Sandakphu and Singalila Ridge trek (via Darjeeling)

The Sandakphu and Singalila Ridge trek is a multi-day high-altitude walk in Singalila National Park in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India, along the border with Nepal. The route covers about 50-60 km round trip from Manebhanjan and usually takes 4-6 days, climbing to 3,636 m at Sandakphu, the highest point in West Bengal. Trailhead access is long: an overnight train from Howrah or Sealdah to New Jalpaiguri takes about 10-12 hours for roughly ₹600-3,200, or a flight from Kolkata to Bagdogra takes about 1.25 hours, followed by 3-4 hours by shared jeep to Manebhanjan, with a vehicle costing about ₹2,500-4,500. Entry to the national park requires a permit and fee, and Indian and foreign visitors are generally required to be accompanied by a registered guide, so arrangements are made through local operators or guesthouses. The terrain includes stone-paved sections, rocky ridge paths, forest tracks and steep ascents, with elevation gains of several hundred metres each day. Exposure to wind and cold is high on the open ridge, and temperatures at night fall below freezing in the colder months. Shade comes from rhododendron, magnolia and bamboo forest on the lower sections, while the upper ridge is open. Landmarks along the route include the villages of Tumling, Kalipokhri and Gairibas, and on clear days the ridge gives views of Kangchenjunga, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu. Trekkers normally overnight in trekkers' huts and lodges, which provide basic meals and bedding, so refuge is available at each major stop. Water is obtainable at the lodges, and sleeping bag liners and warm layers are useful in the unheated rooms. Weather can change quickly, and cloud and rain can obscure views, so contingency days are sensible. Bail-out options include walking down to the nearest road head or arranging a jeep from the ridge villages. The best windows are late March to May for rhododendron bloom and October to mid-December for clear skies, while the monsoon and deep winter are difficult.