Sandakphu Trek Highlights :

• The famous “Sleeping Buddha” formation of peaks formed by four Tallest Mountains In The World!
• Seeing the Mt. Everest at the horizon- you will love every bit of Sandakphu trekking!
• Albeit it’s offbeat essence, the Lake stand as a major attraction en route to Sandakphu. Kalpokhri Lake– the Mystery of The Sacred Black Waters.
• Experience one of the highest north-south mountain ridge- Singalila range that divide West Bengal and Himalayan range.
• The flowering of Rhododendrons and Magnolia turn the forest into red, pink, and white shades during springtime.

Details Itinerary :

Day 01 – Arrival in New Jalpaiguri (NJP)/Bagdogra Airport, Drive to Manebhanjan/Chitrey (95km/4 Hours) :

• Pick up from NJP railway station in the morning by 10 am and drive to Maneybhanjang (1980m, 6500ft), trekkers will travel to the base camp on their own. Distance around 110 km and takes 4 hours.
• The road goes through the foothills of Eastern Himalaya (also called Dooars) and gradually gains height.
• The last 2 Km from Maneybhanjung to Chitrey is a steep road with several hairpin bends and eventually reaches the hilltop.
• All the major mobile networks work here. Night accommodation in dormitory/ lodges.

Day 02 – 11km/5 hours trek, Singalila Range, trek from Manebhanjan to Tumling (9,500ft) :

• After your breakfast, start trekking towards Tumling, one of the spectacular peaks in the Singalila Range.
• Get mesmerized by the fascinating views that come your way and behold the scenic views in your camera and astound by the beautiful landscapes.
• The trail ahead is clearly visible till Meghma while we slowly gain height. Sandakphu Trek route often defines the border between India and Nepal so the posting of Paramilitary camps of SSB (Sashastra Seema Bal) at all the major points is common.

Day 03 – 12 Km – 6/7 hours Trek, Singalila National Park & Trek to Kalapokhri :

• Get ready to trek to Kalapokhri covering a distance of around 9 km in 5 hours.
• While walking past the Singalila National Park, explore and discover the enchanting beauty of the vicinity.
• The road enters into the dense forest and we take shorts cuts often which meet the jeep road while gaining altitude in a short distance. In spring this stretch is particularly vibrant with blooming Rhododendrons.
• During the last part of the trek, a small pond is seen on our left. This is called Kalapokhri (Kala is Black and Pokhri is a Pond in Nepali)
• Enjoy staying overnight in a trekker’s hut in Kalapokhri.

Day 04 – 8 km/4 Hours, Trek to Sandakphu Peak, Mt Khanchendzonga & Mt Everest, Sunset Views :

• On this day you will be trekking in Sandakphu, the highest point in West Bengal.
• This portion of the trail is inside Nepal and the 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.
• Enjoy the panoramic views of Mt. Khanchendzonga and Everest, the scenic forests underneath.
• Relish the sight of a mesmerizing sunset as well.
• Your overnight stay will be in a trekker’s hut for a day.

Day 05 – Sunrise at Sandakphu – Trek down to Srikhola via Gurdum village – 18 Km – 7/8 hours :

• Wake up early to observe the fascinating sunrise. During fall and winters, this top remains cold, especially early in the morning. The wind blows directly from the Kanchendzongha side.
• Straight ahead is gigantic Kanchendzongha massif along with Jannu (Kubhakarna) to its left and Pandim to its right, forming as rightly said the “Sleeping Buddha”
• After breakfast, we start our descent. Start the day with a descending trek from Sandakphu to Srikhola.
• For the first half of the trek, climb downhill to Gurdum (around 5 hours).
• For the next half, 2 hours’ descend will finally take you to Srikhola.

Day 06 – Return journey to New Jalpaiguri (130km/5 Hours) :

• In the morning, take a drive through the winding roads and get transferred to New Jalpaiguri.
• The Sandakphu trek package ends here, head back to your home with a plethora of memories in your bag.

Know Before You Go for Sandakphu Trek:

• Climatic conditions in the high altitudes vary from the plains; take adequate time to get acclimatized to high altitudes.
• Carry basic medications and a first-aid kit during the tour.
• Pay heed to the trek leaders or instructors in order to enjoy a safe and sound experience.
• The trek takes place through eco-friendly zone; do not encourage littering the local sites or campsites.
• While visiting any religious sites, follow proper dress-code and do not hurt the local sentiments of the places.
• Tranport cost from NJP to Chitrey and from Srikola to NJP is to be borne by the trekker on actual basis. Same can be arranged on request.

Things To Carry for Sandakphu Trek :

• Warm clothes
• Toilet paper & wipes
• Walking stick
• Back pack (50-60l)
• Day pack (20-30l)
• Water bottle
• Extra pair of socks
• Hiking shoes
• Waterproof windcheater
• Woollen cap, socks, mittens & scarf