This trek takes you along one of the most scenic ridgelines in the Eastern Himalayas. Over six days, you move from the quiet village of Uttarey through dense forests, rhododendron trails, and high altitude meadows, eventually walking along the Singalila Ridge near the Indo Nepal border. The sunrise from Phoktey Dara is one of the biggest highlights, offering wide Himalayan views including Kanchenjunga and even Everest on a clear day.
The SkyHike team ensures a steady pace, proper acclimatisation, and well managed camps so you can focus on walking and enjoying the mountains.
Distance: ~170 km | Travel Time: 6–7 hrs | Altitude: 6,600 ft
On arrival at Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway Station, a SkyHike representative will receive you and begin your drive towards Uttarey.
The journey covers approximately 170 km and takes around 6 to 7 hours depending on road and traffic conditions.
The drive gradually leaves the plains and enters the hills of Sikkim. You will pass through towns like Jorethang, Rinchenpong, and Soreng, with winding roads, tea gardens, and mountain views along the way.
By late afternoon or evening, you will reach Uttarey, the base village for the trek.
After checking into your homestay or lodge, the SkyHike trek leader will conduct a detailed briefing covering trail conditions, safety instructions, altitude awareness, and the plan for the coming days.
Dinner will be served at the homestay. Overnight stay in Uttarey.
Meals: Dinner
Trek Distance: 6–7 km | Trek Duration: 4–5 hrs | Altitude: ~8,500 ft
After breakfast, your trek officially begins from Uttarey. The trail enters dense temperate forest almost immediately. The initial stretch is gradual, allowing your body to adjust to the climb.
You will walk through bamboo clusters, oak forests, and tall pine trees. The air feels cooler as you gain altitude, and occasional clearings offer views of deep valleys below.
Lunch will be served en route at a suitable resting point. After a steady ascent of around 4 to 5 hours covering 6 to 7 km, you will reach Achaley or Thulo Dhap campsite depending on group pace and weather conditions.
The campsite is located at approximately 8,500 ft, surrounded by forest and open patches. Evening tea will be served, followed by dinner at camp.
Overnight stay in tents.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Distance: 5–6 km | Trek Duration: 3–4 hrs | Altitude: ~10,200 ft
Today’s trek is shorter in distance but involves steady ascent. After breakfast, you begin climbing deeper into the Rhododendron Sanctuary Zone.
This section is especially beautiful during March to May when rhododendrons bloom in red and pink shades. Even outside bloom season, the forest feels dense and peaceful.
As you gain altitude from 8,500 ft to about 10,200 ft, the landscape slowly transitions from thick forest to more open sections. The air becomes thinner and cooler, so the SkyHike team ensures regular hydration breaks.
After approximately 3 to 4 hours of trekking, you will reach Kalijhar. This campsite sits on a ridge and offers the first clear panoramic views of Mt. Kanchenjunga and surrounding peaks on a clear day.
The evening is kept relaxed as the next day involves an early start. Dinner will be served at camp.
Overnight stay in tents.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Distance: 11–12 km | Trek Duration: 6–7 hrs | Altitude: ~12,000 ft
This is the most important and longest day of the trek.
You will wake up around 3:30 AM and begin a pre dawn ascent towards Phoktey Dara. The early start is planned to witness sunrise from the ridge at approximately 12,000 ft.
The climb is gradual but continuous. As daylight appears, the Kanchenjunga range begins to glow. On clear days, you can also see Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and other Himalayan peaks.
After spending time at the viewpoint, descend back to Kalijhar for breakfast. Post breakfast, continue trekking along the Singalila Ridge towards Phalut.
This stretch follows the ridge close to the Indo Nepal border. The terrain alternates between open meadows and forest patches.
By afternoon, you will reach Phalut campsite, a wide high altitude meadow offering 360 degree Himalayan views.
Dinner will be served at camp.
Overnight stay in tents at Phalut.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Distance: 13–14 km | Trek Duration: 6 hrs | Altitude: ~7,500 ft
After breakfast, begin your descent from the high ridge towards Gorkhey Valley. This is one of the longest walking days in terms of distance, covering approximately 13 to 14 km over 6 hours.
The trail gradually descends from 12,000 ft down to around 7,500 ft. You will pass through bamboo groves, fern filled forests, and rhododendron sections.
The terrain shifts from open ridge to forest valley, and the air becomes warmer as you lose altitude.
By afternoon, reach Gorkhey, a peaceful riverside village located at the confluence of two mountain streams. After checking into a homestay, you can take a short walk by the river or explore the small village.
Dinner will be served at the homestay.
Overnight stay in Gorkhey.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walk: ~30 mins | Drive Distance: ~170 km | Travel Time: 6–8 hrs
After breakfast, enjoy a short and easy 30 minute walk along the riverside trail to reach Vareng, which is the nearest road head.
Your vehicle will be waiting at Vareng for the return drive to Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway Station. The drive usually takes 6 to 8 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.
We recommend booking return flights or trains after 6:00 PM to ensure a comfortable buffer.
The trek concludes here with wonderful memories of the Singalila Ridge and Phoktey Dara sunrise.
Meals: Breakfast
This Singalila Ridge Trek is about steady climbs, early mountain sunrises, quiet forest trails, and ridge top views stretching across Nepal, Sikkim, and Darjeeling.
Every campsite setup, meal preparation, permit arrangement, and safety support is managed by the SkyHike team so you can focus on walking and enjoying the experience.
We truly look forward to hosting you on this beautiful Himalayan journey.
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Uttarey: Peaceful base village in West Sikkim.
Rhododendron Sanctuary: Dense forest section that blooms beautifully in spring.
Phoktey Dara (12,000 ft): Sunrise viewpoint with views of Kanchenjunga, Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu.
Singalila Ridge Walk: Scenic high altitude ridge near the Indo Nepal border.
Gorkhey Valley: Riverside village surrounded by bamboo and forest.
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