Sandakphu Trek
Sandakphu is a must-do trek for people looking to explore Darjeeling, Sikkim hills with a breath-taking panorama of Himalayan peaks. Sandakphu is the highest point of West Bengal at 3636 m/ 12000 ft in the district of Darjeeling and Phalut is another tabletop on the same ridge. This trek follows the famous Singalila Ridge, a prominent spur of high ground that lies at the southern end of a long crest, which runs down from the Kanchendzongha massif and forms the border between Sikkim and Nepal. One of the unavoidable necessities of trekking in the Himalaya is that the best views are had from high up but the trek along this ridge, passing through small settlements, is perhaps one of the most scenically rewarding in the Himalaya. This is indeed an ideal trek for the experienced trekkers in a Tea-House style. There are spectacular panoramic views of Nepal Himalayas including the Kanchendzongha range, Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, Janu, 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. The Singalila National park area has rare species like Red Panda and is a birder’s paradise. The flowering of Rhododendrons and Magnolia turn the forest with red, pink, and white shades during spring and foliage hue during fall.
Sandakphu Trek Itinerary
Day 1 - Drive from New Jalpaiguri to Maneybhanjang (1930m/6,330ft)
Day 2 - Trek from Maneybhanjang to Tumbling (2970m/9,745ft)
Day 3 - Trek from Tumbling to Kalapokhri (3186m/10,450ft)
Day 4 - Trek from Kalapokhri to Sandakphu (3636m/11,930ft)
Day 5 - Trek from Sandakphu to Srikhola (3570m/11,710ft)
Day 6 - Drive from Srikhola to New Jalpaiguri
Detail Itinerary
Day 1 - Drive from New Jalpaiguri to Maneybhanjang (1930m/6,330ft)
Pick up from New Jalpaiguri and start our drive towards Maneybhanjang. Maneybhanjang is a quaint little hill town that has somehow been able to cling onto historical Land Rovers of the Fifties. This town falls in between India and Nepal. A part of it is included in India and the remaining part has sided with our neighbor, Nepal. It is a 4-hour drive covering about 95 km. Enjoy the drive with breaks in between and rest on reaching the base camp. Overnight in lodge/ guest house in Maneybhanjang.
Day 2 - Trek from Maneybhanjang to Tumling (2970m/9,745ft)
We start from Maneybhanjang and proceed towards Tumling. A short walk in this trail and we reach the Singalila National Park from where we get our trek permits done. The trekking trail mostly goes through the lovely forests and flowering trees, although merges with the gravel road at several places. 3 km into the trail, we reach Chitre village. The route up to Chitre passes through pine, fir, birch forests and bamboo glades. This part of the trek route is steep and really warms you up. It takes about 1.5 hours to trek up to Chitre. A further trek of 3 km we reach Lamaydhura. The trail is gradual and takes about 1 hour. From here, one side of the road is part of Nepal, while the other side is in India. Continue trek towards Meghma for about 1.5 hours covering 3kms. The trail passes through forests full of Chimal and Magnolia trees. In no time we reach our destination for the day Tumling, which offers spectacular views of Kanchenjunga on clear days.
Day 3 - Trek from Tumling to Kalapokhri (3186m/10,450ft)
Today we move from Tumling towards the famous Singalila national park followed by Garibas and finally to Kalapokhri. We cover a distance of around 10 km in 5-6 hours. While walking past the Singalila National Park, explore and discover the enchanting beauty of the vicinity. From Tumling we first trek to Jhaubari, a small village and this is a relatively easy trek with gradual descend. The trail from here to the next point Garibas is also a steep descend. From Gairibas, the route is a steep climb for about 2kms till you reach a tiny settlement known as Kaiyakatta. From Kaiyakatta, there are two routes. The trail at the upper level goes through Nepal. We would take the other trail that goes through India. Both routes finally meet at Kalapokhri where the lake is located. From Kaiyakatta, it's a gradual climb till you reach Kalapokhri. Rest and overnight in lodge/ guest house in Kalapokhri.
Day 4 - Trek from Kalapokhri to Sandakphu (3636m/11,930ft)
We start the trek early from Kalapokhri so that we can get great panoramic views of the snow peaks of Sandakphu. The trekking route is a gradual ascend up to Bikheybhanjang which is located 2kms away. On the way, we will cross a place called Chowri Chowk. A further trek of 4 km from here we will reach Sandakphu. This trail is very steep and tiring. But the rewarding views from Sandakphu will comfort you in no time. From Sandakphu you get a 180-degree panoramic view of some of the highest and most beautiful peaks of the world, right from Nepal all the way up to Arunachal. Some of the peaks include Mt Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Chomolhari, Pandim, Three Sisters, Kumbhakarna, etc.
Day 5 - Trek from Sandakphu to Srikhola (3570m/11,710ft)
Today we start our trek from Sandakphu towards Srikhola is a lovely scenic village in Darjeeling district. The trail starts with a descend of 5 hours to Gurdum and from here 2 hours to Srikhola.
Day 6 - Drive from Srikhola to New Jalpaiguri
Early morning we start to drive through the winding roads and get transferred to New Jalpaiguri. The route passes through Rimbik, Dhotre, Maneybhanjang, Sukhiapokhri, Ghoom, Kurseong, and reaching Siliguri and NJP. You will reach in the evening around 6-7 pm. You can plan your onward journey from here.
Sandakphu Trek Cost
Cost Inclusions
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All hotel accommodation in Maneybhanjang as per itinerary
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All Accommodation while trekking in best lodges on twin sharing basis
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Full board meals during the trek in tea houses/lodges (breakfast/lunch/dinner)
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Welcome Dinner with Protrek Adventure team
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All necessary paperwork, Trekking Permits, and Camping charge
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All ground transportation during the trip as per Itinerary
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Transfers from NJP to Maneybhanjang and Return as per Itinerary
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Mountaineering qualified & professional Trek Leader
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Experienced, English-speaking & government-licensed trekking guide
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Mules/Porters to carry the central luggage
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A comprehensive First-Aid medical kit
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Oxygen Cylinder in case of emergency (carried by your trek leader)
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Accommodation, Food, Wages, Insurance of trekking guides and porters
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Insurance for all our Support Staffs during the trek
Cost Exclusions
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Any kind of personal expenses
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Insurance and Any emergency evacuation charge
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Unforeseen cost due to flight cancellation, weather conditions, etc
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Mules/Porters for carrying personal luggage
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Anything not specifically mentioned under the head Inclusions
Registering for Sandakphu Trek
Eligibility: Is this trek suitable for me?
Sandakphu trek is graded as a challenging trek. This trek helps climbers to test their skills and improve their endurance. Such high-altitude treks should not be underestimated, and climbers should approach the trek with proper training. We highly suggest that you start working on your fitness two months before the climb. Previous trekking experience is mandatory to sign up for the Sandakphu trek. Excellent physical endurance, focus, and determination are required to complete the Sandakphu trek successfully. Happy Climbing!
Offloading
Protrek Adventure highly recommends the participants to carry their personal backpacks by themselves. However, in case you are absolutely not able to carry the same and would like to offload, then you have to inform us during the booking process and pre-book the offloading. Each bag should not weigh more than 10 kgs. The bag should be of rucksack style only. Duffle bags would not be accepted for offloading. Kindly inform our booking office if you will need to offload your personal backpack for the Sandakphu trek.
Trek Booking and Payment
Advance Booking Amount 30%
We suggest that you book your Sandakphu trek at the earliest and confirm your slot. This also enables you to get a good deal on your to and fro flight tickets and organizing your trip efficiently. A booking confirmation will be sent by e-mail along with the payment instructions and other trip details. All payments have to be made through an online transfer/ cheque deposit/ demand draft. After the payment for the booking is done, please mail us your transfer details at info@protrekadventure.com so that we can follow up efficiently.
COVID-19 Full Travel Credits
After confirmation of the trip, if you cannot travel on the booked dates due to the COVID-19 travel restriction, you can postpone the trip to a future date whichever seems safe and suitable for you. You can choose any departure date that is convenient for you and we will offer a Full Travel Credit without applying any charge. Travel Credits can be redeemed on any trip which departs within 1 year of the original departure date. It cannot be redeemed for cash or cash equivalent. Travel credit can be transferred once to a friend or family member to be used against a new booking. The transfer is subject to our approval prior to the creation of the new booking.
Cancellation Policy
If you wish to cancel your Sandakphu trek, please e-mail us on info@protrekadventure.com
Cancellations are processed only by e-mail and refunds for the same are as follows:
Cancellations prior to 30 days from the start of the trek—90% refund
Cancellation between 30 days and 20 days to the start of the trek—50% refund
Cancellation less than 20 days to the start of the trek—no cash refund
THINGS TO KNOW
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Our Trip Services - From NJP to NJP
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Pick up from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station at 6:30 am, in Tata Sumo or similar vehicles
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Accommodation - Guest House/ Tea House
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Food - All meals during Trek (Veg + Egg)
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Basecamp - Trek starts at Maneybhanjang and ends at Srikhola
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ATM point - Sukhia is best if you want to withdraw money before trek begins
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Mobile Signal - Mobile signal available throughout the trek on most networks. During the trek, the signal may be intermittent
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Nearest Rail Head - New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
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Nearest Airport - Bagdogra Airport
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Best Season - Mid September to Mid May
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On day 6 you will reach NJP by 6 or 7 pm. Plan your onward journey accordingly. You can book your travel any time after 8 pm
Sandakphu Trek
Region - West Bengal
Duration - 6 Days
Grade - Moderate
Max Altitude - (3636m/11,930ft)
Average Temperature - Day time 8°C-15°C; Nighttime -5°C-5°C
Sandakphu is a must-do trek for people looking to explore Darjeeling, Sikkim hills with a breath-taking panorama of Himalayan peaks. Sandakphu is the highest point of West Bengal at 3636 m/ 12000 ft in the district of Darjeeling and Phalut is another tabletop on the same ridge. This trek follows the famous Singalila Ridge, a prominent spur of high ground that lies at the southern end of a long crest, which runs down from the Kanchendzongha massif and forms the border between Sikkim and Nepal. One of the unavoidable necessities of trekking in the Himalaya is that the best views are had from high up but the trek along this ridge, passing through small settlements, is perhaps one of the most scenically rewarding in the Himalaya. This is indeed an ideal trek for the experienced trekkers in a Tea-House style. There are spectacular panoramic views of Nepal Himalayas including the Kanchendzongha range, Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, Janu, 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. The Singalila National park area has rare species like Red Panda and is a birder’s paradise. The flowering of Rhododendrons and Magnolia turn the forest with red, pink, and white shades during spring and foliage hue during fall.