Friendship Trek

Darjeeling & Sikkim Treks:

Location	: Eastern Himalayas
Darjeeling Trekking Regions	: Singalia & Kalimpong Treks
Sikkim Trekking Regions	: Southern & Western Sikkim
When To Trek	: April To May & October To November

The Eastern Himalayas - Simply Out Of This World:

A land of infinite charm with breathtaking views of Kangchenjunga, bewildering variety of flora and fauna, colourful festivals, lush green tea gardens, exciting adventure sports, daunting trekking routes, perfect solitude. All this make the East Himalayas your chosen destination.

Trekking In Darjeeling:
The East Himalayas present perhaps the best trekking routes in the whole of India. Low altitude treks in the lower regions of Darjeeling are quiet easy and are particularly recommended for those tourists who like to take up a stroll at a leisurely pace. The Kalimpong-Relli trek through golden paddy fields, the Kurseong-Namsu trail through tea gardens and the Kurseong-Mirik trek are the main trails through low altitude areas.

Darjeeling-Batast-Tonglo-Sandakphu-Return:
This is a 6/7 days moderate trekking from Maneshanjang, which is 26-km by road from Darjeeling and ideal for views along a standard trail. A popular trekking route from Darjeeling, this trek takes one to Sandakphu and Phalut from where one can have breakthtaking views of Kanchenjunga and Mt. Everest.

Singalila Treks:
Treks in the eastern Himalayan region are organized through both high and low altitude areas. The most popular of treks is the one through high altitude areas across the Singalila range in Darjeeling, which starts from Maneybhanjang, goes to Meghma, Toughu, Gairibas, Sandakphu, and Phalut.The fourth and last day is the return trek to Darjeeling, which may be taken along the same route or via Ramman, Rimbick and Bijanbari.

Kalimpong Treks:
Another adventurous high altitude trek done in Darjeeling is in the Kalimpong region from Relli, Pankhasari, and Neora to the highest point in the areas, Rochella at 3,400m. From here it is a steady descent to Tangta, Jhalang along the foothills to Samsing. Trekkers can enjoy the natural panorama of exotic varieties of Himalayan flora, bird, and wildlife that can be seen along this route.

Trekking In Sikkim:
Each season in Sikkim is distinct. The periods for outdoor excursions are several. March to May are best season for flowers, which is also ideal for trekking in this state. However you should be prepared for inclement weather, as snow storms at higher altitudes can develop rapidly in both the pre and post-monsoon seasons.

Darjeeling/Gangatok-Pemanyangtse-Yoksum-Dzongri:
The most popular trek in Sikkim is from Yuksom to Dzongri and Goccha La for superb views of Kanchenjunga. Two peaks in Dzongri area of West Sikkim, Thingchen Khang and Jopunob, have been declared 'Trekking Peaks', which means they are free of royalty payment.

Trek To Tendong Hill:
Above Damthang, overlooking south district headquarters town Namchi, there is a flat stretch of land, at an altitude of 8,530ft, surrounded by a lush green forest known as Tendong Hill. Trek From Tendong from Damthang bazaar, the nearest roadhead, is just about two-hours of casual walk. But one can also proceed to Namchi by trekking via Tendong Hill following the traditional route used in the old days. Trekking over here also is possible throughout the year, except in the monsoons.

Trek To Menam Hill:
Menam hill towers the Tandong hill on the other side overlooking the Ravangla Bazaar settlement, at an altitute of 10,300 ft. The trek from Menam to Ravangla takes about 4 hrs and from Menam hilltop trekkers has the option to take the gentle trek to Borong village or follow the more challenging trail, down to Yangang village.

Namchi Or Damthang To Tendong-Ravangla-Menam-Borong:
The trek trail from Namchi or Damthang to Tendong-Ravangla-Menam-Borong is a 5 to 6 days trek and is one of the most interesting trails sacling all the hilltops along the route. The trek can continue to Tashiding or terminate at Borong and drive back to Ravangli.

Versery:
Versey lies at an elevation of 10,000 ft and has motorable road to access uto Hilley. An easy 4-kms trek from there takes a trekker upto the Versey Rhododendron Sanctaury. One can also trek from Soreng or Dentam in West Sikkim

Trekking Permits For Sikkim:
Foreigners have to obtain permits for trekking on most routes in Sikkim. Permits can be obtained from any of the following places: Delhi, Kolkatta, Siliguri. Permit restrictions mean that trekkers can only follow well-beaten trails and within a limited period of time. If you are coming from Darjeeling and have arranged permits and itineraries in advance, you could enter Sikkim at Jorethang and go directly to Pelling or Yoksum saving precious permit time.