Singalila Ridge Trek
The Singalila Ridge Trek is one of the finest ridge walks in the Indian Himalaya affording amazing views of some big mountain ranges including Khangchendzonga and Everest. The highlight is the Khangchendzonga and surrounding mountains including Janoo and Pandim which from this distance, resembles a man sleeping and is famously referred to as “The Sleeping Buddha”.
The Singalila ridge comes off one of the ridges from Khangchendzonga in Sikkim. Sandakphu at 3636m, the highest point on this trek is a classic vantage point to view the Himalayan ranges from. Right ahead is the Khangchendzonga range, to the left is Everest range and to the right are the mountains of Bhutan. Trekkers and tourists flock to Sandakphu all year round, to get a glimpse of the magnificent Sleeping Buddha and to rejoice in its cool climes. This short getaway of 7 days is sure to leave you completely energized and feeling light.
#ChristmaswithChai
₹50,000
Overview
Singalila Ridge Trek Overview
The Singalila Ridge Trek is one of the finest ridge walks in the Indian Himalaya affording amazing views of some big mountain ranges including Khangchendzonga and Everest. The highlight is the Khangchendzonga and surrounding mountains including Janoo and Pandim which from this distance, resembles a man sleeping and is famously referred to as “The Sleeping Buddha”.
The Singalila ridge comes off one of the ridges from Khangchendzonga in Sikkim. Sandakphu at 3636m, the highest point on this trek is a classic vantage point to view the Himalayan ranges from. Right ahead is the Khangchendzonga range, to the left is Everest range and to the right are the mountains of Bhutan. Trekkers and tourists flock to Sandakphu all year round, to get a glimpse of the magnificent Sleeping Buddha and to rejoice in its cool climes. This short getaway of 7 days is sure to leave you completely energized and feeling light.
And what’s more, we have some of the finest teas from the tea capital-Darjeeling and some sumptuous food to keep your palate all excited along the trek.
The Spring departure has the added advantage of blooming rhododendrons along the trail, while the fall departure assures clear skies and magnificent mountain views.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Enchanting views of Khanchendzonga range referred to as ‘Sleeping Buddha’
- Sandakphu, one of the finest vantage points in Himalaya
- Views of Everest, Makalu and Lhotse
- Rhododendron in full bloom during Spring time
- Local Tea-House stays and cultural immersion
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
7 days itinerary
Day 01:Arrive Bagdogra. Drive to Darjeeling(2050m)
Day 02: Drive to Dhodrey(2450m).Trek to Tumling(2970m)
Day 03: Trek to Kalapokhari(3110m)
Day 04: Trek to Sandakphu(3636m)
Day 05: Trek to Gurdum(2400m)
Day 06: Trek to Sirikhola(2280m).Drive to Darjeeling
Day 07: Drive to Bagdogra. Depart
9 days itinerary
Day 01:Arrive Bagdogra. Drive to Darjeeling(2050m)
Day 02: Darjeeling Sightseeing
Day 03: Drive to Dhodrey(2450m).Trek to Tumling(2970m)
Day 04: Trek to Kalapokhari(3110m)
Day 05: Trek to Sandakphu(3636m)
Day 06: Trek to Phalut(3595m)
Day 07: Trek to Samadeen(2480m)
Day 08: Trek to Sirikhola(2280m).Drive to Darjeeling
Day 09: Drive to Bagdogra.Depart
Cost Inclusions
Singalila Ridge Trek Cost Details
COST:
7 days : INR 42600 / USD 650 + 5% GST
9 days : INR 54600 / USD 800 + 5% GST
COST INCLUDES
- Accommodation:
- Entire Accommodation during the trip
- Food:
- All meals during the trip except lunches and dinners at Darjeeling
- Transportation:All Transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Pick up from and drop to Bagdogra airport from Darjeeling
- Transfers to and from Trek start/end Points
- Experienced Trek Crew:
- Trip Leader, Assistant, Cook, Kitchen Helpers and Sherpas
- Porterage:
- Of ration, fuel, kitchen equipment, camping gear and personal luggage on trek over mules/horses
- Permits
- Permits to enter Singalila National Park
COST EXCLUDES
- Personal equipment and sleeping bags
- Any additional transport or activities apart from the trip itinerary
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses rising through unforeseen conditions like bad weather, natural calamities, flight cancellations, etc
- Rescue and evacuation services
- Expenses of any personal nature like phone calls, drinks, cigarettes, souvenirs, laundry, etc
- Tips
- 5% GST
- Anything not explicitly mentioned in Cost Includes
Itinerary
Singalila Ridge Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Bagdogra. Drive to Darjeeling(2050m)
Arrive at Bagdogra Airport and walk out looking for a placard that says ‘Adventure Sindbad’. Our representative will be waiting for you outside the airport. There might be a short waiting time till the rest of the group arrives. It is a 3 hour scenic drive from the hot plains of Bagdogra and Siliguri into the cool climes of Darjeeling town. It is remarkable how quickly the weather changes to a cool breeze in a matter of 30 mins, once we take the right at Darjeeling More. We will be passing through sprawling tea gardens, quaint hamlets, small eateries and toy train stations at Kurseong and Ghoom. From Kurseong, we are in the misty hills and enter the Gorkha hinterland.
Driving Time: 3 hrs
Meals:LD, Overnight Hotel
Day 2: Drive to Dhodrey(2450m).Trek to Tumling(2970m)
After an early breakfast we drive to Dhodrey. We meet our horsemen and rest of the staff here. Dhodrey, is a small hamlet with about 30 houses and is popular for being the start point for the trek upto Sandakphu. The trail is through dense rhododendron forest, with a well marked trail. An arch announces our arrival at Tonglu which has a goverment Guest house. We walk a little further down to Tumling, our halt for the night. Tonglu is in India while Tumling lies in Nepal.The Tea-Houses around have lovely gardens and flower pots which add great ambience for some lovely Darjeeling Tea.
Driving Time: 2.5 hrs ; Trekking Time: 3 hrs
Meals:BLD, Overnight Lodge
Day 3: Trek to Kalapokhari(3110m)
We wake up early to catch the sunrise and the sight of the Khangchendzonga Range being illuminated. On the trek we have 2 chances to view the entire range. Once at Tumling and once more at Sandakphu. If we are lucky and there is no cloud cover we will get to see the glorious view at both locations. After breakfast, we walk through the Nepalese side of the border and stop for tea at a small corner lodge in Joebari. From Joebari we descend to Gairibash which houses the Indian SSB Camp. From here, we walk on switchback trail upto Kaiyakatta, our lunch spot. Post lunch, we make our way gradually to Kalapokhari, a small settlement with a black Lake, which gives the place its name. Kalapokhari is also on the Nepalese side of the border.
Trekking Time: 6-7 hrs
Meals:BLD, Overnight Lodge
Day 4: Trek to Sandakphu(3636m)
It’s a steep climb to the highest point of the ridge on the trek at Sandakphu. The trail is on switchbacks surrounded by beautiful forests and great views of the valley below on both sides. We make our way at a slow pace with a stopover at Bikhey Bhanjang from where the steep ascent begins.
The mountains are generally cloud covered by the time we reach the top. There are many ancient land rovers plying tourists on the dirt tracks who prefer driving up to walking. Sandakphu houses a few Tea-houses on both Indian and Nepalese side. The Indian Army also has a camp here. Post-lunch at the tea-house we can spend time exploring the huge grounds around the area. We might just get lucky, if the cloud parts to give a sneak preview at the range.
Trekking Time: 3 hrs
Meals:BLD, Overnight Lodge
Day 5: Trek to Gurdum(2400m)
Early wakeup call to get a glimpse of the entire Khangchendzonga and Everest range sans cloud-cover and sunrise over these mountains. On a clear day we could be transfixed to this scenery for hours as the sun lights up the snow peaks in the distance. The Khangchendzonga range and surrounding peaks of Pandim and Janoo, resembles a man sleeping and is referred to as the “Sleeping Buddha”.
After a relaxed breakfast, we make our way down through dense jungle on a narrow hiking trail to our lovely lodge at Gurdum, our last night on the trek.
Trekking Time: 3-4 hrs
Meals:BLD, Overnight Lodge
Day 6: Trek to Sirikhola(2280m).Drive to Darjeeling
The last bit of walking is through the forest all the way down to Siri River. We have lunch just next to the huge hanging bridge over the Siri river and walk further to our waiting cars at Siri Khola. From here the drive takes us through Rimbik and past Dhodrey to reach Darjeeling by late evening. Dinner at the Hotel.
Trekking Time: 3 hrs; Driving Time: 5 hrs
Meals:BLD, Overnight Hotel
Day 7: Drive to Bagdogra.Depart
We wake up early to drive down to the airport at Bagdogra. Trip ends!
Driving Time: 3 hrs
Gallery
Singalila Ridge Trek Images
-
- Khangchendzonga range as seen near Sandakphu
-
- Everest Range from Sandakphu
-
- Kalapokhari – Black lake on the trail, at the entrance of Kalapokhari Hamlet.
-
- Kayya Katta – our lunch spot on the way to Kalapokhari
-
- Gairibas. On the right is India, on the left Nepal
-
- Singalila Ridge which forms the border between India and Nepal
-
- Khangchendzonga Range as seen from Tumling
-
- The Sleeping Buddha from ridge above Phalut
-
- The Sleeping Buddha from Sandakphu
-
- The lovely innkeeper at Kayyakatta – our lunch spot
-
- Forest walk on the trail
-
- On the way towards Phalut
-
- Soaking in the morning views at Sandakphu
-
- Tea House at Tonglu
-
- Local market at Darjeeling town
-
- The big black bear at the HMI Zoo in Darjeeling
Extended Gallery on Facebook
Singalila Ridge Trek – Dec 2018
Singalila Ridge Trek – Dec 2022
Inquiry
Talk to an Expert : Call +91-9886022521
1 review for Singalila Ridge Trek
Add a review
Related Treks
Annapurna Panorama Trek
₹50,000
The 5-day Ghorepani-Poonhill trekking loop is one of the most pleasant and sought after short treks of Nepal and affords beautiful views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Macchapucchre ranges. Poon Hill, which is the highest point of the trek at 3210m is one of the finest vantage points in the Himalaya from where you can witness many peaks higher than 6000m and the Giants – Dhaulagiri(8167m) and Annapurna 1(8091m). A great introduction to Himalayan trekking and Nepalese Himalaya, this trek passes through farmlands and picturesque villages nestled in the foothills of Annapurna. We will be staying at simple tea-houses on the trail, a charming way to experience Nepali hospitality and witness the lifestyle of the natives. The traditional villages – Ghorepani and Ghandruk are the biggest Magar and Gurung settlements in the Annapurna sanctuary with wonderful views of the Himalayan ranges.
The trip starts with your arrival at Kathmandu and a day of sightseeing followed by the 5-day trek in Annapurna sanctuary with the beautiful lake city of Pokhara as base. Kathmandu and Pokhara, the 2 main cities of Nepal will play host before and after the trek.
THIS IS A GUARANTEED DEPARTURE.
Goechala Trek
₹50,000
Goechala Trek is your chance to visit the hallowed land of the highest mountain in India and the 3rd highest mountain in the World - Khangchendzonga(8586m) in the Kingdom of Sikkim. You will be delighted each day of the trip by the Buddhist culture of the place, its natural beauty and the warmth of the locals. The trip spans the Nepalese hinterland of East India covering Darjeeling and West Sikkim. Right from day 1, the Khangchendzonga range covers the north sky and grows in size as we inch closer and closer until Goechala, where we are just 9 kms away from its formidable North face. You will have to crane your neck to get a good sight at the summit from here.
The trip starts with 2 days at the Tea Capital of Darjeeling, the charming hill station town built by the British. We then move on to Yuksom in West Sikkim, the start point for the 8 day trek rich in flora and fauna. There is a wide variety of orchids, ferns, rhododendrons and bamboo…the thick vegetation with snow mountains peeking through the branches, the yaks and dzos ambling along with load on their backs is a common sight along the trail. During Spring, this region is home to some of the biggest and most colourful rlooming hododendrons in the Himalaya.
Rated among the finest walks in the Indian Himalaya, the trek to Goechala and back will leave you craving for more.
Deo Tibba Base Camp Trek
₹50,000
Deo Tibba peak at 6001m is one of the higher peaks in the Pir Panjal Range of the Indian Himalayas. Starting from Jammu and Kashmir, the Pir Panjal range extends all the way into Himachal. Mt. Deo Tibba and Indrasan mark the eastern end of this range. The Deo Tibba Valley trek takes you to the base camp of this big mountain through dense conifer forests, lush green meadows, high altitude lakes and snow-capped mountains. Starting from the beautiful hill town of Manali, we make a small circuit over 5 days starting at Shuru village and ending at Jobri, where there is a small dam. Shuru is the first and last village on the trail. Post that, the only people we get to meet on this Himalayan trail would be the Gaddi Shepherds and Gujjar cattle herders. Gaddis camp in the mountains with their huge flocks of sheep and goat throughout the Summer and Monsoons. Gujjars are few and are normally found at Tilgan and Jobri with theirs herds of buffaloes.
The trek is of moderate difficulty with a couple of tough days which includes steep ascents. Starting at 2000m, we ascend to the highest altitude of 3700m at Rourikholi, the enchanting grazing grounds for all horses of Prini and Shuru Villages in Manali. You can count about a hundred horses and mules in this sprawling meadow with views of Deo-Tibba and Indrasan on one side and Dhauladhar range on the other. Each campsite on the trail is picturesque, enhancing the joy of camping in the mountains. For first time trekkers and visitors into the Himalaya, this trek works as a classic introduction to the beauty and rigour of trekking in the Indian Himalaya. For the seasoned trekker, this is a relaxed walking holiday with a lot of #metime that will leave you totally des-stressed and rejuvenated by the end of it all.
Deo Tibba Base Camp trek is the perfect active Himalayan getaway for over stressed souls.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
₹50,000
Annapurna Conservation Area is the 2nd most walked Himalayan region in Nepal after Everest area. With myraid world class trekking options in the Annapurna region, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Circuit lead the popularity charts with most trekkers. Annapurna 1(8091m) was the first ever 8000er ever climbed by a French team led by Maurice Herzog in 1950.
From Kathmandu, we fly to the lakecity of Pokhara and drive to the roadhead at Nayapul(1050m) from where our trek into the Annapurna Sanctuary begins. Over the next few days we will walk to the base camp of an 8000er through some extraordinary variety in ecosystems - starting from terraced farmfields, to tropical jungles to arid desert like landscape at the foot of Annapurna. The trek initially passes through beautiful villages with terraced farm fields cut into mountain sides. The Tea-houses on the trail are all part of the villages and gives us immense scope for witnessing the lives of Gurung and Magar ethnic communities of Annapurna region. Ahead of Sinuwa, we enter dense tropical forests with a high chance of witnessing wildlife.For a birder, this is a trail through paradise!
Complete Chadar Trek
₹50,000
The Chadar Trek is a phenomenal winter expedition. Period.
If Ladakh is a remote Himalayan region of Indian Himalaya, then Zanskar would be called the remote region of Ladakh! The region gets its name from the Zanskar river that cascades through the stunning Zanskar Gorge famously referred to as ‘The Grand Canyon of Asia’. Zanskar river is a tributary of Indus and is popular for whitewater rafting and kayaking in the Summers. In the winters, the temperature in this cold, arid desert plummets drastically falling as low as -30 degree celsius forcing the Zanskar to freeze on the surface. Thus the top layer forms a veil of ice referred to as ‘Chadar’ by locals.
Manali Winter Experience
₹50,000
Manali! The name itself excites one and all for a variety of reasons :) But most of all for its chill climes and pristine Himalayan ranges. Nestled between the Pir Panjal Range and the Dhauladhar range is Kullu Valley, the gateway to Ladakh and the Karakoram. Manali, the most famous tourist hill town in Kullu Valley is at an altitude of 2000m and enjoys salubrious weather and a steady inflow of tourists and trekkers through the year. The side valleys around Manali offer some amazing trekking options from relaxed day hikes for amateurs to tough trails for the seasoned trekker. The only time the valley sort of goes into slumber would be during the winter when the inflow of travellers thins down.
Here’s a chance to experience Manali and around in the quiet winters and have a fab Christmas and New year. Sign off 2017 and welcome 2018 with an exhilarating experience in the mountains. Lovely pine-scented forests, sprawling meadows, snow-capped mountains, and a billion stars to gaze at in the dead of the nights.
After our arrival in Manali, we set up base at the Buddhist village of Tsethan(2650m), an hour’s drive into the mountains above Manali. This is the last inhabited village after which we are totally in the mountains. This was the village which was proposed to become a ski village. A lot of heli skiing and ski touring happens around here in the peak of winters. At Tsethan, we stay at a lovely lodge and take day hikes everyday into a different valley ranging from 3-4 hrs. Have picnic lunches soaking in the Himalayan bliss or come back early for a hot lunch at base camp. Evenings are spent around the bonfire chatting away and star gazing. Its also a chance to interact with the very hospitable locals and learn a little of their simple yet rugged lifestyles. All in all a great way to say bye to this year and move on into the next with renewed hopes and dreams.
Markha Winter Walk
During the middle of winter, in the high altitude arid mountains, when the peaks and valleys are covered in snow, and the trees stand all bare, it feels like the Himalaya is in deep meditative state! A state which exudes an aura of peace and serenity so profound that it pervades into the being of every traveller who cares to visit.
We discovered this trip accidentally in the winter of 2017, when our scheduled trip to Chadar got cancelled due to excessive snowfall and we had to think of alternatives and zeroed on Markha Valley. Markha Valley is generally a summer favourite and has few takers in winter with its illustrious cousin the Chadar trek drawing all the attention of trekkers. To our good fortune, what we chanced upon to our delight when we walked the Markha Valley was a ‘winter wonderland’ with exquisite scenery. Imagine a sprawling valley with huge swathes of snow, occasionally interspersed with charming villages, shepherd settlements and buddhist chortens, an ancient monastery perched high on a hill, lengthy prayer walls and colourful prayer wheels, mountain gateways erected of poplar with icy prayer flags fluttering in the cold wind. The place is at once is both elevating and calming.
Starting from Leh, the main town of Ladakh, we spend a couple of days acclimatizing before embarking on the 6 day trek which takes us to the heart of Markha Valley and back. We spend the nights at clean Himalayan homestays interacting with the locals and enjoying Ladakhi hospitality and great food prepared by our very own kitchen team. In the day time we walk from one village to the other enjoying the snow and some awe-inspiring landscapes.
The Markha Winter Walk is a classic trans-Himalayan winter trekking experience. An experience so deep it will convert you into a believer.
Khangchendzonga Circuit
Khangchendzonga Circuit is easily one of the finest treks the Indian Himalaya has to offer. Set in the kingdom of Sikkim, the hike takes you to touching distance of the 3rd highest mountain in the world and other snow jewels of Sikkim. Starting from as low as 1800m at Uttarey, the trek reaches its crescendo at Goechala(4940m), where the Khangchendzonga face is only 9 kms as the crow flies. It is an amphitheatre of huge mountains ranging from small peaks to 6000ers, 7000ers and the highest one in India!Some notable mountains are Janoo, Talung, Pandim, Jopuno, Narsing, Simvo and Kabru.
The first half of the trek straddles the border with Nepal passing through dense forests of rhododendron and sprawling meadows where Yaks and Dzos graze. Midway through the trek we camp beside high altitude holy lakes, before entering the Indian side of the border.
This is a demanding trek with some long days of walking where not many trekking groups venture. The route is mostly isolated all the way to Dzongri after which it joins the popular YuKsom-Dzongri Circuit where the footfall of hikers is higher. The Nepalese culture, rugged mountain route, heartwarming scenery, and the pacing of the route make this our personal favorite.
Consider this if you have a few treks under your belt, and lead a reasonably active lifestyle.
Highlights of Ladakh
₹50,000
This is an itinerary which covers most of the highlights of Ladakh in an action-packed 14-day package. We start our trip from New Delhi with an overnight Volvo to Manali, a lush Himalayan Hill station famous for its apple orchards. After a day of relaxing and local sightseeing in Manali, we embark on an epic 2-day trans-Himalayan road trip to Leh rated as one of the finest road trips in the World crossing 5 high passes with stunning scenery.
We have a day’s rest to recoup from the driving when we checkout the famous monasteries and palaces in Leh. The next 2 days we visit the northernmost tip of India - Nubra Valley which used to be a major stopover for traders during the silk route days. Enjoy rides on the double-humped camels there and visit Diskit monastery with the 32 mtr statue of the Maitreya Buddha. On the way back to Leh, we enjoy mountain biking from the highest motorable pass - Khardung La(5359m).
We then hike for 3 days through the picturesque Sham Valley interspersed with villages with green farm fields. One of the best ways to feel the essence of Ladakh. We also get an opportunity to stay in Homestays and view first hand the lifestyle of people in Ladakh. We end the trek at Tingmosgang and to Lamayuru, one of the most popular monasteries of Ladakh. Lamayuru is situated in mud spires in a moonlike surroundings which will leave you in total awe. The next day at Leh is reserved for rest and leisure. Checkout sunrise over Tsemo Castle or sunset over Shanti Stupa. A heart warming experience just seeing the sun light up the Valley and turn it crimson during sunset. Visit the charming and bustling market in Leh and shop for your loved ones.
The next 2 days are reserved for a visit to Pangong Lake and a thrilling whitewater rafting experience on the Zanskar.
This is one trip that will leave you with vivid images and special experiences that you will be talking about for a long time.
Slice of Ladakh
₹50,000
Ladakh - a rugged land of high passes and mystic. A land that grows on you each time you visit. A land you can never get enough of.
“Slice of Ladakh”, as the name goes is designed specifically for travellers visiting Ladakh for the first time. Travellers who just want to test the waters before they invest more time into a substantial adventure. The adventure is designed to cover most of the highlights of the region in an active manner. We trek along the Sham Valley with its green villages and warm Homestays, bike down the highest motorable pass- Khardung La and take a day rafting trip down the Zanskar. A perfect trip to excite and engage you.
Sheetal Chirimar – :
Very well organised, well fed and most importantly – well guided!
This was my second trek with adventure sindbad. They take every minute aspect into consideration while guiding and arranging a trek. I look forward to many more treks with them.