Darjeeling, Sikkim & the Singalila Ridge

Tucked away in a corner of the beautiful Indian Himalayan mountains are Sikkim and Darjeeling. In recent years Sikkim has become more accessible for those looking to explore its unique beauty.  Journey from the plains of India to Gantok, the capital of Sikkim and on to the delightful Martam village.  From here we travel through beautiful tea plantations to Darjeeling, with its colonial hill station and UNESCO World Heritage 'toy train'. Trekking up to and along the Singalila ridge, which divides India and Nepal, we move through thick forests of rhododendron and are rewarded with views of the great Himalayan peaks.  Kanchenjunga the third highest peak in the world dominates the horizon, and on a clear day we will see the majesty of Makalu, Lhotse and Everest.

We experience a mixture of accommodations on this trip, including hotels, full-service wild camping, a simple local lodge (in Rimbick) and the sleeper train from Siliguri to Kolkata. We choose hotels that are conveniently located (close to villages and attractions) or with good transport connections. We aim to use smaller, locally owned properties wherever possible. These are typically two to three-star (local rating) and with a mix of heritage and modern styles.



While the accommodations typically used on this trip are on the day-to-day itinerary, below are some of the notable stays.



Gangtok: Netuk House (night 2)







Built in the 1950s, this boutique hotel offers history and tradition from the days when the Tibet Road was a well trodden route for silk traders to and from Tibet. It has a home-from-home feel with a comfortable sitting area, in which you can relax, read, or meet together, plus there's a garden terrace, restaurant and bar.



Darjeeling: Sinclairs (night 5)







With echoes of the Victorian era but the amenities of modern living, Sinclairs is a great place to stay. But it's the stunning views of mount Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world, that really set it apart. There's also a multi-cuisine restaurant, games room, and bar to keep you entertained.



Full-service camping: (nights 6-10)







The trek itself is on a full-service camping basis, meaning our camp staff put up and dismantle the tents, cook, and do the camp chores. You need only carry your backpack for the day. Most of the camping on this trek is wild camping. We stay in two-person tents, which have enough room inside for your kitbags. Single-occupancy tents are smaller to avoid too much empty space, which loses warmth. Sleeping mats and sleeping bags are not provided – please see the packing section.



We also have a dining tent with table and folding chairs, and at least one toilet tent (usually two) for use during the evenings. Please note, the toilets are based on "wild camping" principles – a hole in the ground with excess dirt used to cover waste (no flushing here). There is no running water available while camping; however, we camp close to a water source and the camp staff provide bowls of warm water to wash with. Please ensure you always wash your hands with water and soap after using the toilet and before meals, additional use of hand sanitiser is also recommended.



Sleeper train: (night 13)







The overnight train is booked in a two-tier sleeper (or three-tier, if two-tier is unavailable) with air conditioning. There are many excellent trains in India, but the standard of seating and sleeping is not in line with Western standards. All seats are allocated at the time the tickets are issued, meaning we cannot guarantee the whole group is together on the train. Your leader will manage this as best as possible and will always check on you during the journey. Indian trains are safe, but we recommend you always keep valuables with you as the sleeper compartments are open with curtains for privacy along the aisle. Snacks are often offered on board (at an additional cost). While some trains have Western-style facilities, most are equipped with squat toilets.



Kolkata: Hotel Peerless Inn (night 14)







The Peerless Inn is a convenient 20-minute walk from the historical Esplanade area and only a 10-minute walk from downtown Kolkata. It's a comfortable, modern hotel with features such as a fitness center, award-winning restaurant serving authentic Bengali cuisine, and a multi-cuisine restaurant.



Worth knowing



The weather can get cold in some of the higher regions and although most hotels should offer heating, not all do. You can request more blankets if needed or the hotel may be able to provide a standing heater for your room. Please talk to your tour leader if you need help in this matter.

It's common for hotels in India to have limited times in the day for hot water use to save energy. If you find your shower is cold, please let your leader or reception know so they can make sure the water heater is on.

The guesthouse in Rimbick is a basic homestay property, shower facilities are limited and some bedrooms may only provide a sink and bucket wash option.

Sleeper trains are not enclosed compartments, bed bunks are set up within a carriage with curtains for some privacy.

Within the sleeper train, you may be sharing a compartment of four beds with members of the public depending on how the seats are allocated.

Should you wish to extend your stay, we can book additional nights for you either before the tour in Delhi or after the tour in Kolkata – please enquire at the time of booking.

Single rooms and tents (excluding sleeper train) are available for a supplement: the price depends on the season you are travelling. Please advise your sales representative at the time of booking if you wish to add this to your booking and they will confirm the price for you.