Singling Eco Tourism

SINGLING ECO TOURISM

Singling, a small lesser known village of Sikkim at an altitude of about 6850 ft. Singling in Sikkim is a historical place which joined Bhutan to India in the ancient times. There was regular business of these two countries through this route. Now the lost route is a favorite trek from Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary to Singling or vice versa.  From Soreng market by car up-to 6 km, then a little further to the upward direction by trekking and 64 km away from district headquarter Gyalshing  These days most of the travel enthusiasts are well versed with the term eco-tourism, an upcoming trend in tourism industry, which helps to increase the positive experiences both for the guests as well for the hosts. Keeping the basic principles of this noble concept in mind, Singling an offbeat place in Sikkim promises to deliver a unique experience to the offbeat travelers with abundant resource in terms of natural beauty, hospitality The locals of this village are mainly Rai, with only 70 families and a total population of about 250 people. The main sources of livelihood of the locals are cultivation of organic foods and vegetables. Almost each and every family is self independent. In the step cultivation fields on the hilly terrains, you will get to see vegetation of peas, cabbage, Brocoli, onion, squash, Raileaf, along with lemons. In this village the locals do not use any type of pesticides or any chemical products. There are piggeries and poultry farms available in almost every house; from there the demand for meat is fulfilled. Almost every house are decorated with orchid, Primula, Ziranium, along with white and red coloured Rhododendron flowers, locally known as Guraus. At the far distance through the forests of Pine a small hilltop, this was once used as route for trade between Nepal and India. Singling is a bird watchers paradise. There are numerous varieties of birds can be seen here which includes Grey Tipie, Green Tailed Sunbird, White Browed Fulvetta, Fire Breasted Flowerpecker. In the evening you can sit and relax in the homestays. The cooking place or the furnace is made of mud. There are the aged people of the local from whom you can get to know about the historical background of this small habitat. The villager’s also believe that there are very few aged persons still alive here, who are capable of saying about anyone’s past and future life. In the evening the villager’s used to greet their guests by a homemade preparation named Tchhang. One kind of local drink or homemade wine. This type of greetings to the guests comes from the ancient Nepali culture. In the evening, the villagers used to gather together and sing the local songs; one can also join them and spend some times with the villagers. They used to lighten up the camp fire and dance with these local songs, the instruments they use are mainly the local handmade thumba and drums. In the morning you will open your eyes with the chirping sounds of birds like Grey Tipai, Himalayan Bulbul, Red Billed Leothrix, Great Barbet, Greater Flamback and many species of Sunbird. There is a short trek route through the jungle trail within the forest, by that route you will reach to an open space; there you will get to see birds like Rufous Sibia, Grey Bushchat, few species of Warbler, and Nighthatch. There is another route through the jungle; from there you will reach near a lake named Singdhap. From the water of the lake emerged a river named Rohtak. There are many shades around this lake where you sit and relax. Here you will get to see wide varieties of birds like White Capped Water Redstart, Scarlet Minivet, along with Large Crested Serpent Eagle. You will also get to see birds like Blue Whistling Thrush, Spotted Laughing Thrush, and Black faced Laughing Thrush. Singling is located in an important place to do number of treks in Sikkim, like Hiley- Barsey trek, Dzongri- Goche La trek etc. Also in close vicinity there are monastery, lake, Sherpa village etc. Popular destinations in West Sikkim like Pelling, Ringchenpong, Kaluk etc. Jorethang is nearest town to Singling which is approximately 24km away. At Singling many adventurous sports are arranged like river rafting, mountain climbing and paragliding along with trekking. Bird watching and photography is also an common activity at Singling. Dodak ( 3 KM ) , Deythang ( 4 KM ) , Tharpu ( 4 KM ) , Malbasey ( 5 KM ) , Chakung ( 5 KM ) are the nearby Villages to Singling. Singling is surrounded by Daramdin Tehsil towards west , Martam Tehsil towards North , Jorethang Tehsil towards East , Kaluk Tehsil towards East .

How to Reach: Singling can be visited throughout the year, but except the rainy season. From Siliguri S.N.T. Bus stand, from there share cars and buses are available up-to Soreng. From Jorethang, cars are available up-to Soreng. From Soreng at a height of about 6 km is Singling. For this last 6 km road only reserve car is the only option.