The Sandakphu–Singalila Ridge trek is one of India’s most iconic Himalayan journeys, tracing a high mountain trail along the Indo–Nepal border through West Bengal and Sikkim. Over five days, the trek covers 76 kilometers, ascending gradually through lush foothills, dense forests and charming villages before reaching the summit at Sandakphu (3,636 m / 11,929 ft).

Along the way, the trail passes through settlements of Sherpas, Rais, Limbus and Tamangs, offering warm glimpses into their traditional homes and vibrant heritage.

From the Sandakphu viewpoint, an early morning climb rewards you with one of the greatest panoramas on Earth — an awe-inspiring sweep of the Himalayas featuring Mount Everest (8,848 m), Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), Lhotse (8,516 m) and Makalu (8,481 m), four of the five highest peaks in the world, all visible in a single frame.

While stunning year-round, mid-April is truly magical. As spring arrives, the Singalila ridge bursts into bloom with crimson, pink and white rhododendrons carpeting the hillsides, transforming the trek into a dreamlike walk through nature’s own garden.

Darjeeling, India’s most famous hiking hub, serves as the gateway to this adventure, which also offers glimpses of the Bhutan Himalayas alongside the Everest and Kanchenjunga ranges. More than just a trek, this is an invitation to craft an unforgettable travel story — one you’ll share for years to come.

Dhotrey: Dhotrey is a quiet Himalayan village that serves as the starting point

for the Sandakphu trek, offering trekkers a calm and scenic

introduction to the trail. Nestled amid forests of pine, fir, and

rhododendron, the village features simple yet welcoming homestays

and beautiful views of the surrounding hills—ideal place to

acclimatize, unwind, and prepare for the journey ahead.

Singalila National Park: Singalila National Park, located on the Singalila Ridge in the Eastern

Himalayas, is one of West Bengal’s most pristine and biodiversity

protected areas. The park is home to Sandakphu and Phalut, the two highest peaks in

West Bengal, and is crisscrossed by the rivers Rammam and Srikhola.

Dense forests of rhododendron, magnolia, oak, and bamboo blanket

the landscape, making it a haven for nature lovers and wildlife

enthusiasts. The park is also one of the few places in the world where

the elusive Red Panda can still be spotted in the wild.

• A multi-day Himalayan trek along one of India’s most iconic high-altitude trails, traversing the Indo–Nepal border
• Walks through pine and rhododendron forests, with rich birdlife and seasonal blooms in spring
• guided trek into a protected national park renowned for its rare wildlife, including the elusive Red Panda
• Time at a serene high-altitude lake, set amidst windswept ridges
• An ascent to one of the most spectacular summits in the Eastern Himalayas, with sweeping views of four of the world’s five highest peaks — Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu
• Spectacular sunrise viewings from one of the highest points in the region
• Encounters with traditional mountain villages and warm Himalayan hospitality
• Stays in characterful homestays and trekkers’ lodges along the trail
• A descent through dense forests and bamboo groves, with the chance of spotting Himalayan wildlife
• Scenic drives through the rolling tea country of Darjeeling and Kurseong

While this trek is stunning year-round, the mid of April is truly

magical, when spring comes to the Himalayas. This is rhododendron

season, and the entire Singalila ridge bursts into a riot of

colours—crimson, pink, and white blossoms carpeting the hillsides,

transforming the trek into a dreamlike walk through nature’s own

garden.

Day 1 |

Bagdogra Airport – Dhotrey Arrive at Bagdogra and drive 5.5 hours to Dhotrey. Settle into your homestay and unwind with a warm, home-cooked meal.

Day 2 |

Dhotrey A relaxed day for acclimatisation. Take short walks around the village, meet fellow trekkers, and join your guide for a detailed trek briefing in the evening.

Day 3 |

Dhotrey – Tumling A gentle ascent of around 1,500 ft through pine and rhododendron forests. Arrive at Tumling to warm hospitality and a first preview of the mountain views to come.

Day 4 |

Tumling – Kalipokhri Wake early for a spectacular sunrise over Mt. Kanchenjunga. A 13 km trek (5–6 hours) takes you through Singalila National Park, crossing in and out of Nepal, before a steep final climb to the serene high-altitude lake at Kalipokhri (10,500 ft).

Day 5 |

Kalipokhri – Sandakphu The most challenging stretch — 7 km of steady ascent to the summit at 11,900 ft. The reward is unmatched: a sweeping view of the Sleeping Buddha formation and four of the world’s five highest peaks — Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Lhotse — in a single frame.

Day 6 |

Sandakphu – Gurdum Begin with a breathtaking sunrise before descending 12 km through dense forests and bamboo groves to Gurdum (6,900 ft). With some luck, you may even spot the elusive Red Panda along the way.

Day 7 |

Gurdum – Srikhola – Kurseong A short 2 km walk through Srikhola brings the trek to a close. From here, drive 2.5 hours to Kurseong, where you’ll check in and unwind for the evening.

Day 8 |

Kurseong – Bagdogra Airport After breakfast, drive to Bagdogra Airport for your onward flight, carrying with you the memories of an unforgettable Himalayan journey.