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Dafey Bhir Round Trek in Sikkim

Dafey Bhir Round Trek

Extreme ⏱ 8 - 12 Days 📍 Uttarey, Sikkim

About

The Dafey Bhir Round Trek is one of Sikkim's best-kept secrets, tracing the wild, high Singalila Ridge along the India-Nepal border. Also known as the Dafey Bhir La Trek or Singalila Round Trek, this offbeat trail takes you through dense rhododendron forests, open grasslands, and a jaw-dropping circuit of high-altitude alpine lakes before climbing to the Dafey Bhir Pass at over 4,500 metres.

What makes it special:

  • A genuine offbeat alternative to the crowded Goechala and Sandakphu trails, following the same ridge once walked by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa
  • A circuit of 7 to 12 glacial lakes, including the twin Jumley Pokhris and the longitudinal Lampokhri
  • Front row views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and the Sleeping Buddha formation of Kanchenjunga, all from one ridge

Option to extend the trek onward to Dzongri and Goechala for those chasing a longer Himalayan circuit. A trail that stays wonderfully quiet, so you get the Himalayas almost entirely to yourself

Getting There

The trek starts from Uttarey in West Sikkim, about 160 km from NJP. The nearest gateways are NJP Railway Station and Bagdogra Airport, both well connected to Delhi and Kolkata.

From NJP or Bagdogra, it's a 7-8 hour drive to Uttarey via Jorethang and Dentam. Shared jeeps are also available from Siliguri to Jorethang, with onward transport to Uttarey.

Indian trekkers need a valid photo ID, while foreign nationals require a Sikkim Inner Line Permit, passport, and visa. A medical fitness certificate is mandatory, and the phone network ends after Uttarey.

FAQs

How difficult is the Dafey Vhir Round Trek? +
Brace yourself- this is rated a difficult trek. It involves trekking uphill, walking over rocks and mud trails, and camping throughout. Prior Himalayan trekking experience is strongly advised before you sign up.
When is the best time to do this trek? +
Stick to April to June or September to October. The weather is pleasant, skies are clear, and the views are at their finest. Avoid July and August - monsoon means landslides and heavy downpours.
What permits do I need to carry? +
Indian trekkers need a government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Driving License, or Indian Passport) along with 4 passport-size photographs. Foreigners must carry their Indian Visa, Passport, and Sikkim Inner Line Permit, also with 4 photographs. A medical fitness certificate is mandatory for everyone.
Will I have phone connectivity on the trail? +
Don't count on it. Uttarey is the last village where you get decent phone and internet. Between Uttarey and Chiwa Bhanjyang, Vodafone, Airtel, and Jio may work at certain spots. Beyond that, there is no connectivity and no electricity throughout the trek. Download your offline maps before you head out.
How many alpine lakes will I actually see on this trek? +
More than you'd expect. There are around 10 to 12 high-altitude alpine lakes in and around the Dafey Vhir trail, which is why it is also known as the high-altitude lake trail. Highlights include Nepal Jumley Pokhri, Lampokhri, and Ram and Laxman Pokhri. Some are right on the route, and a few need a short detour.