Singalila Ridge Trek, A Complete Guide
Singalila ridge trek, which is very popular and beautiful in India. Facing the Himalayas in Darjeeling and Sikkim, the view from here that includes the majestic Mount Kanchenjunga – the third highest peak in the world is to die for. The trail links thick woodlands, diverse rhododendron species that blossom many colors, tiny villages and mountain ranges, and ends at Sandakphu where one can see the four highest peaks on the earth.
Trekking Route
The Singalila trek is begun in Manebhanjang or Phalut, and the trek over 50km distance covers the places like Tonglu, Kalpokhri, Sandakphu, and Phalut. It is a 5-6 day route, with moderate degree of difficulty along the way. For many trekkers it is a combined one with the Goechala Trek to get longer and more rigorous trek.
Best Time to Trek
The best times for my Singalila hiking trip are springtime (about late February to mid-June) or autumn (September through to November) when temperature is agreeable and the weather is fine. During springtime the forests wake up as the magnolias and rhododendron flowers unfold in all color shades possible. Interspersing the outlying areas of the base housing community with a variety of gardens and ponds, along with perennial plants and shrubs that are native to the region, can be a natural way to create an aesthetically pleasing environment that is also resilient to climatic changes. Monsoons are too risky because of landslides and incessant occurring of thunderstorms.
Trekking Difficulty
The trek of the Singalila Ridge would start of mild and moderate. Unlike most of the other fitness workouts, no technical skills or machines are involved except for a good physical shape. The acclimatization to altitude must be undertaken at this point of elevation which is equal to 3636m. This is apart from the fact that there are some steep climbs and some descents and after every day of walking you will be higher and higher. Hydration and nutrition matters a lot as it prevents AMS from developing.
Permits and Regulations
Indian citizens have to carry local Sikkim permits and are required to have a special permit, apart from the local one, for foreign nationals. One can obtain a permit by simply logging on to their respective government website or by connecting with local tour operators. It is rather necessary to get a guide that is why solo trekking might be restricted sone areas. Another route within the National Singalila Park that needs specific permits is also important.
Packing Essentials
A must-have list at the end would be trekking shoes, comfortable wool socks, warm fleece jackets, energy bars, flashlight, water bottles, sunscreen, sunglasses and personalized medicine. Mules, for the purpose of carrying goods, might be available or not so the pulse weight must be considered carefully. Proper waste disposal is one of the key factors that are significant to prevent the pollution of the environment, which is pure, untainted, and beautiful.
Safety Tips
Adaptation to high altitude is inevitable so that to avoid altitude sickness one would not to be affected. Consume enough of fluids and do not rush; your body is most important. Keep in trailhead and campground areas. Take into account weather forecasts if there has been a storm, snowfall, ice, etc. these can cause accidents. Let your acquaintances know your trek schedule as well as the destinations.
Wildlife and Nature
Especially interesting are the species that are exotic like Himalayan Black bear, red panda, barking deer and over 500 species of birds can be seen. The route which encircles the city is lined with oak, birch, rain and rhododendron forest that transmits bewitching, red and pink flowers during in spring. Catch surreal Himalayan summits, Kanchenjunga, Everest, Makalu, Lhotse from the Tonglu and Sandakphu view-points. Best is to see when alpine sunrises light up the snow-covered mountain ranges with the different colors of the rainbow.
Highlights of the Trek
The Singalila Ridge trek is characterized by majestic mountain panoramas all around Sandakphu, Phalut’s and crossing hidden suspension bridges over Angry gorges, and going through monk houses at Samanden as well as dilapidated tea houses. Enjoy meeting locals and saying hello to sherpas in the villages. Get a chance to see Himalayan beautiful flowers and feathery creatures. Ultimately, the trek ends at the summit of Sandakphu, and it is there that you are able to set eyes on the four highest peaks of the world: Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu.
