Phoktey Dara Trek

Phoktey Dara Trek Overview

Phoktey Dara trek takes you to the hilltop at 3733 meters above the ground level. Located in Sikkim, the enchanting trek is a package of thrill, beauty, and fun as you pass through the dense forests of rhododendrons, magnolia, and bamboo. The 7-day and 6-night trek starts from base camp Hilley in Sikkim. The Phoktey Dara trek is easy enough to be taken by beginner-level trekkers as you can easily cross 26-30 km with prior training. Located just 5 km from Hilley, you can start trekking from Barsey Sanctuary. The trek takes you through forests, and swamplands to reach the places of Kharka Dara, Singalila Pass, Kalijhora, Phoktey Dara, Uttarey, etc. Each place is unique in its own way as you witness the charm of the mighty Himalayas from India and Nepal. The stunning views of Mount Everest, Mount Kanchenjunga, Mount Simvo, Mount Pandim, Mount Baruntse, Mount Chamlang, and Mount Tenzing Khang. The sunrise views of Kalijhora’s top point present you with the distant views of Frey Peak, Kabru Range, Fork 1 & 2, Mount Rathong, etc on clearer days. Moreover, the exciting thing about the trek is you get to witness the rarest animals like Red Pandas, Kalij Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Red Crossbill, and Parrotbills.

Quick Facts of Phoktey Dara Trek

Maximum altitude: 12,245 feet

Grade: Moderate

Duration: 7 days

Trekking distance: 26 kilometers

Airport: Bagadogra Airport

Snow Season: January and February

Service from: Pickup from Bagadogra Airport

Base camp: Hilley

Best season: Winter season (January and February)

Region: Sikkim

Phoktey Dara Trek Itinerary

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7

Reach Hilley via Road

  • Get a pick-up from Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri Railway station to reach Hilley in a private car.

  • The journey is approximately 140 km and takes 5-6 hrs to complete.

  • Pass through the lush green path of Jorethang Forest.

  • Say hello to Red Crossbill, and Parrotbills in the Kitam Bird.

  • Reach Hilley and enjoy a scrumptious dinner.

  • Sleep overnight peacefully in the hotel.

Trek from Hilley to Basey

  • Eat a healthy breakfast and start the first day of your trek.

  • The trekking point is just 5 minutes away from the hotel.

  • Start hiking from a less trodden trail through the rhododendron sanctuary.

  • Witness the rarest animals like Kalij Pheasant or Satyr Tragopan.

  • Ascend through the trail with less vegetation.

  • Witness the first view of Mount Kanchenjunga.

  • Set up the Camps at Barsey, enjoy your wholesome dinner and rest for the night.

Trek from Barsey to Joributi

  • Get up in the early morning and start ascending on the third day of the trek.

  • Eat a delicious breakfast and pack your tents.

  • Start trekking through Sikkim’s Alpine forests.

  • Hike to reach the different mountain ranges of the Singalila range.

  • Hike through forest canopies for most of the day.

  • Transverse through rhododendrons, magnolia, and bamboo.

  • Reach Joributti campsite, cook your dinner and rest your bones for the night.

Trek from Joributi to Kalijhora

  • Wake up early in the morning to start the fourth day of the Phoktey Dara Trek after having your breakfast.

  • Ascend the hill slip and pass by Uttarey.

  • Catch the beautiful sight of Red Pandas and witness the mighty Kanchenjunga Mountain.

  • Hike through the damp forest with bushes encompassing birds and animals.

  • Halt at Thulo Dhamp Swampland.

  • Ascend through the forests to find a suitable campsite.

  • Set up the camps and rest overnight.

Trek from Kalijhora or Kharka Dara to Singalila Pass

  • Wake up to the charming view of Sleeping Buddha.

  • Have your breakfast while witnessing Kharka Dara’s sunrise.

  • Start trekking to Kalijhora’s top point.

  • Witness the main highlight of the trek- the incredible views of the Himalayas of Nepal and Sikkim.

  • Catch the enchanting views of mighty Mount Everest, Mount Simvo, Mount Pandim, Mount Baruntse, Mount Kanchenjunga, Mount Chamlang, and Mount Tenzing Khang.

  • You can also witness distant views of Frey Peak, Kabru Range, Fork 1&2, Mount Rathong, etc.

  • Descend to the Singalila Pass and set up the camps for resting overnight.

Trek from Phoktey Dara to Uttarey

  • Wake up early in the morning to take a round trip to Phoktey Dara.

  • Trek through the stunning landscapes and witness the beauty of Phoktey Dara.

  • Capture the scenic beauty of the place from multiple angles- the famous sunrise looks.

  • Reach the campsite and enjoy breakfast.

  • Start descending through the forests of Rhododendrons, bamboo, and magnolia to reach Uttarey.

  • Travel to the hotel in 5 minutes.

  • Enjoy your dinner and sleep for the night.

Reach Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri Railway station from Uttarey

  • Get up early in the morning and have your breakfast in the hotel.

  • Today marks the official last day of the trek.

  • Transfer in a private vehicle to Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri Railway station in 5-6 hrs.

  • Halt at Jorethang for Lunch.

  • Witness the stunning looks of the hill stations of Rinchenpong, Hee, Dentam, Bermiok, etc.

  • Reach Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri Railway station as the trek package ends.

What to Pack for Phoktey Dara Trek?

  • Trekking shoes feature a good grip and ankle support and are appropriate for any terrain.

  • Wearing an extra layer of clothing like jackets, sweaters, gloves, socks, and thermal clothing is required to beat the cold.

  • Make sure to have a raincoat with you in case of unexpected rain.

  • Prepare a Backpack (50-60 L).

  • Sunglasses, a sun cap, and sunscreen are all recommended for sun protection.

  • Carry a headlight that has a wider beam than a single-beam flame.

  • Multiple refillable bottles of water, toiletries, food, cutlery, medicines, and a first-aid kit.

  • Carry chargers, extra batteries, and power banks, and charge any electrical devices before the hike if feasible.

Know Before You Go to Phoktey Dara Trek

How to Reach
Important Tips for trekkers

By Air: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport to Hilley at a distance of 140 km. You can take a flight to Bagdogra Airport and reach Hilley in 5-6 hrs.

By Train: The nearest railway station to Hilley is New Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, located at a distance of 134 km. From there, you can take a private taxi/cab to reach Hilley.

Gather all the necessary documents, certificates, and IDs for the trek. You must submit all the documents at the forest checkpost of Hilley as most of your trek is through the forests. As you ascend through the forests, the trek leader guides you and helps you to set up the camps.

  • Visit a doctor prior to the trek for analyzing your fitness levels. Start practicing before the trek to be able to walk ascending trails effortlessly.

  • There are two best times for the trek, you can choose either spring/summer for the clearest views or winter season for snow.

  • Keep yourself hydrated throughout the trek.

  • Carry proper medications and first aid kits.

  • Refrain from trekking during the night.

  • Don’t climb or ascend quickly as it might tire you for the rest of your journey.

  • Wear kneecaps as forests might cause discomfort.

  • Take a good night's sleep.

  • Check out the most unique animals while passing through the sanctuary.

FAQs of Phoktey Dara Trek

How much time is required to do Phoktey Trek?

Phoktey Dara Trek takes 7-days and 6-nights to finish. The total distance of the Phoktey Dara trek is 26-30 km which takes you through Uttarey, Barsey, Kharka Dara, Singalila Pass, Kalijhora, Phoktey Dara, etc. Most of your journey is through the dense forests, which stretches the trek up to 7 days for completing 26-30 km distance.

Where is Phoktey Trek located?

Phoktey Dara Trek takes you to the Phoktey Dara Point which lies around dense forests. This point is located 3733 meters above ground level. The trek starts from the village of Uttarey in Sikkim, which lies close to the Nepalese borders. It is on the Singalila Range in western Sikkim.

How difficult is the Phoktey Trek?

Phoktey Dara Trek ranges from easy to moderate level. The moderate trail requires you to travel through dense forests of rhododendrons, bamboo, and magnolia. You will be traveling through the forests and swamplands. But the rest of the trek is quite easy. The trek is suitable for beginners-levels and can be taken by first-time trekkers.

What is the best time to do a Phoktey Trek?

The best time to take Phoktey Dara Trek is during the months of spring/summer. This time offers the best views of blooming rhododendrons, and wildflowers. It has the clearest views of the Himalayas from Phoktey Dara and Kalijhora’s top point during these times.

Is Phoktey Trek worth doing?

Yes, Phoktey Dara Trek is worth your time because you witness the beauty of the mighty Nepali and Indian Himalayas from the top. The exciting trail takes you through the dense forests of rhododendrons and swamplands. Moreover, you can witness some of the rarest animals like the Red Pandas during the trek.

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