Trekking the Singalila Ridge

The Singalila Ridge Trek is one of the great Himalayan treks, less famous than those in Nepal but equal to most of them in scenery and superior to many in terms of cultural immersion and logistical simplicity. The classic route runs from Manebhanjang (accessible from Darjeeling) to Rimbik via the ridge line, passing through or near Sandakphu (3,636m), the highest point in West Bengal and Phalut (3,600m). The route through Srikhola and Gurdum forms the southern approach and return.
Route: Srikhola → Gurdum → Phalut
Srikhola (1,830m/6,003ft): Starting point
Begin at the river. The morning light filters through alder and rhododendron onto the clear water, and the forest is already alive with birds. Spend the first hour walking along the riverbank before the trail begins to climb steeply into the forest. The gradient is relentless but the shade is merciful. This stretch through dense subtropical forest, through magnolia, oak and laurel, is one of the most beautiful on the entire ridge.
Gurdum (2,290m/7,513ft): 2-3 hrs from Srikhola, 460m climb
The forest thins as you approach Gurdum and suddenly the world opens up. This small hamlet of slate-roofed houses, prayer flags and grazing yaks sits in a clearing with views that extend from the deep valley south to the snowy peaks of the Kanchenjunga massif north. The teahouses here serve the best dal bhat on the route: rich, filling and accompanied by home-grown mustard greens. The sunset from Gurdum, when the clouds permit, is exceptional.
Gorkhey/Ramam (2,990m / 9,810ft): 3-4 hrs from Gurdum, 700m climb
The trail above Gurdum continues to climb through increasingly open terrain. Dwarf rhododendron scrub replaces the tall forest, and the ridge begins to feel genuinely alpine. Gorkhey is a larger village with a busy trekkers' lodge and is a common overnight stop before the final push to Phalut. The GTA (Gorkhaland Territorial Administration) trekker’ hut here is functional but can be crowded in season.
Phalut (3,600m/11,811ft): 4-5 hrs from Gorkhey, 610m climb
The highest point on this southern section of the trek. The summit area is a broad grassy plateau where the borders of Nepal, Sikkim and West Bengal converge. On clear days the panorama is staggering: Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Lhotse and even Everest are all visible from here. Accommodation is basic, with a GTA hut and a few private lodges. Most trekkers return to Gorkhey or push on to Sabarkum toward Sandakphu from here.