India7 days
Singalila Pass & Phoktey Dara Trek — 7 Days
High-altitude trekking across the Sikkim-Nepal border with views of Kanchenjunga and four of the world's highest peaks
This seven-day trek traverses the Singalila range, which forms the western border between Sikkim and Darjeeling with Nepal. The route moves through rhododendron forests, bamboo groves, and alpine meadows, ascending to two major viewpoints—Singalila Pass and Phoktey Dara—where the Kanchenjunga massif dominates the horizon in what locals call the "Sleeping Buddha" formation. On clear mornings, four of the world's five highest peaks—Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu—are visible from the high camps. The trek passes through sparsely populated terrain; other trekking groups are uncommon along these trails. Accommodation combines two nights in rest houses or lodges at lower elevations (Hilley and Uttarey) with four nights at established campsites. All meals are provided, and local guides with deep knowledge of the region lead the way.
Best time to go: March to May and October to December
Highlights
- Sunrise and sunset views from Phoktey Dara, the highest point on the trek, overlooking the Kanchenjunga massif
- Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary forest walk with chances to spot Red Pandas and endangered Satyr Tragopan
- Alpine camp at Joributi surrounded by magnolia and conifer forest with views toward the Singalila range
- Singalila Pass and Kalijhora viewpoint straddling the India-Nepal border with unobstructed views of the Everest group and Kabru range
- Traverse through Uttarey, an area known for Red Panda sightings, with open alpine meadows and mountain vistas
- Kitam Bird Sanctuary en route from the lowlands, home to Red Crossbill and Parrotbill species
Day by day
1Transfer from NJP/Bagdogra to HilleyHilley · NJP (New Jalpaiguri) or Bagdogra airport · Jorethang · Kitam Bird Sanctuary
Pickup from NJP (New Jalpaiguri) or Bagdogra airport and transfer by road to the village of Hilley. The route passes through moist, dense forest around Jorethang, where the last market and ATM facilities are available before the trek begins. Kitam Bird Sanctuary lies along the way; Red Crossbills and Parrotbills may be spotted here. Hilley itself has no market or banking services. Arrive and check in to a rest house or lodge for the night.
2Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary forest walk to first campBarsey Rhododendron Sanctuary · first camp · Mt. Kanchenjunga
After breakfast, the trek begins on foot through the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, just five minutes' walk from the hotel. The trail enters a dense canopy of rhododendron, magnolia, and bamboo, with enough light filtering through to create a dusky-green atmosphere even in morning hours. The vegetation is fragile at this altitude; hikers stay on marked trails to minimize damage. Early in the day, the first clear view of Mt. Kanchenjunga appears to the north. The path leads to a campsite reached by evening. Endangered Satyr Tragopan and Kalij Pheasant may be sighted in the forest. Dinner and overnight camp.
3Alpine forest traverse to Joributi campsitealpine forest · Joributi campsite
The trek continues through the alpine forest, moving from ridge to ridge toward the Singalila range. The trail passes through thick stands of rhododendron, magnolia, and bamboo, with spotty sunlight creating a perpetually dim-green canopy. By late afternoon, the campsite appears near a hillside dense with magnolia and conifer trees. The area hosts a variety of bird species. Evening remains free for exploration. Overnight camp.
4Hill-slope walking via Uttarey to Kalijhora/Kharka DaraUttarey · Kalijhora/Kharka Dara · damp, moist forest · Thulo Dhap
Morning trek follows the hillside slope past the village of Uttarey, which is recorded as a Red Panda habitat. On clear days, Mt. Kanchenjunga and the surrounding peaks dominate views to the south. The trail enters a damp, moist forest where bird calls echo through dense undergrowth. A midday rest at Thulo Dhap, a swampland area, offers a break before continuing through jungle trails to the campsite. This high-altitude camp sits in open terrain with views of barren Himalayan peaks. Temperatures can drop below freezing overnight. Overnight camp.
5Singalila Pass and Phoktey Dara viewpointsSingalila Pass · Phoktey Dara · Kharka Dara or Kalijhora campsite · campsite
An early start allows hikers to witness sunrise from either Kharka Dara or Kalijhora campsite, which frames the Kanchenjunga massif in the "Sleeping Buddha" formation. After breakfast, the walk ascends to Kalijhora, whose summit is Phoktey Dara—a major viewpoint. Singalila Pass lies near this area. From these heights, the Nepal and Sikkim Himalayan ranges stretch across the horizon: to the west lies the Everest group; to the east stand the Three Sisters (Chamlang, Baruntse, and Kanchenjunga), followed by Simvo, Pandim, and Tenzingkhang in sequence. The entire Kabru range (North, South, and Dome), Fork I and II, Rathong, and Frey Peak form a semicircle south of Kanchenjunga. On clear mornings, four of the world's five highest peaks are visible. Hikers return to the campsite by early afternoon. The evening is unscheduled. Overnight camp.
6Phoktey Dara sunrise and descent to UttareyPhoktey Dara · Uttarey · forest trails to Uttarey
Weather permitting, an early trek to Phoktey Dara captures the sunrise panorama. Photographers have time to work all angles before returning to camp for breakfast. The descent then follows forest trails downward, eventually reaching the village of Uttarey by afternoon. Check in to a rest house or lodge for the night.
7Return drive to NJP/BagdograNJP/Bagdogra · Dentam, Hee, Bermiok, and Rinchenpong · Jorethang
After breakfast, the journey reverses toward NJP/Bagdogra, with views of the hill stations Dentam, Hee, Bermiok, and Rinchenpong during the drive. A lunch stop in Jorethang precedes the final transfer to the airport.
Included
- 2 nights stay at Hilley & Uttarey (Day 1 & Day 6) in tourist rest house/lodge/trekkers hut on sharing basis and dinner
- All meals during the trek. Regular Indian style nutritious vegetarian food during the trek (including eggs), breakfast packed/hot lunch (depending upon the time you reach a campsite), snacks, dinner along with coffee/tea/soup
- Excellent Mountain Guide, who will be a local to this particular area and has profound knowledge of the trekking trails around
- Specialized Cook, Support staffs, Porters/Packed Animals for carrying the central logistics of the trek
- Any permit fee, camping charges, Forest levy required inside the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary
- Stay at rest house/forest hut/tent as required in the trek
- Sleeping Mattress and Sleeping Bag
Not included
- We assume that you will carry your personal Rucksack/Backpack with all your personal belongings. If you want to offload your Rucksack and carried by our Pack Animal/Porter then you need to pay additional Rs 1500 for the entire duration of the trek. The Rucksack should not weigh more than 10Kg
- Still/Video Camera charges inside the Sanctuary
- Any tip/gratuity to the supports staffs. If you are happy with the service, please tip them generously. Ø Any kind of insurance during the trek or transit
- Any cost which is not mentioned in Inclusions or personal in nature
Activities: Trekking