Imagine waking up to the pristine view of mountains adorned with golden hues of the Sun and a plethora of natural wonders. These words merely do justice to the panoramic beauty of Singalila Phoktey Dara Trek. But I’m sure this mere description has awakened a sense of wanderlust in you. So, if words can be this powerful, just think how gorgeous is reality? Every step you take on your trek, you will be infused with an entirely different perspective. Such is the enchanting beauty of Singalila Phoktey Dara Trek. You will witness clandestine hamlets, verdant mountain forests, and streams and waterfalls on your way up the mountain peak. Get ready to participate in this one-of-a-kind trek!
Singalila Phoktey Dara Trek will surely instill a sense of belonging and gratitude in you because this trek is all about untainted natural ambience and pure innocent mountainous charm. After all, you can never go wrong with Nature. Witness the sherry sunrise and sunset, trek through the lush mountain forests, soak your feet in the cool mountain streams, and capture numerous photos of wild growths like rhododendrons, ferns, and a host of other flora and fauna. Above everything, capture a sweeping view of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Simvo, Makalu, Lhotse, Pandim, Kabru, and Jannu. Your trek will commence from Hilley and take you right up to Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary. From there, you will ascend your way up to Joributey via Deolinga and Dhap. Then, you will ascend to Kharka Dara, and finally next day, you will climb atop Phoktey Dara. On your descent, reach Uttarey and finally drive back to NJP.
DETAILED ITINERARY OF SINGALILA-PHOKTEY DARA TREK
DAY 1: DRIVE FROM NJP/BAGDOGRA TO HILLEY BY CAR (150 kms/ 8 HOURS)
Arrive at NJP or Bagdogra where our representatives will be present to receive you. From there, you will be escorted to Hilley by road. The entire journey is steeped in natural beauty as you will be welcomed by the endless natural beauty of Jorethang and Kitam Bird Sanctuary. If you are lucky enough, you may even spot the Red Crossbill and Parrotbill. After reaching Hilley, check in to the hotel and spend overnight at the hotel.
DAY 2: TREK FROM HILLEY TO BARSEY (4.5 kms/ 2-3 HOURS)
Your trek commences from today. So get into your best shape as it will be a journey to remember. Soon after breakfast, start moving towards Barsey Rhodendron Sanctuary. Step inside the wet and damp forest ranges comprising different forest types like Montane wet Temperate Forests, Mixed Coniferous Forests, Sub-alpine birch-fir, and Conifer forest and moist Dry Alpine Scrub. Trek through a wild growth of ferns, mosses, lichens, shrubs, magnolias, primulas, potentillas, gentians, poppies, and aconites. You might also witness the colored Satyr Tragopan or a Kalij Peasant which is endangered. You will catch the first view of Mt. Kanchenjunga after trekking a bit more. Reach your campsite by evening and spend overnight at tent camp.
DAY 3: TREK TO JORIBUTEY VIA DEOLINGA DHAP (12 kms/ 6-7 HOURS)
Day 3 will take you through a sweeping forest cover of rhododendron, magnolia, and bamboo towards Singalila Range. Your campsite will be near a hill slope imbued with idyllic forest cover, thereby making your stay ethereal and tranquil. This campsite is also revered for birdwatching. Spend overnight at campsite.
DAY 4: TREK TO KHARKA DARA/ KALIJHARA VIA THULO DHAP (12 kms/ 6-7 HOURS)
Today, you will trek from Joributey to Kharka Dara and on your way, you will cross Uttarey. Uttarey is famous for the sight of Red Panda. However, you will halt at Uttarey on your descent. From Uttarey, you will enter a moist forest and halt at Thulo Dhap. After trekking through some more jungles, you will finally reach the campsite. Spend overnight at tent camp.
DAY 5: TREK TO PHOKTEY DARA AND SINGALILA PASS AND BACK TO THULO DHAP VIA KALIJHAR (10 kms/ 6-7 HOURS)
Today is the focal point of our trek. After viewing an enchanting sunrise at Kharka Dara, move towards Phoktey Dara, located atop Kalijhora. Phoktey Dara will give you a panoramic glimpse of the Three Sisters, Chamlang, Baruntse, Kanchenjunga, Simvo, Pandim, Tenzingkhang, and also the entire Kabru range comprising Rathong and Frey Peak among others. Beautiful is an understatement to describe this spot. This site is blessed with divinity. Bask in the Sun, inhale the fresh air, enjoy the solitary piece of nature and let out a prayer of gratitude to the Universe that has blessed you with this magnificent day. Do not forget to capture an ample amount of photographs for your memorabilia. After spending some time here, head towards your campsite. Spend overnight at the camps.
DAY 6: TREK TO UTTAREY VIA ACHALEY (12 kms/ 6-7 HOURS)
If the weather remains favourable, then you can head up to Phoktey Dara to view the sunrise. Then, descend to Uttarey via Achaley. Check-in at the hotel and spend overnight there.
DAY 7: DRIVE BACK TO NJP/ BAGDOGRA FROM UTTAREY (8 HOURS)
Today is the day to bid goodbye to this wonderful trekking journey. Leave Uttarey via the beauteous hill stations of Dentam, Bermiok, and Rinchenpong. You can halt at Jorethang for lunch and head back to NJP or Bagdogra. All good things must come to an end. But, don’t worry. You will be leaving with a bundle of memory. And do not forget, you can always come back for more.
MAIN HIGHLIGHTS
- Catch a sweeping glimpse of Chamlang, Baruntse, Kanchenjunga, Simvo, Pandim, Tenzingkhang, Rathong and Frey Peak.
- Travel through the beauteous adjoining hill stations like Dentam, Bermiok, and Rinchenpong.
- Trek through Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary and witness rare species of flora and fauna like the endangered Satyr Tragopan or a Kalij Peasant
- Visit Kitam Bird Sanctuary and get a chance to catch a glimpse of the rare Red Crossbill and Parrotbill.
HOW TO REACH?
You can undertake Singalila Phoktey Dara Trek by availing flights or trains to reach Bagdogra or NJP respectively. On reaching there, you will be escorted to Hilley, the starting point of your trek, by our representatives.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
There are two seasons best suited for Singalila Phoktey Dara trek- Mid March to May and mid-October to January. The first season will take you through the bright and variegated shades of nature. You can spot countless rhododendrons and magnolia. Nature remains cool and bright and makes sightseeing easier. The second season exposes the beauty of winters. The weather will remain cool and you can skim through the vibrancy of nature.
Phoktey Dara Trek is fraught with rejuvenating experiences. Ashmita Tour and Trek ensures you have a hassle-free and seamless trekking experience. The trail is steeped in an exotic and pure charm where you can come closer to the exquisite aspects of Mother Earth. The trek is a haven for amateur adventure junkies, botanists, and nature lovers. The mountains are calling you. So do not waste any time thinking! Join us today.
