IntoIndia

This is a trekking holiday with a difference. Staying in home-stays is one of the best ways to experience the unique culture of the Indian Himalayas. Get back to basics and learn how these mountain people cook, sleep, farm and go about their day to day lives.

The views of the Greater Himalayan Range from the Ridge especially at Phalut and Sandakphu are considered by many as the best in the world. From east to west the peaks of Nepal, Sikkim, Tibet and Bhutan line up in a amazing panoramic arc. The sight of Mount Everest (8850 m) Lhotse (8516 m) Makalu (8481 m) and Khangchendzonga (8585 m) four of the five highest peaks in the world is simply breathtaking. On this adventure we visit beautiful villages and monasteries as well as hiking through lush forests and open meadows frequented by grazing yaks. We visit the Mountaineering Institute and Zoo in Darjeeling, as well as the world famous tea estates in the surrounding area.

1. Day 1

   Activities

   1. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
   2. Hotel

   Arrival in India

   Airport pick up and transfer to your hotel. Remainder of the day free.

2. Day 2

   Activities

   1. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
   2. Plane
   3. Hotel

   Delhi to Darjeeling (2134 m): 5 hrs

   Take the short flight to Bagdogra and then drive to Darjeeling.

3. Day 3

   Activities

   1. Sightseeing
   2. Hotel

   Rest Day & Sightseeing in Darjeeling:

   Rest up and explore the sights of Darjeeling.

4. Day 4

   Activities

   1. Home-stay
   2. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
   3. Trekking

   Darjeeling to Jaubari (2750 m): 6/7 hrs

   Drive to Manibhanjan and trek to Jaubari.

5. Day 5

   Activities

   1. Home-stay
   2. Trekking

   Jaubari to Sandakphu (3580 m): 6/7 hrs

   Trek from Jaubari to Sandakphu.

6. Day 6

   Activities

   1. Home-stay
   2. Trekking

   Sandakphu to Phalut (3600 m): 6/7 hrs

   Trek from Sandakphu to Phalut.

7. Day 7

   Activities

   1. Home-stay
   2. Trekking

   Phalut to Ramam (2560 m): 5/6 hrs

   Trek from Phalut to Raman.

8. Day 8

   Activities

   1. Hotel
   2. Trekking

   Ramam to Rimbik (2280 m): 5/6 hrs

   Trek from Raman to Rimbik.

9. Day 9

   Activities

   1. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
   2. Hotel
   3. Trekking

   Drive Rimbik to Darjeeling (2134 m): 5 hrs

   Drive from Rimbik to Darjeeling.

10. Day 10

    Activities

    1. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
    2. Plane
    3. Hotel

    Darjeeling to Delhi: 6 hrs

    Drive to Bagdogra and then fly to Delhi.

11. Day 11

    Activities

    1. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
    2. Plane

    Depart India

    After breakfast depart to the international airport for your flight home. Trip ends.

Our detailed trip dossiers include a full daily itinerary, information about trip prices, accommodation, booking, payment and general travel advice.

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Download Trekking In Sikkim With Home-stays - The Singalila Ridge. Brochure

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Departure Dates	Duration
Thursday 7th October 2010 - Sunday 17th October 2010	11 Days

The following is what we recommend you take, and is a guideline of what to bring. You are responsible to have the necessary personal equipment you need for this trek.

Walking boots. If you are buying new boots for this trip please ensure they are well broken in before hand. Few things will make you more miserable during the trek than blisters.

• Two pairs of thick socks and two pairs of thin socks.
• Two or Three cotton t-shirts to wear in the evenings.
• 2 pairs of lightweight trousers or pants, one for trekking and one to wear at night
• 1 pair of shorts.
• A good thermal (polypropylene) layer consisting of long johns and pullover.
• Two light weight fleeces or wool jumpers.
• A heavy fleece or down jacket.
• Rain and wind proof jacket and trousers.
• A warm sleeping bag, preferable 3/4 season's.
• A thermorest if you have one. We provide karrimats for all clients.
• A woolen hat to wear in the mornings and evenings.
• A sun hat with a wide brim to cover the face and neck.
• Sunglasses.
• Suncream at least factor 15.
• A pair of gloves.
• A camera.
• A book and/or writing paper.

Underwear, we recommend you bring enough so you are comfortable at all times. Washing can be arranged in any of the large towns on your itinerary upon request.

Duffel bag or large rucksack to carry to gear while trekking. We recommend you use something strong and sturdy, as this bag will be carried by a porter or packed on a mule or yak.

Daypack: This is a small rucksack to carry the gear you will need while trekking. Camera, spare jacket, waterproof jacket, water bottle, pack lunch etc.

• Water bottle.
• Small towel for washing.
• Wallet and /or money belt with compartment for coins.
• Toiletries, N.B as little as possible, if you are travelling with friends try to share toiletries.
• Headlamp or small torch with spare batteries.

The following is a typical days trekking and most days on the route will follow this format. Ultimately different treks, locations and terrain may modify this format.

Wake up, sometimes at sunrise to enjoy the spectacular views the Himalaya offer in the early hours of the morning. After a filling cooked breakfast prepared by the expedition cook we pack up all the equipment and get ready to leave.

After loading all the gear onto the mules we get moving. You need only carry a spare jacket, water bottle, sun cream, camera during the day. We walk at a pace that suits the group and stop regularly for photo opportunities and rests. We go at the pace of the slowest person in the group so don't worry about getting left behind.

At around midday we stop for lunch. The cooks, porters and mules will have gone ahead and by the time we reach the lunch spot lunch is almost ready. After a healthy and energizing lunch we get back on the trail again stopping off in villages and monasteries where possible. By mid afternoon we stop for the day.

We set up camp and then relax and enjoy watching the sun disappear below the mountain peaks. Meanwhile the cooks are busy preparing a three course meal prepared from fresh clean local produce. Enjoy the company of your guides and fellow trekkers late into the evening around a campfire. Head to bed for a good nights sleep to be ready to do it all again the next day.