Making a difference
Nominated in the category "Best in Mountain Environment" on "Virgin Holidays, Responsible Tourism Awards 2010, 2011"
Singalila Trekking and Sikkim tour
Trip Facts
- Trekking Destination: Singalila Trekking and Sikkim tour
- Group Size: Min-4, Max 12,
- Highest Access of the Trekking: 3636m
- Grade: Moderate - Challenging
- Transportation: Private Vehicle, Domestic Flight
- Mode of Trekking Tour: Trekking, Hiking, Walking, Culture
- Trekking Hour: Approximately 5-6 hours each day
- Total Days: 15 Days
- Trip Cost: USD 1800
Trip Overview
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.
Trip Information
Day to Day Itinerary
| Day | Activities | |
| Day 01 | - | 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 3 star Hotel |
| Day 02-03 | - | 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 04 | - | 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 05 | - | 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 06 | - | 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 07 | - | 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 08 | - | After breakfast we gradually hike to wards Rimbik(2286 m) through small villages of Ramam and Daragaon. Camp for the night. |
| Day 09 | - | 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: | - |
|
| Activities | - | Cultural, Touring, Walking, Trekking |
| Trip Grade | - | Moderate - Challenging |
| Mode of Travel | - | Private coach, Trekking, |
| Group & Staff | - | Min 4, Max 12, Responsible Adventures leader, local guides, Poters/ Pack animals plus driver |
| Accommodation | - | 5 nights camping trek, 9 nights Hotels |
| Land Cost | - | US$ - 1800 |
Note:- Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 4 clients
Departure Dates
Trip dates for 2011
| Start Date | End Date | Trip Cost/ Pax | Availability | Trip Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06th March | 20th March | UD$ 1800 | Available |  |
| 20th March | 4th April | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 4th April | 17th April | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 17th April | 1st May | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 9th October | 23rd October | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 23rd October | 6th November | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 6th November | 20th November | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 20th November | 4th December | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 4th December | 18th December | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 18th December | 1st January 2012 | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
Trip dates for 2012
| Start Date | End Date | Trip Cost/ Pax | Availability | Trip Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4th March | 18th March | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 18th March | 2nd April | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 2nd April | 15th April | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 15th April | 29th April | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 7th October | 21st October | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 21st October | 4th November | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 4th November | 18th November | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 18th November | 2nd December | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 2nd December | 16th December | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 16th December | 30th December | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
Trip Cost
Cost Includes:-
- 3 star hotel where available
- Experienced regional leader and porters on the trek
- Trek permit
- Park fees
- Staff insurance
- All mentioned transportation
- Accommodation
- Sightseeing as indicated.
Cost Does Not Include:-
- Airport taxes
- Visas
- Meals
- All optional additional tours or activities during free time
- Transportation outside of the tour program
- travel insurance (buy insurance)
- Tips and items of a personal nature.
Client Reviews
Our 5 day trek from Yuksam to Dzongri to view Khangchendzonga (3rd highest peak in the world at 28,169 feet) far exceeded our expectations. Raj (the CEO and our guide) was knowledgeable, friendly, professional, well prepared and able to adapt to our walking pace and needs. His support team was amazing, and his "trekking chef" continually surprised us with unexpected treats at every meal, with goodies like salmon dip or camembert cheese for appetizers, thematic dinners (Thai night or Italian night), and even homemade pizza and banana pie at 13,200 feet! How about steak & bluecheese sauce and Nepali wine one night?!! I definitely did not lose weight on this trek. Kudos to Raj and your team for all you did to make our trip memorable and comfortable. I also appreciated how well you treated your helpers and animals. I could describe more secrets to your success, but I'll save some surprises for future trekkers to experience. Go with Raj & Responsible Adventures. You won't be disappointed.
Scott Last
Escondido, California
