Sandakphu Short Trek [Premium]
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When it comes to trekking in West Bengal, one of the most popular names that come up is the Sandakphu trek. Boasting spectacular views of the world's highest peaks from Nepal to Bhutan and all the way up to Tibet, Sandakphu is your one-stop trek that covers all major 8000ers in the Himalayan region. Sandakphu, trek height is 3,636 m/11,926 ft. It is West Bengal's highest point in the District of Darjeeling. Sandakphu trek best time is March to May (flowering time) and October to December. (January & February - peak winter or snowing time).
The major difference between the Sandakphu trek and the Sandakhphu + Phalut trek is the extra day's trek to Phalut top and Gorkhey which is not included in the regular Sandakphu trek itinerary.
A wondrous adventure for nature lovers
The Sandakphu trek route trails along the Singalila Ridge and into the Singalila National park. You can expect to find charming wildlife along this patch which may be of interest to naturists. The birds, animals and even the flora found on this trail are extremely diverse and incredibly fascinating to explore. Some of the exquisite species you can expect are - Red Panda, flowers such as Rhododendrons, Magnolias in all hues and shades.
Views of the mighty giants
Undoubtedly one of the reasons The Sandakphu trek is super famous is because of the front row seats you get to view the world's highest mountains. The spectacular panoramic view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Janu, Chamlang, Baruntse, and Mt. Kanchenjunga is what you get to see when you do this trek. Need more reason to do this trek? You also get to see the famous Sleeping Buddha, a stretch of peaks in Sikkim that have been formed as a Buddha sleeping peacefully. You can also clearly get a glimpse of Mt. Kanchenjunga massif from the Sandakphu trek!
Dreamy villages along the trail
Ever dreamt of running away and settling in one of those peaceful villages with a nice small hut and smoke coming out of a chimney? Well, the villages of Samanden and Gorkhey are just that. Not to mention, when you set your eyes on them you'll feel like you're looking at a quaint wallpaper. With small patches of pine trees, wooden huts, small farmlands, you'll definitely fall in love and want to stay back here. Tucked away from civilization, this will reintroduce you to a simpler, minimalistic life that we all dream of.
Long trails that reach the horizon
Ever thought of long roads that you can see for kilometres? Well, imagine that but in the mountains. The Sandakphu trek gives you long-distance views as far as the eyes can see. You'll notice the clouds touching the horizon and the sun setting below you. Now that's a trek we wouldn't want you to miss!
You get to be in two countries at the same time!
Ever heard of this saying before? Due to its extremely close proximity to Nepal and no actual border, you keep going back and forth from India to Nepal making you tick Nepal off your bucket list. You end up camping in India, having dinner in Nepal or vice versa. The only way you'll know when you've passed a border is an old pillar that marks the borders along the trail. Now isn't that interesting?
To check out Sandakphu trek cost, click here.
Location
Highlights
- Incredible view of the world's highest peaks in a panoramic layout including Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Kanchenjunga, and may more
- Comfortable stay at Tea houses and huts or homestays all along the trail
- Opportunity to interact with the locals and understand their culture
- Picture-perfect villages along the trail
- Chance to see Himalayan Red Panda!
- Explore the diverse flora of the Singalila National Park which include Rhododendrons and Magnolias
- Sightseeing in Darjeeling.
Itinerary
- Day 1 - Arrival at Bagdogra (IXB) & transfer to Mane Bhanjang
- Day 2 - Trek to Tumling from Mane Bhanjang
- Day 3 - Trek to Kalapokhri from Tumling
- Day 4 - Trek to Sandakphu from Kalapokhri
- Day 5 - Trek to Srikhola from Sandakphu
- Day 6 - Travel to Darjeeling
- Day 7 - Sightseeing in Darjeeling
- Day 8- Departure from Darjeeling to home city
Sandakphu Trek Itinerary:
Day 1: Mane Bhanjang
Travel Distance: 80+ km
Time Taken: 3-4 hr
Altitude: 1928 m / 6,325 ft
Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge stay
Meals Included: Dinner at the Hotel/Lodge
Today you arrive in Bagdogra and you are driven to Maneybhanjang where you will rest and get acclimatized to the altitude.
Day 2: Tumling
Trek Distance: 13 km
Time Taken: 5-6 hr
Altitude: 2,970 m / 9,744 ft
Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge stay
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, tea & snacks, and dinner
You have an early breakfast today and complete all required formalities to enter the Singalila National Park. Once you do that, you start your trek towards Tumling. The sandakphu trek route here is steep with a short trail to Chittrey. You keep climbing for one and half hours from Chittrey and reach a small village called Meghma. The trail from Meghma flattens out and is relatively easy. From Meghma it is a two-hour-long easy walk to the village of Tumling. You arrive in Tumling and rest for the day.
Day 3: Kalipokhri
Trek Distance: 12 km
Time Taken: 6-7 hr
Altitude: 3,186 m / 10,453 ft
Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge stay
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, tea & snacks, and dinner
On day 3, you will see that your trek is relatively easy as you walk majorly on flat ground, your destination being Singalila National Park check post. But before you start your trek, you must make sure you don't miss out on the beautiful sunrise from your campsite. The sleeping Buddha gets drenched in early morning sun rays gleams sublime across the sky. If you're lucky and if the skies are clear, this is a perfect opportunity to see the entire Kanchenjunga range and the mighty Mt. Kanchenjunga Peak along with Kumbhakarna and Shimbo peaks in the background. You also get a good glimpse of the Goechala trek somewhere along the trail, one of the popular Himalayan treks in Sikkim.
We start the trek with a walk to Singalila National Park check post. From here we cross over into Nepal through a motor road and reach Gairibas, via Jaubair, both villages in Nepal. Garibas is approx 5 km from Tumling.
You'll notice that Gairibas is a small village with a few hotels and guesthouses on the Nepal side. Towards the right-hand side is India with its SSB camp and the Singalila National Park Entry check post. You will take a break here to pay the entry fee to enter the Singalila National Park to proceed with the trek.
Once you take a break and are ready to trek again, you start proceeding towards Kaiyakatta which is 2 Km from Gairibas. The trail to Kaiyakatta includes a 1.5 Km steep climb with steps that have been cut out into the mountain for trekkers. Once you reach the top, you will have to descend for about 10 minutes and you will reach Kaiyakatta. This is where you will break for some hot lunch.
Your final destination of Kalipokhri is about 4 Km from Kaiyakatta. And from Kaiyakatta you take the motor road, vehicles are not allowed to pass through this stretch. You will encounter various species of birds on this trail and after 1.5-2 hours of trek you will reach a lake which is surrounded by Buddhist Prayer flags. This is your destination for the day Kalipokhri which loosely translates to black lake. You'll see a beautiful Buddhist temple on the other end of the lake and this is where you would be standing on the border between India and Nepal.
You'll hike a little further from the Black lake to where your tea house is located. Spend the night at the tea house.
Day 4: Sandakphu
Trek Distance: 7 km
Time Taken: 3-4 hr
Altitude: 3,636 m / 11,930 ft
Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge stay
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, tea & snacks, and dinner
The trek on Day 4 to Sandakphu is relatively shorter as compared to the previous day's treks, however, you gain an incredible altitude in one day which is why trekkers need to be sufficiently fit for this trek. The trail today starts off with a gradual ascent for about 30 minutes which is then followed by a steep climb for about one hour post that you trek on a motor road. This whole stretch is about 6 Km long
Once you reach the flat road of Bikheybhanjang you'll get a good glimpse of the Sandakphu summit which is about 4 Km ahead. The route is a good zig-zag trail all the way up.
After about an hour-long climb, you start seeing the huts and teahouses and Sandakphu on the horizon. You continue trekking to the summit from this point, you get a splendid 180° view of Sleeping Buddha and other highest peaks in the world such as Mt. Everest, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, Baruntse, Chamling, Chomolonzo, Machapucchare, extending to the Annapurna family of peaks broadening out to the West. You stay overnight at a teahouse/hotel today.
Day 5: Srikhola
Trek Distance: 16 km
Time Taken: 4-5 hr
Altitude: 2,103 m / 6,900 ft
Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge stay
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, tea & snacks, and dinner
On Day 5, the last day of the trek, you trek from Sandakphu to Srikhola to Gurdum which is a picture-perfect tiny village and valley surrounded by dense forests. From Gurdum you will reach Srikhola in about 2 hours. Srikhola also known as Sirikhola is a place named after a mountain stream which also has the same name (the word khola means stream). You stay overnight at Srikhola.
Day 6: Darjeeling
Travel Distance: 60+ km
Time Taken: 3 hr
Altitude: 2,042 m / 6,699 ft
Accommodation: 3-star hotel stay
Meals Included: Breakfast at the Hotel/Lodge
On Day 6 you travel to Darjeeling from Srikhola.
You reach Darjeeling and check into a 3-star hotel and stay the night there.
Day 7: Darjeeling
Altitude: 2,042 m / 6,699 ft
Accommodation: 3-star hotel stay
Meals Included: Breakfast at the Hotel
On Day 7 you wake up leisurely and go sightseeing to some of the touristy spots in Darjeeling - Tiger Hill, Ghoom Monastery, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Himalayan Zoo, Tenzing Rock, Tibetan Refugee Centre, Japanese Temple, and Peace Pagoda.
You stay the night in Darjeeling.
Day 8: Darjeeling
Travel Distance: 70+ km
Time Taken: 3 hr
Day 8 is when your Sandakphu trek comes to an end. You will be transferred to Bagdogra Airport from here you will take flight back to your home town.
If you are interested in sandakphu trek booking, click here!
Trek Insurance
Trekking in the Himalayas comes with its own set of risks. While adventure is fun and can be extremely thrilling, nature can be unpredictable, and to help secure you during your trek, it is of utmost importance that you are covered with insurance.
We've gone a step ahead and made sure that you don't have to worry about scouting for the best insurance option out there. When you trek with us, your insurance comes as a part of your inclusions. To know more about the benefits covered and sum insured, click here.
Risk and Liability
We will endeavour to make your program smooth and as pleasant as possible. However, the entire course of trekking depends on the ranges of the mighty mountains, physical health, and environmental conditions. Therefore, TrekNomads shall not be responsible for any changes in the itineraries due to unavoidable circumstance and natural disasters such as landslide, road blockage, flood, snowing, cancellation of flight and delay, any types of sickness including altitude sickness
Fitness Criteria
High-altitude/Himalayan treks require every participant to maintain a certain form of physical fitness that will help them trek with ease. A good fitness regime followed by a healthy diet can help you get fit for a Himalayan/high-altitude trek. However, it is advised that you consult with your doctor and then participate in a Himalayan/high-altitude trek.
- Begin your training about 6 weeks before your departure
- Focus on building your stamina through Aerobics, Running, Stair Climbing, Swimming or Cycling about 3 - 4 times a week
- Build your core strength with resistance training through Squats, Lunges, Hip Hinging, Step Ups, Planks at least 3- 4 times a week
- Work on developing a breathing rhythm and expanding your lung capacity with deep breathing and Yoga
- As your trek approaches, head out on smaller treks to help you acclimatise yourself
- Don't miss out on exercising if you can help it, even a 30-minute workout regime followed religiously can take you a long way.
Do’s and Don’ts:
- We believe in leaving the mountains in a better condition, which is why we follow a no-litter policy on our treks. Each trekker will have to bring back the waste that is created during the trek.
- Trekking is best enjoyed when you’ve worn comfortable clothes. Try and avoid wearing Jeans, bright colours and heavy apparels as much as possible.
- A lighter backpack always helps you have a better trek, try and carry just as much as needed.
- Always be in sight of your trek lead, if you feel the need to stop for any reason at all, please keep the trek lead informed.
- If you do come across any reptiles, animals or even insects during the trek, please keep your calm and let it patiently pass by. Any kind of noise and panic will scare them as well.
- Do not venture out into the forest/waterfalls on your own as it may be dangerous.
- Trekking is a good adventure, having said that, it is our primary responsibility to take good care of ourselves and be compassionate towards fellow trekkers
- If, at any point, during the trek, you feel uneasy or unwell, please inform the trek lead immediately
- Tune in to the sounds of nature while on a trek and avoid carrying speakers or playing music during the course of the trek
- To help you enjoy the trek to the fullest, we avoid smoking and consumption of alcohol, and other intoxicants during the course of the trek
Inclusions
- Airport pick up and drop from Bagdogra Airport
- Transportation from Srikhola to Darjeeling in a private vehicle
- Vehicle for sightseeing at Darjeeling (Tiger Hill, Ghoom Monastery, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Himalayan Zoo, Tenzing Rock, Tibetan Refugee Centre, Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda)
- 2 nights 3-star hotel stay with breakfast at Darjeeling
- 5 nights hotel/lodge/homestay stays during the trek days
- Accommodation on a double/triple sharing basis
- National Park Entry Permit Fee, Guide Fee & Driver Bata
- Standard vegetarian food for breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, and dinner during trek days
- 8 days trekking with an experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek guide and assistant trek guide (Number of guides depending on the group size)
- 1 Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader
- Insurance, meals, transportations daily salary of guide & porter
- Basic First aid Kit
- Personal accident insurance
- All government, local taxes and service charges
- 15% discount coupon on Gokyo Trek Apparel and Gear
- 10% discount coupon on Fast&Up products
- 20% discount coupon on BMore products
- Personalized Dri-Fit T-shirt
- TrekNomads goodies
Exclusions
- The cost to reach Bagdogra and back
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guide, chef, porter, etc (calculated per person)
- Excess baggage charges, if it exceeds 10 kg
- Local sightseeing and entrance fee, camera fee, etc
- Mineral water or any type of soft drinks
- Hot water for shower, etc, during the trek
- Extra meals apart from inclusions
- Food during travel
- Lunch and dinner at Darjeeling 3-star hotel stay
- Any other expenses incurred apart from inclusions
- Any other tickets like toy train, cable car, etc.
- All personal, medical, evacuation and emergency expenses like extra day stay out of itinerary, helicopter services and vehicle charges due to delays, landslides and evacuation
- Expenses incurred for guide or porter during extra days stay, transport, flight, helicopter service, etc (divided amongst the group which utilises the services of guides/porters on extra days)
- Expenses incurred for accommodation, travel, food, etc due to the closure of trek route by government officials, defence personnel and tourism department based on weather conditions, security concerns, etc
Treknical Details
Altitude Map:
- Mane Bhanjang: 1,928 m / 6,325 ft
- Tumling: 2,970 m / 9,744 ft
- Kala Pokhri: 3,186 m / 10,453 ft
- Sandakphu: 3,636 m / 11,930 ft
- Gorkhey: 2,347 m / 7,700 ft
- Srikhola: 2,103 m / 6,900 ft
- Darjeeling: 2,042 m / 6,699 ft
- Trek Gradient: Easy to Moderate
- Trek Distance: 45+ Km
- Assembling Point: Bagdogra/Mane Bhanjang
- Average Temperature: Minimum winter temperature: −4°C to −8°C. / Minimum summer temperature: 5°C to 20°C
- Travel Distance: 200+ Km
- Best Months to trek: March to May (flowering time) and October to December. (January & February - peak winter or snowing time)
Other Details:
Trek Gradient
Easy, Moderate
FAQ's
Sandakphu Trek FAQs
Where does the Sandakphu trek start?
First, you arrive in Bagdogra. Next, you transfer to Manebhanjan, from wheresandakphu trekking starts.
How challenging is the Sandakphu trek?
The sandakphu trekking is considered to be an easy to moderately complex trek. Although many external factors, such as sudden weather changes and natural calamities, may make the sandakphu trek challenging.
Is acclimatization essential in Sandakphu Trek?
Yes, it is crucial that you get good rest to acclimatize because you will be gradually trekking to an elevation as high as 3,200 m (10,500 ft). At Sandakphu altitude, you require acclimatization.
Which mountains will I get to see on the Sandakphu trek?
You get an incredible view of 4 of the five world's highest peaks in a panoramic layout. Mt. Everest, Mt. Kangchenjunga, Mt. Lhotse, and Mt. Makalu can be seen from the Sandakphu trek.
How much distance will be covered in the Sandakphu trek?
Sandakphu trek distance covers 45 to 50km.
What is the temperature like on the Sandakphu trek?
The minimum winter sandakphu temperature is observed to be as low as −8°C. The minimum summer sandakphu temperature could be anywhere between 5°C to 20°C. Sandakphu trek best time is supposed to be mainly in winters.
What is the best time to take the Sandakphu trek?
March to May (flowering time) and October to December. (January & February - peak winter or snowing time) is supposed to be sandakphu trek best time. On sandakphu trek Darjeeling can also be visited. Darjeeling to sandakphu distance is 26.4km. The best time to visit sandakphu is peak winter.
Can I opt for single-sharing accommodation on the Sandakphu trek?
Yes, you can opt for single-sharing accommodation at an additional cost. You can customize your trek at your convenience. If you are a solo trekker looking for single housing, the same can be conveyed to us at the time of booking, and the revised cost as per your new accommodation will be shared with you.
I want to extend/decrease the number of days of the Sandakphu trek. Can I do that?
Customization shall be done only if the group size is five people or more. We create customized trekcation experiences which means that while we have set departures, we keep your time in mind too. If you wish to reduce/increase the number of days in your departure, the same can be discussed and done upon request and at an additional cost.
What should I carry on the Sandakphu trek?
We will share a detailed checklist of all equipment and essential items you would need to carry on the Sandakphu trek once you register. If you need assistance in buying/understanding what to buy for the trek, our team will be happy to help you.
I have motion sickness. How can I cope with the travel?
Don't worry. You're not alone. A lot of trekkers have motion sicknesses. There are a few simple tricks to prevent this:
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Take any motion sickness-stopping tablet an hour before the journey starts. Consult your doctor before taking any medication.
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Sit at the window seat in the vehicle and avoid sitting on aisle seats. Preferably sit in the first two seats at the front.
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Avoid eating heavy fried food before travel. Eat light. This helps keep motion sickness at bay.
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Avoid reading a book or reading something on your Kindle while traveling. Instead, listen to music or use this time to catch up on some sleep.
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Avoid drinking alcohol (during or before the trip), and avoid smoking or any kind of toxications during the trip and trek.
Do I need to carry a medical kit?
Our trek lead/captain will carry a basic first aid kit. We recommend that you carry your medication and consult your doctor on the medicines you are required to take for the trek.
Do you practice responsible trekking on your treks?
We do not allow plastic on our treks; this means that we do not provide plastic bags, bottles, or even lunch boxes on our treks. You will have to carry your own lunch box, water bottle, and cutlery that you will use during the trek. Not only does this help you go plastic-free it also helps prevent litter.
Will there be an A.T.M. on the Sandakphu trek route?
You will not find any A.T.M.s on the Sandakphu trekking route, not even at Manebhanjan. The closest atm you may find is at Sukhiapokhri. Sandakphu height in feet is 3,200 m (10,500 ft) where there are no ATMs available.
What is the Nearest railway station for the Sandakphu trek?
New Jalpaiguri is the nearest railway station to Sandakphu.
What is the Nearest airport for Sandakphu Trek?
Bagdogra airport is the nearest airport to Sandakphu trek. It is located in Siliguri, which is around 100 km from Darjeeling.
What types of stays/accommodations will be available on the Sandakphu trek?
Comfortable stay at Tea houses and huts or home stays will be available all along the trail.
Is a good cellular network available on this Sandakphu trek?
You may get weak signals from Airtel and Vodafone on the Sandakphu trek.
What is the altitude of Sandakphu trek?
Altitude of Sandakphu trek is approximately 3,200 m (10,500 ft).
Will there be toilets/restrooms on the Sandakphu Trek?
Bio-toilets will be set up along each campsite. A bio-toilet has a deep pit where one can answer nature's call.
Do get in touch with us for Sandakphu trek package and Sandakphu trek cost details.
Type of Trek
Himalayan Treks