TREKKING - Ribdi Way

Ribdi Way

« Dry Lake day »
Starting from Ribdi, after 2 hours you reach a picturesque village situated in West-Bengal, called Gorkhey. The footpath climbs following the Ramam River and gets you to Dry Lake, 3 hours later.
Dry Lake is a holly place, an ancient lake surrounded by woods.
You sleep in a bamboo hut. If you don’t have a mat, don’t worry the dry herbs are very comfortable.

« Darua river day »
From Dry Lake, the way goes up for 1h15 to reach Phokhory (« lake ») where the Kangchenjunga range appears. Then you slowly go down in the woods until Darua (0h45). There, you find a tent for the night. A forest guard will give you information about the Sikkimese wildlife. Darua (above 3000 m) appears to be the perfect place for acclimatisation and resting before going higher. Darua river flows next to the camp.

« Yak Hut day »
From the camp, you climb using the footpath that follows the river. 30 minutes later you cross the river on a wooden bridge that gives you big emotions (guides secure you). You still go up until reachingChendray Chok (2h) where you have lunch, having a wonderful view on the valleys around. After the break, 1h takes you to Gosa, the pass to go down to Tori-Phulay (12000 ft / 4000 m).
The « Yak Hut » is a humble building with no furniture, with fire places. You just cuddle up with fellow trekkers on the floor. Be prepared to use a good sleeping-bag and ask for or bring your own good mat.

« Singhalila day »
Early in the morning, you can enjoy the sunrise on the Everest range and the Kangchenjunga range. After 2hours of climbing, the footpath takes you to Singhalila summit (12800 ft / 4266 m) using a trail that offers great views. The highlight is at the top, where there is an amazing 360° view. Many Himalayan peaks are visible.
Then you go down on the crest, then in a forest of rhododendrons for reaching Tolo Dhap, after 2h.
A camp is waiting for you in Tolo Dhap, a large grass area surrounded by the forest.

« Rhododendrons Sanctuary Day »
From Tolo Dhap, you go to Dry Lake (3h) where you have lunch. Then 2h of walking in the woods (some trees have a curved and strange shapes) you arrive at the Wildlife House ofVarsay. You spend the night in a comfortable building. The place is situated at the middle of the « Rhododendrons Sanctuary ».

« Ribdi Village »
Leaving Varsay, you take a nice footpath going through the bamboos. You may have a chance to observe « red pandas », if you respect silence. Going down, after one hour, you reachHilley, a very small village which is the door of the « Rhododendrons Sanctuary ». The path follows in the woods on the direction of Ribdi. It takes one more hour to arrive in Downer Ribdi, and to cross the first charming farms.


There are many possibilities of trekking according your expectations and wishes.
The « Ribdi Way » can last 7 days (6 nights) if from Varsay (« Rhodendrons Sanctuary day ») you choose to finish your trek by the « Firefox way ». You reach Taal’s camp by a forest path (2h).
Another proposition could be from « Dry Lake day », going to « Rhododendron Sanctuary day », making the trek shorter.
Contact us for choosing the solution that fits you the best !


Festivals in Hilley,
April, the « Sikkim Singhalila Festival » in the Memory of Ram Nawamey.
From 500 to 600 people take part in this 6 days festival.
Enjoy the traditional dance, the local food and our traditional hospitality.