Rachela ( Neora Valley ) Trek
West Bengal
04 Nights/05 Days
Rachela ( Neora Valley ) Trek
ADV-11Trekking Tour
04 Nights/05 Days
CALL : +91 97490 61941Pick-Up & Drop : Bagdogra / NJP
| Fixed Departure Date | Status |
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Tour Overview
Cost : INR 8,300.
Duration : 5 Days.
Grade : Moderate.
Highest Altitude Gain : 3,152 Mtr. ( 10,338 Ft. ).
Approx Trekking Km : 30 Kms.
Activities : Trekking, Camping & Photography of Nature.
Best Time to Go : October to May.
The Rachela pass at an elevation of 3152 Mtr, is the highest point of Rachela (Neora Valley) trek & virtually the tri-junction of Sikkim, Bhutan, and Bengal. Rachela (Neora Valley) trekking trail is one of the lesser explored trail. In the past Rachela Pass was the focal point for trade routes standing at the treeless tri-junction, you see the old mule trails and four major ridges dividing the valleys of Neora, Rishi, Jaldhaka and Rangli. Both the Chola Range and the Singalila with Mount Khangchendzonga are visible from Rachela Top, including the passes of Chola, Nathula and Jelepla, opening into Tibet. Rachela (Neora Valley) trek begins near Mulkharka village. This 5 days trek will take you to an unexplored Himalayan forest in Neora Valley National Park in Kalimpong District. Neora valley national park is a trasure of Flaura & fauna. This Trek route goes through the uninhabited virgin tracks of sub-tropical alpine forest. The jungle trail of Neoravalley is through virgin forests of bamboo and pine that are less explored. The forests are thick and dense and you can really feel the silence of the forest here. The Rachela (Neora Valley) trek presents a rare varity of wildlife, ranging from the Himalayan Black Bear, Red Panda and even tigers. If you are looking for trekking in Darjeeling, Sikkim area as well as Himachal, Uttarakhand, Kashmir, Ladakh, Arunachal then Majestic Himalayan Treks & Tours will help you in all logistics of this trek with their expert team in adventure field. Majestic Himalayan, one of the best adventure tour operator of Siliguri - Darjeeling - Sikkim, will take care of your all trek arrangement with their expertise. Our other trek routes are Goechala Trek, Sandakphu Phalut Trek, Tosar Lake Trek, Phoktey Dara Trek, Varsey Phalut Trek etc.
Detailed Itinerary
"Meet & Greet" with our company representative on arrival at NJP / IXB / Siliguri. Pick-up from there & drive to Mulkharka village via Pitamchen (120 kms, 5-6 hrs.). Mulkharka village is the base camp of Rachela (Neora Valley) trek and one of the most remote hilley village of North Bengal region. After arrival at Mulkharka village check-in at homestay, get fresh & take hot tea & noodles. After that spend your leisure time at Mulkharka village by walk. You can see organic cultivation of Cardamom, Potato, Corn, Mustard, Pea, Broom etc. in a green farmland at Mulkharka Village. Overnight Stay there in a homestay.
After breakfast starts your trek from Mulkharka Village and after 1hr. we will reach at beautiful Mulkharka Lake. The trail is quite steep from Mulkharka village to Mulkharka Lake. If you are lucky than you can see the Reflection of Majestic Kanchenjungha range on this mossy green Mulkharka lake. Local people used to call it Manokamona Lake or Wishing Lake, because they believe the lake has miraculous power to fullfill their wishes. So you can try your luck here at Mulkharka Lake. On the other side of the lake, there is a Temple. After enjoying the view trek for 2hr. to reach at Ramitey view point. Here you can see the hilly part of Neora valley jungle, dense bamboo forest of Bada Ramitey & Mulkharka village also. After 30 min you will reach at Fusrey check post, where the forest guards take shelter. Here you will get a lunch break & you have to fill your bottle because it's the last fresh water source on day one trek towards Bada Ramitey. After having lunch and regaining some fresh energy, start the trek towards Bada Ramitey through dense bamboo forest. After 1-2hr. you will reach at Bada Ramitey. Overnight stay at Dense Bamboo Forest in a Tent.
After breakfast start your trek from Bada Ramitey to Rachela through the Neora Valley Jungle and can enjoy the thrill of dense Bamboo forest. A steady steep climbs awaits for you. After about 2 hrs., you will reach a place called Chitrai view point, if the weather is clear & you are lucky than here you can see the Majestic Kanchenjungha range & Newly opened Pakyong Airport at Gangtok. After half an hour you can see two trail, where the right trail goes to Alubari, while the other goes to Rachela Trekkers' Hut. After few minutes of taking the turn, you can see the variation from dense bamboo forest to rhododendron trees. After a 1 hr. trek we will reach at Jorpokhri which is close to Rachela Trekkers' Hut. After reach at Rachela campsite get fresh & take your lunch. Then you can trek to Rachela Top for a mesmerizing sunset view from Majestic Kanchenjungha Range. After that back to the camp. Overnight stay in a Tent or Trekkers' Hut at Rachela.
Early morning explore the memorable Sunrise & Majestic Kanchenjungha Range from Kumbhakarna to Pandim, Nathula, Jelep La, Bhutan Hills and the tri Junction, Sikkim, West Bangal, Bhutan from Rache La Top. If you got all the view from there then Rachela Trek will be a memorable trip for you. After breakfast start trek from Rachela to Alubari forest camp, a 1:30 or 2 hr downhill trek. The area is a mountain table top surrounded by blooming rhododendron trees. A trekker’s hut here makes an excellent spot to camp. After half an hour walk you will see the 1st watch tower and the second watchtower called Joributey is about 2 hrs. walk from 1st one, just beside the Neora river. Then another 2 hrs. trek along the beautiful valley of Neora River will reach you at PHE campsite, just beside the Neora River. Overnight stay at PHE Camp in a tent.
After early breakfast trek to Chaudapheri via Zero Point (1-2 hrs. uphill trek). After reached at Zero point drive to NJP / IXB / Siliguri via Lava & Kalimpong for your onward journey.
How to Reach
By Train :
New Jalpaiguri Railway Station or NJP is a major railway station located in Siliguri, the gateway to North Bengal, Sikkim, Bhutan and North-East India. There are many long distance trains arrives or pass through the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station or NJP station. You can choose to come to Kolkata and take one of the many trains to NJP. If you are coming from Delhi or north part of India, Mumbai, Pune or West part of India, Chennai, Bangalore or South part of India, try to take any north east train which directly goes to NJP by passing Kolkata. Please book the train which will arrive at NJP within 10 am for your Rachela trek.
By Flight :
Flying to Bagdogra or IXB is another option that you can choose. Bagdogra is well connected with regular direct flight from Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, Bengalore & Mumbai. Please book your flight which will arrive at Bagdogra within 11 am for your Rachela trek.
NJP / Bagdogra to Mulkharka village is apprx. 120 km. You will get 8 - 14 seater car for the journey. Mulkharka village is the starting point of Rachela trek.
1. Accommodation : As per the current availability over there we can provide you Dormitory room at Mulkharka village & you will be accommodated in Tents / Trekkers hut during the trek.
2. Meal Plan : Day 1 Evening Tea Snacks to Day 5 Breakfast.
3. Transportation : We will provide you : NJP / IXB / Siliguri to Mulkharka village & Chaudapheri to NJP / IXB / Siliguri return - Non-Luxury vehicle - seat capacity maximum 8 to 9 seats ( Sumo / Sumo Gold / Spacio / Mahindra Maxx / Similar ).
( Please Note : Vehicle will be taken for all transfers (Point to point drop) & the mentioned sightseeing points including fuel expenses on hire basis ).
4. Tent, Sleeping Bag & Mattress.
5. Entry fees & forest camping charges of Neora Valley National Park.
6. One group leader from our company
7. Local Guide.
8. Local Porters, Yak / Mule / Horse for ration & equipment carrying only.
9. Cook during trek.
* Food during transit.
* Any extra porter for personal luggage carrying.
* Insurance.
* Any services not specifically mentioned in the inclusions.
* Any Airfare / Train fare / Bus fare.
* Any transportation which is not mentioned in the itinerary.
* Any expenses of personal nature like Room Heater charges / Hot Water Bag charges / Mobile charging fees etc.
* Any kind of emergency evacuation charges.
Fitness Required for Trek
To prepare for a trek, we need to strengthen our 2 prime M’s – Mind and Muscle, the body. Only then, the spending of the 3rd M – Money; a little or more, can bring to us an intense lifelong experience like trekking.
At high altitude as the air gets thinner oxygen becomes less abundant. The percentage saturation of haemoglobin with oxygen determines the content of oxygen in our blood. After the human body reaches around 2,100 m (7,000 feet) above sea level, the level of oxygen in our haemoglobin begins to plummet. However, the human body has both short-term and long-term adaptations to altitude that allow it to partially compensate for the lack of oxygen.
You can train yourself to run 3 kms in 30 minutes as per the schedule given below. Remember always start your training program with stretching and warm up exercises.
You can follow this stretching before run
- Ankle Rolls
- Wrist Stretch
- Standing Hamstring Stretch
- Standing Quad stretch
- Calf Stretch
- Finish with leg swings
After 15 min of stretching you can follow this training schedule for trekking fitness required.
Week 1: Start with 10 minute of brisk walk and then jog for 10 minutes and finally 10minutes of easy walk.
Week 2: 5 minutes of brisk walk 15 minutes of jog 5 minutes of easy walk
Week 3: 5 minutes of brisk walk 15 minutes of jog 5 minutes of easy walk
Week 4: 5 minutes of brisk walk and jog for 25 min and cool down your body.
MIND, THE MENTAL ENDURANCE :
To build our physical endurance prior to trek, we workout in a gymnasium or outdoors nearby. In both the cases, we actually choose a suitable environment for us to sweat. So, even if you get extremely fit before the trek, you don’t get exposed to the versatile environmental or climatic challenges that nature offers during a trek. All these environmental conditions have a deep impact on our body and mind too. A walk through heavy rains or snowfall, even in a normal gradient, becomes more challenging than the same trail in a pleasant weather. And it happens not only because of rain or snow makes the walk more difficult. Also, you need to adjust, tolerate and fight the adverse nature psychologically in which your body and mind are not habituated. Here, your mind comes into play. This is where the game becomes more mental than physical.
1. Bulid your own motivation system.
2. Use your passion to bring more motivation.
3. Study about your trek route to gain knowledge to plan and prepare yourself appropriately.
4. Think positive & stay focused.
5. Visualization is a common technique for handling stress.
Developing mental strength is not a one day game. Your experiences are the best teacher. You become more confident after every trek. Cherish your journey after completion of the trek. Sense, the achievement. These will build your mind stronger forever, no matter where you want to use it for, a trek or a life.
THUMB RULES FOR BETTER IMPACT
1. Hire a digital trainer for free. The key is to do it perfect than more in numbers. Use video tutorial, mobile apps, read blogs and use a mirror to make it perfect.
2. Be a regular, rather inconsistent & intense.
3. Drink more water during the exercise routine and more importantly in the time of trekking. Keep dehydration, muscles cramps, and life-threatening hypothermia away.
4. Food is fuel. Maintain a well-balanced diet consist of carbohydrate, fat, and protein during your exercise and trekking days.
5. Sleep well. Finally, the lack of sleep can spoil your whole preparation for a trek.
Below are the list of personal articles which are required for a trek on the Himalayas. This guide helps you to give an idea about the things that you need to bring in as a trek member. Depending upon the number of days of trek, the articles quantity may vary and this list is made considering the trek duration being 5 to 7 days (week long treks).
Trek essentials:
- 01. Sun hat.
- 02. Torch with extra battery.
- 03. Light Jacket.
- 04. Heavy Jacket.
- 05. Trousers.
- 06. T-shirt.
- 07. Socks.
- 08. Identity Card with photocopy.
- 09. Ruck Sack
- 10. Water Bottle.
- 11. Raincoat or Umbrella.
- 12. Pullover.
- 13. Balaclava or woolen cap.
- 14. Hand gloves.
- 15. Passport size photo.
- 16. Mattress.
- 17. Sleeping Bag.
- 18. Sports shoe.
- 19. Slipper.
- 20. Cold cream.
- 21. Tissue paper.
- 22. Soap Paper.
Always try to avoid unnecessary Cloths, toiletries which are heavy and of little use on mountain. Pack light.
For selection of personal gear/equipment and backpacking please read the articles carefully, before buying an item:
Rucksack/Back Pack : A Must item. Between 40 to 50 Litres. Don’t buy more than 60L unless you are in expeditions. These will be heavier and can cause discomfort if not fully loaded. You can buy it online or offine from trekking gear store. We can help you to find the right one.
Sleeping Bag : You can hire from us or bring your personal one rated for high altitude in case you have. Personal one is always better for hygiene. You can purchase from us. http://www.majestichimalayan.com/final/hire-a-guide
Trekking Shoe / Boot : A must item. A good quality trekking shoe/boot must have the following specs :
i) A sticky rubber sole with lug (indentations for better grip).
ii) Ankle support (Medium or high ankle).
iii) Waterproofing membrane. (A must for high altitude and winter treks).
Mattress (Foam/Rubber) : It is very cheap. You can buy it from Hardware shop or trekking gear shop.
Micro spikes/Anti slip grip & Gaiters : Its necessary only for snow trek, specially in winter time.
Rucksack cover (Waterproof): Advised. MUST for protection from rain/dust/stain etc. (Alternately you can keep your clothing and warm jacket inside polythene pack. Do get the pack(s) back to home and re use/recycle).
Daypack/Knapsack : Optional (Can carry along with you with water bottle, food, camera and wind/water proof etc.) if you want to offload your Rucksack in permissible routes.
T-shirt (Base layer while you are hiking) : A must item and as per need. Take at least one Dry fit/Quick dry type which can ventilate sweat/moisture wicking. These are made of synthetic materials. Cotton T-shirts are NOT advised and avoid especially when you walk.
Warm Jacket (Mid layer clothing for warmth ) : A must item. Warm Fleece Jacket/Synthetic fill (Some refer as Hollow Fill Jacket/Down feather Jacket.
While hiking you will not require this unless you are hiking in cold conditions. Use this when you cool down at campsite. You can but from us - http://www.majestichimalayan.com/final/hire-a-guide
Windproof Jacket/Wind Cheater (Outer layer clothing for protection from wind and rain/snow fall) : A MUST item. A hooded one made of water resistant/repellent material is highly advised.
Use this along with Base layer (t-shirt) while hiking unless it is warm and sunny weather. Wear this always as outer later to protect from wind chill be while hiking or at camp site.
Thermal wear (Base Layer once you reach campsite) : Upper and lower (Woolly cot). Must for winter treks.
Trek pant : A must item. Can be Track pants (avoid cotton), 3 quarter/Cargo or Convertible kind.
One Dry fit/Quick dry track pant is advised. Water repellent/proof quality is a plus.
For altitude above 5000m/16400ft you should use wind proof and water proof trek pants.
Raincoat/Poncho/Waterproof clothing: Waterproofing is MUST during your trek in the Himalayas, be it in summer or winter.
This can be achieved by any of the following:
i) Use your windproof jacket and hiking pant having water repellent/proofing quality.
ii) A Poncho/Raincoat.
Balaclava/Woolen skull cap/Monkey Cap : A Must item for protection from cold. Made of woolen/synthetic warm material.
Sun cap/Wide-brimmed Hat/Bandana : For protection from sun while you hike.
Under garments/Inner wear : As per need.
Hiking Socks : 3/4 pair. Use full length socks (Don’t use tennis socks). 100% Cotton socks are NOT recommended as these absorb sweat and dry slowly. A pair of woolen material is nice to have especially in winter treks.
Woolen gloves : A Must item.
Waterproof gloves : Optional. Useful especially on high altitude treks where snow/ice is encountered.
Camp sandal : Can be a strap on sports sandal or a Hawaiian sleeper.
Walking Sticks/Trekking Poles/Ski Poles : Nice to have, reduces the pressure on knees and gives balance specially while descending. Advised at least one pole for treks involving snow/ice.
Knee cap : Optional. Makes a difference especially if you have knee injuries/problems (Neoprene added variant is better).
Water bottle/Hydration pack : Must. Good quality plastic bottle.
Sunglasses : This is MUST for all the high altitude treks and winter treks. Polarised/Anti-glare is always a better option in snow with UV400 (UV A & B) protection. Trekkers using spectacle can order custom make powered sunglasses.
Torch/Head Lamp with extra batteries : A MUST item. Head torch keeps your hands free.
Accessories/Toiletries : Optional and try to share when you travel in group.
Sunscreen lotion – Optional. At least 30/40 SPF.
Chap Stik/Cold & Moisturising cream – Optional. As per need. Use small tubes/bottles.
Tooth brush and tooth paste – Carry smallest available tube of tooth paste.
Soap/Soap strip – Carry small pocket size soap, or Soap strip.
Hand sanitizer – Optional. Small bottle.
Tissue roll ( Toilet paper) – This is a must item as water may not be available in the vicinity.
Towel – Medium size (light weight).
Anti-Fungal Powder – Optional. This helps to keep the socks and the trek shoe drier and odour free to an extent. Carry smallest container.
Camera with extra cells: Optional. Normally there is no charging point on the Himalayan trek routes, carry spare batteries/power bank.
Dry food items(Kit): Must. Carry some dry fruits, chocolate/energy/protein bars and GluconD/Tang/Getorade.
Personal First-Aid Kit: Optional – Anti septic cream, Betadine/Dettol/Savlon, Band aid, cotton, crepe bandage, safety pin etc.
Medicines Kit: This is a simple guide line and a doctor’s consultation is recommended.)
- a) General medicines comprising of headache, fever, vomiting, stomach upset and pain killer (Volini gel/spray)
- b) Anti Diarrhoearal
- c) Antibiotics – ( choose broad spectrum antibiotics for treating a variety of infections – carry a course of each)
- d) Mild analgesics – (Aspirin/Paracetamol etc but DONOT take Codeine based painkillers).
- e) Strong analgesics (Co-Proxamol/Ponstan/Temgesic, use with care).
- f) Anti-inflammatory (Nurofen or diclofenac sodium)
- g) Diamox – This helps in acclimatisation (a proper dosage is must if taken. Drink lot of water as this is a diuretic drug.
Policy Regarding Cancellation / No Show / Early Departure
In case of cancellation of tour/travel services due to any avoidable/unavoidable reason/s we must be informed in writing. Cancellation charges would be effective from the date we receive letter in writing and cancellation charges would be as follows:
- 30 days & prior to arrival – 10% of the tour/service cost.
- 20 days to 18 days prior to arrival – 20% of the tour/service cost.
- 14 days to 16 days prior to arrival – 25% of the tour/service cost.
- 10 days to 08 days prior to arrival – 50% of the tour/service cost.
- 07 days & less, prior to arrival or no show – NO REFUND.
Please note – Irrespective of above mentioned cancellations slabs – in case of cancellation of tour services after the booking is made with us – a minimum 10% service charges would be applicable.
In case you cancel the trip after commencement refund would be restricted to a limited amount that too would depend on the amount that we would be able to recover from the hoteliers we patronize. For unused hotel accommodation, chartered transportation and missed meals etc. we do not bear any responsibility to refund.
Refund
In regard to refund of unused / unutilized services (which are paid for and cancelled in advance) the refund amount would be worked out on the basis of cancellation policy as described above and the money would be accordingly refunded to the person who has made the payment to us. Please note that the refund process may take 2 – 4 weeks due to banking procedures. If the refund is made to the credit card account OR to Bank account, the bank charges would be debited from the refund amount.
FAQ & Other Info
1. What is the best time for Rachela trek ?
Ans : October to May is the best time to trek.
2. When we can get snow at Rachela trek ?
Ans : January to March.
3. Is Rachela trek suitable for family & children ?
Ans : If your family is fit and atleast some experience in Jungle trek. Then it is possible.
4. Is there any trekkers hut during Rachela trek ?
Ans : No only first day of the trek you will get Homestay. Then tent accommodation on day 2,3 & 4.
5. I would like to book Rachela trek, do I need to bring my own equipment?
Ans : We will provide Sleeping bag, Sleeping Mat, Tent.
6. How long do we walk each day?
Ans : Apprx 10-12, 5-6 hr. But you have to trek for 2-3 hrs. on Day 3 towards Rachala.
7. What is the fitness level required for Rachela trek and how hard are the treks?
Ans : Rachala is a moderate trek. But trekkers should practice ( running, Gym ) for 15 day atleast.
8. What would be the process of acclimatisation?
Ans : Walk slowly, be hydrated, proper clothing and be active after reaching at campsite.
9. What do I need to carry ?
Ans : Carry your personal clothing, Torch, Cap, Waterbottle, Umbrella. For details see whats to carry option.
10. I can’t carry my bag can anyone carry it for me?
Ans : If you dont want to carry bag then hire a porter ( Extra charge INR 2800 )
11. Do I need trekking poles ?
Ans : Yes, trekking pole is confortable to walk.
12. What are the major difficulties expected on a high altitude Trek?
Ans : Altitude sickness, Lack of oxygen, Headache, acclimatization, Disturbed sleep, loss of appetite.
13. What is the source of drinking water? Is it safe to drink?
Ans : Natural sources like river, Falls. Yes it is safe but you can use Geoline, Chlorine table as water purifier.
14. What will the daytime and night temperature be?
Ans : Day time temperatures will range from 13-18ºC and night time temperature will range from 3-5ºC in May. Expect temperatures to be lower by a few degrees in October/November.
15. How many people will share a tent?
Ans : 3 /4 person.
16. Is it safe for girls? What if I am the only girl on the trek?
Ans : Yes its safe. We will provide you a separate tent.
17. What kind of food do you provide in Rachela trek?
Ans : We will provide Veg & Non-Veg both.
18. Do I need to carry any documents with me?
Ans : Yes you should carry your identity card.
19. Is there any medical assistance during the trek?
Ans : Yes our trip leader is well known of medicine and fo any emergency we will transfer the trekker to Kalimpong hospital.
20. Do we get mobile signal during Rachela trek?
Ans : You will get mobile signal till Mulkharka. If you are lucky then you can get network Rachela campsite.
21. Are smoking and drinking permitted on the trek?
Ans : It is advisable to not take any liquor & smoking objects.
22. Is diamox is advisable?
Ans : Yes you can start it before trek as per doctor advise.
23. Will I be able to recharge camera batteries ?
Ans : No the last charging point will be at Mulkharka village. You can carry power bank.
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