It is said that trekking in India originated in Darjeeling. These date as far as eighty years ago, pioneered by Jesuit Rev.Fr Macdonald. Darjeeling has perhaps one of the most spectacular treks to offer, along the beauty of its magnificent hills. The 'Singalila Trek' as popularly known, enables one to discover the passion of the Himalayan region some of which is unmarred by humans.
Trekking in Darjeeling is an experience which no lover of nature should miss. It takes one to places from where one can feel the proximity of the stars and is still in its premival majesty. It brings one face to face with the snow-capped mountains with the sublime grandeur of the Himalayas. The region abounds in rhododendrons, magnolias, primulas, orchids and ferns of numerous varieties. About six hundred species of birds inhabit the emerald green forests on the slopes of the mountains.
The hilly destination of Darjeeling is blessed with well defined forest trails along the Nepalese border that afford views of Kanchenjunga and glimpses of Everest, Lhotse and Makalu. Just like the geographical location the climate of Darjeeling is also pretty similar to that of Nepal.
It is said that trekking in India originated in Darjeeling. Infact, the first organised trekking route in India was established here along the Singalila range. The Sandakphu trek begins in Darjeeling and proceeds through Maneybhanjyang, Tonglu, Sandakphu and ends in Phalut. The alluring natural beauty is replete with countless varieties of rhododendrons, magnolias, orchids and wild flowers. The dense forests, the verdant meadows, the savage mass of Mt. Everest, the everlasting beauty of Kanchenjunga, the rugged Lhotse or the mysterious Makalu - all in one sweeping glance, present an experience that can never be equaled.
Darjeeling has perhaps one of the most spectacular treks to offer, along the beauty of its magnificent hills. The 'Singalila Trek' as popularly known, enables one to discover the passion of the Himalayan region some of which is unmarred by humans.
Season for Trekking In Darjeeling:
There are basically two trekking seasons for trekking in Darjeeling. The first one begins early or mid of March and closes around first week of June. One has to be always prepared for occasional showers, which is very refreshing. The flowers in bloom compensate the summer haze. The post-monsoon season brings clear days in the months of October and November with warm temperatures, especially in the valley region. The daytime temperatures in the Darjeeling drop to 0°C in December and January, although trekking from lodge to lodge still makes the trek interesting and enjoyable. Still the best time to trek in Darjeeling is the spring season when days are longer and flowers are in full bloom. Among the major and relatively easy trails of Darjeeling are Sandakphu and Phalut, providing magnificent views of the Himalayan ranges.
ITENARARY
DAY 1- (11km), Darjeeling to Maneybhanjyang to Tonglu:
Early morning one has to drive from Darjeeling to Manebhanjyang (one and half hours by bus) or by shared jeeps (45 minutes). From Manebhangyang one starts to trek to Tonglu (3070m) which provides a breathtaking view of the mountains, Mt.Kanchenjunga and its neighbouring peaks. We also get a lonely view of Darjeeling, Kurseong dotting in the green hills.
DAY 2 - (20km),Tonglu to Sandakphu:
This trek leads through the forest. There are two ways to reach Gairibass the first one is the jeep able road a bit longer and the second one is the more commonly used one i.e. through Jobber, a small village inside Nepal (no visa required). One can stop in Gairibass for a while, as the steep climb begins towards Kalpokhri. Kalpokhri as the name suggests is a dark lake. Here one can have lunch. We have another steep climb of two and a half km and a walk downhill for one and a half km to Bikheybhangyang (10,200ft), meaning a place with poison plant. From here the trek to Sandakphu is the most challenging in terms of steepness. It really tests your physical cum mental strength. The climb is through Rhododendrar and Magnolia forest. As one reaches the highest part of the trek, Sandakphu (3535m or 12,000ft) one encounters the nature's pristine glory at its magnificent best. From here one can view four of the world's highest mountain Everest, Mahakalu, Lhotse and Kanchenjunga.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
One has to carry pack lunch from Sandakphu as there are no places to eat in-between. While trekking one may come across many pathways, one should avoid taking the one which leads to the left as we may be inside Nepal and be wasting precious time.
DAY 3 - (21km) Sandakphu to Phalut:
The walk is relatively easier trek-wise and the distance to be covered is 21km. In terms of scenic beauty it is the most fascinating with view of the snow-clad mountains and Rhododendrar of different trees, Magnolias, chestnuts, oaks and silver oaks. The final stretch is almost barren, that's why Phalut gets its name, the denuded peak. Phalut is the trijunction of Nepal, Sikkim and West-Bengal.
DAY 4: (14km) Phalut to Ramam:
This trek is through rugged terrain to Gorkhey and Samarden better known as the lost village as it is a fertile village which stands at a plateau in the middle of dense forest. Another 2 km from Samarden brings one to Rammam.
NOTE:
The trekkers hut comes earlier than the village, though there is a small hotel in Rammam.
DAY 5 - (19km) Rammam to Rimbick:
The first 9km is through level path through forest of flowering trees. This stretch is well known for birds. One can relax and have lunch at a place called Sri Khola, by the riverside.From this point the road runs uphill at a gentle gradient through forest and fields till one reaches a small village called Rimbick. One can have a nice hot water bath and relax here.
Day 6 -Rimbick to Darjeeling:
One can catch early morning bus (6hrs) or jeep (4-1/2 hrs) drive to Darjeeling.There is a most suited trek itinerary but if one has fewer days then alteration can be made. For those who are too old or have difficulty trekking, they can do what we call a jeep trek. Jeep trek is nothing but taking people by vehicles (4-wheel drive) to Sandakphu and returning the next day.
Images of Darjeeling trek:
