Exploring the Trails: Trekking Adventures in Darjeeling
Darjeeling is one of the most sought-after trekking destinations in the Eastern Himalayas. It is excellent for trekking as this destination allows breathtaking views of diverse landscapes and the experience of living among different cultures.
The region and rolling tea plantations through dense forests and snowcapped peaks make it unforgettable for trekking adventure. Treks here for experienced or a novice will not find a more demanded trekking destination than Darjeeling in India.
Best Time to Trek in Darjeeling
Since you are planning to travel to the Himalayan range from Darjeeling region and go trekking or hiking then the number one thing that you should be aware of is the weather condition and the season you are choosing to go trekking in Darjeeling.
Weather is the most important factor to consider when you are going to the mountain region and especially if you are going trekking.
So, it is important to know the best time to go trekking in Darjeeling, and you are at the right place to know all about the best time to visit Darjeeling for trekking.
1. Autumn Season (September – November) – Best Season
The best time to go trekking in Darjeeling is during the autumn season which falls in the months of September till November.
During this time of the year, you will get clear blue sky and wonderful scenic beauty. The weather is not so cold and not so hot, making it ideal for hiking and trekking.
Nature takes on a beautiful rustic color making everything look much prettier than any other season. And if you wanna experience different cultural events like Dashain and Diwali of both Darjeeling and Sikkim then this is the best time to go trekking in Darjeeling.
2. Spring Season (March – May) – Good Season
During spring season in the months of March and May, the weather is slightly warmer than usual but still a good time to go trekking. At this time of the year the temperature is somewhere between 11-19 C° during the daytime and 2-10 C° during nighttime.
This time of the year, the Himalayan range is in full bloom, with beautiful wildflowers like magnolias and rhododendrons everywhere. So, if you wanna go trekking in Darjeeling during spring it is a good time to see the lushness of the mountains.
3. Winter Season (December – February)
The winter season can be a little tricky, in the Himalayan region, it snows as you travel to higher altitudes at about 3000m, it is fully covered in snow, the temperature falls to –18 degree Celsius sometimes. At such adverse temperatures, trekking is very challenging.
If you are an experienced trekker then it might not be as difficult for you, but for a beginner I would recommend avoiding the winter season.
But if you really wanna hike or trek during winter then I would suggest staying at lower altitudes where the weather is not as cold, and you may not get snow.
4. Summer & Monsoon Season (June – August)
During the summer it is not at all ideal to go trekking in Darjeeling. Since during summer it can get very musty in the morning and cloudy and rainy during the afternoon and evenings.
So, it is dangerous to trek in such conditions as the trails will be muddy and water flowing, and leech infestation.
Along with the monsoon season is dangerous in itself because of sudden landslides and roadblocks, there is no avoiding these natural disasters. So, it is better to avoid the summer and monsoon season to go trekking in Darjeeling.
Complete Darjeeling Trekking Overview
| Trek Name | Sandakphu Trek |
| Days | 7 |
| Adventure Type | Trekking |
| Base Camp | Sepi |
| Season | Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter |
| Month | January, February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November, December |
| Country | India |
| Altitude | 12000 Ft. |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Rail Head | New Jalpaiguri (NJP) |
| Stay | Tea House (separate for male & female) |
| Food | Meals at tea houses (veg and eggs) |
| Location | West Bengal |
| Distance | 68 Km. |
| Trail Type | Cross over trail, start in one valley, traverse the pass, and ends in another valley. |
| Airport | Bagdogra International Airport (it is 20 km away from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station.) |
Sandakphu – Phalut Trek: A Must-Do for Trekkers
For trekkers all around the world, it is a must to view the scenic beauty of the stunning “Sleeping Buddha” range. To view this stunning mountain range, there is no other trek than the Sandakphu Phalut Trek.
While traveling to Sandakphu you will come across Phalut, there to your left you will find the mighty Everest cluster, although you won’t be able to see Everest from Phalut, but it you can see the Everest peak from Sandakphu on a clear day.
But from Phalut you can see the Everest cluster that includes both the fourth and fifth highest mountains in the world, Lhotse and Makalu.
The sight that is highly sought after from the Sandakphu viewpoint is the “Sleeping Buddha” range. These mountain ranges look just like a human sleeping among them the third largest peak in the world Kanchenjunga takes a prominent position among them.
Up in the sandakphu trek is the perfect spot to see the most stunning sunrise and sunset in your life. The beautiful glistening yellow and orange hue creates a magical skylight on top of the Sleeping Buddha and Everest cluster.
Now let’s dive into why the Sandakphu-Phalut trek is a must-do trek for both experienced and first-time travelers.
- Gaze upon the beautiful panoramic view of the world’s highest peaks of the world, Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu, at the same place.
- Trek through the richly biodiverse and extremely beautiful Singalila National Park.
- Since the Sandakphu trek is located on the border of India and Nepal, there you can experience a beautiful blend of two cultures of West Bengal and Nepal.
- While trekking you get to experience walking through a dense Bamboo Forest and a valley of beautiful flora and fauna.
- If you are trekking to Sandakphu during winter, then you are going to experience beautiful snow covered Sandakphu trail.
- While you are on the trail, you will get to have a wonderful time experiencing the hospitality of the local tea house by the hosts.
- At night, it will seem that you are in another world, stargazing on s clear sky with crisp winter air, is a sight to behold.
Major Attractions of Sandakphu Trek
While on the Sandakphu trek, you will find a lot of beautiful and unique places and experiences on the trail. For adventurers and trekkers, these hidden treasures on the trail are something to remember forever. So, if you are looking for a few of these sightseeing locales while on the Sandakphu trail, then here you go.
‣ Singalila National Park
Singalila National Park is a tranquil terrain, it is a large park where the Sandakphu peak is located. The landscape has a range of quite forest, full of flora and fauna. The terrain has different scenic beauty for different seasons.
If you are trekking in Darjeeling during Spring, then you are going to see a field full of beautiful and colorful wildflowers such as Magnolias and Rhododendrons.
But if you are trekking in winter then you will get a field covered with a snow blanket, both the scenic beauties are different and beautiful.
‣ Cultural Exploration
As I said before. Sandakphu falls on the border of India and Nepal, that way the cultural significance of the place is mix of both these countries. Whether it’s food, language and local traditions you are gonna get a mixture of both the countries.
While trekking on your trail, take a short break and experience the local communities and tea houses, there you will receive the warm hospitality of the sherpa community and experience their lifestyle.
‣ Tea House Stays
While you are on your trail there are beautiful teahouses where you can take a rest for a few hours and start again.
Now if you wanna take in the full trekking experience and are tired of staying in guesthouses and tents then these teahouses are equipped with proper places beds and blankets for you.
Here you are going to experience the warm hospitality of the locals. With homemade food and comfortable beds to sleep in these tea houses will give you a unique experience unlike any you have ever had.
‣ Sunrise and Sunset Views
If you love a beautiful sunrise and sunset, then Sandakphu is the place for you. If you are completely mesmerized by a beautiful painting in the sky during sunrise and sunset, then to witness an uninterrupted view, you need to visit Sandakphu.
After a long and tiring climb to Sandakphu you are going to be served with a magnificent view of the most beautiful sunrise and sunset you have ever seen.
‣ Snowy Landscapes
If you are planning to trek to Sandakphu during winter, then I can guarantee you that you are gonna find snow. Although it is going to be one of the most beautiful scenic experiences of your life, it is going to be difficult for someone who is just an amateur at trekking.
But if you are ready to take that challenge then you are gonna get beautiful snow-covered meadows and trekking trails. The view is so beautiful that it won’t seem like that you are in India anymore.
Major Stopovers of Sandakphu Trek
While on the trail towards Sandakphu, there are a lot of beautiful places that you are only gonna find on this trail to Sandakphu.
So now that you have decided that you are going trekking to Sandakphu then these are a few places that you should know about, so here are a few great places that you might wanna visit.
‣ Sepi
Known for being the most beautiful campsite on the trail to Sandakphu. Here you are going to stay on the first day of the trek. The campsite is full of greenery and open meadow with a beautiful view of the neighboring mountains.
You will find quaint little villages on the way, from where you can buy food supplies for a night. Here you will experience rich homemade butter and hardened Chhurpi – the hardest cheese in the world! Often known as Himalayan chewing gum.
‣ Samanden
While you are on the trail you are gonna come across this picturesque little village that looks like something straight out of a picture book.
Make an overnight haul here and get to know the villagers and get to experience their hospitality, enjoy a campfire listening to their stories and breathe in the surrounding tranquility of the mountains.
‣ Gorkhey
This trek is situated in the Singalila Range. The trekkers highly admire its landscapes and vista of the mountains, such as Kanchenjunga, Everest, and Makalu. It is an adventure through dense forests, a beautiful village, and a valley off-the-beaten path.
The trek provides serene surroundings with trekkers who can interact with the villagers and vistas of the country landscape in this region. This is ideal for the trekker who loves not-so-crowded routes and exploring unvisited scenic highland Darjeeling.
‣ Phalut
Phalut stands at an elevation of 11,500 feet amidst one of the highest summits of the Singalila Range with fabulous panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range, Everest, and more snow-capped gigantic giants.
The trek to the peak of Phalut takes challenging vertical climb paths and rocky routes, but one can expect a view of peaks smothered by snow at one end and lovely valleys at the other. Remoteness will make them search for places rarely seen by mankind.
‣ Thokum
An offbeat trek near the town of Phalut is the Thokum trek. It is not so tourist-oriented, so it is even more suitable for those who want a more secluded trek.
The trip to Thokum will feature dense forests, meadows, and valleys, giving a great panoramic view of the mighty Kanchenjunga and Everest ranges. Thus, it is a kind of hidden treasure for any nature lover.
‣ Aal
The Aal trek is another beautiful trail that needs to be witnessed along the Singalila Range where it offers the trekker the raw beauty of the landscapes in Darjeeling.
The trek traverses the remote villages and through the dense forests and the toughest terrains to come and has spectacular views of snow-covered mountains.
All is not that commercialized, and it makes an abode for peace. End. The trek is suitable for tourists who are looking for serenity amidst nature.
‣ Sandakphu
The most sought-after trekking trail at Darjeeling is that of Sandakphu. Sandakphu, the highest peak of West Bengal, has some of the finest and most fantastic panoramic views of the Himalayan range, including Kanchenjunga, Everest, and Makalu.
The trek to Sandakphu is moderate to challenging and takes the trekkers through dense forests, charming villages, and alpine meadows. It is especially known for its sunrise views when the snow-topped peaks are bathed in golden light.
Itinerary for Trekking in Darjeeling
Quick Itinerary
Day 1: Drive from NJP to Sepi
- Altitude (Sepi): 6,400 ft.
- Drive Distance: 130 km (7 hrs.)
Day 2: Sepi to Samanden via Ramam
- Altitude (Gorkhey): 7,500 ft.
- Trek Distance: 14-15 km (7-8 hrs.)
Day 3: Samanden to Phalut via Gorkhey
- Altitude (Phalut): 3500 m/11500 ft.
- Trek Distance: 15 km (7-8 hrs.)
Day 4: Phalut to Thokum
- Altitude (Thokum): 3415 m/ 11200 ft.
- Trek Distance: 11-12 km (6-7 km)
Day 5: Thokum to Aal
- Altitude (Aal): 3500 m/ 1600 ft.
- Trek Distance: 9-10 km (4-5 hrs.)
Day 6: Aal to Timburey via Sandakphu
- Altitude (Sandakphu): 3650 m/ 11900 ft.
- Altitude (Timburey): 2100 m/ 6800 ft.
- Trek Distance: 14 km (7-8 hrs.)
Day 7: Timburey to Srikhola and Drive to NJP
- Altitude (Srikhola): 1920 m/ 6300 ft.
- Trek Distance (Timburey – Srikhola): 3 km (1 hrs.)
- Drive Distance: 130 km (7 hrs.)
Detailed Itinerary
A 7-day trekking schedule will provide the trekkers with the experience of exploring the beautiful remote areas of Darjeeling along with the Singalila Range.
This is what one will be able to see – a spectacular view of the ranges of Kanchenjunga, Everest, and so on, along with the top of other snow-capped mountain peaks and experiencing the lifestyle of the native hill communities.
Day 1: Drive from NPJ to Sepi
- Altitude: 6,400 ft.
- Drive Distance: 130 km (7 hrs.)
- Accommodation: Tea House
Begin your trip with a beautiful drive from NJP (New Jalpaiguri) to the small village of Sepi in the Darjeeling district.
It takes approximately 7 hours to pass through tea estates, hills, and valleys. Stay at a local tea house and acclimatize to the altitude. It’s essential to rest and hydrate well since the next trek is quite high up.
Day 2: Sepi to Samanden via Ramam
- Altitude: 7,500 ft.
- Trek Distance: 14-15 km (7-8 hrs.)
- Accommodation: Tea House
After breakfast, go trekking for the full day to Samanden. The trek is relatively gentle but challenging since you would have been walking for 7-8 hours.
On your way, you see extreme scenery and thick forests, passing over a little Buddhist monastery called Ramam. And here, you’ll stay overnight in one of the tea houses at that local site.
Day 3: Samanden to Phalut via Gorkhey
- Altitude: 3500 m/11500 ft.
- Trek Distance: 15 km (7-8 hrs.)
- Accommodation: Tent
It certainly will be the most adventurous while trekking in Singalila during climbing since the last stretch towards Phalut is on the third day.
Furthermore, it is one of the highest passes surrounding it in this region and takes you through Gorkhey-a small village from between an array of green valleys.
It certainly has fine views of Kanchenjunga, Everest, Makalu, and Lhotse.
Camp up at Phalut with an excellent sunset view of the mountains on this challenging yet rewarding day.
Day 4: Phalut to Thokum
- Altitude: 3415 m/ 11200 ft.
- Trek Distance: 11-12 km (6-7 hrs.)
- Accommodation: Tent
On the fourth day of your journey, you’ll trek through some of the most spectacular views for an eight-hour descent from the Phalut sunset viewpoint.
The remote Thokum hamlet from where an epic Himalayan panorama opens, at times peeking between your dense forests and verdant meadows.
Camp at Thokum and enjoy the quiet surroundings as the day will dawn at dusk. Day 5: Thokum to Aal
Day 5: Thokum to Aal
- Altitude: 3500 m/ 11600 ft.
- Trek Distance: 9-10 km (4-5 hrs.)
- Accommodation: Tent
The trek from Thokum to Aal is much shorter, but the views of the Himalayas remain breathtaking. It passes through isolated forests and beautiful scenery.
Aal is a peaceful village with wide views of snow-clad mountains and valleys. This is one of the best places for de-stressing and basking in the serenity of the place.
Day 6: Aal to Timburey via Sandakphu
Altitude:
- Sandakphu: 3650 m/ 11900 ft.
- Timburey: 2100 m/ 6800 ft.
Trek Distance: 14 km (7-8 hrs.)
Accommodation: Tea House
Towards the highest altitude point of West Bengal- Sandakphu. The way from here again is breathtaking, with superb views of Kanchenjunga and the Everest Range.
Enjoy the views and further descend in the direction to reach Timburey-beautiful typical hill valley below the tea houses, for some good rest and quality time before making a deeper descent.
7. Day 7: Timburey to Srikhola and Drive to NJP
- Altitude: 1920 m/6300 ft.
- Trek Distance: 3 km (1 hr)
- Drive Distance: The trek from Timburey will take a little time to cover just 3 km of trek distance. Srikhola is a small village at the foot of the Singalila Range. Drive from Srikhola back to NJP and terminate the trek after a great scenic drive of 4-5 hours.
Day Treks in Darjeeling
If you don’t have the time or energy to do a multi-day trek, try one of these popular day treks in Darjeeling:
1. Day trek to Tonglu
A day trek to Tonglu takes about 5-6 hours; trek to Tonglu village, 3,070 meters. The trek is beautiful, with views of the Kanchenjunga range. Good for those with little spare time to get into the mountains.
2. Day trek to Tumling
A moderately easy trek that takes you to Tumling, yet another pretty village on your way to Sandakphu. The trail, with stunning views of Kanchenjunga and other major peaks, will also give opportunities to experience local cultures.
3. Day trek to Chatakpur
It was a very peaceful trek to the small village of Chatakpur, which offers the best view of the Kanchenjunga range. The trek is quite short and best for beginners who want to have a good relaxing day out.
4. Day trek to Tiger Hill Summit
This is one of the most famous treks taken out to Tiger Hill, one that can be experienced over one of the world’s most magnificent sunrises over the Kanchenjunga range. Though short, it leaves behind some stunning views.
Preparation for Trekking
Trek preparation must be done ahead of taking your trek.
1. Physical Fitness & Health Requirements
- The pulse rate at rest must be in between (60 to 90 beats per minute).
- Blood Pressure Reading must be between (DIASTOLIC 70 –90, SYSTOLIC 100 – 140 mm Hg).
- The respiratory rate at rest must be in between (12 to 20 breaths per minute).
- Should not have liver and kidney issues.
- No pacemaker implant.
- People with Sinus issues, Epilepsy please contact the trek coordinator before booking the trek.
- If your BMI is not normal, please contact the trek coordinator before going.
2. Essential Gear and Packing List
Table 1: Basic Gear
Table 2: Clothes
Table 3: Head Gear
Table 4: Foot Gear
Table 5: Personal Utilities
3. Permits and Regulations
Darjeeling’s trekking routes, particularly those close to Singalila National Park, are permit-bound. Procure all the permits before undertaking the trek.
Safety Tips
When you are going trekking in Darjeeling or somewhere else there are certain health and safety tips that you should maintain. So here are a few safety tips that you should look into.
1. Altitude Sickness Prevention
You will experience altitude sickness in Darjeeling. Hydrate adequately, avoid overexerting yourself and give your body time to acclimate.
2. Emergency Contacts and Resources
Always know the nearest medical facilities and emergency contact numbers in an emergency.
3. Responsible Trekking Practices
Practice eco-friendly practices; do not litter; respect the local customs and wildlife in the trek.
Wrapping Up!
Darjeeling trekking is an event never to miss, especially for the true nature lover who would always get involved close to nature and local people.
Be it multiple-day treks or simply day treks, one can have an adventure over the trails of Darjeeling, which will certainly benefit both physically and spiritually if done well, along with respecting the environment that surrounds the region.
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