Singalila ridge trek and guide

thim

Hi all, I have recieved conflicting information on whether a guide is required for the Singalila ridge trek?

Also some say it is necessary to book lodging before hand, others say no?

If a guide is required and I must make advance booking, do I need to make them for the guide as well?

I have also heard I should bring a tent during high season. When it high season?

Thank you for the response- I know that this has been addressed before, but as it was over a year ago I thought things might have changed.

Cheers.

AvidTrekker

From Manebhanjyang to Phalut no guide is required, coz many people do the trek on the well marked trail.

After Phalut, you just follow the same trail and end up at Singali La in around 4 or 5 hours. One can go further on the same ridge for four days. Then cross over two valleys to the right and join the Goecha La route at Dzongri [2 days] and proceed to Goecha La.

Problem is, foreigners must have a permit in Sikkim. Singali La is at the tri junction of Nepal, Darjeeling [West Bengal] and Sikkim. To proceed further would be inviting trouble unless you are an Indian National. So you will have to exit at Singali La. Either backtrack for a while or turn right into the valley which borders Sikkim-Darjeeling.

Peak season is during the durgaa pujaa holidays [23 sep to 2nd Oct in 2006] and Dipawali [after 20 days].

Even if you get accomodation, it will be dirty and maybe a common dormitory with majority male crowd. You may not be very comfortable. Bookings are a hit and miss affair.

IMer Babuchand is the best man for this info. Search all his posts with "phalut" key word and you will find lotsa info here.

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jcdauchy

Thanks a lot for all those information, planning to do it bu myself...

With tent and food. Would be nice to be able to go to Goecha La but i need a permit.

You mean that if we have a permit, we could go on by ourselves without a guide ?

AvidTrekker

I believe an "agency" is compulsory. Earlier "min four ppl" requirement existed... nowadays less are allowed.

I don't first hand know since I don't need a permit... but all foreigners in Sikkim must take special permit to trek. The permit is given only if doing it thru an "approved" agency. If you hire the trek agency, they do everything. You just need many passport size pics.

In Sikkim, foreign nationals are not permitted to trek "alone".

somnath

Avid,
My personal experience says that a guide is mandatory from Manebhanjyang. It was a Govt. rule that no one can enter without a licensed guide / guide cum porter. It is a well marked trail but But the reason behind the rule is I think to help the local economy.

Babuchand has the latest info so he may confirm but I guess the rule is still there. Anyway, you can talk to Rana jee – DGHC stuff posted at Maneybhangang for guide. And Sikkim is very strict on permits so a tour operator can make your life easy.

- Somnath

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shantraveller

Is a guide necessary for Indian nationals trekking on ant other route such as from Rimbick to Sandakphu?

jcdauchy

thanks.. so i'll try the first part of the trek alone, then i'll see if we go on for the Goecha La..

Happy trekking

somnath

This thread will help you:

Destination Sandakphu-Falut


shantraveller, a guide is mandatory to enter in Singalila National Park. So I think (DGHC can confirm) it is required.

- Somnath

shantraveller

But is there any checkpost on the route from Rimbick to Sandakphu?

somnath

Ha ha ha…… this guy is desperately trying to find out a safe backdoor .

Honestly speeking, Sir – we didn’t find one .

shantraveller

I am not trying to find a backdoor. I am just trying to find the shortest trek route that includes Sandakphu and Phalut. As for taking a guide we really do not want that as we really prefer to do the trek alone rather than in the company of a stranger.

somnath

Ohhh…. please, shantraveller I am sorry if you are hurt . It was just fun. I understand your point but please go through the posts mentioned in the other thread and you will come to know that if you are hiring a guide – you are actually helping those nice local guys. And as you are trying some uncommon rout they may become very helpful.

So, cheers.

shantraveller

I just thought I should clear out the misunderstanding if any. Anyway can you tell me whether it is possible to arrange for a guide from Rimbick?

somnath

Absolutely not. Cheers buddy.

, But there is a thread where some hotel / guide recommendation for this trail is given (please search this forum) and I can remember some contact numbers are also there. that may come handy to arrange a guide from Rimbik.

shantraveller

Thanx Man!!