Phoktey Dara Trek

Day 1: Drive from NJP/Bagdogra to Uttarey

Distance: 160 Km

Duration: 7 hours

Altitude: 7,600 ft

Time: 9 A.M

Your journey with us starts upon reaching the frontier town of Siliguri. Depending upon your mode of arrival, pick up will be arranged from Bagdogra, NJP or Siliguri Junction. The cost of the transport from the pickup point to Uttarey is Rs 7,000/- and is shared by the trekkers.

The journey to Uttarey starts as you cross the busy town of Siliguri. But soon you would find yourself driving by the meandering Teesta. You will be able to witness the various faces of Teesta along the route. You will be also journeying through lush greenery and beautiful rural Sikkim. You can stop to have your lunch at Jorethang. This will be the last major market and you should buy anything that you have missed out from your packing list. You will also pass through the places like, Hee, Kaluk, Rinchenpong etc. You will also cross the Singshore Bridge, the 2 nd highest bridge of Asia. After reaching Uttarey, you can relax a bit and post that, explore the local village life. Have an early dinner and call it a day as you need ample rest before the first day of your trek tomorrow.

Day 2: Uttarey to Joributey

Distance: 8 Kms

Duration: 4 Hours

Altitude: 9,800 ft

Time: 9 A.M

Post breakfast, we will start our trek towards our first camp, Joributey. The trek today is mostly an uphill climb through dense alpine and Rhododendron forests. You will also find various fern species throughout the trail. You will get glimpses of Mt Kanchenjungha, Mt Sinolchu and Mt Simvo. Soon you will reach the campsite of Joributey. Once there you can relax with a hot beverage as your lunch gets prepared. Post that, settle in your camps and rest a while, or you can explore the surroundings. Overnight stay will be in tents.

Day 3: Joributey to Kalijhar

Distance: 4 Kms

Duration: 4 Hours.

Altitude: 11,800 ft

Time: 9 A.M

Today will be the most strenuous part of your trek. Post breakfast we will set out for Kalijhar. Soon you will reach a meadow, known as “Thulo Dhaap” translating to “big ground” in the local dialect. From there its mostly a steep uphill climb to Kalijhar. From the campsite, you will get unparalleled view of Mt. Kanchenjungha, Mt Pandim and Mt Jupino. Enjoy the panaromic view as you sip some hot beverage. Owing to the altitude, Kalijhar gets really cold after sunset and you should layer your winter wear accordingly.

Day 4: Kalijhar to Phokteydara and Singalila Top

Distance: 6 Kms

Duration: 3 Hours.

Altitude: 12,000 ft

Time: 8 A.M

Today is your summit day. You will trek to the Singalila Top and return to Kalijhar. So you needn’t carry your backpack. Just carry your day pack with some dry food and your water bottle. From the Singalila Top, You will get to witness panoramic view of Kanchenjungha and various other snow covered high mountain peaks. On a clear day you can witness four of the five highest mountain peaks of the world namely Everest ( 8848m), Lhotse ( 8501m), and Makalu (8475m) of the Nepal Himalayas and the huge Kanchenjunga Massif (8586m) along with other peaks of the Nepal and Sikkim himalayas like Mt. Kumbhakarna, Mt. Kokthang, Mt. Rathong, Mt. Kabru groupof peaks, Mt. Talung, Mt. Pandim, Mt. Tinchenkhang, Mt. jopuno, Mt. Simvo etc. After spending some time at the top, you will descend back to the Kalijhar campsite.

Day 5: Kalijhar to Uttarey

Distance: 14 Kms

Duration: 6 Hours.

Altitude: 7,600 ft

Time: 8 A.M

Today after breakfast you will descend back to Uttarey through Chewabhanjang pass(10,400 ft), Chitrey and Mainibas waterfall. Most of the trail will be a downward descent, with some steep descents in between. You will reach Uttarey by after noon, where you can relax, reveling in the glory of completing your trek.

Day 6: Drive to NJP/Bagdogra

Distance: 160 Kms

Duration: 6 Hours.

Altitude: 400 ft

Time: 9 A.M

Today you say goodbye to the Singalila National Park as you drive down towards NJP. Post breakfast you will start towards Siliguri. The journey takes you along the mountain paths back to the busy city life. The cab fare to Siliguri is Rs 7,000/- and will be shared by the trekkers. Finally, your journey will end at NJP, from where you can depart for your onward destination with fond memories from the trip.