Phoktey Dara Trek
Know Before You Go
- Before you begin your trek build your physical endurance by working out outdoors or in a gymnasium.
- There are two distinct seasons for the trek, choose from either spring/summer season or the clear fall/winter season.
- Get in touch with a trek organizer that organizes the entire trek of yours including camping charges, permit fee, and stays at the various campsites, in advance.
- Procure your trekking permits from the Forest Checkpost at Hilley by submitting your photos and other ID proofs.
- Carry your trek essentials that include torch, rucksack, socks, trekking shoes, and microspikes. You must also carry knapsacks, warm jackets, windcheater, waterproof and woolen gloves besides knee caps.
- Carry antibiotics in the form of anti- diarrhoearal medicines, mild analgesics, and antibiotics in your medical kit.
- Keep yourself hydrated at all times by drinking enough fluid so that there are no cramps.
Additional Information
About the destination:
Situated at an altitude of 3733 meters (12,245 feet), the Phoktey Dara Trek is popular for the hill top view point. The appealing beauty of the scenic Sikkim/High Nepal ranges and an extensive immaculate jungle trail are enough to describe this trek.
This viewpoint lets you witness the sweeping view of the world’s highest 4 peaks out of the five. You can see Mt. Nuptse, Mt, Lhotse, Mt. Makalu and Mt Everest and in the east you enjoy the magnificent views of Mt. Kokthangm Mt. Sinolchu, Mt. Rathong, Mt Narsing, and Mt Khangchendzonga.
There is nothing like observing the 360-degree opening sight of the Kanchenjunga range and all mountains in the famous formation of “sleeping Buddha''. Sunset and sunrise panorama are profound and surreal here.
About the Phoktey Dara Trek:
A drive of 6-7 hours from Siliguri brings you to the Hilley where lies the Phoktey Dara Trek starting point. After arriving at Hilley you pass through the verdant Jorethang Forest, and spend the night at a Hilley hotel. En route, you enjoy the beauty of the undisturbed patches of mixed coniferous and wet temperate forests, Sikkim’s rural villages, and Teesta Rivers charm.
The trail within the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary takes you through Rhododendron trees, giant blooming magnolias and clinging ferns. You will also hear the relentless singing and tweeting of birds like babblers, Thrushes, warblers and sun birds besides spot the sightings of the marbled cat, red panda, and the barking deer.
The next day you begin an uphill trek to Joributi, spend the night at a campsite here and set forth for Kalijhora the next day. Walking along the hill slope you pass Uttarey and take a break at the Thulo Dhap swampland. You welcome the next morning with the Sleeping Buddha’s enigmatic view and leave for Singalila Pass.
After a return from the pass you spend the night and the next morning you trek to Phoktey Dara. Later, you descend downhill towards Uttarey via the Mainibas Falls, and Chewbanjang pass. Your Phoktey Dara Trek ends as you head back to Siliguri enjoying enroute sightseeing at Kaluk, Rinchenpong, and Singshore Bridge.
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How much is Phoktey Dara Trek distance?
The approximate distance of the Phoktey Dara Trek is about 26 to 30 kilometers that includes a visit to Singalila Pass, Uttarey, Kharka Dara and Kharka Dara.
How much is Phoktey Dara Trek temperature?
The day temperature at the Phoktey Dara Trek ranges from 13-18 degree Celsius and the night temperature fluctuates between -1 to 5 degrees Celsius. If you are traveling during the months October-November then you can expect the temperatures to be lower.
What is the difficulty level of Phoktey Dara Trek?
The difficulty level of the Phoktey Dara Trek is easy-moderate. Trekking up to the Singalila Pass that lies at an altitude of 12150 feet, involves an easy-grade trekking. However, the uphill trek towards Barsey and Phoktey Dara viewpoint, calls for moderate trekking.
What is the best time to visit Phoktey Dara Trek?
The best time to visit the Phoktey Dara Trek is during the spring/summer season as you catch the sight of the blooming rhododendrons, and the winter/fall season that is characterized by clear weather. You must avoid the monsoon months as clouds start hovering from April and prolong up to the beginning of October.
Make your bookings for mid March to Mid may as the flowering of the giant magnolias and rhododendrons begins from the onset of March. However, if you desire to have a crystal clear view of the majestic Himalayas then November is your ideal month.
Can we go to Phoktey Dara Trek in Monsoon?
Yes, you can go to the Phoktey Dara Trek during the monsoon season that begins from April and extends up till the beginning of October. However, you will have to bear with stunted visibility that includes no clearer views of the Himalayas. You will not be able to click stunning pictures of the mountains or the rich biodiversity in the region.
Can beginners go for Phoktey Dara Trek?
Yes, beginners can go for the Phoktey Dara Trek after they have undergone some basic training. That is because the trek has an easy-moderate level of difficulty.
Is a permit required for Phoktey Dara Trek?
Yes, a permit is required to enter Sikkim and trek to Phoktey Dara. If you are an Indian National then you can obtain your permit from the forest check post at Hilley by submitting an address proof, two passport size photos, and a self declaration at the police outpost of Yuksom. Foreign nationals will have to obtain a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Inner Line Permit, and an additional Protected Area Permit (PAP, often known as the Trekking Permit).
Which are the other best North East treks that we can book from Thrillophilia?
Here is the list of other best North East treks that you can book from Thrillophilia: