The Phoktey Dara Trek is a spectacular 5-day adventure through the pristine wilderness of West Sikkim, offering one of the most rewarding trekking experiences in the Eastern Himalayas. Located at an altitude of 3,733 meters (12,245 feet), this scenic trail winds through the renowned Singalila National Park, providing trekkers with breathtaking panoramic views of the world’s highest peaks including Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu.
Phoktey Dara Trek Difficulty
The Phoktey Dara Trek is classified as Easy to Moderate level, making it accessible to trekkers with basic fitness levels and minimal previous experience. Here’s what makes it manageable:
Difficulty Factors
- Gradual altitude gain from 2,012m to 3,733m over 4-5 days
- Moderate daily distances of 7-8 kilometers with 5-6 hours of walking
- Well-defined trails through established trekking routes
- Manageable elevation gain of approximately 900m on the most challenging day
Physical Requirements
- Basic fitness level with ability to walk 5-6 hours daily
- Sound health without serious medical conditions
- Previous trekking experience preferred but not mandatory
- Moderate cardiovascular endurance for uphill sections
Challenges to Consider
- High altitude exposure with potential for altitude sickness above 3,000m
- Weather variability in mountain conditions
- Remote location with limited evacuation options
- Basic camping facilities require adaptability
Best Time to plan Phoktey Dara Trek
- Peak Season: November to January – clearest mountain views and stable weather
- Rhododendron Season: March to May – vibrant flower blooms throughout the forest
- Avoid: June to September – monsoon season with heavy rainfall and poor visibility
Phoktey Dara Package exclusion and inclusion
Inclusions
- Homestay or tent accommodation for all trek nights (usually twin sharing)
- Breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, and dinner from trek start to end
- Singalila National Park permit
- Inner Line Permit (ILP) or other required local/sanctuary permits
- Experienced local trek leader/guide
- Support staff (cook, helpers)
- Porter or pack animal support for group equipment
- Sleeping bags and foam mats
- Camping tents and kitchen tents
- Kitchen equipment and dining gear
- Basic first-aid kit available with trek leader
- Transportation between trek base (Uttarey/Gitang) and trek start/end point as per itinerary
Exclusions
- Flights, trains or buses to NJP/Bagdogra/Siliguri
- Transportation from Bagdogra/NJP to Uttarey/Gitang and back (usually separate, jeep costs split among group)
- Charges for personal porter to carry individual luggage (typically ₹4,000–₹4,500 extra)
- Hotel stay and meals before trek start or after trek completion
- Snacks, bottled water, soft drinks
- Tips to guides, cooks or drivers
- Souvenirs or personal purchases
- Hot water or room heater charges at homestays/campsites
- Personal medical expenses, emergency evacuation, or hospitalization
- This trek is generally open only to Indian nationals—any extra charges for foreigners not included
- Any item or service not specifically listed above as included
Trip Fact
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Lodge, tent, homestay
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Included in package
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NJP, Bagdogra
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Mar-May, Oct-Jan
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NJP, Bagdogra
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Partial; see terms
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High Altitude Expert Included
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Not included in basic
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Not Included.
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English, Hindi, Nepali
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3,733–3,800m
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Vegetarian Meals once the trek is commenced, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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NJP, Bagdogra, Uttarey
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Not Included, Boiled/filtered at camp
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Cash at Office, UPI, Online Transfer
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Fixed & custom dates
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Jeep/taxi extra
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5–7 hours/day
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Not available on trek
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7
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65
Trek Overview
Starting from Uttarey, a charming village situated 160 km from Siliguri, this trek traverses dense rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and virgin wilderness areas within the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary. The trek provides a wonderful chance to see the stunning “Sleeping Buddha” shape. This incredible view is formed by Mt. Kanchenjunga and nearby mountains, creating the outline of a Buddha resting peacefully.
The trek covers approximately 26 kilometers of diverse terrain, passing through the Indo-Nepal border region where trekkers can glimpse Nepalese villages of Taplejung and Phidim. This relatively unexplored route provides an authentic wilderness experience away from crowded tourist trails, making it perfect for nature enthusiasts seeking solitude and pristine mountain views
Phoktey Dara Trek Highlights
- Panoramic views of 4 out of 5 world's highest peaks: Mt. Everest (8,849m), Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516m), and Mt. Makalu (8,462m)
- Iconic "Sleeping Buddha" formation - unique alignment of Kanchenjunga range peaks
- 360-degree mountain vistas including over 26 majestic peaks from Bhutan, Sikkim, and Nepal
- Spectacular sunrise and sunset views from Phoktey Dara summit
- Rich biodiversity within Singalila National Park and Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary
- Rare wildlife sightings including red panda, Himalayan black bear, and barking deer
- Diverse bird species including kalij pheasant, blood pheasant, scarlet minivet, and satyr tragopan
- Vibrant rhododendron blooms (March-April) with over 20 different species
- 600+ varieties of orchids - highest concentration in any single location worldwide
- Camping under starlit skies in pristine wilderness locations
- Border region exploration with views of Nepal villages
- Traditional homestay experience in local Sikkimese villages
- Photography opportunities of rare Himalayan flora and fauna
