Discover a journey that unites outer adventure with inner reflection.
Beginning in the misty hills of Darjeeling, explore the charm of its tea gardens and Himalayan heritage before setting out on a five – day trek along the Singalila
Ridge, where the world’s highest peaks – Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga – grace the skyline.
Walking through forests, villages and mountain trails, you’ll be accompanied by a facilitator from the K Study Centre, guiding daily Dialogues in the light of the
teachings of J. Krishnamurti. The journey culminates in Varanasi, one of India’s most sacred cities, with time for reflection and study at the Centre at Rajghat,
overlooking the great River Ganges.
A rare opportunity to experience the majesty of the Himalayas and the depth of Krishnamurti’s teachings – a journey of landscape, learning, and transformation.
DARJEELING and THE SINGALILA TREK
Darjeeling is located in Northwest Bengal, in the Himalayan foothills. Famous for its worldrenowned tea, colonial era-charm and the UNESCO World Heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train). A blend of Nepali, Tibetan, Bhutanese and Bengali influences, all reflected in its food, festivals and traditions. Highlights are the panoramic views of Kanchenjunga (the world’s third highest mountain), the Batasia Loop, the Ghoom Monastery and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. The SINGALILA Ridge is a north-south mountain ridge running along the India- Nepal border in the Eastern Himalayas, running through West Bengal (Darjeeling district) and Sikkim. Two of West Bengal’s highest peaks lie on this ridge: Sandakphu (3,636m) and Phalut (3600m).
The ridge is enclosed in Singalila National Park which protects diverse Himalayan forests, wildlife and flora. In clear weather along the ridge, you can see high peaks such as Lhotse, Makalu, Kanchenjunga and Everest.
THE KRISHNAMURTI CENTRE, VARANASI
The Rajghat Education Centre (REC) is based on the vision of J. Krishnamurti and inspired by the statements he made about his teachings. It was established in 1928 by Krishnamurti, overlooking the confluence of the rivers Varuna and Ganga, on the outskirts of the pilgrimage city of Varanasi. The Centre consists of The Rajghat Besant School, Vasanta College for Women, Krishnamurti Study Centre and Rural units that are engaged in community services. “This is a place of learning and austere living with inward discipline, and work, without guru, without leader, and without a system of meditation or working; a place for all serious people who have left behind them their nationality, their sectarian beliefs and all the other things that divide human beings.”
CLICK TO READ MORE: https://www.rajghatbesantschool.org
The Unit for Women Empowerment (UWE) has been working to empower rural women for the past three decades. It was established in 1994 as an initiative to provide training to women from the neighbouring villages of Rajghat. Over time, the unit flourished by offering new livelihood opportunities. Women come to learn new skills, stitch various items, and earn an income which they use to support their families, pursue education and meet personal needs.
“It is a story of unwavering commitment to communities, women and their empowerment.” The UWE is a Krishnamurti Foundation of India initiative and is part of the rural centre in Sarai Mohana village. The centre includes Sanjivan hospital, a dairy farm, and the Achyut Patwardhan School, all dedicated to serving the rural community. “The UWE is an effort to transform the lives of women from underprivileged social backgrounds, fostering financial autonomy and decision-making power among women in their lives.” J. Krishnamurti (1895-1986) is widely regarded as one of the greatest thinkers and religious teachers of all time. He spoke throughout the world to large audiences and to individuals, including writers, scientists, philosophers and educators, about the need for a radical change in mankind. Krishnamurti was concerned with all humanity and stated repeatedly that he held no nationality or belief and belonged to no particular group or culture. In the latter part of his life, he travelled mainly between the schools he had founded in India, Britain and the United States, which educate for the total understanding of man and the art of living. He stressed that only this profound understanding can create a new generation that will live in peace.
Arrival Delhi
Arrive Delhi early morning, flight to Bagdogra and drive to Darjeeling. The drive to Darjeeling will take us about 3hrs (70 Kms). Today, Darjeeling is a bustling town but the Mall still retains Victorian charm, evening walk around the Mall and enjoy the Diwali celebrations at this time of the year!
In Darjeeling
Free day in Darjeeling, visiting the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. There are interesting displays and photographs from some of the early Everest climbs.
Ride the toy train; drive to Rimbik and trek to Manedara - 8,040ft (2,450m)
After breakfast, we have a 40-minute ride on the toy train to Ghoom (subject to running). The train chugs out of Darjeeling, stopping to take on water and to allow passengers to photograph the Batasia Loop. At Ghoom, we meet our cars and drive for around four hours to Rimbik, the trailhead of our trek at 7,500ft (2,286m). We have a 45-minute gentle uphill walk through magnificent rhododendron forests (a blaze of reds in spring) to our camp at Manedara, where we spend our first night under canvas. As we approach the village, we have stunning views of Kabru Dome and Kabru South peaks. Accommodation: TENTS Meal: Dinner Distance covered: 2km Ascent: 591 ft (180m) Activity hours: 45 minutes
Trek through forest and villages to Gurdum - 7,875ft (2,400m)
Today we start our trek with an easy trail passing small houses and fields. It is about two hours’ gradual walk through beautiful forest to Shepi village. We then descend to the Gurdum Khola river, which we cross by bridge and after a steep one-hour climb to Gurdum village, we arrive at our camp for the evening. Accommodation: TENTS Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Distance covered: 6mi (9km) Ascent: 1,444ft (440m) Descent: 1,247ft (380m) Walking: 3-4 Hours
Trek through forest ascending through Sandakhphu to Chandu- 11,715ft (3,570m)
It’s a fairly tough but rewarding day as we finish our ascent to the Singalila Ridge. The trail climbs steeply in places until we emerge at a forest clearing. From here, it undulates through rhododendron forest to the ridgetop at Sandakhphu (11,929ft/3,636m), the highest point of our trek. On a clear day, the climb is well worth the effort as we are rewarded with a magnificent Himalayan panorama. The views from here are truly amazing – the towering slopes of Kanchenjunga lie ahead and Everest, Lhotse and Makalu come into view in the distance. After lunch at Sandakhphu, it is a gradual walk ona rough jeep track to our camp at Chandu. Accommodation: TENTS Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & dinner Distance covered: 9mi (14km) Ascent: 4,888ft (1,490m) Descent: 919ft (280m) Walking: 7-8 Hours
Trekking along the Singalila Ridge to Sabargam - sleeping altitude: 11,601ft (3,536m)
We are now on the Singalila Ridge, the border between Nepal and India, which means at times we are walking in each country. This is a great day for views. The trail undulates, following the ridge through chestnut, oak and silver fir trees with commanding panoramic views of the Himalaya all day. Dwarf rhododendrons and primulas colour the landscape in spring. Tonight, we have a spectacular wild camp at Sabargam. The views from here are sublime and we hope to see a magnificent sunset and sunrise over Kanchenjunga, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu and a whole host of other Himalayan peaks. Accommodation: TENTS Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Distance covered: 8mi (13km) Ascent: 1,280ft (390m) Descent: 1,115ft (340m) Walking: 4-5 Hours
Trek to the end of the Singalila Ridge at Phalut then descend to Samaden -8,135ft (2,480m)
We enjoy a full day of trekking along an undulating trail to the end of the ridge at Phalut, where we descend to Samaden. On a clear day, we get breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga as we continue along the ridge. The Everest range is further away but Kanchenjunga rears up over us. Phalut is at 11,810ft (3,600m) and just behind the lodge there is a viewpoint where Himalayan giants surround us. The trail down to Samaden is glorious and takes us through forests of oak, conifers, pine and rhododendrons, an explosion of colour in spring. We camp tonight in Samaden, a small settlement with excellent views. Accommodation: TENTS Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Distance covered: 14mi (23km) Ascent: 1,988ft (606m). Descent: 4,659ft (1,420m) Walking: 7-8 Hrs
Trek through small settlements to Rimbik & Drive to Darjeeling
Our final trek winds through a collection of small settlements (inhabited by Rais, Sherpas and Tamangs) to Ramman, where terraced fields and villages dot the landscape. We descend along a jeep track to Sri Khola for lunch, after which we cross a suspension bridge and continue for another 2hr 30min along a road, passing through more villages to Rimbik, a large Sherpa village among the forest landscapes of Singalila National Park. Here we meet our transport and drive to Darjeeling. Overnight in Hotel. Accommodation: HOTEL Meal: Breakfast & Lunch Distance covered: 9mi (14km) Ascent: 2,395ft (730m); Descent: 3,871ft (1,180m); Walking: 4 Hrs Drive: 60 Kms / 3 Hrs
Drive to New Jalpaiguri & overnight train to Varanasi.
Morning free in Darjeeling and afternoon drive to New Jalpaiguri to board the overnight train for Varanasi, a 700km journey, AC (2A) ticket. Dep. 2035 Overnight in train. Meal: Breakfast
Arrive Varanasi
Arrive Varanasi 0945, transfer to The Krishnamurti Centre VARANASI Accommodation: Twin-bedded accommodation Meal: Breakfast on board the train. Lunch & Dinner at the Study Centre
Krishnamurti Study Centre
Twin-bedded accommodation Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Krishnamurti Study Centre
Twin-bedded accommodation Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Flight back to Delhi
We leave the Centre and take a flight back to Delhi from Varanasi. The rest of the day is at leisure or sightseeing tours can be arranged in Delhi (paid for locally in Delhi). Accommodation: Hotel Meals included: Breakfast
Depart Delhi
After breakfast, depart Delhi (Checkout Hotel 1200 Hrs )
What is included in the price?
- English speaking tour leader throughout
- English speaking local expert trek Guide
- English speaking Krishnamurti Varanasi Study Centre facilitator from Day 2 in Bagdogra until departure from Varanasi
- 3-star hotel accommodation in Darjeeling 3 nights, including Breakfast
- 3-star hotel accommodation in Delhi one night, including Breakfast
- Full-service camping - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, 5 nights
- Krishnamurti Study Centre 3 nights, inc Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Overnight train to Varanasi (2nd AC Sleeper) Breakfast included
- All tents during trek, including ponies to carry heavy luggage and all camp and cooking equipment
- Toy train ticket from Darjeeling (subject to operation)
- All transfers and sightseeing by private cars/mini bus
- Domestic flights: Delhi – Bagdogra on Day 2, Varanasi – Delhi on Day 14
- All applicable local taxe
What is not included in the price?
- International flights to Delhi
- Indian Visa
- Personal travel insurance (including trekking to altitude of 3636m)
- Extra meals in Darjeeling (as detailed in the itinerary)
- Local tips for drivers/hotel staff/guide/Krishnamurti facilitator and trek support team
- Sleeping bags (3/4 season) and personal trekking gear – see Kit List below
- Personal expenses such as laundry, mini-bar charges, table drinks etc
- Optional sightseeing tours in Delhi on final day
Difficulty
Difficulty
Difficulty