THE SINGALILA RIDGE TREK
As you read this and more about this trek, you should get a good fix on planning your trip. Though it would be prudent on my part to confess that on some points, you will be none the wiser, till you actually experience the full blown debate and then verify it yourself. One such dilemma concerns itself with whether the views from Sandakphu are better than those from Phalut or vice versa ? To my mind, this is much like the Coke-Pepsi debate and my response too, is similar. Which is to say - Try both ! But if time doesn't permit and you are unable to continue on further to Phalut, then where is the debate ? The trek in any case, minus Phalut is still well worth it.
So we begin with the assumption that you have reached New Delhi in India, from where you have taken a train to Siliguri or New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal ( North Eastern India ) or a flight to Bagdogra near Siliguri or New Jalpaiguri. Bagdogra, Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri are pretty close to each other on the foothills of the Darjeeling/Sikkim hills and almost equidistant from Darjeeling where you are headed. Darjeeling will take you about three to four hours by road and taxis and jeeps will be available for the journey. Having reached Darjeeling, after some rest and sightseeing and acclimatization for a couple of days, it will time to take a jeep to the trekking off point.
The traditional Singalila Ridge trek begins from a trekking off point called Mana Bhanjang on the Darjeeling - Rimbik road. However, I went by the recommendation of Mr Dorje Lhatoo of Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling. We continued a little beyond Mana Bhanjang to Dhotre on the same road and began trekking from there. This helps one to avoid an unnecessary steep climb on a very dry mountain side.
The trail is confusing so a guide may be hired at Darj. No tents are necessary on this trek as there are well maintained trekkers huts that provide good boarding and lodging. Book at the Hill Council Tourist office, below Loretto College at Darjeeling.
STAGE 1 - DHOTRE TO GARIBAS Average Walking Time : 5 to 6 hours
From about 2200 m at Dhotre, the trail climbs gradually through forests to Gairibas in Nepal. It is a clean forest trail with rich flora that gradually moves up towards the Singalila Ridge. Tonglu ( 3020 m ) in Nepal is the first small settlement after which one continues on over the Ridge to Jaubari in Nepal ( 2750 m ). Thereafter it is a gradual descent to Gairibas at 2620 m. The trekkers huts here, are picturesquely located and food is prepared and served by a friendly and efficient Nepali family, residing here for many years. Be sure to wake up early enough to capture the sunrise from a gap in the mountains to the west of the hut, over the Sikkim Himalayas.
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