Singalila top via Barsey Rhododendron sanctuary

8 days

Duration

11,800 ft

Max altitude

8

Max group size

Moderate

Difficulty

Notes from the trail

I’ve walked this trail a few times now, and the days through Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary never stop feeling special. There is a softness to that section of forest where the path narrows, light filters through moss-covered trees, and the air carries that unmistakable rhododendron scent. When the blooms are out, the forest feels almost unreal, with bursts of red and pink appearing unexpectedly along the trail. It is a quiet beginning, and I have always felt that it allows people to settle into the rhythm of walking without the pressure of chasing views or summits.

What I love most about this trek is how the mountains reveal themselves gradually. Kanchenjunga begins to appear from the second day onward, sometimes just a distant outline through the trees and sometimes standing clear beyond the ridgeline. From that point, the mountain stays with you for the rest of the journey. It does not dominate the experience but quietly shapes it, changing with light, weather, and perspective as you continue along the ridge.

There is also a subtle geographical transition built into this route that I find fascinating. We start in Sikkim and slowly cross into West Bengal as the trail approaches the Singalila ridge. It is not a dramatic crossing, but you begin to notice shifts in villages, forest textures, and the overall character of the landscape as the journey unfolds.

By the time we reach the ridge itself, the experience feels like it has developed naturally rather than built toward a single moment. Walking to Singalila Top and later to Phalut for sunset often becomes a highlight because of the stillness that settles over the mountains in the evening. The Himalayan skyline softens, colours deepen, and the vastness of the landscape becomes easier to absorb. These are the moments that tend to stay with people long after the trek is over.

For me, this trail has always been about continuity rather than destination. Forest paths give way to open ridgelines, quiet walking gradually expands into wide Himalayan views, and Kanchenjunga remains a steady companion throughout. It is a journey that feels immersive, gentle, and deeply rewarding in ways that are felt more than explained.

Itinerary

  • Altitude: 6,890 ft
    Time: 5–6 hrs drive

    The journey begins with a drive through the hills toward Okhrey, where the mountains slowly replace the plains and the pace begins to shift. It is a gentle introduction that allows time to settle in before stepping onto the trail the following day.

  • Distance: 6 km
    Time: 3–4 hrs
    Altitude: 8,040 ft

    The trek starts inside Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, where shaded forest paths and soft terrain create a quiet first walking day. The forest begins to reveal occasional openings, and Kanchenjunga often appears for the first time in the distance.

  • Distance: 7 km
    Time: 4–5 hrs
    Altitude: 10,170 ft

    The trail gradually gains elevation through forest and bamboo sections, with the landscape beginning to feel more expansive. Kanchenjunga stays present along the route, shifting in form as the trail moves closer to the ridge.

  • Distance: 6 km
    Time: 3–4 hrs
    Altitude: 10,990 ft

    Walking becomes quieter and more alpine as the route approaches the Singalila ridge. Forest gives way to open stretches, and the sense of walking along a mountain border becomes more apparent.

  • Distance: 13 km
    Time: 7–8 hrs
    High point: Singalila Top — 11,810 ft
    Night halt: Phalut — 11,795 ft

    This is a defining day on the trek as the trail reaches the Singalila ridge and continues toward Phalut. Wide Himalayan views accompany the walk, and the evening often brings a memorable sunset as the skyline slowly fades into shadow.

  • Distance: 14 km
    Time: 6–7 hrs
    Altitude: 8,530 ft

    The descent toward Rammam retraces the transition from ridge to forest, with changing vegetation and quieter trails marking the return toward lower elevations. The day feels reflective as the journey gradually winds down.

  • Time: 4–5 hrs drive
    Altitude: 6,725 ft

    A final drive through the hills leads to Darjeeling, bringing the journey to a gentle close while the memories of the ridge, forests, and distant mountains continue to linger.

  • Time: 3–4 hrs drive
    Altitude: 412 ft

    The journey concludes with a drive down to Bagdogra, marking a gradual return from the mountains while the experiences of the ridge and forests remain fresh.

Included in this journey

• Trek leadership throughout the journey led by Jude Rayen


• Local guide and support staff including mules and mulemen for group logistics


• All permits and entry fees for Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary and Singalila National Park


• Accommodation in homestays for 2 nights (Okhrey and Ramman)


• Accommodation in twin-sharing tents during trekking days


• All meals during trekking days including breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea, coffee, soup, and light snacks


• High-altitude camping equipment including kitchen tent, dining tent, toilet tent, sleeping tents, mattresses, and sleeping bags


• Safety and medical equipment including oximeter and group first-aid kit

Not included

• Travel to and from Bagdogra or any arrival city


• Shared transport to Okhrey and back to Bagdogra from Darjeeling


• Personal trekking gear and clothing


• Personal expenses such as bottled water, snacks, charging, laundry, or hot showers where available


• Travel insurance and evacuation or rescue costs


• Expenses arising from itinerary changes due to weather, road conditions, or natural factors beyond control


• Buffer day expenses if required due to delays


• Tips for guides and local support staff

Optional addons

• Shared transport as per itinerary (cost divided among participants)


• Offloading support through porter or mule assistance


• Single room in homestays (subject to availability)


• Single tent for the duration of the trek


• Private vehicle or accommodation upgrades


• Additional nights before or after the trek

Optional addons can be arranged in advance based on availability and preference.

Planning this journey

This trek runs as a small group departure as well as a custom journey, allowing dates and pacing to be shaped around what feels right for you.

The base cost for the trek is ₹55,500 per person for groups of 4–6 participants, covering the core camping experience, meals, permits, and leadership throughout the route.Transport and offloading remain optional add-ons so the journey can stay flexible depending on group size and individual preferences.

I lead this trek myself alongside a trusted local team, with a focus on moving steadily, staying safe, and allowing the landscape to shape the rhythm of the experience.

If this route feels right for you, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to talk through details or help customise this trek around your timing and expectations.

Jude

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