Singalila National Park
Encyclopedia
Singalila National Park is a national park
of India
located on the Singalila Ridge
at an altitude of more than 7000 feet above sea level, in the Darjeeling district
of West Bengal
. It is well known for the trekking route to Sandakphu that runs through it.
in 1986, and was made an Indian National Park
in 1992. The region had long been used as the trekking route from Manebhanjang
to Sandakphu (the highest peak of West Bengal
) and Phalut.
, West Bengal, India. It is bordered on the north by the state of Sikkim
and on the west by the country of Nepal
.
Physical Geography: The park is part of the Eastern Himalayas
. The Singalila Ridge
, which runs roughly North to South and separates Himalayan West Bengal from the other Eastern Himalayan ranges to the west of it. The two highest peaks of West Bengal, Sandakphu (3630 m) and Phalut (3600 m), are located on the ridge and inside the park. River Rammam and River Sirikhola flow through the park.
, around the lake of the same name. The Singalila Ridge was used as an approach route by the first documented mountaineering team which unsuccessfully attempted to climb Kanchenjunga in 1905. The team was led by Jules Jacot-Guillarmod and the famous occultist Aleister Crowley
.
ecozone
, and the biome
s corresponding to the ecozone which are present in the park are:
The subtropical biome roughly exists in the altitude range of 1800 to 3000 m, and the temperate biome exists in the altitude range of 3000 m to 4500 m.
, oak
, magnolia
and rhododendron
forest between 2000 and 3600 m cover the Singalila Ridge. There are two seasons of wildflower bloom - one in spring
(March-April) when the Rhododendrons bloom, and another in the post-monsoon season (around October), when the lower forests bloom (Primula
, Geranium, Saxifraga, Bistort, Senecio
, Cotoneaster
and numerous orchids). Sandakphu is known as the "mountain of poisonous plants" due to the large concentration of Himalayan Cobra Lilies (Arisaema
) which grow there.
, Leopard Cat
, Barking Deer, Yellow-throated Marten, Wild Boar, Pangolin
and the Pika
. Larger mammals include the Himalayan Black Bear, Leopard
, Clouded Leopard
, Serow
and Takin
. Tiger
s occasionally wander into the area, but do not have a large enough prey base to make residence in these forests feasible.
Birds: The park is a birder's delight with over 120 species recorded including many rare and exotic species like the Scarlet Minivet
, Kalij Pheasant
, Blood Pheasant
, Satyr Tragopan
, Brown and Fulvous Parrotbill
s, Rufous-vented Tit
, and Old World babbler
s like the Fire-tailed Myzornis
and the Golden-breasted Fulvetta
. The park is also on the flyway
of many migratory birds.
Reptiles and Amphibians: The endangered Himalayan Newt frequents the region, and congregates around the lakes of Jore Pokhri
and Sukhiapokhri
and nearby lakes to reproduce. Jore Pokhri and Sukhiapokhri are within 20 km of the park boundary, and are protected wildlife sanctuaries.
and cattle
from neighbouring villages can also be a problem. Forest fires can be a threat to the park, especially in Spring when the accumulated debris from winter can be a hazard. A forest fire swept through the national park on March 6, 2006.
Even though the national park has a resident Red Panda
population of only about 20-25 members, Project Red Panda (funded by the Central Zoo Authority) chose Singalila National Park for reintroduction of Red Pandas from its captive breeding
program at the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
in Darjeeling, mainly due to reasons of proximity. Two females, Sweety and Milli, were released in November 2004. Milli was killed by a leopard, but Sweety adapted to the wild and gave birth to an offspring - the first such successful re-entry for Red Panda. http://www.telegraphindia.com/1041208/asp/nation/story_4100068.asp
The reintroduction was filmed by noted Indian filmmakers Rajesh Bedi and Naresh Bedi. The documentary, named Cherub of the Mist
, won the Best Conservation and Environmental Film at the 29th International Wildlife Film Festival in Montana
. http://in.news.yahoo.com/060409/211/63fo7.html
(mid-September to early December). The park is closed to tourists from June 16 to September 15 every year on account of the monsoons.
range, and the Everest
range which can be seen from the ridge, and also for the seasonal wildflower blooms and birding. Treks begin at Manebhanjan which is 51 km (1.5 hours by road) from Darjeeling. The trekking routes inside the National Park have 4 legs or stages.
The descent from Sandakphu can be accomplished in several ways:
The descent from Phalut can also be accomplished in several ways:
Birding: The 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.
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 Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council
. 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.
National park
A national park is a reserve of natural, semi-natural, or developed land that a sovereign state declares or owns. Although individual nations designate their own national parks differently A national park is a reserve of natural, semi-natural, or developed land that a sovereign state declares or...
of India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
located on the Singalila Ridge
Singalila Ridge
The Singalila Ridge is a North - South running mountain ridge in Northwestern West Bengal, India.The district of Ilam falls on the western part of this ridge and the northern ridge ends up in Sikkim Part of the Himalayas, it separates other mountain ranges of West Bengal from other Himalayan...
at an altitude of more than 7000 feet above sea level, in the Darjeeling district
Darjeeling district
Darjeeling District is the northernmost district of the state of West Bengal in eastern India in the foothills of the Himalayas. The district is famous for its beautiful hill stations and Darjeeling tea. Darjeeling is the district headquarters...
of West Bengal
West Bengal
West Bengal is a state in the eastern region of India and is the nation's fourth-most populous. It is also the seventh-most populous sub-national entity in the world, with over 91 million inhabitants. A major agricultural producer, West Bengal is the sixth-largest contributor to India's GDP...
. It is well known for the trekking route to Sandakphu that runs through it.
History
The park was declared a Wildlife SanctuaryWildlife sanctuaries of India
India has over 441 animal sanctuaries, referred to as Wildlife Sanctuaries . Among these, the 28 Tiger Reserves are governed by Project Tiger, and are of special significance in the conservation of the tiger. Some wildlife sanctuaries are specifically named Bird Sanctuary, eg. Keoladeo National...
in 1986, and was made an Indian National Park
National parks of India
This is a list of all national parks of India. India's first national park was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, now known as Jim Corbett National Park. By 1970, India only had five national parks...
in 1992. The region had long been used as the trekking route from Manebhanjang
Manebhanjang
Mane Bhanjyang is a village in the Darjeeling Sadar subdivision, Darjeeling district in the state of West Bengal in India. It is located at the gateway of the Singalila National Park, 28 km away from Darjeeling town. The income of the local residents is geared towards tourism, especially foreign...
to Sandakphu (the highest peak of West Bengal
West Bengal
West Bengal is a state in the eastern region of India and is the nation's fourth-most populous. It is also the seventh-most populous sub-national entity in the world, with over 91 million inhabitants. A major agricultural producer, West Bengal is the sixth-largest contributor to India's GDP...
) and Phalut.
Geography
Political Geography: The park is located in the Darjeeling subdivision, Darjeeling districtDarjeeling district
Darjeeling District is the northernmost district of the state of West Bengal in eastern India in the foothills of the Himalayas. The district is famous for its beautiful hill stations and Darjeeling tea. Darjeeling is the district headquarters...
, West Bengal, India. It is bordered on the north by the state of Sikkim
Sikkim
Sikkim is a landlocked Indian state nestled in the Himalayan mountains...
and on the west by the country of Nepal
Nepal
Nepal , officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked sovereign state located in South Asia. It is located in the Himalayas and bordered to the north by the People's Republic of China, and to the south, east, and west by the Republic of India...
.
Physical Geography: The park is part of the Eastern Himalayas
Himalayas
The Himalaya Range or Himalaya Mountains Sanskrit: Devanagari: हिमालय, literally "abode of snow"), usually called the Himalayas or Himalaya for short, is a mountain range in Asia, separating the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau...
. The Singalila Ridge
Singalila Ridge
The Singalila Ridge is a North - South running mountain ridge in Northwestern West Bengal, India.The district of Ilam falls on the western part of this ridge and the northern ridge ends up in Sikkim Part of the Himalayas, it separates other mountain ranges of West Bengal from other Himalayan...
, which runs roughly North to South and separates Himalayan West Bengal from the other Eastern Himalayan ranges to the west of it. The two highest peaks of West Bengal, Sandakphu (3630 m) and Phalut (3600 m), are located on the ridge and inside the park. River Rammam and River Sirikhola flow through the park.
Human History
The park has no significant history of human settlement. However, small settlements have grown up along the trekking route to Sandakphu and Phalut. There is a reasonably large village at Kala PokhriKala Pokhri
Kala Pokhri is a small Himalayan village inside the Singalila National Park in the Darjeeling subdivision, Darjeeling district in the state of West Bengal, India. It lies on the trekking route from Mane Bhanjang to Sandakphu , and is roughly halfway between the steep final stretch of the trek from...
, around the lake of the same name. The Singalila Ridge was used as an approach route by the first documented mountaineering team which unsuccessfully attempted to climb Kanchenjunga in 1905. The team was led by Jules Jacot-Guillarmod and the famous occultist Aleister Crowley
Aleister Crowley
Aleister Crowley , born Edward Alexander Crowley, and also known as both Frater Perdurabo and The Great Beast, was an influential English occultist, astrologer, mystic and ceremonial magician, responsible for founding the religious philosophy of Thelema. He was also successful in various other...
.
Biomes
The national park falls in the IndomalayaIndomalaya
The Indomalaya ecozone is one of the eight ecozones that cover the planet's land surface. It extends across most of South and Southeast Asia and into the southern parts of East Asia....
ecozone
Ecozone
An ecozone is the broadest biogeographic division of the Earth's land surface, based on distributional patterns of terrestrial organisms.Ecozones delineate large areas of the Earth's surface within which organisms have been evolving in relative isolation over long periods of time, separated from...
, and the biome
Biome
Biomes are climatically and geographically defined as similar climatic conditions on the Earth, such as communities of plants, animals, and soil organisms, and are often referred to as ecosystems. Some parts of the earth have more or less the same kind of abiotic and biotic factors spread over a...
s corresponding to the ecozone which are present in the park are:
- Eastern Himalayan subalpine conifer forestsEastern Himalayan subalpine conifer forestsThe Eastern Himalayan subalpine conifer forests is a temperate coniferous forests ecoregion which is found in the middle and upper elevations of the eastern Middle Himalayas, in western Nepal, Bhutan and northern Indian states including Arunachal Pradesh....
of the Temperate coniferous forestsTemperate coniferous forestsTemperate coniferous forest is a terrestrial biome found in temperate regions of the world with warm summers and cool winters and adequate rainfall to sustain a forest. In most temperate coniferous forests, evergreen conifers predominate, while some are a mix of conifers and broadleaf evergreen...
biome - Eastern Himalayan broadleaf forestsEastern Himalayan broadleaf forestsThe Eastern Himalayan broadleaf forests is a temperate broadleaf forest ecoregion found in the middle elevations of the eastern Himalayas, including parts of Nepal, India, and Bhutan...
of the Temperate broadleaf and mixed forestsTemperate broadleaf and mixed forestsMixed forests are a temperate and humid biome. The typical structure of these forests includes four layers. The uppermost layer is the canopy composed of tall mature trees ranging from 33 to 66 m high. Below the canopy is the three-layered, shade-tolerant understory that is roughly 9 to...
biome - Himalayan subtropical pine forestsHimalayan subtropical pine forestsThe Himalayan subtropical pine forests are a large subtropical coniferous forest ecoregion covering portions of Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Pakistan....
of the Subtropical coniferous forestTropical and subtropical coniferous forestsTropical and subtropical coniferous forests are a forest biome. They are located in regions of semi-humid climate at tropical and subtropical latitudes. Most tropical and subtropical coniferous forest ecoregions are found in the Nearctic and Neotropic ecozones, from Mexico to Nicaragua and on the...
biome
The subtropical biome roughly exists in the altitude range of 1800 to 3000 m, and the temperate biome exists in the altitude range of 3000 m to 4500 m.
Flora
Thick bambooBamboo
Bamboo is a group of perennial evergreens in the true grass family Poaceae, subfamily Bambusoideae, tribe Bambuseae. Giant bamboos are the largest members of the grass family....
, oak
Oak
An oak is a tree or shrub in the genus Quercus , of which about 600 species exist. "Oak" may also appear in the names of species in related genera, notably Lithocarpus...
, magnolia
Magnolia
Magnolia is a large genus of about 210 flowering plant species in the subfamily Magnolioideae of the family Magnoliaceae. It is named after French botanist Pierre Magnol....
and rhododendron
Rhododendron
Rhododendron is a genus of over 1 000 species of woody plants in the heath family, most with showy flowers...
forest between 2000 and 3600 m cover the Singalila Ridge. There are two seasons of wildflower bloom - one in spring
Spring (season)
Spring is one of the four temperate seasons, the transition period between winter and summer. Spring and "springtime" refer to the season, and broadly to ideas of rebirth, renewal and regrowth. The specific definition of the exact timing of "spring" varies according to local climate, cultures and...
(March-April) when the Rhododendrons bloom, and another in the post-monsoon season (around October), when the lower forests bloom (Primula
Primula
Primula is a genus of 400–500 species of low-growing herbs in the family Primulaceae. They include primrose, auricula, cowslip and oxlip. Many species are grown for their ornamental flowers...
, Geranium, Saxifraga, Bistort, Senecio
Senecio
Senecio is a genus of the daisy family that includes ragworts and groundsels. The flower heads are normally rayed, completely yellow, and the heads are borne in branched clusters...
, Cotoneaster
Cotoneaster
Cotoneaster is a genus of woody plants in the rose family, Rosaceae, native to the Palaearctic region , with a strong concentration of diversity in the genus in the mountains of southwestern China and the Himalayas...
and numerous orchids). Sandakphu is known as the "mountain of poisonous plants" due to the large concentration of Himalayan Cobra Lilies (Arisaema
Arisaema
Arisaema is a genus of about 150 species in the flowering plant family Araceae, native to eastern and central Africa, Asia and eastern North America. Its species are often called Cobra lilies, particularly the Asiatic species...
) which grow there.
Fauna
Mammals: The park has a number of small mammals including the Red PandaRed Panda
The red panda , is a small arboreal mammal native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China. It is the only species of the genus Ailurus. Slightly larger than a domestic cat, it has reddish-brown fur, a long, shaggy tail, and a waddling gait due to its shorter front legs...
, Leopard Cat
Leopard Cat
The leopard cat is a small wild cat of South and East Asia. Since 2002 it has been listed as Least Concern by IUCN as it is widely distributed but threatened by habitat loss and hunting in parts of its range...
, Barking Deer, Yellow-throated Marten, Wild Boar, Pangolin
Pangolin
A pangolin , also scaly anteater or Trenggiling, is a mammal of the order Pholidota. There is only one extant family and one genus of pangolins, comprising eight species. There are also a number of extinct taxa. Pangolins have large keratin scales covering their skin and are the only mammals with...
and the Pika
Pika
The pika is a small mammal, with short limbs, rounded ears, and short tail. The name pika is used for any member of the Ochotonidae, a family within the order of lagomorphs, which also includes the Leporidae . One genus, Ochotona, is recognised within the family, and it includes 30 species...
. Larger mammals include the Himalayan Black Bear, Leopard
Leopard
The leopard , Panthera pardus, is a member of the Felidae family and the smallest of the four "big cats" in the genus Panthera, the other three being the tiger, lion, and jaguar. The leopard was once distributed across eastern and southern Asia and Africa, from Siberia to South Africa, but its...
, Clouded Leopard
Clouded Leopard
The clouded leopard is a felid found from the Himalayan foothills through mainland Southeast Asia into China, and has been classified as vulnerable in 2008 by IUCN...
, Serow
Serow
Serow may refer to:*Three species of Asian ungulate in the genus Capricornis**Japanese Serow**Mainland Serow**Taiwan Serow* Serow, Iran, a city in Urmia County, West Azarbaijan Province, Iran*Alternative spelling of Serov...
and Takin
Takin
The Takin , also called cattle chamois or gnu goat, is a goat-antelope found in the Eastern Himalayas. There are four subspecies: B. taxicolor taxicolor, the Mishmi Takin; B. taxicolor bedfordi, the Shanxi or Golden Takin; B. taxicolor tibetana, the Tibetan or Sichuan Takin; and B. taxicolor...
. Tiger
Tiger
The tiger is the largest cat species, reaching a total body length of up to and weighing up to . Their most recognizable feature is a pattern of dark vertical stripes on reddish-orange fur with lighter underparts...
s occasionally wander into the area, but do not have a large enough prey base to make residence in these forests feasible.
Birds: The park is a birder's delight with over 120 species recorded including many rare and exotic species like the Scarlet Minivet
Scarlet Minivet
The Scarlet Minivet, Pericrocotus flammeus is a small passerine bird. This minivet is found in tropical southern Asia from the Indian subcontinent east to southern China, Indonesia, and the Philippines. They are common resident breeding birds in forests and other well-wooded habitats including...
, Kalij Pheasant
Kalij Pheasant
The Kalij Pheasant, Lophura leucomelanos, is a pheasant found in forests and thickets, especially in the Himalayan foothills, from the Northern India to western Thailand. Males are rather variable depending on the subspecies involved, but all have an at least partially glossy bluish-black plumage,...
, Blood Pheasant
Blood Pheasant
The Blood Pheasant is the only species in genus Ithaginis of the pheasant family. This relatively small, short-tailed pheasant is widespread and fairly common in northern Southasia...
, Satyr Tragopan
Satyr Tragopan
The Satyr Tragopan Tragopan satyra, also known as the Crimson Horned Pheasant, is a pheasant found in the Himalayan reaches of India, Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan. They reside in moist oak and rhododendron forests with dense undergrowth and bamboo clumps. Temperate broadleaf and mixed forests, shrubland...
, Brown and Fulvous Parrotbill
Parrotbill
The parrotbills are a group of peculiar birds native to East and Southeast Asia, though feral populations are known from elsewhere. They are generally small, long-tailed birds which inhabit reedbeds and similar habitat. They feed mainly on seeds, e.g. of grasses, to which their bill, as the name...
s, Rufous-vented Tit
Rufous-vented Tit
The Rufous-vented Tit is an Asian songbird species in the tit and chickadee family . Some of its subspecies were formerly assigned to its western relative the Rufous-naped Tit , or these two were considered entirely conspecific...
, and Old World babbler
Old World babbler
The Old World babblers or timaliids are a large family of mostly Old World passerine birds. They are rather diverse in size and coloration, but are characterised by soft fluffy plumage. These are birds of tropical areas, with the greatest variety in Southeast Asia and the Indian Subcontinent...
s like the Fire-tailed Myzornis
Fire-tailed Myzornis
The Fire-tailed Myzornis is a bird species formerly placed in the Old World babbler family . Its genus Myzornis is monotypic, and has recently been placed in the Old World warbler family Sylviidae.It is found in Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, and Nepal...
and the Golden-breasted Fulvetta
Golden-breasted Fulvetta
The Golden-breasted "Fulvetta" is a species of songbird found in Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Vietnam...
. The park is also on the flyway
Flyway
A flyway is a flight path used in bird migration. Flyways generally span over continents and often oceans.-Flyways of the Americas:*Atlantic Flyway*Central Flyway*Mississippi Flyway*Pacific Flyway*Allegheny Front...
of many migratory birds.
Reptiles and Amphibians: The endangered Himalayan Newt frequents the region, and congregates around the lakes of Jore Pokhri
Jore Pokhri Wildlife Sanctuary
Jore Pokhri Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Darjeeling District, West Bengal. It is the habitat of some high-altitude animals like Himalayan Salamander , locally known as 'Gora'. The forest is artificially decorated and offers some breathtaking views.-References:*...
and Sukhiapokhri
Sukhiapokhri
Sukhiapokhri is a small hilly locality in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. Located almost on the India-Nepal border, it is 11 km from Ghum on the way to Mirik....
and nearby lakes to reproduce. Jore Pokhri and Sukhiapokhri are within 20 km of the park boundary, and are protected wildlife sanctuaries.
Conservation Issues
The major issues at the park are trash collection on trekking routes and ensuring minimal damage of flora by trekkers, as flora at such high altitudes tend to grow really slowly. Grazing of yakYak
The yak, Bos grunniens or Bos mutus, is a long-haired bovine found throughout the Himalayan region of south Central Asia, the Tibetan Plateau and as far north as Mongolia and Russia. In addition to a large domestic population, there is a small, vulnerable wild yak population...
and cattle
Cattle
Cattle are the most common type of large domesticated ungulates. They are a prominent modern member of the subfamily Bovinae, are the most widespread species of the genus Bos, and are most commonly classified collectively as Bos primigenius...
from neighbouring villages can also be a problem. Forest fires can be a threat to the park, especially in Spring when the accumulated debris from winter can be a hazard. A forest fire swept through the national park on March 6, 2006.
Even though the national park has a resident Red Panda
Red Panda
The red panda , is a small arboreal mammal native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China. It is the only species of the genus Ailurus. Slightly larger than a domestic cat, it has reddish-brown fur, a long, shaggy tail, and a waddling gait due to its shorter front legs...
population of only about 20-25 members, Project Red Panda (funded by the Central Zoo Authority) chose Singalila National Park for reintroduction of Red Pandas from its captive breeding
Captive breeding
Captive breedingis the process of breeding animals in human controlled environments with restricted settings, such as wildlife reserves, zoos and other conservation facilities; sometimes the process is construed to include release of individual organisms to the wild, when there is sufficient...
program at the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is a zoo in the town of Darjeeling in the Indian state of West Bengal. The zoo was opened in 1958, and an average elevation of , is the largest high altitude zoo in India...
in Darjeeling, mainly due to reasons of proximity. Two females, Sweety and Milli, were released in November 2004. Milli was killed by a leopard, but Sweety adapted to the wild and gave birth to an offspring - the first such successful re-entry for Red Panda. http://www.telegraphindia.com/1041208/asp/nation/story_4100068.asp
The reintroduction was filmed by noted Indian filmmakers Rajesh Bedi and Naresh Bedi. The documentary, named Cherub of the Mist
Cherub of the Mist
Cherub of the Mist is a documentary film based on the life of two Red pandas, namely, Mini and Sweety, who were released into the Singalila National Park in the Darjeeling District, India....
, won the Best Conservation and Environmental Film at the 29th International Wildlife Film Festival in Montana
Montana
Montana is a state in the Western United States. The western third of Montana contains numerous mountain ranges. Smaller, "island ranges" are found in the central third of the state, for a total of 77 named ranges of the Rocky Mountains. This geographical fact is reflected in the state's name,...
. http://in.news.yahoo.com/060409/211/63fo7.html
Park-Specific Information
The park is a camper's delight as it is largely free of vicious animals and snakes, making it the most popular family camping destination in the eastern Himalaya. The two seasons to visit the park are in Spring (March-May) and post MonsoonMonsoon
Monsoon is traditionally defined as a seasonal reversing wind accompanied by corresponding changes in precipitation, but is now used to describe seasonal changes in atmospheric circulation and precipitation associated with the asymmetric heating of land and sea...
(mid-September to early December). The park is closed to tourists from June 16 to September 15 every year on account of the monsoons.
Activities
Trekking and camping : The trek along the Singalila Ridge to Sandakphu and Phalut is one of the most popular ones in the Eastern Himalayas, due to the grand vistas of the KangchenjungaKangchenjunga
Kangchenjunga is the third highest mountain of the world with an elevation of and located along the India-Nepal border in the Himalayas.Kangchenjunga is also the name of the section of the Himalayas and means "The Five Treasures of Snows", as it contains five peaks, four of them over...
range, and the Everest
Mount Everest
Mount Everest is the world's highest mountain, with a peak at above sea level. It is located in the Mahalangur section of the Himalayas. The international boundary runs across the precise summit point...
range which can be seen from the ridge, and also for the seasonal wildflower blooms and birding. Treks begin at Manebhanjan which is 51 km (1.5 hours by road) from Darjeeling. The trekking routes inside the National Park have 4 legs or stages.
- Manebhanjan to MeghmaMeghmaMeghma is a small hamlet inside the Singalila National Park in the Darjeeling subdivision, Darjeeling district in the state of West Bengal in India near the India - Nepal border, and lies on the Sandakphu trek.-Tourism:...
(2600 m): This is a 4 hour trek through the lower forest - Meghma to GairibansGairibansGairibans is a small settlement inside the Singalila National Park in the Darjeeling Sadar subdivision, Darjeeling district in the state of West Bengal in India near the India - Nepal border. It is a roadside halt along the trekking route from Manebhanjan to Sandakphu....
(2621 m): There are two alternative trekking routes. Both go via Tonglu (3070 m) and TumlingTumlingTumling is a small hamlet in Nepal. It is situated in the Eastern Himalayas, and its population is composed mostly of Gurung families. It is roughly 35 minutes' walk from Meghma and not far from Darjeeling. Only vehicle going to Tumling is the old Landrover from Manebhanjan. There is Shikhar...
(2900 m). The boundary of the national park passes though Tomling and a checkpost is located there. From Tumling, a shorter trail cuts through Nepal and Jaubari (2750 m). - Gairibans to Sandakphu (3636 m): This is a steep 4 hour climb up. Roughly half way up the climb is the village of Kala PokhriKala PokhriKala Pokhri is a small Himalayan village inside the Singalila National Park in the Darjeeling subdivision, Darjeeling district in the state of West Bengal, India. It lies on the trekking route from Mane Bhanjang to Sandakphu , and is roughly halfway between the steep final stretch of the trek from...
(3186 m). - Sandakphu to Phalut (3600 m): This is the most pristine stretch of the trek, offering great views of Kanchenjunga and Mt. Everest. It is a one day trek via Sabarkum (3536 m) covering 21 km. But the main problem of this Sandakphu-Phalut route is there is no water source in between so the trekker have to carry enough water to reach phalut.
The descent from Sandakphu can be accomplished in several ways:
- Retracing the way back to Manebhanjan.
- A steep descent to the village of Sirikhola on the banks of the River Sirikhola, via Gurdum (2300 m), and from there to Rimbik.
- There is now a 4WD motorable road to Sandakphu, so one can hire a cab down to Manebhanjan and Darjeeling via Tomling and Tonglu if needed. The drive on the gravel road, however, is very arduous.
The descent from Phalut can also be accomplished in several ways:
- Retracing the way back to Manebhanjan.
- A descent down to Sirikhola along high altitude meadows which have seasonal blooms. The descent is via Sabarkum and the abandoned village of Molley. A further trek leads one to the scenic village of Rimbik, which is motorable.
- The most popular descent is via the villages of Gorkey (on the banks of the River Rammam) and Samanden down to the village of Rammam. The trail then leads to Rimbik, and is shorter than the route via Sirikhola.
Lodging
Sailung Tea House is a small cozy place to stay while at Meghma.There are two roomed guest houses and trekkers' huts at Tonglu, Gairibans
Gairibans
Gairibans is a small settlement inside the Singalila National Park in the Darjeeling Sadar subdivision, Darjeeling district in the state of West Bengal in India near the India - Nepal border. It is a roadside halt along the trekking route from Manebhanjan to Sandakphu....
, Sandakphu, Phalut, Kala Pokhri
Kala Pokhri
Kala Pokhri is a small Himalayan village inside the Singalila National Park in the Darjeeling subdivision, Darjeeling district in the state of West Bengal, India. It lies on the trekking route from Mane Bhanjang to Sandakphu , and is roughly halfway between the steep final stretch of the trek from...
and several other locations in the park, run by the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council
Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council
Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council , also once known for a short period of time as Darjeeling Gorkha Autonomous Hill Council , is a semi-autonomous body that looks after the administration of the Darjeeling District in the state of West Bengal, India...
. 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.
Approach
- Nearest airport:
- Bagdogra AirportBagdogra AirportBagdogra International Airport or Civil Aerodrome Bagdogra is a military airport that is open for civilian flights. The airport is located in the town of Bagdogra, about from the city of Siliguri in the Darjeeling district in northern West Bengal, India...
, West Bengal - GangtokGangtokGangtok is the capital and largest town of the Indian state of Sikkim. Gangtok is located in the Shivalik Hills of the eastern Himalayan range, at an altitude of . The town, with a population of thirty thousand belonging to different ethnicities such as Nepalis, Lepchas and Bhutia, is administered...
Helipad, East SikkimEast SikkimEast Sikkim is one of the four administrative districts of the Indian state of Sikkim. Geographically, East Sikkim occupies the south-east corner of the state. The capital of East Sikkim is Gangtok, which is also the state capital...
district, Sikkim
- Bagdogra Airport
- Nearest railhead:
- narrow gauge: Ghum, West BengalGhum, West BengalGhum is a small hilly locality in the Darjeeling Himalayan hill region of West Bengal, India. Ghum railway station of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is the highest railway station in India. It is situated at an altitude of 2,225.7 m...
- Standard GaugeStandard gaugeThe standard gauge is a widely-used track gauge . Approximately 60% of the world's existing railway lines are built to this gauge...
: New JalpaiguriNew JalpaiguriNew Jalpaiguri is a major railway station of the city of Siliguri in the Indian state of West Bengal. The station is popularly known by its acronym NJP...
, West Bengal
- narrow gauge: Ghum, West Bengal
- Nearest highway: NH 31A (Sivok-Gangtok) passes through Darjeeling (which is 1.5 hours by car from Manebhanjan)
- Nearest town: Manebhanjan - the access point for Rimbik and TumlingTumlingTumling is a small hamlet in Nepal. It is situated in the Eastern Himalayas, and its population is composed mostly of Gurung families. It is roughly 35 minutes' walk from Meghma and not far from Darjeeling. Only vehicle going to Tumling is the old Landrover from Manebhanjan. There is Shikhar...
, the gateways to the park - Nearest city: Darjeeling