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Singalila National Park – Nature, Wildlife & Trekking Guide

Singalila National park is one of the most exotic Himalayan forests located in the Darjeeling District in the West Bengal, Sikkim and Nepal tri-junction. Located on the Singalila ridge at an altitude ranging between 7,000ft to 12,000 (2500-3650m) ft above sea level, these oak, bamboo and rhododendron forests are well known for the trekking route to Sandakphu, the highest point in West Bengal along with the second highest peak of Phalut.

On clear days, the park offers striking panoramic views of the rugged Eastern Himalayan landscape, including four of the five highest peaks in the world―Mount Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu. One can also witness the magnificent Khangchendzonga range, popularly known as the Sleeping Buddha due to its appearance. A journey to this distant land is sure to leave an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those who witness it.

Home to unique flora and fauna

Singalila is one of the last strongholds where visitors can see the elusive and endangered Red Panda in the wild. Apart from the Red Panda, Singalila is home to a host of mammals including Himalayan Black bear, Clouded Leopard, Leopard Cat, Serow, Barking deer, Yellow throated marten, Wild Boar, Pangolin, Pika, Himalayan Mouse Hare, and Wild Boar, amongst others.

Singalila is a paradise for birdwatchers, with more than 300 species of birds found here. It has a huge list of exotic birds like: Blood pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Kalij Pheasant, Brown Parrobills, Rufous-vented tit, fire tailed Mayzornis, golden breasted fulvetta, Rosefinchs, Bull finchs, Wren babbers, Laughing thrushes, Nuthatchs, Treecreapers, Yuhinas, Minivets, Patridges and many more.

At Red Panda Outpost, we follow responsible birdwatching practices and strictly avoid the use of tape lures, as they can distress birds, disrupt natural behavior, and impact breeding. Our guided walks are designed to celebrate birds in their wild, undisturbed habitats - on their terms, not ours.

Red Panda Outpost
Red Panda Outpost
Red Panda Outpost

Singalila’s high-altitude forests are a tapestry of ever-changing colors, home to a rich variety of Rhododendrons, Magnolias, and Oak trees. In spring (March-May), the landscape bursts into a riot of red, pink, and white rhododendron blooms, creating a breathtaking spectacle unique to these Himalayan slopes. Of the 25 species of rhododendron in the Himalayas, 18 can be found in Singalila National park and the surrounding mountains. Magnolias, azaleas and primulas add delicate pastels to the scenery, while moss-laden trees and ferns thrive in the misty air. This remarkable floral wealth contributes to the unique ecological significance of the region.

Red Panda Outpost
Red Panda Outpost
Red Panda Outpost

Autumn (September-November) brings golden-hued forests and crisp, clear skies, making it an ideal time for panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range. Singalila has the highest concentration of orchids in any single geographical area in the world; more than 600 species of orchids bloom during autumn. Throughout the year, the forests shelter rare orchids, high-altitude bamboo groves, and medicinal plants that have been used by locals for generations. Each season in Singalila offers its own quiet magic, revealing the beauty of a landscape both rugged and delicate.