Phoktey Dara Singalila Pass Trek

The Phoktey Dara - Singalila Pass Trek is one of the best in the Northeast and Sikkim. It's an easy trek that can be done even by beginners. Compared to other treks in the Himalayas, it is very uncrowded and one of the least-done treks in India. This trek boasts the rich cultural experience of Sikkim, Darjeeling, and Nepal in one go. On the other hand, this trek also offers the view of 4 out of 5 highest peaks in the World, which are - Mt. Everest ( 8850m, 1st), Kanchenjunga ( 8586m, 3rd), Mt. Lhotse (8516m, 4th) and Makalu (8481m, 5th). Apart from Sandakphu - Phalut trek, this is the only trek that boasts of this grand panoramic view including Mt. Everest and Kanchenjunga together in a single view.

The trail that starts from Uttarey, in the circumference of the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, swirls up through the dense canopy of forest and beautiful openings amidst it creating some beautiful campsites. It is abundant in wildlife and vivid flora. During the springs, many species of rhododendrons and other wildflowers color up the trail. There are many varieties of birds that dwell in this National Park which makes it a bird-watcher's delight. The distinctively remote trail is lit up by the energy and happy-mindedness of the locals, some of whom accompany us on the trek as our support staff. You also witness the mixture of Tibetan, Nepali, Sikkimese, Subba, and Lepcha cultures in this entire trek route in form of its people, their way of living, and architecture.

In short, this is one of the best treks to be done in the Eastern Himalayas.

• The Phoktey Dara trek boasts the best views of the Sleeping Buddha formation, which is formed by Mount Kanchenjunga and 16 other popular peaks aligned in such a way that it appears like a giant Lord Buddha sleeping over the clouds.
• The Phoktey Dara trek also provides the rare opportunity to view 4 of Worlds highest 8000-meter peaks together in a single frame. The peaks are  Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Lhotse, and Mt. Kanchenjunga which are the top 5 highest mountains in the World except for K2, which lies in the Karakoram range.
• Not just this. The Phoktey Dara trek offers the panorama of more than 26 peaks of Bhutan, Sikkim, and Nepal. Chomolhari, Narsing, Jupono, Tenchenkhang, Pandim, Simvo, Goecha Peak, Forked Peak, Kanchenjunga, Kumbhakarna, Frey, Rathong, Koktang, South Kabru, North Kabru, 3 sister peaks, Everest, Makalu, Chamling, Chomolonzo, Lhotse, Nuptse, Baruntse, Macchapucchare, etc 
• The Phoktey Dara trek goes through the dense jungle of rhododendrons, magnolias, and many other wildflowers, some of which are only to be found in these mountain ranges of the Himalayas. Rhododendrons and magnolias bloom from late March to early May and the entire route is mystified by their color and fragrance.
• The Phoktey Dara trek is home to numerous species of wild birds and a lot of wild animals. Since this trek is less frequented by human beings, it makes one of the ideal treks to sight wildlife.
• Watch out for the glorious, dramatic, and magnificent sunrises and sunsets on the Phoktey Dara trek.
• The Phoktey Dara trek offers a great opportunity to experience the hospitality of some of the most welcoming and loved tribes in the Himalayas. They are namely the Lepchas, Sherpas, Bhutias, Limboos, and other Sikkimese and Nepali people. They have a rich culture and their deep connection and love with mother Nature is something to be inspired from.
• The Singalila Pass - Phoktey Dara trek is a borderline trek that swings between India and Nepal multiple times. It's altogether a different experience to trek on this ridgeline which divides different states in India and Nepal. The villages that come on the way are very beautiful.
• Crossing over from Sikkim to West Bengal via the Singalila pass

• Sandakphu Phalut Trek and Phoktey Dara trek boasts similar views. However, the major difference lies in the fact while Sandakphu Phalut is a homestay trek, Phoktey Dara on the other hand is a mix of camping and homestay trek. 3 of the 6 nights on the Phoktey Dara trek are full of camping in the natural environment right in the middle of the forest surrounded by the tall mountains of Sikkim and Nepal. 
• While you can still camp on the Sandakphu Phalut trek, the ambiance is spoilt by neighboring homestays and occasional landrover driving beside the camps. Phoktey Dara trek offers a pure camping experience.
• If homestays and tea-houses are one of the plus factors of the Sandakphu trek, the Phoktey Dara trek too boasts of it for 3 nights. Hence you get to experience both of them.
• While the Sandakphu Phalut trek is a borderline ridge trek and 3 nights on it are spent in Nepal and the remaining 3 in West Bengal, the Phoktey Dara trek touches the border but all the accommodations are in Sikkim and West Bengal. Though we mention this point as a difference, I must also say that Mother Nature does not understand borders. That's only for humans.
• Sandakphu trek being a tea-house trek is cheaper compared to the Phoktey Dara trek which is a camping trek and also involves resources from 2 points. Guides/Cooks/Helpers and Horses hired from Uttarey need to be paid for their return journey without utilizing their service while we proceed towards Phalut with another guide and other resources from this region.

Shorter And Easiest Phoktey Dara Trek

The easiest and shortest possible itinerary for the Phoktey Dara trek is as below. Its a 5 days / 4 nights trek and is a full camping trek for 3 nights while the first night is spent in a beautiful homestay in Uttarey with a very warm and welcoming family. 

Day 1: Arrival in Uttarey from Bagdogra ( 6 hours)

Day 2: Trek to Acchaley

Day 3: Trek to Kalijhar

Day 4: Excursion to Phoktey Dara. Trek back to Chewabhanjyang

Day 5: Trek back to Uttarey. Have Lunch. Drive back to Bagdogra

Other Customizations On This Itinerary:

Adding Sandakphu to the itinerary and exiting via Maneybhanjyang:

This will increase the trek days by 1 day and make it an 8 Days, 7 nights trek the itinerary will look like below. This is the best possible extensio of the trek and covers the entire region of the Singalila

Day 1: Uttarey
Day 2: Acchaley
Day 3: Kalijhar
Day 4: Kalijhar
Day 5: Phalut, via Singalila Pass
Day 6: Sandakphu, via Sabargram
Day 7: Tumling via Kalipokhari Lake
Day 8: Maneybhanjyang and drive to Bagdogra

Pros: You will add Sandakphu, Kalipokhari Lake, Tumling, Tonglu, Meghma Monastery, and Chitrey Monastery to the plan. Adds lot of value to the plan.

Cons: Increases in Days and Cost

Other customizations include:

• Adding Sandakphu to the itinerary but exiting via Gurdum and Sepi
• Exiting via Bharyang instead of Sepi to reduce a day
• Returning from Phalut via Sandakphu / Kalipokhari / Tumling using Landrover

Please contact to discuss the customizations / price