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TREKS, HIKES & OVERLAND EXPEDITIONS
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Singilala Ridge Trek- 4 DAYS
Walk the Ridge. Chase the Himalayas. Experience Singalila.
Tonglu • Gairibas • Sandakpur • Srikhola • Darjeeling
4 Days | Moderate to Challenging | Highest Altitude: 3,636 m
The 4-Day Sandakphu Trek with The Great Hikes, Darjeeling, is a rewarding Himalayan adventure along the scenic Singalila Ridge, following forested trails and traditional mountain villages along the India–Nepal border. Trek through beautiful landscapes via Tonglu and Kalipokhri to reach Sandakphu, renowned for its spectacular panoramic views of Kanchenjunga and the surrounding Himalayan peaks. The journey concludes with a scenic descent towards Srikhola, offering an unforgettable mountain trekking experience in just four days.
TRIP AT A GLANCE
Activities
Trekking Trip
Fitness
5 -6 Hours Walk
Trek Duration
4 Days
Accommodation
Home stay/ Lodge
Maximum Altitude
3680m - Sandkapur
Best Season
Spring & Autumn
Trek Difficulty
Moderate (5/10)
Base Camp
Darjeeling, India
WHY CHOOSE OUR 4-DAY SINGALILA RIDGE TREK?
WALK THE REAL TRAIL
Wherever possible, we follow alternative village paths and natural forest trails, avoiding sections of road commonly used by Land Rovers and Jeeps. Our approach keeps the focus on walking, allowing you to experience the Singalila Ridge beyond the usual vehicle routes.
EXPERIENCE THE HIMALAYAS AT WALKING PACE
Over four rewarding days, discover the changing landscapes of the Singalila Ridge, from peaceful forests and traditional mountain villages to open ridgelines and breathtaking Himalayan viewpoints.
MOUNTAIN VIEWS THAT STAY WITH YOU
Reach Sandakphu, one of the region’s most celebrated Himalayan viewpoints, and admire spectacular panoramas of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu, weather permitting.
VILLAGES, FORESTS & LOCAL CULTURE
Walk through charming mountain settlements and experience the distinctive character of the Singalila region. Depending on your chosen route, explore places such as Tonglu, Gairibas, Gurdum or Gorkhey, where traditional village life and tranquil forest surroundings enrich the journey.
A COMPLETE HIMALAYAN EXPERIENCE IN FOUR DAYS
Perfect for travellers with limited time, this carefully planned trek combines rewarding mountain walks, scenic trails, local culture and unforgettable Himalayan panoramas in a compact four-day adventure with The Great Hikes, Darjeeling.
TREK HIGHLIGHTS
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Sandakphu – 3,636 m: Reach the highest point of this four-day trekking adventure.
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Panoramic Himalayan Views: Admire Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu, weather permitting.
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The Iconic Sleeping Buddha: Witness the magnificent mountain formation of the Kanchenjunga range.
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Spectacular Sunrise and Sunset: Enjoy unforgettable views from the high ridges of Singalila.
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Rhododendron and Himalayan Forests: Walk through beautiful woodland and diverse mountain landscapes.
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Traditional Mountain Villages: Experience the charm of remote settlements and local homestays.
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Tonglu and Gairibas: Explore scenic mountain locations along the Singalila trekking route.
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Scenic Descent to Srikhola: Finish the trek through peaceful forest trails and mountain scenery.
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Walking the Singalila Ridge: Experience dramatic ridgelines along the India–Nepal border.
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Off-Road Walking Trails: Wherever possible, follow alternative forest and village paths away from vehicle routes.
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A Rewarding Four-Day Adventure: Combine challenging ascents, panoramic viewpoints and scenic descents in a short Himalayan trek with The Great Hikes, Darjeeling.
TREK PROGRAM/ ITINERARY
DAY 00 — ARRIVAL & TREK BRIEFING | DARJEELING
Meet at The Great Hikes office, Himalaya Gear, Darjeeling, for a pre-trek briefing, itinerary orientation and equipment check. Overnight accommodation in Darjeeling is arranged independently unless otherwise agreed.
DAY 01 — DARJEELING TO DHOTREY | TREK TO TONGLU
Drive from Darjeeling to Dhotrey, the starting point of the trek. Begin walking through beautiful forest trails towards Tonglu (approximately 3,070 m), enjoying the peaceful surroundings and mountain scenery along the way.
Trekking distance: Approximately 6–8 km
Walking duration: Approximately 3–4 hours
Overnight: Tonglu
DAY 02 — TONGLU TO GAIRIBAS / KALIPOKHRI
Continue along the scenic Singalila Ridge, passing through forested trails and traditional mountain settlements. Walk via Gairibas towards Kalipokhri, enjoying the changing landscapes and views along the India–Nepal border.
Trekking distance: Approximately 12–15 km, depending on the route
Walking duration: Approximately 5–7 hours
Overnight: Kalipokhri
DAY 03 — KALIPOKHRI TO SANDAKPHU
Trek uphill towards Sandakphu (3,636 m), the highest point of the Singalila Ridge. On reaching the summit area, enjoy spectacular Himalayan panoramas, including the iconic Sleeping Buddha formation and views of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu, weather permitting.
Trekking distance: Approximately 6 km
Walking duration: Approximately 3–4 hours
Overnight: Sandakphu
DAY 04 — SANDAKPHU TO SR I KHOLA | DRIVE TO DARJEELING
Begin the descent from Sandakphu through scenic mountain trails towards the Srikhola area, passing through beautiful forests and remote settlements, depending on the selected trail. On arrival, transfer by vehicle to Darjeeling or another pre-arranged drop-off point.
Trekking distance: Route-dependent; allow approximately 14–18 km for the descent
Walking duration: Approximately 5–7 hours
Drive to Darjeeling: Approximately 4–5 hours, subject to road conditions
End of services at Darjeeling or at the pre-arranged drop-off point.
PRICE & PACKAGE INCLUSIVE
SINGALILA TREK – 6 DAYS
FOR GROUP OF 02 PERSONS | ₹ 19500 PER PERSON | BOOK NOW | EMAIL FOR MORE INFO
FOR GROUP OF 04 PERSONS | ₹ 15500 PER PERSON | BOOK NOW | EMAIL FOR MORE INFO
FOR GROUP OF 06 PERSONS | ₹ 13800 PER PEROSN | BOOK NOW | EMAIL FOR MORE INFO
FOR GROUP OF 08 PERSONS | ₹ 13000 PER PERSON | BOOK NOW | EMAIL FOR MORE INFO
Our Services Includes
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Trek briefing at Darjeeling
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1 Private Jeep from Darjeeling to Rimbick
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1 Private Jeep from Srikhola to Darjeeling
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Trek leader/guide
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Accommodation during the trek
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Meals as specified in the package
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Required local permits/entry fees
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Basic first-aid support
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Trekking logistic
Not Included
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Service of Darjeeling and beyond Darjeeling:
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Porter/personal porter charges
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Personal expenses
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Personal insurance & Emergency evacuation
- Bottled drinks and alcoholic beverages
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Additional hotel nights
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Meals outside the specified itinerary
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Expenses caused by weather, natural events or circumstances beyond the organizer's control
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Hotel in Darjeeling
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Tipping to leader and local staff;
Additional Service on Request
To ensure a comfortable and seamless travel experience, the following services can be arranged upon request:
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Airport & Railway Station Transfers — Convenient pick-up and drop-off services from the airport or railway station.
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Hotel Accommodation in Darjeeling — Comfortable and convenient accommodation arrangements in Darjeeling, based on your itinerary and preferences.
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Porter Services During the Trek — Porter assistance for carrying your luggage and personal belongings throughout the trekking journey.
Equipment Rental Services
Trekking & Outdoor Gear Rental in Darjeeling
To make your journey more convenient, we can arrange trekking and outdoor equipment rentals through Himalaya Gears, Darjeeling.
Trekking equipment can be expensive and bulky to carry, especially when you are continuing your onward journey through India. Renting your required gear locally in Darjeeling allows you to travel light while still having access to the essential equipment needed for your Sikkim and Darjeeling adventure.
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Quality trekking and outdoor equipment
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Cost-effective alternative to purchasing equipment
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Avoid carrying bulky gear throughout your onward journey in India
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Convenient rental arrangements in Darjeeling
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Equipment available according to your trip and trekking requirements. Check details at https://www.himalayagears.com/items
TREK GRADE / DIFFICULTY
MODERATE TO CHALLENGING
The Singalila Trek requires a good level of physical fitness.
You should be comfortable walking for 4–8 hours a day, with daily distances ranging approximately from 6 km to 15 km.
The trail includes:
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Steep ascents
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Long descents
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Uneven and rocky sections
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Forest trails
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High-altitude ridge walking
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Changing weather conditions
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Temperatures that can drop significantly at higher elevations
The highest point is 3,636 m, so participants should be prepared for the effects of altitude and should follow the instructions of the trek leader.
SINGILALA TREK - PRACTICAL INFORMATION
BEST TIME TO TREK
The Singalila region changes dramatically with the seasons.
Spring : Rhododendron forests come alive with colour, making this one of the most attractive periods for the trek.
Autumn : Clearer skies and excellent mountain visibility can make this a particularly rewarding season for panoramic views.
Winter : The higher sections can become very cold, and snow or icy conditions may occur depending on the season.
Monsoon : Heavy rain can make trails slippery and visibility poor. Trekking schedules and routes may be affected by weather and trail conditions.
Recommended seasons: Spring and autumn are generally preferred for comfortable trekking conditions and mountain views.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation is provided in basic mountain lodges, homestays or trekking accommodation, depending on availability along the route.
Facilities in remote Himalayan villages are simple. Trekkers should expect basic rooms and limited amenities rather than hotel-style facilities.
The focus of this journey is the trail and the experience, not luxury accommodation.
MEALS
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Breakfast: Included
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Packed/trekking lunch: Included
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Dinner: Included
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Tea/coffee: As per package
DOCUMENTS & ESSENTIALS
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Passport
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Government-issued ID
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Required permits/documents
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Personal insurance details
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Small amount of cash
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Toiletries
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Power bank
SAFETY & RESPONSIBLE TREKKING
Mountain conditions can change quickly. Safety is always our priority.
Trekkers are expected to follow the instructions of the trek leader and remain with the group.
We also encourage responsible trekking practices:
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Carry your waste until it can be disposed of properly.
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Avoid single-use plastic wherever possible.
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Respect local communities and their traditions.
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Do not disturb wildlife.
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Stay on designated trails.
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Avoid unnecessary noise.
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Leave the mountains as you found them.
The Himalayas are not simply a destination — they are a fragile ecosystem and a home to local communities.
IMPORTANT NOTES
The itinerary may be adjusted when required due to weather, trail conditions, local restrictions, safety concerns or other circumstances beyond our control.
Actual trekking times can vary according to weather, group pace, trail conditions and individual fitness.
Mountain views are weather dependent and cannot be guaranteed.
Participants should inform the trek organizer in advance about any relevant dietary requirements or other requirements that may affect the trekking arrangements.
WHAT TO PACK ?
A good packing list makes a major difference on a Himalayan trek.
Clothing
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Thermal inner layers
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Fleece/warm mid-layer
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Waterproof jacket
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Trekking trousers
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Warm socks
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Gloves
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Woollen/warm cap
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Comfortable base layers
Trekking Gear
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Good trekking shoes with strong grip
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Backpack/daypack
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Trekking poles
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Headlamp
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Water bottle
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Sunglasses
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Sunscreen
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Personal first-aid kit
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Personal medicines
A detailed packing list will be shared during the trek preparation process.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Is the Singalila Trek suitable for beginners?
The trek is rated moderate to challenging. Beginners with good physical fitness can participate, but they should be prepared for long walking days, steep sections and high-altitude conditions.
What is the highest altitude?
The highest point is Sandakphu at 3,636 metres (11,930 feet).
How long do we walk each day?
Walking time varies from approximately 3 to 8 hours per day, depending on the day's route.
Will we see Everest?
On clear days, Mount Everest can be seen from the Sandakphu and surrounding high-ridge sections. Mountain visibility depends entirely on weather conditions.
What is the Sleeping Buddha?
The Sleeping Buddha is the distinctive shape formed by the peaks of the Kanchenjunga massif when viewed from the Singalila region. It is one of the signature visual highlights of the trek.
Will we be walking on roads?
Our trekking philosophy is to use alternate trail options village by village wherever possible, avoiding the roads used by Land Rovers and Jeeps. However, some road sections may be unavoidable depending on local conditions.
Is the trek suitable for children?
This depends on the child's age, fitness, previous trekking experience and ability to handle long mountain walks. Please contact us before booking for individual assessment.
What happens if the weather changes?
The trek leader will make decisions based on safety, weather and trail conditions. The itinerary may be modified if necessary.
Do I need previous trekking experience?
Previous trekking experience is beneficial but not mandatory. Good physical fitness, preparation and the ability to walk for several hours a day are essential.
What accommodation should I expect?
Accommodation is generally basic mountain lodge, homestay or trekking accommodation. Facilities are simple, particularly in remote sections.