Shape your adventure: With Extensions, every beginning and ending is yours to create. Learn More.
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Tucked in a corner of the beautiful Indian Himalaya mountains are Sikkim and Darjeeling. In recent years, Sikkim has become more accessible for those looking to explore its unique beauty. Journey from the plains of India to Gantok, the capital of Sikkim, and onto the delightful Martam village. From here, we travel through beautiful tea plantations to Darjeeling, with its colonial hill station and Unesco World Heritage toy train. Trekking up to and along the Singalila Ridge, which divides India and Nepal, we move through thick forests of rhododendron and are rewarded with views of the great Himalaya peaks. Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world, dominates the horizon and on a clear day we see majestic Makalu, Lhotse and Everest.
Moderately challenging. Between four and six hours walking per day on average
Terrain:Some rough trails through forests
Altitude maximum: 11,929ft (3,636m); average: 9,701ft (2,957m)
Our adventure begins in Delhi, a colourful and chaotic city full of architectural masterpieces.
Around 6pm, say namaste to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.
Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome by arranging a group dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Want more time in Delhi? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.
Accommodation: Deventure Sarovar Portico, Patel Nagar (or similar)
We transfer to the domestic airport terminal and fly to Bagdogra. On arrival, we join our vehicles and drive to Gangtok. The road soon leaves the plains and at Sevoke we cross the Teesta River and climb into the Doar Hills. At Rangpo, we take a break as we enter Sikkim. Border formalities take time – you need your passport and one photograph. Climbing further, we reach Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, set at an elevation of 5,510ft (1,680m). The drive usually takes about five hours (78mi/125km) but has been known to take up to 10 hours in instances where landslides have occurred from heavy rain along the route. Your leader will advise if your journey is likely to be affected.
Accommodation: Netuk House, Gangtok (or similar)
Gangtok is set among the hills and, on a clear day, we can see Kanchenjunga from the hotel. We have the morning for exploration. The Mall Road is the centre of Gangtok and the nearby indoor vegetable market makes for an interesting wander. Either explore Gangtok solo or your leader can take you to see some of the sights. About an hour’s walk from the hotel there is the small Enchey monastery. Overlooking the town, it was founded in 1840 by Lama Drubthob Karpo and was rebuilt in 1908 by the 10th chogyal (king) of Sikkim. From the monastery, walk back to town via the Flower Show, a small exhibition of orchids and other local flowers. There is a handicraft centre close by, which is a government enterprise offering community training in traditional handicrafts such as carpet weaving and wood carving.
After lunch, we have an hour’s drive to Rumtek monastery. Founded in the mid-1700s by the 12th Karmapa, it fell into ruins. When the 16th Karmapa came from Tibet, he rebuilt the monastery as the main seat in exile of the Karmapa sect. It is the largest monastery in Sikkim and contains a golden stupa with the remains of the 16th Karmapa. A 30-minute drive brings us to Martam, a scenic Himalayan village in a quiet corner of East Sikkim.
Accommodation: Martam Resorts (or similar)
We spend today in the pretty village of Martam, which was known for producing butter and other dairy products (mar means butter and tem means spread). The population is about 10,000, made of Bhutia and Nepali communities. In the morning, we go for a hike around the village. We can visit the interesting Nyingma Institute, which provides education in higher Buddhist studies and philosophy to many monks. There is also another small monastery and a Krishna Mandir in the village. We return to our hotel for lunch and the afternoon is free.
Accommodation: Martam Resorts (or similar)
Leaving Sikkim, we drive to Darjeeling. The road winds all the way to the Testa River, where we enter the state of West Bengal. It then weaves back into the hills to Darjeeling. We arrive by lunchtime; this afternoon, we explore one of the most famous hill stations of the British Raj. The region originally belonged to the chogyals of Sikkim, before it was annexed by the Gurkhas. By the early 1800s, it was in the control of the British East India Company who returned it to Sikkim rule. Stumbling across Dorje Ling Monastery, situated on a quiet forested ridge, two British soldiers thought it would make a great location for a sanatorium and with the permission of the Sikkim king, a hill station was born. Today, Darjeeling is a bustling town but the Mall still retains Victorian charm. Our stay includes a visit to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, where many famous Sherpa climbers trained in mountaineering skills. There are interesting displays and photographs from some of the early Everest climbs.
Today’s drive is 50mi (80km) and will take approximately four hours; however, there may be delays due to landslides caused by heavy rain. Your leader will advise if this is the case.
Accommodation: Sinclairs Hotel (or similar)
On a clear day, wake early for beautiful sunrise views of Kanchenjunga from the roof of our hotel. After breakfast, we have a 40-minute ride on the toy train to Ghoom (subject to running, see Day 13 for another opportunity if not running today). The train chugs out of Darjeeling, stopping to take on water and to allow passengers to photograph the Batasia Loop. At Ghoom, we meet our cars and drive for around four hours to Rimbik, the trailhead of our trek at 7,500ft (2,286m). We have a 45-minute gentle uphill walk through magnificent rhododendron forests (a blaze of reds in spring) to our camp at Manedara, where we spend our first night under canvas. As we approach the village, we have stunning views of Kabru Dome and Kabru South peaks.
Accommodation: Full-service camp – sleeping altitude: 8,040ft (2,450m)
Please note: Any baggage not needed during the trek can be left at our hotel in Darjeeling until we return on Day 12.
Today we start our trek with an easy trail passing small houses and fields. It is about two hours’ gradual walk through beautiful forest to Shepi village. We then descend to the Gurdum Khola river, which we cross by bridge and after a steep one-hour climb to Gurdum village, we arrive at our camp for the evening.
Accommodation: Full-service camp – sleeping altitude: 7,875ft (2,400m)
It’s a fairly tough but rewarding day as we finish our ascent to the Singalila Ridge. The trail climbs steeply in places until we emerge at a forest clearing. From here, it undulates through rhododendron forest to the ridgetop at Sandakhphu (11,929ft/3,636m), the highest point of our trek. On a clear day, the climb is well worth the effort as we are rewarded with a magnificent Himalayan panorama. The views from here are truly amazing – the towering slopes of Kanchenjunga lie ahead and Everest, Lhotse and Makalu come into view in the distance. After lunch at Sandakhphu, it is a gradual walk on a rough jeep track to our camp at Chandu.
Accommodation: Full-service camp – sleeping altitude: 11,715ft (3,570m)
We are now on the Singalila Ridge, the border between Nepal and India, which means at times we are walking in each country. This is a great day for views. The trail undulates, following the ridge through chestnut, oak and silver fir trees with commanding panoramic views of the Himalaya all day. Dwarf rhododendrons and primulas colour the landscape in spring. Tonight, we have a spectacular wild camp at Sabargam. The views from here are sublime and we hope to see a magnificent sunset and sunrise over Kanchenjunga, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu and a whole host of other Himalayan peaks.
Accommodation: Full-service camp – sleeping altitude: 11,601ft (3,536m)
We enjoy a full day of trekking along an undulating trail to the end of the ridge at Phalut, where we descend to Samaden. On a clear day, we get breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga as we continue along the ridge. The Everest range is further away but Kanchenjunga rears up over us. Phalut is at 11,810ft (3,600m) and just behind the lodge there is a viewpoint where we are surrounded by Himalayan giants. The trail down to Samaden is glorious and takes us through forests of oak, conifers, pine and rhododendrons, an explosion of colour in spring. We camp tonight in Samaden, a small settlement with excellent views.
Accommodation: Full-service camp – sleeping altitude: 8,135ft (2,480m)
Our final trek winds through a collection of small settlements (inhabited by Rais, Sherpas and Tamangs) to Ramman, where terraced fields and villages dot the landscape. We descend along a jeep track to Sri Khola for lunch, after which we cross a suspension bridge and continue for another 2hr 30min along a road, passing through more villages to Rimbik, a large Sherpa village among the forest landscapes of Singalila National Park. We stay in a small lodge with great views across the valley.
Accommodation: Rimbick Lodge (guest house)– sleeping altitude: 7,500ft (2,286m)
Please note, the guest house is a basic home-stay property. Although all bedrooms offer attached bathrooms (including toilets), those with shower facilities are limited and some bedrooms may only provide a sink and “bucket” wash option.
Today we drive back to Darjeeling along a road that winds up and down ridges through picturesque landscapes. En route, we visit a tea estate and learn how this famous drink is grown and processed. We arrive in Darjeeling midafternoon and the rest of the day is free to further explore this historic hill station. Our hotel is close to the Mall, which is a great place to wander in the evening.
Accommodation: Sinclairs Hotel (or similar)
We have the morning to explore further. If we missed the ride on the toy train and Ghoom monastery, there is time this morning. In the afternoon, we set off for the drive to Siliguri (two to three hours) where we board the overnight train to Kolkata. Train times in India change regularly, although it usually departs around 8pm or 9pm.
Accommodation: Overnight sleeper train
We arrive in Kolkata in the early hours of the morning and have the day to explore this fascinating city. Once the capital of British India, Kolkata has a turbulent past. It was central to the struggle for Indian independence and thousands of Bengali refugees came here at the start of the 1900s. It is a city of striking contrasts and the unusual sights, pungent smells and cacophony of sounds are an experience unique to India.
If you would rather not navigate Kolkata alone, your leader can usually arrange a short guided city tour for you (pay locally).
Accommodation: Hotel Peerless Inn (or similar)
The adventure ends in Kolkata after breakfast. If you’d like a little more adventure, however, consider joining our five-day Golden Triangle extension. Encompassing Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, the trip is a whirlwind of culture, taking in the Taj Mahal, Red Fort of Akbar and much more. Speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Sunday 12 Apr 2026 to Sunday 26 Apr 2026
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Usually £ 2349
Now £ 2119
Sunday 01 Nov 2026 to Sunday 15 Nov 2026
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
£ 2399 (excl. flights)
Book with £ 599 deposit
Sunday 22 Nov 2026 to Sunday 06 Dec 2026
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
£ 2399 (excl. flights)
Book with £ 599 deposit
Sunday 28 Mar 2027 to Sunday 11 Apr 2027
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
£ 2399 (excl. flights)
Book with £ 599 deposit
Sunday 11 Apr 2027 to Sunday 25 Apr 2027
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
£ 2449 (excl. flights)
Book with £ 612 deposit
Sunday 24 Oct 2027 to Sunday 07 Nov 2027
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
£ 2499 (excl. flights)
Book with £ 624 deposit
Sunday 31 Oct 2027 to Sunday 14 Nov 2027
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
£ 2499 (excl. flights)
Book with £ 624 deposit
Sunday 14 Nov 2027 to Sunday 28 Nov 2027
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
£ 2499 (excl. flights)
Book with £ 624 deposit
Sunday 21 Nov 2027 to Sunday 05 Dec 2027
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
£ 2499 (excl. flights)
Book with £ 624 deposit
No departures match your criteria. Please adjust your filters and try again.
Want to choose your travel companions? Gather your family and friends and let us create a Private Adventure just for you.
View Details
We experience a mixture of accommodations on this trip, including hotels, full-service wild camping, a local lodge (in Rimbick) and the sleeper train from Siliguri to Kolkata. We choose hotels that are conveniently located (close to villages and attractions) or with good transport connections. We aim to use smaller, locally owned properties wherever possible. These are typically two to three-star (local rating) and with a mix of heritage and modern styles.
While the accommodations typically used on this trip are on the day-to-day itinerary, below are some of the notable stays.
Gangtok: Netuk House (night 2)
Built in the 1950s, this boutique hotel offers history and tradition from the days when the Tibet Road was a well trodden route for silk traders to and from Tibet. It has a home-from-home feel with a comfortable sitting area, in which you can relax, read, or meet together, plus there’s a garden terrace, restaurant and bar.
Darjeeling: Sinclairs (night 5)
With echoes of the Victorian era but the amenities of modern living, Sinclairs is a great place to stay. But it’s the stunning views of mount Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world, that really set it apart. There’s also a multi-cuisine restaurant, games room, and bar to keep you entertained.
Full-service camping: (nights 6-10)
The trek itself is on a full-service camping basis, meaning our camp staff put up and dismantle the tents, cook, and do the camp chores. You need only carry your backpack for the day. Most of the camping on this trek is wild camping. We stay in two-person tents, which have enough room inside for your kitbags. Single-occupancy tents are smaller to avoid too much empty space, which loses warmth. Sleeping mats and sleeping bags are not provided – please see the packing section.
We also have a dining tent with table and folding chairs, and at least one toilet tent (usually two) for use during the evenings. Please note, the toilets are based on “wild camping” principles – a hole in the ground with excess dirt used to cover waste (no flushing here). There is no running water available while camping; however, we camp close to a water source and the camp staff provide bowls of warm water to wash with. Please ensure you always wash your hands with water and soap after using the toilet and before meals, additional use of hand sanitiser is also recommended.
Siliguri to Kolkata: Sleeper train (night 13)
Kolkata: Hotel Peerless Inn (night 14)
The Peerless Inn is a convenient 20-minute walk from the historical Esplanade area and only a 10-minute walk from downtown Kolkata. It’s a modern hotel with features such as a fitness center, award-winning restaurant serving authentic Bengali cuisine, and a multi-cuisine restaurant.
Worth knowing
A visit to the incredible Taj Mahal and other great Moghul cities close to Delhi is an excellent add-on to a visit to northern India.
The Taj Mahal in Agra was built by the Moghul emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, and is one of the most beautiful sights on earth. Close by is the imposing Red Fort of Akbar with its beautiful courtyards and palaces and let’s not forget the deserted royal city of Fatehpur Sikri. The extension also visits the pink city of Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan, which is one of the most attractive and colourful cities in India.
The detailed itinerary is here, or speak to your sales representative for more details.
This trip is rated Activity Level 4 (Moderate & Challenging). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
Suitability: There are six days of fully supported point-to-point walking plus one day walk, with an average of four to six hours of walking per day. The trek is on a full-service camping basis. Previous experience of hill walking is required, this is a a good introduction to trekking at altitude but worth noting if you are not used to walking distances over consecutive days, this can present a challenge for some. The Activity Level is assessed and based on the general lower altitude limit (relatively) and the overall duration of the trekking days.
Altitude: This trip spends time above 9,842ft (3,000m); please refer to the Altitude Warning within the Trip Notes for more information and advice on how to limit the effects of altitude sickness.
Route: Walking hours stated within the itinerary are given as approximates only and vary depending on the group’s pace. They include normal rest stops but not a longer lunch break. Driving times given are approximations and do not include stops for photos, lunch, toilets etc.
Camping: On trek, temperatures can get very cold at night and a good four-season sleeping bag and liner are recommended. The campsite will be set-up by your Porters including dining tent and toilet tent. Please note, the toilet facilities are basic “wild camping”, a tent is placed over a hole dug in the ground and the excess dirt is used to cover any waste after each use.
Phones: This trip is a great way to experience a remote area of the world, so please bear in mind we travel through areas where phone signal is rare and our local teams are not permitted to carry satellite phones.
Start hotel: Deventure Sarovar Portico, Patel Nagar, BP -11, near SHADIPUR METRO STATION, opposite METRO PILLAR NO 221, Block 1, West Patel Nagar, Patel Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi, 110008
Phone: +91 11 3521 1111
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing around 6pm
Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
The start hotel is approximately 30 minutes’ drive from the airport. We provide free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for everyone. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
There’s one group transfer to the airport, which you can join at no extra cost. Please speak to your sales representative for the time of the transfer. If the group transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative.
To avoid possible problems at immigration, make sure your passport is valid for a minimum of 180 days at the time of entry into India.
Travellers from the UK, US, CA and EU normally need a visa to enter India. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/india
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/india
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/India.html
Travellers eligible for an e-visa, which includes those from the UK, US, CA and EU, can apply at www.indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.
For more information on applying for your Indian Visa, including details required for your start hotel and local reference contacts, please click on this link: Indian Visa Information
Please note: If your trip visits Sikkim in the northeast or Ladakh, in the very north of India, do not mention this on your Indian visa application. This can sometimes slow down or even cause the embassy to reject your visa.
New Digital Arrival Card
Travellers from the UK, US, EU and Canada must also complete a Digital Arrival Card. This can be filled online up to 72 hours before arrival via the official Indian visa website https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/. This is separate from the Indian e-visa process and this remains the same. Physical cards will remain at the arrival airport until 1 April 2026, at which point the Digital Arrival Card will be made mandatory.
Allow at least 1,600-2,000 rupees (approximately US$20-US$25) per day for lunch and dinner (where not included). You can eat out cheaply in India, but if you go to the more expensive restaurants most of the time, you will spend the upper limits of the suggested amount. Please note, service in restaurants can be quite slow. Tea and soft drinks are reasonably priced. A (large) bottle of beer is approximately 400 rupees (approximately US$5).
While camping, we have a cook and assistants who prepare simple but plentiful nutritious food. Breakfasts will be porridge, cereals, eggs and toast with plenty of tea, coffee or hot chocolate. Lunches will usually be a picnic lunch with soup, various kinds of local breads, cheese, eggs, tinned fish, and meat and fruit where available. There is afternoon tea and biscuits on arrival at camp followed later by dinner, which is usually soup, a pasta, rice or potato-based main course with fresh vegetables, followed by dessert, tea, coffee or hot chocolate.
Drinking water
Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity. However, we strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water as this contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in India
On trek, the cooks collect and boil drinking water from the mountain streams and fill up your water bottles for you, but you may need to collect water during the day and may wish to use your own water purification treatment as well. Purification tablets can be an economical way to treat your water, most taking between 30 minutes to one hour to purify one litre of water and are easy to used in water bladders/hydration packs. Purification tablets which contain chlorine dioxide are reported not to leave an obvious taste as other tablets may.
We suggest you may like to bring a reusable bottle with a wide opening and use a Steripen to treat any non-boiled water. A Steripen is a handheld UV water purifier – small, lightweight and battery powered, so easy to pack. It’s quick to use, far more effective than purification tablets, and the water is ready immediately. It’s fine to use a Steripen on non-boiled water so long as it isn’t cloudy or full of sediment (which is uncommon in these regions).
Steripens are widely stocked on Amazon, outdoor shops and other online retailers; look for the latest models but avoid USB charging ones. Models that take lithium batteries are best as they last longer, especially in cold conditions.
As Sikkim has a pretty wet climate, even by Himalayan standards, our departures are carefully timed to take advantage of the likely best weather conditions (within reason). Delhi is hot in the daytime, especially on spring departures (highs of mid-30 degrees Celsius), and reasonably warm at night (cool on the October departure). Darjeeling and Gangtok is warm during the day with cool to cold nightly temperatures. Weather on trek will vary with the altitude but is generally comfortable for walking during the day (it can be really quite hot when the sun is out, particularly on the spring departure). At night on trek, it can get very cold with temperatures down to as low as -5C (23F). In late October, please bring warm clothes for the evenings. Frost must be expected at night above about 9,845ft (3,000m) on spring departures, and above about 6,560ft (2,000m) on October departures.
Although the departures are timed to coincide when the weather is normally good, in any mountain area the weather is never wholly predictable and you should be prepared and equipped to deal with any differences in weather beyond the conditions described above. The Singalila Ridge is quite exposed and strong wind and rain cannot be discounted at any time of year. You need to carry waterproofs and warm clothes for the evenings.
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.
You’ll also find Thriving Nature, Thriving People moments across our trips. These experiences are often a highlight of your adventure, while also benefiting the natural world or local communities.
On this trip, we:
The trek was very nice. But due partly to exceptional circumstances the driving times were far too long.. And exceptional seems to be recurrent in this part of India. My suggestion for this trip would be to skip Sikkim and find alternatives closer to Darjeeling or the Singalila rirdge and...
The hiking. Views on Everest and Kanchenjunga, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Very good
Great trip, very varied itinery visiting towns & some working monasteries, location of hotels is very good. Walking too is varied - lovely walks, through forests & bamboo plus up on the ridge for a couple of days. We were lucky & got sun & clear skies - views of...
Sunrise & sunset on the ridge both days - pretty special. Also witnessing the monks chanting their blessings.
He resolved the few issues that came up and everything worked well.
It is cold & windy on the ridge at night,be well prepared.
Trek guide/assistant - dipesh?? - was excellent, very knowledgable. Gave us alot of local history, stories & cultural information amongst other things,really nice & approachable man. Food provided by the cook on the trek was exceptional too.
Great mix of cultural diversity and natural beauty of India - starting and ending in the manic centres of Delhi and Kolkata respectively, the majority of the trip is in quieter parts of West Bengal and Sikkim, which are simply beautiful.
Sunrise and cups of tea at campsite 3 with views of Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Mt Everest and Manaslu. It was cold but an absolutely magical experience! Also, the visit to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling - it was quite humbling to see the gear that Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hilary summitted Everest with so many years ago and how the equipment has advanced.
Rajeev Rawat. What can I say - an amazing leader....nothing was too much trouble!
Pack for all kinds of weather. We had a torrential hail storm half way through the Singalila ridge trek, followed by thick fog...so thick that we couldn’t see the tents from the dinner tent! Head torches are a definite must.
The Singalila trek was one of the toughest walks I have done but totally worth it for the views. India is a very different place with so much diversity - take each place visited for its own uniqueness and try everything!
Great mix of cultural diversity and natural beauty of India - starting and ending in the manic centres of Delhi and Kolkata respectively, the majority of the trip is in quieter parts of West Bengal and Sikkim, which are simply beautiful.
Sunrise and cups of tea at campsite 3 with views of Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Mt Everest and Manaslu. It was cold but an absolutely magical experience! Also, the visit to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling - it was quite humbling to see the gear that Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hilary summitted Everest with so many years ago and how the equipment has advanced.
Rajeev Rawat. What can I say - an amazing leader....nothing was too much trouble!
Pack for all kinds of weather. We had a torrential hail storm half way through the Singalila ridge trek, followed by thick fog...so thick that we couldn’t see the tents from the dinner tent! Head torches are a definite must.
The Singalila trek was one of the toughest walks I have done but totally worth it for the views. India is a very different place with so much diversity - take each place visited for its own uniqueness and try everything!
Such a varied and personally challenging tour! At 73, I wondered how well I would deal with the serious elevation hike up to the Ridge. The guide, Rajeev, made hard choices when the weather was difficult. The 3 guides supported us every day so we all did our best. The...
Viewing the Himalayas from the Singalila Ridge.
Although younger than the hikers, he acted with knowledge, consideration and organisation. He took all into consideration to guide us quietly. He did not sidestep making hard decisions.
Read the trip notes. Pack for all weather possibilities. We had hail in April.
This is a very varied trip, a mix of culture and exercise where we met some of the friendliest people in the world and eat fantastic food, the highlight for me being the Singalila Ridge trek. The trip takes you from chaotic streets of Delhi, to beautiful Sikkim and its...
On day three of the trek we were up at 5:15 and drinking an early morning cup of black tea, we were pleased to see clear skies after the previous nights thick mist. The whole group walked to a low knoll near the camp site to watch the sunrise and see the view of the high Himalaya. As the sun rose the horizon lit up. To the north Kanchenjunga rose high above the cloud, as the sun hit the mountain it lit up and glowed. To the west in the far distance there were three mountains that looked close together, the first of these to catch the sun was Everest closely followed by Makalu and then Lhotse. We were standing at a height of approximately 3500 meters, a reasonable height if you were in the Alps, I was stunned by the thought that these summits were 5 kilometers higher than us; awesome a sunrise I will never forget.
Our guide/group leader Sonam was fantastic, nothing was to much trouble, his organisational skills were excellent and he made everything work like clockwork. He had a great sense of humour and I shall always remember his infectious laugh that brought a smile to everyone’s face. He showed huge respect to the local people and customs and was an excellent ambassador for his country and your company If I were to rate him on a scale of 1 to 10 I would have to say, in the words of the bass player in the film Spinal Tap, he goes up to 11. A great guy and an excellent guide/leader
My main bit of advice to potential travelers would be, don’t be put off by the long days travelling. The end result is definitely worth it. Be prepared for any weather conditions you can think of because chances are you will get it. There were a few changes to our itinerary that Exodus informed us of before we left. One of these was the 1100 meter climb to reach the top of the ridge. Don't be put off, take it easy drink plenty of water and enjoy the journey.
A huge thank you to all the support team, the pony boys who moved the gear every day on the trek, the cook’s team for managing the camp and ensuring a regular supply of tea. Special thanks to the cook who produced fantastic food throughout the trek and the genius who produced roast potatoes at 3500 meters; to Dipesh our local trek guide. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the local area and was great fun to be with. Last but by no means least I must say thanks to our fellow trekkers, a great bunch of people and great fun to be with. Hope to trek with them again sometime in the future it was a great trip.
From the madness of New Delhi to the beautiful unspoilt Sikkim area. This India trip does it all.
Walking though farms and villages that have not had tourists though the area before. truly magical moments.
Sonam and Dipesh, where both great leaders, full of information and kept all the group together. Any questions asked and problems where quickly answered and sorted.
Make sure you have warm clothes,it’s gets cold and windy at night on the ridge.
I wanted a holiday with walking and hopefully to meet local people, this trip did all that and more..if you get chance arrive a few days before and take in the delights of New Delhi. I’m glad the itinerary was changed around to do the sightseeing first, it’s helps to get to know the rest of the group before starting the trek and gets you acclimatised to the food ( if you know what I mean )
This trip is wonderfully varied with each day having something different to the last. The accommodation throughout is very comfortable especially if you love an adventure. There are highlights such as heritage and eco hotels and lodges , and full service camping with roomy tents . In March and the...
Being woken at 0500 and being lead by Rajeev our leader , to the top of the ridge near the Kalijar campsite to see the sunrise lighting up Kachenjunga , the 3rd highest mountain in the World , and seeing the whole range of the Himalayan snow capped mountains in front of us , which included Mount Everest in the distance . Rajeev was tremendous in pointing out and naming each individual summit . The team took the trouble to ensure we even had cups of tea and had lots of time to savour the amazing view and take photographs.
Rajeev was excellent in leading our group which had walkers with varied experience , and walking pace . He gave detailed information about the region , farming methods , his country and the mountain ranges , and answered our many questions . He is a very capable leader .
Come prepared to try out different food , and with fitness preparation for walking to summits on fairly steep slopes. Bring a camera too !
I think the highlights wee often the optional parts of the trip like walking to the summit of Singalila , and seeing the Everest range on a clear day so make the most of these . The 16 Zoe's , a cross between a Yak and a cow , were the fantastic animals that carried our camping gear for us , and the team of herdsman and cooks provided an amazing service during our camping trek .
Having completed the Annapurna circuit two years ago I was looking for more Himalayan trekking but somewhere different. The views of Kanchenjunga in the sunrise and sunset are breathtaking and (weather permitting) you see Everest too! An excellent trip with a good mix between trekking and cultural exploration
Waking up at dawn, in a frost covered tent, before getting to see the sun rise on the mountains.
Sonam was brilliant fun to be with. He took good acre of all of us and made sure that any backmarkers on the trek part were supported. He was kind and engaging and had a wicked sense of humour. He also brought the best cook ever to cook for us on the trek.
This trek is less strenuous than Annapurna but it's still at altitude and the fitter you are the more you will enjoy it. It got really cold in the tents and the ground was harder than you think! I'd suggest getting the thickest, warmest inflatable mattress you can afford and making sure you pack good quality merino and a really decent sleeping bag.
Bring earplugs if coming at Diwali. They like their fireworks loud.
This was truly a wonderful 2 weeks. From Delhi to Calcutta, the ridge, the people and those others on the trek made this a trip to remember.
The views of the Himalayas, walking along the ridge between India and Nepal and the great food we had to eat
Sonam was superb, full of knowledge and always smiling. A great character that made us laugh but lead the group well.
In autumn (mid October) it was very cold on the mountain (at night). Be ready for it. Otherwise no issues, even on the train. Make sure you get up early for the best views of the mountains (although evenings were also great). Relax, forget the world and enjoy! When it says dont take photos, dont take photos (army check points on trek)
Even with the weak STG, it was still cheap there.
Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.
To give you the content requested, we need to store and process your personal data. For information on how to unsubscribe, as well as our privacy practices and commitment to protecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy.
To give you the content requested, we need to store and process your personal data. For information on how to unsubscribe, as well as our privacy practices and commitment to protecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy.
Get regular inspiration straight to your inbox from Exodus’ experts.
