Darjeeling
and the Singalila Ridge Trek
From
Darjeeling's Tea Plantations to the Foothills of Mt. Kanchenjunga, an
adventure you'll never forget!
4 Nights in Kathmandu
2 Nights in Darjeeling
7 Days Trekking
2 Days Transfers
Total 11 Days in India
Fly In & Fly Out of Kathmandu
NEPAL/INDIA
Darjeeling is a small district in the upper end of West
Bengal, India, on the border with Sikkim and Nepal. Surrounded by lofty
mountains, beautiful rivers and lovely tea plantations, Darjeeling has
been an important vacation destination since the days of British rule.
This area is also famous for the many hill stations built as summer
getaways by the British and now used by many rich Hindus as places to
escape the heat of mainland India.
Darjeeling is also known for its large tea plantations.
The tea grown here is sold all over the world and is considered some
of the very best. The culture in this area is mostly Buddhist, with
British influence and some Hindu temples. So you will see Buddhist monasteries
and Hindu shrines, alongside British style architecture.
Your adventure will start in Kathmandu, Nepal's capital
city. The Kathmandu Valley is a colorful mixture of old and new: businessmen
with cell phones in silk suits, barefoot women leading goats, and children
in school uniforms are all part of the fabric of this city, along with
the Hindu and Buddhist faiths. The external stimulation is immense upon
arrival, and will continue to be so throughout your time in this mysterious
city.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be met by our friendly staff and
escorted to one of the many wonderful hotels located in the Thamel district
of Kathmandu. After check-in a welcome dinner is planned to get everyone
acquainted and to go over the trip details before the real adventure
begins. Early the next morning we will board a bus for an all day tour,
visiting some of the area's World Heritage Sites, which include Swayambhu
Stupa, Bouddhanath Stupa, Pashupathinath Temple and the walled city
of Bhaktapur.
After two nights in Kathmandu, our trip begins with
the spectacular flight to the border town of Bhadrapur. From here we'll
drive to the Queen of the Hills, in Darjeeling. A sightseeing tour will
be planned for the first day in Darjeeling. After breakfast the next
morning we'll drive to Tiger Hill, the highest point in Darjeeling,
for a fantastic morning sunrise over the Himalaya. The rest of the day
will be free for checking out Darjeeling.
The next day, we'll start our trek and will be out camping
for the next 6 days. Our route is one of the most famous treks in the
area. The Singalila Ridge Trek follows the ridgeline toward Sikkim where
you'll have views of Mount Everest, Makalu and Kanchenjunga, on the
one side and lush green hills on the other. The contrast is inspiring
and beautiful. During the spring this trail is lined by blooming rhododendron
trees, along with orchids, magnolias and bamboo.
Once finished trekking, we'll stay in Kalimpong, at
another of the hill stations, before taking the short flight back to
Kathmandu, where you will have the rest of the afternoon to shop or
relax. During your last day in Kathmandu, you are free to explore the
city. A group farewell dinner is planned for this evening.
The next morning after breakfast everyone should be
ready to depart for the airport for his or her flight home. Our staff
will escort everyone to the airport with departure instructions.
Difficulty:
Moderate
All
travel is by bus or 4WD vehicle. lodging will be the best available
in each city. 5-6 hours hiking each day during the trekking portion.
The terrain varies with some steep hills, but is not extreme altitudes.
This is a great trip for anyone in good health and fitness. You should
be an active hiker, or at least fit enough to hike the required amount
of time.
