Transport

We use a combination of private minibus, Jeeps and trains for our journey. In Delhi and Kolkata, transfers are by bus or minibus depending on the group size. In Darjeeling and Sikkim, we take 4WD jeeps due to the variable and in some cases poor condition of the roads for comfort and reliability. During periods of heavy rain, landslides can occur and some journeys in the Darjeeling and Sikkim regions may take longer due to traffic diversions. Your leader will advise when this may be the case. The overnight train from Siliguri to Kolkata will be booked in two-tier (or three-tier depending on availability) air-conditioned sleeper (see accommodation section for further information). Domestic Flights: Please note the domestic flight from Delhi to Bagdogra has the following baggage allowance (this may be lower than your international flight allowance). Hand baggage: One bag up to 7kg and 115 cm (L+W+H : dimension: 55cm x 35cm x 25cm) per person Check-in baggage: 15kg allowance per person (one piece only) Please note, electronic devices, power packs and batteries should be packed in hand luggage as these are not permitted in your hold/main luggage. Excess baggage charge: Approximately 500 - 600 rupees (US$6 - 7) per 1 kilogram over 15kg

Guide

The trip is led by a qualified English-speaking local leader. On trek, there is a cook, assistants and mules to carry the baggage. Our Indian team has proved very popular with clients with their incredible knowledge, passion and hospitality adding greatly to the experience. There is no better way to experience Indian culture than letting an Indian guide show you around their country.

Accommodation

We experience a mixture of accommodations on this trip, including hotels, full-service wild camping, a local lodge (in Rimbick) and the sleeper train from Siliguri to Kolkata. We choose hotels that are conveniently located (close to villages and attractions) or with good transport connections. We aim to use smaller, locally owned properties wherever possible. These are typically two to three-star (local rating) and with a mix of heritage and modern styles. While the accommodations typically used on this trip are on the day-to-day itinerary, below are some of the notable stays. Gangtok: Netuk House (night 2) Built in the 1950s, this boutique hotel offers history and tradition from the days when the Tibet Road was a well trodden route for silk traders to and from Tibet. It has a home-from-home feel with a comfortable sitting area, in which you can relax, read, or meet together, plus there’s a garden terrace, restaurant and bar. Darjeeling: Sinclairs (night 5) With echoes of the Victorian era but the amenities of modern living, Sinclairs is a great place to stay. But it’s the stunning views of mount Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world, that really set it apart. There’s also a multi-cuisine restaurant, games room, and bar to keep you entertained. Full-service camping: (nights 6-10) The trek itself is on a full-service camping basis, meaning our camp staff put up and dismantle the tents, cook, and do the camp chores. You need only carry your backpack for the day. Most of the camping on this trek is wild camping. We stay in two-person tents, which have enough room inside for your kitbags. Single-occupancy tents are smaller to avoid too much empty space, which loses warmth. Sleeping mats and sleeping bags are not provided – please see the packing section. We also have a dining tent with table and folding chairs, and at least one toilet tent (usually two) for use during the evenings. Please note, the toilets are based on "wild camping" principles – a hole in the ground with excess dirt used to cover waste (no flushing here). There is no running water available while camping; however, we camp close to a water source and the camp staff provide bowls of warm water to wash with. Please ensure you always wash your hands with water and soap after using the toilet and before meals, additional use of hand sanitiser is also recommended. Siliguri to Kolkata: Sleeper train (night 13) Experience an icon of travel: the Indian sleeper train! Our journey takes us from Siliguri to Kolkata, skipping the long drive, while also allowing us to interact with the local people and sample the snacks often sold on board. The accommodation is basic: we normally stay in two-tier sleepers, the compartments sectioned off from the aisle by privacy curtains. Seats are allocated at the time the tickets are issued, so the whole group isn’t always together; however, our tour leader is an expert at making the journey as hassle-free as possible and will regularly check in with you. Kolkata: Hotel Peerless Inn (night 14) The Peerless Inn is a convenient 20-minute walk from the historical Esplanade area and only a 10-minute walk from downtown Kolkata. It’s a modern hotel with features such as a fitness center, award-winning restaurant serving authentic Bengali cuisine, and a multi-cuisine restaurant. Worth knowing The weather can get cold in some of the higher regions and although most hotels should offer heating, not all do. You can request more blankets if needed or the hotel may be able to provide a standing heater for your room. Please talk to your tour leader if you need help in this matter. It’s common for hotels in India to have limited times in the day for hot water use to save energy. If you find your shower is cold, please let your leader or reception know so they can make sure the water heater is on. The guesthouse in Rimbick is a basic homestay property, shower facilities are limited and some bedrooms may only provide a sink and bucket wash option. Sleeper trains are not enclosed compartments, bed bunks are set up within a carriage with curtains for some privacy. Within the sleeper train, you may be sharing a compartment of four beds with members of the public depending on how the seats are allocated. Should you wish to extend your stay, we can book additional nights for you either before the tour in Delhi or after the tour in Kolkata – please enquire at the time of booking. Single rooms and tents (excluding sleeper train) are available for a supplement: the price depends on the season you are travelling. Please advise your sales representative at the time of booking if you wish to add this to your booking and they will confirm the price for you.

Others

All transport and listed activities Sikkim permit

Meals

All breakfasts, seven lunches and 10 dinners are included. Allow at least 1,600-2,000 rupees (approximately US$20-US$25) per day for lunch and dinner (where not included). You can eat out cheaply in India, but if you go to the more expensive restaurants most of the time, you will spend the upper limits of the suggested amount. Please note, service in restaurants can be quite slow. Tea and soft drinks are reasonably priced. A (large) bottle of beer is approximately 400 rupees (approximately US$5). While camping, we have a cook and assistants who prepare simple but plentiful nutritious food. Breakfasts will be porridge, cereals, eggs and toast with plenty of tea, coffee or hot chocolate. Lunches will usually be a picnic lunch with soup, various kinds of local breads, cheese, eggs, tinned fish, and meat and fruit where available. There is afternoon tea and biscuits on arrival at camp followed later by dinner, which is usually soup, a pasta, rice or potato-based main course with fresh vegetables, followed by dessert, tea, coffee or hot chocolate. Drinking water Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity. However, we strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water as this contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in India On trek, the cooks collect and boil drinking water from the mountain streams and fill up your water bottles for you, but you may need to collect water during the day and may wish to use your own water purification treatment as well. Purification tablets can be an economical way to treat your water, most taking between 30 minutes to one hour to purify one litre of water and are easy to used in water bladders/hydration packs. Purification tablets which contain chlorine dioxide are reported not to leave an obvious taste as other tablets may. We suggest you may like to bring a reusable bottle with a wide opening and use a Steripen to treat any non-boiled water. A Steripen is a handheld UV water purifier – small, lightweight and battery powered, so easy to pack. It’s quick to use, far more effective than purification tablets, and the water is ready immediately. It’s fine to use a Steripen on non-boiled water so long as it isn’t cloudy or full of sediment (which is uncommon in these regions). Steripens are widely stocked on Amazon, outdoor shops and other online retailers; look for the latest models but avoid USB charging ones. Models that take lithium batteries are best as they last longer, especially in cold conditions.

Not included:

Others

— Travel insurance — Single accommodation (available on request), excludes sleeper train — Visas or vaccinations

Insurance

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Start Delhi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Start Delhi

The adventure begins at our hotel in Delhi. You are free today to explore the city or rest after your flight; rooms may not be available until noon but it is often earlier than this. Our leader holds a trip briefing today. You need passport photographs for the various permits and checkposts, so please ensure you bring four. Accommodation: Hotel Bloom Karol Bagh (or similar)
Day 2 Day 2: Fly To Bagdogra; Drive To Gangtok (Breakfast,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Fly To Bagdogra; Drive To Gangtok (Breakfast,Dinner)

We transfer to the domestic airport terminal and fly to Bagdogra. On arrival, we join our vehicles and drive to Gangtok. The road soon leaves the plains and at Sevoke we cross the Teesta River and climb into the Doar Hills. At Rangpo, we take a break as we enter Sikkim. Border formalities take time – you need your passport and one photograph. Climbing further, we reach Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, set at an elevation of 5,510ft (1,680m). The drive usually takes about five hours (78mi/125km) but has been known to take up to 10 hours in instances where landslides have occurred from heavy rain along the route. Your leader will advise if your journey is likely to be affected. Accommodation: Netuk House, Gangtok (or similar)
Day 3 Day 3: Drive To Martam Village Visiting Rumtek Monastery En Route (Breakfast,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Drive To Martam Village Visiting Rumtek Monastery En Route (Breakfast,Dinner)

Gangtok is set among the hills and, on a clear day, we can see Kanchenjunga from the hotel. We have the morning for exploration. The Mall Road is the centre of Gangtok and the nearby indoor vegetable market makes for an interesting wander. Either explore Gangtok solo or your leader can take you to see some of the sights. About an hour’s walk from the hotel there is the small Enchey monastery. Overlooking the town, it was founded in 1840 by Lama Drubthob Karpo and was rebuilt in 1908 by the 10th chogyal (king) of Sikkim. From the monastery, walk back to town via the Flower Show, a small exhibition of orchids and other local flowers. There is a handicraft centre close by, which is a government enterprise offering community training in traditional handicrafts such as carpet weaving and wood carving. After lunch, we have an hour’s drive to Rumtek monastery. Founded in the mid-1700s by the 12th Karmapa, it fell into ruins. When the 16th Karmapa came from Tibet, he rebuilt the monastery as the main seat in exile of the Karmapa sect. It is the largest monastery in Sikkim and contains a golden stupa with the remains of the 16th Karmapa. A 30-minute drive brings us to Martam, a scenic Himalayan village in a quiet corner of East Sikkim. Accommodation: Martam Resorts (or similar)
Day 4 Day 4: Sightseeing In Martam (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Sightseeing In Martam (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

We spend today in the pretty village of Martam, which was known for producing butter and other dairy products (mar means butter and tem means spread). The population is about 10,000, made of Bhutia and Nepali communities. In the morning, we go for a hike around the village. We can visit the interesting Nyingma Institute, which provides education in higher Buddhist studies and philosophy to many monks. There is also another small monastery and a Krishna Mandir in the village. We return to our hotel for lunch and the afternoon is free. Accommodation: Martam Resorts (or similar)
Day 5 Day 5: Drive To Darjeeling And Visit The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (Breakfast,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Drive To Darjeeling And Visit The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (Breakfast,Dinner)

Leaving Sikkim, we drive to Darjeeling. The road winds all the way to the Testa River, where we enter the state of West Bengal. It then weaves back into the hills to Darjeeling. We arrive by lunchtime; this afternoon, we explore one of the most famous hill stations of the British Raj. The region originally belonged to the chogyals of Sikkim, before it was annexed by the Gurkhas. By the early 1800s, it was in the control of the British East India Company who returned it to Sikkim rule. Stumbling across Dorje Ling Monastery, situated on a quiet forested ridge, two British soldiers thought it would make a great location for a sanatorium and with the permission of the Sikkim king, a hill station was born. Today, Darjeeling is a bustling town but the Mall still retains Victorian charm. Our stay includes a visit to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, founded by Tenzing Norgay and where many famous Sherpa climbers trained in mountaineering skills. There are interesting displays and photographs from some of the early Everest climbs. Today’s drive is 50mi (80km) and will take approximately four hours; however, there may be delays due to landslides caused by heavy rain. Your leader will advise if this is the case. Accommodation: Sinclairs Hotel (or similar)
Day 6 Day 6: Ride The Toy Train; Drive To Rimbik And Trek To Manedara (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Ride The Toy Train; Drive To Rimbik And Trek To Manedara (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

On a clear day, wake early for beautiful sunrise views of Kanchenjunga from the roof of our hotel. After breakfast, we have a 40-minute ride on the toy train to Ghoom (subject to running, see Day 13 for another opportunity if not running today). The train chugs out of Darjeeling, stopping to take on water and to allow passengers to photograph the Batasia Loop. At Ghoom, we meet our cars and drive for around four hours to Rimbik, the trailhead of our trek at 7,500ft (2,286m). We have a 45-minute gentle uphill walk through magnificent rhododendron forests (a blaze of reds in spring) to our camp at Manedara, where we spend our first night under canvas. As we approach the village, we have stunning views of Kabru Dome and Kabru South peaks. Accommodation: Full-service camp – sleeping altitude: 8,040ft (2,450m)
Day 7 Day 7: Trek Through Forest And Villages To Gurdum (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Trek Through Forest And Villages To Gurdum (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Today we start our trek with an easy trail passing small houses and fields. It is about two hours’ gradual walk through beautiful forest to Shepi village. We then descend to the Gurdum Khola river, which we cross by bridge and after a steep one-hour climb to Gurdum village, we arrive at our camp for the evening. Accommodation: Full-service camp – sleeping altitude: 7,875ft (2,400m)
Day 8 Day 8: Trek Through Forest Ascending Through Sandakhphu To Chandu (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Trek Through Forest Ascending Through Sandakhphu To Chandu (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

It’s a fairly tough but rewarding day as we finish our ascent to the Singalila Ridge. The trail climbs steeply in places until we emerge at a forest clearing. From here, it undulates through rhododendron forest to the ridgetop at Sandakhphu (11,929ft/3,636m), the highest point of our trek. On a clear day, the climb is well worth the effort as we are rewarded with a magnificent Himalayan panorama. The views from here are truly amazing – the towering slopes of Kanchenjunga lie ahead and Everest, Lhotse and Makalu come into view in the distance. After lunch at Sandakhphu, it is a gradual walk on a rough jeep track to our camp at Chandu. Accommodation: Full-service camp – sleeping altitude: 11,715ft (3,570m)
Day 9 Day 9: Trekking Along The Singalila Ridge To Sabargam Taking In Himalaya Views (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Trekking Along The Singalila Ridge To Sabargam Taking In Himalaya Views (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

We are now on the Singalila Ridge, the border between Nepal and India, which means at times we are walking in each country. This is a great day for views. The trail undulates, following the ridge through chestnut, oak and silver fir trees with commanding panoramic views of the Himalaya all day. Dwarf rhododendrons and primulas colour the landscape in spring. Tonight, we have a spectacular wild camp at Sabargam. The views from here are sublime and we hope to see a magnificent sunset and sunrise over Kanchenjunga, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu and a whole host of other Himalayan peaks. Accommodation: Full-service camp – sleeping altitude: 11,601ft (3,536m)
Day 10 Day 10: Trek To The End Of The Singalila Ridge At Phalut Then Descend To Samaden (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Trek To The End Of The Singalila Ridge At Phalut Then Descend To Samaden (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

We enjoy a full day of trekking along an undulating trail to the end of the ridge at Phalut, where we descend to Samaden. On a clear day, we get breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga as we continue along the ridge. The Everest range is further away but Kanchenjunga rears up over us. Phalut is at 11,810ft (3,600m) and just behind the lodge there is a viewpoint where we are surrounded by Himalayan giants. The trail down to Samaden is glorious and takes us through forests of oak, conifers, pine and rhododendrons, an explosion of colour in spring. We camp tonight in Samaden, a small settlement with excellent views. Accommodation: Full-service camp – sleeping altitude: 8,135ft (2,480m)
Day 11 Day 11: Trek Through Small Settlements To Rimbik (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Trek Through Small Settlements To Rimbik (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Our final trek winds through a collection of small settlements (inhabited by Rais, Sherpas and Tamangs) to Ramman, where terraced fields and villages dot the landscape. We descend along a jeep track to Sri Khola for lunch, after which we cross a suspension bridge and continue for another 2hr 30min along a road, passing through more villages to Rimbik, a large Sherpa village among the forest landscapes of Singalila National Park. We stay in a small lodge with great views across the valley. Accommodation: Rimbick Lodge (guest house)– sleeping altitude: 7,500ft (2,286m) Please note, the guest house is a basic home-stay property. Although all bedrooms offer attached bathrooms (including toilets), those with shower facilities are limited and some bedrooms may only provide a sink and "bucket" wash option.
Day 12 Day 12: Drive To Darjeeling, Visiting A Tea Estate En Route (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Drive To Darjeeling, Visiting A Tea Estate En Route (Breakfast)

Today we drive back to Darjeeling along a road that winds up and down ridges through picturesque landscapes. En route, we visit a tea estate and learn how this famous drink is grown and processed. We arrive in Darjeeling midafternoon and the rest of the day is free to further explore this historic hill station. Our hotel is close to the Mall, which is a great place to wander in the evening. Accommodation: Sinclairs Hotel (or similar)
Day 13 Day 13: Morning To Explore Darjeeling, Drive To Siliguri, Overnight Train To Kolkata (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Morning To Explore Darjeeling, Drive To Siliguri, Overnight Train To Kolkata (Breakfast)

We have the morning to explore further. If we missed the ride on the toy train and Ghoom monastery, there is time this morning. In the afternoon, we set off for the drive to Siliguri (two to three hours) where we board the overnight train to Kolkata. Train times in India change regularly, although it usually departs around 8pm or 9pm. Accommodation: Overnight sleeper train
Day 14 Day 14: Arrive Kolkata; Free Time To Explore (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Arrive Kolkata; Free Time To Explore (Breakfast)

We arrive in Kolkata in the early hours of the morning and have the day to explore this fascinating city. Once the capital of British India, Kolkata has a turbulent past. It was central to the struggle for Indian independence and thousands of Bengali refugees came here at the start of the 1900s. It is a city of striking contrasts and the unusual sights, pungent smells and cacophony of sounds are an experience unique to India. If you would rather not navigate Kolkata alone, your leader can usually arrange a short guided city tour for you (pay locally). Accommodation: Hotel Peerless Inn (or similar)
Day 15 Day 15: End Kolkata (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: End Kolkata (Breakfast)

The adventure ends in Kolkata after breakfast. If you’d like a little more adventure, however, consider joining our five-day Golden Triangle extension. Encompassing Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, the trip is a whirlwind of culture, taking in the Taj Mahal, Red Fort of Akbar and much more.

+12

15 days tour

Darjeeling, Sikkim & The Singalila Ridge

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Darjeeling, Sikkim & The Singalila Ridge

Day 1: Start Delhi

Day 2: Fly To Bagdogra; Drive To Gangtok (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 3: Drive To Martam Village Visiting Rumtek Monastery En Route (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 4: Sightseeing In Martam (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 5: Drive To Darjeeling And Visit The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 6: Ride The Toy Train; Drive To Rimbik And Trek To Manedara (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 7: Trek Through Forest And Villages To Gurdum (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 8: Trek Through Forest Ascending Through Sandakhphu To Chandu (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 9: Trekking Along The Singalila Ridge To Sabargam Taking In Himalaya Views (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 10: Trek To The End Of The Singalila Ridge At Phalut Then Descend To Samaden (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 11: Trek Through Small Settlements To Rimbik (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 12: Drive To Darjeeling, Visiting A Tea Estate En Route (Breakfast)

Day 13: Morning To Explore Darjeeling, Drive To Siliguri, Overnight Train To Kolkata (Breakfast)

Day 14: Arrive Kolkata; Free Time To Explore (Breakfast)

Day 15: End Kolkata (Breakfast)

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