Sandakphu Trek (5N/6D)
5 nights · 6 days · West Bengal
Getting your trip ready
Just a moment, your journey is on its way.5 nights · 6 days · West Bengal
Resting between the borders of India and Nepal, the trail to Sandakphu is breathtaking to say the least. The highest point of West Bengal may not be very high, but it’s got everything going for it. The thing that probably earned it the title ‘Trekker’s Wonderland’ is the constant company of expansive forests full of blooming rhododendrons of all warm and cool shades of colors spread as far as your eye can see and thick layers of milk-white clouds that literally conceal the world underneath. We may have seen a lot, but we’ve never seen anything as beautiful! It is quite literally a walk through heaven!
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Your journey with us starts upon reaching the frontier town of Siliguri. Depending upon your mode of arrival, pick up will be arranged from Bagdogra, NJP or Siliguri Junction. The cost of the transport from the pick up point to Dhotrey is Rs 6,000/- and is shared by the trekkers.
The road takes you through the bustling town of Siliguri initially, but soon you would be journeying through the tea gardens and lush forests. The ascent starts from after reaching the beautiful lake of Mirik. From there to Dhotrey, it's a constant meandering journey through beautiful tea gardens and mountain forests.
On the way to Dhotrey, you will cross the hilly settlements of Sukhia Pokhari and Maneybhanjan. Apart from these, its just you and the tranquil nature for company as you reach the beautiful base camp of Dhotrey.
Nestled within a thick pine forest, Dhotrey is truly a sight to behold.
If you are lucky, you will get your first glimpse of Kanchenjungha from here itself. Have an early dinner and call it a day as you need ample rest before your trek tomorrow.
Today will be your first day of trek. After a breakfast, it will be relaxed climb of about 1,500 ft and will mostly warm you up for the difficult terrain up ahead. From Dhotrey its initially a gentle climb towards Tumling.
You will walk through rich forests of Pine and Coniferous and some occasional appearances of Rhododendron as you slowly gain the altitude.
The forest is rich in flora and fauna and you will have multiple sightings of numerous birds. At the halfway point, you will find a beautiful resting stop comprised of a flat land, with mountain views all around and a peak of the Dhotrey village down below. From there it's a bit of a steep climb till you reach Tonglu.
OVERVIEW
Resting between the borders of India and Nepal, the trail to Sandakphu is breathtaking to say the least. The highest point of West Bengal may not be very high, but it’s got everything going for it. The thing that probably earned it the title ‘Trekker’s Wonderland’ is the constant company of expansive forests full of blooming rhododendrons of all warm and cool shades of colors spread as far as your eye can see and thick layers of milk-white clouds that literally conceal the world underneath. We may have seen a lot, but we’ve never seen anything as beautiful! It is quite literally a walk through heaven!
What’s more is that this 3,627M peak brings some of the tallest mountains and places them right in front of you. Bound by four of these – Mount Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu, Sandakphu remains one of the very few moderate level treks which offers such splendid views and puts you bang in the middle of 8,000M peaks.
There is no end to the wonders this trek has to offer. The trail of Sandakphu goes through the Singalila National Park which is a biodiversity hotspot that boasts of innumerous species of flora and fauna. In fact, the trail lies on the infamous Singalila Ridge which forms the border between Sikkim and Nepal running down the Kangchenjunga (also called the Kanchendzongha) Range earning it yet another name – the Singalila Ridge Trek.
If the constant flirting with the Indo-Nepal border, Kangchenjunga and its cluster forming what’s famously called The Sleeping Buddha, the forests full of rhododendrons and glorious sunsets and sunrises weren’t enough, Sandakphu adds just the right touch to the trek by offering warm beds, the company of locals, scrumptious home-cooked meals and a comfortable sleep in a closed room with warm blankets each night of the trek. Looking for insurmountable beauty but want to give uncomfortable and cold nights a miss? Sandakphu is the answer to all your wants!
While it may not be too high in terms of altitude, the trek offers up a few challenges in the form of long distances each day, various steep ascents and the unpredictable weather which could turn a bright, sunny day to a sudden downpour. It could also get very windy on the trail and extremely cold depending on the season in which you choose to trek here. Although it is a perfect trek for beginners as well as experienced trekkers, it would serve well to go with the knowledge that the mountain makes you work up a sweat in exchange for the magnificence it has to offer.
SUMMARY
Start Location | Dhotrey
End Location | Srikhola
Base Camp | Dhotrey
Trek Start Time | 10:00 am on day 1
Trek End Time | 04:00 Pm on day 6 approx
Trek Duration | 5 Nights / 6 Days
Trek Difficult | Easy
Trek Distance | 37 Kms approx.
Trek Altitude | 11,900 ft.
Best time to do this trek | March-June for Rhododendron, October-January
Closest Railway Station | NJP/Siliguri Junction
Closest Airport | Bagdogra
Age Group Required | Between 16 to 45 Years (No age bars for champions)
NOTE : Share cab from Darjeeling Mord (Siliguri) to Dhotrey, first cab in the morning is at 5 am and last share cab is at 11:30 am (post that you have to get a private cab or wait till next morning)
Sandakshu Trek 5n-6d · Ex - Dhotrey ( Base camp ): INR 9600
Sandakshu Trek 5n-6d · Ex - Siliguri: INR 11600 — Shared Cab
Confirm the applicable option, taxes and availability with TrekOTrip before booking.
From NJP Railway station to Darjeeling Mord (Siliguri) which is around 6 kms, the avg cost per person will be around Rs 30 via auto.
From Bagdogra Airport to Darjeeling Mord (Siliguri) via bus the avg cost per person will be around Rs.50/- (every 20 to 25 mins there is a bus service from main road outside airport) and a private cab, the avg cost per person will be around Rs.1000/-
From Darjeeling Mord (Siliguri) to Dhotrey on day 1 and back from Srikhola to Darjeeling Mord (Siliguri) on last day, per person cost will be around Rs.1500 /- deponding on number of person in share cab.
The private cab from Bagdora airport / NJP railway station to Dhotrey will cost around Rs.5500/- and return journey from Srikhola to Bagdora airport / NJP railway station will cost around Rs 7500/-
Avg time to reach Dhotrey from Siliguri is around 4 to 5 hours
Avg time to reach Siliguri from Srikhola is around 6 to 7 hours.
Basics:
A sturdy ruck-sack with support rod(50-60 ltrs)
A small day pack(15-20 ltrs) in case you are off loading your bag
A trekking shoe with ankle support
Clothing:
4 pairs of polyester T shirt
3 Pairs of quick dry trek pants
A lightweight Hollowfill/Feather jacket
A set of thermal inners(For winters)
A fleece Jacket(For winters)
A rain coat/Poncho
4 pairs of cotton socks + 2 pairs of woolen socks
1 Pair of gloves
Medicine:
Coca 30: 30 ml
Crocin: 6 tablets
Avomine: 4 tablets
Avil(25 mg): 4 tablets
Combiflam: 4 tablets
Norflox TZ: 6 tablets
Digene: 6 tablets
ORS: 6 sachets
Band Aid: 6 strips
Eno: 4 sachets
Betadine or any antiseptic ointment
Pain spray
From there its just a km of flat walk to reach your destination for the day, Tumling. Reaching there you will receive the warm mountain hospitality as you sip on some tea while taking in the breathtaking views all around.
This is the place which gives you a brief trailer of what treat awaits you once you reach your summit.
After having a hearty dinner, sleep of to the sound of nature as you prepare yourself for the journey ahead.
Wake up early to catch the beautiful sunrise from Tumling and catch The Mt Kanchenjungha in its full glory.
After a quick breakfast, we start early around 8:00 am as we have a long journey ahead of us.
A short distance into the trek, we will reach the entry point of Singalila National Park. We will need to complete our entry formalities here. You will need to pay for a camera permit here if you are carrying any.
Your trek guide will help you through the process. The Singalila National Park houses a great number of animals like the Himalayan Bear, Leopard cat, Barking Dear, Pangolin and the famous and elusive Red Panda.
We will have a relaxed flat walk till we reach the settlement of Jaubari. All along the way, our trail will flirt with the Indo-Nepal border as we criss cross through our neighbor lands.
From Jaubari we will have a descent, till we reach Gairibas. Here you can have a small break and also indulge in some snacks.
Gairibas houses a rhododendron research centre and has a detailed accounting of the various varieties of Rhododendrons available in the region.
From Gairibas we will face the first difficult phase of our trek, as we traverse a steep climb all the way to Kalipokhari. After a strenuous but rewarding climb, we will reach the high altitude lake of Kalipokhari.
After a steaming hot beverage to soothe your aching muscles, you can pay a visit to the calm waters of the lake and feel your tiredness ebbing away.
Today is the the most challenging phase of your trek, The trail will test your endurance to the limit. We will start around 9:00 am.
Make sure to fill up your water bottles before starting, as there will be no settlements between here and Sandakphu. We will climb through barren mountain roads with scarce vegetations as we would be almost above the tree line.
You can take short cuts in between which will cut down the time but will considerably increase the strain on your legs.
Milestones along the way would motivate you as you will see the destination come nearer and nearer.
Once reaching the summit, all your hard work will pay off, as you will witness the wonder called Sleeping Buddha at its full glory. Sandakphu has the distinction of offering the view of 4 of the top 5 highest mountain peaks of the world. Apart from Kanchenjungha, it also offers the view of Mt Kanchenjungha, Makalu and Lhotse along with several other high peaks of the Himalayas.
On reaching Sandakphu, you can settle down for a bit and then set out to explore the area. Your aching muscles will beg you to call it an early night, but make a mental note to wake up early enough to catch the most beautiful sunrise ever.
After witnessing the magnificent sunrise from the highest point of west Bengal, you will get ready for the last phase of your trek.
We have a lot of distance to cover today, so we will start quite early around 8:00am. Inspite of the distance we will have a fairly relaxed trek today as it's a steady descent.
We will descend through rich forest which will get denser as we descend. We will walk through bamboo forests and if lucky enough may also have a glimpse of the famous Red Panda lurking in the trees.
You will have a brief rest point at Gurdum, where also you can indulge in some snacks and fill up your water bottles. A further descent through some rich pine forest will lead you to the upper Srikhola.
You will already be able to hear the gurgling sound of the river. The last 2 km stretch of the trail will let you through the settlement of Srikhola, until you reach the river, where will be the final pit stop of the trek.
Once reaching the homestay, enjoy the hospitality while you revel in the glory of completing your trek. You can relax by the river while your celebratory dinner is being prepared.
Enjoy a sound sleep as the gurgling river sing you a lullaby and your aching muscles receive a much needed rest.
Today you say goodbye to the Singalila National Park as you drive down towards NJP.
Post breakfast (will start around 9:00 am) you can take some cool insta worthy photos at the hanging bridge in Srikhola.
After that you journey takes you along the mountain paths back to the chaotic city life. The cab fare to Siliguri is Rs 8,000/- and will be shared by the trekkers.
You will pass through the settlements of Rimbik, Dhotrey and Maneybhanjan, after which the familiar tea garden vista will greet you.
You will be able to attend a tea testing at the Gopal Dhara tea garden on the way. Where from you can source some authentic Darjeeling tea for yourself.
Finally, your journey will come full circle at NJP, from where you can depart for your onward destination with fond memories from the trip.
Knee cap and crepe bandage
Toiletries:
Sunscreen
Moisturizer
Lip Balm
Hand Sanitizer
Tooth brush & paste
Toilet Paper
Light and preferable quick dry towel
Hand Wash/Liquid Soap
Accessories:
A pair of sun shades
A cap/sun hat
A head torch
Hand Sanitizer
Trekking Pole
Toilet Paper
Water bottle
Documents:
Photocopy of a Govt. issued id
2 recent passport size photos
Medical certificate
Disclaimer Certificate
Apart from these, trekkers can also carry some dry fruits/trail mix/chocolates or light snacks.
Booking & Confirmation
Booking is confirmed only upon receipt of the required advance/payment as communicated by TrekOTrip.
Full payment must be completed prior to departure as per the payment schedule shared.
All passengers must provide valid ID proof and required documents at the time of booking.
Non-Refundable Service Fee (Mandatory Clause)
A fixed amount of INR 2,500 (Rupees Two Thousand Five Hundred only) per person shall be charged as a non-refundable service and processing fee for this tour.
This amount is strictly non-refundable under any circumstances, including but not limited to:
Cancellation initiated by the client (voluntary cancellation)
Medical reasons, personal emergencies, or inability to travel
Delay, cancellation, or rescheduling due to weather conditions
Natural disasters such as landslides, floods, earthquakes, or cloudbursts
Force majeure events, including war, political unrest, strikes, government restrictions, pandemics, or travel bans
Cancellation or disruption of flights, permits, or accommodations by third-party vendors
The above amount of INR 2,500 per person shall be deducted first and in full, before applying any other applicable cancellation/refund policy.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Apart from the non-refundable amount mentioned above, remaining refunds (if any) shall be processed as per the standard cancellation policy :
Cancellation before 25 days of the travel date a deduction of ₹2,500 per person will be applied from the booking amount. The remaining balance will be refunded.
Between 24 and 15 days of departure - 50% of tour cost
Between 14 and 10 days of departure - 80% of tour cost
Between 09 and prior to date of departure - 100% of tour cost
In case of no show - 100%
Tour Date Change / Batch Shifting Policy: Any request by the client to shift or postpone the booked tour to another date will incur a non-refundable charge of ₹2,500 per person.
Refund timelines may vary depending on third-party vendors and banking processes.
No refund shall be provided for any unused services after the commencement of the tour.
It is understood that any expenses e.g. hotels, meals, transport, telephone calls, repairing of vehicle etc) relating to the unscheduled extensions like natural calamity, break down of vehicle, any other delays which is beyond our control will be bear by the passengers and no refund will be given in any such scenario.
Force Majeure Clause
TrekOTrip shall not be held liable for any cancellation, delay, or alteration caused by events beyond its control, including but not limited to:
Natural calamities
War, civil unrest, or terrorism
Government orders, restrictions, or regulatory changes
Epidemics or pandemics
In all such cases, the non-refundable amount of INR 2,500 per person remains applicable without exception.
Any medical condition must be disclosed in advance. TrekOTrip shall not be responsible for health-related issues arising during the tour.
In case of any injuries/illness during the trip/activity, TrekOTrip as a Tour operator or any of our local staff will not be responsible
We do not have any Insurance policy covering the expenses for accident, sickness, loss due to theft or any other reason. Guest are advised to seek such Insurance in advance.
TrekOTrip acts as a facilitator between clients and service providers (hotels, transport, etc.).
We shall not be held responsible for any loss, injury, delay, or damage caused due to third-party services.
The itinerary is subject to change due to weather, operational feasibility, or government regulations.
Clients are required to remain flexible and cooperative in such situations.
Please note that after the finalization of the Tour/ service Cost, if there are any hike in entrance fees of monuments / museums, Taxes, fuel cost or guide charges - by Govt., the same would be charged as extra.
All the sightseeing is strictly subjected to weather condition and guidelines issued by the government or local authorities.
By confirming the booking, the client acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to all the above terms and conditions, including the mandatory non-refundable fee of INR 2,500 per person.
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