Singalila ridge trek from Manebhanjan to Sandakphu
Day one climbs from Manebhanjan at about 2,150 m past Chitrey monastery and Meghma to Tumling, around 11 km. Day two follows the ridge through Jaubari in Nepal and down to Gairibas, then climbs to Kalipokhri, a small dark lake, around 13 km. Day three is a short, steep pull past Bikheybhanjang to Sandakphu at 3,636 m.
The trail mixes stone paths, forest shortcuts and the jeep track, through oak, rhododendron and bamboo. Descend the same way, by Land Rover, or via Gurdum and Srikhola to Rimbik. With a licensed guide and a moderate pace, fit beginners can do it. Lodges along the way serve hot meals, so with a porter you need carry only a daypack, water and warm layers.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
How long is the trek from Manebhanjan to Sandakphu?
About 32 km over three days: Manebhanjan to Tumling about 11 km, Tumling to Kalipokhri about 13 km, and Kalipokhri to Sandakphu about 6 km. Daily walking is 4–7 hours. Some trekkers do it in two days by pushing on from Tumling to Sandakphu, but the slower pace helps with altitude and is more enjoyable.
Do I need trekking experience for Sandakphu?
No technical skills are needed, and many first-time trekkers complete it. You should be able to walk 5–7 hours a day on hills with a light daypack. Train with uphill walks for a few weeks beforehand. Hire a porter if carrying a heavy bag worries you. The licensed guide handles route-finding and lodges.
Which way should I descend from Sandakphu?
There are three options. Retrace the ridge to Manebhanjan, the easiest for transport. Drop steeply via Gurdum to Srikhola and on to Rimbik, through forest and villages. Or continue to Phalut and descend via Gorkhey to Rimbik, the longest and quietest route. Jeeps run from Rimbik back to Darjeeling in about 4–5 hours.
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