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.
Camping alternative available
Day 1: Arrival in India
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel. Spend the afternoon and evening relaxing in your hotel room or taking in the sights of Delhi. Overnight Hotel.
Day 2: Delhi to Darjeeling (2134 m): 5 hrs
After breakfast transfer to the airport for the 90 minute flight to Bagdogra. We try to get seatst on the left hand side for great views of the Himalayas. We drive for 3.5 hours up hill to Darjeeling through tea plantations, villages and thick jungle. Overnight hotel in Darjeeling, the famous hill station.
Day 3: Rest Day in Darjeeling:
Rest up and sightseeing. Explore the sights of Darjeeling including visits to the mountain zoo, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Tibetan market. Overnight Hotel.
Day 4: Darjeeling to Jaubari (2750 m): 6/7 hrs
Start early and drive one hour to Manibhanjan. From Manibhanjan we trek up hill through dense forest to reach Tonglu. We make a stop en route to visit a Buddhist temple. From Tonglu we walk a further 2 hours to each Jaubari. Overnight home-stay.
Day 5: Jaubari to Sandakphu (3580 m): 6/7 hrs
We start the day by walking down to Gairbas (2620). From Gairbas there is a long and gradual ascent to Sandakphu via Kalpokhri. This is the first day one gets great views of Khangchendzonga and the Himalaya. Overnight home-stay.
Day 6: Sandakphu to Phalut (3600 m): 6/7 hrs
We wake up early to see the sunrise and touch the giant Himalayan peaks, a photographers dream. Spend up to an hour marvelling at this sight followed by breakfast. From Sandakphu we hike through mixed terrain of forest and open mountain slopes before reaching Phalut. Overnight home-stay.
Day 7: Phalut to Ramam (2560 m): 5/6 hrs
Another early start at Phalut for more great views, one stands above the clouds yet under the mountains. It is the perfect place to experience the might of the Himalayas. After breakfast we descend through mixed forest to the Raman river. A beautiful suspension bridge awaits us as we cross the river and continue to Ramam village. The views from the ridge are replaced by thick jungle and terraced farms as we travel through more fertile land. Overnight home-stay.
Day 8: Ramam to Rimbik (2280 m): 5/6 hrs
We stay with the river for a further 10km before crossing by suspension bridge at Shirokhola. From there its a short walk through more villages to reach Rimbik. Overnight hotel.
Day 9: Drive Rimbik to Darjeeling (2134 m): 5 hrs
We drive to Darjeeling through the intricate and beautiful valleys around Darjeeling, with free afternoon in Darjeeling for some last minute shopping at the Tibetan market. Overnight hotel.
Day 10: Darjeeling to Delhi: 6 hrs
Drive for three hours back to Bagdogra stopping half way to visit a tea estate. Fly to Delhi. Transfer to the Hotel.
Day 11: Depart India
After breakfast depart to the international airport for your flight home. Trip ends.
Note: We can organise sightseeing in Delhi, or a visit to the Taj Mahal at the start or end of this trip. We can also tailor this trip with a rafting expedition or wildlife safari.
Cost excludes International Flights to India.
All itineraries exclude international flight days. The duration of this trip is calculated from Delhi back to Delhi again.
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