Itinerary Option 1

Day 1: Arrive – Darjeeling
Upon arrival at Bagdogra airport or NJP train station or in Siliguri town either with your own arrangements or after one of our trips, you are met by Wind Horse Guide and driven to Darjeeling (90km), which takes around 3 hours through scenic tea estates.   In the evening, after high tea, you will be taken on a short walk to browse through its bazaar, rubbing shoulders with locals and visitors that throng Chowrasta mall/ promenade in the evening. Overnight in hotel in Darjeeling.

Day 2: Darjeeling Walking Tour
This morning, will take a walking tour and visit the Himalayan Institute of Mountaineering and Zoology (which has had some remarkable success at breeding snow leopard, Tibetan wolf and red panda), the Mountaineering Institute, with its Everest Museum and the Tibetan Refugee centre, where Tibetan craftwork is on sale. We will also view the lush setting of the Happy Valley Tea Estate, probably the finest in the area. The afternoon is take a ride on ‘toy train’ till Ghoom and along the way back stop in the monasteries. Overnight in Darjeeling hotel.

Day 3: Drive to Rimbik
Leaving Darjeeling behind this morning we head towards the town of Rimbik (2286m), a large Sherpa village set amongst the forest landscapes of Singalila National Park and the starting point for our trek.
Overnight in a lodge.

Day 4: Trek to Ramam via the Sirikhola River
Our trek begins with a gentle downhill this morning, affording us the ideal opportunity to get warmed up as we pass through a rich landscape of forested hills and meadows. After crossing the Sirikhola River Bridge we begin our first steep ascent, winding our way past a collection of small settlements inhabited by Rais, Sherpas and Tamangs and terraced fields, as we climb towards the forests at the top of the hill. The woodland around us teems with a diverse variety of sub-tropical trees, pines, spruce and rhododendrons. As we summit the plateau we enter another forest, following a level track to the village of Ramam. This section of our walk is blessed with a prolific array of birdlife, their distinctive call following us through the trees. Walking time approx. 6 hrs.
Overnight in lodge.

Day 5: Trek to Molley (3536m)
Today we trek up to Molley (3400m), taking a long uphill ascent that passes through an ancient forest that takes us from sub tropical to alpine flora. During the late spring these ridges and hills are covered in a profusion of colour, as wild flowers, magnolias and rhododendrons explode into a wild blaze of dazzling hues. The trekkers’ hut at Molley will be our base for the next two nights.
Walking time approx. 5.5 hrs. 2 nights. Overnight in lodge.

Day 6: Excursion to Phalut and return to Molley
This morning, we trek along the ridge of the Singalila Range, heading north with breathtaking mountain vistas of the Everest and Kangchenjuga Ranges laid out before us in all their majestic glory. As we ascend, we pass through forests of chestnut, pine and fir and reach the summit Phalut at 3,600m. Phalut is the meeting point of Sikkim, West Bengal and Nepal, presenting a quite spectacular panorama of snow-capped mountains and wooden valleys. From here we return to Molley for our second evening, where we have chance to relax this afternoon and enjoy its glorious setting. Walking time approx. 6 hrs.

Day 7: Trek to Sandakphu
Our walk today is undulating, departing Molley and heading west towards Sabarkum, taking us across probably the most scenic part of the entire trek. From Sabarkum we continue our hike that follows the ridge, taking in the towering slopes of the Kangchenjunga once more, the third highest mountain on the planet at 8586m, as well as the distinctive profiles of Everest, Lhotse and Makulu. These magnificent peaks represent 4 of the 5 highest mountains on earth and the sight of these is bound to last in your memory forever. During spring the ridgelines are awash with dwarf rhododendrons, crocuses and primulas. Walking time approx. 6 hrs. Overnight in lodge.

Day 8: Trek to Tumling via Gairibas
Descend downhill to the village of Gairibas, where we stop for lunch. The descent takes us past Bikhey Bhanjan and up towards the black waters of Kala Pokhari lake (3,108m), before a forest trail brings us down to Gariribas (2621m), straddling the Nepal/Indian border. From here the trail meanders across the Nepalese border, leading us towards the village of Jaubari, before we cross back into India again and continue climbing up towards Tumling. We are still following the ridgeline today, much as we have for the past few days and as we reach Tumling the views across plains of India are simply astounding. Walking time approx. 7.5 hrs. Overnight in Lodge.

Day 9: Trek to Chitray, then drive to Darjeeling
Our final day’s walking see us heading downhill via Megma and Chitre, towards the border town of Manebhanjang (2130m), where we end our trek. We meet our transport here for the short drive back to Darjeeling. Walking time approx. 4 hrs. Overnight in hotel in Darjeeling.

Day 10: Drive to Gangtok
This morning we head for Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Just before arriving in Gangtok, visit the Institute of Tibetology. On arrival, we will check into our hotel, after which the rest of the day for a walking tour to explore Gangtok town and Lal Bazaar vegetable /food market. Once an independent Himalayan kingdom, Sikkim was annexed by India in 1975, but the town still retains something of its traditional cultural values, giving us a rare opportunity to discover something of the cultural heritage of this lively hilltop town. Overnight in hotel

Day 11: Sightseeing around Gangtok
This morning we visit the incredible Rumtek Monastery occupying an opposite ridge of Gangtok. The monastery is the replica of the Karmarpa’s Monastery in Tibet and contains a fabulous wealth of statues, thankas and writings that were rescued by the original monks from Tibet. Returning to Gangtok this afternoon we also aim to visit the small gompa of Enchey. We also pay a visit to the nearby Handicraft Centre to see traditional Sikkimese handicrafts being made, perhaps even pick up a bargain.
Overnight in hotel in Gangtok.

Day 12: Gangtok -  Kalimpong
This morning we head for the hill station of Kalimpong, set amongst the wooded hills that once provided a major trading route for the wool merchants travelling across from Tibet. Its traditional market is still an excellent place to witness an eclectic clash of cultures and religions and this afternoon there will be some free time to wander through its bustling streets to soak up the rich atmosphere and vibrant colour of the town. Dominating the town to the southwest sits Rinbkingpong Hill or Durpin Dara, site of the Dzong-Dog- Phalri Monastery with excellent view over the plains. Kalimpong is also renowned for its orchids and gladioli and other  flower nurseries.
Overnight in hotel in Kalimpong.

Day 13: Departure
Drive to Bagdogra or NJP train station near siliguri, which takes less than 3 hrs. Catch your onward flight or train.

 

Itinerary Option 2:The trek is done in reverse order.

 

Day 1 & Day 2: Same as itinerary one. Starts at higher altitude and ends at lower altitude.
Day 3: Darjeeling – Maneybhanjan - Trek to Tumling
Drive to Maneybhanjang (2134m), the end of the tarmac road and the begin trekking.
Maneybhanjan to Chitre (2800m) is a steep 2km and takes about 2hrs. Chitre to Meghma (2900m) is easy undulating walk of 6km takes about 3hrs.  From Meghma to Tonglu top (3070m) is moderate undulating walk of 3km in 1 ½ hr. From Tonglu top to Tumling (2900m) is a gradual descent of 1 ½ kms and takes about ½ hr. Total 6-7hrs trek. Overnight in a lodge.
 
Day 4: Tumling – Garibas – Kali Pokhri
If weather is favourable, you can trek to Tonglu top for fabulous views of both, Singalila and Chola Ranges. Mt. Chomolhari in Bhutan can also be seen. Return to Tumling for breakfast and start your trek through the Singalila National Park. After leisurely downhill walk of about 6km in less than 2 ½hr brings us into Garibas (2612m). Continue trek for another 6km or so of reasonably steep uphill ascent to Kal Pokhri (3081m), which takes about 3-4hrs.
Overnight in lodge.
 
Day 5: Kal Pokhri - Sandakphu.
Today is quite a challenging trek with a steep climb up to Sandakphu, the highest point on this trek (3636m). However you are also rewarded remarkable panoramic views of Khangchendzonga, Makalu, Everest, Lhotse and the other, lesser peaks of Sikkim and eastern Nepal.  These magnificent peaks represent 4 of the 5 highest mountains on earth and the sight is of this is bound to last in your memory forever. During spring the ridgelines are awash with dwarf rhododendrons, crocuses and primulas.
Overnight in Lodge.

Day 6:  Sandakphu– Sabargram- Molley
Rise early to see the breathtaking sunrise view over the peaks. After breakfast, trek along the ridge to Sabargram (3536m) and finally to Molley (3400m), covering total of about 16km, across probably the most scenic part of the entire trek, that one hardly notices the distance and 6hrs it takes to cover it. The trail stays relatively level through-out. The Lodge at Molley is in the middle of a forest. Overnight at Lodge.

Day 7:  Molley - Rammam
If you are energetic, you can start early for Phalut and return to Molley before descending to Molley for 3 hrs. Having been past Sandakphu, visit to Phalut isn’t necessary. From Molley, gradually descend through the forest to Rammam (2560). Later explore the villages of Rammam. Having spent couple of nights at higher altitude, here you will find it very pleasant.
Overnight in lodge.

Day 8: Rammam - Sirikhola – Rimbick
After breakfast, trek to Rimbick 19Km/ 6hrs. The first 9Km of the trek is mostly level trail through forest. The woodland around us teems with a diverse variety of sub-tropical trees, pines, spruce and rhododendrons flowering trees, and orchids with bird sounds in the air. At Srikhola, besides a stream, we can have our picnic lunch. Thereafter it is a steady climb to Rimbick (2286m), a large Sherpa village.
Overnight in comfortable lodge.

Day 9: Drive Rimbick - Darjeeling
Drive back to Darjeeling (68km- 4 ½ hrs).  Continue rest of the trip as itinerary One

Route: Darjeeling - Singalila Sandakphu Trek 6 days - Gangtok - Kalimpong

Max Elevation: 3636 m

Grade: Easy to Moderate. We grade this trek as easy to moderate. It may involve some longer walks (4-7hours/day) generally at low altitude (the maximum height that we reach on this trek is 3,636m). Some previous hill walking experience would be beneficial, but these walks should be within the capabilities of those who lead a normal active life.
Meals: All meals starting with first dinner and last breakfast.

Group Size: Private travels with any number of participants.

Trip dates / Best time: Any date. Best from Mar till May and from Oct till Dec.

Accommodations: For touring part, choice of hotels are available.

Whilst on the trek, private family run trekker's lodges are used. However one may also opt for full serviced camping trek, which will be slightly more expensive as all food and equipment must be carried and brought along with porters. For camping arrangements, a cook and assitant will also accompany for the trek. Irrespective of tents or lodges, you will still need to bring your own comfortable sleeping bag or buy it before trekking.

Porter: One porter per two guests in addition to one porter for carrying extra food and guide's gear is normally provided.

Other Crews: An experienced English spealomh guide will accompany in additiont to porters.