Singalila National Park National Park

Address: Singalila National Park, Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts, West Bengal, India

Website: https://wbfdc.com/ (West Bengal Forest Dept. resources)

Admission: Forest entry permits and trekking fees may apply; park fees charged by West Bengal Forest Department for entry and camping

Singalila National Park is a protected area on the Singalila Ridge in West Bengal, India, covering a high-altitude tract of Himalayan terrain. It is best known for the ridge peaks and high-elevation forests that mark the state boundary with Nepal.

The park’s principal attractions are the ridge viewpoints and trekking routes, especially the multi-day Sandakphu-Phalut trek that crosses the park and visits peaks at roughly 3,600 metres. Forested trails and open alpine meadows provide opportunities for birdwatching and sightings of Himalayan mammals along defined routes of several dozen kilometres in total.

The area was brought under legal protection to conserve its montane ecosystems and wildlife; management has focused on habitat protection and regulated trekking. Over time the site has developed trekking infrastructure such as trails, mountain huts and village access points used by guides and porters.

Geographically the park runs along the Singalila Ridge in the northern Darjeeling hills of West Bengal, bordering Nepal to the west. The terrain is steep and forested, with the two main ridge summits forming the park’s north-south spine and providing panoramic views of the eastern Himalaya.

• Highest point: Contains Sandakphu, the highest point in West Bengal at about 3,636 metres and a key viewpoint for Himalayan panoramas.
• Wildlife highlights: Home to montane forests and alpine meadows that support species such as red panda and various Himalayan birds, making it a target for wildlife and birdwatching.

What to See#

• Sandakphu and Phalut: Sits along the Singalila Ridge and includes the high trekking points Sandakphu and Phalut, which form the spine of the park and are the main destinations for multi-day treks.

Most treks to Sandakphu begin at Manebhanjan, accessible by road from Darjeeling (approximately 3-4 hours). From Siliguri or Darjeeling, hire a vehicle to Manebhanjan and book guides or porters locally. Permits may be required-confirm with West Bengal Forest Department.

• Base treks to Sandakphu at Manebhanjan and book porters/guides in advance-trail permits are required for some areas.
• For the classic views of Kanchenjunga and Everest, aim for early morning from Sandakphu or Phalut-sunrise clarity can be exceptional.
• Acclimatize gradually; even modest elevations can produce headaches for those coming from near sea level.