Singalila National Park

Overview

What it is: Singalila National Park is a high-altitude Himalayan park renowned for its spectacular panoramic views, vibrant biodiversity, and cultural trekking routes.

When to Visit: March to June (spring-summer) and October to early December (autumn) are the best seasons perfect weather, clear skies, and blooming alpine flowers.

Where it is: Located along the Singalila Ridge on the border of West Bengal and Nepal, the park starts from Manebhanjan (around 26 km from Darjeeling) and stretches up to Sandakphu, the highest point in West Bengal.

Where Himalayan Majesty Meets Ancient Trails

Singalila is not just a biodiversity hotspot—it’s a place of deep heritage. Historically, the ridge was a trade and pilgrimage route used by Tibetan monks, shepherds, and colonial explorers.

Inside the park, you'll find:

• Unmatched views of four of the five highest peaks in the world – Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu.
• Lush rhododendron forests (in spring), rare wildlife including red pandas, Himalayan black bears, and exotic birds.
• A trail that links heritage villages like Tumling and Kalipokhri, preserving age-old Nepali and Tibetan cultures.
• Access to Sandakphu, a trekking destination with colonial and local history, now a protected eco-zone.

Heritage Trek Through Singalila – 2-Day Adventure Plan

Day 1: Entry to Singalila & Cultural Villages 

7:00 AM – Depart Darjeeling for Manebhanjan Drive (~1.5 hours) to the trek base. Hire a 4x4 jeep or start trek.

9:00 AM – Begin journey to Tumling (2,970 m) Trek/drive through dense pine and rhododendron forests. Visit Chitre Monastery, a small Buddhist heritage site en route. 

1:00 PM – Reach Tumling Have lunch at a local homestay. Enjoy views of Kanchenjunga. Explore the Indo-Nepal border and local traditions.

5:00 PM – Sunset Viewpoint Walk Short hike to viewpoint near Tumling for a breathtaking sunset over the Himalayas. Overnight at Homestay in Tumling Enjoy traditional food and local stories around a fire.

Day 2: Sandakphu Excursion

6:00 AM – Morning Trek to Sandakphu (3,636 m) Begin early for a challenging but scenic ascent. Spot red pandas or pheasants.

9:30 AM – Reach Sandakphu Summit See a 360° view of Himalayan peaks—Everest, Kanchenjunga, and more. Learn about local legends and British explorers who once mapped these ridges.

12:00 PM – Lunch at a Tea House Warm up with tea and momos in this sky-high village.

2:00 PM – Begin Return Trek to Tumling or Jeep back to Manebhanjan

6:00 PM – Return to Darjeeling

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