Maney Bhanjang, Gateway to Sandakphu | Local Guides • Homestays • Authentic Himalayan Experiences

Life Along the Singalila Ridge – Stories from the Mountain Villages

The Singalila Ridge is not just a trekking route — it is home to generations of mountain families who have lived, worked, and thrived along these high-altitude trails.

Villages like Maney Bhanjang, Tumling, Gairibas, and Kalipokhri are woven into the Sandakphu journey. Life here follows the rhythm of the seasons. Mornings begin with mist drifting through prayer flags, while evenings are spent around warm hearths sharing stories passed down through generations.

At Sandakphu & Beyond, our community-based trekking model ensures that travelers experience this way of life respectfully and authentically. Our guides, porters, drivers, and homestay hosts are locals — people who grew up walking these trails and understanding the moods of the mountains.

Staying in village homestays allows trekkers to experience Himalayan hospitality firsthand — home-cooked meals, simple comforts, and genuine conversations. These interactions transform a trek into a shared cultural exchange rather than a transactional journey.

When you trek the Singalila Ridge, you don’t just pass through villages — you become part of their story, even if only for a few days.