fbpx
Sandakphu Trek – An Enjoyable Nature Retreat

Overview

Sandakphu is the highest peak in the eastern region of India, West Bengal. Situated on the India-Nepal border and is the highest point of Singalila Ridge in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. Sandakphu is famous for its breathtaking and grandeur views of the world’s four highest peaks, Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Lhotse. The entire massif looks like Buddha in his sleeping posture, hence the famous name and sighting of Sleeping Buddha from Sandakphu.

But for a nature lover or a traveller, the Sandakhphu is not just mountain walking but a soul cleanser. The whispering sound of winds through jungles, old Himalayas moist trees where clouds come down to the root and make a mystic view is something you can only believe when you see it. 

The beautiful mountain villages, the tingling sounds of the collar bells of returning cows from the pasture to the barn and the birds of Singallila National Park make this trail one of its class. No wonder why it is called a paradise for trekkers. 

One can enjoy the trail with slow and easy walking and take advantage of the entire time amid the Himalayas.

If you are travelling from outside West Bengal and transiting through Kolkata, then this one-day Kolkata Private Day Tour is perfect for you after the adventurous trekking days.

  • Day 1: Bagdogra - Tumling

    Arrival at Bagdogra airport. Our representative will greet you at the airport, and we will start our journey. We will drive to Manebhanjan, a small town almost at the foothills of the Himalayas at an altitude of 7054 ft. In between, we will take a short Tea Break to enjoy the surroundings and the journey. It will be 4 to 5 hours of drive till Manebhanjan, and we will have our Lunch Break here. We will change our cars here and head towards Tumling, a small hamlet in the eastern Himalayas with small village houses and lovely locals. By reaching Tumling, we will gain altitude and stay at 9600 ft. We will stay in a Tea House. Overnight stay at Tumling.

    Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner.

  • Day 2: Rest day at Tumling

    Rest and acclimatisation day in Tumling. It is important to have a mandatory acclimatisation day today as you spent the previous day on a long journey. In the morning, get up late and enjoy your delicious breakfast. Today, after breakfast, we will go hiking to Tonglu 10,056 ft. and return to Tumling. This day increases our chance of enjoying the grand vista of mountains that Tumling offers and improves our acclimatisation. Enjoy the rest of the day leisurely.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

  • Day 3: Tumling to Kalapokhri

    After breakfast, we will get ready and start trekking. Take it slowly and steadily, and enjoy the mountain walk. We will see mountains, and we are not in a rush. We will take a short Tea Break at Gairibas. Only a few people stop here. We can expect a tranquil environment. Time for photographs and making your own story. We have a short, easy walk to Gairibas which translates as the village amongst the bamboo thickets. The initial level walk takes us past a long mani wall to the Nepalese border post in the large village of Jaubari – one of the few border crossings in this part of the world where one is waved on without any formalities. After a tea break, take a downhill trail back into the Indian side, reaching Gairibas shortly after midday. After Gairibas, a bit uphill for 2.5 km and then a gentle traverse on a well-marked trail towards Kalapokhri. A fair-sized village beside a dark, prayer flag-lined pond that gives the village its name. Overnight stay at Kalapokhri.

    This day could be a lucky day for us to spot a cute Red Panda and Tragopan. Keep a sharp eye on your surroundings and alert the team whisperingly if you are the luckiest.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

  • Day 4: Kalapokhri to Sandakphu

    After breakfast, we will start trekking to Sandakfu 11929.36 ft. The walk to Sandakphu is particularly interesting for bird enthusiasts, with minivets, flycatchers, finches, redstarts, falconets and several other varieties seen from the trail. Following the jeep trail with frequent shortcuts, we walk through rhododendrons, some of the large tree variety, to a tea shop from where we steeply climb to Sandakphu on the Singalila Ridge. Today’s walk is mostly uphill, with a steep climb for the last two kilometres. 4 to 5 hours of hiking will end at an altitude of over 11929.36 ft, Sandakphu. Sandakphu commands views of Kangchenjunga, Jannu, Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and several high peaks in Sikkim and Bhutan like Chomolhari. Overnight stay at Sandakphu.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

  • Day 5: Sandakphu - Gurdum

    Get up early and enjoy the stunning sunrise and the beautiful colour change at the top of Sleeping Buddha. For the locals and trekkers, this is a holy sight to experience. Mythologically, it says the Buddha shares his wisdom and protects the surroundings with his eternal love and peace.

    After breakfast, we will start our trek to Gurdum. The trail is downhill today. Hence, enjoy the 3-4 hours of hiking. Gordum is a tiny settlement amid the Himalayas at 8000 ft. Dense rhododendron, pine forests and coniferous branches will welcome us, and we will rightly settle there for our night stay.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

  • Day 6: Gurdum - Thulung

    After breakfast, we will start trekking to Sirikhola. A very short day of activities. You can enjoy downhill walking. Take lots of photographs. 2-3 hours of hiking, mostly downhill. Drive to Thulung village near Mirik. 3-4 hrs of driving. Stay at a beautiful mountain farm. Spend the rest of the days leisurely. Overnight stay at Thulung.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

  • Day 7: Thulung - Bagdogra

    Today is the last day of your trip, and time to say goodbye to the mighty Himalayas. After breakfast, drive to Bagdogra. We will stop for a short Tea Break if your flight schedule permits. We recommend catching the late Evening Flight back home.

    Meals Included: Breakfast.

Sandakphu Trek – An Enjoyable Nature Retreat

Country India
Tour length 7 days
Travellers Details Couple, Small Group, Solo Traveller, Women Only Group
Tour Categories Cultural Trips, Adventure & Activities
Travel Style Fully Guided, Susmita’s Itinerary
Journey Start & End Points Bagdogra to Bagdogra
NJP to NJP
Max Group Size 4
Age range 15 to 55
Tour Operator Travel With Susmita
Operated in English, Hindi and Bengali
From ₹15,645

(Price per person for a group of 4 people)

trip_tag
Are you interested in this trip?



    Couple
    Small Group

    Large Group

    Solo Traveller
    Senior Citizens

    Family With Kids

    Women Only Group









    *By submitting the details,I agree with theTerms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

    Inclusions

    • Bagdogra Airport to Airport Pick-up and Drop facilities.
    • All required permits for national park entry.
    • All meals except breakfast on day one and lunch and dinner on the departure.
    • All accommodations in twin sharing in villages during the trekking period.
    • Group leader, local guide and porter charges for the trek days mentioned. (2 porters for 4 persons)

    Exclusions

    • Train Tickets.
    • Flight Tickets.
    • Travel Insurance.
    • Your Toiletries and medicines.
    • Personal entertainment equipment (music system, etc.).
    • Mineral wter, personal beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic).
    • Meals are not included that are not mentioned in the itinerary.
    • Any change in plan, visits to additional destinations and car hire.
    • Trip costs do not ensure the supply of local SIM cards and paying phone bills.
    • Personal guide fees if you are hiring during the trip for any additional activities.
    • The cost does not include any recreational activities before and after the scheduled trip as per the itinerary.
    • The cost does not include transportation or ticket costs (train or airfare) before and after the scheduled trip as per the itinerary.
    • Any medicines, medical treatment, and hospital charges if needed. Hospital commuting and waiting charges for vehicles.
    Service on request: (extra cost applicable)
    • icon Air ticket purchase. (for Indian Citizens Only)
    • icon Train ticket purchase. (for Indian Citizens Only)
    Fitness Level
    • icon A good fitness level will help you enjoy the trek.
    • icon Stair climbing will help you with cardio exercise.
    • icon We recommend daily walking and jogging for at least two hours.
    What to wear and bring for this trip
    • icon Passport. (for Foreign Nationals)
    • icon Travel Insurance Copy. (for Foreign Nationals)
    • icon Sunhat, sunglasses and sunscreen lotions.
    • icon Medicines, painkillers and insect repellents.
    • icon Raincoat for unpredictable weather changes.
    • icon A down jacket to wear on top of everything.
    • icon Inner Thermals or Baselayers for top and bottom. Min 2 pairs.
    • icon Comfortable trekking pants or trousers to wear on top of baselayers.
    • icon Two sets of tops and a fleece jacket to maintain the layers on top of the base layers.
    • icon Woolen caps, Balaclava, Woolen Socks or Marino Wool Socks and mittens. 2 - 3 Pairs.
    • icon Comfortable trekking shoes or insulated boots for trekking days. Flip-flops for night times.
    • icon Water bottle, Mobile, Mobile Charger, Power Bank, Camera and extra batteries for your camera.
    Code of Ethics
    • icon Be a responsible Traveller.
    • icon Feeding wild animals is strictly prohibited.
    • icon Be respectful to the locals, their cultures and their religious beliefs.
    • icon Collecting, handling or keeping specimens/ any wildlife matter is strictly prohibited.
    • icon Walking off-roads or mountain trails is strictly prohibited as this could be dangerous for you and the team.
    • icon Travellers must obey all rules and regulations The Indian Government and related authorities enforce.
    • icon Keep the mountain trail clean. Please do not throw your garbage. Carry it and dispose of it in the designated areas.
    • icon Clients are always right, but not in the mountains. Please listen to your Tour Leader’s local guide’s words. They are with you to make your journey enjoyable.
    Sustainable Tourism Initiative
    • icon Animal Welfare.
    • icon Supporting Locals.
    • icon Zero-tolerance on plastic pollution.
    • icon Encouraging Environmental Protection.