The Sandakphu Trek is a popular trekking route located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. The trek offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountain range, including Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu, as well as panoramic views of the valleys and forests below.
The trek starts from Manebhanjan, a small town near Darjeeling, and follows a well-defined trail to Sandakphu, the highest point in West Bengal at an altitude of 11,941 feet (3,636 meters). Along the way, trekkers pass through small villages, tea houses, and monasteries, providing a glimpse into the local way of life.
The trek takes you through beautiful rhododendron forests, which are in full bloom during the spring season, and provides a unique opportunity to experience the local culture of the region, including the Sherpa and Nepali cultures. The Sandakphu region is also known for its unique flora and fauna, including the red panda, Himalayan black bear, and barking deer.
-
Breathtaking views: The trek offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountain range, including Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu. The trek also provides panoramic views of the valleys and forests below.
-
Rhododendron forests: The trek takes you through beautiful rhododendron forests, which are in full bloom during the spring season.
-
Cultural experience: The trek allows you to experience the local culture of the region, including the Sherpa and Nepali cultures.
-
Unique flora and fauna: The Sandakphu region is known for its unique flora and fauna, including the red panda, Himalayan black bear, and barking deer.
-
Trekking difficulty: The trek is considered to be a moderate-level trek, making it accessible to both novice and experienced trekkers.
-
Tea house stays: The trek offers tea house stays along the route, providing a comfortable and authentic experience of the local hospitality.
-
Sunrise and sunset views: The trek provides stunning views of the sunrise and sunset from the Sandakphu peak, making it a memorable experience.
Day 1:- Bagdogra – Manebhanjang
- Report at 11am on Bagdogra Airport and proceed to Manebhanjang (90km / 4-5hrs) by Car / Jeep.
- Reach Manebhanjang by 4pm.
- Overnight halt at Manebhanjang (Home Stay).
Day 2:- Manebhanjang – Tumling
- Trek distance: 11 km | Duration: 5-6 hrs.
- Overnight camp at Tumling (Home/tea House Stay).
Day 3:- Tumling – Kalpokhari
- Trek distance: 14 km | Duration: 6-7 hrs.
- Overnight camp at Kalpokhari (Home/tea House Stay).
Day 4:- Kalpokhari – Sandakphu
- Trek distance: 6 km | Duration: 5 hrs.
- Overnight camp at Sandakphu (Home/tea House Stay).
Day 5:- Sandakphu – Sirikhola – Sepi
- Trek distance: 15 km | Duration: 7-8 hrs.
- Overnight camp at Sepi (Home/tea House Stay).
Day 6:- Sepi – Darjeeling
- We board the vehicles and leave for Darjeeling.
- Reach Darjeeling by 1pm. Explore Darjeeling.
- Overnight stay at Darjeeling (Hotel Stay).
Day 7:- Darjeeling – Bagdogra
- Proceed for Bagdogra by Car / Jeep. Arrival at Bagdogra Airport at 11.30 am and proceed to onward journey home.
What is included in the tour
- Transportation from Bagdogra airport to Bagdogra airport
- Stay is included from Day 1 to Day 5 (Manebhanjang - Darjeeling). You will be staying in a Tea/guest house
- Vegetarian meals along the trek route from the Manebhanjang Base Camp to Sepi.
- Professional outdoor experts.
- All trekking permits and forest camping charges are included.
- First aid medical kit.
What is NOT included in the tour
- Meals during transit from Pune to Manebhajang and Darjeeling.
- Medical expenses (apart from first aid).
- Any kind of shopping, mineral water, optional sight-seeing, and any other expenses of personal nature.
- Bag offloading charges.
- Any expenses arising out of unforeseen circumstances like flight delay / cancellation / hike in fare, strike or any other natural calamities or any emergency evacuation expenses.
- Clothing of personal nature like trek shoes, kit bags, day packs, down jackets and other special clothing etc. (You can rent out from us)
- Any other item not mentioned in the cost include section.
| Basic Gear : | |
| Back pack & rain cover | (40 - 50 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps) (can be rented from Mountainfit) |
| Day pack + rain cover | 10 - 20 ltr (If you hire a mule or porter and also for Summit day) |
| Walking stick | Advisable (At least one) ) (can be rented from Mountainfit) |
| Head torch | 1 Nos. ) (can be rented from Mountainfit) |
| Water bottle/Hydration pack | 2 bottles of one litre each |
| Snacks | Energy bars, dry fruits, electoral/ors |
| Personal Medical Kit | Consult your doctor |
| Clothing : | |
| T-shirts | 2 to 3 (Dri Fit Preferred) |
| Full T-shirts | 1 Nos. |
| Fleece jacket | 1 Nos. (Alternative: a woollen sweater) |
| Down feather / Hollofil jacket | 1 Nos. (can be rented from Mountainfit) |
| Wind & waterproof (jacket & pant) | 1 Pair |
| Thermal inners (upper and lower) | 1 Pair |
| Trek pants | 2 Synthetic (avoid shorts, fitting denims, capris) |
| Poncho (Rain Protection) | 1 Nos. ) (can be rented from Mountainfit) |
| Personal Utilities : | |
| Sunscreen cream | Hand sanitizer |
| Moisturiser | Antibacterial powder |
| Toilet Paper & wipes | Toothbrush and toothpaste |
| Lip balm | Quick dry towel |
| Sun cap | 1 Nos. |
| Woollen cap | 1 Nos. |
| Buff / Bandana | 1 Nos. |
| Sunglasses | U/V protected advisable. |
| Protect your feet : | |
| Trekking shoes | 1 Pair (Waterproof, high ankle with good grip) |
| Floaters/flip-flops | 1 Pair (Very useful to roam around camp). |
| Cotton socks | 4 pairs |
| Woollen socks | 2 pairs |
| Gaiters and Crampons | 1 Pair (MountainFit team will notify you if required) |
| Protect your hands : | |
| Waterproof gloves | 1 Pair |
| Fleece/woollen gloves | 1 Pair |
Few Important Tips:
- Dress in layers: Carry at least 3 layers at the trek. Weather is quite unpredictable so we need to keep ourselves warm. Keep it simple, but warm enough. Pack your backpack as per provided Trek essential list.
- Thermos Flask (1ltr) is very important on winter trek as water in normal bottle freezes due to severe temperature.
- Do not carry any precious items like jewellery at the trek. Mountainfit Team will not be responsible for loss of damage of such items.
- Carry extra plastic bags for wet clothes/garbage/etc. “DO NOT LITTER THE TRAIL, KEEP IT CLEAN”
- Drone and satellite phone is not allowed so please don’t bring any
