Dafeybhir Trek:

The Uttarey/Singalila trek in Sikkim is all along the high ridges of the Singalila Range bordering Sikkim and Nepal. This challenging and off the beaten trek, pioneered by none other than the legendary mountaineer, Tenzing Norgay Sherpa. Trail is over steep and rocky terrain, lush green valleys, fast flowing rivers and beautiful high altitude lakes nestled on mountains. It offers striking and near perfect views of the Sikkim and Nepal Himalayas including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Kanchenjunga from countless view points. Dafeybhir trek is sure to whet the appetites of those seeking a singular experience.

pahari-megu-dafeybhir-trek — On the way to Pahari Megu

Dafeybhir trail starts from Uttarey, a village located in West Sikkim, spread on the valley with one street small bazaar and lodges. Our trail will continue along Singalila ridge bordering south western Sikkim and Nepal border and then reentering Sikkim. Trail ends in upper Nombu region in west Sikkim which is around 2/3 hours drive from tourist town Pelling. Popular Yuksom Goecha La trail lies further east to this trail, around 3/4 days hike from Dafeybhir joining in Dzongri.

singalila-ridge-map-sandakphu-dafeybhir-trek — Darjeeling-Sikkim-Singalila ridge including Dafeybhir trail

Truly this trail can be referred Sikkim Alpine lakes trial. There are almost 10 high altitude lakes spreading on and around the trail once we reach ~ 4000 m/13000 ft, medium or large in size. Most of these are on the trail, for few you have to take a detour around an hour. To mention, Nepal Jumley Pokhri (twin lakes), Lampokhri (longitudinal lake), Sikkim Jumley (Ram and Laxman Pokhri). For Tembong Pokhri and Laxmi Pokhri, we need to add few kilometre from our usual trail. Pokhri means lake in Nepalese language.

jumley-pokhri-nepal-mount-chamlang — Jumley Pokhri (twin lakes) in Nepal/Sikkim border

high-altitude-lakes-in-sikkim-during-dafeybhir-trek — Nepal Jumley pokhri

lampokhri-lake-dafeybhir-trek — Lampokhri

Regarding peak views, this trail is mix of both panoramic and close up. After leaving Chewabhanjang, we take the famous Singalila ridge much northerly than usual Sandakphu Phalut trail. Basically we walk facing much acclaimed and revered Sleeping Buddha, a typical formation of Kanchendzongha and neighbouring high mountains. More than 2 days you will continue on the ridge witnessing the beauty High Himalayan mountains host of peaks in Sikkim and neighbouring Nepal. This trek essentially combines all the peaks one can see from Sandakphu and from Goecha La, with few additions!

walking-from-uttarey-dafeybhir-trek — Trek starts amidst greenery

on-the-way-to-chewabhanjung-dafybhir-trek — On the way to Chewabhanjung

major-dara-view-point-on-dafeybhir-trek — Sleeping Buddha from Major Dara top

mountain-views-on-dafeybhir-trek — On the way from Gairi to Pahari Megu

everest-range-on-dafeybhir-trek — Looking towards Nepal ranges along with Everest

gairi-campsite-on-dafeybhir-trek — Gairi campsite

lampokhri-lake-campsite-on-dafeybhir-trek — Lampokhri camp

Brief Itinerary:

Day 1: Drive from NJP railways station or Bagdogra airport to Uttarey – 160 Km by car – 8 hours
Day 2: Trek to Chitrey – 8 Km – 4/5 hours
Day 3: Trek to Gairi via Chewabhanjang – 14 Km – 7/8 hours
Day 4: Trek to Dhor via Sukhadhap – 9 Km – 4/5 hours
Day 5: Trek to Pahari Megu – 8 Km – 4 hours
Day 6: Trek to Lampokhri via Sikkim Jumley Pokhri – 10 Km – 6/7 hours
Day 7: Early morning visit Dafeybhir pass, explore lakes around and return to Lampokhri camp. 5/6 hours round trip.
Day 8: Trek down to upper Naya Patal (SSB camp) via Yombong – 12 Km – 5/6 hours.
Day 9: Trek down to the first village on the route, Chowri and further down to Shyang Khola. – 14 Km – 6 to 7 hours. Lodge or camp.
Day 10: Drive to NJP or Bagdogra via Nambu – Darap – Pelling route – 180 km – 8 hours

Note: You need to reach latest by 10 am on Day 1 at NJP/Siliguri or Bagdogra. You will return to NJP/Bagdogra on Day 10, by 5 pm. ***

Access to Dafeybhir trek base: Uttarey (West Sikkim)

You need to reach NJP (by train) or Bagdogra (by flight) around the city Siliguri in West Bengal for your Darjeeling or Sikkim trips. Kolkata is well connected to Siliguri through flights and overnight trains and busses (road from Kolkata to Siliguri is not in good condition and may take 15/16 hours!) .

Do carefully check for the latest arrival timings on Day 1 of the itinerary (latest by 10 am) before you book your train or flight tickets.

We will arrange a pickup and drop from NJP/Siliguri to Uttarey and return from Pelling. This will be shared by the team members on actual basis and you pay directly to driver/owner on spot. Typically a Tata Sumo/Mahindra Maxx type Jeep charges ₹ 7000 one side which can accommodate 6 to 8 people. Tempo Traveller type vans are not available in this route. This cost is NOT included in the TREK FEE.

For details on how to reach nearest railways station/airport and move to trek base independently/public transportation check the details in GETTING THERE TAB.