillers, Paracetamol, ibuprofen, aspirin, Nicole
• Sanitary pads
• Anti-inflammatory spray.
• Anti-Nausea tablets.
• Anti-diarrhea pills or power.
• Altitude sickness tablets- Diamox
• Water purifying tablets or electrolyte powder.
• Mosquito and Insect Repellent.
• Salt or anti-leech oil (If traveling in the rainy season, July- Aug)
• Earplugs

You can buy or hire trekking clothes and equipment in Darjeeling. If you are buying it, you have to allow an extra day for shopping; however, if you are hiring it, you must inform us in advance so that we can arrange it before you arrive in Darjeeling. This way you can reduce the weight of your luggage and save time and money.

Branded, New as well as fake and used trekking clothes and equipment are available in Darjeeling at a reasonable price.

Accommodation

We will accommodate at a star category hotel in Delhi, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Bagdogra.

During the trek, we will accommodate in Lodges/ Teahouses/ Guesthouses.

Meal

During the trek, we will provide you three-time meals. You can choose from the given menu.

Breakfast– French toast, Bread butter, Boiled egg, Omelets, Porridge, Tea, etc.

Lunch– Dal Bhat set (Rice, Vegetable curry/ Meat curry, Lentils, Pickle, Salad), Fried rice, Chowmein, Noodle soup, Garlic soup, Noodles soup, Mo: Mo (dumplings), etc.

Dinner– Dal Bhat set (Rice, Vegetable curry/ Meat curry, Lentils, Pickle, Salad,), Fried rice, Chowmein, Noodle soup, Garlic soup, Noodles soup, Mo; Mo (dumplings), etc.

There are other varieties of options of food and you can buy it from your pocket.

Transportation

By Air– Flight from Delhi – to Bagdogra and returning.

By Road- From Bagdogra to Darjeeling.

From Darjeeling to Mani Bhanjyang.

From Rimbick to Kalimpong.

From Kalimpong to Bagdogra.

Throughout the trek, all your activities will be handled by our well-qualified and professional staff. They will do all the escorting. As this is one of the tricky treks, we are providing you with a highly experienced and licensed guide with fluent English speaking and has excellent navigation. They will accompany you from Bagdogra and guide you throughout the journey to Darjeeling Singalila Ridge. Each group of 4-5 trekkers will be assigned an assistant guide, as well as a porter for two trekkers (2*15kg =30kg). If your luggage weighs more than 15kg you will be provided a porter individually but you will be charged extra.

All our lead guides, assistant guides, and potters are well professional and experienced. So, we hope for your respect and cooperation with them throughout the trek.

Every day will begin with the ringing of your alarm clock at 6 a.m. and a knock on your door from your guide with the invitation of breakfast. Get up, have breakfast, pack your backpack and get ready to start your day’s walk by 7 a.m. You need to start your trek early to avoid the scorching sun and to reach your overnight destination on time/ before dawn.

You’ll walk along the dense forest of rhododendrons; clicking photos; creating memories; interacting with your guide; hearing each other’s stories. Lunch will be served in the afternoon. Having the flavorful lunch and an hour of rest, we will proceed to the day’s final destination as per the itinerary.

On arrival at the destination, check into your accommodation. Get freshen up and some rest. Most of the place, where we stay has a common dining area with a heater, there you will get to meet other travelers. You can sit there, laugh at each other stories, play cards, sing songs, play music, and have a good time. This will help you forget all the tiredness of the day. Later in the evening, you will have your dinner together. After dinner, your guide will give some short briefings about the next day’s trek regarding when you must get up, when we have to start our trek the next day, where we will stay the next day, how many hours we have to walk and so on.

During this 8-day trek to Darjeeling Singalila Ridge, you will walk for a minimum of 4 hrs to a maximum of 7 hrs in a day. You will have a scenic flight to Bagdogra, before starting and ending your journey. Then you will have a drive from/to Darjeeling to Mani Bhanjyang from where your trek starts. You will start your trek with the short hike to Tiger Hill for the sunrise and drive to Mani Bhanjyang. You will pass through the beautiful village with the backdrop of snow-capped mountains, Yak herds, visit the monasteries (Ghoom Monastery, Peace Pagoda, and Japanese Temple), Lake (Kala Pokhari). On reaching Sandakhu, climb the Singalila Ridge and you can see the panoramic view of Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Kokthang, and Pandim Peak. Every stop along the way will be a wonderful day. Your hard walk will be paid off when you complete the trek with unforgettable memories that will last for a lifetime.

Visa procedure.

To travel to India, you’ll need a tourist visa that is valid for the period of your stay in India. Better, you have a tourist visa valid for at least 1 month, because anything can happen during the trip, and staying in India after your visa expires would result in you paying a penalty.  Apply for a Tourist visa at your nearest Embassy of India.

Here are the documents that you need, to apply for the tourist visa.

• Duly filled Tourist Visa Application Form for India.
• Original Passport with at least 2 blank pages and a minimum validity of at least 6 months.
• Old passport (in case you have)
• Photocopies of your passport’s information page.
• Recent passport-sized photo (not less than 3 months) of yourself with white background.
• Copy of proof of Residence: National Id Card and latest Utility bill (not less than 6 months old)
• Proof of profession: Certificate from the employer. If student, copy of Id Card from the educational institute and for a retired person, copy of retirement papers.
• Valid travel and return flight tickets.
•  A bank statement from the last 3 months and endorsement of foreign currency equivalent to US$ 150 per applicant (endorsement should not be older than 1 month), International credit card with running year endorsement in the passport.
• Proof of accommodation in India.
• Receipt of the tourist visa fee of India.

Entry permits and Requirements

Singalila Ridge lies under the Singalila Ridge National Park, so you have to obtain the National Park permit. The Entry permits that you need for the trekking to Singalila Ridge are;

Note– Singalila Ridge National Park Entry Permit can be obtained, from the Forest Department at Mani Bhanjyang or at the entrance gate of the park.

(If you are traveling from a travel/trekking agency like us- we will arrange all the Permits.)

Documents required to get these permits.

• Complete the permit form with your Passport/ ID details and tour detail.
• Passport size photos.
• Original passport with valid visa/ Indian citizen ID proof/ Students ID card.
• Photocopies of passport personal information page/ ID.

Darjeeling Singalila Ridge lies in the Singalila Ridge National Park, Darjeeling. Darjeeling is a town of West Bengal state, India, bordering Nepal in the Himalayan foothills.

• Darjeeling is the multilingual and multiethnic town of India because of the inhabitation of Nepali (90%)- Gurung, Limbu, Magar, Rai, Sherpa, Tamang; Lepcha, Bengali, Hindi, and Tibetan. So, you must respect the locals and their local culture.
• Singalila Ridge is a National Park. So, before trekking in this area, make sure you have all of the necessary permits.
• Do not extinguish the fire and do not listen to music on speaker inside National Park.
• We expect you to dispose of your plastic garbage properly (Food warper, Polystyrene, Plastic bottle).

Your small act of neglect and disrespect can cause a major problem in the future.

Your responsible travel will help India achieve long-term sustainable tourism.