What is the best time for Sandakphu Trek?

There are two best seasons to go for the Sandakphu trek. The first season, with the temperature ranges from 8 to 15 degrees, is from mid-March to May and the second season is after the monsoon starting from October to January when the temperature ranges from -5 to 5 degrees. The time for monsoon is from July to September, which is not a good time to visit Sandakphu.

How much will the Sandakphu trek cost?

Sandakphu trek can cost you around INR 9000 to INR 15,000 per person. The price is however variable and dependent on the fact of what facilities are included in the package. From transportation to stay, various constraints collectively affect the final package. It is always advised to go for better packages as during trekking nobody wants extra hassle.

What is the height of Sandakhphu trek?

The height of Sandakhphu Trek is around 3636 m or 11,930 ft above sea level.

INR

Sandakphu Trek

4.5 / 5(1439 Reviews)

6D/5N

Jalpaiguri

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Meals Included

Guide

Sandakphu Trek Highlights

The famous “Sleeping Buddha” formation of peaks formed by four Tallest Mountains In The World!
Seeing the Mt. Everest at the horizon- you will love every bit of Sandakphu trekking!
Albeit it’s offbeat essence, the Lake stand as a major attraction en route to Sandakphu. Kalpokhri Lake– the Mystery of The Sacred Black Waters.
Experience one of the highest north-south mountain ridge- Singalila range that divide West Bengal and Himalayan range.
The flowering of Rhododendrons and Magnolia turn the forest into red, pink, and white shades during springtime.

Sandakphu Trek Overview

About the Sandakphu Trekking:

Ranged at an altitude of 11,930 ft the Sandakphu trek is popularly known as a ‘Trekkers Wonderland’. The four massive peaks bound this trek- Mount Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu. This trek follows the famous Singalila Ridge, a high ground that lies at the southern end of a long crest, which runs down from the Kanchendzongha range and forms the border between Sikkim & Nepal.

This ridge, passing through small settlements, is perhaps one of the most scenically rewarding in the Himalayas. The entire trail is inside Singalila National park a biodiversity hotspot that boasts numerous species of birds and Red Panda is rare but not impossible to sight.

Sandakphu Trekking Quick Facts:

Duration: 6D/5N
Altitude: 11,930 ft
Sandakphu Trek Difficulty Level: Moderate
Sandakphu Trek Distance: 52 km
Temperature: Day: 8°C to 15°C and Night: -5°C to 5°C
Best Time to do Sandakphu Trek: March to May, October to January
Nearest Railway Station: NJP
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra
ATM: You can withdraw money at New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP).
Starting Point: Manebhanjan/ Chitrey
Ending Point: Srikhola

How to Reach Maneybhanjan/ Chitrey:

By Air: Bagdogra Airport is fully functional for domestic as well as international flights. Visitors can conveniently take flights to reach here from some of the major cities of India such as Delhi, Guwahati, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata. Bangkok and Paro are directly connected via air to Bagdogra. Tourists can hire a taxi or bus shuttle from the airport to reach the town of Bagdogra.

By Rail: The new Jalpaiguri railway station is one of the biggest rail junctions in North Bengal. Situated at a distance of 4 kilometers from Jalpaiguri city, the railway station has good connectivity with various other major cities in India.

By Road: Siliguri is well connected through West Bengal State Road Transport Corporation (WBSRTC) and some private travel services. It is 7 Kms from Matigara, 12 Kms from Bharat Basti, 16 Kms from Kamal Pur, 26 Kms from Pankhabari, 36 km from Kurseong, 45 km from Mirik, 66 km from Kalimpong, 78 km from Darjeeling, 170 Kms from Biratnagar, 206 Kms from Pratapganj and 377 Kms from Naogaon, and 560 km from Kolkata.

NOTE: There are shared taxis available frequently from Bus Stand/ Railway Station/ Airport. It costs approx. Rs 3500 per vehicle (shared between 5-6 trekkers).

Sandakphu Trek Package Inclusions:

Accommodation- 5 Nights stay from Manebhanjan / Chitrey (Day 1) to Srikhola (Day 5) in Dormitory Stay/ Lodges.
Meals- All nutritious veg meals from dinner at Manebhanjan / Chitrey to breakfast at Srikhola.
Expert trek Leaders- An excellent mountain guide who will be local to this particular area and has profound knowledge of the trekking trail around.
Camping charges- The permit fee for Singalila National Park and forest camping charges are included in the Sandakphu Trek package.
Safety equipment – First aid kit, oxygen cylinders, oximeter, etc. will be with guide/trek leader and at the campsite as well to deal with emergencies.
Expert Trek support team- The mountain staff on this trek consists of certified guides, cooks, helpers, and porters.

Available Group Departure dates-

October: 16, 18, 22, 29.
November : 6, 17, 19, 22, 26.
December : 4, 10, 17, 25, 27, 29.

[ Note: These dates can be customized in case of 5 or more persons. ]

Sandakphu Trek Itinerary

Pick up from NJP railway station in the morning by 10 am and drive to Maneybhanjang (1980m, 6500ft), trekkers will travel to the base camp on their own. Distance around 110 km and takes 4 hours.
The road goes through the foothills of Eastern Himalaya (also called Dooars) and gradually gains height.
The last 2 Km from Maneybhanjung to Chitrey is a steep road with several hairpin bends and eventually reaches the hilltop.
All the major mobile networks work here. Night accommodation in dormitory/ lodges.

After your breakfast, start trekking towards Tumling, one of the spectacular peaks in the Singalila Range.
Get mesmerized by the fascinating views that come your way and behold the scenic views in your camera and astound by the beautiful landscapes.
The trail ahead is clearly visible till Meghma while we slowly gain height. Sandakphu Trek route often defines the border between India and Nepal so the posting of Paramilitary camps of SSB (Sashastra Seema Bal) at all the major points is common.

Get ready to trek to Kalapokhri covering a distance of around 9 km in 5 hours.
While walking past the Singalila National Park, explore and discover the enchanting beauty of the vicinity.
The road enters into the dense forest and we take shorts cuts often which meet the jeep road while gaining altitude in a short distance. In spring this stretch is particularly vibrant with blooming Rhododendrons.
During the last part of the trek, a small pond is seen on our left. This is called Kalapokhri (Kala is Black and Pokhri is a Pond in Nepali)
Enjoy staying overnight in a trekker's hut in Kalapokhri.

On this day you will be trekking in Sandakphu, the highest point in West Bengal.
This portion of the trail is inside Nepal and the Indian road joins here from the other side of the mountain. There is a tea stall on our left and a forest check post on the right.
The road splits and the newly built road inside Nepal takes a longer path on our left to reach Sandakphu. We take the straight road ahead and start climbing.
Enjoy the panoramic views of Mt. Khanchendzonga and Everest, the scenic forests underneath.
Relish the sight of a mesmerizing sunset as well.
Your overnight stay will be in a trekker’s hut for a day.

Wake up early to observe the fascinating sunrise. During fall and winters, this top remains cold, especially early in the morning. The wind blows directly from the Kanchendzongha side.
Straight ahead is gigantic Kanchendzongha massif along with Jannu (Kubhakarna) to its left and Pandim to its right, forming as rightly said the “Sleeping Buddha”
After breakfast, we start our descent. Start the day with a descending trek from Sandakphu to Srikhola.
For the first half of the trek, climb downhill to Gurdum (around 5 hours).
For the next half, 2 hours’ descend will finally take you to Srikhola.

Select Package Options

Manebhanjan/Chitrey to Srikhola

6 Days, 5 Nights

INR 12,450

INR 9,250

Per Adult

Price Includes

Stay
Accommodation is on triple/quad sharing at dormitory/ lodges.
Meals
All meals during the trek. Regular Indian style nutritious vegetarian food during the trek, breakfast, hot lunch (en route), snacks, dinner along coffee/tea/soup.
Permits
The permit fee for Singalila National Park, for Indian Nationals only
Guide
Mountain Guide- All our trek leaders are at least qualified in basic/advanced mountaineering and first aid course.

More Details about Sandakphu Trek

Know Before You Go for Sandakphu Trek

Climatic conditions in the high altitudes vary from the plains; take adequate time to get acclimatized to high altitudes.
Carry basic medications and a first-aid kit during the tour.
Pay heed to the trek leaders or instructors in order to enjoy a safe and sound experience.
The trek takes place through eco-friendly zone; do not encourage littering the local sites or campsites.
While visiting any religious sites, follow proper dress-code and do not hurt the local sentiments of the places.
Tranport cost from NJP to Chitrey and from Srikola to NJP is to be borne by the trekker on actual basis. Same can be arranged on request.

Things To Carry for Sandakphu Trek

Back pack (50-60l)
Extra pair of socks
Toilet paper & wipes
Walking stick
Water bottle
Hiking shoes
Waterproof windcheater
Woollen cap, socks, mittens & scarf
Warm clothes
Day pack (20-30l)

Tour Difficulty for Sandakphu Trek

Sandakphu Trek Map

Starting Point

Maneybhanjan Trekking Basecamp

Mane Bhanjang, West Bengal 734221, India

Starting from INR 12,450

INR 9,250per Adult

25% Off

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All Reviews

14 May, 2023

Excellent

Rahul Sidara

Excellent trek, enjoyed every moment, tour operator and guide are very nice and friendly, all stays are in very location and very well maintained, food is great and healthy, locals are very generous, all in all great experience 👍🏻.

+13

04 Nov, 2019

Good

D Vishwanath

It all started with my son wanting to do a trek on his birthday. A quick google search took me to Thrillophilia and Sweety Mallick was very helpful in finalising our itenerary for Sandakphu trek. Makkan Singh and Kavish Rathore were also quite helpful. On Day 1, our family of four reached our homestay at Kopidhara near Mane Bhanjan. We were greeted by Tashi and Anmol. We were soon joined by our other team members, three cousins from Gujarat, one Danish National and a lady from Mumbai. We bonded almost at once and enjoyed the Diwali cracker show at this small village and the simple dinner our hosts had prepared for the night. Tashi gave us a good brief on Dos and Donts for the long trek ahead. This was our first multi-day trek. On Day 2, we started off by 0830 hrs for a steep trek of 6 km through the pine trees. Our senior guide Santa Dada, a gentle soul in his 50s had joined us by then. He took the forward position and Anmol, our other guide in his 20s took up the rear. We were a group of nine with ages varying from 15 to 48 years of age. We had great view of Kanchenjunga and Singalila Range all through the day as we took a tea break at Meghma, lunched near Chitrey and stopped for the night in a homestay at Tumling. Our hosts at Tumling had arranged for a cosy fireplace. Santa Da and Anmol gave my son Dhruv a traditional Nepali greeting on his birthday. We enjoyed the Diwali celebrations at our host's place which was a musical one with the entire village in attendance. Some of us danced to the Nepali numbers sung by the locals. On Day 3, we started off by 0900 hrs and this time also weather was very pleasant with clear view all around. We trekked along a gentle climb to lunch at Kayargutta and finally reached Kalapokhri homestay by 1630 hrs for our night stay. After a simple dinner we retired early. On Day 4, we started by 0830 hrs for our last leg of journey to Sandakphu. It was a steep trek but we enjoyed each moment with the group. We finally reached Hotel Sunrise our last stop atop Sandakphu by lunch. We were surprised to see that the hotel was well stocked with goodies and variety of dishes. It was warm inside the restaurant. Towards evening we trekked to the sunset point and though we could not have a glimpse of Everest and other peaks due to dense fog and clouds, we could enjoy the various hues of the sky due to the setting sun. We came back to the hotel and enjoyed a sumptuous dinner consisting of Chowmein and fried rice. Electricity was available only through solar panels and diesel genset for a limited time. Water was also scarce since it had to be brought by tanker from halfway uphill. So we retired early. On Day 6, we woke up early in the morning (0430 hrs) to get a glimpse of Everest, Kanchenjunga and the other famous peaks along with Sleeping Buddha pose. It was quite foggy and the clouds made it difficult to catch the Mt Everest peak clearly, We then started our climb down back to Seppy through a steep slope. This time Anmol took the forward position and Santa Da took the rear position. We quickly reached our lunch point at Gurduk, Sherpa Himalayan Homestay. The climb down was arduous due to the steepness and rocky trail. We were very tired by lunch due to pressure on the knees. The weather was also very foggy and the mountain ranges were not visible. However the Shrikola river and Timbure village gave us scenic views. We reached our Homestay at Seppy by dusk and our hosts headed by Sushant made our stay comfortable by offering us veg momos with tea and later a simple dinner. We were very tired and quickly retired to bed. On Day 7, Sushant was very helpful in dropping us back to Kopidhara and arranging vehicle for the way back to Siliguri. The entire trek was made very memorable by the bonding within our group despite the varied age difference. We had great fun and will always remember the great time we had. We carry a lot of photographs for remembering those fun moments we had. Thank you Santa Dada and Anmol. Thank you Thrillophilia. Thank you all the hosts en route Sandakphu and back. Regards and Best Wishes.

+14

16 Apr, 2023

Excellent

Soumen Mondal

Awesome!!!

13 Oct, 2019

Excellent

Shonali Patnaik

"One of the best experience in my life till date. Sandakhphu trek had mesmerizing views and sceneries. Enjoyed like hell. Its great for beginners. So beautiful, so ecstatic, so adventurous. Trekking guide especially DK sir was so helpful and patient. Loved his songs. Food was great all the way. I would definitely recommend for everyone to try once in a lifeime. "

+13

23 Jan, 2023

Excellent

Debasish Sahoo

I just want to say…. Everything is great the guide, rooms, food, the trek is full with bundle of beautiful views,, fantastic landscape,,, they planned the trek very well

05 Oct, 2022

Excellent

Fahad Khan

Overall great experience enjoyed a lot and will go again

13 Nov, 2022

Excellent

Diganta Banerjee

Fantastic.

27 Jun, 2022

Excellent

Chirag Jain

Being the first track with THRILLophilia, I'm a bit nervous but had a blast of life during the trek, met some amazing People, our Guide was Excellent, Facilities were good, Would Recommend Everyone to Visit this trek once must till phalut, after completion booked two more treks with them & vacation to Ladakh too, Looking fwd with more memories with you.

11 Jan, 2021

Excellent

Swati Jhunjhunwala

I thought I was going for a trek, but instead I went on a self actualisation trip. It had everything- fun, workout, snow, car journey, bonfire, and anything else you can imagine. Before the trip I was quite skeptical, whether or not I would be able to do it, whether or not the weather and conditions would be favourable, but it all worked out. Our trek guides, Bishu and Sasang, were both so amazing, so motivating, and so supportive, that they made our trip a success. At one point, I wasn’t sure if I could continue on this trek, since my legs were giving up, but our guide motivated us, told us we’re almost there, and made us complete the journey. We took shortcuts, we clicked pictures, we went 2km along the mountains just to see the beautiful sunset hiding in the clouds beneath us, and we came back changed. I recommend this trip to anyone who is reading this. The trek is for beginners with will power, and the journey is going to memorable for years, if not more.

28 Jun, 2022

Excellent

Anupal Goswami

An enriching experience which changed my way towards looking at life.

Sandakphu Trek Policies

The customer receives a confirmation voucher via email within 24 hours of successful booking.

In case the preferred slots are unavailable, an alternate schedule of the customer’s preference will be arranged and a new confirmation voucher will be sent via email.

Alternatively, the customer may choose to cancel their booking before confirmation and a full refund will be processed.

The applicable refund amount will be processed within 10 business days.

All applicable refunds will be done in the traveler's Thrillophilia wallet as Thrillcash.

If cancellation are made 30 days before the date of travel then 25.0% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees
If cancellation are made 15 days to 30 days before the date of travel then 50.0% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees
If cancellation are made 0 days to 15 days before the date of travel then 100.0% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees

100.0% of total tour cost will have to be paid 0 days before the date of booking

Sandakphu Trek FAQs

What is the best time for Sandakphu Trek?

There are two best seasons to go for the Sandakphu trek. The first season, with the temperature ranges from 8 to 15 degrees, is from mid-March to May and the second season is after the monsoon starting from October to January when the temperature ranges from -5 to 5 degrees. The time for monsoon is from July to September, which is not a good time to visit Sandakphu.
How much will the Sandakphu trek cost?

Sandakphu trek can cost you around INR 9000 to INR 15,000 per person. The price is however variable and dependent on the fact of what facilities are included in the package. From transportation to stay, various constraints collectively affect the final package. It is always advised to go for better packages as during trekking nobody wants extra hassle.
What is the height of Sandakhphu trek?

The height of Sandakhphu Trek is around 3636 m or 11,930 ft above sea level.

How is Sandakphu Trek weather?

The temperature range in Sandakphu goes from about -5 degrees Celcius in the winter months to about 15 degrees Celcius in the summer months. The last bit of December to early february sees snowfall in Sandakphu.

Is Sandakphu trekking safe?

Unlike how most people think it to be, the Sandakphu trekking is actually moderately difficult and, hence, can be enjoyed by both skilled and beginner hikers alike. However, we would still suggest you to travel with a professional to minimize the risk factors or nullify them completely.

What is the difficulty level of Sandapkphu trek?

A moderate level of difficulty can be expected from Sandakphu Trek. Since more than five days of this trek are expected to be spent trekking from time to time, some people might find it a bit difficult to conquer. Other than this, if you have proper fitness and are used to running on a daily basis, the same trek can become easy for you.

Is January a good time to go for Sandakphu trek?

Since the month of January brings fresh snowfall with it, it becomes the best time to enjoy a trek to Sandhakphu. However, if you are trekking during this time, you will have to be extra cautious and extremely careful as many times people have experienced blockages on their way.

Which trek is better- Sandakphu or Goecha La?

Enriched with a good number of topography, Goecha La trek is a little more challenging with a maximum height of up to 5200 m as compared to the Sandakphu trek with the heights of up to 3636 m only from the mean sea level.

Moreover, during your trek in Sandakphu, you get the 270-degree view of the Himalayan ranges, on the other hand, Goecha La trek presents the view of only the Mt. Kanchenjunga. Talking about the connectivity over the phone, in a few places you can have the mobile signals during the Sandakphu Trek, but in the Goecha La trek, you will be totally isolated from the outer world.

Will there be snow during trekking in Sandakphu?

If you are trekking in the winter, you will definitely experience fresh snowfall. The months between October to March are the best to experience the snow as the end of this timeframe brings summer time, which further results in the melting of the snow. Other than this, you can at all times enjoy the views of the Himalayas and the Kanchenjunga range loaded with bright white snow.

What should I keep in mind before going for Sandakphu trekking?

There are several things you should carry while going on a trek to the Himalayas. These include - backpack, rain cover, trekking shoes, emergency kit, energy bars, water bottles, torches, etc. Keep in mind the time during which you plan your trip.

If you want to enjoy the natural beauty to the fullest, plan your trek in April when the entire valley Is covered in rhododendrons. You will get to enjoy the spectacular side of the green jungle-covered in shades the magenta and pink.

On the other hand, winter months are ideal if you want to get clear views of the mountains.

Another thing to remember is that at such an altitude, you are likely to get mountain sickness. Carry a first aid kit, and if you are suffering from a medical problem, take the advice of your doctor before going on such a rigorous trek.

What are the clothing and equipments that need to be carried for Sandakphu trek?

As the temperature is cold throughout the trek with the possibilities of rain, we recommend that you carry woolen clothes, which can be full sleeves woolen sweater, thermal inner wear, windproof jacket, etc. along with a raincoat.

Can we do Sandakphu trekking in June?

The initial period of June is always a good time to go for Sandaphu trekking as the weather is pleasant and clear. But as you go to the second and third week of June, the onset of monsoon begins, making the trail slippery and muddy due to the heavy rainfall.

How is the Sandakphu trek experience?

Known as another of the beautiful Himalayan trek Sandakphu Trek is a must-do trek for adventure seekers and nature lovers. It is the highest region of West Bengal. This 6-day long trek takes you through the journey of Sandakphu through different picturesque locations which are untamed until now. Not just this during your trek catch the glimpse of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu along with a diverse range of flora and fauna, contrasting views of snow-clad peaks and evergreen forests.

The trek route to Sandakphu goes all along with the Singalila range and therefore this is also known as the Singalila trek. During the trek, you will not only see the famous peaks but also Three Sisters and few other peaks of Nepal, Sikkim, Tibet, and Bhutan in one single stretch of snow. Soak in the beauty of the region as you continue your trek and watch the towering peaks touching the sky. The cluster of Kanchenjunga forms the upper body and is popular among the people as The Sleeping Buddha.

The trek route lies along the border of India and Nepal. There is also the Singalila National Park where one can find a rare species like Red Panda and is a birder’s paradise. You will also find blooming Rhododendrons and Magnolia which will turn the forest with red, pink, and white shades during spring and foliage hue during fall. The Sandakphu Trek is definitely the best trek you should try this season.