Sandakphu Trek Route: Best Time, Cost, Itinerary, etc.

The Sandakphu Trek is an amazing hilly tour. It is full of thick forests, beautiful villages, and amazing views of some of the tallest mountains in Darjeeling, West Bengal, India. This trek is an easy one with a continuous path through Sinhalese National Park. While hiking, you may choose to stay at various local lodges. If you love hiking and admiring nature, I highly recommend that you do so!

Sandakphu Trek

Sandakphu is the highest point in the Singalila Range. If you wonder where it is in India, it is in Darjeeling on the Indo-Nepal border. It is quite high, with a peak of 3665 meters, or 11,930 feet. Ilam district in Nepal is where it finds itself, if you look at.it. The journey to Sandakphu is now not too tough (medium). But in a moderate level the trekkers can cover it.

Check Itinerary:- Sandakphu Trek 

SANDAKPHU TREK
Max Altitude:	11,930 Ft. (3,636M)
Average Trekking Fees:	₹9,000 – ₹13,000
Distance:	55 – 65 kms
Difficulty:	Moderate
Duration:	6-7 days
Ideal For:	Experienced Trekkers & Fit Individuals
Best Season:	April-May and October-early-December
Region:	West Bengal

What Is Special About Sandakphu Trek?

It’s time you discovered something more unique about the Sandakphu trek in Darjeeling. Well, you should know that this is regarded as the highest trail in West Bengal. It is also known as ‘trekkers wonderland’ because of its unbelievable height alongside the other details. Although your trip will commence in Darjeeling, it will lead you into some areas within Sikkim and Nepal that are still untouched by mankind. While discussing the expertise of this hike, one cannot avoid referencing the fact that once at your destination, one has a clear view of such mountain ranges as Mount Everest, K2, and others.

Hence, if one must discuss this specific hike, then it can be stated that this is just the place to see. Perhaps the only way one can get an overview of this place is by visiting it in its actual sense. It is also important to note not to plan to undertake the Sandakphu trek in winter because the bad weather conditions are not good for trekking.

Sandakphu Trek Route:

Darjeeling, however, is known for the Sandakphu Trek. It is a scenic area, with Mount Everest, Lotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga. Trekking starts in Manje Bhanjyang and moves you through thick forests, pleasant villages, and high plateaus. Here’s a Sandakphu Trek route:

Manebhanjan:

The adventure starts in Manebhanjan, a village where you can spend the first day of your adventure relaxing. There is antique 1960s Land Rover taxis that can carry you to the top of Sandakphu Peak, which is a well-known region. If you would like a bumpy car trip rather than hiking and want to be at the top, you can hire one.

Tumling:

It will take you two days to reach Tumling, the site of the second day of your trek. It is a tiny village that offers breathtaking scenery but has fewer accommodation options. In this village, you can relax and even watch the Kangchenjunga Range.

Kalipokhri:

It is a Nepalese village. Up on the hill, the amazing view becomes visible. Kalapokhri also provides a chance for a visitor to visit Singalila National Park. This is a great opportunity to view and reside in the magnificence of the wildlife. Following your walk through the park, you should see the path leading through the thick woods.

Sandakphu:

This is the highest point that gives you an amazing view. This is where trekkers usually spend their nights to view the sunrise on the peaks.

Srikhola:

When you return from Sandakphu Peak. This village should be a stopover point. You can enjoy the atmosphere of nature and take amazing pictures. It resides at the foot of Singalila National Park. At Srikhola, you can relax and just sit down besides the village, breathe the fresh air, and enjoy the environment. The river and the village are famous in Darjeeling, in Srikhola.

Sandakphu Trek Package:

Day 01: Arrival In Darjeeling
Day 02: Darjeeling – Manebhanjan – Tumling
Day 03: Tumling – Kalipokhri
Day 04: Kalapokhri – Sandakphu Summit
Day 05: Sandakphu – Gurdum
Day 06: Gurdum – Rimbik
Day 07: Rimbik – Darjeeling
Day 08: Departure From Darjeeling

Sandakphu Trek Cost- 12500 – 15000 

Best Time to Visit:

The trek is most enjoyable from March to June and September to December, avoiding the monsoon season.

How to Reach Sandakphu Trek

By Flight

If you want to go by flight, then the nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, which is approximately 170 kilometers away from Sepi. Regular flights to Bagdogra are available to cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. You may take a taxi from Bagdogra to Sepi in around 6 hours. If you think going on a flight is the quickest option, it is also the most expensive.

By train

If you want to take a train, you can choose it because it is less expensive than a flight. The nearest train station is New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP). When you arrive at NJP, you can take a taxi to Sepi, which will take about 5–6 hours. Trekking organizations sometimes arrange rides from NJP stations, making it convenient for you.

By car

You do not need to hike to Sandakphu; there are also roads. The road is quite challenging, with big rocks and tricky gravel; thus, you require a 4-wheel drive. From Manebhanjan to Sandakphu and even to Phalut, Landrovers are rugged automobiles. Currently, some of the roads leading to Sandakphu are partially paved with tarmac and concrete. These landrovers are used by many tourists who are not willing to walk all the way to Sandakphu.

Remember: In Singalila National Park, you are not allowed to bring in your own cars or bikes.

Suggestion: The best option is the to take the train. It is not too costly and it’s comfortable. Trekking groups can also pick you up and leave you off at NJP, which is convenient.  However, if you’re on a limited budget, the bus is the cheapest choice, even if it takes longer and may not be as comfortable. So, it all depends on how much money you want to spend, how comfortable you want to be, and how much time you have.

The trekking at Sandakphu is not simply a physical journey; rather, it is an experience that touches the spirit by engaging the raw, unexploited wilderness of the Himalaya. The whole route, from the challenge of climbing to the reward of the panoramic views at the summit, speaks of the greatness of nature! Therefore, tie your boots, take a breath of fresh mountain air, and set out for an unforgettable experience that will last forever.