Interested in Sandakphu Trekking in 2024 Season?
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Located at 3,636m or 11,926 ft above sea level, Sandakphu is the highest point of West Bengal inside Darjeeling district having a close border with Nepal. Sandakphu is referred as the best route in the world from where you can behold the long panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountain Range with tallest four 8,000+ meter peaks - The Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu and Mt. Kanchenjungha.
There are no such view points in the world from where you can see the four highest eight thousander plus peaks in the world and that of also with a moderate trek. That's why Sandakphu is so crazy among trekkers and adventure lovers from every corner of the world.
Sandakphu throws open an incredible panorama of world's highest snowline, swerving from the snow ensconced peaks of Nepal to Bhutan and farther east to Tibet. The trek route zigzags along the Singalila National Park and Indo-Nepal border, often making this trip thrilling. Basically you will never know when you are in Nepal and when in India. No boundaries, no check post, no guns, no red eyes of army jawans, no fear – its sheer thrill in every curve of your trek. Innumerable birds, flora and wildness of pure nature are enough to fascinate you by every means.
Lined with quaint localities of Indians and Nepalese citizen side by side even through long winters this Trek and Tourism run round the year. Sandakphu Phalut route is logical, realistic, and safe.
| Mountain Range | Singalila Ridge |
| Max Altitude | 11,930 Ft. |
| Altitude of Manebhanjan | 1,928 m |
| Altitude of Tumling | 2,970 m |
| Altitude of Gairibas | 2,621 m |
| Altitude of Kalipokhri | 3,186 m |
| Altitude of Sandakphu | 3,636 m |
| Altitude of Phalut | 3,595 m |
DISTANCE AND TRAVEL DURATION TO NOTE
| Origin | Destination | Distance | Travel Time by Trek |
|---|
| Manebhanjan | Chitre | 3 km | 1.5 hrs |
| Manebhanjan | Sandakphu | 32 km | 2 to 3 days |
| Sandakphu | Phalut | 20.6 km | 5/6 hrs |
MANDATORY DOCUMENTS TO CARRY ON SANDAKPHU?
To get permission in Singalila National Park, you need to obtain a permit which executive from NatureWings will provide. Trekker's don't need to worry of it except providing the photocopy of any government identity like Voter Card, Aadhar Card, Driving License, Passport etc. Without this pass, no one can enter in the region as it is full of wild animals.
SECOND FOR SANDAKPHU TOUR BY LAND ROVER:
If you are travelling Sandakphu & Phalut by Land Rover, you must carry original and photocopy of your government approved identification like Voter Card, Aadhar Card, Driving License, Passport etc. You need to produce them to NatureWings executive before boarding to Land Rover from Manebhanjan. Our executive will prepare the required permit and tickets to enter Singalila Nation Park. Even you need to show your documents and pass to various check post guarded by SSB Jawans.
PLEASE NOTE : It is advisable to carry all documents in a transparent plastic cover so that it doesn't get wet if it rains. Apart from the documents, trekkers need to carry various essentials things and accessories like shoes, Backpack, trek pants, Sunglasses, Suncap, hand gloves, Socks (3 pairs), Headlamp, Rainwear, Rain cover for your backpack, Toilet kit having toothbrush, toothpaste, small soap, toilet tissue roll, moisturizer, lip balm, roll-on deodorant, sanitary napkin pads etc.
PLEASE NOTE : All trekkers are requested to bring back all sanitary waste, bottles, wrappers etc with them in a zipped bag, don't pollute the mountains and trails. Take only memories, Leave only Footprints.
DAY WISE PLAN
DAY 1 : NJP / BAGDOGRA TO MANEBHANJAN [2 hr 46 min (80.4 km)]
It's the first day. As many of you will be coming from different parts of India rather world, so first we will meet at NJP Station or Siliguri Station. A warm welcome by our representative. After a short briefing and a small tea break, we will be heading towards our next destination – Mane Bhanjan.
NOTE: from Siliguri Station we can go up to Darjeeling more with small Toto rickshaw or Auto. Our Car will be waiting there. From Darjeeling more, we will board our car to rise up the hill and will reach our destination Mane Bhanjan.
From plain (NJP / Siliguri / Bagdogra) to the hills the journey is very enjoyable with sukna forest on both side, beautifully decorated army camps, the forest of Sal and Teak on both side, innumerable tea gardens, small huts of local people beautifully decorated with seasonal flower and of course ever smiling little children’s of hills.
After reaching Ghum Station, we will take left turn and proceed through Lepcha Jagat – a beautiful place shaded with lush green pine forest, Sukhia Pokhari, Simana Bazar and then we will reach Mane Bhanjan - A small hamlet adjacent to Indo Nepal border.
ManeBhanjan is the gateway for your most awaited Trek. From NJP/Siliguri/Bagdogra, you will be reaching Mane Bhanjan around 1 to 1.30pm depending upon the road and weather condition. As many of you will be coming from far distances, we will spend the night here. After lunch take rest. Put on your Jackets or Pull over (as you are almost 1900m above sea level, you will experience chill wind) and set out to roam round the vicinity of Mane Bhanjan. There is small Buddhist Pagoda where you can visit, hear the sound of flattering flags in high winds. In the evening, stroll around the hamlet. Leisure and night stay at the hotel / home stay in Mane Bhanjan.
NOTE: Here one thing to remember that Mane Bhanjan is the hub of Singalila Land Rover Association with a fleet of 45 half century old British period giant beast. Though most of the iconic green color is faded away with the span of time, and has been replaced with metallic shinning silver sheet, but the charm and credibility is the same. They are the life line of this hilly rock paved roads.
DAY 2 : MANEYBHANJAN TO TUMLING / TONGLU [13km / 6-8 hrs]
With early morning wake up and a cup of hot tea, say Goooooooood Morning to Maney Bhanjan. With freshen up and breakfast done, get ready with your Rucksack. Take a last minute check. If required any gadgets, you can buy it from here.
Then let's assemble at a place and start the Trek. Our next destination wills be Tumling or Tonglu (depending upon availability, weather and requisition). It is almost 13 km trek via Chitrey, Meghma and Tonglu.
Chitrey - It is a small picturesque village just 3 km from Mane Bhanjan. Located at a height of 8340ft above sea level, Chitrey is a wonderful hamlet and its serenity will mesmerize every traveler and trekker. Surrounded by high forest in one side and wide spread meadow other side the view from Chitrey is really spell bound.
Meghma - Is also a pristine small hamlet in the route of Sandakphu. Located at a height of 9,514ft and 9 km from Mane Bhanjan, most of the time this place remain hidden under carpet of cloud hence got the name as "Megh" means cloud in local language. Mother Nature has packed this place with all her treasures. This place is so beautiful that travelers get spellbound and wish to come here again and again.
Tumling - This place is regarded as the halt for all trekkers way to Sandakphu. Geographically located in Nepal with merely 15 people in total, this is a small hamlet and gateway to the Singalila National Park. Located at 10,000ft or 2970m from sea level, this is a great view point. In a clear sunny day, Mt. Kanchenjunga is clearly visible from here. Sun Rise on a clear sunny day is also mesmerizing.
After reaching Tumling, take rest. Stroll the surroundings. You are in Nepal and most of the families here are Gurung community. It's a great place for photography and photo session. Evening free for leisure. Do whatever you want. Take rest, sing song, play guitar and take part in antakshari, arrange camp fire, dance around it and get warm-up. After all it will be shivering cold at night. From evening, the temperature start to fall and within night it becomes sub zero sometime. Sweet dream at Tumling.
DAY 3 : TUMLING TO KALIPOKHRI [12km / 6-8 hrs]
With a very good morning at Tumling, try to catch the amazing view of early morning Sun rise from Tumling view point. Stroll around the concrete road and feel the freshness of air. Intake the pure oxygen as much as you can. You can perform Yogasana or Surya Namasker also.
Complete your breakfast, check your backpack and start for Kalipokhri. From here Kalipokhri is almost 12km. It is a wonderful road up to Singalila National Park Check Post (1 km from Tumling and here you have to show your permits). Keeping Singalila National Park on your right side and Nepal on your left you will trek through the wonderful serpentine rocky narrow path full of small bamboo and rhododendron. If your trekking time is between Marchs to June, then you will get the best bloom of rhododendron everywhere.
From Singalila National Park gate, trekkers usually choose the left turn and trek up to Jhaubari. It is almost 5 km and the entire route is in Nepal. The nature view on the route is extremely beautiful, serene, calm, windy and chill. Though out this trek, you may not encounter with any other living creature on this earth except dogs and wild mule. After 6 km trek you will reach Jhaubari – a small settlement with 5 to 6 homestay. You can take some rest if you need.
From Jhaubari you have to take the right side road up to Gairibas. It is almost 1km down steep road. Trekkers generally take a small tea or Momo break here. After having little rest, again proceed towards Kalipokhri – your next destination. The journey is extremely thrilling through the dense bamboo forest with moderate trek. Within next 2 km you will reach Kayakatta, a small settlement to take rest and Lunch. From Kayakatta, Kalipohri is almost 4 km. A moderate trekking is required, you may be exhausted but the scenery and view on your both side will mesmerize you on your entire journey. So many unknown flowers everywhere will welcome you with their grandeur. Exhausted you will reach Kalipokhri. The name Kali means Black and Pokhri means Pond. Hence it is named as Kali Pokhri. The pond is very sacred to the local Nepali people. You will find small stone stupa on the brink of the pokhri.
Take rest. Day is free for leisure. Enjoy the vicinity around Pokhri. It is awesome and best for selfie and photo session also. Night will be freezing cold. So take early dinner and go to bed.
DAY 4 : KALIPOKHRI TO SANDAKPHU [6 km 3 hrs]
After a chilling night, try to get up early if you want to behold the magnificent Sunrise from Kalipokhri. Return back to home stay. Complete your breakfast with hot ginger tea and start for the final part of your trek. Almost 6 hrs steep route through the rocky boulder road is waiting for you.
With one and half hrs steep you will reach Bikhey Bhanjang, a small hamlet where you can take little rest. As it is almost 10k+ altitude, it seems very tough as oxygen level drops. So proper rest is a must time to time. From Bikehy bhanjan, the "Valley of Poison" starts. It is because that in this region various type of poisonous herbs and shrubs grow, so better not to touch any colorful plants no matter how small it is.
From Bikhey Bhanjang, Sandakphu is another 4km. The path may be strenuous, but the natural beauty will fill your heart with joy and happiness. Every turn in this path is awesome, beautiful with jaw dropping cinerary. Enjoy it. After all you are here for that. Then suddenly the mile stone will appear before you with Sandakphu = 0Km. Yes, you are almost done. You are at the top of West Bengals highest point.
Sandakphu is a window to one of the finest view of the snowy mountains, from the mighty Everest in Nepal, to the revered Khangchendzonga in Sikkim and the legendary Chomolhari in the Bhutan. The whole snowy range of Bhutan, Sikkim and Nepal about 320km in length, a wonderful square mass of mountains looking like a wall of snow is visible but the gigantic height and breadth of touring Khangchendzonga with its attendant peaks, Kabru, Jannu and Pandim dominate the scene.
Take rest, enjoy the view for what you are doing this hard work for last three days. Behold the mesmerizing view of the entire Himalayan range with the Great Mt. Kanchenjungha calling you in front. Good Night sleep at home stays at Sandakphu.
DAY 5 : SANDAKPHU TO SRIKHOLA
Today we will start our return journey from Sandakphu. It will be another wonderful day. First we will set out for Gurdum which is almost 10km and can be trekked within 4 hrs through the dense Singalila forest full of blooming Rhododendron, Oaks and Chestnut trees. The path is extremely beautiful, full of serenity and carpeted with flowers of rhododendron between April to June.
Gurdum is a tiny picturesque hamlet at an altitude of 7150ft. Very small number of families live here. Having surrounded by dense forest, the ambience of the village is awesome and great spot to enjoy the nature’s beauty. After reaching here, take rest and have lunch at Sherpa Himalayan Lodge.
After an hour of lunch break, we will start towards Srikhola which is nearly 2 hrs trek. SriKhola is another wonderful place to behold. With an altitude of 6900ft, it's a tiny village with a beautiful mountain streams. Here to mention that in local language the word "khola" means "Stream". After reaching Srikhola, either you can take rest or can roam around the beautiful streams; in the evening you can enjoy campfire besides the stream also. It's a wonderful experience. We will spend the night at Srikhola.
DAY 6 : END DAY
With a hot cup of tea / coffee say good morning to Srikhola. Roam around the vicinity and experience the morning glory once for all as we will start our final decent soon. After breakfast take a shared vehicle to NJP / Siliguri / Bagdora via Rimbik, Manebhanjan, Sukhiapokhri and Mirik. It will be a long journey; almost 160km and can take 6 to 7 hrs. Here your Sandakphu adventure ends with sweet memories.
INCLUSIONS :
- Accommodation is on twin sharing basis
- Meals : All meal
- Transfers from one place to another
- Vehicle will be provided based on the itinerary
- All permits and applicable taxes
- Guide Charges
EXCLUSIONS :
- Entrance fees at the monuments / temples / monastery
- Meals not mentioned in inclusions
- Train Fare, Air Fare
- Porter / Pony Services
- Any kind of insurance
- Any increase in the govt. and state taxes
- Personal expenses
- Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS [FAQ]
Q. Can I opt for Sandakphu Phalut Trek between September to ends to December?
Yes, absolutely, according to suggestion of NatureWings, Sandakphu is best trekked between end of September to end of November or 1st half of December. During this time air is cool, pleasant and fog free. Mountain views are best seen at this time. The chances to behold the exquisite beauty of entire Himalayan Mountain range along with four 8000+ meters peak (Mt. Everest, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Lohtse, and Mt. Kanchenjungha) can be visible clearly from Sandakphu at this time only. The possibilities are 100% crystal clear view.
PLEASE NOTE : As this is the Durga Puja Holiday Season in Bengal, Bengalis prefer to travel Sandakphu this time via Darjeeling either by Booking Sandakphu Land Rover Package Tour from NatureWings. Apart from that trekkers from different parts of India and the world prefer to trek here in September to November.
Q. What is the special in Sandakphu Phalut Trek?
Sandakphu is just at 11,950ft above sea level. So in terms of height, it may not look so impressive to any experienced trekker. What makes Sandakphu so special is its location from where you can see four highest peaks in the world standing in a same place.
Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu and Mt. Kanchenjungha are the peaks which stand majestically in a wide range and can be viewed from Sandakphu Top. That’s why Sandakphu Trek is so special.
Q. How long is Sandakphu trek?
From origination point of Mane Bhanjan (elevation 1,928 m / 6,325 ft), the distance of Sandakphu (elevation 11,950 ft / 3636m) is 32kms. A moderate trekking is required to cover this distance and generally it is done in 3 days i.e. spending 1 night in Tumling/Tonglu and 1 night in Kalipokhri.
Q. What shall be the temperature of Sandakphu in November and December?
If you wish to trek Sandakphu during November and December (it is considered as best time to trek), then please be noted that you are going to experience Zero or sometime Sub-Zero temperature. It is freezing cold on top of Sandakphu at night. In deccember it may be as low as -15°C. So keep adequate clothe and equipment to keep you warm.
Q. What should be the preparation for Sandakphu Trek?
Most trek route in Sandakphu is flat walks. If you start from Manebhanjan then first 30 minutes trek up to Chitre has little steep. From Chitre to Tumling most of the treks' path has little ups, and down with moderate flat walk on the meadow, and through the deep forest with wild bamboo and rhododendron. From Tumling to Gairibas also it has fewer ups and downs. Then your trek will start from Gairibas to Kalipokhari with moderate walk on bolder path. Then your actual ascend starts from Kalipokhri to Sandakphu. It has steep ascends and many hair pins curve. So, to trek the entire path of 32 km you need at least a month longs preparation, and good fitness to avoid any misadventure or medical emergency during your Sandakphu Trek.
Q. What are the things to pack for Sandakphu trek?
Be very carefully you have to pack your rucksack. The list may be long, yet the most important may be like : jackets, Waterproof jacket with hood, tracksuit, hiking shoes, pair of socks & underwear, toilet paper, towel, gloves, caps, snow glasses and sunglasses, sticks, water bottle, water purifying tablets, headlamp, torch, candles, matches / lighters, binocular, camera, knife, first aid kit, moisturizer, dry foods, chocolate, candy etc.
Q. What will be the food type during Sandakphu trek?
This is notable that Veg and Non-Veg, both type of meal can be availed during the trek. Mainly Rice, Dal, Chapati, Roti, Sabji, Egg curry, Egg Omlet, Chicken curry etc is served where you stay. On top of Sandakphu, in Sunrise Hotel and Restaurant, you can avail Chinese dishes also like Chow mein (hakka & gravy), Fried Rice, Chicken Kabab, Chicken Tikka, French Fries, Rice, Dal, Papad, Salad, Egg Curry, Tawa Roti and Chapatti also.
Q. Can I avail drinks in Sandakphu?
Oh yes, obviously. If you carry your own drink it's great. Else on top of Sandakphu, in Sunrise Hotel and Restaurant you can avail it with genuine price. In the evening this restaurant comes to live. People throng the place to enjoy the evening with tea, coffee or drinks of their own choice. A variety of Nepalese Beer (carlsberg, tuborg, kingfisher, Hit super strong beer) is available there. It's good in quality. In terms of hard drinks, people or trekkers generally prefer Old Monk Rum. Either you can buy a bottle or can enjoy it as peg. Choice is yours. It is the best place to spend the night with beats of Bollywood and Nepali songs.
Q. What is the best time for Sandakphu trek?
There are actually two seasons, one is Summer and the other is Autumn or Winter.
Spring and Summer - End of March to May is comprises of Spring and Summer in the region. It is best time to behold the magnificent bloom of Rhododendron and Primulas. Sky remains partially clear.
Autumn and Winter - End of October to January is winter season in the region. It is best time to play with snow. Clear sky mainly prevails this time enhancing the possibilities for 100% crystal clear view of the mountain peaks and the range.
Q. Whether electricity is available in Sandakphu?
Yes, electricity is available in Sandakphu, but due to the low voltage, no Geyser or Room heater is available in Sandakphu or Phalut. Warm water is served in bucket on request. One bucket per room is free, extra will be chargable. In some guest house like PWD Bunglow of West Bengal Government electricity is available from evening [6 pm] to next day morning [8 am] only through solar power.
Sandakphu Landrover Tour Reviews
4.4 Stars Rating, out of 5
based on 1,132 Reviews
|
From GoogleAmit Kayal
Last year in the month of November, we took a Sandkaphu Trip along with family and friends. It was during the 3rd week of November and sky was unbelievably clear and the of view of Mout Kanchanjhugha and Mount Everest was mesmerizing and surreal. We took a Land Rover from Manebhanjan to Sandakphu and took around 4 hrs to reach. The road from Kalaphokri to Sandakphu is really very steep and almost 45 degree gradient, the road condition was good till Tumbling and then it was a rough bolder road. We stayed in Sunrise hotel in Sandakphu, though this hotel is in Nepal. This is the best hotel in Sandakphu with awesome view of the ranges from the hotel. The hospitality of Bhabiji was really warm and with her smile she has served us a lot. Overall our trip was great and we thank NatureWings for arranging such a nice trip.
From FacebookRajesh Pradhan
Our Trip to Sandakphu and Phalut in last year December with friends was an amazing experience. We did it a mix trip, with car and trek. Though we took a car from Manebhanjan, we did a very good trek from Chitre to Tumling. It was through dense forest of Singalila National Park. We trekked from Chitre to Tumling, sometimes we followed the jeep route also. It took around 2 hrs to reach from Chitre to Tumling through trek, our car was waiting at Tumling and we took the car to reach Sandakphu. While returning, we took a trek route from Sandakphu to Kalaphokhri, it was a quick route and took around just one hour to climb down from Sandakphu to Kalaphokri. I suggest this type of mix experience for the future traveler in Sandakphu. The hotels in Sandakphu was basic and those who want to just enjoy the nature, they are welcome here as the facilities and amenities here in Sandakphu is really limited.
From FacebookHarshbardhan Rane
Coming from a polluted city like Delhi, visiting mountains make me happy, and Sandakphu was next on my wish list for the 2019 visit. Being an old customer, I contracted NatureWings to arrange my trip, and Mr. Soumalya Ghosh, the specialist in this sector, explained everything with patience and provided me with a package for 4 nights along with some special discount for my loyalty.
After landing, we drove towards Manebhanjan, where we saw the legendary 50 - 70 years aged LandRover from the British period. On the next, we started our journeytowards Sandakphu on a 60 years old Land Rover along the bumpy road full of gravel and sharp turns enough to give you goosebumps. After reaching Sandakphu, we saw the stunning view of Mt.Kanchenjung and, Mt.Everest in a single frame drifting on clouds, followed by the spine chilly cold wind from the Himalayas that made us wear 3 clothes.
Our stay at Sandakphu was for 2 nights, along with a day excursion to Phalut to see the Kanchenjunga more closely, and on the fourth day, we moved to Lepchajagat, a forested area.
We got decent and clean rooms with a mountain view while the food was average in taste but hot, network connectivity was terrible, but nature was at its best. The experience we got from this trip will be cherished forever, thank you NatureWings team for your effort, and Special thanks to Mr. Indrajeet Kar for tracking us.
From FacebookPromothesh Don
We visited Sandakphu from Mumbai through NatureWings in 2020 beginning. This agency was suggested to me by my daughter after she read good reviews on Facebook from the Mumbaikars sharing their good experiences.
My daughter connected with this agency from Kolkata, where Mr. Soumalya Ghosh assisted with prompt service and thereby providing a fair priced itinerary. We received our hotel vouchers, driver details before the journey, and post landing at Bagdogra airport, our driver Mr.Gurung transferred us to Manebhanjan.
The next day, we started our journey towards Sandakphu via Indo Nepal border on a 70 years old noisy Land Rover inherited from the Britishers that craved out its way through the narrow road. Sandakphu has a breathtaking view of the Kanchenjunga, Everest, and other Himalayan peaks covered with snow and glitter with falling rays of the sun.
We spent two nights relaxing and enjoying the beauty of the Himalayas at Sandakphu and visited Phaluk on our way to Tumling, a small hamlet with great views, and last night at Lepchajagat.
The selection of our hotels/homestays was up to the mark, the car was in good condition, including the Rover, and food was limited but hot and fresh. We had a great time in the lap of nature, thanks to Mr. Indrajeet for his regular follow-ups and perfect arrangements.
From FacebookSachin Patil
We are 5 Trekking lovers from Gujarat, planned for Sandakphu Trek, the oldest and finest trekking point in India. While searching for a travel agent, we came across the NatureWings website and approached them to plan our trip based on the trekking route.
Mr.Sandip Raha NatureWings, M.D. showed interest to design our trip and guided us very well along with a 5 nights/6 days perfect itinerary.
We reached Bagdogra with our big rucksack, and from there, our driver transferred us to Manebhanjan, the base point of our trek towards Sandakphu. Early morning we were on with our trekking shoes and left towards Sandakphu along with our experienced guide following the well-marked boulder path of colonial Land Rovers.
There were some shops and settlements where we sat with our tired legs and ate hot Maggi before progressing towards our final halt for the day at Gairibas.
We enjoyed our stay in a homestay where we chatted with the locals and met other trekker enthusiasts like us. This trekking route has mild to moderate difficulty, and on the way, it allows us to experience the rich flora and fauna of this region while giving a peep to the lifestyle of the locals.
The guide was an experienced man and was climbing for the 25th time while entertaining us on the way up. After trekking for nearly 8 hours on the gravel road full of steep hike and rhododendron apart from the marvelous view of the mountains, we finally met our destination.
We saw the glorious Kanchenjunga, Everest, and others peaks shining in the daylight while the sun busy playing hide and seek with the clouds. After spending 2 beautiful nights at Sandakphu in the tranquil environment surrounded by tall coniferous trees, we started our final trek towards Srikhola nearly 16 Kms from the origin.
We reached the same day while trekking for 6 hours through the dense forest of Singalila full of flowering plants, butterflies, and singing birds.
After spending one tiring night in Srikhola, we left for Bagdogra airport for an onward journey. The highlight of this trip was this awestruck view of Mt.Kanchenjunga shining like a gigantic diamond with the falling moon rays and learning a few Nepali words from our guide.
Well, the trip was worth each penny from on trip follow-up by Mr.Indrajeet, to homestay and hotel selection, guide, food, and transfer, all was perfect, and we cherished every moment. Thanks a bunch for making our trip memorable and we do recommend you guys.
