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New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station is well connected by train from New Delhi and Kolkata. The nearest airport is Bagdogra, which is 18 kms (44 mins by car) from NJP.
The Sandakphu trek is one of the most iconic treks in Sikkim, and is a great opportunity for even fit first-timers to spend days in the mountains. On the Sandakphu trek, you'll explore dense oak and rhododendron forests, camp through alpine meadows, and see some of the highest peaks in the Himalayas.
This trek is not technically challenging, but it involves long hours of trekking on most days, so you should be prepared for that. It is a tea-house style trek, which means you will not stay in tents, but in simple rest houses run by local families. These tea-houses are rustic and charming, but will not have attached washrooms or running hot water.
On this trek, you'll be trekking to 11,941 to get to Sandakphu, the highest point in West Bengal. You'll hike along the Singalila ridge, with views of the mighty Kanchenjunga and Mount Everest always by your side. You'll also be walking through gorgeous forests of bamboo and rhododendron, and camping at scenic spots with stunning views.
This region has a diverse range of vegetation, from temperate forests to alpine meadows, so you can expect to see some unique flora and fauna, such as the clouded leopard, the red panda and the yellow-throated marten.
Tek along ridges for views of the tallest moutnains in the world: Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, and Lhotse. | Ramble through the lush rainforests and bamboo groves of Sikkim on this Sandakphu trek. | Camp at gorgeous campsites across Sikkim, and see dramatic sunsets over the highest peaks in the Himalayas.
10000
12000
6500
44 kms
25 hrs
10 kms
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.
NJP
Chitrey
10:00 AM
No meals will be provided today.
For cancellations made 0-7 days before the departure date of the Sandakphu trek: No refund.
For cancellations made 8-14 days before the departure date of the Sandakphu trek: 50% of the total trip cost will be refunded.
For cancellations made 15 days or more from the departure date of the Sandakphu trek: 75% of the total trip cost will be refunded. You can also shift to another trek that departs within 12 months from the departure date of the cancelled trek (but 25% of the total trip cost will be deducted before transferring the remainder to the next trek.)
Participants must adhere to the instructions of the trip leader/guide at all times during this trek.
Consumption of alcoholic beverages, drugs and smoking during the Sandakphu trek is strictly prohibited.