Title:

Sandakphu

Duration:

11 Nights / 12 Days

Best Season:

March to May, August to September

Altitude:

3636 M

Itinery:

The Samthar- Singelila trek is exclusively operated by Gurudongma Tours and Treks, for nature and mountain lovers, offers exciting itinerary of nature trails. There are breathtaking views, insights and contacts with local population in remote regions, and wonderful opportunities for photography. Included in the tour is a short but exciting rafting session, followed by a 4-day trek to the remote Samthar Plateau. This enables a natural and cultural experience, as also provides an opportunity for trekkers to build up mountain muscles, stamina, and acclimatize gradually. This preliminary trek adds to the pleasures of the 06-day high altitude Singelila trek.
 

Bagdogra Airport /NJP Railway Station -Kalimpong. Upon arrival transfer by jeep to Kalimpong, for a night at a hotel.

Kalimpong-Rafting-Trek to Samthar, 1450 M Drive to Teesta River, for an exciting 02 hrs of rafting on the best stretch of the Teesta River. Thereafter trek through forests and picture post card hamlets to Samthar. It is a climb of 1000 M. Duration 05 hrs. Overnight at the unique wilderness Lodge-The FarmHouse, in rooms or tents.

Samthar Plateau Trek, 1450 M A nature and culture trek for 03-04 hrs, with good wonderful opportunities for photography, meandering along village paths, along a relatively easy trail. Overnight at the FarmHouse.

Lepcha Valley trek, 1600 M. A 06-07 hrs trek with steep descents and climbs which is good for confidence building. It also offers a visit to 100 year old Lepcha Gumpa, and an isolated Valley with Lepcha tribal habitat. Overnight at the Farm House.

Drive cum trek to Samthar to Gumpa Dara, 2100 M - Drive to Maney Bhanjan, 2134 M. Trek for 05 hrs through forests and the charming Git Valley, climbing from 1400 M to 2100 M. The trekking is in two portions with a short drive in between. From Gumpa Dara we drive to Maneybhanjan , the start point of the Singelila trek, a distance of 105 kms in 05 hrs. Overnight at Guest House/camp.

Trek to Tonglu, 3070 Mtrs. After early breakfast, start trekking to Tonglu. A steep climb of 936 Mtrs in 11 Kms, Slow and steady trekking takes 5-6 hrs. Lunch enroute. Dinner and overnight at trekkers hut/camp.

Trek to Tonglu-Garibas, 2621 Mtrs. Rise early for a sunrise view from Tonglu Top. Fabulous views of both, Singalila and Chola Ranges. Mount Chomalhari, in Bhutan is also visible. After early breakfast, trek down to Tumling in 30 Mins. We take the trail through the Singalila National Park. Mature forests, cascading streams and wild flowers, are a delight to the senses. A gentle downhill walk of just 06 kms brings us to the Garibas trekker's hut. It takes 03 hrs. After lunch the remaining day is free to explore the surroundings. Short trek today with overnight at 2621 Mtrs elevation, for acclimatization. Dinner, and overnight at Trekkers Hut/Camp.

Garibas-Sandakphu, 3636 Mtrs. After early breakfast, start trekking uphill, A stiff climb for 10 kms upto Sandakphu. We pass through Kal Pokhri- the dark Crystal Lake at 3108 Mtrs. The final ascent of 04 kms is the most challenging, as we climb steeply above an altitude of 3000 Mtrs. We pass through forests of Magnolia, and Rhododendrons to reach Sandakphu-the peak of the poison plant. Today's trek takes 05-6 hrs. Picnic lunch enroute. Dinner and overnight at Camp/Trekkers Hut.

Sandakphu-Phalut, 3600 Mtrs. Rise early to see the breathtaking view of four of the world's highest peaks, all over 8000 Mtrs in elevation. The entire Khangchendzonga Range towers over a basin of Rhododendrons, and Silver Firs in the foreground. On the western horizon, the peaks of the Everest Group are Visible. To the East on the Chola Range can be seen the passes of Chola, Natu La, and Jalep La, leading to Tibet. After breakfast, trek along the ridge to Phalut. Today we cover a distance of 21 Kms. But it is a relatively levelled walk. The trail is lined with Rhododendrons of various hues, magnolias, chestnut oak, and Silver Fir. During springtime, there is a splash of primulas, daises, and other wild flowers. On the Western horizon are great snow clad peaks. No wonder most trekkers do not feel the distance and enjoy every bit of the 06-07 hrs walk. Picnic lunch enroute. Approaching Phalut the vegetation disappears, owing to sweeping icy winds. Finally we are face to face with our destination; Phalut-the denuded peak. Here stands the tri-junction of Nepal, Sikkim, and India. Dinner, and overnight, at Trekkers Hut/Camp.

Phalut-Rammam, 2560 Mtrs. After breakfast a steep descent through rugged terrain to the Rammam River Valley. Passing through the hamlet of Gorkhey, we reach Samadan-the lost valley, after a trek of 14 kms. Standing on a plateau, in a clearing in a dense forest, with its terraced fields, it is indeed a picturesque sight. Time to halt awhile, and have our picnic lunch. Another 02 kms down we arrive at Rammam. Today's trek will takes 5-6 hrs. Dinner, and overnight at trekkers hut/Camp.

Rammam-Rimbick, 2286 Mtrs. After breakfast, trek to Rimbick, 19 Kms in 06 hrs. Beginning with a 09 Kms almost level trail through forest, flowering trees, and orchids, with bird sounds in the air, we reach Srikhola, besides a stream, where we can have our picnic lunch. Thereafter it is a steady climb to Rimbick, a small bazar, which is also the road head Dinner, and overnight at Guest House/Camp.

Rimbick-Kurseong- NJP/Bagdogra. Drive 135 kms to Siliguri in 06 hrs. Enroute visit a Tea Estate.

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