Trekking in Darjeeling: Conquering the Himalayas with Panoramic Views

A popular rock town in West Bengal is Darjeeling. Tea gardens, sunrise views, and trekking in Darjeeling make this a popular place for tourists all over the world. If you wish to trek at a low cost then you can fulfill that wish by coming to Darjeeling

There are several trekking spots in and around Darjeeling…

1. Sandakphu Trek

View from Sandakphu Hotel
View from Sandakphu Hotel

Sandakphu trek is one of the best trekking routes in the Eastern Himalayas especially in West Bengal. Trekking for this starts from Manebhanjan and ends at Sandakphu or Phalut.

The distance from Manebhanjan to Sandakphu is 14.4 km. The height of Manebhanjan is 6325 ft. And the height of Sandakfu is 11930 ft. That is, in this trekking you have to climb 5605 ft feet in 14.4 kilometers.

Singalila National Park

Sandakphu trekking goes through Singalila National Park which is one of the hotspots and protected areas. On the way, you can see Rhododendrons, Magnolia, etc. flowers in March and April.

It seems like the mountains are decorated with colorful flowers. And you will see different species of butterflies and birds.

If you love to take pictures then this Trekking in Darjeeling route will be memorable for you. Also if luck is favorable to you, will get to see a Red panda on the way. This red panda can be seen on small trees or bamboo trees by the side of the road.

Even in the Himalayan zoo of Darjeeling, this red panda can be seen roaming in the trees.

The highest peak in West Bengal is Sandakphu which is 11930 feet above sea level. From the highest point of Sandakphufu, one can easily see within the same frame Kanchenjunga Makalu, Lhotse, and the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest. Nowhere else in Darjeeling can you see so many peaks at the same time. In winter, the area is covered with snow.

How many days do you need for the Sandakphu trek?

This trek can be completed in 4 to 5 days. If you don’t want to trek the whole way, you can trek as much as you want. You have to avail it by car the rest of the way. Land Rover or Bolero should be booked for that.

Tips for Sandakphu Trekking in Darjeeling

  1. One should be physically fit enough for Sandakphu Trekking in Darjeeling
  2. Should start trekking only with an experienced guide from Manebhanjan
  3. Bring a raincoat and heavy cold gear.
  4. Take high-calorie food and water

2. Singalila Trek

Singalila National Park, Entry Gate
Singalila National Park, Entry Gate

Singalila Trek is also a special Trekking in Darjeeling that is quite popular in this region and ideal for those who want to witness adventure and have adventurous experiences.

Like the Sandakphu trek, this trek starts from Manebhanjan. The height of Manebhanjan from sea level is 6600 feet. This route also passes through Singalila National Park.

Many rare species of plants, birds, and butterflies can be seen on the way. Phalut at the end of this trek. Like Sandakphu, trekkers from Falut get a better view of Kanchenjunga as well as Makalu,Lotshe and Everest.

There is no mountain barrier in front of Lotshe, so directly Kanchenjunga can be seen. The height of Falut is almost equal to Sandakfu at 12000 feet.

What is the duration of the Singalila trek?

The Falut trek takes 6 to 7 days although this duration will depend on the individual physical fitness of the trekker in Trekking in Darjeeling

Singalila Trek Guide

  • It requires a skilled guide who will help you climb up the short-cut paths.
  • Necessary items to be taken for Trekking in Darjeeling.
  • Dry food and high-calorie foods, Climbing Sticks, raincoats, and water are to be carried.
  • In the case of the Sandakphu and Falut trek there may be an oxygen problem so need to take precautions
  • Carry necessary Medicines for emergencies

3. Sandakphu-Phalut Trek

Way to Sandakphu from Gairibas
Way to Sandakphu from Gairibas

This trek starting from Mane Bhanjan, consecutive Sandakphu, and Phalut can be completed within the same tour. Doing this Trekking in Darjeeling with a skilled guide from Manebhanjan will create a great feeling.

Days Required to Cover Sandakphu Falut Trek

This trek covers a distance of about 40 km and takes 6 to 7 days. One needs to be physically fit to trek this long distance.

As mentioned earlier Sandakphu and Falut offer spectacular views of other Himalayan peaks. The trek starts from Manebhanjan and continues along narrow roads passing through small hill villages. The height of Sandakphu is 3636 meters.

When is the best time to trek Sandakphu?

The best time to trek Sandakphu Phalut is April to May and September to December. During this time the weather is very pleasant. The sky is clear.

What can be seen on the road during the Sandakphu trek?

Many flowers like Rhododendrons and Magnolia can be seen on the way, Trekking in Darjeeling. These flowers of different colors bloom on both sides of the road. Various species of birds, red pandas, black bears, and other animals can be seen among the animals.

Gorkhey Trek

Tourists choose different regions of the Himalayas for trekking. These include various places Trekking in Darjeeling. Also, many places are now being discovered which are thronged by tourists.

Gorkhey Trekking in Darjeeling is one such new place. Gorkhey is a small hill village in the Himalayas at an altitude of 2,200 meters. To reach here one has to start trekking from a small village called Sri Khola which can be reached by road from Darjeeling or Siliguri.

This trekking covers a distance of about 18 km which takes two days. Like other trekking routes, the route to Gorkha is sometimes uphill and sometimes downhill.

On both sides of the path, there are flowers of different colored mountain trees. Gorkhey is a quiet beautiful quiet village. The friendly behavior of the people here will impress you. Bird lovers cannot stop taking pictures on this trek.

Best time to visit Gorkhey Trekking in Darjeeling

October to November and March to May are ideal times to visit Gorkhey when the weather and skies are clear, excluding the monsoon season. However, this Trekking in Darjeeling requires an experienced travel guide. Otherwise, there is a possibility of getting lost on the hilly roads.

Tonglu Trek

View from Tonglu
View from Tonglu

Tonglu is a small hill village located in Darjeeling. The village will attract nature lovers. This small hill village is located before the Singalila National Park at an altitude of 3100 meters.

Trekking up to this village is a great experience for trekking lovers. Like the previous treks, the trekking of Tonglu starts from Manebhanjan.

Mane Bhanjan is easily accessible from Siliguri, New Jalpaiguri, or Darjeeling. The distance from Manebhanjan to Tonglu is about 12 km. It takes 4 hours to reach this route by trekking.

The view of Kanchenjunga in the morning from Tonglu will remain forever in your memory. It is very good to stay here for one night. The village has nothing special to see but has immense natural beauty.

If you stay at a homestay, this will impress you.

Best Time to Visit Tonglu

The ideal time to visit Tonglu is September to November and March to May for trekking in Darjeeling. During this time the weather is very beautiful and the sky is clear. There are clear roads to reach from Manebhanjan to Tonglu. You can reach this road without a guide. On the way, you will see the Chitrey Monastery.

Conclusion

Each trek has its unique charm, offering different experiences and natural wonders. Trekking in Darjeeling, with its diverse trekking options, provides an immersive journey into the heart of the Eastern Himalayas, making it an unforgettable destination for adventure enthusiasts

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Q.1: Which is the highest trek in Darjeeling?

Ans: It is Sandakphu, through the Singalila National Park

Q.2: Which route is famous for trekking?

Ans: There are different trekking routes for different regions of the Himalayas. In Nepal, it is Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp and in West Bengal, it is the Sandakphu and Phalut trek

Q.3: What are the trek routes in North Bengal?

Ans: Some of the popular treks in North bengal are
1. Sandakphu Trek
2. Neora Valley Trek
3. Phalut Trek
4. Kolakham Trek
5. Takdah-Tinchuley Trek etc

Q.4: Can you see Everest from Darjeeling?

Ans: Yes from Darjeeling, Everest can be seen. Plz see the post

Q.5: What are the hardest treks in India?

Ans: 1. Auden’s Col Trek
2. Kang La Trek. Region
3. Pin Parvati Pass Trek. Region
4. Kalindi Khal Expedition
5. Panpatia Col Trek. Region
6. Stok Kangri Trek

Q.6: Which is India’s highest trekking?

Ans: Stok Kangri, at a height of 20,190 feet

Q.7: What are the names of mountains in Darjeeling?

Ans: Kangchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak

Q.8: What is the difference between hiking and trekking?

Ans: Hiking is a comparatively easier journey, Trekking is a harder one

Q.9: Which is the most beautiful trek?

Ans: Chandratal Lake Trek

Q.10: Which Trek is best for beginners?

Ans: They may consider these
Nag Tibba Trek
Dayara Bugyal Trek
Kedarkantha Trek

Q.11: Is Darjeeling a good place for trekking?

Ans: Yes,ย Darjeeling is a popular destination for trekking in the Himalayas,ย offering stunning views and diverse landscapes.ย You can find treks for all levels of experience,ย from beginner to advanced

Q.12: Is trekking in Darjeeling expensive?

Ans: Darjeeling offers trekking options for all budgets.ย While some longer treks require hiring guides and porters,ย you can also find shorter,ย budget-friendly hikes.

Q.13: What is the best time to trek in Darjeeling?

Ans: The best time to trek in Darjeeling is during the spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) seasons.ย These months offer pleasant weather,ย clear skies,ย and fewer crowds.

Q.14: What are Tips for Trekking in Darjeeling?

Ans: Be physically fit and prepare for strenuous activity.
Hire an experienced guide for longer treks and unfamiliar routes.
Pack warm clothing,ย rain gear,ย and proper footwear.
Bring high-calorie food and plenty of water.
Acclimatize to the altitude gradually.
Respect the local culture and environment.

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North Bengal's offbeat magic is my muse. I find adventure in whispering waterfalls, vibrant village life, and breathtaking Himalayan vistas. Join me as I delve deeper, seeking stories and experiences beyond the mainstream, from Darjeeling's tea havens to the unexplored corners of this incredible region

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