Sandakphu Trek

You will be picked up from the NJP Railway Station at 10:00 hours and driven to Chitrey today. The drive takes about 4-5 hours, but you'll get great views, and the last stretch has some thrilling hairpin bends. You'll get to Chitrey by early evening, and can spend the rest of the evening relaxing or exploring this small hamlet. You'll be able to see Darjeeling city in the distance, looking like a small sprinkle of lights. Overnight in lodge.

Overnight in a lodge in Chitrey.

You will be driven from NJP to Chitrey today, where you'll check in to a tourist lodge. These lodges are basic, with dormitory-style rooms on triple/multi sharing basis, with simple bedding to keep you warm. There is usually a shared washroom and no running hot water. Today's package does not include any meals.

You'll set off on your first day of trekking toward Sandakphu today. It's a moderate trail of about 5-6 hours, passing the well-defined border between India and Nepal, where you'll be able to see the paramilitary Sashastra Seema Bal camps. About 20 minutes into your trek, the mighty peak of Kancehnjunga appears in your line of view, and you'll be able to see it for quite a while. Overnight stay in lodges.

Overnight in a lodge in Tumling.

You will be staying at a lodge in Tumling. These lodges are basic, with dormitory-style rooms on triple/multi sharing basis, with simple bedding to keep you warm. There is usually a shared washroom and no running hot water. Today's package lunch and dinner.

After a hearty breakfast, you will start trekking to Kalapokhri. In the local language, ‘Kala’ means black and ‘Pokhri’ translates to pond. Your trail leads you through the Singalila National Park into thick bamboo, oak and rhododendron forests. In the post-monsoon months, when the forests bloom, you will spot rare Himalayan flora such as primula, germanium, bistort and a variety of orchids. You'll ascend through trees of birch and rhododendron until you reach the shallow pond of Kalapokhri. Overnight stay in lodges.

Overnight in a lodge in Kalapokhri.

You will be staying at a lodge in Kalapokhri. These lodges are basic, with dormitory-style rooms on triple/multi sharing basis, with simple bedding to keep you warm. There is usually a shared washroom and no running hot water. Today's package includes all meals.

Today you'll be gaining about 2000 feet, as you climb up towards Sandakphu. You'll be walking along a switchback trail to make it easier, but go slow and sip on water. You'll trek through silver fir forests and along the ridge to the top. And finally, after about 4 hours of trekking, you'll be able to see splendid views of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu peaks. The rest of the evening is free for you to ramble about, enjoying Sandakphu and the company of three of the highest peaks in the world. Overnight stay in lodges.

Overnight in a lodge in Sandakphu.

You will be staying at a private lodge in Sandakphu. These lodges are basic, with dormitory-style rooms on triple/multi sharing basis, with simple bedding to keep you warm. There is usually a shared washroom and no running hot water. Today's package includes all meals.

Wake up early this morning to see the sun rising over the most famous peaks in the world. After that, it's time to set off on your day's trek. You'll be descending to Timburey today, heading downwards through pine forests. It's about 15 kms, which will take you about 8 hours to cover. Overnight in homestay.

Overnight in a homestay in Timburey.

You will be staying at a private lodge in Timburey. These lodges are basic, with dormitory-style rooms on triple/multi sharing basis, with simple bedding to keep you warm. There is usually a shared washroom and no running hot water. Today's package includes breakfast and lunch.

It's your last day on the Sandakphu trek today. You'll descend to Srikhola today, which is about 1 hour away. In Srikhola, you'll board vehicles and will be driven to NJP. It's a 150 kms drive that will take about 7 hours, but you'll be glad to rest your tired legs. You'll reach by late evening. Trip ends here.

Trip ends by late evening.

Today you'll hike down to Srikhola. The hike takes about 1 hour, and vehicles are waiting to drive you to NJP. The drive is about 7 hours long, and you'll get to NJP by evening. Trip ends here.