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Brief Description

Sandakphu, located in the North West of Darjeeling at an altitude of 11,900 feet is the highest peak of West Bengal State. Sandakphu trek has everything going for it. After all where else you will see 4 of the world's highest mountains - Mt. Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, and Lhotse. 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. Sandakphu is part of Singalila range. The trekking route passes through Shilgalila National Park which is another attraction of this trek. The park boasts rare animals like Red Pandas and Pangolins & a wide variety of birds. Offering you epic views of the Kanchenjunga range known as the "Sleeping Buddha", Sandakphu Phalut trek is a moderate trek ideal for both beginners and experienced trekkers alike looking for a simple yet stunning display of landscapes and scenery. Being one of the best treks in the Eastern Part of India close to the Sikkim border, Sandakphu Phalut trek is best done from September to April making it one of the best winter treks there is. The starting point of the trek, Jaubhari is approx. 5 hours drive away from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) which is the closest railway station. If you want to travel by Air then closest Airport is Bagdogra. Most of the trail on Sandakphut trek is now accessible by road. Thus, we suggest you go for Goecha La trek in Sikkim instead. Although, Goecha La is more difficult compared to Sandakphu, if you want to do a trek in Sikkim, it is your best bet!

Itinerary

Itinerary

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Day 1

Arrive in Jaubhari

Arrive at Jaubhari by evening. Team introduction in the evening. From Jaubhari the closest railway station is NJP & closest airport is Bagdogra. The travel time from NJP/ Bagdogra to Jaubhari is approximately 5 hours. On this day we stay in Jaubhari. Trek will start the next morning.

Day 2

Jaubhari to Tumling

Today we begin the trek to Tumling. The trek is moderate with flat sections & some steep ascents. Today we will cover a distance of 10 Kms approx. Be careful as the trail can be slippery during the rainy season. The trail constitutes rocky paths, some muddy sections & meadows. Fill your water bottles at the start of trek. Water sources are available only at Chittrey, Lamaydhura and Meghma. We will halt at Chittrey Monastery. India Nepal border starts at Chetrey. From here India is on your right & Nepal is on your left. From Chittrey there are stairs made till Meghma. Chimla and Magnolia flowers are in abundance on the trail. If you are lucky, you can also spot a Red Panda in this region. From Chettrey walk for another 3 kms to reach Lamaydhura which is a small village with few Tibetan families. From Lamaydhura walk for another 3 kms over a flat terrain to reach Meghma. Then we reach SSB checkpost where our IDs will be checked. Foreigners should keep their Visa & Indians should keep their photo identity card with them. Tumling is on the India Nepal Border. We will stay at Tonglu which is a few hundred meters before Tumling.

Day 3

Tumling to Kalipokhri

Wake up early to view sunrise over the Kangchenjunga range of peaks which is also known as sleeping Buddha owing to its shape. Ask your guide for the names of various peaks visible from here. Today’s trek is approx. 13kms. Notice the two roads diverging as you start the trek. We trek on the Nepal Road & reach the Singalila National Park entry point. Once we enter the national park we can see Mt. Everest. Next place is Gairibas which is 5 kms away and takes about 3-4 hours with a few staying options on the Nepal side of it. From Gairibas, Kaiyakatta is at a distance of 2 km. From Kaiykatta, Kalipokhri is about 4 kms. Kalipokhri translates to the Black lake and is exactly on the Nepal India border. There is a small Buddha temple near the lake. We camp near the lake tonight.

Day 4

Kalipokhri to Sandakphu

Start early so that you do not miss the view of Snow clad peaks. Today’s trek is an easy one of 7 km & will take about 4-5 hours. From Kalipokhri the trail gradually ascends to Bikheybhanjang which is a small hamlet. It literally means the “Poisonous valley” because of the Poisonous Aconite plants that grow here in plenty. The trail just before you reach Sandakphu is very steep. At places, you might have to use all 4 limbs to climb. All the pain of steep climb will be gone in seconds when you reach Sandakphu from where you get a panoramic view including 4 of the highest mountains in the world - Mt Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Chomolhari, Pandim, Three Sisters, Kumbhakarna, etc. Ask your guide for more information about the peaks. Overnight stay at Sandakphu.

Day 5

Sandakphu to Sabargram

Start trekking early morning from Sandakphu to reach Sabargram. Today’s Trek is moderate but a long one covering 15 km in approximately 8 hours. Today’s trek is a treat for the eyes as the scenery is one of the best. Rhododendron trees are in plenty & in full bloom if you happen to come here in April or May. Camp for the night at Sabargram.

Day 6

Sabargram to Gorkhey via Phalut

Today's trek is an easy one with mostly a descending trail. Views of Kangchenjunga on your left will keep the photographer in you alive. Trek will take about 5 hours to reach Gorkhey. Once we cross Gorkhey river we enter Sikkim. Camp overnight at Gorkhey.

Day 7

Gorkhey to Sepi

Start early from Gokhey. Walking through Sammamden and Rammam villages, we will reach Sepi at around 2 PM. Trek ends here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pick your question

About the activity: Why should I go for this trek?

Sandakphu Trek

Sandakphu Trek is one of the best treks in West Bengal giving you glimpses of 4 of the world's highest peaks including the famous Kanchenjunga range known as the "Sleeping Buddha". Being an easy trek this trek takes you through dense forests, rhododendron studded trails and scenic landscapes that will keep you engrossed and leave you awe-struck. Ideal for both beginners and experienced trekkers the Sandakphu Phalut trek is a beautiful trek in the North-east.

Eligibility: Is this trek good for me?

Sandakphu Phalut trek is ideal for both beginners and experienced trekkers. For the novice, Sandakphu Phalut is a great start to enter the world of trekking. It can get a bit rigorous for the first timers. Therefore, it is recommended to the first timers to maintain good physical stamina and read extensively. Any experienced trekker would love to go on this weekend trek for the love of its views and trekking.

Eligibility: Experience required

Sandakphu Phalut trek is apt for the first-timers. Those coming for the first time should prepare and read extensively about the trek. A basic knowledge about how to use a sleeping bag, toilet tents, sleeping tents, and mountain mannerisms will come in handy.

Eligibility: Fitness benchmark

Fitness Benchmark

Jog/Run for 3 Kms in 30 mins and
Hold your breath for 20 seconds

If you are not meeting these benchmarks, please use the preparation schedule to improve your fitness till you achieve the above benchmarks.

Eligibility: Requisite Skills

One should be familiar with the following:

Know campsite basics like how to use a sleeping bag, sleeping tent, toilet tent
Ascending & Descending technique for mountain trails
Basic mountain mannerisms
Ascending & Descending on snow
Basics of Mountain Sickness
Basics of Mountain Hazards
How to cross small water streams

Best Season:

September to April is the best season to do this trek.

Packing List: What to pack

Click here for packing list.

Packing List: How should I pack my rucksack?

Packing List: How should I select my trekking shoe?

Connectivity: How to Reach the base of the trek & how to go back from the end point?

The starting point of the trek is Jaubhari that can be reached from NPJ. NPJ is easily accessible by rail or flights from all parts of the country. The nearest airport is Bagdogra.

Connectivity: What is the cellular network connectivity for this trek?

An intermittent network of BSNL and Airtel.

Age limit: What is the minimum & maximum age limit?

The minimum age limit is 9 years. However, minors aged between 9 to 17 should be accompanied with their parents or guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deem you fit for adventure activities like trekking.

Accommodation type: What will be the accommodation type in this trek?

On trekking days accommodation will be on twin/triple sharing basis in 4 season tents.

Equipment and facilities: What kind of tents and sleeping bags will be provided to us?

We provide 4 seasons tents by Gipfel for higher altitudes which can easily withstand heavy snowfall and storms. They are spacious enough to accomodate 3 people at once with a vestibule to place the backpacks Our sleeping bags are made up of Heatseeker Pro synthetic insulation that can provide you comfort in -10 degrees celsius. We also use additional fleece liners to have thermal efficiency even in the extreme temperatures of -17 degrees Celsius. If you carry your own sleeping bag, you will get a cashback reward, provided that you inform us as soon as you have booked your trek.

Equipment and facilities: Are there any washroom/toilet facilities on the trek?

Toilet tents will be provided to you on the trek.These are portable toilets tents where a deep pit will be dug. A shovel will be provided inside the tent to cover the waste after you have made your business. You can take a toilet roll inside. Make sure you dig used toilet paper along with the waste. Though water is recommended in place of toilet paper. Please refrain from using wet wipes as they are non-biodegradable. There will be no facility for bathing on the trek. Go through our blog section for tips on how to maintain personal hygiene on treks.

Equipment and facilities: If we trek in snow, what equipment will you provide?

You will be provided with good quality of gaiters and microspikes from us depending upon the situation of the snow. Our trek leaders will also be carrying ropes and ice axe.

Equipment and facilities: What kind of food will be provided for the trek?

Vegetarian food will be served throughout the trek. The only non-vegetarian item served on our treks are eggs. Our kitchen staff follows a proper menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner which has been designed in order to fulfil the nutritional requirements of the participants. There will be milk, poha, eggs, muesli/corn flakes, bread and butter served for breakfast. Rice or simple roti sabzi will be packed for lunch. In dinner, you will have dal, egg curry or any other vegetarian dish along with rice, roti, and a dessert item. Packed lunch will be provided to you on the days you are trekking. You are requested to carry your own tiffin box and a mug to consume food. The meals consumed on journey and arrival day are not included in our cost.

Equipment and facilities: What equipment can I rent from you?

You can rent following items from us- Trekking Pole, Trekking Shoes, Fleece Jacket, Rucksack

Weather conditions: When will there be snow on this trek?

Yes there will be snow on this trek in the winter season between December to March

Miscellaneous : Is there an option to offload my backpack?

If you want to offload your rucksack, you will have to make a request for offloading a few days prior the trek through an email so that arrangement can be made in advance. You will be charged per day for offloading your rucksack. In case you decide to offload on the spot, you may have to pay a higher price than usual. However offloading your rucksack is not recommended since it is not a safe practice.

Miscellaneous : Who will lead us on the trek?

A team of participant will be led by a course certified trek leader and a local guide. All participants are requested to abide by what their leader says. There will also be a team of kitchen staff and porters on the trek. We maintain 1:8 ratio of trek leader and participants. All our trek leaders and staff have a certified training in first-aid and rescue operation.

Miscellaneous : Is the trekking pole necessary?

It is not mandatory but it is more convenient with the pole. If you don’t want to buy one, you can rent it from us on minimal daily basis charges. You can request the renting link from us.

Miscellaneous : Are there any local stores/shops from where I can shop trekking necessities?

It is recommended that you come prepared with all the stuff. Please do not leave anything for last minute buying.

Miscellaneous : Is it safe for a solo woman traveller to trek in Fixed departures?

Yes, it is absolutely safe for solo woman to travel in fix departures. Women on the trek will be sharing tent with each other. In case you are the only woman on the trek, you will be given a separate tent.

Miscellaneous : Will you give certificates on completion of trek?

Yes, e-certificates will be given at the end of each trek provided that you completed it. It will bear your name, the trek, and the maximum altitude you achieved on the trek.

Transport: In case we opt for the transport with you, where will you pick us from and where will you drop?

We will pick you up from NPJ railway station. Drop off point remains the same.

Transport: What time will you drop us at the end point on last day of the trek?

Expect to reach your destination by evening.

Mandatory documents: What are the mandatory documents required for the trek?

Please carry your ID card (Soft copy should be sent to us over email).

Transport: In case we opt for the transport with you, where will you pick us from and where will you drop?

If you are arriving at NJP/Siliguri/Bagdogra Airport, then, you can avail transportation till Jaubhari through us.

Transport: What time will you drop us at the end point on last day of the trek?

Expect to reach NJP by late evening.