Singalila Ridge

The journey

A 5 night / 6 day trek (22 - 27 November 2026, ex Bagdogra) along the Singalila Ridge, from Uttarey via Achaley, Kalijhar and Phalut to Gorkhey and Bhareng. The trek offers panoramic views of the Kangchenjunga range, including the "Sleeping Buddha", and the Everest range. The catalogue notes that late October to early November is an ideal time for this trek, with clear skies and pleasant weather. Trek grade: Moderate. Maximum altitude approx. 11,811 ft (3,600 m).

• The Sleeping Buddha (Mt. Kangchenjunga) skyline view
• Phoktedara summit (approx. 3,500 m): 360-degree views of the Kangchenjunga massif and the Everest range (Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, weather permitting), plus peaks of Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan
• Phalut (approx. 3,600 m): sunrise and sunset views
• Rhododendron, oak, pine and bamboo forests; tea gardens on the drive
• Homestays in Uttarey and Gorkhey; camping in between

How high, day by day

The highest point reached each day, from the itinerary. Rest and drive days are shown between the known points.

Itinerary

1. Day 1

   Arrive Bagdogra, drive to Uttarey (homestay)

   Up to 2,316 m

   Arrive at Bagdogra Airport (IXB); met by the trek coordinator or driver. Drive approx. 170-180 km, 6-8 hrs depending on road conditions, through Siliguri plains, tea gardens and towns such as Jorethang and Geyzing. Uttarey: approx. 7,600 ft / 2,316 m, a peaceful village and base for many West Sikkim treks. Check in to a local homestay; evening to relax, explore the village (short walk for initial acclimatisation); dinner at the homestay.

2. Day 2

   Trek from Uttarey to Achaley Camp

   Up to 3,050 m

   Distance approx. 7-8 km; duration 4-5 hrs. Early breakfast, then a steady climb through dense rhododendron and oak forest; steep in sections but well defined. Achaley Camp: approx. 10,000 ft / 3,050 m, a forest clearing campsite. Tented accommodation. Temperatures drop in the evening.

3. Day 3

   Trek from Achaley Camp to Kalijhar Camp

   Up to 3,350 m

   Distance approx. 6-7 km; duration 4-5 hrs. The trail follows a ridge with intermittent valley and mountain views; forests thin into alpine vegetation, with glimpses of distant snow peaks on clear days. Kalijhar Camp: approx. 11,000 ft / 3,350 m, a scenic ridge campsite. Tented accommodation. Sunset views can be stunning; colder temperatures at this altitude.

4. Day 4

   Kalijhar to Phalut via Phoktedara Summit

   Up to 3,600 m

   Distance approx. 8-9 km; duration 5-6 hrs. The highlight day with the most expansive views. A steady climb to Phoktedara (approx. 11,500 ft / 3,500 m) with the view of the Sleeping Buddha (Mt. Kangchenjunga), the Kangchenjunga massif and the Everest range. Then a relatively flat or gently descending path to Phalut (approx. 11,811 ft / 3,600 m), described as the second-highest peak of the Singalila Ridge in India after Sandakphu. Tented accommodation at Phalut camp; spectacular sunset; significantly colder.

5. Day 5

   Trek from Phalut to Gorkhey (homestay)

   Up to 2,350 m

   Distance approx. 15-16 km; duration 7-8 hrs. Wake early for sunrise from Phalut. A predominantly downhill day through rhododendron, pine and bamboo forests; steep in some sections, careful footing required. Gorkhey: approx. 7,700 ft / 2,350 m, a valley village by the Gorkhey Khola, which forms the Sikkim - West Bengal border. Comfortable homestay; relax by the riverside; warmer air than at Phalut.

6. Day 6

   Trek from Gorkhey to Bhareng, drive to Bagdogra

   Up to 2,130 m

   Distance approx. 5-6 km; duration 2-3 hrs; mostly flat or gently undulating riverside trail through fields and small settlements. Bhareng: approx. 7,000 ft / 2,130 m, the road head. Drive to Bagdogra approx. 150-160 km, 5-7 hrs depending on traffic and road conditions. Arrive by late afternoon/evening; the catalogue suggests staying overnight in Bagdogra and planning onward travel accordingly.

Before you go