Singalila Natonal Park of Darjeeling offers one of the best hiking trails in Easter Himalaya to its visitors. The park is rich in mixed forest vegetation, birds and animals and also home of the endangered Red Panda. And for those who are limited with their time and still longing to take a sneak into what the place has to offer, this is the best recommended hiking trip plan.
Drive commences through the busy hustle and bustle Siliguri town, which happens to be the main commercial hub for the adjoining areas, viz, Darjeeling, Sikkim, Bihar, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. But, within a 30 min. drive, the quietness of Mahananda Wildlife sanctuary and the greenery of its sub-tropical vegetation rejuvenates all you senses. And it is worth a stop and glance upon the heart-warming beauty of Rohini valley, rising from the plains of Bengal to the hilly terrain of Kurseong, 1478 Mts.
After a short break with a sips of refreshing Darjeeling Tea, we continue further 35 Kms. towards the main town of Darjeeling, 2134 Mts. following the narrow gauze rail-line of “Darjeeling Himalayan Toy Train”.
On passing Ghoom, 2257 Mts, the first highest railway station and still the highest of India, the beautiful Darjeeling town can be seen cuddling at the lap of Mt. Kanchenjunga, which aptly stands to the quote as exclaimed by Mark Twain- “land that all men desire to see, and having seen once, by even a glimpse, would not give that away for the shows of the rest of the world combined.'
Check in at Hotel. Overnight in Darjeeling.
Trek Begins from Maneybhangang to Tumling, Nepal. (3070 mts./ 10072 ft) 12 kms. 5 hrs.
After last minute arrangements and National Park Entrance formalities, trek ascents uphill for 3 Kms. up-till Chitry, 2546 mts. where there is an old Buddhist Monastery. The artefacts’ of the monastery were brought from Burma by a learned monk many years ago and who is said to have performed many miracles at the location of the monastery.
We recommend our guests’ to spend 20 – 30 minutes at the monastery as it is the best way to have an introduction of the local tradition and custom and above all of it, the best way to acclimatise oneself to the new environment and level of oxygen.
Passing through the open pastures and mixed deciduous forest the trails heads towards Meghma, 2900 mts. meaning ‘Clouded Hill’ in local dialect. From Meghma, Tumling is 2 kms off shoot towards the Nepalese side. Overnight at Private Trekers’ Hut / Tent.
On a clear morning one is sure to be greeted by Mt. Kanchenjunga, the 3rd highest, in Tumling. So, before you bed tea, walk a little further from your lodge and let the magic begin at the far Northern horizon.
Afterbreakfast, entering the check point of Singalila National Park, the trail descends towards Jaubari, a small hamlet of farmers and traders. Further downhill 0f 3 Kms. is Gairibans, 2526 mts.
Gairibans, meaning vally of bamboo, and as such it is the most ideal habitat of the Red Panda. So, keep an watchful eye and you might be lucky in sighting the glimpse of the most endangered species of the Eastern Himalay.
After an uphill climb of 2 ½ Kms. the boys will be ready with hot lunch at Kayakatta. It is further 5 Kms flat walk to Kalapokhari. Overnight Trekers’ Hut / Tent.
It is about 2 ½ Kms. flat walk to Bikay-bhanjang, named after the Aconite that grows in abundance during the monsoon.
Tighten your shoe laces and take some long and deep breaths, as it a steep uphill climb of 3 ½ Kms and surely demands the best of your stamina and endurance.
But all the hardship is paid off and every sweat counted and the reward is beyond words on reaching Sandakphu, 3636 Mts.
180 degree view of the entire Eastern Himalayan Mountain range including the four highest, Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Lhotse, 1st, 3rd, 4th an 5th respectively at a single glance and not to be seen from anywhere else, says it all.
Overnight Trekers’ Hut / Tent.
Early morning wake up to savoir the awe inspiring view as the sun shades its early rays over the Great Himalayan range. After breakfast,passing through the burn forest, descend downhill to Sirikhola ( 2225 mts./ 7300 ft.) 15 kms. 5 hrs.
After hot Lunch at Sirikhola, it is a short hike of 1 ½ to Rimbick. After thanks giving and farewell by the crew,drive to Darjeeling by car, 65 Kms. 2 ½ Kms. Overnight at Hotel in Darjeeling.
Today after breakfast, we trransfer you to Bagdogra Airport (IXB) / New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) (80 kilometers, 3 hours) for your onward journey back home filled with some intrepid memories - Tour ends.