Darjeeling is a scenic hill town located in the Indian state of West Bengal. Known for its tea plantations and colonial architecture, Darjeeling is also a popular destination for trekking enthusiasts. Nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, Darjeeling offers a unique trekking experience that combines stunning mountain views with a glimpse into the region’s cultural and natural heritage.
Here are some of the best trekking options near Darjeeling:
Sandakphu Trek
The Sandakphu Trek is a famous and picturesque trekking route that offers incredible views of the Himalayan peaks. It is considered one of the best treks in the Eastern Himalayas, especially in West Bengal. The trek starts from the charming town of Maneybhanjang, which is located at an altitude of 6,600 feet, and covers a total distance of approximately 32 kilometers.
The trek takes you through the stunning Singalila National Park, which is a biodiversity hotspot and a protected area in the region. Along the way, you will encounter a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rhododendrons, magnolias, and rare species of birds like the Satyr Tragopan and the Blood Pheasant.
The highlight of the trek is reaching Sandakphu, which is the highest peak in West Bengal, with an altitude of 11,930 feet. From the summit of Sandakphu, you can witness awe-inspiring views of the Himalayan range, including the Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Everest, and Lhotse peaks.
The Sandakphu trek package is an ideal option for both beginners and experienced trekkers as it offers a mix of easy and challenging terrain. The trek can be completed in 5-6 days, depending on your fitness level and the pace of the group. The trek is well-marked, and you will have the company of experienced guides who will take care of your safety and provide you with insightful information about the surroundings.
Singalila Trek
The Singalila Trek is a challenging and scenic trek that traverses the Singalila Range in the Eastern Himalayas, providing a spectacular view of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayan range. It is one of the most popular treks in the region and is best suited for experienced trekkers who are looking for a challenging and adventurous trekking experience.
The trek begins in the small and charming town of Manebhanjang, located at an altitude of 6,600 feet. The trek then passes through the beautiful Singalila National Park, a biodiversity hotspot and home to many rare and exotic species of flora and fauna. Along the way, trekkers can expect to see a wide range of trees, including magnolias, rhododendrons, and oaks. The trek also provides an opportunity to spot rare and beautiful birds, including the Satyr Tragopan and the Blood Pheasant.
The trek continues through the Singalila range, which is known for its diverse terrain, ranging from dense forests and lush meadows to steep inclines and rocky outcrops. The highlight of the trek is reaching Phalut, which is the highest point of the trek, located at an altitude of 11,941 feet. From Phalut, trekkers can witness breathtaking views of some of the tallest peaks in the world, including Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and Everest.
The Singalila Trek is a challenging trek that requires a good level of fitness and endurance. The trek covers a distance of approximately 90 kilometers and can be completed in 7-8 days, depending on the pace of the group. The trek is best done during the months of March to May and September to November when the weather is favorable and the views are clear.
Sandakphu-Phalut Trek
The Sandakphu-Phalut Trek is an exhilarating trekking route that takes you through the mesmerizing landscapes of the Singalila Range. This popular trekking trail is an excellent way to explore the Himalayan range and discover the hidden gems of West Bengal. The trek starts from Manebhanjang, a small town nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, and takes you through the Singalila National Park, which is known for its rich biodiversity and stunning views.
The trek covers a distance of around 80 kilometers and takes 7-8 days to complete. The trek is recommended for experienced trekkers as it involves challenging terrain, steep ascents, and high altitude. However, the scenic beauty of the region and the magnificent views of the Himalayan range make the trek worth the effort.
The trek starts with a gradual climb through lush forests of rhododendron, oak, and magnolia. The trail meanders through charming villages and vibrant meadows, providing an opportunity to experience the unique local culture and customs of the region. As the trek progresses, you will cross several streams, bridges, and ridges, eventually reaching the summit of Sandakphu, the highest peak in West Bengal at an altitude of 3,636 meters.
Sandakphu offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks, making it one of the most popular vantage points in the region. From Sandakphu, the trail leads to the nearby Phalut peak, which is situated at an altitude of 3,600 meters and offers equally stunning views of the Himalayan range. The journey from Sandakphu to Phalut involves a challenging descent through dense forests, open meadows, and rocky terrain, providing a thrilling and unforgettable experience.
The best time to undertake the Sandakphu-Phalut Trek is from April to May and September to November when the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear. During the trek, you will encounter a diverse range of flora and fauna, including several rare and endangered species like the Red Panda and the Himalayan Black Bear. The region is also home to several bird species like the Himalayan Monal and the Satyr Tragopan, which can be spotted during the trek.
Gorkhey Trek
The Himalayan region is home to some of the most popular trekking trails in the world. However, there are many hidden gems in the region waiting to be discovered. One such hidden gem is the Gorkhey Valley, located in the Darjeeling Hills of West Bengal. The trek to Gorkhey offers a unique and unforgettable experience for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
The Gorkhey Valley is situated at an altitude of 2,200 meters and is surrounded by the stunning Himalayan range. The trek to Gorkhey starts from a small village called Srikhola, which is accessible by road from the town of Darjeeling. The trek covers a distance of around 18 kilometers and takes 2-3 days to complete.
The trail to Gorkhey is a mix of steep ascents, gentle descents, and flat sections. The trail meanders through lush forests of rhododendron, oak, and magnolia, providing an opportunity to experience the unique flora and fauna of the region. As you walk along the trail, you will come across several small streams, waterfalls, and quaint villages, which offer a glimpse into the local culture and traditions of the region.
One of the highlights of the trek is the stunning view of the Kanchenjunga peak, which is visible from several points along the trail. As you climb higher, the views become even more spectacular, and you are rewarded with stunning vistas of the Himalayan range.
The Gorkhey Valley is a beautiful and tranquil place, far away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The valley is dotted with small villages, and the local people are warm and friendly, always ready to welcome visitors. The valley is also home to several species of birds, including the Himalayan Monal, which can be spotted during the trek.
The best time to undertake the trek to Gorkhey is from October to November and March to April when the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear. The trek can be challenging at times, especially for those who are not used to walking on steep terrain. However, with the help of an experienced guide, the trek can be completed by trekkers of all levels of experience.
Tonglu Trek
Nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, Tonglu is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by adventure seekers and nature lovers. Located in the Singalila National Park, Tonglu is a small village situated at an altitude of 3,066 meters, and the trek to Tonglu is a must-do for anyone who loves trekking.
The trek to Tonglu starts from a small village called Manebhanjang, which is accessible by road from Darjeeling. The trek covers a distance of around 11 kilometers and takes about 4-5 hours to complete. The trail is a mix of steep ascents, gentle descents, and flat sections, and meanders through lush forests of rhododendron, magnolia, and oak.
As you walk along the trail, you will come across several small streams, waterfalls, and quaint villages, which offer a glimpse into the local culture and traditions of the region. The trail is also home to several species of birds, including the Himalayan Monal, which can be spotted during the trek.
One of the highlights of the trek is the stunning view of the Kanchenjunga peak, which is visible from several points along the trail. As you climb higher, the views become even more spectacular, and you are rewarded with stunning vistas of the Himalayan range.
The village of Tonglu is a beautiful and tranquil place, far away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The village is dotted with small huts and has a small monastery, which is worth visiting. The local people are warm and friendly, always ready to welcome visitors.
The best time to undertake the trek to Tonglu is from October to November and March to April when the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear. The trek can be challenging at times, especially for those who are not used to walking on steep terrain. However, with the help of an experienced guide, the trek can be completed by trekkers of all levels of experience.