DARJEELING TOUR & SINGALI-La RIDGE TREKKING

14 Days

 Highlights:

“Darjeeling the queen of scenic green hills, where pines touches the sky
Tour of scenic Tiger Hill facing stunning sunrise over Himalayan peaks
Visit the fascinating Zoological Park and witness rare endangered mammals

Trek to Sandakphu Hill for striking sunrise over array of snow mountain range
Hike to scenic Singali-La ridges covered with rhododendron and pine trees”

Overview

Darjeeling Tour & Singali-La Ridge Trekking, one of the most beautiful hill countries in the whole eastern Himalaya range. The charm and beauty of Darjeeling also known famously as Queen of Hills, covered with pine forest and vast Tea-Gardens

 

Darjeeling is famous for three T’s is famous Darjeeling Tea, Timber, and Tourism, located North Eastern Himalaya range of India. Close to the border of Nepal and the state of Sikkim, the people of Darjeeling like to be known as Gorkhali. More than 80 % are dominated by Nepalese origin people and speak Nepali as mother language with similar culture as Nepal.

 

Located in the close shadow of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the world’s 3rd highest peaks at 8,586 m / 28, 169 feet high.

 

Darjeeling Tour & Singali-La Ridge Trekking begins on arrival in Kathmandu with an exciting tour at places of great interest. The tour of Kathmandu a familiarization, helps you to understand and experience local Nepali culture and custom. After a wonderful time in Kathmandu, a scenic short flight takes you to the Nepal Far East Terai belt. Around the border town of India and Nepal, where the drive takes you from low warm sub-tropical to cooler alpine hills.

 

Drive follows famous Toy Train tracks through a sea of Tea Garden and love forest lined with pines and rhododendron trees. On arrival in Darjeeling staying in the best hotels, the environment still retains a touch of old British Raj heritage days.

 

Enjoy the exciting tour visiting the main highlights that Darjeeling has to offer, tour of its famous Zoological Garden. Witness the rare near-extinct mammals like Snow-Leopards, Himalayan Black Bear, the Red Panda, and much more with exotic birds. Tour extends to Himalayan Mountaineering Institute the first of its kind around Asia, and drive to famous Tiger Hill. From Tiger Hill reaching before dawn to catch striking sunrise views over a chain of Himalayan peaks.

After a glorious time in and around Darjeeling, the drive takes you to near Nepal border, for an exciting trek to Sandakphu. An interesting walk along the rims of both countries India and Nepal, a steep climb past Tonglu and Kalpokhari. Then reaching at scenic high green hills at Sandakphu, enjoy the morning striking sunrise over an array of Himalayan peaks.

From the Sandakphu panorama of Kanchenjunga, Everest, Makalu with a series of peaks, then head for a return journey on an alternative route.

Walk from Sandakphu takes you further North-East right at the border of Darjeeling, Nepal, and Sikkim at Phalut.

Amazing views on walks through enchanting woodland, then on a downhill to a road-head at Rimbick nice hill village. Next morning drive back to another hill town of Darjeeling at Kalimpong, gateway to Sikkim, Bhutan, and towards lower plains. From Kalimpong on the road to India and Nepal border reaching at Bhadrapur town airport for a scenic flight to Kathmandu.

 

Outline Itinerary:

Day 01:          Arrive in Kathmandu received by Unique Holidays staff.
Day 02:          In Kathmandu sightseeing and preparation for the trip.
Day 03:          Fly to Bhadrapur 340 m and drive to Darjeeling 2,042 m – 05 hrs.
Day 04:          Full day sightseeing tour of Darjeeling.
Day 05:          Morning tour of Tiger Hill 2,590 m visit famous Ghum monastery.
Day 06:          Drive to Mane Bhanjyang and trek to Tonglu 3,020 m – 05 hrs.

Day 07:          Trek to Kal Pokhari 3,340 m – 06 hrs.

Day 08:          Trek to Sandakphu 3,636 m – 04 hrs.

Day 09:          Trek to Phalut 3,540 m -06 hrs.

Day 10:          Trek Raman 2,330 meters – 06 hrs.
Day 11:          Trek to Rimbick 1,900 m -05 hrs.

Day 12:          Drive to Kalimpong 1,247 m – 04 hrs.

Day 13:          Drive to Nepal border for the flight to Kathmandu.
Day 14:          International departure for homeward bound.

Best seasons for Darjeeling Tour & Singali-La Ridge Trekking:

The best time for this wonderful tour and adventure is from the mid-spring and autumn seasons, mid-spring from March to May, and autumn/fall begins from September to November months.

 

Springtime from March to May will be much lively with wildflowers in seasonal bloom, especially the magnolia and rhododendrons the national flower of Nepal.

 

March to May fine clear day most of the time, with longer sun-light hours but can get overcast in the late afternoon with chances of snow sometimes on high altitude areas as well on passes. Autumn / Falls another best time for this trek with a fine clear day for views and walks.

 

But days are shorter with sun-light hours can be freezing cold at Sandakphu and Tiger Hill, especially in the morning, and night times will be clear with bright starry nights. Chances of snow above 1,800 m higher.

 

Religion and Culture:

District of Darjeeling, located within the state of West Bengal-India North East Himalaya range. In the close shadow of massive Kanchenjunga range, listed as world 3rd highest peaks. The hill station of Darjeeling with about 80 % Nepali origin, migrated more than 500 years ago. A mixture of both Hindu and Buddhism religions, which makes the local culture more impressive and fascinating to experience. Darjeeling with both Hindu temples and Buddhism monasteries is a blend of both traditional customs of Nepalese heritage.

 

 

Itinerary

On arrival at Kathmandu and Nepal International Airport, received by our guides and staff for short transfer to your hotels in the hub of Kathmandu city.

Checking your lovely room, and after a refreshing rest join with other members for Darjeeling Tour & Sinagali-La Ridge Trekking. Our guide or group leader brief you about the treks, do’s and don’ts, local culture, as well foods provided and lodges on route trek.

A full good information which will help to enjoy your adventure with us, followed with welcome group dinner in a Nepalese restaurant with folk-culture program as entertainment while you enjoy the dinner.

Morning after breakfast at given time, our city guide will meet for interesting sightseeing of best world heritage sites around Kathmandu.

Tour includes old Durbar (royal palace and courtyard) square, with Temple of Kumari (Living young virgin Goddess). Visit famous Nepal landmark Swayambhunath Stupa a 2,500 years old, a Buddhist Stupa with all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. Afternoon tour of holy Hindu Temple of Pashupatinath and visit Bouddhanath, Asia’s largest Stupa with four cardinals eyes of Buddha surrounded with prayer wheels and small market, this place is also known as Little Tibet due to strong Tibetan influence.

After an exciting day tour back to hotel for preparation trip to Darjeeling with last minute briefing from your leader and guide.

Depart from the hotel, after early breakfast transfer for short drive to Kathmandu domestic air terminal. After checking in, board on a plane for 45 minutes flight to land at South Eastern Nepal at Bhadrapur airport.

An exciting flight facing views of high snow peaks includes Everest, Makalu and Kanchenjunga, on arrival at Bhadrapur received by our staff. Drive takes you at the border town at Kakarvita for necessary immigration formalities, and then cross the border to Indian side at Pani Tanki, for another passport and visa, custom checking. After clearing all formalities, an interesting drive heading higher green hills covered in dense forest and sea of Tea plantation.

After an interesting drive following the hilly road, along the railway tracks of famous Darjeeling Toy Train, also listed in World Heritage. Finally reaching at busy town and hill station in Darjeeling, transfer into a nice hotels.

Start the morning after hearty breakfast for short drive and walk to Darjeeling famous Zoological Park, houses rare, endangered mammals and bird-life includes Snow Leopard, Royal Bengal Tiger, Red Panda and many species of animals with exotic birds. Next to Zoological Park visit Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, the first of its kind around Asia. Established after famous mountaineers Tenzing & Hillary conquered Mt. Everest in 1953.
An interesting place with full information on mountaineering, where Institute also have mountaineering courses.

From here visit the famous Happy Valley Tea Plantation, famous world over for Darjeeling as best tea, the tea garden established more than 100 years ago during the British Raj days. Tour includes Tibetan Refuge Centre for handicraft and enjoy Toy Train enlisted in World Heritage.

An early morning drive before dawn to Tiger Hill, located at a distance of 11 km from Darjeeling town. Drive leads to winding uphill road then reaching on top Tiger Hill, enjoy the glorious sunrise that reflects on white snow peaks of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Makalu as far towards Mt. Everest.

After a great morning views of sunrise over Himalayan mountain range, return back to Darjeeling for breakfast with a brief stop at Ghum visit Yiga Choling Monastery and the Bhatase Loop, afternoon free for individual activities.

Morning drive to start the trek, having good breakfast and leaving Darjeeling town, heading down to Sukhe Pokhari and at Mane Bhanjyang village.
Located on the border rim with Nepal, follow our guide heading uphill past farm land and village then reach isolated hamlet at Tonglu, for overnight in a
Government run Guest House.

From Tonglu, morning climb towards much higher terrain and then on winding trail through dense green forest of rhododendron and pine trees.
Taking a mossy paved path that snakes through a succession of forests and hamlets, giving way, from time to time, to spectacular mountain sceneries as walk leads to a place called Lamdhura close in between Nepal and India.
After a short rest with possible lunch stop, afternoon walk leads up towards farm land and then reaching a nice hill village at Kal Pokhari for overnight in a local simple nice lodge or guest-house.

Start the morning interesting walk on zigzagging path that lines the borders of two countries Nepal and Darjeeling, West Bengal.
Although a short day but leads to steep climb all the way on top Sandakphu scenic hill, where the hills belongs to both countries Nepal and India.
A lovely but cold hill village famous for super 360 ° views of Eastern Himalaya range of peaks from Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Everest and Lhotse.
Overnight in a nice guest-house, facing views of rolling hills and snow peaks, with time for short walk around.

An early morning short walk to a prominent viewpoint for magnificent sunrise that shines over Mt. Kanchenjunga, Jannu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho- Oyo peaks all worlds highest mountains. After a grand view of sunrise and mountain range. Having nice breakfast start the walk as it leads beyond higher area through summer grazing areas of yak herders, silvery pine forests, tiny lakes ringed with grass, and the snow-capped Himalayan range in the background. After more than six hours of great trek then reaching at Phalut for overnight stop in a local guest house. Phalut an interesting place where borders of Nepal, Sikkim and Darjeeling connects.

Morning from Phalut an easy downhill through the dense tree lines and following a fast running streams heading to a nice surroundings at Gorkhey, with a lonely cottage for travelers. Having rest and possible lunch break, afternoon leads to climb then towards Raman for overnight stop amidst beautiful forest surroundings.

From Raman, a pleasant last day walk to Rimbick for last overnight stop and end of walking around Singali-La ridge. Walk takes you downhill past several farm villages and crossing over Sri Khola / stream on a steady suspension bridge. Route finally leads to a nice village at Rimbick for overnight stop in one of its local nice simple lodge. Enjoy the afternoon walking around the nice village and witness the local culture.

After a pleasant overnight at Rimbick village, drive leads uphill past several farm villages and then joining on the main road, as drive leads down and up to a town of Kalimpong. Perched on a ridge, about 50 k.m away from main Darjeeling town in the east direction.

Kalimpong in earlier days the main route to various major places like Sikkim, Bhutan and then towards low warm city of Siliguri on route to Nepal border.
Kalimpong is also famous for flower and nurseries, especially for varied species of orchids. The town with lovely monasteries and temples.
Overnight in a nice heritage hotel retains the old good days of British Raj days, an interesting town to browse around.

From Kalimpong back to Nepal, after a wonderful trek and stops in lovely villages, where drive takes you to low warmer areas. Where route diverts towards India and Nepal border on the same place as earlier.

After a brief time at immigration at Pani Tenki in India, then enter Nepal border at Kakarvita, here again for immigration formalities, and continue an hour drive to Bhadrapur town airport.

As per the flight time check into air terminal and board on respective airlines aircraft for scenic flight to Kathmandu. On arrival at Kathmandu airport transfer to your hotel, after an exciting experience around Darjeeling and Singali-La Trekking.

Last day in Nepal and at Kathmandu, as per the time for your international flight homeward bound or to respective port of call. Our staff transfer you to airport, after a wonderful time and adventure on Darjeeling Tour & Singali-La Ridge Trekking.

Cost Includes

  • All arrival and departure ground transport Leh to Leh from airport to hotel and vice-versa.
  • Hotel accommodation on 3 stars or in tourist standard hotels in Leh, or in major towns like at Manali-Himachal Pradesh as per the itinerary and related trip cost. B-L-D.
  • From Leh and throughout the treks on full board from hotel-lodge-guest house accommodation with three time meals B-L-D includes afternoon tea and light snacks.
  • On treks and tours in a private cars, jeep, coach, or buses as per the itinerary to the start of trekking and at the end of trek.
  • On treks or tours all applicable entrance permits, including national park and conservation fees.
  • All guided tours with professional guides, tour escorts, and good drivers.
  • Applicable Trekking Permits and national park or conservation entry fees.
  • Wages, medical insurance, meals, and transportation allowance of guide, trekking staff, and porters. Including horse / yak or mule drivers.
  • Comprehensive Medical / First Aid Kit and Gamow Bag in high altitude trek.Groups briefing on arrival.
  • At Camping with large dining tents as per size of a group, includes toilet tents. Shower tents and generator to charge electronic gadgets on request.
  • Applicable Climbing Permits, with guide special bonus on above 6,000 m peaks.
  • Guides special climbing insurance, climbing equipment allowances.
  • Staying in guest-house or lodges where ever available on trek and climbing trips, includes all meals B-L-D.
  • Full board on tented camping with all meals included, with separate kitchen unit of cook, kitchen staff, guides and porters or horsemen.

Cost Excludes

  • International air-fare, Personal medical / travel insurance and flight from Delhi to Leh and back. As well India Visa entry fee.
  • Expenses of individual nature drinks, laundry, telephone bills, gratitude and meals in Leh or in major villages on route trekking or tour. As per the itinerary chosen. As well laundry, recharge of electronic items and hot-showers.
  • Personal Trekking-Climbing gear and equipment’s including down jackets- sleeping bags if not provided by the company as per the trip cost.
  • Single Supplement on hotel rooms as well on trek in lodge where clients should inform ahead on booking with extra charge on booking single private rooms where available.
  • Emergency evacuation by any means of transportations including immediate Helicopter services if required on accidents, sickness and personal problems.
  • Early return from the tour or treks will not be entertainment with refund, where client should borne all the expenses incurred including accompany guide-porters services.
  • Gratitude / Tipping at the end of treks and climbs.

FAQ’S (Frequently Asked Questions):

01: Where is Darjeeling located?

Darjeeling is a separate district of West Bengal, India. Located east of Nepal
and close to the border of Ilam. The border of Nepal and Darjeeling district
joins on this Singali-La trek to Sandakphu Hill top. Which belongs on the both

side of Nepal and Darjeeling, India. The main population of Darjeeling district
and Kalimpong is of Nepali origin. Where 90 % official language is Nepali, made
of various different ethnic tribes of Nepali.

02: What are the religion and culture of Darjeeling people?

Darjeeling at one time part of Sikkim, later on it was also part of Nepal, as the
original name of Darjeeling is Dorje-Ling. Means the land of Thunderbolt from
Tibetan origin language, later on the name was mispronounced as Darjeeling
by the Nepali. 60 % is Tibetan Buddhism with 35 % Hinduism the rest are
Christian and few Muslim.

03: How high do we trek, is there danger of altitude sickness?

The highest on this trek is climb to Sandakphu Hill 3,636 m / 11, 930 feet high
with overnight stop. After catching the glorious sunrise views with alluring
panorama of snow-capped peaks of Kanchenjunga and Makalu. Includes views
of Mt. Everest and Lhotse. The trek climb with slow and gradual gain of
altitude, having enough time for rest to get acclimatize. Before reaching the
highest point s, as well spending overnight at certain height will help for
acclimatization. So there is not much danger of altitude sickness or AMS (Acute
Mountain Sickness). As long you take slow pace with enough rest to catch your
breathe.

04: Do we spend overnight in tented camp on treks?

On treks using the local lodge and guest-house, some of the lodge are private
own by the village community. Most Guest-Houses are run by the Indian
Government, the accommodation are simple with few twin sharing rooms.
Having common bath and toilets, attached bath exists only at Sandakphu Hill
top on the Indian side. Single rooms are limited have to spend sometimes
overnights in dormitory also, depending upon the high and low seasons.

05: Is there chances to charge our electronic devices?

From Darjeeling and Mane-Bhanjyang, onwards using the local lodges and
Guest House. Run and managed by West Bengal Government will have
electricity run by small Hydro or Solar power. Possible to charge your
electronic devices, it is best to carry a small battery portable solar power.
Which can be fit on outside of backpack to catch more sunlight, and charge for
your personal use at campsite.

06: What happens if someone get injured or sick?

If some gets seriously ill or get wounded the quickest ways to carry the patient

back to Darjeeling. Then admit in the best hospital and medical center for
proper treatment, if gets better wait until the group returns back to Darjeeling
Then join for the drive to Nepal border via Kalimpong town, last overnight in
India. If the victim gets serious do not recover fast, transport on a private
vehicle to Nepal border. At Bhadrapur airport for earliest flight to Kathmandu
for better treatment or take a flight back to your country for further treatment.
All extra expenses should be borne by the clients, then claim it through your
medical insurance back home.

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DARJEELING TOUR & SINGALI-La RIDGE TREKKING

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