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.
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.
Type: Depending on terrain & the difficulty of the Sandakphu Trek , you will need to choose the right kind of grip and sole for the shoe. We recommend that you check for water-resistance and a deep yet flexible sole for the all factors that you will face.
Importance: Your legs need to be well taken care of by the shoes over the course of the Sandakphu Trek . Different terrains pose different threats and the right kind of shoe will make all the difference in the world.
Backpack for the Sandakphu Trek
Type: This purely depends on the kind of trek you are undertaking
- For Short Trek of 1 to 3 Days duration you need 15 litres to 20 litres of backpack
- For Long Trek of 3 to 10 Days duration you need 40 litres to 60 litres of backpack
Importance: Your backpack is as important as your shoe. Your entire journey will be with the Backpack with all the essentials you need. We recommend that you test the backpack and choose it according to the trek, your height & the comfort it provides.
Daypack
Type: This is 10 litres to 15 litres Daypack Backpack is what you need to have with you for the Summit day.
Importance: Your Daypack will be for those Summit days and shorter days when you just need your basic essentials with you.
Clothing
Padded Jacket – You will need 1 pair of the Jacket for Summer & Winter. Ensure that the jacket is wind-resistant & capable of keeping your warm up to -10 degrees.
Fleece Jacket – You will need 2 pairs of the Fleece Jacket. Make sure it’s Cotton or contains more Cotton.
Thermals – For the Sandakphu Trek , you will require 1 pair of thermals because of the cold winter. During the summer, this is optional. Thermals should also be made primarily of Cotton. This will keep you warm during the nights when the temperature usually tends to drop.
Trek Pants – Exclusively meant for Trekking, you will need a minimum of 2 pairs of Trekking Pants. Ensure it is made of Cotton & provides maximum comfort and is durable for the Rupin Trek.
Collared T-shirts – Carry 2 – 3 sets of these for the trek. The collar will help keeping the neck from being exposed to the sun and getting sun burnt during the Black Peak in summer, when it is normally sunny.
Sun Caps – At high altitudes, the Sun might be harsh and direct exposure of your head to the sun is not something we would recommend. Carry Sun Caps in case these situations arise to keep your head cool on the Sandakphu Trek , when it is normally sunny.
Woolen Caps – The Sandakphu Trek in December and other winter months will have very cold nights in the mountains and you must protect your ears and head from the cold winds. Woolen caps are essentials during the nights to keep your ears and head warm.
Waterproof Gloves:You will need waterproof gloves as you move towards colder and wet parts of the Sandakphu Trek to keep your hands clean & warm without getting them wet and most importantly, to give you the grip and firmness you need for the climb.
Trek Accessories
Trekking Pole: The Sandakphu Trek difficulty can be eased out by carrying one of our Trekking/Hiking Poles as it saves almost 60% of your energy when you are climbing a steep slope at high altitude regions. We make it a mandate to carry a Trekking Pole with you for our treks.
Head-lamp or Torch: : A Head-Lamp is something we make a mandate too, for our Treks. Carrying this will help you see better in dark places on the Sandakphu Trek. In case you are unable to procure a Head-lamp, then we suggest carrying a Torch.
Daily essentials
Toiletries: We recommend that you carry all your toiletries and all other cosmetic essentials by yourself to avoid borrowing (Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Lip-balm, Moisturizer, Face-wash, Other creams & essentials, Toilet roll, Sanitary Pads, etc.). Do not leave used napkins in the mountains these are against Himalayan laws.
Bottles & Boxes: Carry your Water Bottles we suggest you have two 1 litre bottles. We suggest you carry your own tiffin boxes to eat the food we provide for both convenience, and hygienic purposes.
Risks and challenges are part of everyone’s lives; without taking risks and facing challenges one cannot aim to achieve what he wants to be. These challenges help inculcate in us life skills needed to survive through tough situations. We consider this the motto of our company- to prepare an individual to face the risks of life, the challenges that come their way, and to equip them with the knowledge to overcome them.
Trekking, directly or indirectly, helps develop these qualities and also garners quick decision making techniques as per the circumstances. It allows you to learn how nature works and the strong impact of the environment on one’s life.
The company has made all possible arrangements and taken all the necessary precautions to avoid any mishaps. However, it is still essential to enlighten our trekkers about the possible risks and challenges that they may meet with on the trekking route and how these can be avoided or overcome. Remember to be proactive at all times and with this is mind, let’s discuss some common risks and challenges along the Black Peak trek map and ways to avoid them.
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.
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.
Type: Depending on terrain & the difficulty of the Sandakphu Trek , you will need to choose the right kind of grip and sole for the shoe. We recommend that you check for water-resistance and a deep yet flexible sole for the all factors that you will face.
Importance: Your legs need to be well taken care of by the shoes over the course of the Sandakphu Trek . Different terrains pose different threats and the right kind of shoe will make all the difference in the world.
Backpack for the Sandakphu Trek
Type: This purely depends on the kind of trek you are undertaking
- For Short Trek of 1 to 3 Days duration you need 15 litres to 20 litres of backpack
- For Long Trek of 3 to 10 Days duration you need 40 litres to 60 litres of backpack
Importance: Your backpack is as important as your shoe. Your entire journey will be with the Backpack with all the essentials you need. We recommend that you test the backpack and choose it according to the trek, your height & the comfort it provides.
Daypack
Type: This is 10 litres to 15 litres Daypack Backpack is what you need to have with you for the Summit day.
Importance: Your Daypack will be for those Summit days and shorter days when you just need your basic essentials with you.
Clothing
Padded Jacket – You will need 1 pair of the Jacket for Summer & Winter. Ensure that the jacket is wind-resistant & capable of keeping your warm up to -10 degrees.
Fleece Jacket – You will need 2 pairs of the Fleece Jacket. Make sure it’s Cotton or contains more Cotton.
Thermals – For the Sandakphu Trek , you will require 1 pair of thermals because of the cold winter. During the summer, this is optional. Thermals should also be made primarily of Cotton. This will keep you warm during the nights when the temperature usually tends to drop.
Trek Pants – Exclusively meant for Trekking, you will need a minimum of 2 pairs of Trekking Pants. Ensure it is made of Cotton & provides maximum comfort and is durable for the Rupin Trek.
Collared T-shirts – Carry 2 – 3 sets of these for the trek. The collar will help keeping the neck from being exposed to the sun and getting sun burnt during the Black Peak in summer, when it is normally sunny.
Sun Caps – At high altitudes, the Sun might be harsh and direct exposure of your head to the sun is not something we would recommend. Carry Sun Caps in case these situations arise to keep your head cool on the Sandakphu Trek , when it is normally sunny.
Woolen Caps – The Sandakphu Trek in December and other winter months will have very cold nights in the mountains and you must protect your ears and head from the cold winds. Woolen caps are essentials during the nights to keep your ears and head warm.
Waterproof Gloves:You will need waterproof gloves as you move towards colder and wet parts of the Sandakphu Trek to keep your hands clean & warm without getting them wet and most importantly, to give you the grip and firmness you need for the climb.
Trek Accessories
Trekking Pole: The Sandakphu Trek difficulty can be eased out by carrying one of our Trekking/Hiking Poles as it saves almost 60% of your energy when you are climbing a steep slope at high altitude regions. We make it a mandate to carry a Trekking Pole with you for our treks.
Head-lamp or Torch: : A Head-Lamp is something we make a mandate too, for our Treks. Carrying this will help you see better in dark places on the Sandakphu Trek. In case you are unable to procure a Head-lamp, then we suggest carrying a Torch.
Daily essentials
Toiletries: We recommend that you carry all your toiletries and all other cosmetic essentials by yourself to avoid borrowing (Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Lip-balm, Moisturizer, Face-wash, Other creams & essentials, Toilet roll, Sanitary Pads, etc.). Do not leave used napkins in the mountains these are against Himalayan laws.
Bottles & Boxes: Carry your Water Bottles we suggest you have two 1 litre bottles. We suggest you carry your own tiffin boxes to eat the food we provide for both convenience, and hygienic purposes.
Risks and challenges are part of everyone’s lives; without taking risks and facing challenges one cannot aim to achieve what he wants to be. These challenges help inculcate in us life skills needed to survive through tough situations. We consider this the motto of our company- to prepare an individual to face the risks of life, the challenges that come their way, and to equip them with the knowledge to overcome them.
Trekking, directly or indirectly, helps develop these qualities and also garners quick decision making techniques as per the circumstances. It allows you to learn how nature works and the strong impact of the environment on one’s life.
The company has made all possible arrangements and taken all the necessary precautions to avoid any mishaps. However, it is still essential to enlighten our trekkers about the possible risks and challenges that they may meet with on the trekking route and how these can be avoided or overcome. Remember to be proactive at all times and with this is mind, let’s discuss some common risks and challenges along the Black Peak trek map and ways to avoid them.