Singalila National Park
Singalila National Park is a popular trekking destination in the far northwest corner of West Bengal, adjacent to Nepal. Kangchenjunga, the world's 3rd highest peak, is visible for much of the trek, to the north, on the Nepalese border with Sikkim.
Understand
editHistory
editThe park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1986, and was made an Indian national park in 1992.
Landscape
editFlora and fauna
editClimate
editThe two seasons to visit the park are in spring (March–May) and post monsoon (mid-September to early December). The park is closed to tourists from 16 June to 15 September every year on account of the monsoons.
Watch
edit- Singalila in the Himalaya by George Thengummoottil. The film describes the history of Singalila through a 14-day trek.
Get in
editUsually the park is accessed from Manebhanjyang, approx. one hour, or 30 km west of Darjeeling. The park can also be accessed from Rimbik, where many trekkers finish up, or from Bijanbari, with one extra day's walking. For greater cash outlay, non-trekkers, or those pressed for time can hire a terrain vehicle as transport from Manebhanjyang to Sandakphu, and stay overnight to catch the sunrise views.
By train
editThe nearest railway station is Ghum (31 km from Tonglu).
By car
editSingalila National Park is well connected by road. But the roads are circular and the journey can feel like wave motion.
Fees and permits
editTrekkers must pay a ₹100 fee to enter the park, and must hire a guide. Porters can also be hired in Maneybhanjeng. Many trekkers sign up for a 3-, 5- or 6-day trek in Darjeeling, where various trekking companies make all of the arrangements. Passports must be carried, as the trek crosses briefly into Nepal, then back into India. Sleeping bags and layered warm clothing are a must, as the temperature dips well below freezing most nights.
Get around
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See
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Do
edit- Birding — Singalila National Park is one of the most popular birding spots in the Eastern Himalayas, since it attracts a large number of birds due to its seasonal blooms. Blooming seasons are the best times to see birds.
- Sandakphu–Phalut Trek — Sandakphu (3,636 m) is the highest point in West Bengal and Phalut (3,600 m) is the northernmost point of West Bengal. The trek combines both these points offering great views of Kangchenjunga and several other snow peaks including Mount Everest.
Buy
editEat
editDrink
editSleep
editLodging
editOvernight lodging is done at assorted huts or simple guesthouses along the way, and hot meals are available at the same. Starting from Manebhanjyang, most trekkers stay overnight in Gairbas or Kalipokhari and press on to Sandakphu for the 2nd night. Sandakphu at 3636 meters is a favourite spot to view the high Himalayan peaks of Lhotse, Everest, Makalu, etc., in the early morning when visibility is good. 3-day trekkers turn aside and head downhill to Rimbik for their final night, while others head further north for spectacular views from Sabarkum and Phalut, then downhill for Raman, and finish in Rimbik for the last night.
Sailung Tea House is a small cosy place to stay while at Meghma. There are two-roomed guest houses and trekkers' huts at Tonglu, Gairibans, Sandakphu, Phalut, Kala Pokhri and several other locations in the park, run by the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA). Numerous guest houses and lodging are available at Manebhanjan. The preferred way to visit the park is to stay in Darjeeling and camp inside the national park.