Explore the mountain beauty of the Kanchenjunga mountain ranges on a short itinerary of 4 days. Beginning from the summer hill station of Darjeeling, you'll trek to the summit of Sandakphu along the Indo-Nepalese border in West Bengal. From the peak, you'll get distant views of such Himalayan legends as the Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Everest. Trekking through the Singalila National Park, you'll walk along trails decorated by alpine flowers and rare birds. Scenic landscapes of snow-capped mountain peaks and forest cover of oak and pine will accompany you throughout the trek.
NOTE: A minimum of 3 travellers are required to book this trek to Sandakphu.
Destination
At an altitude of 11,929 feet, the summit of Sandakphu is the highest mountain peak in West Bengal. The highest point of the Singalila mountain ridge that runs across the border of Nepal and India, a cloudless day on the peak offers pristine views of Everest, Lhotse and Makalu peaks among others. Inside the Singalila National Park, the peak houses several lodges and trekker's huts.
Destination highlights
Trek to the highest peak in West Bengal on this Sandakphu trek. | View mountain peaks of Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Lhotse and Everest. | Go trekking across Himalayan wilderness on a short 4-day itinerary. | Climb up to an altitude of over 11,929 ft on the trek to Sandakphu. | Explore the Singalila National Park.
Day 1 of the Sandakphu trek: Drive to Chitrey, trek to Tumling
Arrive in Darjeeling and meet your trek leader. Today's journey begins as you board a private, shared SUV and travel from Darjeeling to Chitrey. After an 1-hr drive with scenes of tall mountains rushing past, you'll arrive at the town of Chitrey. Here, you'll disembark from the vehicles and begin trekking on a 7-km long trail surrounded by stunted rhododendron bushes. You'll arrive at Tumling by evening. Overnight at Tumling in lodge.
Overnight at Tumling in lodge.
Your trip begins as you board private, shared vehicles to travel from Darjeeling to Chitrey. From here, you'll trek to Tumling. You'll be accommodated at Tumling in a lodge. Today's meal package includes vegetarian meals of lunch and dinner. Lunch will be at the village of Lameydhura, while dinner will be after arrival at Tumling. You may have breakfast at an additional cost before reporting to the meeting point.
Day 1 Milestone
Darjeeling
Tumling
09:00 AM
Food
Lunch | Dinner
Veg
Day 2 of the Sandakphu trek: Tumling to Sandakphu
Beginning a long yet pleasant day, you'll trek along a wide, rough track and pass through several small villages on your way to Sandakphu. From Tumling, you'll head towards the Nepalese border, and trek through the villages of Jaubari, Gairibas, Kanyakatta, Kalpokhari and many more. A fantastic trail that winds through the Singalila National Park, you'll spot plenty of Himalayan birds and rare flowers decorating your route. All throughout, the Kanchenjunga mountain peak will drop in and out of view. After a last stretch of uphill trekking just before Sandakphu, you'll arrive at your destination to impressive views of Makalu, Everest, Lhotse and other lesser peaks of the Himalayas. Overnight at Sandakphu in lodge or trekker's hut.
Overnight at Sandakphu in lodge or trekker's hut.
Make your way from Tumling to Sandakphu. You'll be accommodated at Sandakphu in a lodge or a trekker's hut. Today's meal package includes vegetarian meals of breakfast, lunch and dinner. Lunch will be at the village of Kalpokhari while dinner will be after arrival at Sandakphu.
Day 2 Milestone
Tumling
Sandakphu
07:00 AM
Food
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Veg
Day 3 of the Sandakphu trek: Sandakphu to Timburey
On the third day of your trek, you'll descend back down on a 5-hr trail to arrive at Timburey. As you trek downhill, the Kanchenjunga will begin fading away in the background. Overnight at Timburey in homestay.
Overnight at Timburey in homestay.
Begin trekking downhill from Sandakphu to Timburey. You'll be accommodated at Timburey in a homestay. Today's meal package includes vegetarian meals of breakfast, lunch and dinner. Lunch will be at the village of Gurdum while dinner will be after arrival at Timburey.
Day 3 Milestone
Sandakphu
Timburey
07:00 AM
Food
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Veg
Day 4 of the Sandakphu trek: Trek to Sirikhola, drive to Darjeeling
Embark on the last stretch of trekking on a casual trail from Timburey to Sirikhola. It is an easy walk, more so once you cross the suspension bridge just before the town. From here, drive back to Darjeeling. Your trip ends here.
Your trip ends before nightfall.
On the last day of your trek, you'll trek to Sirikhola and drive to Darjeeling. Today's meal package includes vegetarian meals of breakfast and lunch. Your trip ends here.
For cancellations 30 days or more before departure of the Sandakphu trek: 75% refund.
For cancellations 29-15 days before departure of the Sandakphu trek: 70% refund.
For cancellations 14-7 days before departure of the Sandakphu trek: 50% refund.
For cancellations 7-3 days before departure of the Sandakphu trek: 15% refund.
For cancellations 2 days or less before departure of the Sandakphu trek: No refund.
No show: No refund.
All refunds will be processed after deducting any transaction charges.
Rules on trip
Travellers are required to adhere to instructions of the trek leader during the trek to Sandakphu.
Travellers are requested to treat the local culture with respect and avoid littering, defacing property and monuments and causing general disturbance.
Consumption of liquor, drugs, tobacco products and cigarettes is strictly prohibited during the trek.
Additional instructions, booking policies, terms and conditions
The tour operator reserves the right to cancel or alter the itinerary of the trek to Sandakphu to ensure maximum safety of travellers as well as staff.
Travellers will be required to bear any additional costs arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, road blocks etc.
The tour operator takes utmost care to ensure safety of the travellers and shall not be held responsible for any mishap or accident during the trek to Sandakphu.
Fresh snow over the trail to Sandakphu.
A pink sunset over the hills of Singalila ridge.
Stop and rest to catch your breath while trekking.
Surround yourself by the Himalayan wilderness.
Snow-swept peaks of the Kanchenjunga mountain ranges.
Travel arrangements from Darjeeling-Darjeeling in Tata Spacio, Xylo, Innova, i10 Grand or similar vehicle
Accommodation in lodge, trekker's hut and homestay on twin/multi-sharing basis
Any technical equipment required for the trek
All vegetarian meals from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 4
Services of experienced trek leader
Permit charges, entry fees and camping charges
First aid kit
All applicable taxes
Excludes
Travel arrangements between base city and Darjeeling
Any accommodation or meals in Darjeeling
Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, road blocks etc.
Personal expenses such as tips to staff, additional meals and beverages etc.
Adventure travel or medical insurance
Anything not mentioned in inclusions
What to Wear
What to Wear
Full-length track pants
Full-sleeved t-shirts/shirts
Woollen sweater and thermal wear
Trekking shoes
Windcheater and fleece jacket
Raincoat or poncho
Woollen cap or muffler
Woollen gloves and socks
Not to wear - Expensive jewellery or gadgets
Slippers or sandals
Hard luggage such as trolley bags, suitcases
What not to Wear
Loose clothing that will tangle around you while swimming
Restrictive clothing
Flip-flops
Equipment / Gear
We Provide
Tata Spacio, Xylo, Innova, i10 Grand or similar vehicle for transport from Darjeeling-Darjeeling
Any technical equipment required for the trek
First aid kit
You need to get
Rucksack (with rain cover)
Day pack (with rain cover)
ID proof
Water bottle
Toilet paper
Trekking poles and knee cap (optional)
Towel
Sunglasses (polarised, anti-glare)
Torch (with extra batteries)
Dry snacks (granola bars, biscuits etc.)
Sunscreen lotion and lip balm
Personal toiletries
Medical Kit
Specific personal or prescribed medication
Personal first-aid kit
Directions towards the Pick up Point
You'll report to the tour operator's office in Darjeeling, West Bengal. The city is well-connected to major cities of the country via flights to the Bagdogra Airport or trains to the New Jalpaiguri railway station. To arrive at the pick-up point, travel via road to Darjeeling, located 3-hr drive away from the airport and train station. Google Maps pin: https://goo.gl/maps/SG84qp1wQXo
Directions towards the Start Point
Your operator will arrange your transport to the start point of the Sandakphu trek.