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| Title: |
Singalila Ridge Trek
with Home-stays |
| Duration: |
9 days |
| Location: |
West Bengal |
| Season: |
October 10th - 18th |
| Grade: |
Easy |
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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
On arrival to India you will be met at the airport. Depending on
your personal itinerary you will be transferred to the domestic
airport or hotel.
Day 1: Delhi to Darjeeling (2134 m): 5 hrs
Fly Delhi to Bagdogra, 1.5 hours, try to sit 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 2: 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 3: 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 4: 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 5: 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 6: 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 7: 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 8: 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 9: Darjeeling to Delhi: 6 hrs
Drive for three hours back to Bagdogra stopping half way to
visit a tea estate. Fly to Delhi. 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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