Singalila Ridge Trek

In Darjeeling the autumn season from October to November is undeniably the best time to experience the clearest views of the Everest and Kanchenjunga Ranges on the Singalila Ridge Trek. The autumn season boasts crisp air, dry trekking trails, and unobstructed mountain vistas, as the clouds clear away following the monsoon, revealing stunning perspectives of Kanchenjunga and Everest.

But do remember in November, temperatures in Sandakphu and Phalut can dip below freezing, so preparation is key.

In contrast, the spring season (March to May) showcases beautiful rhododendron blooms and pleasant weather, but it tends to bring more cloud cover and the possibility of mist, which can diminish the views of the Himalayas.

While the mornings will be clear, but afternoon clouds are a common occurrence. Winter (December to February) can provide breathtakingly clear skies and snow-covered scenery; however, temperatures can be extremely low, and snow may limit trail access for some trekkers. To sum it up, for the most reliable and spectacular mountain views, the Singalila Ridge Trek should be planned for the autumn months, especially in October and November.

Starting and ending points of the Trek

The Singalila Ridge Trek in Darjeeling typically begins at Manebhanjan (sometimes spelled Maneybhanjang), which is about 25 km from Darjeeling and easily accessible by jeep. The trek usually concludes at either Srikhola or Rimbick, both of which are mountain villages just 3-hour drive by road to Darjeeling.

Starting Point: Manebhanjan (accessible from Darjeeling)
Ending Point: Srikhola or Rimbick (depending on the chosen route).

The classic trek route passes through the small villages of Tonglu, Gairibas, Kalipokhri, Sandakphu (the highest point), Phalut, and Gorkhey, situated around the periphery of the Singalila National Park, before descending to either Srikhola or Rimbick to complete the trek.

Accommodation on the Trek

Accommodation on the Singalila Ridge Trek in Darjeeling is primarily in Government run trekker’s huts, and private homestays operated by local families along the trek route with basic facilities.

There is one government-run trekkers’ hut in Tonglu, Gairibas, Sandakphu, and Phalut. These trekkers’ huts have dormitory-style bedrooms with Indian-style bathrooms, but no running water.

However, in Tonglu, there is one private homestay offering basic facilities, and in Sandakphu, there are two private homestays with attached European-style bathrooms. These bathrooms have running water, and hot showers are available for an extra sum. On demand, the lodges will supply hot water in buckets. These two Homestays in Sandakphu also have electricity and provide free WIFI to their guests.

In contrast, there are better lodges and Homestays on the Nepalese side of the Singalila Ridge Trek route in Tumling and Sandakphu, offering much better facilities, such as twin shared rooms with attached bathrooms, running water, electricity, and free Wi-Fi.

Camping is prohibited inside the Singalila National Park.

During peak seasons, hikers are advised to book lodging in advance. Hikers can confirm their accommodation by securing a place on the Singalila Trek through a trek operator.

At trailheads (Manebhanjang and Darjeeling), and trek end-point (Rimbick), a wider range of hotels and guesthouses with improved facilities is available.

In summary, the Singalila Ridge Trek in Darjeeling trek follows a “tea house” model offering a rustic Himalayan experience and close interaction with local communities.

Please Note:

Foreign nationals are required by regulation to stay overnight on the Indian-administered trekking route while traversing the Singalila Ridge, due to border and permit controls.

Indian citizens can stay in lodges or homestays inside Nepal side of the Singalila Ridge.

What kind of food is typically served in the lodges on the Singalila Ridge Trek?

On the Singalila Ridge Trek in Darjeeling, the local lodges, tea houses, and trekkers huts offer trekkers local cuisine which reflects a blend of Indian, Nepali, and simple mountain food, tailored for hikers to accomplish this trek.

Most lodges serve primarily vegetarian meals, with eggs as the main source of protein; meat is rare, but recently, private homestays on the Singalila Trek route have started offering chicken at dinner time.

Local Nepali families prepare simple and home-cooked dishes; expect wholesome and basic fare, not fine dining. Hot beverages, such as black tea, milk tea, and, less frequently, coffee, are standard with every meal. Boiled drinking water is provided to hikers. You can also purchase bottled mineral water at the lodges and tea houses.

All food is prepared fresh, and meal timing may vary depending on the availability of ingredients and weather conditions.

Alcoholic options, such as local millet beer (“Tongba”), are available in some lodges, especially on the Nepalese side. In remote Phalut the menu may be more limited.

Breakfast served is normally

• Porridge (often oats-based).
• Eggs (boiled or as omelets).
• Tibetan bread, toast, or chapatis.
• Honey and jam.
• Hot tea (usually served early morning as “bed tea”) and sometimes coffee.

Lunch

• Vegetable fried rice.
• Noodles or chowmein (with vegetables or egg).
• Soups (mostly vegetable or noodle-based).
• Boiled potatoes or locally grown vegetables.

Dinner

• Dal (lentil stew).
• Steamed white rice.
• Vegetable curries (potato, local greens, mixed veggies).
• Egg or Chicken curry may be offered.
• Chapatis (flatbread).
• Side dishes like fried bitter gourd, raw vegetables, pickles.
• Sometimes a simple dessert (e.g., stewed or raw fruit, apricot, or fried bananas).
• Occasional local specialties: momos (Nepalese dumplings) or millet beer (“Tongba”).