Introduction |
It is said that trekking originated in India in Darjeeling as far as eighty years ago. Trekking means foot travel on the mountain trails. It is an experience that can never be paralleled. Darjeeling has one of the most spectacular treks to offer along with the beauty of the hills. The charms of the Himalaya along with its mysteries gradually unfold as trekkers traverse through the dense forests and verdant landscape, through miles of green-carpeted meadows and sleepy hamlets lost in time. The Sandakphu -Singalila trek as it is popularly called will enable you to discover the Sublime Himalayan interiors unmarred by mankind.
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Darjeeling -Manebhanjang - Tonglu |
The trek starts after an early morning drive of about two hours from Darjeeling to Manebhanjang a small village inhabited by Buddhist Sherpas. From here one can get a view of the trekking route, which is an awesome, near vertical climb. The first camp - site is at Tonglu at 3070 meters, which is 11 kms from Manebhanjang through dense forests, and hillsides covered with wild flowers and a breathtaking mountain view of the incomparable Kanchendzonga and its neighboring peaks.
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| Tonglu -Gairibas -Kalipokhari |
Resume Trekking from Tonglu to Gairibas at 2621 meters, Trek time 3 hrs, Approx.09 kms, Trails leads one through bamboo glades and farmlands with quaint little villages habited by warm and friendly people. Gairibas to Kalipokhari 3170 meters is a continuous climb through the rhododendron forests. Distance is 6 Kms and it takes 3 hrs walks from Gairibas. Drive by jeep will take approx.2 hrs. Halt Overnight at Kalipokhari.
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Kalipokhari - Sandakphu |
Resume trekking from Kalipokhari to Sandakphu, From Kalipokhari the road descends to Bikhebhangang - Valley of Poison . Trek from Bikhebhanjang to Sandakphu is a steep climb of 4 kms and takes more then an hour to cover this trek. Trek time 2-3 hrs. Sandakphu 3636 meter is 58 kms from Darjeeling and commands one of the most spectacular views .In the foreground is a great basin set in the midst of the hills, the slopes covered with rhododendrons and silver fir trees.
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| Sandakphu - Phalut |
Resume trekking from Sandakphu to Phalut at 3600 meters , It is one of the loftiest peak in the Singalila Range and is situated at 80 kms .The stretch from Sandakphu to Phalut is the most spectacular of the trek. The burned silver fir forest makes most of the beautiful sight .A walk of 4 hrs from Sandahphu,you will come across a stone house with blown of roof on the top of a small ridge. The place is known as Sabarkum and is 14 km .from Sandakphu. Halt overnight at Phalut.
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| Phalut - Ramam |
Resume trekking Phalut to Ramam, From Phalut the trail descends through the virgin forest of chestnut, pines, hemlock etc. till the trail reaches the meeting of two streams called Gorkhey Khola.It's a picture postcard place. One can enjoy the bath and savor midday meal. Resume trekking via Samandin to Ramam Trekkers Hut.Its about 5 hours trek from Phalut or 15-km.in distances from Phalut.
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| Ramam - Rimbik |
Trek from Ramam to Rimbik, From Ramam the road is almost level walk for the first 9 km and again it descends to Sirikhola. The road rises steep, for about 1 km where it levels out again till it reaches Rimbik. Halt Overnight in a lodge or trekkers hut.
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Rimbik - Darjeeling |
Drive from Rimbik to Darjeeling , approx.4-5 hrs for 54 kms. . Trek ends.
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