This trek is perhaps one of the best and
certainly the most popular of all the treks in
Darjeeling for those having a limited time at
their disposal. It offers the travelers an
excellent view of the Khangchendzonga and the
Everest group of mountain peaks in Nepal, Sikkim
and Bhutan.
ITINERARY
DAY 01
Darjeeling to Maneybhanjyang – 2134 mtrs
Drive from Darjeeling to Maneybhanjyang is about
26 kms which takes about 2-3 hours.
DAY 02
Maneybhanjyang to Tonglu –3070 mtrs
Follow a steep climb for about 3 hrs to Meghma
which is a small hamlet with few houses, a small
monastery and an impressive stupa. The climb to
Tonglu is another 2 kms and is one of the peaks
of the Singalila range, which falls on the West
of Darjeeling town. A great view of the Nepalese
valleys and the plains of North Bengal with snow
fed Teesta on the east, the Koshi on the West
can be view from here.
DAY 03
Tonglu to Sandhakphu - 3636 mtrs
The trail from Tonglu to Gairibhas is downhill
through bamboo groves and from Ghairibhas to
Kalipokhri is a continuous climb through
rhododendron forest for about 6 kms. From
Kalipokhri to Bikhaybhanyang or Valley of Poison
( Aconites grow in abundance here) the road
descends and then a steep climb for about 4 kms
reaches us at Sandakphu. Sandakphu commands one
of the most spectacular views of the Kabru 7338
m, Kumbhkarna 7710 mtrs, Pandim 6691 mtrs and
the towering Khangchendzonga 8598 mtrs , which
is the most prominent of all. Far off to the
west, among a group of other snowy mountain
raising from graceful peaks of the Everest group
can be seen.
DAY 04
Sandakphu to Phalut - 3606 mtrs
Phalut is one of loftiest peak in the Singalila
Range and the trail from Sandakphu is the most
spectacular with burned silver-fir forest making
the most beautiful sight and the view of Everest
group on the left and Khangchendzonga range
right ahead. A magnificent view of the snowy
range is obtained from the Phalut summit at a
much closer range.
DAY 05
Phalut to Ramman - 2560 mtrs
The trail descends the ridge through virgin
forest of chestnut, pines till it reaches the
meeting of two streams calley Gorkhey Khola , a
tributary of Ramman river. After a rest, climb
upto Samandin, a lovely plateau. From here,
descend to a small stream and then climb for
about 2hours to reach Ramman.
DAY 06
Ramman to Rimbick - 2286 m
From Ramman, the trail is almost a walk for the
first 9 kms till we descend to Srikhola. Rest at
the stream and then walk to Rimbick which is a
small village.
DAY 07
Rimbick to Darjeeling
Drive from Rimbick to Darjeeling for about 4
hours passing through Maneybhanjyang.