ANcash | ` 118 |
Witness the most amazing sunrise and sunset of your life! Singalila Pass with Phoktey dara trek will take you to some of the dreamiest places in Sikkim. Get closer to the nature with Singalila Pass with Phoktey dara trek. Walk through dense Rhododendron forests, fern species, other rich flora and fauna of Sikkim. See the stunning panoramic views of marvelous Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Simvo and Mt. Siniolchu. Pass through evergreen forests, the floating river Teesta and some of the rural villages of Sikkim.
Every moment you will encounter different scenic views of nature. Sometimes gigantic hills with numerous dotted villages with sun setting in the background, with frothing white falls and streams while somewhere you will get the enchanting views of the snow-capped mountain ranges of the Kanchenjunga massif which would inspire you to get into the depths of nature. .
Singalila Pass and Phoktey Dara, the two spurs, offer majestic views of gigantic massif of Kanchenjunga range in a famous “Sleeping Buddha” formation. Sunrise and sunset panorama are surreal and profound. The Singalila range demarcates the western borders of Sikkim and Darjeeling with Nepal. During this trek you will witness the mountains, passes and range of both India and Nepal. On a clear sky day, 4 out of the 5 highest peaks in the world, Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu are distinctly visible. Your camps will be set in a strategic position so that you can admire the views of these majestic mountains. These trails are less travelled and untouched by humans. It's uncommon to find any other group trekking here. For the love of Himalayas, Singalila Pass with Phoktey dara trek is a must do!
ITINERARY
Day 1: NJP/Bagdogra to Hilley
You will be picked up from NJP/Bagdogra and taken to Hilley by road. You will pass through moist verdant forest of Jorethang. Hilley does not have any market or ATMs, Jorethang is the last place where market and ATMs are available. You will also pass the Kitam Bird Sanctuary, where you might spot the Red Crossbill and Parrotbills. Reach Hilley and check in to the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2: Hilley to Barsey
Relish your breakfast and get ready for your trek. Start your trek through lush green forest of Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, which is 5 minutes of walking distance from the hotel. Walk gently amid quintessence of forest and enjoy the pristine nature in silence. You might get lucky and spot the endangered vividly colored Satyr Tragopan or a Kalij Pheasant. Remember that high altitude vegetation is frail, so avoid trampling and follow the main trails. After a while you will be awestruck by the first view of Mt. Kanchenjunga towards north. You will reach the campsite by evening. Have dinner and stay overnight at the camps.
Day 3: Barsey to Joributi
After breakfast, continue exploring the alpine forest of Sikkim. Traverse from one hill to another towards the Singalila range. Walk through rich forests canopied by Rhododendron, Magnolia and Bamboo. The trail receives just enough sunlight that it remains dusky green even in the morning. Reach the beautiful campsite by evening which is near hill slope thickly covered with Magnolia and conifer forest. You will be able to spot different species of bird at the campsite. Explore the place and enjoy the natural beauty of the place. Overnight stay at the camps.
Day 4: Joributi to Kalijhora/ Kharka Dara
After breakfast, start walking along the slope of the hill. You will pass Uttarey, recorded for sighting of the Red Pandas. If the sky is clear you will see the magnificent view of Mt Kanchenjunga and the surrounding peaks. Enter a damp and moist forest and enjoy the sound of singing and chirping of birds in the bushes. Take a break at the swampland called Thulo Dhap. After passing through couple of jungle trails, you will reach the campsite. The place is perfect for the view of barren Himalayas. The temperature might drop to below zero in the night and early morning. Overnight stay at the camps.
Day 5: Kalijhora/ Kharka Dara to Singalila Pass
Welcome the morning with the enigmatic view of Sleeping Buddha. You can admire the sunrise either from Kharka Dara or Kalijhora. After an early breakfast leave to visit the Singalila Pass. You will reach Kalijhora. The top of Kalijhora is Phoktey Dara which is also a spectacular viewpoint. Singalila Pass will leave you speechless. The majestic Nepal and Sikkim Himalayas are enthralling. In the far left (west) we can see the Everest group of peaks and to the right Three sisters, Chamlang, Baruntse, Kanchendzongha, Simvo, Pandim, Tenzingkhang one after another. The entire Kabru range (North, South, Dome) Fork I/II, Rathong, Frey peak (just above Chaurikhang, HMI base camp area) are south to the gigantic Kanchenjunga and form a semicircle in front of the massif. Spend some time on your own with the Himalayas. Return to the campsite by lunch. The evening is free to explore around. Overnight stay at the camps.
Day 6: Phoktey Dara to Uttarey
If the weather permits in the morning; you will start your trek to visit Phoktey Dara to witness the sunrise and unbelievable panorama. Take your camera with you to capture the beauty from all the angles. Return to the campsite to have your breakfast. Start descending down through the forest to reach Uttarey. Reach Uttarey and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 7: Uttarey to NJP/Bagdogra
After breakfast, leave from Uttarey and start your return journey to NJP/Bagdogra. Your journey will conclude with the views of beautiful hill stations like Dentam, Hee, Bermiok and Rinchenpong. You will stop at Jorethang to have lunch and then you will be dropped at NJP/Bagdogra.
Departure Dates: 2016 - 9th Oct , 30th Oct , 13th Nov
( If Minimum Group strength is not matched, we have the right to cancel the departure . We will offer alternate trek route or will refund the booking amount )
Duration: 6 Nights/7 Days - 5 days of trek; walking from Hilley and Barsey to Singalila Pass and back to Uttarey, entirely within West Sikkim, around 50 Km. New Jalpaiguri (NJP)/Siliguri to NJP in 7 days
Region: Sikkim
Activity: Trekking
Highest Point: Singalila Pass 12150 ft
Grade: Easy
Seasons: March to May and October to December
Access: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is well connected by train from New Delhi and Kolkata. There are several overnight trains from Kolkata to NJP. Nearest airport is Bagdogra which is 10 Km from Siliguri. Flights are connected to New Delhi and Kolkata. The trek base Hilley is 150 Km and end point Uttarey is 170 Km from NJP railway station.
Access to Hilley (The trek base) & Return: Depending upon the trek members we can arrange a pickup and drop either from New Jalpaiguri/Siliguri to Hilley and back from Uttarey to NJP. This will be shared by the team members on actual basis. Otherwise if a trekker wants to reach Hilley by public vehicle then here is how:
1) Reach NJP in the morning and take a shared auto to Siliguri Junction/SNT(Sikkim Nationalised Transport/Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus. From there board a shared vehicle to Jorethang in South Sikkim. This is the entry point for South & West Sikkim. If you reach there by Noon then probably you will get your seat in one of the few jeeps plying Between Jorethang and Ribdi. From Ribdi you have to book a vehicle for Hilley which is 10 Km apart.
2) While returning from Uttarey you can book a seat in the shared vehicle which leaves for Jorethang by 6 AM in the morning. From Jorethang you will get vehicle for Siliguri till 3 pm.
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