Singalila
Trek and Sikkim tour
Darjeeling
in the northeastern state of West Bengal is definitely
the queen of the eastern Himalayas. A perfect town for
simple walking and talking amidst its casual and almost
‘standstill' atmosphere. It is a place, which
reflects the fusty relic of last British Raj era with
left over chalets, tiffin and tonic, miniature toy train
and the distinct rusty smell of burning coal in the
air. The undulating green hills of tea shrubs still
dominate much of the surroundings with pine trees sprouting
at various ridges and corners . |
 |
Only the sights of Mt.Kanchenjunga (8600 m), the third highest
mountain in the world, remains unchanged since last century
and still endure astonishing prominence in the northern horizon.
Day to Day Itinerary (15 days)
| Day
1: |
Arrive Delhi or Calcutta
and connect flight to Bagdogra Airport, met and transfer
to Darjeeling – the Cool hill country (2123m/94
km/3.5 hrs). On reaching check into a Heritage Hotel |
| Day
2-3: |
Sightseeing in Darjeeling
– the charming township of old “hill Station”
built as a mountain resort in the days of the British
Raj. It has A colorful cross section of people including
Nepali, Tibetans, Lepchas, Bhutias and Dukpas from Bhutan.
Full day sightseeing by private car on both days including
sunrise visit to Tiger Hill for the views of Kanchenjunga(28'208
Ft) plus the excursion tour of tea estate, Himalayan Mountaineering
Institute, Darjeeling Zoo, Ghoom Monastery and the Tibetan
Refugee Center. Overnight at Hotel. |
| Day
4: |
Morning after breakfast
drive to Manabhanjyang (2134m/23 km/1 hrs). Trek starts
with the steep climb for one hour and then gradually ascends
for Another 3 hours to Meghma (2900.) where we make brief
stop for the lunch. Then We continue the journey down
towards Jawbari – small settlement on the Nepali
Border and further low towards Gairibas (2521 m) where
we make camp for the Night. |
| Day
5: |
After breakfast we
hit the trail uphill towards Kalapokhari (3108 m) through
the forests of oaks, Magnolia and the popular rhododendrons.
After lunch The trails maintains a gradual level through
the rich, greenery of forests up To Beekay bhanjyang (Poisonous
pass) – Poisonous Aconite plant grow and is the
home to this infamous plant. From there on the trail ascends
for 2 hours to Sandakpu (3636 m) the highest point in
the district. Camp for the night. |
| Day
6: |
We rise early to view
the magnificent sunrise over the Kanchenjunga massifs,
Mt. Makalu, Lhotse and Mt. Everest. After breakfast ,
we start for Phalut (3600m). It is a fascination gradual
walk along the Singalila ridges covered by alpine grass
and shrubs. The mountains and valleys of Nepal stretch
far into the horizon on the left and that of Darjeeling
and Sikkim of the right side. The trail leads through
the Silver Fir forest and interesting dwarf rhododendron
trees. Camp for the night at Phalut. |
| Day
7: |
We rise early to greet
the mountains, which may appear even closer. After breakfast
descend through the thick forests into the beautiful valley
of Gorkhay (250 m). We halt briefly to visit Samanden
Village and have time to laze by the small mountain stream
side. |
| Day
8: |
After breakfast we
gradually hike to wards Rimbik(2286 m) through small villages
of Ramam and Daragaon. Camp for the night. |
| Day
9: |
After breakfast meet
vehicle and drive to Darjeeling and check into Hotel Windermere.
(AP). Rest of the day at disposal and free for shopping
and at leisure. Overnight at hotel. |
| Day
10: |
Morning after breakfast,
drive to Gangtok (1600 m/98 km/4 hrs) through
beautiful |
| Day
11: |
Morning one-hour drive
on a steep winding roads to the Rumtek
Monastery(24 km/01 hrs) Built by the late Gyalwa Karmapa,
the head of Kagyu (Black Head )sect. After lunch drive
to Pemayangtse (2085 m/117 k.m./5 hrs). On reaching check
into Norbu Gang Resort. |
| Day
12: |
After breakfast hike
to Kecheodpalri Lake (The wishing Lake) is one of the
sacred lakes by the local Sikkimese people. Drive back
to Hotel. After lunch hike to Sangachholing Monastery
(2 km/45 min) located on a hilltop above the hotel. Overnight
at Hotel (AP). |
| Day
13: |
After breakfast drive
south along the meandering Rangeet Khola River to
Kalimpong (1588 m/85 km/2.5 hrs) On reaching check into
Hotel Silver Oaks or similar. After lunch visit the local
flower nurseries/monastery and the handicraft centre.
Over night at Hotel. |
| Day
14: |
Morning hike up to
Dr. Grahams' School – one of the institute set up
for the orphans during end of British Raj era. We have
picnic by the huge school premises and walk back through
the quaint little township of Kalimpong. Overnight at
Hotel. |
| Day
15: |
After breakfast ,
drive down south via Siliguri to Bagdogra Airport (118m/76
km/3 hrs) for flight to Delhi or Calcutta for international
flight. |
Fact Finder
| Duration: |
15
days |
| Trip
Details: |
- Darjeeling tour
- Sikkim Tour
|
| Activities: |
Cultural, Touring,
Walking |
| Grade: |
 |
| Mode
of Travel: |
Private
coach |
| Group
& Staff: |
Min 4, Max
12, Responsible Adventures leader, local guides plus driver
|
| Accommodation: |
5 nights
camping trek, 9 nights Hotels |
| Trip
Dates: |
- 7th October - 21st October 2007
- 21st October - 4th November 2007
- 4th November - 18th November 2007
- 18th November - 2nd December 2007
- 29th March - 12th April 2008
|
Land
Costs:
Local Payment: |
USD $1200
USD $250 |
| Domestic Airfare |
US$350 |
|
|
(Guaranteed
to run for a minimum of 4 clients ) |
Inclusions
Included:
Experienced regional leader and porters on the trek, trek
permit, park fees, staff insurance etc. Transport, accommodation,
and sightseeing as indicated.
Not Included:
Arrival transfer, departure and airport taxes, visas, meals,
all optional additional tours or activities during free time,
transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips
and items of a personal nature. |
