Singalila Ridge Trek – Follow India’s Northern Ridge
On this page you will find a comprehensive and impartial guide to the Singalila Ridge Trek.
Please Note: We are not a tour operator, but we can put you in touch with our recommended partner, see the tour recommendation sections below.
As this is a very long and detailed article on the Singalila Ridge Trek, we recommend using the quicklinks below to navigate to the sections that interest you most. Alternatively, you can bookmark this page for future reference.
Singalila Ridge Trek
The Singalila Ridge Trek is one of the most spectacular treks in India and follows the northern ridge that separates the vast country from that of its smaller neighbour - Nepal.
As you ascend up onto the ridge itself you're greeted with some of the most impressive vistas on earth. The high Himalaya region stretches out in front of you as you gaze across at the world's five tallest mountains including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Kachenjunga.
Not only do you experience incredible views, you're also greeted with a wide array of flora and fauna along the trek. You'll hike up through mountain forests, past lovely areas of bamboo, camp among rhododendrons and hike high into mountain scrubland zones. Look out for the rare red panda and keep a sharp eye out for bears, boar and barking deer. If you're lucky you might spot some of the colourful pheasants along the route.
Along the route you'll pass hamlets, teahouses and military check points as you will sometimes be trekking on the Nepalese side of the ridge. The trail is well defined and the trek can either be done with an operator or with a single guide - depending on your experience levels.
Please Note: The trek is moderately difficult due to the high altitude of the ridge which is constantly above 3,000 meters. The ascent to the ridge can be strenuous and we suggest having a good level of stamina to complete this trek. Accommodation is generally camping and the nights get very cold.
Regional Map
The Singalila Ridge is located on the north-south mountain ridge running from northwestern West Bengal through the region of Sikkim in the Indian part of the Himalayas.
Please see map for details
Singalila Trek Itinerary
Below is a detailed Singalila Ridge Trek itinerary. Please note that this is a typical itinerary that we would expect many operators to adhere to. Some tour operators however, offer variations on this route. In particular, operators will often offer an extension that explores the local areas most popular sites.
Click each day to read more...
Day 1-2: Arrive Delhi - Transfer to Darjeeling
Day 3: Guided tour of Darjeeling
Day 4: Drive to Dhodray - Trek Towards Singalila Ridge
Day 5: Trek to Jaubari - and then to Kalpkhari (3024M)
Day 6: Trek to Sandakphu Ridge Top (3636m)
Day 7: Trek to Sabagram (3425m)
Day 8: Trek to Singalila Peak at 3695m - Trek to Phalut - Descend to Samadeen
Day 9: Descend to Village of Rimbik
Day 10: Drive to Kalimpong - Explore the Town
Day 11: Sightseeing
Day 12: Departure
Video Overview
A beautiful video overview by Meghan Norean of the Singalila Ridge Trek. The video is 11.15 long
Recommended Guidebook
There are a number of excellent guides we recommend for the Singalila Ridge Trek. These are:
- Trekking in the Indian Himalaya by Lonely Planet
- Trekking Guide to the Western Himalayas by Depi Chaudhry
- Trekking And Climbing In The Indian Himalaya by Harish Kapadia
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Singalila Trek cost?
Are permits required for the Singalila Trek?
When is the best time to complete the Singalila Trek?
Is altitude sickness a risk?
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What gear do I need?
What travel insurance do I require?
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