Sandakphu Trek - Darjeeling

View photos

Explore

Darjeeling, internationally acclaimed as one of the best hill resorts in India is also a veritable paradise for trekkers and adventure seekers. Trekking in Darjeeling is an experience which no lover of nature should miss. It takes one to places where nature is yet in her primeval majesty. It brings one face to face with the sublime grandeur of the Himalayas. The region abounds in rhododendrons, magnolias, primulas, orchids and ferns of numerous varieties. About six hundred different species of birds inhabit the emerald green forests on the slopes of the mountains. This trek is perhaps one of the best and certainly the most popular of all the treks in Darjeeling for those having a limited time at their disposal. It offers the travelers an excellent view of the Sleeping Buddha, Kanchenjunga and the Everest group of mountain peaks in Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan.

Trek Gallery

Trek Schedule : Sandakphu Trek - Darjeeling

Boarding Preference:
Bagdogra to Bagdogra
  • 1

    NJP / Bagdogra to Manebhanjang (90kms. / 4 hours). Participants joining this trek at NJP need to reach NJP by 11am. Flight connections are available from Delhi and Kolkata, but please make sure that your flight reaches NJP in such a way that you can proceed to Manebhanjang by 11am. Yuvashakti will arrange for the airport pick up and you reach Manebhanjang by 4pm. Overnight at Manebhanjang.

  • 2

    Manebhanjang to Tumling. (11kms. / 5 hrs.). The trek begins with a good, fairly steep climb of about two hours upto Chitrey. Then onwards the trail becomes relatively easy with a few ups and downs till you reach Tumling which lies right on the Indo Nepal border. A step to the left and you are in Nepal and in another second you can switch back into India. Overnight at a tea house at Tumling

  • 3

    Tumling to Kalpokhari (14kms. / 7hrs.) The morning, if clear, greets you with enchanting views of the Sleeping Buddha, though at a distance. The day passes through hills and valleys of the Singalila National Park. A motorable road keep criss crossing the trail and plies tourists to Sandakphu. We prefer to keep away from the road and walk uphill through beautiful Rhododendron forests until we reach Gairibas, which is a small village in Nepal and having a forest check post. The army too has a permanent camp here. The trek from hereon is a fair climb of four kilometers through scenic patches of green that attract a large variety of birds. The walk ends at a tea house at Kalpokhari.

  • 4

    Kalipokhri to Sandakphu (6kms. / 4 hrs.) The trek to Sandakphu starts with a gradual ascent of about 45 minutes which them becomes steeper. But you are equally rewarded with the sights of the deep valleys on one side and the dwindling trail to Sandakphu on the other. An hours walk and you reach a point which unfolds a 180 degree panorama, one which presents before you four of the worlds five tallest peaks - Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Nuptse, Baruntse, Chamling, Chomolonzo, Machapucchare, and the other dotting peaks of Nepal. The Sleeping Buddha, which you witnessed off and on from a distance, now lies distinctly in front of you - The Kanchenjunga, Kumbhakarna and Shimbho peaks, all make the unique shape of the Sleeping Buddha. So grand is the view that you will refrain from getting inside the tea house until it is complete dark.

  • 5

    Sandakphu to Sirikhola (15kms. / 7hrs.) The last day of this trek begins with a memorable sunrise that will keep returning to your mind for a hundred times after you reach home. Witnessing the majesty of the golden peaks that tower over a set of lazy clouds is something worth a visit to Sandakphu. The longest stretch of the trek is a relatively steep descend through such a bushy and green landscape, that it has become a habitat of the Red Pandas. We conclude the long march at Sirikhola which also is the end of the trek.

  • 6

    Sirikhola to NJP. A short trek of 1 km upto Sepi, where we board the vehicles and leave for NJP. We collect the leftover baggage at Manebhanjan and reach Darjeeling by 2 pm. Stroll on the mall road and spend a memorable evening admiring the last glimpses of Kanchenjunga. Overnight at Darjeeling.

  • 7

    Darjeeling to NJP/ Bagdogra and proceed for your onward journey back home. You may book your return tickets by train/air anytime after 12 noon.

Location


Things to Carry: Sandakphu Trek - Darjeeling

  • Rucksack (40 to 50 L) with sturdy straps and supporting frame.
  • Good qualty waterproof trekking shoes
  • 2-3 pair of track pants (at least one should be synthetic quick-dry kind).Track pants are light and we highly endorse them. Plus when things get cold you can wear one over the other.
  • 4 Full sleeve cotton T shirts with collar.
  • 2 full sleeve sweaters. A fleece jacket would be an alternative. 
  • A full sleeve thick jacket or down feather jacket.
  • 4 pairs of undergarments.
  • 1 pair of good quality thermal inners. (if required 2 pairs)
  • 4 pairs of sports socks. 2 pairs of woolen socks.
  • Woolen monkey cap and balaclava that cover the ear.
  • Woolen hand gloves + synthetic glove (water proof). If you don't have synthetic gloves, get two pairs of woolen gloves and a surgical glove.
  • Sun glasses (Avoid Blue Shades and Aviators)
  • A woolen head-scarf or muffler.
  • Trekking pole
  • Light towel (should be thin, quick drying kind).
  • Lip balm, Cold cream and sun screen lotion (SPF 40+).
  • 1 Water bottles (1 L ). The insulated water bottles are required to store hot water.
  • LED Torch with extra set of cells (head lamps preferable).
  • Personal toilet kit (minimal) and toilet paper.

Note : Extra Luggage can be kept at Base Camp in a separate Bag.

Important Notes: Sandakphu Trek - Darjeeling

The Fees Include

    • Transportation & common accommodation from Bagdogra to Bagdogra.
    • Vegetarian meals along the trek route from the Base Camp to Base Camp.
    • Sleeping bag, mattress, tents, kitchen tent, toilet tent, utensils and crampon (if required). 
    • Professional outdoor experts, guide, cook and support staff. 
    • All necessary entry fees and permits. 
    • First aid medical kit.
    • Porters/mules to carry common equipment.

The Fees does not include

    • Clothing of personal nature like trek shoes, kit bags, day packs, down jackets and other special clothing etc. 
    • Meals during transit from Pune to Base Camp and back, 
    • Medical expenses (apart from first aid).
    • Any kind of Insurance.
    • Any kind of shopping, mineral water, optional sightseeings, and any other expenses of personal nature. 
    • Bag offloading charges.
    • Any expenses arising out of unforeseen circumstances like flight delay / cancellation / hike in fare, strike or any other natural calamities or any emergency evacuation expenses.
    • Any other item not mentioned in the cost include section.