Singalila Trek – 1: The Beginning of the Journey

It all started back in the year of 2015 when we were having a hangout at the ‘Indian Coffee House’. We decided to have an experience of a mild trek/hike high up in the mountains and thereafter some of our fellow seniors mentioned the name of Singalila Pass Trek route of Sandakphu, the very basic step for the beginners. We came to the conclusion after a few discussions that let’s be it and schedule it for the coming year 2016 with 6 months in hand. In that very year, December 2015, we decided to visit some of our references in order to book our dormitories from a local city booking hub for travel and tourism (which then turned out to be a blunder).

Route: One of the most important things in this hiking/trekking is the route and the itinerary. For beginners, it has always been Sandakphu and back (Sandakphu being the topmost point of our state). Some decided and raised the voice to make a complete traversal of the other places including Phalut, Gorkhe, Rammam, Sirikhola and Dhotrey, but it was a big bait as the altitude and distance both were quite troublesome for beginners — more than 70 km total. But we decided to stick to it without fear or doubts in mind.

IMAGE: Sandakphu trek route map

Best visiting time. Generally the ideal time for visiting this zone/route is during the months of October–November when the sky remains crystal clear and the view is heavenly. Due to shortage of time we couldn’t make it in 2015 and stuck to the next best season of flowers, March–May. More than 300 species of endangered flowers, shrubs and plants are found during this season — the most famous being Rhododendron and Magnolia.

Equipment and others. Since some part of this trek lies outside of India, many people and trekkers from abroad who visit this route have to carry passports along with their other identity documents. For Indians there is an alternative (due to the tender relationship with Nepal and Bhutan) not to carry a passport, as other ID proofs will easily do when you have a good guide. There are some permits and tickets which are generally arranged by the guides.

Guide and porters

A good guide to lead you is the one thing you don’t want to miss. We were very lucky to have one. Chetan Sherpa — (+91) 9609978884.

You will also be needing a porter if you are not willing to carry your luggage or backpack. Porters will carry a limited weight, but I’d suggest carrying the important things (dry fruits, water, medicines) with you. This way you can easily calculate the route and ration as well, and don’t have to wait for the porter or other team members.

Backpacks and equipment

This is a simple trek if you are doing it as far as Sandakphu, but it gets a bit tough if you are to traverse the full route above. Basic requirements: a good backpack or trekking bag, windcheaters or heavy jackets (if you visit during December), gloves, woollen mufflers, two pairs of shoes (must), lower track pants, inners, winter wear, a walking stick (optional), a small or Swiss knife, sunglasses, a camera (if you don’t want to miss those heavenly views), a power bank and a watch.

Food and medicine

Dry fruits like nuts, dates and almonds, chocolates, water (carried and calculated every day with distance), medicines for stomach-related problems, cough and fever, vitamins — a must, as your lips will crack and swell — and Coca 30 for people with light breathing problems due to high altitude.

Carry at least two bottles of water. Up to Sandakphu you might find fountains with amazing, crystal, sweet water, but thereafter as you go higher there is nothing, so keep checking your daily water limit against the distance.

On the very auspicious day that we started, 19th March, it was a Saturday and we were having a famous India vs Pakistan match at Eden Gardens. The day started with bright sunshine, but in the afternoon dark clouds covered the sky and we had torrential rain for a couple of hours. I went to the temple for worship, as I do regularly, and prayed for the auspicious day and our trek’s success. In the evening the weather was crystal clear and the sky was full of twinkling stars along with the big bright silver moon.

We had a train scheduled from Sealdah to NJP at 11:05 pm, and the team gathered, everyone elated with joy and excitement. Finally, we were rolling.

IMAGE: The team before departure

IMAGE: Selfie at Sealdah station

Read the next article for the continued journey: Singalila Trek – 2: We stepped in Chitrey