Best Treks in Darjeeling

Planning Your Darjeeling Day Hiking or multi-day trekking: We have  the best treks in Darjeeling for you to choose from.

Darjeeling is also known for it’s treks, and not just for its famous tea and stunning views of Kanchenjunga. Darjeeling offers the best trekking trails from one-day treks to several days of trekking that adventure enthusiasts simply cannot miss. Among the best treks in Darjeeling, you’ll find treks that cater to all levels of trekkers, from beginners to seasoned adventurers.

The two best multi-day treks in Darjeeling include the five-day Sandakphu Singalila Trek, and the six day Sandakphu Singalila Ridge Phalut Trek.

Darjeeling also offers the best two-day or one-day Tonglu-Tumling Trek, or the one-day Tiger Hill Trek or the one-day Darjeeling Chatakpur Trek.

For someone short on time or on a budget trip, a day walk to the tea gardens is also a convenient way to discover the Darjeeling Hills.

A day hike in Darjeeling is also possible, along with a visit to the tea garden and the local historical monuments and monasteries around Darjeeling. We offer complete and customized packages for guided one-day trekking and hiking in Darjeeling.

All these treks in Darjeeling offer breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and lush green landscapes, and a unique cultural experience making these treks in Darjeeling perfect for an explorer.

Here are some of the best guided one-day treks around Darjeeling with lunch and transport for 2026:

Tonglu-Trek:

Distance Covered:

• Dhotrey to Tonglu to Tumling: 6 km.
• Tumling to Manebhanjyang: 12 km.
• Manebhanjyang to Darjeeling: 1 Hour Drive

The Tonglu trek is a relatively short and easy one-day trek in Darjelling, making it a great option for beginners or for those with limited time. Starting with 90 minutes drive from Darjeeling to Dhotrey, the Tonglu trek takes you through dense forests before reaching Tonglu ridge, which offers magnificent views of the snow-covered peaks of the Kanchenjunga range. Tonglu ridge is a quiet, peaceful place, perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of Darjeeling for a day.

The Darjeeling Dhotrey Tonglu Tumling Manebhanjyang Circuit, with 17 km of total trekking in one day, is the best route for day hiking in Darjeeling. A day hike in Darjeeling through the lush green forest of the Singalila National Park with wonderful Kanchenjunga views, making it the best one-day trek in Darjeeling, something that you can undertake over a weekend.

The starting point of the Tonglu Trek is Dhotrey. From Dhotrey the trek route gently climbs up through pine and conifer forest to reach Tonglu ridge (3001 m), and then Tumling (2975 m) along the India-Nepal border. You also have the option of staying overnight in one of those simple but quaint homestays in Tonglu, overlooking the Kanchenjunga Range.

Trek to Chatakpur: Best place to trek to for day hiking in Darjeeling  

Chatakpur, a sublime small village in the middle of Senchal National Park just outside Darjeeling, surrounded by conical-shaped pine and fur trees abounding with birds and other wildlife, is definitely among the best trekking routes in Darjeeling for a day hike.

The one-day hike starts from Darjeeling, then passes through Aloobari, a quaint little village on the outskirts of the main town, and slowly follows the road to Jorebungalow. From Jorebungalow, the road proceeds towards the 3^rd. mile for 2 km, then turns left on a wide, rough road towards Chatakpur.

Chatakpur situated in the middle of the Senchal National Park, and developed by the Forest Department is a small eco-village three to four hours trek from Darjeeling. From Chatakpur, you can get a bird’s-eye view of the Kanchenjunga Range. The trekking trail to Chatakpur is, in fact, among the best one-day treks in Darjeeling.

Darjeeling to Tiger Hill Trek

Tiger Hill, which falls inside Senchal National Park, is yet another best trekking destination for a day trek in Darjeeling. Due to its proximity to Darjeeling, a day trek to Tiger Hill and back is quite popular among hikers with limited time. Hikers on this one-day trek in Darjeeling usually start the hike to Tiger Hill early in the morning to catch the first rays of the sun on the Everest and Kanchenjunga Range and then return to Darjeeling.

How much do these day hikes in Darjeeling cost?

Cost: Do contact us or WhatsApp us for more details. (We will need a minimum of two people to run these day treks in Darjeeling successfully.).

What does the cost for these day treks include?

• All road transport, as per itinerary, by car or Jeep
• Lunch
• Evening Tea
• Service of an English-speaking guide.
• Entrance fees to Singalila National Park
• All permits for Darjeeling.

The cost does not include:

• Personal clothing/equipment.
• The hotel stays in Darjeeling.
• Bottled or alcoholic drinks.
• Tips, client insurance, and evacuation costs.
• Any expenses of a personal nature.

For more details, contact us for more information. You can also call us or WhatsApp us (0091-9933975902), and we will get back to you with all the details.

Two best treks in Darjeeling with views of the four highest mountains in the world.

Can’t spare too much time and have just a few days or a long weekend for a trekking trip in Darjeeling? Then you should check out these treks. The USP of these treks in Darjeeling are the vistas of some of the world’s highest mountain ranges and the opportunity to straddle the porous India-Nepal border and stay in cozy tea houses.

Five-Day Sandakphu Singalila Trek 

The Sandakphu Singalila trek is undoubtedly the most admired 4-5 day trek in Darjeeling, known for offering panoramic views of the majestic Kanchenjunga and Everest range (the third and the highest mountains in the world).

The Sandakphu Singalila trek involves four to five days of trekking from start to finish. The trek begins from Manebhanjyang or Dhotrey depending on your choice, two-hours drive from Darjeeling, and gradually ascends to Sandakphu.

On clear days, trekkers can spy four of the world’s highest peaks: Kanchenjunga, Mount Everest, Makalu, and Lhotse in a single frame from Sandakphu, the highest point on the Singalila Ridge in Darjeeling. The trek route also pass through the villages of Tumling, Gairibas, Kalpokhori, and the varied ladscapes of the Singalila Ridge.

Sandakphu (3636 m) is the highest point in Darjeeling, but do not worry as this is a moderate trek. The trek route takes you through Singalila National Park, lined with rhododendrons and pine trees to the highest point in Darjeeling, that is Sandakphu.

From April to June, the trek route looks spectacular in red, pink, and white from the floral extravaganza.

Brief Itinerary for the Five-Day Sandakphu Trek

Day 1: Drive Darjeeling to Dhotrey (38 km/2 hour). Start the trek to Tonglu (3001 m/5 km).

Day 2: Trek Tonglu to Tumling to Kalipokhari (15 km/3001 m).

Day 3: Trek to Sandakphu (6 km/3636 m).

Day 4: Trek to Gurdum (10 km/2543 m).

Day 5: Trek to Rimbik (9 km). Trek Ends. Drive back to Darjeeling (3 hours).

How much does the Sandakphu-Singalila Trek cost?

• Sandakphu Trek Cost: US$390 per person.
• We will need a minimum of two people to run this trek in Darjeeling successfully.

What is included and excluded in the cost?

TREK COST INCLUDES:

• Hotel accommodation: twin share, including breakfasts in the Standard Hotel.
• All road transport is as per itinerary by car or Jeep.
• Service of an English-speaking guide.
• Entrance fees to monuments visited.
• Singalila National Park Fees
• All permits for Darjeeling.

DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Sleeping bag; personal clothing or equipment.
• Lunches and dinners during the hotel stay in Sikkim and Darjeeling.
• Bottled or alcoholic drinks.
• Tips, client insurance, and evacuation costs.
• Any expenses of a personal nature.

For detailed day-to-day itinerary and other information: click here

Sandakphu-Phalut Singalila Ridge Trek 

Considered the best trekking route in Darjeeling, especially during spring, the Sandakphu Singalila Phalut Trek is an 81-kilometer trek in Darjeeling that takes six days to traverse across the Singalila Ridge.

The hiking trail is well-marked, and primarily lies alongside the wide jeep tracks. To avoid vehicular movement, some hikers prefer starting their trek from Rimbik, ascending through Gurdum to reach Sandakphu. This choice is a matter of personal preference, and we are always ready to accommodate your needs.

Phalut is often considered the best place of this trek in Darjeeling. While Sandakphu provides magnificent views of the Himalayas, Phalut offers an even more spectacular panoramic vista of the surrounding peaks. Phalut is less crowded than Sandakphu and offers a sense of solitude, making it perfect for those looking for the best mid-range trek in Darjeeling.

Brief Itinerary for Six-Day Sandakphu Phalut Trek in Darjeeling

Day 1: Drive Darjeeling to Dhotrey (38 km/2 hour). Start the trek to Tonglu (3001 m/5 km/2 Hours).

Day 2: Trek Tonglu to Sandakphu (21 km/7-8 Hours/3636 m).

Day 3: Trek Sandakphu to Phalut (21 km/6-7 Hours/3586 m).

Day 4: Trek Phalut to Gorkhay (15 km/4-5 Hours/2243 m).

Day 5: Trek Gorkhay to Timburey (12 km/5 Hours/2100 m).

Day 6: Trek Timburey to Rimbik (9 km/3 Hours/2100 m). Drive back to Darjeeling. Overnight Hotel in Darjeeling.

How much does this trek cost?

• Cost: US$480 per person.
• We will need a minimum of two persons to run this trek successfully.

What is included and excluded in the cost?

TREK COST INCLUDES:

• All road transport is as per itinerary by car or Jeep.
• Service of an English-speaking guide, porter.
• All permits for Darjeeling.
• Singalila National Park Fees

DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Hotel accommodation: twin share, including breakfasts in the Standard Hotel.
• Sleeping bag; personal clothing or equipment.
• Lunches and dinners during the hotel stay in Sikkim and Darjeeling.
• Bottled or alcoholic drinks.
• Tips, client insurance, and evacuation costs.
• Any expenses of a personal nature.

Food

Food choices on these treks in Darjeeling are limited. The lodges and tea houses enroute on these trekking trails in Darjeeling typically offer traditional dishes such as ‘Dal’, ‘Bhat’, curry, and Chutney or Achaar.

However, the main town of Darjeeling provides a variety of cuisine. In the hotels and restaurants in Darjeeling, momos or dumplings are commonly served; these can be either vegetable-filled or meat-filled. Chicken, pork, beef, and fish delicacies are widely available in restaurants though not all establishments serve beef and pork.

Accommodation

Basic accommodations are available along the trekking route in Darjeeling operated by local Nepali/Tibetan families with twin share or dormitory style with four to five beds in each room, with common bathroom.

Lately, some of the private homestays offer twin shared rooms with an attached bathroom and running water.

On the India side of the trekking trail, there is one trekkers hut each in Tonglu, Gairibas, and Phalut, while Sandakphu has three trekkers hut . These trekkers huts offer dormitory-style beds with triple or quad configurations in a room, with a common restroom and washroom.

However, Tonglu Sandakphu, Gorkhay and Tumburey has private homestays with twin share/four bed per room with attached bathroom, and running water.

Hot water for bathing are available in these private homestays, and will be supplied in a bucket at an extra cost. The two Homestays in Sandakphu offer Electricity and free WIFI to their guests.

Tumling, Kalpokhri and Sandakphu on the Nepal side of the trekking trail has lodges and homestays with upgraded rooms offering facilities like free WIFI, Hot and Cold running water, and electricity to charge up your batteries.

To mention, Sandakphu on the Nepal side also has two upmarket private hotels, the Sunrise Hotel and the Sherpa Chalet. The Sunrise Hotel boasts of upmarket facilities with inhouse restaurant with food and drinks as per the menu.

Updated trekking rules in Darjeeling, India: As of 2023, foreign hikers planning to trek the Singalila Ridge in Darjeeling will no longer be permitted to stay overnight on the Nepal side of the route. This means our Darjeeling trek packages will now include overnight stays in trekker’s huts or local homestays in Tonglu, Sandakphu, Phalut, Gorkhay and Timburey.

We’ll work hard to ensure you have an amazing Darjeeling trekking experience nonetheless! Let us know if you have any other questions.”

WIFI and Electricity on the trekking trail

Mobile network coverage is sparse to non-existent while trekking on the Singalila Ridge. However, you may find some connectivity with Airtel and Jio networks at certain spots.

On the Nepal side of the trekking trail, electricity and mobile network access are available if you have a Nepali SIM card. In places like Tumling, Kalpokhri, and Sandakphu, lodges offer free WIFI.

Language

Nepali Language is the predominant and extensively used dialect in the Darjeeling region, comprehensible and spoken by the entire population. Within the Darjeeling region, a diverse amalgamation of cultures exists, ranging from Bhutias to Tibetans to Nepalis.

However, even if you do not know Nepali or if it’s rusty, there is no need for concern, as individuals encountered along the trekking route, as well as in tea houses and lodges, will possess a grasp of the English language and be capable of engaging in communication with you.

The two most important Nepali word to remember is ” Namaste” ( which is same as saying hello in English) and Dhanyabad ( Thank You).

Religion

Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, and to some extent Islam are the predominant religions in Darjeeling. The culture of Darjeeling is richly diverse.

In addition to major religious festivals such as Diwali, Christmas, Dussera, Holi, and Ram Navami among others; the town’s varied ethnic communities also celebrate several local festivals.

Singalila Ridge

The Singalila Ridge is a north–south mountain ridge in the Darjeeling region that extends from northwestern West Bengal through Sikkim in the Eastern Himalayas in India. The western part of this ridge falls within the Ilam district of Nepal.

This ridge acts as a natural divider, separating the mountain ranges of West Bengal from other Himalayan ranges to its west. Sandakphu (3,636 m or 11,929 ft) and Phalut (3,600 m or 11,800 ft), which are the two highest peaks in West Bengal, are situated on this ridge. Occupying much of this area is Singalila National Park, renowned for its stunning views of Kanchenjunga and Mount Everest.

Adventure travelers frequently visit for trekking routes such as Manebhanjan to Sandakphu and Phalut. Additionally popular among adventurers is mountain biking along these paths.

Packing essentials for your hike in Darjeeling

When preparing for your day in Darjeeling, it is crucial to pack essentials to ensure a safe and comfortable trek. Some essential items to pack include a sturdy pair of hiking boots, a backpack with water and snacks, a first aid kit, a map or GPS device, a flashlight, and appropriate clothing for the weather conditions. It is also important to pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the strong Himalayan sun.

Choosing the right time of year

The best time to go trekking in Darjeeling, from a short one-day trek to multi-day trekking is during the spring and autumn seasons, when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear.

The months of March to May and September to November are considered ideal for hiking in Darjeeling, as the temperatures are moderate and the views are spectacular.

During the monsoon season, the Singalila National Park will remain closed to outsiders from June 15th to September 15th every year.

A trek in December is also possible, from day treks to multi-day treks in Darjeeling, but you may experience snowfall and minus-degree temperatures, especially if you are trekking on the Singalila Ridge.

Please note: We can also help you customize your trek and tour itineraries as per your needs.

(All relevant Terms and Conditions apply.)