Phoktey Dara - Singalila Pass - Phalut Trek

We Only Organize Lesser Done, Uncrowded, Customizable & Personalized, Small Group Private Trekking Tours In The Himalayas

Our Phoktey Dara - Singalila Pass - Phalut Trek package near Darjeeling and Sikkim is one of the best alternative to the popular Sandakphu trek. It offers best panoramic views of Kanchenjunga and Everest along with 26 other elegant peaks of Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan. We arrange both standard and premium trek to Phoktey Dara which you can further customize to suit your needs

Reach Uttarey find other treks

Starting from
USD 373 / EUR 348

We work exclusively on Personalized Private Groups – its perfect for solo climbers, couples, families, friends or teams.

We keep it small for low ecological footprint, better experience, flexible itinerary, highest safety standards and superior success rate on the summits. Team size: 1 to 10 max.

Enquire for detailed pricing based on your preferences and group size.

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📅
Duration
7 days 6 nights
🔼
Altitude:
3800
🛑
Grade:
Easy
how we grade
👍
Best Time:
Sep - May
🌞
Temperatures:
-5 to 7 during winters. -1 to 10 during summers. Upper reaches are colder. Lower reaches are warm
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Starts From:
Uttarey
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Airport:
Bagdogra, West Bengal
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Railway:
New Jalpaiguri, West Bengal

Key Geographical Highlights

22 Popular Peaks:

Baruntse ( 7220m ), Chamlang ( 7319m ), Chomo Lonzo ( 7818m ), Lhotse ( 8516m ), Lhotse Shar ( 8400m ), Machhapuchhare ( 6993m ), Makalu ( 8462m ), Mount Everest ( 8850m ), Nuptse ( 7861m ), Kanchenjunga ( 8586m ), Talung ( 7349m ), Rathong ( 6679m ), Kabru N ( 7353m ), Koktang ( 6147m ), Simvo ( 6812m ), Frey ( 5853m ), Kabru S ( 7318m ), Kabru Dome ( 6600m ), Kabru Forked ( 6100m ), Pandim ( 6691m ), Tenchenkhang ( 6010m ), Jupono ( 5650m )

1 High Passes:

Singalila Top ( 3700m )

4 Rivers:

Ramam River, Siri River, Siri River, Lodhama River

4 Villages:

Gorkhey, Bhareng, Hilley, Barsey

2 National Parks Or Forest Reserve:

Singalila National Park, Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary

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Phoktey Dara Trek - Itinerary & Route Details

(click to read detailed route briefing, elevation graph, altitude time info and photos from the day)

▼ Day 1Arrival DayUttarey 2020m
Arrive In Uttarey
Overnight In: Uttarey (2020m )
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
Cost Of Transport Included: YES
Where and How To Reach Uttarey
Arrival and Pickup
Arrive at Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway Station, where our team will greet you. A scenic drive takes you to the quaint village of Uttarey in West Sikkim, surrounded by serene mountains and lush greenery.

Stay at a Quite and BeautifulHomestay

Experience authentic Sikkimese hospitality at a cozy homestay. Enjoy light snacks upon arrival, hassle-free check-in, and an introduction to local culture and cuisine.

Meet Your Trek Support Crew

In the evening, connect with your guides and fellow trekkers. Our team will check your trek preparation, provide a briefing, and answer any questions to ensure you're ready for the adventure.

Relax and Prepare for the Adventure

End the day with a hearty Sikkimese dinner and unwind in a warm, comfortable room. Rest well—your trek begins tomorrow!
Day 1
120 - Bagdogra
Day 1
350 - Jorethang
Day 1
2020 - Uttarey
165.00Km, 5.00hrs.
▲ Day 2Trekking DayAcchaley 2850m
From Uttarey (2020m ) To Acchaley (2850m ) - 5.00 Hrs. 9.00 Kms
Overnight In: Acchaley (2850m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
Start Your Trek from Uttarey
Wake up to a refreshing morning in the picturesque village homestay at Uttarey. The crisp mountain air and the serene surroundings will invigorate your senses, setting the perfect tone for the day ahead.
Begin the Journey to Acchaley
After a hearty breakfast, we embark on the trek. The trail meanders gently through dense forests, making for an enjoyable and easy start to our expedition toward Phoktey Dara and Phalut.
Immerse Yourself in Nature
As we trek through the lush forest, keep an eye out for wildlife sightings and take in the calming sounds of nature. This segment of the journey offers a perfect introduction to the beauty and biodiversity of the region.
Day 2
2020 - Uttarey
Day 2
2850 - Acchaley
9.00Km, 5.00hrs.
▲ Day 3Trekking DayKalijhar 3450m
From Acchaley (2850m ) To Kalijhar (3450m ) - 4.00 Hrs. 6.00 Kms
Overnight In: Kalijhar (3450m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
Acchaley to Kalijhar: An Uphill Journey
On the second day of the trek, the trail gradually ascends, taking us higher into the mountains. This 6 km stretch, completed in about 4 hours, marks a significant shift in altitude and terrain.
A Trail Through Nature’s Beauty
The route is stunning, with occasional clearings that offer breathtaking views amidst the dense forest. Nature enthusiasts will find this segment particularly rewarding, with abundant opportunities to spot wildlife and immerse themselves in the serene surroundings.
A Short Yet Challenging Ascent
Though the distance may seem modest, the trail becomes steeper as we ascend toward Kalijhar. Be prepared for a rewarding climb, where the effort is compensated by the captivating beauty of the trail.
Day 3
2850 - Acchaley
Day 3
3450 - Kalijhar
6.00Km, 4.00hrs.
▲ Day 4Exploration Day - TrekKalijhar 3450m
Excursion to Phoktey Dara & Nearby.. Return To Kalijhar - 2.00 Hrs. 3.00 Kms
Overnight In: Kalijhar (3450m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
Excursion to Phoktey Dara: A Day to Remember
Today is a rest day, allowing us to rejuvenate and savor every moment of this magnificent trek. The day begins with an early morning excursion to Phoktey Dara, where we experience one of the most magical sunrises.
Witness the Magical Sunrise from Phoktey Dara
It takes approximately 40 minutes to reach the top of Phoktey Dara. From here, we get the best view of the famous Sleeping Buddha formation. The unique perspective from Phoktey Dara perfectly captures the "Sleeping Buddha," making this moment unforgettable.
Explore and Embrace Nature
The entire day is yours to spend wisely, soaking in the beauty of the dense forest surrounding Kalijhar. The area is rich in wildlife, and since this is a less-traveled trail, the chances of spotting wildlife are high if forest decorum is maintained.
Day 4
3450 - Kalijhar
Day 4
3450 - Kalijhar
Day 4
3800 - Phoktey Dara
Day 4
3450 - Kalijhar
3.00Km, 2.00hrs.
▲ Day 5Pass Crossing DayPhalut 3600m
Cross Singalila Pass And Reach Phalut - 6.00 Hrs. 12.00 Kms
Overnight In: Phalut (3600m )
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
Crossing the Singalila Pass to Reach Phalut
Today marks one of the most challenging yet rewarding days of the trek. We negotiate the Singalila Pass, entering Toriphuley before reaching the serene pasture land of Phalut in West Bengal. This day promises both physical exertion and immense beauty.
A Demanding but Beautiful Trek
The route involves a combination of climbs, descents, and another ascent up to Phalut. Though tiring, the breathtaking views along the way will keep you motivated. The majestic Sleeping Buddha appears much closer, offering an uninterrupted spectacle unless the clouds play hide-and-seek.
Prepare for the Day
Mental preparation is key for today's long trek. Plan your water and food efficiently to ensure you remain energized throughout this memorable journey.
Day 5
3450 - Kalijhar
Day 5
3700 - Singalila Pass
Day 5
3600 - Phalut
12.00Km, 6.00hrs.
▲ Day 6Trekking DayGorkhey 2286m
From Phalut (3600m ) To Gorkhey (2286m ), Via - Phalut Sunrise View Point (3700m ) - 6.00 Hrs. 19.00 Kms
Overnight In: Gorkhey (2286m )
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
Sunrise View Point From Phalut
Phalut offers mesmerizing sunrise views that are just a 10-minute walk from the trekker's hut. We start the day early to witness the magic of the sunrise from Phalut Top. After spending some quality time enjoying the view, we return to the hut for breakfast before heading out toward Gorkhey.
A Scenic Descent to Gorkhey
The trek to Gorkhey is relatively easy and takes about 3 hours with an average walking speed. It's a complete descent with a few steep sections. The route passes through dense forests, offering a beautiful and joyful experience. Along the way, you'll encounter diverse wild plant species and occasional clearings that make excellent spots for rest, conversations, and snack breaks.
Arriving at the Picturesque Gorkhey
Gorkhey is a charming village surrounded by mountains and forests. We settle into a cozy homestay for the night, where you can enjoy a much-needed hot shower. A stream flows through the village, making it a perfect spot for birdwatching and relaxing amidst nature.
Day 6
3600 - Phalut
Day 6
3700 - Phalut Sunrise View Point
Day 6
2290 - Gorkhey
19.00Km, 6.00hrs.
▲ Day 7Departure Day, Driving cum Trekking DayBagdogra 250m
From Gorkhey (2286m ) To Bagdogra (250m ), Via - Sepi (1800m ) - 6.00 Hrs. 140.00 Kms
Accommodation: None
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch
Cost Of Transport Included: YES
Final Trek: Gorkhey to Sepi
Today marks the end of our trekking adventure. The trek begins with a short climb for about 15 minutes before leveling out as we approach the picturesque Samanden village. Known as the "tabletop village," Samanden is perfect for a brief stop and some scenic photographs.
From Samanden to Rammam and Sepi
After Samanden, the trail features gentle climbs interspersed with occasional ascents and descents, eventually leading to the village of Rammam. From Rammam, the route to Sepi takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Upon reaching Sepi, we take a well-deserved break for lunch and reflect on the incredible journey we've completed.
Drive Back: Sepi to Bagdogra
Post-lunch, we head back toward Siliguri, Bagdogra, or Darjeeling, as per the planned itinerary. This marks the conclusion of a beautiful trek, leaving us with cherished memories and the anticipation of even greater adventures to come.
Day 7
2290 - Gorkhey
Day 7
1800 - Sepi
Day 7
250 - Bagdogra
140.00Km, 6.00hrs.

Phoktey Dara Trek - An Elaborate Description

Phoktey Dara - Singalila Pass Trek: A Hidden Gem in the Eastern Himalayas

The Phoktey Dara - Singalila Pass Trek is one of the most rewarding and lesser-known treks in Sikkim and Northeast India. Perfect for beginners and seasoned trekkers alike, this trail stands out for being uncrowded and untouched compared to other popular Himalayan treks. What makes this trek truly unique is the unparalleled panoramic view of 4 out of the 5 highest peaks in the world—Mt. Everest (8850m, 1st), Kanchenjunga (8586m, 3rd), Mt. Lhotse (8516m, 4th), and Makalu (8481m, 5th). Only Sandakphu-Phalut Trek offer the breathtaking sight of both Mt. Everest and Kanchenjunga together in one frame, but this is better as this is completely distant from crowd and landrovers

A Rich Blend of Nature and Culture

Starting from Uttarey, a charming village near the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, the trek winds through dense forests and opens up to stunning campsites along the way. The trail is abundant with wildlife, diverse flora, and vibrant birdlife, making it a paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers. During spring, the route bursts into life with vivid rhododendrons and wildflowers adorning the trail.

Cultural Diversity Along the Trail

This trek also immerses you in the rich cultural fabric of Sikkim, Darjeeling, and Nepal. From the hospitable locals who join as support staff to the mix of Tibetan, Nepali, Sikkimese, Subba, and Lepcha influences, every step of this journey offers a unique cultural experience. You'll see it reflected in their architecture, lifestyle, and warm hospitality.

The Phoktey Dara - Singalila Pass Trek is undoubtedly one of the best treks in the Eastern Himalayas, offering an incredible blend of scenic beauty, biodiversity, and cultural immersion. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a wildlife lover, or someone looking to escape into serene wilderness, this trek promises an experience like no other.

Phoktey Dara Trek - Why Its A Must-Do

The Sleeping Buddha Formation From Phoktey Dara Top: Witness the iconic Sleeping Buddha formation, created by the alignment of Mt. Kanchenjunga and 16 other prominent peaks. This breathtaking view is best experienced from Phoktey Dara, where the peaks appear like a giant Lord Buddha resting above the clouds.
Rare View of the World’s Highest Peaks: The trek offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view 4 of the world’s highest peaks—Mt. Everest (1st), Mt. Kanchenjunga (3rd), Mt. Lhotse (4th), and Mt. Makalu (5th)—together in a single panoramic frame.
Panorama of Over 26 Majestic Peaks: Marvel at the grandeur of more than 26 peaks from Bhutan, Sikkim, and Nepal, including Chomolhari, Narsing, Jupono, Tenchenkhang, Pandim, Simvo, Goecha Peak, Forked Peak, Kumbhakarna, South Kabru, North Kabru, and Machapuchare.
Diverse Flora of the Eastern Himalayas: The trail winds through dense forests of rhododendrons, magnolias, and rare wildflowers, creating a vibrant, fragrant atmosphere. These blossoms, especially rhododendrons and magnolias, peak from late March to early May, transforming the route into a kaleidoscope of colors.
Abundant Wildlife of both Singalila National Park and Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary: As one of the least-explored treks, this trail provides an excellent chance to spot rare species of birds and wildlife, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
Spectacular Sunrises and Sunsets: Be prepared for awe-inspiring sunrises and sunsets that light up the Himalayan peaks with golden hues, a truly magical sight on clear days.
Warm Hospitality of Local Tribes: Experience the rich culture and welcoming nature of the Lepchas, Sherpas, Bhutias, Limboos, and other Sikkimese and Nepali communities. Their harmonious way of life and deep connection to nature are inspirational and humbling.
Unique Borderline Trek: The trek’s ridgeline alternates between the Indian states of West Bengal and Sikim, and Nepal; offering a unique experience of crossing borders multiple times. This blend of landscapes and cultures adds an extra dimension to the journey.
Picturesque Villages: Encounter charming villages like Uttarey, Gorkhey, Samanden, Rammam and Srikhola, a stunning tabletop village, and others along the way, each with unique beauty, culture, and photo opportunities.
The Beauty of the Singalila Pass: The crossing from Sikkim into West Bengal via the Singalila Pass is both challenging and rewarding. It connects diverse landscapes and ecosystems, creating a seamless transition between regions.
Remote, Serene Trails: With fewer trekkers venturing here unlike the Sandakphu Phalut Trek, the Phoktey Dara trail offers a peaceful and immersive experience for those seeking solitude amidst nature. No crowd, no landrovers, pure trek
Perfect for Beginners: Despite its rich rewards, the trek is beginner-friendly, with manageable distances and elevations, making it accessible to first-time trekkers with basic fitness.

This trek combines breathtaking views, pristine nature, and a rich cultural experience, making it a must-do adventure for those seeking the true essence of the Himalayas.

6 Reasons Why the Phoktey Dara - Phalut Trek is the Better Choice Over Sandakphu - Phalut Trek

Authentic Wilderness Experience:
- Phoktey Dara offers a true escape into nature with no passing landrovers or tourist crowds, unlike the more commercialized Sandakphu trek.
- You’ll camp in serene, isolated locations surrounded by pristine forests and towering mountains, ensuring an immersive wilderness experience.
Perfect Blend of Camping and Homestays:
- The trek combines three nights of camping amidst nature with three nights of homestay experiences, giving you the best of both worlds.
- While Sandakphu is mostly homestay-based, Phoktey Dara lets you truly connect with the environment through camping in the wilderness.
Peaceful, Crowds-Free Trek:
- Unlike Sandakphu Trek, the Phoktey Dara - Singalila Pass - Phalut Trek’s remote trails are far from the busy tourist spots, offering solitude and tranquility throughout the trek.
- There are no vehicles, no noise, and no crowded campsites—just you and the majestic mountains.
Same Mountain Views But Without the Crowds:
- While both treks offer views of iconic peaks like Kanchenjunga, Everest, and Lhotse, Phoktey Dara is less frequented, making your experience more private and uninterrupted.
Higher Cost But Justified by Authentic Experience:
- Though Phoktey Dara is a more expensive trek as compared to the Sandakphu Trek, the cost reflects its pure camping nature, with equipment, porters, and staff logistics spread across longer distances.
- Unlike Sandakphu, which uses tea houses and homestays and has landrovers plying rto ferry the logistics at cheaper cost to the homestays, Phoktey Dara trek is remote deep inside the jungle and requires more extensive resources to support the trek’s camping requirements, hiring resources from far-away different states, their transportation, etc.
Minimal Commercialization:
- While Sandakphu sees more commercialization with tea houses and crowded paths, Phoktey Dara remains largely untouched by large-scale tourism.
- This makes Phoktey Dara a more authentic and culturally rich trek, offering unspoiled views and deeper engagement with the local Himalayan tribes.

Others Versions and Customizations For Phoktey Dara Trek

Shorter And Easiest Phoktey Dara Trek

The easiest and shortest possible itinerary for the Phoktey Dara trek is as below. Its a 5 days / 4 nights trek and is a full camping trek for 3 nights while the first night is spent in a beautiful homestay in Uttarey with a very warm and welcoming family.

Day 1: Arrival in Uttarey from Bagdogra ( 6 hours)

Day 2: Trek to Acchaley

Day 3: Trek to Kalijhar

Day 4: Excursion to Phoktey Dara. Trek back to Chewabhanjyang

Day 5: Trek back to Uttarey. Have Lunch. Drive back to Bagdogra

Other Customizations On This Itinerary:

Adding Sandakphu to the itinerary and exiting via Maneybhanjyang:

This will increase the trek days by 1 day and make it an 8 Days, 7 nights trek the itinerary will look like below. This is the best possible extensio of the trek and covers the entire region of the Singalila

Day 1: Uttarey
Day 2: Acchaley
Day 3: Kalijhar
Day 4: Kalijhar
Day 5: Phalut, via Singalila Pass
Day 6: Sandakphu, via Sabargram
Day 7: Tumling via Kalipokhari Lake
Day 8: Maneybhanjyang and drive to Bagdogra

Pros: You will add Sandakphu, Kalipokhari Lake, Tumling, Tonglu, Meghma Monastery, and Chitrey Monastery to the plan. Adds lot of value to the plan.

Cons: Increases in Days and Cost

Other customizations include:

Adding Sandakphu to the itinerary but exiting via Gurdum and Sepi
Exiting via Bharyang instead of Sepi to reduce a day
Returning from Phalut via Sandakphu / Kalipokhari / Tumling using Landrover

Please contact to discuss the customizations / price

Frequently Asked Questions

How Is The Covid19 Situation In Phoktey Dara Trek?

You may trek in Sikkim with a proper trekking permit and showing a valid RT-PCR test report and covid19 vaccination certificate (both doses)

How Is The Phoktey Dara Weather And Temperature In Springs?

March to May are designated spring months in Sikkim. During this time, the entire trek route is full of colourful flowers, especially rhododendrons and magnolias. Lots of other wildflowers grow here during this time and it's a birds paradise. The weather is comfortable. While early months might have accumulated snow on higher altitudes and shady areas, most of the trek route will remain off the snow. Having said that, it can snow anytime in the spring months, especially in the month of May. The grasses are green as new grass grow after snow melts off or the temperature gets suitable.

How Is The Phoktey Dara Weather And Temperature In Autumn?

Designated autumn months are from October till December. During this time the weather starts to prepare for harsh winter and gets colder each day, and turns drier as well. The grasses start to change their colour to brownish from green and the leaves start to fall. Quite a few species of wildflowers bloom during this time as well. The weather remains steady and the skies are usually very clear offering good views of the high mountains. This is the best time to experience the panorama of the peaks you see from this trek.

How Is The Phoktey Dara Weather And Temperature In Winters?

Winter months are from the end of December till the end of February. Winters are very cold and dry here. This trek can be done even during the winters. However, it is very very cold and dry and trekking conditions offers an adventurous challenge. Snowfall on this side of the mountains isn't disrupting as compared to Western Himalayas.

Which Is The Best Time To Do The Phoktey Dara Trek?

We consider the Spring months from March to May and then the Autumn months from October to December to be the best time to do the Phoktey Dara trek. If you love flowers and want to trek in comfortable weather, then springs are the best time, whereas, if you want a better experience of the mountain panorama, then autumn months are the best to do this trek.

How Are The Accommodations And Toilet Facility On The Phoktey Dara Trek?

The Phoktey Dara trek has mixed accommodation. While in the Sikkim side of the trek, we have to camp and there is no other option. After crossing the Singalila Pass and reaching Phalut, we can stay in homestays. While on camps, it will be mandatorily dry toilets but in homestays, it will be wet toilets.

What Are The Fitness Requirement Of The Phoktey Dara Trek?

This is a beginner trek and does not demand high physical stamina or endurance. However, having it always helps. Anyone who wishes to do this trek should be in good shape with good cardiovascular health. Strong legs and core muscles help a lot in negotiating steep climbs.

Can Novice Trekkers Do The Phoktey Dara Trek?

A beginner can undertake this trek under the guidance of a good support team and mentor. Any beginner opting to do this trek must possess basic cardiac stamina and strong muscles.

How Safe Is The Phoktey Dara Trek?

Altitude wise this trek is not that risky. However, proper mountain discipline should be maintained, This trek is remote and the climb involves steep climbs, slippery terrain under a dense canopy of the forest. Physical injury may become very cumbersome to manage.

Thursday, June 12, 2025 2:32:52 AM Categories:

Phoktey Dara - Singalila Pass - Phalut Trek

Starting fromUSD 373 / EUR 348

Key Geographical Highlights

Phoktey Dara Trek - Itinerary & Route Details

▼ Day 1Arrival DayUttarey 2020m

Arrival and Pickup

Stay at a Quite and BeautifulHomestay

Meet Your Trek Support Crew

Relax and Prepare for the Adventure

▲ Day 2Trekking DayAcchaley 2850m

Start Your Trek from Uttarey

Begin the Journey to Acchaley

Immerse Yourself in Nature

▲ Day 3Trekking DayKalijhar 3450m

Acchaley to Kalijhar: An Uphill Journey

A Trail Through Nature’s Beauty

A Short Yet Challenging Ascent

▲ Day 4Exploration Day - TrekKalijhar 3450m

Excursion to Phoktey Dara: A Day to Remember

Witness the Magical Sunrise from Phoktey Dara

Explore and Embrace Nature

▲ Day 5Pass Crossing DayPhalut 3600m

Crossing the Singalila Pass to Reach Phalut

A Demanding but Beautiful Trek

Prepare for the Day

▲ Day 6Trekking DayGorkhey 2286m

Sunrise View Point From Phalut

A Scenic Descent to Gorkhey

Arriving at the Picturesque Gorkhey

▲ Day 7Departure Day, Driving cum Trekking DayBagdogra 250m

Final Trek: Gorkhey to Sepi

From Samanden to Rammam and Sepi

Drive Back: Sepi to Bagdogra