West Bengal is an eastern Indian state stretching from the Himalayan foothills at Darjeeling to the mangrove delta of the Sundarbans. It combines the colonial heritage and literary culture of Kolkata with tea estates, terracotta temples, wildlife reserves and Bay of Bengal beaches.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
-
1
Sandakphu Trek (Manebhanjan to Sandakphu)
The classic Singalila Ridge route to West Bengal's highest point, passing Tumling, Kalipokhri and Bikhebhanjan with views of Kangchenjunga, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu from the summit.
-
2
Sandakphu-Phalut-Rimbik Trek
The extended ridge-to-valley route continues north from Sandakphu to Phalut on the Sikkim border, then drops through Gorkhey and the Srikhola valley to Rimbik, a full traverse of Singalila National Park.
-
3
Tiger Hill Sunrise Walk from Ghum
A pre-dawn walk or jeep ride to the observation tower on Tiger Hill, the most famous sunrise point near Darjeeling, facing the Kangchenjunga range.
-
4
Neora Valley National Park Trek (Lava)
A dense, largely untouched broadleaf and bamboo forest with red panda, clouded leopard, Himalayan black bear and more than 250 bird species; entry is by forest department permit with a guide.
-
5
Tonglu-Kalipokhri Short Ridge Trek
A shorter ridge trek suited to a long weekend, climbing through rhododendron and silver fir forest to Tonglu and the black-water lake at Kalipokhri.
-
6
Dow Hill and Eagle's Crag Forest Walk, Kurseong
A gentle forest road walk through Dow Hill's pine and cryptomeria woods to the Eagle's Crag viewpoint above the plains of the Terai.
-
7
Deolo Hill Walk, Kalimpong
A short town walk to Deolo Hill, one of the highest points in Kalimpong, with a viewpoint over the Teesta Valley and Kangchenjunga on clear mornings.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
When to hike
Seasonal conditions in West Bengal.
- Spring
- March-May: rhododendrons and magnolias bloom on the Singalila Ridge; clear mornings and the most popular window for Sandakphu
- Summer
- June-September: monsoon brings heavy rain, landslides and leeches; Singalila National Park is largely closed in the monsoon months and trails are best avoided
- Fall
- October-November: the best views of Kangchenjunga and Everest after the monsoon; stable weather and cold nights
- Winter
- December-February: sub-zero nights and snow above 3,000 m; Sandakphu is possible with proper gear but lodges can be basic
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Hazard: Altitude sickness above 3,000 m at Sandakphu and Phalut; ascend gradually and descend if symptoms persist
Hazard: Rapid weather changes and fog on the ridge, with sudden storms in spring
Hazard: Leeches in Neora Valley and the lower forests from June to October
Hazard: Landslides on Darjeeling and Kalimpong hill roads during the monsoon
Hazard: Border trail: parts of the Singalila Ridge route lie along the Nepal border, so carry photo ID and register at check posts
Hazard: Very cold nights at Sandakphu and Phalut, with temperatures below freezing between December and February
Hazard: Red panda, black bear and leopard habitat: stay on marked trails and avoid hiking alone