Sandakphu Trek

  • Duration: 6 Days
  • Best Time: May, June, September and October

Sandakphu at 3636 m/11926 ft (Geo Coordinates: 27.105096°N, 88.001708°E), is the highest point of West Bengal, inside Darjeeling district, bordering Nepal. 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. Singalila in reality forms the border between Sikkim/Darjeeling i.e. India & neighbour Nepal.

One of the unavoidable necessities of trekking in Himalayas is that the best views are from high up. In contrary, the trail along this ridge, passing along small settlements, is perhaps one of the most scenically rewarding in the Himalayas. This is indeed an ideal trek for the beginners being a tea-house style nature. At the same time, a must visit for the experienced trekkers too. You got to see the spectacular panoramic views of Nepal Himalayas including Kanchendzongha range, Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, Jannu (Kumbhakarna), 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.

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Day 1: Drive from NJP/Siliguri/Bagdogra to Chitrey – 90 Km – 4/5 hours

Pick up from NJP railway station in the morning by 10 am and drive to Maneybhanjang (~ 1980 m/6500 ft). Distance around 90 km and takes 5 hours with a lunch and another tea break. The road goes through the foothills of Eastern Himalaya (also called Dooars) and gradually gains altitude inside conifer forests. There are two roads to reach Maneybhanjung of which one goes through the hill town of Mirik and the other via Ghoom. Usually the car takes the Mirik – Sukhiapokhri road. Have your lunch in Mirik, a hill station beside a fairly large lake.

The last 3 Km from Maneybhanjung to Chitrey is a steep road with several hairpin bends and eventually reaches the hilltop clearing at Chitrey (~ 2200 m, 7200 ft), HT trek base for Sandakphu trek

Chitrey is a small hamlet with of handful houses and a solitary lodge. In the afternoon/early evening visit Chitrey Monastery and the Buddhist Stupa beside our homestay. Walk up to the top of the hillock for sunset and a distant view of the hill queen Darjeeling city. All the major mobile networks work here. Night stay in lodge.

Day 2: Trek to Tumling – 9 Km – 6 hours

Our trek starts today. There is a motor able road to Sandakphu from Maneybhanjung and the distance is 33 Km. The same bumpy road goes further even till Phalut. This is not advisable as the height gain is abrupt within a short time span. Only few 1950/60’s made Land rovers ply between Maneybhanjang and Sandakphu. These wonder cars ferry local villagers with loads of provision. Our Sandakphu trekking trail often crisscrosses with this PWD road. We start walking while leaving the motor road and gradually climb up. After 15 minutes or so, the first view of Kanchenjunga appears with all its glory. Stop here for a break and enjoy the views.

After continuing on the table top meadow reach the tea stall at Lameydhura in an hour. This area is particularly beautiful during spring with blooming Rhododendrons and Magnolias. Misty weather has its own charm.

The trail ahead is clearly visible till Meghma while we walk on a almost flattened road. As the route often defines the border between India and Nepal so posting of the paramilitary camps (SSB, Sashastra Seema Bal) at all the major points are common. Show your photo ID here register your name. On the left side Meghma monastery is in Nepal.

Day 3: Trek to Kalapokhri – 12 Km – 6/7 hours

Wake up early in the morning to view the sunrise. Observe the different hue than the sunset on the same peaks. High Himalayan peaks look magnificent in the golden hue.

After breakfast we start our walk on a level ground and reach the check post of Singalila National Park in 45 minutes. From here we obtain the permit and get into the national park. Shortly after check post the road bifurcates. We leave the jeep road and take the left trail into Nepal. The terrain is wide spread and walking on the rolling trail we reach Jaubari village inside Nepal.

From here the main road leads to the eastern Nepal district town of Ilam while we take a right turn and descend on the stony trail. The trail far ahead is clearly visible from here and after an hour we descend to the Indian settlement called Gairibas. There is a GTA operated Trekkers Hut, SSB camp and few shop serving tea, noodles and momo. From this point our climb for the day starts. The road enters into the dense forest and we take shorts cuts often which meet the jeep road while gaining altitude in short distance.

Day 4: Kalapokhri to Sandakphu trek – 6 Km – 3/4 hours; In the afternoon a walk on Phalut road for the sunset

Today we need to cover a short distance but will be gaining altitude. The lodges on top of Sandakphu can be seen from Kalapokhri.

Initially its a gentle walk while traversing the mountain ridge and we reach Bhikeybhanjang in an hour. This portion of the trail is inside Nepal and Indian road joins here from the other side of the mountain. There is a tea stall on our left and a forest check post on the right. The road splits and the newly built road inside Nepal takes a longer path on our left to reach Sandakphu. We take the straight road ahead and start climbing. The switchback road has several turns and we go off the road and take shortcuts on few occasions. On the right hand we can see one ridge after another meeting the horizon. Silver fir, variety of conifers dominate the treeline. After ascending for an hour and half we turn left and reach the top of the ridge Sandakphu (~ 3636 m/11930 ft)

The left side of the ridge is in Nepal and the right side in India. On both sides of road there are lodges and tourist huts. The top of the ridge is somewhat flat and the north side is open. There is no ridge higher than this point, so the view of the mountains are uninterrupted. Total distance we cover is 6 Km and can take 3/4 hours. Infrequent mobile signal is available, here and there. In the late afternoon we walk on the Phalut road around an hour and witness the mellow sunset. Overnight in private lodge.

Day 5: Sunrise at Sandakphu – Trek down to Timburey via Gurdum village – 15 Km – 7/8 hours

Wake up early to observe the fascinating sunrise. During fall and winters this top remains cold, specially early in the morning. Wind blows directly from Kanchendzongha side. Expect a temperature between 0°C to -10°C (with the wind chill) in fall and winters. Straight ahead is gigantic Kanchendzongha massif along with Kumbhakarna (also called Jannu) to its left and Pandim to its right, forming as rightly said the “Sleeping Buddha”. Further left in the westward direction you can spot Three Sisters, Chomo Lonzo, Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Baruntse, Chamlang and other peaks . You will never forget the changing hue on Kanchendzongha.

After breakfast we start our descent. Today the trail is more likely you get in the other regular treks without an accompanying motor route. Initially the trail goes inside the conifers and later into bamboo forest. The slope of the descent is moderate at stretches and mostly gentle. In 3 hours we reach on the edge of the ridge and vast valley opens up. The picturesque village of Gurdum is seen below, along with the farming fields. We take our lunch in a beautiful lodge here and continue our descent inside pine forest to our days night halt at Timburey.

Day 6: Walk to Srikhola – 1 and half hour and drive from Srikhola to NJP – 150 Km – 6/7 hours or (to Darjeeling – 4 hours drive)

Today morning after breakfast we continue our descent along the river and reach Srikhola in one hour or so. Our trek ends here . An old suspension bridge connects the motor road on the other side towards Rimbick. We take the car back to NJP/Siliguri.

We will cross Rimbick, and the road goes either through Dhotrey or Bijanbari to finally Siliguri. If you have few days extra to carry on with vacation, then you can move out towards Darjeeling town which is 90 Km from Srikhola and takes around 4 hour. Though we are not a hotel booking or car sightseeing agency but maybe able to help you.

Sandakphu Trek

  • Duration: 6 Days
  • Best Time: May, June, September and October

Sandakphu at 3636 m/11926 ft (Geo Coordinates: 27.105096°N, 88.001708°E), is the highest point of West Bengal, inside Darjeeling district, bordering Nepal. 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. Singalila in reality forms the border between Sikkim/Darjeeling i.e. India & neighbour Nepal.

One of the unavoidable necessities of trekking in Himalayas is that the best views are from high up. In contrary, the trail along this ridge, passing along small settlements, is perhaps one of the most scenically rewarding in the Himalayas. This is indeed an ideal trek for the beginners being a tea-house style nature. At the same time, a must visit for the experienced trekkers too. You got to see the spectacular panoramic views of Nepal Himalayas including Kanchendzongha range, Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, Jannu (Kumbhakarna), 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.

img

Day 1: Drive from NJP/Siliguri/Bagdogra to Chitrey – 90 Km – 4/5 hours

Pick up from NJP railway station in the morning by 10 am and drive to Maneybhanjang (~ 1980 m/6500 ft). Distance around 90 km and takes 5 hours with a lunch and another tea break. The road goes through the foothills of Eastern Himalaya (also called Dooars) and gradually gains altitude inside conifer forests. There are two roads to reach Maneybhanjung of which one goes through the hill town of Mirik and the other via Ghoom. Usually the car takes the Mirik – Sukhiapokhri road. Have your lunch in Mirik, a hill station beside a fairly large lake.

The last 3 Km from Maneybhanjung to Chitrey is a steep road with several hairpin bends and eventually reaches the hilltop clearing at Chitrey (~ 2200 m, 7200 ft), HT trek base for Sandakphu trek

Chitrey is a small hamlet with of handful houses and a solitary lodge. In the afternoon/early evening visit Chitrey Monastery and the Buddhist Stupa beside our homestay. Walk up to the top of the hillock for sunset and a distant view of the hill queen Darjeeling city. All the major mobile networks work here. Night stay in lodge.

Day 2: Trek to Tumling – 9 Km – 6 hours

Our trek starts today. There is a motor able road to Sandakphu from Maneybhanjung and the distance is 33 Km. The same bumpy road goes further even till Phalut. This is not advisable as the height gain is abrupt within a short time span. Only few 1950/60’s made Land rovers ply between Maneybhanjang and Sandakphu. These wonder cars ferry local villagers with loads of provision. Our Sandakphu trekking trail often crisscrosses with this PWD road. We start walking while leaving the motor road and gradually climb up. After 15 minutes or so, the first view of Kanchenjunga appears with all its glory. Stop here for a break and enjoy the views.

After continuing on the table top meadow reach the tea stall at Lameydhura in an hour. This area is particularly beautiful during spring with blooming Rhododendrons and Magnolias. Misty weather has its own charm.

The trail ahead is clearly visible till Meghma while we walk on a almost flattened road. As the route often defines the border between India and Nepal so posting of the paramilitary camps (SSB, Sashastra Seema Bal) at all the major points are common. Show your photo ID here register your name. On the left side Meghma monastery is in Nepal.

Day 3: Trek to Kalapokhri – 12 Km – 6/7 hours

Wake up early in the morning to view the sunrise. Observe the different hue than the sunset on the same peaks. High Himalayan peaks look magnificent in the golden hue.

After breakfast we start our walk on a level ground and reach the check post of Singalila National Park in 45 minutes. From here we obtain the permit and get into the national park. Shortly after check post the road bifurcates. We leave the jeep road and take the left trail into Nepal. The terrain is wide spread and walking on the rolling trail we reach Jaubari village inside Nepal.

From here the main road leads to the eastern Nepal district town of Ilam while we take a right turn and descend on the stony trail. The trail far ahead is clearly visible from here and after an hour we descend to the Indian settlement called Gairibas. There is a GTA operated Trekkers Hut, SSB camp and few shop serving tea, noodles and momo. From this point our climb for the day starts. The road enters into the dense forest and we take shorts cuts often which meet the jeep road while gaining altitude in short distance.

Day 4: Kalapokhri to Sandakphu trek – 6 Km – 3/4 hours; In the afternoon a walk on Phalut road for the sunset

Today we need to cover a short distance but will be gaining altitude. The lodges on top of Sandakphu can be seen from Kalapokhri.

Initially its a gentle walk while traversing the mountain ridge and we reach Bhikeybhanjang in an hour. This portion of the trail is inside Nepal and Indian road joins here from the other side of the mountain. There is a tea stall on our left and a forest check post on the right. The road splits and the newly built road inside Nepal takes a longer path on our left to reach Sandakphu. We take the straight road ahead and start climbing. The switchback road has several turns and we go off the road and take shortcuts on few occasions. On the right hand we can see one ridge after another meeting the horizon. Silver fir, variety of conifers dominate the treeline. After ascending for an hour and half we turn left and reach the top of the ridge Sandakphu (~ 3636 m/11930 ft)

The left side of the ridge is in Nepal and the right side in India. On both sides of road there are lodges and tourist huts. The top of the ridge is somewhat flat and the north side is open. There is no ridge higher than this point, so the view of the mountains are uninterrupted. Total distance we cover is 6 Km and can take 3/4 hours. Infrequent mobile signal is available, here and there. In the late afternoon we walk on the Phalut road around an hour and witness the mellow sunset. Overnight in private lodge.

Day 5: Sunrise at Sandakphu – Trek down to Timburey via Gurdum village – 15 Km – 7/8 hours

Wake up early to observe the fascinating sunrise. During fall and winters this top remains cold, specially early in the morning. Wind blows directly from Kanchendzongha side. Expect a temperature between 0°C to -10°C (with the wind chill) in fall and winters. Straight ahead is gigantic Kanchendzongha massif along with Kumbhakarna (also called Jannu) to its left and Pandim to its right, forming as rightly said the “Sleeping Buddha”. Further left in the westward direction you can spot Three Sisters, Chomo Lonzo, Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Baruntse, Chamlang and other peaks . You will never forget the changing hue on Kanchendzongha.

After breakfast we start our descent. Today the trail is more likely you get in the other regular treks without an accompanying motor route. Initially the trail goes inside the conifers and later into bamboo forest. The slope of the descent is moderate at stretches and mostly gentle. In 3 hours we reach on the edge of the ridge and vast valley opens up. The picturesque village of Gurdum is seen below, along with the farming fields. We take our lunch in a beautiful lodge here and continue our descent inside pine forest to our days night halt at Timburey.

Day 6: Walk to Srikhola – 1 and half hour and drive from Srikhola to NJP – 150 Km – 6/7 hours or (to Darjeeling – 4 hours drive)

Today morning after breakfast we continue our descent along the river and reach Srikhola in one hour or so. Our trek ends here . An old suspension bridge connects the motor road on the other side towards Rimbick. We take the car back to NJP/Siliguri.

We will cross Rimbick, and the road goes either through Dhotrey or Bijanbari to finally Siliguri. If you have few days extra to carry on with vacation, then you can move out towards Darjeeling town which is 90 Km from Srikhola and takes around 4 hour. Though we are not a hotel booking or car sightseeing agency but maybe able to help you.