Sandakphu Trek

2 to 9 March 2024

Sandakphu Trek is very simple trek which offers a unique opportunity to sight FOUR OUT OF FIVE HIGHEST SUMMITS in the world, Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu and best views of Mt. Kangchenjunga. Mt. Kangchenjunga is also known as the “Sleeping Buddha” or the “Sleeping Shiva”, in this part of the world. Sandakphu (3,636 m. / 11,929 ft.) is the highest point of the Singalila Ridge in Darjeeling district of the state of West Bengal, India; on the West Bengal – Nepal border. Situated at the edge of the Singalila National Park, Sandakphu is a small village with a few hotels.

The heavenly experience of walking through the forest of blooming rhododendrons, giant magnolias, spruce and a wide range of amazing orchids is something you will find nowhere else. The trekking route passes through Singalila National Park which is another attraction of this trek. The park boasts rare animals like Red Pandas and Pangolins & a wide variety of birds. Watching the sunrise from the vantage point of Sandakphu is a mesmerising experience, never to forget. One can see the Mt. Everest massif in the Mahalangur range, in which the highest and the 4th highest peak, Mt. Lhotse, stand majestically. One can see the famous landmarks such as South Col, Lhotse Face very clearly with the help of powerful binoculars. We always have company of the Mt. Kangchenjunga Massif throughout the trek. It stands majestically on the borders of Nepal and India.

The Sandakphu trek offers one more unique experience of walking in India and staying for the night in Nepal. The trail continuously criss-crosses the international border of India and Nepal.

After getting down at Bagdogra Airport or NJP railway station; we get transferred to a small laid-back hotel in Kuresong for the night. The next day we drive to Maneybhanjang, the starting point of the trek. From here we trek to Tumling, which offers fantastic view of Mt. Kangchenjunga massif. After witnessing beautiful Sunrise in the morning, we trek to our next destination of Kalipokhari, the dark or black lake. The next day we trek to Sandakphu, the highest point in West Bengal. After watching the breath-taking Sunrise, we start our return journey and trek to beautiful village of Gurudum. After breakfast the next day, we walk a short distance to village of Srikhola, from where we will drive down to Darjeeling. The trek will after a day’s rest at Darjeeling.

Day wise detailed itinerary of the trek

Day-1
Reaching Bagdogra / New Jalpaiguri and then driving down to Kuresong. Night Stay in 3-star hotel.

Day-2
Drive from Kuresong to Maneybhanjang. Then trek to Tumling. Overnight stay in guest house.

Day-3
Trek from Tumling to Kali Pokhari. Overnight stay in guest house.

Day-4
Trek from Kali Pokhari to Sandakphu. Overnight stay in guest house.

Day-5
Trek from Sandakphu to Gurdum Village. Overnight stay in guest house.

Day-6
Trek from Gurdum to Srikhola. The drive to Darjeeling. Overnight stay in 3-star hotel.

Day-7
Rest Day at Darjeeling. Overnight stay in 3-star hotel.

Day-8
Drive from Darjeeling to Bagdogra for onward journey.

Where Will I Stay?

1 Night in a 3-star hotel in Kuresong on twin sharing FB Basis.
2 Nights in a 3-star hotel in Darjeeling on twin sharing FB Basis.
4 Nights in neat and clean small guesthouses OR homestays on twin sharing FB Basis.

How willI travel?

Visa is not a requisite for the Indian Citizens; however, a valid passport / Driving Licence / Aadhar Card / Election Card is a mandatory for all Indian citizens.
For non- Indian citizens, the passport must be valid till after at least 6 months of the trek. They are also required to carry 3 photocopies along 3 passport size-coloured photographs.
The travel from Bagdogra to Kuresong, from Kuresong to Maneybhanjang, from Srikhola to Darjeeling and from Darjeeling to Bagdogra will be Innova like vehicle. There will be 4 to 5 persons in the vehicle.
The trek entails about 5 – 6 hours of walk every day on various terrains.
This trek is ideal for children above the age of 10 years, for beginners and first timers.
With the trek leading up to 12,500 ft, high level of fitness is a pre-requisite for all the travellers.
The luggage will be carried by the local porters or ponies So it’s advisable that you carry a maximum of 15 kgs as personal baggage.
If there is a requirement of an extra porter, the cost of that will be borne by the traveller.
In case of un-avoidable/ un-favouring conditions, Hills and Trails reserves the right to make on-the spot changes in which case the group leader’s decision will be considered as the final word.

What about my health?

• A health certificate is mandatory for all the travellers. It should clearly certify that the traveller is physically fit to carry out a high-altitude trek to Sandakphu.
• We do take medical precautions, however, due to high altitude, traveller can suffer through headache, loss of appetite, nausea, breathlessness and loss of sleep. These ailments are temporary and disappear as soon as the person gets acclimated to the weather conditions.
• 4-5 litres of water intake is a must to avoid altitude related sickness. A tablet of Diamox comes handy to help acclimatization.
• In case of sever medical emergency, all the cost incurred by us on treatment / evacuation are to be borne by the traveller immediately in cash.
• To ensure safety at all times, it is highly advisable to follow the instructions of the group leader.
• Hills and Trails does not offer any type of insurance against any type of losses. It is recommended that every person gets his / her international travel insurance which is valid in Nepal and covers evacuation, if needed.