Trek through rhododendron forests blazing red in spring, past waterfalls cascading over mossy rocks. At Tumling, wake to golden sunrises over Kanchenjunga’s snow fangs. Kalipokhri’s sacred black pond mirrors starry skies. The summit unveils a 360° Himalayan panorama—Everest’s distant spire, Lhotse’s razor ridge, and Kanchenjunga’s icy throne glowing at dawn. Spot rare red pandas in Singalila National Park, yaks grazing alpine meadows, and vibrant primula flowers carpeting trails. Phalut’s endless ridges dissolve into mist, while Gorkhey’s emerald valley cradles wooden bridges over singing streams. Every step paints a postcard—a symphony of peaks, forests, and skies.
“Where the Himalayas don’t just stand—they dance.” 🌄✨
Introduction to Sandakphu Trek
Sandakphu (3,636m) is the highest peak in West Bengal, India, offering breathtaking views of four of the world’s five highest peaks: Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu. The trek passes through Singalila National Park, rich in rhododendron forests, exotic wildlife, and stunning Himalayan landscapes.
This guide covers everything from starting in Delhi, travel options, daily itinerary, food, accommodation (budget & luxury), backpacking tips, trekking companies, costs, and more.
Quick Overview
- Best Time to Trek: March-May (Spring) & October-December (Clear views)
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Total Distance: ~52 km (One way)
- Duration: 6-7 days (Delhi to Delhi)
- Starting Point: Manebhanjang (Near Darjeeling)
- Permits Required: Indian (INR 100-200), Foreigners (INR 2000+)
How to Reach Sandakphu from Delhi
Option 1: Flight + Road (Fastest)
- Delhi → Bagdogra Airport (1.5 hrs, ₹4,000-8,000)
- Bagdogra → Manebhanjang (4-5 hrs, ₹1,500-2,500 by shared taxi)
Option 2: Train + Road (Budget-Friendly)
- Delhi → New Jalpaiguri (NJP) (24-30 hrs, ₹500-2,500)
- NJP → Manebhanjang (4-5 hrs, ₹1,000-1,500 by shared taxi)
Option 3: Road (Adventure Option)
- Delhi → Siliguri (~20 hrs drive, ₹5,000-8,000 fuel/tolls)
- Siliguri → Manebhanjang (3-4 hrs, ₹1,000-2,000 taxi)
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 0: Delhi → NJP/Bagdogra → Manebhanjang
- Travel: Overnight train/flight to NJP/Bagdogra.
- Stay: Basic guesthouses (₹500-1,000/night)
- Food: Local dhabas (₹200-300/meal)
Day 1: Manebhanjang (2,100m) → Tumling (2,900m) – 11 km, 6-7 hrs
- Route: Steep ascent through forests, enter Singalila National Park.
- Stay: Homestays (₹800-1,500), Luxury (₹2,500-4,000)
- Food: Basic Nepali meals (Dal, Rice, Veg – ₹200-400)
Day 2: Tumling → Kalipokhri (3,175m) – 13 km, 6-7 hrs
- Highlights: Views of Kanchenjunga, rhododendron trails.
- Stay: Budget (₹800-1,200), Luxury (₹2,000-3,500)
- Food: Thukpa, momos, rice (₹200-500)
Day 3: Kalipokhri → Sandakphu (3,636m) – 6 km, 3-4 hrs
- Best Day: Panoramic Himalayan views (Everest, Kanchenjunga).
- Stay: Dormitory (₹500-1,000), Private room (₹2,000-4,000)
- Food: Simple meals (₹300-600)
Day 4: Sandakphu → Phalut (3,600m) – 21 km, 7-8 hrs
- Longest Day: Trek through meadows, optional stop at Sabarkum.
- Stay: Basic lodges (₹800-1,500)
- Food: Limited options (₹300-500)
Day 5: Phalut → Gorkhey (2,500m) – 16 km, 6-7 hrs
- Descent: Lush forests, riverside camping.
- Stay: Homestays (₹1,000-2,000)
- Food: Local Nepali dishes (₹200-400)
Day 6: Gorkhey → Rimbik (2,300m) → Return to NJP
- Last Trek: 10 km downhill to Rimbik.
- Travel: Shared jeep to NJP (₹1,500-2,000)
- Stay: Overnight train/flight to Delhi.
Cost Breakdown (Per Person)
Budget Trek (₹10,000-15,000)
- Travel (Delhi-NJP-Delhi): ₹2,000-4,000 (Train)
- Food & Stay: ₹500-1,000/day
- Guide/Porter: ₹1,000/day (optional)
- Permits: ₹200-500
Luxury Trek (₹25,000-40,000)
- Flights (Delhi-Bagdogra-Delhi): ₹8,000-15,000
- Premium Stays: ₹2,500-5,000/night
- Private Jeep: ₹10,000-15,000 (round trip)
- Guided Tour: ₹15,000-25,000 (all-inclusive)
Best Trekking Companies
- India Hikes (₹18,000-25,000) – Well-organized, eco-friendly.
- Thrillophilia (₹15,000-20,000) – Budget-friendly groups.
- Kolkata Trekkers (₹12,000-18,000) – Local expertise.
- Himalayan Trekker (₹20,000-30,000) – Luxury options.
Backpacking Tips
✔ Packing List: Warm clothes, trekking shoes, raincoat, water bottle, medicines.
✔ Mobile Network: BSNL/Airtel works intermittently.
✔ ATM: Last withdrawal in Manebhanjang.
✔ Altitude Sickness: Acclimatize properly, carry Diamox.
Conclusion
Sandakphu is a moderate trek with unmatched Himalayan views. Budget travelers can do it under ₹15,000, while luxury options go up to ₹40,000. Book through reputed companies or go solo with permits.
Start planning your adventure now! 🚀🏔️
Would you like recommendations for offbeat stays or photography spots? Let me know!