Singhalila National Park located at a very high altitude of more than
7000ft from sea level (between 2400 m to 3650m ) is the highest National
Park in West Bengal. It is situated in the extreme north western boundary
of Darjeeling District and extends on an area of 78.60sq.km.
The vegetation of these virgin forests mainly alpine,
changes with the range in altitude. The main tree species found are the
Rhododendron, Magnolia, Oak, Hemlock, Silver Fir, Juniper, Mailing Bamboo,
Buk, Kawla, Bhujpatra etc. Other flora include primulas, aconitums, gentians,
arisaemas and orchids adorning the forest clearings. The fauna found in
the park are leopard, serow, pangolin, elephant, chinkara takin, red panda,
barking deer etc. The park has a variety of birds such as pigeons, doves,
sibia, minivet, magpie, cuckoo, hornbills, Kaleej pheasants and a large
number of migratory birds.
Treks: The park is famous for its treks with spectacular
views of Himalayan peaks through a mist of pristine forests and mountain
flowers. Maneybhanjang ( 2134m) at a distance of one and a half hours
by road from Darjeeling is the starting point to one of the popular trekking
routes in the eastern Himalayas, via Tumling (2900m) or Tonglu (3050m)
- Gairibans(1900m) - Sandakphu ( 3636m)(35Km) - Phalut (3605m) - Rimbik
(2286m) and back to Manebhanjyang. The park area is enclosed within this
trek route beyond Tonglu or Tumling. The trekkers can halt at Meghma/
Tonglu, Gairibans, Sandakphu and Phalut for the nights.
Maneybhanjyang to Mekhma (2600m) takes 4 hours, then
to Tonglu or Tumling and from there to Gairibans through dense forests
and wild flowers. This trek is a paradise for wild flower lovers particularly
in March-April when rhododentrons bloom in white, scarlet, pink and yellow
and large white and pink flowers of the magnolias, orchids along with
beautiful birds adorn the way. But be wary of the leeches which infest
the wet ravines. From Gairibans it is a steep four hour climb to Sandakphu.
Halfway is the settlement of Kala- Pokhri at 2750m. The arduous trek through
treacherous routes is worth the breathtaking view of the majestic Kanchenjunga
the third highest peak in the world, from Sandakphu. Sandakphu is known
as the mountain of poisonous plants cause of the cobra lillies seen here.
The one day trek from Sandakphu- Phalut about 23km is the best of all
the treks. Phalut lies on the borders of West Bengal, Sikkim and the eastern
border of Nepal. The best for this trek along the Singalila ridge which
passes through desolate hills covered with patches of forest is October
and November. At Phalut, one can have real close look at the Kanchedzonga
and experience the spectacle of circular rainbows. From Phalut the way
down to Sirikhola on the banks of river Sirikhola, one can see meadows
clustered with blue iris, orchids and a further 6km leads to Rimbik, a
small village which connects Maneybhanjang and Darjeeling (51km)by road.
From Sandakphu one can skip the trek to Phalut and come straight down
to Sirikhola through a steep descend via Gurdum (2300m).
There is also a motorable road up to Sandakphu.
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Wildlife 
