Treks

Treks in Darjeeling

Browse our curated trek experiences across Darjeeling.

Trekking in Darjeeling

Most treks from Darjeeling follow the Singalila Ridge, a high, forested spine that runs north along the India and Nepal border inside Singalila National Park. Its highest point, Sandakphu (3,636 m), is the top of West Bengal and one of the few places on earth where you can see Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu in a single sweep.

The trails pass through rhododendron, magnolia and bamboo forest, small Nepali and Sherpa villages, and open grassy ridgelines. Days are spent walking between simple homestays, with nights around the stove and early starts for sunrise over the Kanchenjunga range, often called the Sleeping Buddha.

Every Dekho Darjeeling trek runs in a small group with a local guide from the hills, so you get honest advice on pace and weather, and your trip directly supports families along the route. Choose a short overnight hike or the full week-long traverse below.

Compare Darjeeling treks

A quick side-by-side of every trek we currently run. Prices are per person, starting from the rate shown; group size and departure date can change the final price.

Darjeeling treks compared by days, distance, altitude, difficulty, price and season
TrekDaysDistanceMax altitudeDifficultyPrice fromBest months
Singalila Red Panda Excursion2 days10 - 12 kmNAModerate₹28,500March–May, September–November
Tonglu over night hike2 days, 1 night8 km3,070 mModerate₹4,999Any Season
Sandakphu Short Trek4 days, 3 nights35 km3,236 mModerate₹14,000October - December & March - May
Sandakphu-Phalut Trek7 days, 6 nights63 km3,636 mModerate₹12,499Mar-May, Sep-Dec

Which trek is right for you?

  • Singalila Red Panda Excursion: A slower, wildlife-focused trip into Singalila National Park with a local red panda tracker. You spend the night at Gairibas and the days on guided forest walks. Sightings are never guaranteed, but this is one of the best places in India to try.
  • Tonglu over night hike: The easiest way onto the Singalila Ridge. You ride a shared taxi from Darjeeling to Dhotrey, walk up to Tonglu (3,070 m) for a night on the ridge, and come down through Manebhanjyang the next day. Good for first-timers and a weekend away.
  • Sandakphu Short Trek: Sandakphu in four days. Start at Rimbick, climb via Jaubari and Bikhe Bhanjyang to the summit on day two, then descend through Gurdum. Ideal if you want the big Himalayan view without a full week off.
  • Sandakphu-Phalut Trek: The classic 7-day Singalila Ridge traverse: Rimbick, Gurdum, Sandakphu, Phalut, Samanden and Srikhola. It covers about 63 km, reaches 3,636 m at Sandakphu and gives you two summit mornings with the widest views on the ridge.

Best time to trek in Darjeeling

Autumn (October to early December) is the favourite season. The monsoon has washed the air clean, skies are at their clearest and the full Himalayan skyline is on show most mornings. Days are crisp and nights on the high ridge get close to freezing.

Spring (March to May) brings warmer days and the rhododendron bloom, when whole hillsides turn red and pink. Haze can build in the afternoons, so the best views come early.

Winter (late December to February) is cold and quiet, with a chance of snow on the high ridge and very clear air. You need proper cold-weather gear. Monsoon (June to September) means heavy rain, slippery trails and hidden peaks, and parts of Singalila National Park usually close to trekkers at the height of the rains. The short Tonglu hike can run in most seasons, weather permitting.

Read the month-by-month notes in our best time to visit guide.

Permits and ID

Treks on the Singalila Ridge enter Singalila National Park and run close to the Nepal border, so every trekker needs a valid government photo ID, such as an Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID or driving licence. Foreign nationals should carry their passport and visa. Keep the originals with you: IDs can be checked at park gates and border checkposts along the way.

You don't need to queue for permits yourself. Park entry permits are included on our multi-day treks, and our team arranges them using the traveller details you share at booking. Send them at least 48 hours before departure so there is time to process everything. Full details are on the permit information page.

How to reach the starting point

The nearest airport is Bagdogra (IXB) and the nearest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), both near Siliguri. From there, shared jeeps and private cabs run up to Darjeeling and the trailhead villages. Allow for the drive: mountain roads are slow, and travel times change with season and traffic.

  • Tonglu hike and Red Panda excursion: start from Darjeeling, with road transfer to the trailhead.
  • Sandakphu Short Trek: report at Rimbick, a village on the western side of the ridge.
  • Sandakphu Phalut trek: the group meets in Siliguri at 7:00 AM on day one and drives to Rimbick together.

We recommend arriving in Darjeeling or Siliguri the day before your trek starts. See getting here for routes and transport, and our packing checklist before you set off.

Darjeeling trek FAQs

Which Darjeeling trek is best for beginners?

The Tonglu overnight hike is the gentlest start: two days, about 8 km of walking and one night on the ridge. If you are reasonably fit and want to reach Sandakphu, the 4-day Sandakphu Short Trek is the next step up. The 7-day Sandakphu Phalut trek suits people who are comfortable walking 5 to 8 hours a day on uneven trails.

How high is Sandakphu, and should I worry about altitude?

Sandakphu is 3,636 m, the highest point in West Bengal. Most healthy trekkers manage well because the routes climb gradually over several days. Drink plenty of water, keep a steady pace, and tell your guide straight away about any headache, nausea or dizziness. The booking form asks about past altitude sickness so your guide can plan ahead.

Can you really see Everest from Sandakphu?

Yes. On a clear morning you can see four of the world's five highest peaks from Sandakphu: Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu, with the Kanchenjunga range often called the Sleeping Buddha. Views depend on the weather and are never guaranteed. Clear skies are most likely in autumn and early spring, usually just after sunrise.

Where do we stay on the trek?

In simple, locally run lodges, homestays and tea houses along the ridge. Rooms are basic but clean, and meals are home-style. Staying with local families is part of the experience and keeps your money in mountain villages.

How big are the groups?

Small. The Sandakphu Phalut trek takes a maximum of 10 people, and other departures are similar or smaller. Private departures for families, friends and corporate groups can be arranged on request.

Ask about a private departure

Do I need a guide for treks in Singalila National Park?

Yes. Park rules require trekkers to be accompanied by a registered local guide, and every Dekho Darjeeling trek includes one. Your guide also handles permits and stays, and knows the ridge in every season.

What is included in the trek price?

It depends on the trek. Multi-day treks such as Sandakphu Phalut and the Sandakphu Short Trek include a local guide, Singalila National Park permits, stays and meals on the trail. Travel to the starting point, personal gear, insurance and porters are usually extra. Each trek page lists exactly what is and isn't included.

What should I pack for a Darjeeling trek?

Pack in layers: thermal base layers, a warm fleece or down jacket, a waterproof shell, trekking shoes with good grip, a cap, gloves and extra socks. Add a water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses and any personal medicines. Nights at Sandakphu and Phalut are cold in every season.

Full packing checklist

More questions about booking, payments and safety are answered on our FAQ page.