Darjeeling Trek Packages

Darjeeling Trek & Tour Packages

Darjeeling in the north-eastern part of India has many of the perfect ambiances of hill resorts, and with its mild climate and great valleys, it is one of the best spots for adventure travel in India. Trekking in Darjeeling is the best trekking tour package that one can take to explore the beauty of Darjeeling in the most memorable way. The most famous and best trekking packages are on the scenic Singalila Ridge, the finest trekking area in Darjeeling along the India-Nepal border.

Darjeeling, endowed with the mighty Kanchenjunga, the tallest mountain in India, and surrounded by deep valleys and well-preserved Singalila National Park, has the best trekking tour packages to offer. The short, four-day Darjeeling Sandakphu Trek and the extended Sandakphu Phalut Trek on the Singalila Ridge are the two best trek packages that give you complete thrill and enjoyment.

Darjeeling, situated on a long, narrow mountain ridge that joins the Sikkim Himalayas, has varying elevations that pave the way for the best trek and tour packages in Darjeeling to be created. From a simple one-day trip to a few-day hike in Darjeeling. Also, the salubrious climate makes it extremely enjoyable for getting around on a day trip, for longer trips or even for a day trekking tour in Darjeeling.

The Best Trek and Tour Packages in Darjeeling

Sandakphu Trek Packages

Highly recommended among the best short-tour trek packages in Darjeeling is the Sandakphu Trek. A four-day trek is a great way to spend time exploring Darjeeling by walking on foot. This short trekking package in Darjeeling starts from Maneybhanjyang, a border town 26 km from Darjeeling. From here, the walking trip starts with an uphill trek through the small villages of Chitray, Meghma, Kalipokahri and eventually to Sandakphu. From Sandakphu, the trail dips down to the villages of Gurdum, Timburey, and Siri Khola through the dense forest to arrive and end this trek in Rimbik with a drive back to Darjeeling.

Brief Itinerary for Sandakphu Trek Package in Darjeeling

Day 1: Drive Darjeeling to Manebhanjyang. The start of the four-day trip in Darjeeling starts. Start the trek with an uphill walk to Chitray, then a gentle trek to Lamedhura , Meghma and the last uphill trek to Tongloo on the first day of this trip in Darjeeling. The total distance covered is 13 km in about 6 hours.

Day 2: Trek to Kalipokhari. Kalipokhari is 15 km from Tongloo Ridge and most of the trail is an easy walk, passing through Jau Bari, a small village on the Nepal side of the trekking trail, Kayakata and then to Kalipokhari, where the day trip ends.

Day 3 : Trek to Sandakphu. A total of 6 km of walking on a broad jeep path, with a 2 km easy trek till Bikheybhanjyang and then a 4 km uphill trek till Sandakphu.

Day 4: Trek to Gurdum. The easiest and loneliest day of the trek packages in Darjeeling is the trek from Sandakphu to Gurdum. The trail immediately starts going downhill and keeps on going through rhododendron, Bamboo and pine forests till we reach the small village of Gurdum.

Day 5: Trek to Rimbik and then drive back to Darjeeling. This part of the Trek Packages in Darjeeling is, without any uphill trek, an easy day trip to Rimbik. The trail immediately dips down a few hundred feet to the River Bed at Siri Khola, then a gentle trek through forests and tiny hamlets on the fringes of Singalila National Park leads into Rimbik, and this is where the Sandakphu Trek Packages in Darjeeling end with a drive back to Darjeeling.

To know more on this Trek Package in Darjeeling, click Click Here

 Sandakphu Phalut Trek Package

The Sandakphu Phalut Trek, the most scenic amongst the Trek Packages in Darjeeling, follows the same route as the shorter Sandakphu Trek, but there is where the similarity ends.  The Sandakphu Phalut trek then proceeds gently towards Phalut through meadows, followed by the long stretch of the Himalayan Range on the horizon. Not only that, the trekking trail traverses through small streams and beautiful villages tucked away amidst the pine forest, along with fresh running streams. All this is what makes the Sandakphu Phalut Trek the best trekking package in Darjeeling.

Brief Itinerary for Sandakphu Phalut Treks Packages in Darjeeling

Day 1 : Drive Darjeeling to Manebhanjyang and then trek to Tongloo. The route followed is the same as the Sandakphu Trek.

Day 2: Trek Tongloo to Kalipokhari.

Day 3: Trek from Kalipokhari to Sandakphu.

Day 4: Sandakphu to Phalut.  The stretch between Sandakphu and Phalut bundles up the best part of the Darjeeling trekking trip, with the long line of the Himalayan Range from the Everest to the Kanchenjunga Range placed firmly on the horizon for the entire 22-kilometer trek to Phalut. No doubt this part of the Darjeeling Trek Package can aptly be described as the ultimate gift to a hiker.

Day 5: Trek to Ramam. Trek down first through the rhododendron and bamboo forests, and as you approach Gorkhay, then through the oak, Walnut and pine forests of the Singalila National Park to emerge onto this beautiful village of Gorkhay, tucked away in a small valley surrounded by pine forests and with a small river crossing right through the middle. From here, the trek to Ramam is through Samamdin, another smaller village on the periphery of Singalila National Park, and through forest.

Day 6: Trek to Rimbik. An interesting day trip on the Darjeeling Treks Packages as you get to trek through this seemingly big village of Ramam. An agricultural village solely dependent on agricultural products and dairy farming. This is one particular day when you get to interact with the local populace. The 15-kilometer trek to Rimbik takes about five hours to end this best and most scenic trekking package in Darjeeling with a drive back to Darjeeling.

How much do these Darjeeling Trek packages Cost?

Want to know more about the cost of the Sandakphu Phalut Trek Package?  Please Click Here 

What do these Trek Packages in Darjeeling include?

Darjeeling Trek Packages cost include the following:

• Twin-share rooms in private lodges during trekking.
• Four Bed Rooms in Trekkers Huts
• Fully organized trek services with guides and porters.
• Fixed three meals every day during trekking.
• 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/equipment.
• Lunches and dinners during hotel stays.
• Bottled or alcoholic drinks.
• Tips, client insurance, and evacuation costs.
• Any expenses of a personal nature.

Best Time to Trek and Tour in Darjeeling 

Notably, there are two seasons for trekking around the hills of Darjeeling and Kalimpong.

The first season is from mid-March to mid-May, when the temperature surrounding the trekking places in Darjeeling is very mild and pleasant, with the temperature hovering between 6 and 21 degrees Celsius, accompanied by occasional short showers mostly in the late afternoon.

The best part about taking a tour or trek in Darjeeling during this time is that you get to see the rhododendrons in different hues in full bloom, as well as the wild flowers all over the meadows.

But after having said that, from mid-May, the slowly approaching monsoon clouds will engulf the mountains, and the possibility of rain showers is even greater.

The second season to explore the Darjeeling Hills is from October to November. You may get some rain from the retreating monsoon clouds, but the weather will remain clear with excellent mountain views as these months are relatively dry.

Things to Carry

Besides the personal items, you should carry light trekking pants and quick-dry T-shirts for day use, along with windbreakers and a raincoat or an umbrella. As the Darjeeling Treks Package includes trekking from lower to higher altitudes, warm woolen clothing, fleece jackets, thermal inner wear, woolen caps and gloves are required as nighttime temperatures fall drastically, sometimes below zero degrees Celsius.

Also carry polarized sunglasses for eye protection and medicines for your personal use. Your personal medical kit should contain Paracetamol tablets for fever, Gelusil tablets or syrups for acidity, Diamox for altitude sickness, medicines for dysentery, water-purifying tablets, band-aid for cuts and blisters, an antiseptic cream for cuts, crepe bandages for sprains, and painkillers.

Water is a scarce item when trekking from Sandakphu to Phalut, and in the absence of tea houses, it is not possible to buy one. Therefore, take a bottle or two of drinking water with you on this stretch. Otherwise, you can buy water on the other part of the trekking route.

Bring with you a 45- to 55-liter haversack where you can put all your clothes. Put in this bag just the required item so that we can show the humane part of you to the porter who will be carrying your baggage for the entire trek package in Darjeeling. Carry with you a day pack where you can put in all your personal items, along with a rain jacket or umbrella, a water bottle and a light fleece.

Accommodation

Darjeeling is a sizable town in northern West Bengal, India. As a hill station, it attracts trekkers and tourists alike, offering a wide range of hotel accommodations. Visitors can choose from luxury hotels for an upscale experience or standard hotels that are more budget-friendly. Recently, homestays have become popular in Darjeeling, providing guests with a home-like atmosphere and the opportunity to immerse themselves in local culture.

However, accommodation options on the trekking route along Singalila Ridge are limited on the India side of the trek route. There is one Government-run trekkers hut each with basic facilities at Tongloo, Gairibas, Phalut, Gorkhay and Sirikhola; Sandakphu has three such huts and a private home stay with a twin-shared rooms. These trekkers huts have dormitory-style rooms that house five to eight beds each and accommodate up to fifteen trekkers per hut.

However, on the Nepal side of the border there are lodges with better facilities. Just one kilometer below Tongloo on the Nepal side lies Tumling which offers about six lodges with better amenities like twin-shared rooms featuring attached bathrooms with running hot and cold water.

Kalpokhri six kilometer before approaching Sandakphu on the Nepal side also has several lodges but retains basic facilities; there are no lodgings available on Kalipokhri’s Indian side forcing foreign visitors towards Sandakphu directly.

Sandakphu is divided into two. The Indian side has three trekkers huts and a lone homestay. While on the Nepal side of Sandakphu are two hotels, the Sherpa Chalet & Hotel Sunrise, both providing superior comforts including restaurants serving meals based off menus with attached Bathroom. The Sunrise Hotel also booasts of providing running hot and cold water, but for a higher price.

Updated Trekking Rules in Darjeeling: Effective 2023, foreign hikers will no longer be permitted to stay overnight on the Nepal side of the Singalila Ridge route. This means our Darjeeling trek packages will now include overnight stays in trekker’s huts or local homestays in Tongloo and Sandakphu.

While this may be disappointing news for those who had their hearts set on crossing into Nepal, we will ensure your accommodations are as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Rest assured, this change in the Darjeeling trekking rules will not diminish the breathtaking beauty.

If you have any other questions or concerns regarding the updated trekking regulations, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to provide you with the necessary information and support to make your Darjeeling trek a resounding success.

Darjeeling Food Habits

Darjeeling isn’t just famous for its tea; it’s a melting pot of culinary delights waiting to be explored. From momos to thukpa, the food scene here will awaken your taste buds. The culinary scene in Darjeeling is a vibrant tapestry woven with historical influences, traditional recipes, and a fusion of flavors borrowed from the neighboring countries of Bhutan, Tibet and Nepal. From traditional Darjeeling dishes of Rice, Dal and Curry  to popular street foods and the celebrated Darjeeling tea, experience the culinary offerings that define the gastronomic habits of Darjeeling.

Influences from indigenous communities, Tibetan migrants, and British colonial rule have all shaped the unique flavors and recipes found in the region. From steaming bowls of thukpa and juicy dumplings to the aromatic emma datshi, Darjeeling offers a range of signature dishes that reflect the region’s cultural diversity and culinary expertise.

Darjeeling takes pride in its farm-to-table practices, promoting sustainability and supporting local farmers. By using fresh, locally sourced fresh vegetables, the culinary scene in Darjeeling is not just delicious but also environmentally conscious.

Must-Try Street Food Delicacies in Darjeeling

From piping hot momos to crispy aloo dum, Darjeeling’s street food scene is a gastronomic adventure waiting to be savored. These affordable and flavorful delicacies are a must-try for every food enthusiast.

Street Food Culture and Vendors in the Region

The vibrant street food culture in Darjeeling is a testament to the region’s love for good food and community. Local vendors bring their unique flavors and traditions to the streets, creating a culinary experience like no other.

Food on the Trekking Tour in Darjeeling

Hikers embarking on the Sandakphu Trek should expect a straightforward, no-frills dining experience. The trek offers a fixed three-meal-a-day schedule, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as evening tea and snacks. The cuisine served will be basic Indian local fare, consisting of staples like dal (lentil soup), bhat (rice), and vegetable curry.

This simple, nourishing menu is intentional and well-suited to the demands of the trek. Hearty, local dishes provide the necessary sustenance to power hikers through the challenging terrain and weather conditions of the Sandakphu route. Travelers should not anticipate gourmet meals or a varied menu, but rather focus on the authenticity and suitability of the food provided.

While the dining experience may be basic, it is an integral part of the Darjeeling trekking experience. Hikers can expect to be well-fed and fueled for each day’s journey, with the simple yet satisfying local cuisine complementing the rugged adventure of the trek.

Power and Mobile Connectivity

WIFI is available in the hotels and homestays for free in Darjeeling. However, on the trekking route there is no electricity on the Indian side of the Singalia Ridge in Darjeeling, as the entire area is a preserved national park. The lodges on the Nepal side of the border do have electricity and WIFI and is free for inhouse guests.

The trekkers huts do have solar power, and in some huts, you can charge up your mobile phones and camera batteries, but it will cost you extra.

Mobility connectivity is quite poor and keeps fluctuating on the entire Singalila Ridge in Darjeeling. Airtel, Jio and Vodafone do provide some coverage in selected areas. Otherwise, mobile connectivity is very poor.

In Darjeeling and particuarly in India, there are three associated plug types, types C, D and M. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins, plug type D is the plug which has three round pins in a triangular pattern and plug type M is the plug which also has three round pins. India operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Note:  The above Darjeeling Trek Packages are samples, intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule. Numerous factors, such as weather, road conditions, the physical abilities of the participants, etc., may dictate itinerary changes either before departure or while on the trail. We reserve the right to change this schedule in the interest of the trip participant’s safety, comfort and general well-being.

(All Relevant Terms and Conditions apply.)