Tour Code: TIN208
- Itinerary
- Reviews
Route: Overview
Singalila National Park in Darjeeling of India offers great view point of Kangchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world. Trekking inside is relatively easy.
Along this trekking route, you can not only look ahead to admire Kangchenjunga, but also look to your right to see Mt. Chomolhari on the border between China and Bhutan and to the left to appreciate the Himalayan peaks including Lhotse, Mt. Everest, Makalu and Lhamalangcho, and Mt. ThreeSisteINR in turn.
All trekkers are required to hire a local guide, because the park is close to the border and Sikkim, and there are quite a bit of checkpoints along the way. The guide charges INR1,000 a day.
The best season for hiking along this route is between October and December, followed by April and May. Other times are often foggy or rainy.
Along this trekking route, you can not only look ahead to admire Kangchenjunga, but also look to your right to see Mt. Chomolhari on the border between China and Bhutan and to the left to appreciate the Himalayan peaks including Lhotse, Mt. Everest, Makalu and Lhamalangcho, and Mt. ThreeSisteINR in turn.
All trekkers are required to hire a local guide, because the park is close to the border and Sikkim, and there are quite a bit of checkpoints along the way. The guide charges INR1,000 a day.
The best season for hiking along this route is between October and December, followed by April and May. Other times are often foggy or rainy.
Day 1 Katmandu - Kakarbhitta
If you are in Thamel, Katmandu, you may take a taxi to the long distance bus station at INR150-200. Then buy a bus ticket to Kakarbhitta. The cost of a hard seat is INR 900, and of a sleeper is about INR1,600. It takes about 15-17 hours to reach Kakarbhitta.
Day 2 Kakarbhitta - Siliguri - Darjeeling
► Kakarbhitta to Siliguri:
The bus arrives at Kakarbhitta at about 6:45. The bus station is not far from the port and if you have too much luggage, you are advised to hire a rickshaw, costing about INR100. The rickshaw driver can send you to the Nepalese Immigration Office and then the Indian Immigration Office for cross-border formalities. Please obtain your Indian visa in advance.
After crossing the border, walk west for about 30 meters, you will find many carpool jeeps to Siliguri. The cost is around INR120-150 /person, or INR 500-800 /car.
► Two Ways from Siliguri to Darjeeling:
• Carpool with other tourists to Kurseong at about INR 60/ person, then take the Roy Train to Darjeeling, which takes about 4.5 hours in total. The first class ticket on the train is INR160 and the second class seat INR27.
• Carpool with other tourists to Darjeeling directly, which costs about INR140 and takes 3 hours. If you want to charter a car, the cost is roughly 10 times that of carpooling. You can find many jeeps opposite the Siliguri coach station, or outside Conclave Hotel.
From Siliguri 120 meters above sea level to Darjeeling 2,135 meters above sea level, the scenery along the way is magnificent and beautiful. After arrival, you may check into a local hotel or hostel in the valley, then have a stroll around to get the first impression of the town.
The bus arrives at Kakarbhitta at about 6:45. The bus station is not far from the port and if you have too much luggage, you are advised to hire a rickshaw, costing about INR100. The rickshaw driver can send you to the Nepalese Immigration Office and then the Indian Immigration Office for cross-border formalities. Please obtain your Indian visa in advance.
After crossing the border, walk west for about 30 meters, you will find many carpool jeeps to Siliguri. The cost is around INR120-150 /person, or INR 500-800 /car.
► Two Ways from Siliguri to Darjeeling:
• Carpool with other tourists to Kurseong at about INR 60/ person, then take the Roy Train to Darjeeling, which takes about 4.5 hours in total. The first class ticket on the train is INR160 and the second class seat INR27.
• Carpool with other tourists to Darjeeling directly, which costs about INR140 and takes 3 hours. If you want to charter a car, the cost is roughly 10 times that of carpooling. You can find many jeeps opposite the Siliguri coach station, or outside Conclave Hotel.
From Siliguri 120 meters above sea level to Darjeeling 2,135 meters above sea level, the scenery along the way is magnificent and beautiful. After arrival, you may check into a local hotel or hostel in the valley, then have a stroll around to get the first impression of the town.
Day 3 Old Bazaar - Mane Bhanjhang
In the morning, you can take the bus from Darjeeling's old market to Mane Bhanjhang, which takes about an hour and costs about INR150. On arrival, you need to register with Mane Bhanjhang and find a local guide here, then follow the guide to hike from Mane Bhanjhang to Tong Lu, covering about 14 km and taking 4 hours.
Cost:
Admission fee: INR 200 for entrance, INR 100 for bringing camera
Guide fee: INR 1,000 each day
Accommodation: INR 400-500 for a room or INR 150 for a bed
Cost:
Admission fee: INR 200 for entrance, INR 100 for bringing camera
Guide fee: INR 1,000 each day
Accommodation: INR 400-500 for a room or INR 150 for a bed
Day 4 Tong Lu - Sandakphu
Today, you may hike from Tong Lu to Sandakphu, totaling 17 km. The terrain of this section is relatively undulating, and the last few kilometers are continuous climbing sections. Sandakphu is about 3,660 meters above sea level and offers excellent views. The price for a meal is around INR 100.
Day 5 Sandakphu - Rimbick
After visiting Sandakphu and enjoying the magnificent snow-capped mountains, hike all the way down to Rimbick, taking about 6-8 hours. You may stay overnight at Rimbick. If you are in a hurry, you can also return to Darjeeling from Rimbick today.
Day 6 Rimbick - Darjeeling
Go back to Darjeeling by car, which takes around 3-4 hours. Your trekking tour ends here.
This trip can be customized to meet your individual needs!