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Trek India: Darjeeling

Trek Darjeeling is an 11-day journey along the Singalila Ridge, where India meets Nepal and the Himalayas fill the horizon. Arrive in Darjeeling, the Queen of the Hills, and ride the UNESCO-listed toy train to Ghoom before setting out on foot through rhododendron forests, Sherpa villages and ridge trails. Climb to Sandakhphu at 3,636m, the highest point in West Bengal, where on a clear day four of the world's five highest peaks stand in view. Camp under starlit skies, cross between two countries along the ridge and wake to sunrise over the Himalayas. Enjoy moments of peace, cultural insight and the camaraderie of shared adventure, plus a free day in Darjeeling. Graded 3 out of 5 Active, it rewards steady endurance without extreme altitude, with moderate temperatures and mixed terrain.

Summit Sandakhphu (3,636m), the highest point in West Bengal, with views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and - Kanchenjunga
Hike the Singalila Ridge on the India-Nepal border, with ever-changing panoramas
Ride the UNESCO-listed Himalayan toy train and explore Darjeeling
Camp under the stars in pristine mountain landscapes
Discover the forests, flowers and cultures of the Eastern Himalayas

Trek Darjeeling: Challenger Itinerary

Around 75km trekking in total over 6 trekking days, with about 3,800m of ascent

Day 1: Arrive in India, transfer to Darjeeling

A connecting flight to Bagdogra, then a scenic drive through the foothills to Darjeeling. Stretch your legs with an evening walk around the Victorian-era Mall.

Transfer 3 hours

Meals: Dinner

Stay: Hotel, Darjeeling

Day 2: Toy train and trek to Manedara

Ride the UNESCO-listed Himalayan toy train to Ghoom (subject to operation), drive to the trailhead at Rimbik, then a gentle climb through rhododendron forest to your first camp.

2km trek | Ascent 180m

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Stay: Tents, Manedara

Day 3: Trek to Gurdum

Terraced fields and hill villages, a forested river valley, then a steep final climb to a ridge-top village.

9km trek | Ascent 440m | Descent 380m | 3 to 4 hours

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Stay: Tents, Gurdum

Day 4: Sandakhphu summit

Climb through forest onto windswept ridges to Sandakhphu at 3,636m, the highest point in West Bengal, with four of the world's five highest peaks in view on a clear day. Then descend to a remote alpine camp.

14km trek | Ascent 1,490m | Descent 280m | 7 to 8 hours

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Stay: Tents, Chandu

Day 5: Singalila Ridge to Sabargam

Follow the ridge along the India-Nepal border, crossing between both countries, to a wild camp with sweeping views at sunset and sunrise.

13km trek | Ascent 390m | Descent 340m | 4 to 5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Stay: Tents, Sabargam

Day 6: Phalut and Samaden

Continue along the ridge to Phalut at 3,600m for views of Kanchenjunga, then descend through birdsong-filled forest to a small village.

23km trek | Ascent 606m | Descent 1,420m | 7 to 8 hours

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Stay: Tents, Samaden

Day 7: Final trek to Rimbik, drive to Darjeeling

Pass Sherpa, Rai and Tamang villages and cross the suspension bridge at Sri Khola, then drive to Darjeeling for a celebration meal and a well-earned rest.

14km trek | Ascent 730m | Descent 1,180m | 4 hours | Drive 2.5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, celebration dinner

Stay: Hotel, Darjeeling

Day 8: Free day in Darjeeling

Revisit the toy train, visit a tea estate or the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, or browse the bazaars at your own pace.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Stay: Hotel, Darjeeling

Day 9: Return to Delhi, flight home

A drive to Bagdogra airport, a flight to Delhi, then our services end. You will book your own international flights so you can arrive and leave India when you like. We will have an extension package available to book by 6 months before your trip start date.

Meals: Breakfast

Domestic group flights between Delhi and Bogdagra.
Meals throughout the challenge as per itinerary including a celebration meal on day 8 on the last day of your trek.
Accommodation in hotels, homestays, and tents on a twin sharing basis.
All transfers as per itinerary as a group.
Luggage transportation on every day of the challenge.
Entry fees where applicable.
A team of awesome local trekking guides and a Dream Challenges Leader.
Full support from the Dream Challenges office in the lead-up to and during your challenge.
Medical support who will accompany us throughout the challenge.

Trek Darjeeling (Challenger): FAQs

Worried about signing up on my own?

Don't be! Many people join solo. Once registered, you'll get a link to a private group to meet fellow trekkers and find training partners.

Is there an age limit?

18 and over by departure. For under 18s, contact us 17 weeks before: 01590 646410 or bookings@dream-challenges.com.

What's included?

Domestic flights between Delhi and Bagdogra
Hotels in Darjeeling and tents on the trek, twin-share
Meals as per itinerary, including a celebration meal on Day 8
All group transfers as per itinerary
Luggage transportation every day
Entry fees where applicable
Expert local trekking guides and a Dream Challenges Leader.
Medical support throughout the trek.

What else will I pay for?

International flights
Indian tourist visa, if required for your nationality
Travel insurance
Tips for guides and porters
Personal expenses
Meals not in the itinerary (Day 2 breakfast and lunch, Day 9 lunch, Day 10 lunch and dinner)

Do I need special equipment?

Hiking boots with ankle support are essential. Quick-dry clothing, warm layers for cool mornings and evenings, and a water bottle or hydration pack are recommended. We'll send a full kit list.

How hard is it?

Graded 3 out of 5, Active. Six trekking days, about 75km in total, with around 3,800m of climbing. Days range from 2km to 23km, and the highest point is 3,636m, so there's no extreme altitude. A good level of regular hiking fitness is recommended. We'll send a training plan.

Where will we sleep?

Hotels in Darjeeling and quality tents on the trek, twin-share. A private room costs £351 extra.

Can I pay for a single supplement?

Yes. Email bookings@dream-challenges.com or call 01590 646410 (Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm) at least 17 weeks before departure.

Can I extend my stay?

Yes. You book your own international flights so you can arrive in, and leave India when you like. We will have an extension package available to book by 6 months before your trip start date if you would like to stay longer in our hands.

What will the group size be?

A minimum of 10 and a maximum of 25, for a small, well-supported group.

What about insurance and visas?

You must arrange travel insurance covering health, accident, loss, cancellation and repatriation. It must also cover trekking at altitude (the highest point is 3,636m). Book it when you register. You are responsible for your Indian visa, so apply early.

How will you support me?

From sign-up to finish. Expect regular emails from six months out covering the itinerary, training plans and kit lists.

Can you offer vaccination advice?

No, please ask your GP or a travel clinic. Guidance is also at fitfortravel.nhs.uk

Choose your style

Selected: Challenger 2027

Available dates: 26th March 2027

Duration: 9 days | 6 trekking

Grade: 3 out of 5

Daily trekking: 12.5 km average (up to 23 km)

Total distance: 75 km

Elevation gain: 3,800 m

£2,499 pp

Deposit: £250 pp

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