Meals Included
Guide
Permits
Stay Included

Trekking to Sandakphu and Phalut Highlights

  • Experience one of the highest north-south mountain ridges—the Singalila range as you go for the Sandakphu and Phalut Trek.

  • Visit Kalapokhri, the black water pond known for its importance in the Buddhist religion.

  • Admire the views of Mount Everest and other mountain ranges from the second-highest peak in West Bengal, Phalut Peak.

  • Explore the Samanden Village, also known as Lost Valley, and see a diverse range of flora and fauna around.

Trekking to Sandakphu and Phalut Overview

About the Sandakphu & Phalut Trekking:

Popularly known as the 'Trekker's Wonderland', Sandakphu is indeed one of the most scenic treks both for beginners and experts. Enjoy spectacular views of some of the highest mountains in the world including the Kanchendzongha range, Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, Jannu, Chamlang, Baruntse, and a host of Sikkim peaks all seen in one stretch. The famous “Sleeping Buddha” formation of peaks is a delight for all. This trek follows the famous Singalila Ridge, a high ground that lies at the southern end of a long crest, which runs down from the Kanchendzongha range and forms the border between Sikkim & Nepal.

Walking on the high ridges, witnessing small Himalayan settlements, trekking through a colorful forest filled with Rhododendrons and Magnolia, and passing through Singalila National park which is a biodiversity hotspot that boasts numerous species of birds and Red Panda is rare but not impossible to sight, makes this trek a must-do for adventure lovers.


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


Sandakphu & Phalut Trekking Quick Facts:

  • Duration: 7D/6N
  • Altitude: 11,930 ft
  • Sandakphu Trek Difficulty Level: Moderate
  • Sandakphu Trek Distance: 80km
  • 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 (85 KM) 
  • Nearest Airport: Bagdogra (82 KM)
  • ATM: You can withdraw money at New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP).
  • Base Camp: Maneybhanjan 
  • Starting Point: Manebhanjan/ Chitrey
  • Ending Point: Shrikhola

How to Reach Maneybhanjan/ Chitrey:

We will arrange a pickup and drop from  NJP/Bagdogra to Chitrey and a drop from Rimbik to NJP/Siliguri. This will be shared by the team members on an actual basis. Typically a SUMO/Mahindra Max costs around 3500 Rs for Chitrey and to 4500Rs from  Rimbik to NJP. One such car can accommodate 6 to 8 people. 

If you want to reach Chitrey by public transportation then here are the options. 

1) Take a shared jeep for Darjeeling from NJP Railway station and get down at Ghoom railway station.  You can get one such shared jeep from Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus in Siliguri also.

2) Get another shared jeep from Ghoom to the town of Sukhiapokhri. 

3) From Sukhiapokhri avail of the jeep service for Maneybhanjung. From here you have to walk a steep 2 Km up on the Sandakphu road to reach Chitrey.


Sandakphu & Phalut Trekking Season:

Being on the Nepal/Sikkim border this area observes a longer monsoon. Clouds start to hover from April and prolong till October beginning. There are two distinct seasons when this year's trek is  particularly beautiful: 

1) Spring/Summer for Rhododendron season: From mid of March to Mid of May. Flowering starts from early March in the lower elevation, and gradually towards the end of spring at higher altitudes. Rhododendron and Giant Magnolia are the two most famous along with several other wildflower species. A cloudy or misty atmosphere is common during spring. Though clear mountain views are not uncommon, especially during the morning.

2) Fall/Winter for clear weather: From mid-October to January. At the beginning of October, clouds start moving out from this region and the weather becomes clearer. November is particularly known for its crystal clear views of the mountains. 


Regarding Accommodation:

This is a “Tea House” trek, i.e we don’t camp inside Singalila National Park but stay in Homestay/Lodge available on the trail. As you should expect on a mountain trail, these are basic accommodations run by the local Nepali/Tibetan families. Rooms are dormitory bed types with triple/quad sharing or more. The beds and blankets are neat and clean. Don’t expect an attached toilet or running hot water anywhere.


Sandakphu & Phalut Trekking Inclusions:

  1. Accommodation- 6 nights’ accommodation from Chitrey (Day 1) to Srikhola (Day 6) in a Private tourist lodge/Government Trekkers Hut on sharing basis.
  2. Meals- All meals during the trek. Regular Indian-style nutritious vegetarian food during the trek, breakfast, hot lunch (en route), snacks, dinner along with coffee/tea/soup.  
  3. Expert trek Leader- An excellent mountain guide who will be local to this particular area and has profound knowledge of the trekking trail around.
  4. Camping charges- The permit fee for Singalila National Park and forest camping charges are included in the Sandakphu Trek package.
  5. Safety equipment- First aid kit, oxygen cylinders, oximeter, etc. will be with the guide/trek leader and at the campsite as well to deal with emergencies.
  6. Expert Trek support team- The mountain staff on this trek consists of certified guides, cooks, helpers, and porters.


[ Note: These dates can be customized in case of 5 or more persons. ]

Trekking to Sandakphu and Phalut Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Mane Bhanjang
Upon arrival, reach the campsite by yourself. On the way, you may self-explore some beautiful spots like Mirik Lake, Simana View Point, Gopal Dhara Tea Estate, etc. After reaching the campsite, check-in to your tents for an overnight stay.
Leisure Day: Enjoy your time at Leisure
Day 2
Trek from Manebhanjan to Tumling
Check-out from the tent and begin your trek towards Tumling. On the way, enjoy wonderful views of the surroundings. Also, you will see various Paramilitary camps of the SSB as you reach the border area. Upon arrival, check-in at your tents for an overnight stay.
Activity: Trek to Tumling

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

  • Begin your trek to Tumling, a beautiful peak in the Singalila Range.
  • Take in the amazing views along the way, capturing the scenic landscapes as you walk uphill.
  • Notice the paramilitary camps of the SSB at key points, as the route marks the border between India and Nepal.
  • You might also see an amazing sunset over the Khangchendzonga range.
  • Upon arrival, check-in at your tent.
Day 3
Trek from Tumling to Kalapokhri
Check-out from your tent for the trek to Kalapokhri. During the trek, walk into dense forests where you can spot blooming rhododendrons. Afterwards, cross the Singalila ridge that will lead you to a small pond, Kalapokhri. Upon arrival, check-in to your tent for an overnight stay.
Activity: Trek to Kalapokhri

Trekking Distance: 9 Km | Duration: 4-5 Hours | Elevation: 10,302 Ft.

  • Begin your trek to Kalapokhri uphill from Tumling.
  • While passing through Singalila National Park, explore and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
  • Enter the dense forest and take shortcuts that lead to the Jeep road, spotting blooming rhododendrons on the way.
  • The trail climbs steeply back to the Singalila ridge, continuing the walking until reaching Kala Pokhari.
  • In the final part of the trek, see a small pond on our left, known as Kalapokhri.
  • Upon arrival, check-in to your tent for an overnight stay.
Day 4
Trek from Kalapokhri to Sandakphu Peak
Check-out from your tent and trek to Sandakphu Peak. Taking the straight road ahead, pass through Bikeybhanjan, and continue the journey to the campsite. On the way, admire the views of the various snow-capped peaks. Upon arrival, check-in to your tent for an overnight stay.
Activity: Trek to Sandakphu Peak

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

  • Begin your trek to Sandakphu, the highest point in West Bengal.
  • The trail joins two countries—India and Nepal—on the other side of the mountain. 
  • The road splits into two, and taking the straight road ahead, continue the climb.
  • You will pass through Bikeybhanjan (a valley of poisonous plants).
  • The last 5 km of climbing is a steep trail, which will lead you to Sandakphu.
  • As you reach the spot, you can see the entire snowy range of Bhutan, Sikkim, and Nepal, which is about 320 km long.
  • Upon arrival, check-in to your tent for an overnight stay.
Day 5
Downhill Trek from Sandakphu Peak to Phalut
Check-out from your tent to trek downhill to Phalut via Moley. Following the trail, enjoy a uphill climb for a few kilometers. Then, walk downhill, passing through a steep slope, to reach Phalut. Upon arrival, check-in to your tent for an overnight stay.
Activity: Trek Down to Phalut

Trekking Distance: 21 Km | Duration: 7-8 Hours | Elevation: 11,941 Ft.

  • Wake up early to catch a stunning sunrise over the snowy Himalayan peaks.
  • After check-out, begin your trek via Moley to Phalut, the meeting point of Nepal, Sikkim, and West Bengal.
  • Initially, you will climb uphill to join the main path, then descend a bit before ascending to Phalut.
  • Upon arrival, check-in to your tent for an overnight stay.
Day 6
Downhill Trek From Phalut to Gorkhey
Check-out from the tent and trek downhill to Gorkhey. Enjoy walking through forest areas full of bamboos, furs, etc. Also see oaks, pines, etc. as you walk further down. Pass through Samanden village and continue the journey to the campsite. Upon arrival, check-in to your tent for an overnight stay.
Activity: Trek Down to Gorkhey

Trekking Distance: 15 Km | Duration: 7-8 Hours | Elevation: 5,577 Ft.

  • Start your day early in the morning and go for a walk to the viewpoint to catch a beautiful sunrise.
  • After check-out, begin your descent to Gorkhey.
  • Walk through the forest area and see various trees like bamboo, firs, deodars, and pines.
  • The low hills are covered with mossy trees and various types of rhododendrons, silver firs, pines oaks, etc.
  • Continuing the journey downhill, visit the Lost Valley—Samanden, a beautiful village, situated between two valleys.
  • Upon reaching Samanden, check-in to your tent for an overnight stay.
Day 7
Trek Down from Gorkhey to Srikhola
After breakfast, check-out from your tent and trek downhill to Srikhola. On the way, see various small villages and scenic surroundings. Upon arrival, enjoy your lunch. This is where your trip ends.
Activity: Trek Down to Srikhola
  • Have your breakfast in the morning before starting your trek downhill to Srikhola.
  • Walk through the forest and pass through small villages until you reach Srikhola, a village overlooking the Srikhola River.
  • Enjoy a wonderful lunch as your trip ends here.

Select Package Options


More Details about Trekking to Sandakphu and Phalut

Know Before You Go for Trekking to Sandakphu and Phalut

  • Please carry a valid ID proof.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Things To Carry for Trekking to Sandakphu and Phalut

  • 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 Trekking to Sandakphu and Phalut

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Trekking to Sandakphu and Phalut Map

Starting Point
Maneybhanjan Trekking Basecamp
X4QC+49R, Mane Bhanjang, West Bengal 734221, India