Guide
Trekking

Sandakphu Trek Highlights

  • Enjoy a scenic trek from Tumling to Kalapokhri, with a brief dip at Gairibas before a gradual climb.

  • Take-in the panoramic views of the world's highest peaks, including Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu. 

  • Reach Sandakphu Peak, the highest point in West Bengal with views of the Himalayan Mountain Range.

  • Trekking Distance: 52 km approx. | Highest Elevation: 11,930 ft.| Difficulty Level: Moderate

Sandakphu Trek Overview

About the Sandakphu Trek:

Ranged at an altitude of 11,930 ft, the Sandakphu Trek is popularly known as a ‘Trekkers Wonderland’. The four massive peaks bound this trek: Mount Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu. This trek follows the famous Singalila Ridge, a high ground that lies at the southern end of a long crest that runs down from the Kanchendzongha range and forms the border between Sikkim and Nepal.

This ridge, passing through small settlements, is perhaps one of the most scenically rewarding in the Himalayas. The entire trail is inside Singalila National Park, a biodiversity hotspot that boasts numerous species of birds, and the red panda is rare but not impossible to sight.


Departure Dates (2024)

March-6,8,9,10,16,17,23,24,26,30,31

April-6,7,8,12,13,14,20,21,27,28,29,30

May-4,5,11,12,18,19,21,25,26.

June-1,2,8,9,15,16,22,23,29,30



Quick Facts:

  • Duration: 6D/5N
  • Altitude: 11,930 ft
  • Sandakphu Trek Difficulty Level: Moderate
  • Sandakphu Trek Distance: 52 km
  • Temperature: Day: 8°C to 15°C and Night: -5°C to 5°C
  • Best Time to do Sandakphu Trek: March to May, October to January
  • Nearest Railway Station: NJP 
  • Nearest Airport: Bagdogra
  • ATM: You can withdraw money at New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP).
  • Starting Point: Manebhanjan/Chitrey
  • Ending Point: Srikhola

Sandakphu Trek Package Inclusions:

  • Accommodation: 5-night stay from Manebhanjan/Chitrey (Day 1) to Srikhola (Day 5) in dormitory stays or lodges.
  • Meals- All nutritious vegetarian meals, from dinner at Manebhanjan or Chitrey to breakfast at Srikhola.
  • Expert trek leaders: an excellent mountain guide who will be local to this particular area and has profound knowledge of the trekking trail around.
  • Camping charges: The permit fee for Singalila National Park and forest camping charges are included in the Sandakphu Trek package.
  • Safety equipment: First aid kit, oxygen cylinders, oximeter, etc. will be with guide/trek leader and at the campsite as well to deal with emergencies.
  • Expert Trek Support Team: The mountain staff on this trek consists of certified guides, cooks, helpers, and porters.


How to Reach Maneybhanjan or Chitrey:

  • By Air: Bagdogra Airport is fully functional for domestic as well as international flights. Visitors can conveniently take flights to reach here from some of the major cities of India, such as Delhi, Guwahati, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata. Bangkok and Paro are directly connected via air to Bagdogra. Tourists can hire a taxi or bus shuttle from the airport to reach the town of Bagdogra.
  • By rail: The new Jalpaiguri railway station is one of the biggest rail junctions in North Bengal. Situated at a distance of 4 kilometers from Jalpaiguri city, the railway station has good connectivity with various other major cities in India.
  • By Road: Siliguri is well connected through the West Bengal State Road Transport Corporation (WBSRTC) and some private travel services. It is 7 Kms from Matigara, 12 Kms from Bharat Basti, 16 Kms from Kamal Pur, 26 Kms from Pankhabari, 36 km from Kurseong, 45 km from Mirik, 66 km from Kalimpong, 78 km from Darjeeling, 170 Kms from Biratnagar, 206 Kms from Pratapganj and 377 Kms from Naogaon, and 560 km from Kolkata.

NOTE: There are shared taxis available frequently from bus stands, railway stations, and airports. It costs approx. Rs 3500 per vehicle (shared between 5 and 6 trekkers).

[ Note: These dates can be customized in case of five or more people.]

Sandakphu Trek Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival at Mane Bhanjan
Arrive at the Mane Bhanjan campsite on your own and for the Sandakphu Trek. Upon arrival, check-in to the dormitory lodge. You can explore the campsite and its surroundings. Have an overnight stay in the dormitory.
Day 2
Trek from Mane Bhajang to Tumling: 11 km - 5 hrs
Check-out from the dormitory and begin your trek from Mane Bhajang to Tumling, a scenic Himalayan village. Enjoy the moderate hike amidst nature's beauty. In the evening, arrive at the dormitory lodge and check-in. Relax after a day of adventure. Have an overnight stay.
Activity: Trek to Tumling

Trekking Distance: 11 Km | Duration: 4-5 Hours | Elevation: 9,500 Ft.

  • Trek through lush forests and charming villages and take-in the beauty of the Himalayas.
  • Admire the beautiful vistas of the snow-capped peaks of Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan ranges from viewpoints along the trail.
  • Pass by lush tea gardens and plantations as you trek to Mane Bhajang.
Day 3
Trek from Tumling to Kalapokhri: 9 km - 4 hrs
Check-out from the dormitory lodge and start your trek to Kalapokhri. Pass through Gairibas, then trek to the junction for Sandakphu and Kalapokhri. Reach the Kalaphokhri Lake and check-in to the dormitory lodges for an overnight stay.
Activity: Trek to Kalapokhri

Trekking Distance: 12 Km | Duration: 5-6 Hours | Elevation: 10,302 Ft.

  • Trek through the picturesque meadows of Gairibas, surrounded by lush greenery and stunning landscapes.
  • Explore the scenic Kalapokhri Lake, considered sacred by locals, and look at the colorful prayer flags surrounding it.
  • Capture photos of the natural beauty along the trail, including snow-capped peaks, dense forests, and picturesque lakes.
Day 4
Trek from Kalapokhri to Sandakphu Peak: 8 km - 4 hrs
Check-out from the dormitory lodge and trek through diverse rhododendron and oak forests. Pass through Bikheybhanjang, Tonglu, and Gairibas. Reach Sandakphu by evening and check-in to your dormitory lodge. Have an overnight stay.
Activity: Trek to Sandakphu Peak

Trekking Distance: 8 Km | Duration: 4-5 Hours | Elevation: 11,950 Ft.

  • Trek through rhododendrons and oak forests, looking at the diverse flora and fauna of the region.
  • Admire the picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and valleys as you ascend towards Sandakphu Peak.
  • Reach the summit of Sandakphu Peak, the highest point in West Bengal, and take-in the panoramic views from the top.
Day 5
Trek from Sandakphu Peak to Srikhola: 18 km - 6 hrs
Check-out from the dormitory lodge and start the descent from Sandakphu. Pass through Gurdum village. Follow the trail connecting Rimbik, Gurdum, and Srikhola. Arrive in Srikhola and check-in to your dormitory lodges. Have an overnight stay.
Activity: Trek to Srikhola

Trekking Distance: 16 Km | Duration: 5-6 Hours | Elevation: 6,900 Ft.

  • Take-in in the picturesque views as you descend from Sandakphu Peak through forest trails, surrounded by lush greenery.
  • Explore Gurdum Village, a quaint settlement nestled amidst the mountains.
  • Pass by terraced tea gardens and admire the picturesque landscapes.
Day 6
Departure from Srikhola
After breakfast, check-out from the dormitory lodge. This is where your trip will come to an end.

Select Package Options


Price Includes
  • Stay

    Accommodation is on triple/quad sharing at dormitory/ lodges.

  • Meals

    All meals during the trek. Regular Indian style nutritious vegetarian food during the trek, breakfast, hot lunch (en route), snacks, dinner along coffee/tea/soup.

  • Permits

     The permit fee for Singalila National Park, for Indian Nationals only

  • Guide

    Mountain Guide- All our trek leaders are at least qualified in basic/advanced mountaineering and first aid course.

Exclusions
  • Transfers

More Details about Sandakphu Trek

Know Before You Go for Sandakphu Trek

  • Take your time adjusting to high altitudes, as the weather conditions can be different from lower areas.
  • Listen to your trek leaders or instructors carefully for a safe and enjoyable experience.
  • Carry basic medications and a first-aid kit during the tour.
  • Please carry a valid ID proof.
  • No bill will be reimbursed for any missed service/facility.
  • Keep your luggage minimum; the more you carry, the more you hassle.
  • Any personal expenses, items of personal nature, meals not mentioned, etc. will not be in part of the package.
  • Mobile & laptop charging points may/may not be available on campsites at a common point.
  • Avoid using plastic bags and maintain the ecological balance of the destinations.
  • It is recommended to carry enough warm clothes and the right kind of shoes for the trek.
  • Please note that in the event of emergencies or natural calamities, the management reserves the right to modify the trek itinerary. However, any changes due to circumstances beyond our control is not covered in the package cost.
  • The best time to go for this trek is from March to May or October to November.

Things To Carry for Sandakphu Trek

  • Back pack (50-60l)
  • Water bottle
  • Extra pair of socks
  • Toilet paper & wipes
  • Walking stick
  • Hiking shoes
  • Waterproof windcheater
  • Woollen cap, socks, mittens & scarf
  • Warm clothes
  • Day pack (20-30l)

Tour Difficulty for Sandakphu Trek

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