Trekking-Singalila Ridge Sandakphu Trek

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Sandakphu at an altitude of 3636 m is the highest peak in the state of West Bengal, and It is situated at the edge of the Singalila National Park on the West Bengal - Sikkim border, and is the highest point of the Singalila Ridge. The Sangalila Ridge is considered to be the best spot to view the Kangchenjunga that is often known as the Sleeping Buddha.

The trek to Sandakphu follows the famous Singalila Ridge, a prominent spur of high ground that lies at the southern end of a long crest, which runs down from the Kangchenjunga massif and forms the border between Sikkim and Nepal. One of the unavoidable necessities of trekking in the Himalaya is that the best views are had from high up but the trek along this ridge, passing through small settlements, is perhaps the most scenically rewarding in the Himalaya. There are spectacular panoramic views of Kangchenjunga, Makalu, Everest, Lhotse and a host of other peaks all seen in one stretch.

Nature	:	Trekking
Duration	:	9 Days
Season	:	May & Oct - Nov
Location	:	Darjeeling
Region	:	Sikkim
Difficulty Level	:	Moderate
Activity Description	:	Trekking and Alpine Camping

Day 1: Darjeeling - Maneybhanjang (1981 m/6498 ft) - Tonglu ( 3078 M/ 10096 ft)

Day 1 starts with driving from Darjeeling 27 km to Maneybhanjang and walk of 12 kms to Tonglu, a small ridge top settlement Enroute one can catch tantalizing glimpses of the Kangchenjunga as trails passes in a zig zag manner through rhododendrons. Overnight is tents at Tonglu). ( 12 kms/ 4-5 hrs)

Day 2: Tonglu - Kalapokhari ( 3100 m/10168 ft)

The day starts with a downhill trail passing through a picturesque Nepalese village Khnyakuta From here the route continues back to the ridge after a short climb to kalapokhari.Overnight stay in tents. (13 kms/ 5-6 hrs)

Day 3: Kalapokhari - Sandakphu (3636 m/11927 ft)

Today we start climb towards the Singalila Ridge. This is a perfect walk that holds a huge potential for bird watching. From here its a steady haul upto Sandakphu. From here whole majestic view of snowy ranges of Bhutan,Sikkim and Nepal,about 320 kms is visible. The gigantic and towering kangchenjunga with other peaks, kabru, Kumbhakarna and Pandim, dominates the scene. Overnight stay in tents. ( 8 kms/ 4-5 hrs)

Day 4: Sandakphu

The day is for rest / acclimatization.

Day 5: Sandakphu - Molley (3535 m/11595 ft)

This day we will start walking through the one of the most spectacular sections of the Singalila Ridge.There are ever changing views of the snow capped Himalayas to the north and northwest. We will slightly detour from the main trail and camp at Molley. Overnight stay in tents.(14 kms/ 5-6 hrs)

Day 6: Molley - Phalut (3566 m/ 11696 ft)

From Molley trail climbs back to ridge and rejoins to the main trail.This a lovely easy walk and continues to Phalut. Phalut forms the junction between Nepal, Sikkim and West Bengal and is a place blessed with beauty. Overnight in tents. ( 7 kms/ 3-4 hrs)

Day 7: Phalut - Gorkhey Village (2390 m/7840 ft)

Next day on leaving Phalut the trail descends steeply for 15 kms through a rich forest of rhododendrons and magnolias,teeming with bird life. The lower hills are covered with moss-laden trees, different varieties of rhododendron, spruce, silver firs, chest nuts, oaks, pines, magnolias and hemlocks. Gorkhey village is a small settlement on the border with the northern part of western Sikkim. Overnight stay in tents. ( 15 kms/5-6 hrs)

Day 8: Gorkhey Village - Ramam (2490 m/ 8168 ft)

Continue trekking further from Gorkhey village to Ramam.Overnight stay in tents. ( 9 Kms/ 3-4 hrs)

Day 9: Ramam - Rimbik - Darjeeling (2331 m/7646 ft)

Today we will continue to decent further to Siri Khola River after which its easy walk to the picturesque market town of Rimbik. Drive to Darjeeling. Trip ends here ( 11 kms/ 3-4 hrs trek & 3-4 drive to Darjeeling).

1. Is there a minimum age requirement for children on the treks?

A. We recommend you to undertake the family treks if your children are above 6 years of age. For all other treks we recommend a minimum age of 18 yrs.

2. What about the food and drinks during the trek?

A. Throughout the trek, we take care of all your meals. Our cook and support staff members accompany you on the treks and carry all provisions. Juices, milk and energy drinks are available for you at all times. We also provide snacks like crackers, cookies and chocolate bars especially for the children to help make your trek more enjoyable. So you don't have to worry about anything while on the trek. You can inform us in advance if you have any special requirements for the meals and we'll ensure that we provide you with whatever you need.

3. What kind of accommodation is provided during the halts en route?

A. During the trek, you will be staying in comfortable Alpine tents. We provide you with clean bedding, blankets and sleeping bags.

4. What about other administrative arrangements?

A. To ensure that each trek is a memorable and delightful experience for our clients, we take care of all details like the provision of porters and mules. Our team is always at hand to take care of anything you might need during the treks.

5. What kind of terrain can I expect on a family trek?

A. The trails for the family treks are specially selected keeping your needs as a family in mind. So the trek will lead you over gentle, gradual slopes and through some of the most beautiful terrains, without being over strenuous. Please note the grades on all treks. A family is recommended only on the treks that have been classified as family treks or the ones that are marked Easy.

6. What if any of us is tired?

A. The trek is accompanied by extra horses for supporting member who are tired.

7. What about first aid/medicine?

A. Our instructors are fully trained at first aid and medicines and take care of any medical emergency in the mountains. However, if you have any specific ailment for which you take medicine we recommend that you carry that with you.

8. Who will be in charge of the trips?

A. One of our designated trek leaders will lead the trip. All our trek leaders are highly qualified from either Nehru Institute of Mountaineering or Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and are ample experience in outdoors.

9 Who all will accompany us?

A. Trek Leaders, Chef, Helpers and porters varying with group size.

10 Can you customize a trip?

GIO Adventures can tailor make a trek to any part/region in the Indian Himalayas.

Package Price List:

1 Person	:	37800
2 Persons	:	28800
3-5 Persons	:	21600
6+ Persons	:	19800

Fixed Departure Price :

1 Person

19800

*(Prices Mentioned in Indian Rupees and on Per Person basis)

Cost Includes:

All road transfers from and back to Darjeeling
Accommodation in 3/4 season tents during the trek.
Meals - Veg multi-cuisine meals at on the trek.
Mules/Porters: For carrying camping equipment, rations, vegetables and some amount of personal gear of

the clients (one bag not weighing more than 15 kg).

Professional guide (trained from HMI, Darjeeling) and kitchen staff would accompany the group
Camping equipment

Cost does not include:

Service charge of 2.58%.
Travel between Delhi / Calcutta / Other Cities and Darjeeling (can be arranged by us on request)
Any meals/services not mentioned above
Any charges for video cameras, still cameras, park fees etc.
Alcohol, soft drinks, beverages, etc.
Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc.
Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances like landslides, road blocks, bad weather, etc.
Insurance

Trip Starting Point :
Darjeeling - By Air: Bagdogra is the nearest Airport 100 km away with flights connecting Delhi and Kolkatta. By Train: New Jalpaiguri in Bengal is the Closest Railhead that is a 90 km from Darjeeling. By Road: Regular buses ply from New Jalpaiguri and Taxis from Bagdogra Airport are easily available to Darjeeling.

Fixed Departure Date List:

From Date	To Date