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HIKING IN PARADISE - THE SINGALILA TREK, INDIA
April 7 - 18, 2008
$1930
Lalita Malik, Trip Leader
***** TRIP CANCELLED - NOT ENOUGH PEOPLE SIGNED UP IN TIME *****

Experience one of the most famous treks in the Himalayas. The Singalila Ridge Trek follows the ridgeline toward Sikkim where we will have views of Mount Everest, Makalu and Kanchenjunga on the one side and lush green hills on the other. The contrast is inspiring and beautiful. During the spring this trail is lined by blooming rhododendron trees, along with orchids, magnolias and bamboo. Our maximum elevation will be 12,120 ft. On this trek, one can enjoy views of Everest and some of the highest peaks in the world without the hazards of high altitude trekking.  
  
We will spend our first day in Darjeeling, enjoying big mountain views and beautiful countryside. The next day we will start our trek and will be out camping for the next 6 days. Our last day will include sightseeing in Calcutta/Kolcutta.

Darjeeling is a small district in the upper end of West Bengal, India, on the border with Sikkim and Nepal. Surrounded by lofty mountains, beautiful rivers and lovely tea plantations, Darjeeling has been an important vacation destination since the days of British rule. This area is also famous for the many hill stations built as summer getaways by the British and now used by many rich Indians as places to escape the heat of mainland India.

The tea grown in Darjeeling is sold all over the world and is considered some of the very best. The culture in this area is mostly Buddhist, with British influence and some Hindu temples. We will see Buddhist monasteries and Hindu shrines alongside British style architecture. In the morning we'll drive to Tiger Hill, the highest point in Darjeeling, for a fantastic morning sunrise over the Himalaya. We will spend the rest of the day visiting monasteries, the Himalayan Mountaineering institute started by Tenzing Norgay (the first Sherpa to reach Mt. Everest), the Himalayan Zoo, and a Tea plantation.  

After two nights in Darjeeling, we will begin our trek. We will drive to the trail head and start climbing. We will hike with a day pack. Our tents, sleeping bags and all camping gear will be carried by porters or donkeys. At the end of every hike, the tents will be set up and supper prepared while we enjoy the views. 

Once finished trekking, we'll stay in Kurseong, another hill station, where we will have an afternoon session of Yoga.  A perfect end to a great hike.

Our last day will be touring Calcutta/Kolcutta where we will visit Indian Museums, temples, Botanical Gardens, the Marble Palace and Mother Teresa's orphanage and medical center.

Level of Difficulty: The pace of this trip is designed to be moderate. But hiking at this altitude for these distances can be strenuous. We will hike 6 miles per day (with elevation gain up to 3,400 ft.) to 13 miles per day with gentle up and down on mountain ledges (500ft.), at elevations ranging from 5,000 to 12,000 ft.  We will spend 2 days at 7,000 ft. to acclimatize to higher elevation. We will hike with a day pack.

For the trekking, the outfitter will provide guide, cook, porters, tents, mattresses, cooking utensils and all other necessary items required for a trek. The participants are requested to bring their own sleeping bags.

Daily Itinerary

Price includes:
  • 11 nights accommodation based on double occupancy at hotels/tents
  • All meals (11 buffet breakfasts, 11 lunches and 11 dinners)
  • All transfers, excursions and sightseeing tours in Darjeeling and Calcutta/Kolcutta,
  • Entrance fee at all monuments, museum,
  • Road taxes, parking fee, fuel charges,
  • Interstate taxes,
  • Porterage at all hotels and airports
  • Services of local English speaking guide will be provided for all excursions and sightseeing and assistance will be provided on arrival and departure transfers. 
  • All currently applicable taxes including 4.90% service tax.
Not included:
  • Expense of personal nature like tipping, laundry, telephone/fax calls
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Camera/video camera fee at monuments
  • Medical expenses
  • Airport departure tax

For more information and to sign up contact Lalita Malik, 61 Patrick Drive, LaGrangeville, NY 12540, (845)592-0204; LalitaMalik@aol.com 
Please note:  Prices and trip arrangements are subject to change due to circumstances beyond ADK's control. All registration fees are non-refundable. Details including cancellation policy will be supplied to all those requesting trip information.

MEMBERSHIP IN THE ADIRONDACK MOUNTAIN CLUB IS REQUIRED FOR PARTICIPATION 
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION