Trekking Name Darjeeling Trekking District Location Eastern Himalayas Duration 8 Day Trek Altitude Lowest Altitude: 1,400 meters (4,400 ft) Highest Altitude: 3,600 meters (1 1,900 ft) Grade Moderate Best Time To Visit April to May, October to November. Places to Visit Singalia & Kalimpong Treks

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Darjeeling, at 2,134 metres, is West Bengal's primary hill station. Covered with tea gardens and buildings that are a legacy of the days of British rule in India, Darjeeling is still unspoilt and pristine. The region abounds in rhododendrons, primulas and orchids of many varieties. Over 600 species of birds have been recorded in the forests and hills around Darjeeling. Darjeeling is mainly inhabited by a mix of Nepalis, Lepchas, Tibetans and Bhutias who make excellent trekking guides and porters. The main attraction of Darjeeling, however, is the uninterrupted view that it offers of the magnificent Himalayas.

Darjeeling is accessible through Bagdogra airport, or from the railheads at Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri. A toy-train journey up is a fascinating experience. The best trekking months are April May and October-November. The simplest treks here are for a day, but a longer trail is detailed here.

Darjeeling-Phalut Trek

This is a popular trek for those who have limited time to spare. This trail offers spectacular views of Kanchenjunga and Everest and runs through picturesque tropical countryside. The first day's walk from Manaybhanjan to Tonglu is fairly steep and taxing and zig zags all the way up to the hamlet. Tonglu is well located and offers a breathtaking view of Darjeeling and the Kanchenjunga peak.
The second stage from Tonglu to Sandakphu passes through many steep climbs and steep descents till Kalapokhri. The last part of the hike to Sandakphu is a steep climb and takes about three hours to cover. Sandakphu offers views of Kanchenjunga and Mount Everest, which is only 144 km from here as the crow flies. From Sandakphu the journey to Phalut begins with a steep descent and then levels out, finishing with a steep zig zag ascent to the Phalut tourist bungalow. Located at the tri junction of Nepal, Sikkim and West Bengal, Phalut also offers good views of the mountain ranges of the eastern Himalayas. It is possible to return to Manaybhanjan from Phalut in one day's continuous walking of about eight hours. Alternately, the trekker can cover this distance in two days, breaking trek at Tonglu.

Befriend Thy Adventurous Zeal

The best trekking routes in the who India are perhaps the Eastern Himalayas. Trekking in the lower hilly regions of Darjeeling are recommended for those tourists who like to take up a strll at a leisurely pace. The Kalimpong-Relli trek through golden paddy fields, the Kurseong-Namsu trail through tea gardens and the Kurseong-Mirik trek are the main trails through low altitude areas.

Darjeeling-Batast-Tonglo-Sandakphu-Return

It takes around 6 to 7 days of moderate trekking from Maneshanjang, which is 26-km by road from Darjeeling and ideal for views along a standard trail. A popular trekking route from Darjeeling, this trek takes one to Sandakphu and Phalut from where one can have breakthtaking views of Kanchenjunga and Mt. Everest.

Singalila Treks

In the eastern Himalayan region treks are organized through both high and low altitude areas. The most popular of treks is the one through high altitude areas across the Singalila range in Darjeeling, which starts from Maneybhanjang, goes to Meghma, Toughu, Gairibas, Sandakphu, and Phalut.The fourth and last day is the return trek to Darjeeling, which may be taken along the same route or via Ramman, Rimbick and Bijanbari.

Kalimpong Treks

The high altitude trek done in Darjeeling is in the Kalimpong region from Relli, Pankhasari, and Neora to the highest point in the areas, Rochella at 3,400m is a real adventurous trek. From here it is a slow descent to Tangta, Jhalang along the foothills to Samsing. Trekkers can enjoy the natural beauty of the exotic varieties of Himalayan flora, bird, and wildlife that can be seen along this route.

Some Trekking Routes

Darjeeling is a place of infinite shades and is also a place where the vastness and ecological immaculacy speaks of itself. The trek extends from Brahmour in the Ravi valley to the Gaddi trail in the Budhil nala and across the Kugti, Choia and Kalicho passes which lead to the Chenab valley in Lahoul. Return from the Ravi valley, the road takes in the Khajjiar meadow and a diversion to the old hill station at Dalhousie.

Note: Rest Houses and Tourist Bungalows are available at all stages of this trek.
Darjeeling to Manaybhanjan 26 km by vehicle), Manaybhanjan to Tonglu (11 km), Tonglu to Sandakphu (22 km),
Sandakphu to Phalut (13 km), Phalut to Tonglu (33 km), Tonglu to Manaybhanjan (11 km), Manaybhanjan to Darjeeling (26 km by vehicle)