Singalila Phoktey Dara Trek

Trip Overview

One of the most beautiful easy to moderate trekking trails in Sikkim which offers panoramic and finest views of Kanchendzonga and the Everest group of a mountain range from Phoktey Dara viewpoint and the Singalila Ridge. Phoktey Dara is situated at the height of 3734 meters

Due to the proximity of the high Himalayas of Sikkim and Nepal side, the views of the Himalayan range from Phoktey Dara and Singalila pass are fascinating and sublime. One can witness the 4 highest peaks of the world from this trek such as Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchendzonga, Mt. Makalu, and Mt. Lhotse. Apart from the view of these highest peaks, one can even see the 360 degrees panorama of the snow-capped mountains, and the famous “sleeping buddha” formation of the Mt. Kanchendzonga ranges from the Phoktey Dara and Singalila Ridge.

One even gets the view of the Phalut and Sandhakphu campsite which falls along the same Singalila ridge on West Bengal and Nepal side, and Barsey Rhododendron sanctuary, and verdant forest of the eastern Himalaya from the hilltop of Phoktey Dara and Singalila Ridge.

Phoktey Dara trek route is inside the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary and Singalila National Park. The trail throughout the trek is pristine, scenic, and adventurous and goes through the lush green temperate forest, mixed coniferous forest, subalpine birch fir, and conifer Forest to moist dry alpine scrubs. The forest is lively and rich in biodiversity and mostly remains wet and damp throughout the years. The sanctuary is 104 square km and is home to Red Panda, Barking Deer, Himalayan Black Bear, and many other rare Himalayan species. It is also home to many varieties of butterflies and is rich in birdlife. This trekking route is also famous among birding enthusiasts and nature photographers.

Phoktey Dara trek starts from the village of Uttarey situated at the far western corner of Sikkim which is closer to the international border with Nepal. This trek can also be extended towards Dzongri and Goechala Kanchendzonga route and end up at Yuksam.  

Itinerary

Trip Highlights

1) Phoktey Dara Viewpoint – One of the finest viewpoints in the whole of the Singalila range.

2) Highest mountains of the world - Stunning and Panoramic views some of the highest mountains in the world such as Mt. Everest, Mt.Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Kanchendzonga, and many others.

3) Sleeping Buddha mountain view – The famous sleeping buddha formation of Mt. Kanchendzonga and its group of peaks is seen from this Trek

4) Rhododendron – Pristine and undisturbed forest of Rhododendrons. Many varieties of Rhododendrons are found.

5) Flora and Fauna – Many endangered and exotic animals and plants are found

6) Less explored Himalayan trail – The particular trekking trail is pristine and less explored

7) Uttarey - A typical Himalayan village settlement and a starting point of Uttarey Chewabhangyang Trek. The Village falls right near the Nepal Border name Chewa Bhangyang.

8) Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary – Spreading across 104 Square km Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary is home to large varieties of Rhododendron flowers and home to numerous endangered mammal species such as Red Panda, Barking Deer, Himalayan Black Beer, Marbled Cats, etc. 

Health and Fitness

You have to be Relatively Fit and Healthy to undertake the Singalila Phoktey Dara trek. Trekking for 4 to 6 hours a day is one of the most important requirements for this high-altitude trek. Apart from good health conditions basic mental preparation is also very important to undertake this Trek.

People suffering from Acute Heart and Lung diseases, Asthma, and High blood pressure are not recommended to take up this trek. However, since this is one of the easiest high altitude trekking routes available with a gradual height gain it can be done with proper professional guidance and preparation.

To complete this high-altitude trek regular exercises like running, skipping, aerobics, Zumba, and long-distance uphill trekking (4 to 5 times a week) are highly recommended. One should start making basic physical preparation at least a month before a trek. These exercises help you during the Trek.

The packing of right and comfortable clothing also makes a difference in the completion of Trek, so it is necessary to be disciplined while packing your clothing for the trip. You can contact us for help with clothing choice and packing!

During the Trek, we provide a basic medicine Kit that includes Medicine for High Altitude sickness, Headache, Diarrhoea, Vomiting, Common Cold, etc. All of our medicine is scientific medicine purchased in India, however, we advised you to bring your small medicinal kit for the trip if possible. 

Trekking/Tour Tips

1. A common tendency among young blood and beginners is to show enthusiasm by walking fast with excitement. Even the experienced sometimes try to show off by walking fast, this is soon exhausting and not recommended. Walk slow - warm up gradually and continue at a slow comfortable pace before pushing yourself a little more.

2. Develop a personal rhythm. Maintain your steps to synchronize with breathing. This will help minimize getting out of breath.

3. Walking in Himalayan trails with loose soil and rocks is tricky. So, avoid stepping on loose soil and rocks and place the foot flat and firm with a better grip. Always follow the rule ‘heel first’ while walking on the Himalaya trail. 

4. Walking in a zigzags manner while ascending on a very steep slope is advisable. While descending walking zigzag is a good technique to avoid excessive pressure on knees and avoid knee pain and blisters.  

5. Avoid stepping on loose stones and soil to avoid an accident.

6. Avoid overtaking fellow travelers on a narrow trail. Only Overtake at comfortable wide space if necessary. 

7. While ascending and descending a slope or over loose stones, leave sufficient space between the next person so that any stone rolling down does not hit trekkers below.

8. Do not run down a slope. Bend knees a little while descending. Dig heels into soft snow or soft ground.

9. Our Himalayan condition is mostly wet so avoid wet grass, wet roots, and the muddy zone which can be very slippery. Be careful while walking on them.

10. Shortcuts on a foot trail should be avoided.

11. Always put on warm clothing while taking a rest. This will help avoid getting cold, cough, and high-altitude sickness

12. Respect the sentiments and traditions of the local hill people.

13. Always carry enough water in your water bottle as water is essential in avoiding altitude sickness.

14. Wear a comfortable and right set of trekking boots, pants, and jackets. Avoid wearing new trekking boots directly for the Trek. Get used to it by wearing it before the trek. Carry all necessary clothing.

 Halts and Rests:

1. While taking a rest, lie against a tree trunk, a big stone, or on flat ground. Place your legs on your bags or any other higher ground. This helps regulate blood circulation.

2. Stop at any comfortable point after the first start to readjust your rucksack, jackets, or tie a shoelace for better comfort and adjustment.

3. Do not make frequent or prolonged halts. Too many small stops destroy the walking rhythm. Frequent rests are not helpful. You should follow your own rhythmic walking pace and technique to avoid unnecessary tiredness. A stop should be made only at natural stopping points, like on the top of a ridge, or before an ascent, or at a scenic viewpoint.

4. Stop and place yourself on the safer (Mountain) side to give way for the pack animals to pass through. Avoid bags carried by the animals that can push you. Be aware of the yak's horn too. 

Inclusion

Exclusion

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

HOW TO REACH UTTAREY?
The closest Airport and Railway station to Uttarey, Sikkim is PAKYONG AIRPORT & BAGDOGRA AIRPORT / NJP Railway station. You have to fly either to Bagdogra Airport or Pakyong Airport or board a train to NJP Railways station. From there you can drive to Uttarey with a private reserve vehicle.

Pakyong Airport is around 7 hours’ drive and Bagdogra Airport / NJP Railways station is around 8 hours’ drive from Uttarey.

WHAT GEARS AND CLOTHING TO CARRY FOR SINGALILA PHOKTEY DARA TREK?
No matter what season you are planning for the mountains are always going to be cold, rough, and tough so it is necessary to pack yourself with adequate and proper clothing. Here is the standard kit checklist for the Trek.

Proper packing of the trekking gears is necessary with eyes on the weight limit. It is important to have a good brand of clothing.

Basic Gears:
BackPack & rain cover or Duffel bag (50 to 70 ltr)
Day Pack & rain cover (20 to 30 ltr)
Walking stick (1 pair or at least one)
Water Bottle (2 bottles of 2 ltr each)
Thermos flask (1 nos)
Head Light (1 Nos with 4 pairs of batteries)
Gaiters (1 pair)

Upper and Lower Clothings:
T-Shirt (2 to 3 full sleeves). Mostly noncotton
Fleece T-shirt (1 nos)
Thermal Inner-wears or base layers (1 nos or 1 pair) such as long jones
Fleece Jacket (1 nos)
Down, Feather, or Holofil Jackets (1 nos)
Wind and Waterproof jackets & pants (1 pair)
Trekking Pants (1 pair). Comfortable and durable
Short Trekking Pants (1 nos or 1 pair)
Poncho (1 nos)

Headgears:
Woolen cap (1 nos)
Sun cap (1 nos)
Balaclava or scarf (1 nos)
Sunglasses (1 nos) U/V protected and dark

Hand gears:
Waterproof gloves (1 nos)
Woolen gloves (1 nos)

Feet gears:
Waterproof Trekking boots (1 nos) preferably ankle high Goretex, North face, Colombia or Quechua
Snickers or running shoes (1 nos) preferably from any reputed brand
Gaiters (1 nos)
Sandals or flippers (1 nos)
Cotton socks (4 pairs)
Woolen socks (2 pairs)

Personal utilities:
Sunscreen cream
Moisturizers
Hand sanitizers
Toilet papers and wipes
Anti-bacterial powders
Lip balm
Toothbrush and toothpaste

Proper packing of the trekking gears is necessary with eyes on the weight limit. It is important to have a good brand of clothing.

CAN I EXIT HILLEY / UTTAREY ON THE LAST DAY OF THE TREK DIRECTLY?
Yes, you can if you are looking to reach any other location near to these places OR if it is too urgent and necessary. Driving to Airport and Railway directly after the trek is not recommended.

We will advise not to plan to leave HILLEY /UTTAREY directly after the last day of Trek as it will be too tiring and hectic. Driving at night on the Himalayan road is not comfortable and enjoyable.

The earliest you will reach Hilley on the last day of the trek is around noon and Uttarey at 3 pm so long hours drive thereafter is not possible.

CAN I LEAVE EXTRA BAGS AT UTTAREY AND COLLECT THEM ON THE LAST DAY OF THE TREK?
Yes, you can keep a bag of clothes at Uttarey and collect it after the trek. We will advise you to leave one set of clothing for the last day as normally pack animals arrive late on the last day of the trek.

You can even keep valuables and cash at our office safely and collect them after the trek.

WHAT DOCUMENTS NEED TO BE CARRIED?
Indian trekkers must carry identification documents such as VOTER ID CARRD, DRIVING LICENSE, AADHAR CARD, INDIAN PASSPORT. Original documents need to be carried along with 4 pcs PASSPORT SIZE photograph.

Foreigners need to carry INDIAN VISA, PASSPORT & SIKKIM INNER LINE PERMIT along with 4 pcs PASSPORT SIZE photographs.

A medical fitness certificate is also mandatory.

IS THERE CONNECTIVITY DURING THE SINGALILA PHOKTEY DARA TREK?
There is no phone connectivity during the Singalila Phoktey Dara trek. Uttarey is the last village where you can get a good phone and internet connection.

At certain specific locations between Uttarey to Achalley, you can get Vodafone, Airtel, and Jio networks. Even at certain other locations, you can get a phone network if the weather condition is favorable.

There is no electricity throughout the Singalila Phoktey Dara trek.

HOW IS THE WEATHER & TEMPERATURE DURING THE SINGALILA PHOKTEY DARA TREK?
There are two distinct seasons for doing Singalila Phoktey Dara Trek. Mid-March, April to May (Spring) and Mid-September, October to November (Autumn). Normally weather remains good and clear in those given periods however there is no guarantee as weather is extremely unpredictable in our Himalayas and does change within hours and days.

The temperature at each campsite depends largely on each day's specific weather condition.

Spring (Mid-March, April till May)
* Uttarey and around
Morning and Evening – 12 to 16 degrees centigrade
Day time – 18 to 24 degrees centigrade
Late Evening and Mid Night – 8 to 14 degrees centigrade

* Achalley, Kalijhari around and above
Morning and Evening – 4 to 12 degrees centigrade
Day time – 12 to 18 degrees centigrade
Late Evening and Mid Night – minus 10 to 4 degrees centigrade

Autumn (Mid-September, October till November)
* Uttarey and around
Morning and Evening – 8 to 14 degrees centigrade
Day time – 16 to 21 degrees centigrade
Late Evening and Mid Night – 2 to 10 degrees centigrade

* Achalley, Kalijhari around and above
Morning and Evening – minus 8 to 10 degrees centigrade
Day time – 2 to 14 degrees centigrade
Late Evening and Mid Night – minus 15 to 2 degrees centigrade