Singalila Ridge Trek 14 days along the Nepal-India border ridge with views of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and Lhotse. Cultural trek through Limbu and Sherpa villages.
- Duration
- 14 days
- Max altitude
- 3,636 m
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Group size
- Max 12
- From
- US$1,240
Region: Eastern Nepal Region
Overview
The Singalila Ridge Trek is a 14-day moderate trek along the Singalila Ridge, which forms the border between Nepal and India in the eastern Himalaya. The ridge offers some of the most spectacular mountain panoramas in Nepal, with views of four of the world’s five highest peaks: Everest (8,849m), Kanchenjunga (8,586m), Lhotse (8,516m), and Makalu (8,485m), all visible from the same viewpoint at Sandakphu (3,636m). The trek traverses the Singalila National Park (India side) and the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (Nepal side), with rich flora including 28 rhododendron species, magnolia, and over 300 bird species. The route passes through Limbu, Sherpa, and Tibetan villages, and includes an optional day hike to Phalut (3,600m) for sunrise views of the entire eastern Himalayan range. The trek passes through traditional villages including Taplejung and offers views toward the Kanchenjunga massif. Starting from Basantapur, the route follows the ridge through dense rhododendron forest before reaching the viewpoints at Sandakphu and Phalut.
Know Before You Book – Singalila Ridge Trek Information
Trip Name: Singalila Ridge Trek – 14 Days
Duration: 14 days
Difficulty: Medium
Maximum Altitude: 3636m
Group Size: Max 12
Difficulty & Fitness
This trek is rated Medium. Medium treks involve 5-7 hours of walking daily with significant elevation gain. Suitable for fit trekkers with some experience. The maximum altitude is 3636m. You need a fitness level of Moderate to High – cardio training 3-4 times weekly for 8-12 weeks before departure, hill walking with a day pack, and core strength exercises.
Read our difficulty guides: Mohare Danda Difficulty Vs Beginner Treks Nepal, Arun Valley Trek Operator Eastern Nepal Experience.
Best Time to Go
Spring (March to May) brings warming weather, rhododendron blooms, and reliable mountain visibility. Autumn (September to November) offers the clearest skies, crisp air, and stable trekking conditions. Winter (December to February) is cold but possible on lower routes. Summer monsoon (June to August) brings rain and obscured views.
Read our seasonal guides: Best Season Climb Island Peak Nepal, Nepal Peak Climbing Cancellation Terms Weather Illness.
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation: Star Hotel, Tea House. Tea houses are family-run lodges with simple twin-share rooms and shared bathrooms. Luxury lodges (where available) offer heated ensuite rooms. 3-star or higher hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast. Three meals daily (BLD) included during treks with tea and coffee. Vegetarian options widely available.
Food and water guides: Community Eco Lodge Trek Nepal Mohare Danda, Teahouse Vs Camping Treks Remote Nepal.
Transportation
Transport: Flight + Private Vehicle. Domestic flights (where applicable) are weather-dependent – build 1-2 buffer days into your schedule. Private ground transport uses comfortable AC vehicles.
Flight and transport guides: Australians Buffer Days Nepal Lukla Flights Trek, Nepalgunj Simikot Flight Reliability.
Required Permits
TIMS Card, Singalila National Park Entry Permit (India side), Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Entry Permit (Nepal side). We arrange all permits on your behalf once we receive your passport copy and 4 passport-size photos after booking. Permit fees are included in your trip cost.
Permit guides: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Permits Visa From Nepal, Remote Nepal Trek Permits Guides Transport.
Altitude Safety
Maximum altitude is 3636m. Above 3,500m, altitude sickness is a real risk. Our itinerary includes acclimatization days, guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen. Walk slowly, stay hydrated (3-4 liters daily), avoid alcohol above 3,500m, report symptoms immediately. Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation is mandatory.
Altitude safety guides: Guided Remote Trek Eastern Nepal Safety, Limi Valley Remote High Altitude Nepal Safety.
Training & Preparation
Read our training guides: Nepal Regions Fog Snow Monsoon Conditions, Nepal Treks Mixed Fitness Adventure Group.
Insurance Requirement
Travel insurance is mandatory for all our treks and tours. Your insurance must cover trekking to 3636m altitude (for treks), emergency helicopter evacuation up to USD 10,000, emergency medical treatment, and trip cancellation. We recommend World Nomads, IMG Global, or Allianz Adventure plans. Bring a printed copy of your insurance certificate.
Insurance guides: Nepal Trekking Travel Insurance, Nepal Peak Climbing Travel Insurance Australians Check.
Cultural Etiquette
Dress modestly at religious sites (cover shoulders and knees). Remove shoes before entering temple sanctums. Walk clockwise around stupas and chortens. Ask permission before photographing people. Use your right hand for eating and passing items. Say namaste (palms together) as a greeting.
Culture guides: Remote Nepal Treks Culture Fewer Crowds, Nepal Treks Mountain Views Village Culture.
Booking & Payment
To confirm your booking, a deposit is required (50% for helicopter tours). The balance is due 30 days before departure (7 days for helicopter tours). We accept bank transfer, credit card (4% surcharge), PayPal. Free cancellation up to 60 days before departure. We strongly recommend travel insurance covering trip cancellation. Contact us for current pricing and availability.
What is Not Included
International airfare to/from Kathmandu, Nepal visa fee (USD 30 for 15 days), travel and rescue insurance (mandatory), personal trekking gear and clothing, hot showers and device charging on trek, alcoholic beverages, lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, tips for guide/porter/driver (recommended 10-15% of trip cost), and any costs from unforeseen events like weather delays.
Highlights
- See four of the world's five highest peaks (Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu) from Sandakphu.
- Walk along the Nepal-India border ridge with spectacular sunrise viewpoints.
- Trek through the Singalila National Park with 28 rhododendron species.
- Visit Limbu, Sherpa, and Tibetan villages with rich cultural traditions.
- Optional sunrise hike to Phalut (3,600m) for 360-degree Himalayan panorama.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
1,400 m
Arrival and transfer to hotel. Welcome dinner and briefing.
Accommodation: 3 Stars Hotel · Meals: Dinner · Overnight: Kathmandu (1400 m)
Day 2: Fly to Bhadrapur & Drive to Ilam
1,200 m
Morning flight to Bhadrapur, then drive through tea estates to Ilam.
Accommodation: Tea House · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight: Ilam (1200 m)
Day 3: Drive to Mane Bhanjyang & Trek to Tumling
2,970 m
Drive to Mane Bhanjyang on the India-Nepal border, then climb through forest to Tumling, a small Sherpa village.
Accommodation: Tea House · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight: Tumling (2970 m)
Day 4: Trek to Kaiyakatta
3,100 m
Continue along the ridge through rhododendron forest with views of Kanchenjunga.
Accommodation: Tea House · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight: Kaiyakatta (3100 m)
Day 5: Trek to Sandakphu
3,636 m
Reach the highest point of the trek at Sandakphu, with views of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu at sunset.
Accommodation: Tea House · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight: Sandakphu (3636 m)
Day 6: Sunrise Photography & Rest Day
3,636 m
Sunrise photography session with the four 8,000m peaks. Rest day with optional short hikes.
Accommodation: Tea House · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight: Sandakphu (3636 m)
Day 7: Trek to Sabarkum
3,350 m
Continue along the ridge through forest to Sabarkum.
Accommodation: Tea House · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight: Sabarkum (3350 m)
Day 8: Trek to Phalut
3,600 m
Walk to Phalut, the second-highest point on the ridge, for an even more dramatic sunrise view.
Accommodation: Tea House · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight: Phalut (3600 m)
Day 9: Sunrise at Phalut & Trek to Gorkhey
2,300 m
Sunrise at Phalut with 360-degree Himalayan panorama, then descend through forest to Gorkhey village.
Accommodation: Tea House · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight: Gorkhey (2300 m)
Day 10: Trek to Sri Khola
1,900 m
Continue descending through villages and river valleys to Sri Khola.
Accommodation: Tea House · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight: Sri Khola (1900 m)
Day 11: Trek to Rimbik & Drive to Ilam
1,200 m
Final short trek to Rimbik, then drive back to Ilam for a celebration dinner.
Accommodation: Tea House · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight: Ilam (1200 m)
Day 12: Drive to Bhadrapur
100 m
Drive down to Bhadrapur for an overnight near the airstrip.
Accommodation: Tea House · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight: Bhadrapur (100 m)
Day 13: Fly to Kathmandu
1,400 m
Morning flight back to Kathmandu. Free afternoon for shopping. Farewell dinner.
Accommodation: 3 Stars Hotel · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Kathmandu (1400 m)
Day 14: Final Departure
Transfer to the international airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast
What's included
- All airport pickups and drops in private vehicle
- Kathmandu hotel (3 nights, B&B) with welcome and farewell dinners
- Domestic flights where applicable to itinerary
- All ground transport in private vehicle
- All necessary permits (TIMS, National Park, Conservation Area, Restricted Area where applicable)
- Three meals daily (BLD) during the trek with tea/coffee
- Tea house or camping accommodation during the trek
- Experienced English-speaking trekking guide and assistant guide for groups of 6+
- Porters (1 per 2 trekkers, 15kg luggage allowance) with full insurance
- Sleeping bag, down jacket, and duffel bag (refundable deposit)
- First-aid kit, pulse oximeter, and emergency oxygen
- Satellite phone for emergency communications
- All government and local taxes
Not included
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fee (USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days)
- Travel and high-altitude rescue insurance (mandatory)
- Personal trekking gear and clothing
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, device charging, and alcoholic beverages
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Tips for guide, porter, and driver (recommended 10-15% of trip cost)
- Costs from unforeseen events (weather, flight delays, route changes)
- India visa (if applicable for crossing)
Permits
- TIMS Card, Singalila National Park Entry Permit (India side), Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Entry Permit (Nepal side).
Things to Carry / Packing
- Warm fleece or wool beanie hat (essential for cold mornings)
- Sun hat with wide brim for UV protection
- Neck gaiter or buff (multi-purpose for dust, wind, cold)
- Sunglasses with UV protection (Category 3 or 4)
- Ski goggles for high-altitude passes and snow
- 2x merino wool base layers (long sleeve)
- 1x mid-layer fleece jacket
- 1x soft shell jacket for wind and light rain
FAQs
How difficult is the Singalila Ridge Trek and what fitness do I need?
This trek is rated Medium and requires good fitness, 5-7 hours of walking daily at moderate altitude. The maximum altitude is 3636m. You need a fitness level of Moderate to High – cardio training 3-4 times weekly for 8-12 weeks before departure, hill walking with a day pack, and core strength exercises. Consult your doctor before booking if you have medical conditions.
Read more: Nepal Regions Fog Snow Monsoon Conditions.
What permits and documents do I need?
Required permits: TIMS Card, Singalila National Park Entry Permit (India side), Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Entry Permit (Nepal side). We arrange all permits on your behalf once we receive your passport copy and 4 passport-size photos. You also need a Nepal visa (USD 30 for 15 days, obtained on arrival at Kathmandu airport) and travel insurance covering trekking to 3636m and helicopter evacuation. Bring your original passport, visa, insurance certificate, and photos to Nepal.
Related permit guides: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Permits Visa From Nepal.
When is the best time to do the Singalila Ridge Trek?
Spring (March to May) brings warming weather, rhododendron blooms, and reliable mountain visibility. Autumn (September to November) offers the clearest skies, crisp air, and stable trekking conditions. Winter (December to February) is cold but possible on lower routes. Summer monsoon (June to August) brings rain and obscured views.
Is altitude sickness a risk and how do I prevent it?
Above 3,500m, altitude sickness (AMS) affects 25-40% of trekkers. Our itinerary includes acclimatization days, guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen, and they are trained to identify early symptoms. Prevention: ascend slowly (no more than 300-500m sleeping altitude per day above 3,500m), drink 3-4 liters of water daily, avoid alcohol above 3,500m, eat light meals, and report any symptoms immediately. Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation (USD 10,000) is mandatory.
Read our altitude safety guides: Guided Remote Trek Eastern Nepal Safety, Limi Valley Remote High Altitude Nepal Safety.
What accommodation and meals are included?
Accommodation: Star Hotel, Tea House. Tea houses are family-run lodges with simple twin-share rooms and shared bathrooms. 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast. Three meals daily (BLD) are included during the trek with tea and coffee. Menu includes dal bhat, momos, noodles, soups, and seasonal vegetables. Vegetarian options are widely available.
What should I pack and what equipment do you provide?
Essential gear: 4-season sleeping bag (-15C to -20C), down jacket, broken-in trekking boots, merino base layers (2 sets), mid-layer fleece, hard shell jacket, trekking pants (2), warm hat, gloves, 4-5 pairs wool socks, headlamp, 2L water bottle, sunscreen SPF 50. We provide free rental: sleeping bag (USD 30 deposit), down jacket (USD 20 deposit), duffel bag, trekking poles, first-aid kit, and emergency oxygen. See the Things to Carry tab above for the complete list.
Packing guides: Island Peak Technical Gear And Rental In Nepal.