Sandakphu Phalut Trek

Sandakphu Phalut Trek: The ultimate Adventure Trek in Darjeeling.

The Sandakphu Phalut Trek in Darjeeling is 84 km long trekking route, that can be completed within six to seven days for a moderately fit hiker. It’s also a trek for those who enjoy breathtaking views, and moderate trekking trail with a touch of history.

A trek so rare when viewed on a clear morning the mystical clear mountain views of four of the five highest mountains in the world are visible from Sandakphu and Phalut, the two incredible view points on the Singalila Ridge in Darjeeling. Also known as the Sandakphu Phalut Singalila trek in Darjeeling, Dal Bhat, Hot Tea and a seat by the fire in cosy tea houses is what makes this trek so unforgettable.

Nestled amidst the majestic Everest and the Kanchenjunga ranges, the Sandakphu Phalut Trek in Darjeeling offers a once-in-a-lifetime treat for both nature enthusiasts and adventurers to witness the grandeur of the Himalayan range at great heights.

A popular hiking trail near Darjeeling, this trek’s popularity stems not only from its breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga and Everest, but also from its seasonal wildflowers and bird watching opportunities.

This moderate yet a rewarding trek takes you through lush rhododendron forests of the Singalila National Park to the summits of Sandakphu and Phalut, the two highest peaks in the state of West Bengal, and also in Darjeeling.

The trail offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion, as you pass through quaint villages of Tonglu, Tumling, Kalpokhri and Gorkhay, where you get to interact with the friendly local villagers.

Standing atop Sandakphu and Phalut, the two highest points in West Bengal and in Darjeeling too, you get a chance to gaze out over a sea of majestic snow-capped peaks – a sight to behold. Whether you’re an experienced trekker or a novice hiker, the Sandakphu Phalut Trek in Darjeeling promises an unforgettable six to seven days of hiking that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the beauty of Darjeeling.

Selecting Your Trekking Route

The Sandakphu Phalut Trek typically starts from Maneybhanjyang 28 kilometers from Darjeeling. But, for those looking to steer clear of jeep tracks starting the trek from Rimbik is a good choice. Rimbik is three hour and 87 km jeep ride from Darjeeling. From Rimbik, trekkers ascend through Gurdum up towards Sandakphu and continue on towards Phalut.

By taking the Rimbik-Gurdum-Sandakphu-Phalut trek route, it allows hikers to bypass jeep tracks and large crowds that typically head directly up to Sandakphu by vehicle. This route also involves less security checks with the Indian security forces stationed along the trekking route. Once you reach Sandakphu, the trek to Phalut remains tranquil and serene since most visitors only travel as far as Sandakphu by car.

While at Farouttrek, we start the trek from Dhottrey. Dhotrey is 38 km and 2 hour jeep- drive from Darjeeling. Starting the Sandakphu Phalut Trek from Dhottrey is a wonderful choice, as the five-kilometer trek to Tonglu is easy, aids in acclimatization, and also ensures a less strenuous start to your trek. After Tonglu it’s the usual trek route near the jeep tracks to Sandakphu and then to Phalut.

What sets us apart? Flexibility! No matter which route you decide on, we prioritize your comfort and preferences. We can also customize your trek itinerary to suit your pace and interests, ensuring that you have a truly wonderful experience trekking with us in Darjeeling.

So whether you opt for the traditional trek route or seek a customized trekking itinerary, rest assured that we are here to cater to your preferences and make your Sandakphu Phalut Trek in Darjeeling a truly unforgettable one.

Shorter Hiking Options

If you are short on time and the seven-day is a bit longer, than the short four-day Sandakphu Singalila Gurdum Trek, is an idle fit. This short trek climbs up to Sandakphu and drops down by Gurdung to end the trek in Rimbik.

The Trek from Sandakphu to Phalut

The trekking distance from Sandakphu to Phalut is twenty-one kilometer, and is the most scenic part of the trk package, with panoramic view of Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga at every bend. But do carry enough drinking water to last the day, as this stretch of the trek route does not offer any available water sources. Lately, a tea shop has been set up on the Nepal side of the trekking trail half way between Sandakpu and Phalut, but the food is limited to noddle soup and tea.

Highlights of the Trek

Panoramic Views: From Sandakphu and Phalut, the two highest peaks in Darjeeling and also in West Bengal, trekkers can see four of the five highest peaks in the world.

Flora and Fauna: The trek passes through Singalila National Park, home to red pandas, Himalayan black bears, and a diverse range of birds. During the spring season, Sandakphu, Phalut and the Singalila Park is a birders paradise.

Cultural Experience: The trek route traversing between Nepal and India, through small villages offers insights into the local culture and lifestyle.

Rhododendron and Magnolia Forests: In spring, the Singalila Ridge explodes with color from the 28 varieties of the blooming rhododendrons and magnolias.

Total Trekking Distance

The Sandakphu Phalut Trek is eighty-four km long, beautiful, enchanting, and a simple route to trek near Darjeeling. There is so much to see, learn, and experience from the trek, which involves seven days (can also be done in six days too) and an average of 15 km of trekking per day from start to finish. And when you reach Sandakphu and Phalut, you simply sit back and enjoy the beautiful Himalayan views found nowhere else in the entire Himalayas.

How to reach Darjeeling?

There are several options to reach Darjeeling, a charming hill station in the Indian state of West Bengal:

By Air: The nearest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra Airport, located near Siliguri, approximately 67 kilometers away. From Bagdogra Airport, you can reserve a taxi from the pre-paid taxi booth located inside the airport to reach Darjeeling. The drive from Bagdogra airport to Darjeeling takes around 3-4 hours, depending on road conditions.

By Train: New Jalpaiguri Railstation(NJP) is nearest major railway station to Darjeeling, also located near Siliguri. From NJP, you can take a reserved taxi or shared jeep to Darjeeling, which is about a 3-4 hour drive through scenic Rohini road.

By Road: Darjeeling is well-connected by road to various cities and towns in the region. You can either drive to Darjeeling by private car or a shared taxi from nearby towns like Siliguri (22 km from Bagdora airport). Shared jeeps are a popular mode of transportation in the region and offer a cost-effective way to reach Darjeeling. You can find shared jeeps plying between Siliguri, NJP, and Darjeeling at regular intervals.

By Bus: There are regular bus services from Siliguri to Darjeeling. You can opt for state-run buses for a budget-friendly travel option. The bus journey may take longer due to winding mountain roads and traffic conditions.

The Best Season to trek in Darjeeling

The two best seasons to embark on the Sandakphu Phalut Trek in Darjeeling are the Spring and the Autumn seasons.

Spring season, from March to May, the Singalila Ridge is covered in vibrant and colorful blossoms. Rhododendrons, magnolias, and orchids paint the landscape in hues of red, pink, and white, creating an enchanting art gallery for trekkers to witness. The temperature during this season is mild with clear skies that provide unobstructed views of the snow-capped peaks.

As autumn season sets in, from October to November, the weather gets even better. The air becomes crisp, and the horizon becomes clear after three months of monsoon rain, allowing trekkers to immerse themselves in the crystal clear view of the Himalayas. The nighttime temperature in November can drop down to freezing.

Sandakphu Phalut Trek in December, although challenging, offer a completely different experience. The mountains are covered in a blanket of snow, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere. The crisp air and the dazzling white landscapes make it a surreal trekking experience. But, do remember, the temperature will drop down to below freezing.

Language

Most people you meet while trekking on the Singalila ridge from Dhotrey to Sandakphu to Phalut, including the support team, will be able to understand and respond in English. So don’t worry if you’re not fluent in Nepali or if your language skills are rusty. The two essential words you’ll need are “Namaste” (hello) and “dhanyabad” (thank you). Additionally, Nepali is the local dialect and widely spoken in the entire Darjeeling Hills.

Accommodation

The Sandakphu Phalut Trek is a lodge-based tea house trek in Darjeeling, that provides accommodation in trekkers’ huts operated by the tourism department, and small lodges operated by local families.

There is one trekkers hut each belonging to the tourism department in Tonglu, Gairibas, Phalut and Gorkhay. While Sandakphu has three trekkers huts. These trekkers huts provide basic facilities with a bed, mattress and blankets, and common bathroom, and can accommodate about fifteen hikers each at a time. The trekkers huts have dormitory style four to five bed per room.

There is also a lone private homestay in Tonglu, and two private lodges in Sandakphu operated by local families. The two lodges in Sandakphu, the Sherpa Chalet, and the Namo Buddha Heights offer better facilities with running water and attached bathroom and electricity.

There are better lodges in Tumling, just a kilometer from Tonglu but they fall inside Nepal.

While in Sandakphu, there are two hotels on the Nepal side of the trail which offer better facilities, the Sherpa Chalet and the Sunrise Hotel. Of the two the Sunrise Hotel offer better rooms with attached bathroom and running water including free WIFI and electricity.

The trekkers hut in Phalut located twenty-one kilometers from Sandakphu offer very basic facilities.

While the private homestays in Gorkhay and Ramam offer dormitory style four bed per room with common bathroom.

PS. NOTE: Foreign hikers embarking on the Sandakphu Phalut Trek are restricted from staying overnight inside Nepal.

Food

When it comes to food, there is not much choice for the hikers to choose from. The lodges and the home stays along the Sandakphu Phalut Trek route offer the traditional dal (lintel soup), bhat (rice), and vegetable curry as the main meal. For breakfast these trekkers huts and lodges offer bread, butter, jam and a choice of eggs to complement.

Water

Drinking water is readily available in the lodges and the tea houses, and is also safe to drink. But bring with you water purifying tablets to be on the safer side. You can also buy bottled drinking water in the tea houses and lodges along the trail, and it does not cost much.

ATMs

The one detail that hikers need to know before proceeding on the Sandakphu Phalut Trek is the absence of ATMs on the trek route once you starting trekking from Manebhanjyang or Dhotrey.

Darjeeling has a number of ATMs and banks, while Manebhanjyang and Rimbik has one each and can be unreliable. Beyond that, you’ll find no financial services in Sandakphu or Phalut.

Therefore, ensure to carry enough cash from Darjeeling for your needs. While expenses will be minimal—primarily for bottled mineral water and tips to the support team.

Documents for the Trek

If you are venturing on the Sandakphu Phalut Trek in Darjeeling, then you will need to register with the State Intellengence Bereau, the Darjeeling Police and the Indian Armed Forces in Manebhanjyang.

There are Indian armed Forces stationed at intervals along the India Nepal Border from Manebhanjyang to Sandakphu and Phalut. Registration at every checkpoint is mandatory.

Therefore, make sure to bring six xeroxed copies each of your Passport and Indian Visa, along with six passport-sized photos.

Also, foreign visitors have to stick to the Indian side of the trekking trail, and refrain from overnight stays in Nepal.

Also, it is mandatory that all hikers must be accompanied by a registered guide, trained and approved by the Singalila National Park.

Packing List for the Sandakphu Phalut Trek

Back Pack (50 l): A large backpack to pack in all your clothes that you will need for the trek., while at the same time being comfortable for the porter to carry. A total weight of 12 kg per person is allowed. Beyond this, the charges will be extra as extra porters will have to be recruited.</p>

For day hiking: breathable light T-shirts, light trekking pants, comfortable ankle-high trekking boots, and cotton or woolen socks.

Carry a day pack (26–30 l) to put in all your personal items. Your day pack should contain a light outer shell waterproof/windproof jacket, a light fleece jacket, and sunglasses, as the sun is strong in the mountains. Carry in your day pack a water bottle and an umbrella, as we sometimes get light showers in the afternoon.

You should also carry in your daypack a personal medical kit. The kit should contain Band-Aids in case of blisters, Diamox for altitude sickness, and medicines like Tylenol for headaches, Paracetamol tablets for fever, Loperamide for loose motions, and water-purifying tablets. Also, include in your medical kit Crepe Bandages in case of sprains.

Toiletries: Wet wipes, two rolls of toilet paper, sunscreen lotions (50 SPF), vaseline or lip balm, toothpaste, and a toothbrush.

Evening Use: a down jacket for evening use or a couple of thick fleece jackets; thermal inner wear for night use. Woolen Caps and gloves; Head Lamp

Sleeping Bag: The lodges on the Sandakphu Phalut Trek do not have room heaters; therefore, carry with you down sleeping bags that can withstand a minus degree of temperature. Especially in Sandakphu and Phalut, it gets windy and cold. Though the trekker’s huts and lodges do provide quilts and woolen blankets.

Power

The Indian side of the Sandakphu Phalut Trekking trail has no electricity, and the trekkers huts in Tonglu, Sandakphu and Phalut are equipped with solar lights.

However, the two private lodges in Sandakphu, the “Sherpa Chalet and the Namo Buddha Heights” have electricity so you can charge up your Phone and camera batteries. They also have a portable generator for emergency.

Homestays and lodges in Gorkhay and Ramam do have electricity.

On the Nepal side of the trail, lodges do have access to electricity, providing a more convenient stay for trekkers.

Mobile Connectivity and Free Wifi

Mobile connectivity fluctuates as you start the trek from Tongloo to Sandakphu and Phalut. From Sandakphu Airtel and Jio users can experience limited connectivity, and may be unreliable.

The two private homestays Namo Buddha Heights and the Sherpa Chalet on the India side of Sandakphu offer free WIFI to their guests.

While on the Nepal side of the trekking trail WIFI is available in the lodges starting from Tumling, Kalpokhri to Sandakphu. One can also make and receive calls on a Nepali Sim. If you have brought along a SIM from your home country and have activated international roaming, then you can make and receive calls as there are mobile towers inside Nepal.

Power Connector Used in India

When travelling to India, you’ll need a special plug for your electronics. The plugs  are different from the ones used in the United States and the United Kingdom. In India, we use type C, type D, and type M plugs with a voltage of 230 V and a frequency of 50 Hz.

If you have a 2-pin mobile charger with a plug from the EU, it will work in Indian sockets. Even a three-pin plug will fit, but it won’t be grounded properly. The Italian two-pin plug will also work, but not the three-pin one.

If you’re from the UK, you’ll need an adapter for your plugs to work in India. The same goes for people from the US – you’ll need a special adapter to fit your plugs into Indian outlets. Make sure your devices can handle the different voltage and frequency in India, or use a power converter to be safe.

Experience Trekking along the Indo-Nepal Border

A unique aspect of the Sandakphu Phalut Trek in Darjeeling is that the trek route takes you along the India-Nepal border. The trekking trail alternates between India and Nepal constantly. The constant shifting of the trekking trail between these two countries offers an exceptional cultural immersion, making this trek in Darjeeling a truly unforgettable experience.

For a Single Hiker 

For solo hikers we have group departures leaving at intervals for the Sandakphu Phalut Trek. Join a group on the dates given below.

Overview of Sandakphu Phalut Trek

• Location: Singalila National Park, Darjeeling District, West Bengal, India.
• Type of Trek: Tea House/Lodge Trek.
• Difficulty Level: Moderate.
• Highest Trekking Altitude: Sandakphu (11,929 ft) and Phalut (11,811 ft).
• Total Distance: 84 km.
• Total number of days: 10 days.
• Duration: Typically 6-7 days.
• Minimum Number of Persons required: 2 persons.
• Starting and Ending Point: Bagdogra Airport or NJP Rail Station.
• Best Season: April to May for rhododendrons and clear skies; October to early December for clear views of the Himalayan range.
• Trek Availability: We conduct trek as per your date and convenience. We also conduct customized trek as per your need.
• For Solo Hikers: Join a Group on the Dates Shown below

Group Departure Dates for Solo Hikers (Join a Group): 2025

SANDAKPHU PHALUT TREK  ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive at Bagdogra Airport or NJP Rail Station. Drive to Darjeeling. Overnight hotel stay.

Day 2: Acclimatization Day in Darjeeling.

Day 3: Drive to Dhottrey (2606 m/8550 feet/2 hour). Trek to Tonglu. Stay in a homestay or trekkers’ hut in Tonglu.

• Trekking Distance: 5 km
• Darjeeling to Dhottrey: 38 Km/2 hour Drive
• Elevation Gain: 1020 m
• Max Elevation: 3070 m
• Min Elevation: 1981 m

• Dhottrey to Tonglu (3070 m): 5 km/2 hrs –

  Starting the Sandakphu Phalut Trek from Dhottrey, you’ll enjoy a gentle five-kilometer hike to Tonglu, designed for easy acclimatization while keeping your energy levels high. This first leg of the trek is less taxing, allowing you to soak up the landscapes without feeling overwhelmed.

Day 4: Trek Tonglu to Kalpokhari (3100 m/15 km/5 hrs). Overnight stay at a lodge (all meals included).

• Distance: 15 km
• Elevation Gain: 30 m
• Max Elevation: 3100 m
• Min Elevation:  3070 m

• Tonglu to Tumling (2970 m/1 km/30 minutes): Easy dowhill trek.
• Tumling to Gairibas (2620 m/9 km/4 hrs): First one kilometer on a wide jeep track till the Singalila National Park Entrance. Then it’s a 8 km downhill trek on a thin trekking trail through lush rhododendron forest.
• Gairibas to Kayakatta (2800 m/1 km/1 h): Uphill trek till Kayakatta.
• Kayakatta to Kalpokhari (3100 m/4 km/2 hrs): Easy trek on a rough wide jeep track.

PS. NOTE: Foreign hikers embarking on the Sandakphu Phalut Trek are restricted from staying overnight inside Nepal. Therefore, foreign hikers will have to head straight to Sandakphu on this day, as there are no lodges on the India side of the trekking trail.

Day 5: Trek Kalpokhari to Sandakphu (3636 m/6 km/4 hrs). Trekkers’ Hut overnight stays.

• Distance: 6 km
• Elevation Gain: 536 m
• Max Elevation: 3636 m
• Min Elevation:  3100 m

• Kalpokhari to Bikheybhanjyang (3120 m/3 km/1 h): Slightly uphill trek.
• Bikheybhanjyang to Sandakphu (3636 m/4 km/3 hrs): steep uphill trek.

Day 6: Trek from Sandakphu to Phalut (3595 m). Overnight Trekkers Hut.

• Distance: 21 km
• Elevation Gain: 41 m
• Max Elevation: 3636 m
• Min Elevation:  3595 m

• Sandakphu to Thukim: 7 km/2 hrs: Easy Trek at times on wide trail and at times on a thin trekking trail.
• Thukim to Sabargram (3543 m): 7 km/3 hrs: Slightly uphill trek
• Sabarkum to Phalut (3600 m): 7 km/3 hrs: the first four kilometer an easy trek on a wide trail then a slightly uphill trek of 3 km.

Day 7: Trek Phalut to Gorkhay (2300 m). Overnight Home Stay.

• Distance: 14 km
• Elevation loss: 1295 m
• Max Elevation: 3595 m
• Min Elevation: 2300 m

• Phalut to Gorkhay: 14 km: Trek from Phalut to Gorkhay is an easy 14 km downhill trek through dense rhododendron and pine forest..

Day 8: Trek Gorkhay to Timburey (2103 m/14 km/5 hours). Overnight Home Stay.

• Distance: 14 km
• Elevation loss: 200 m
• Max Elevation: 2534 m
• Min Elevation: 2100 m

• Gorkhay to Samamdin: The 1 km trek from Gorkhay to Samamdin is a slight uphill trek.
• Samamdin to Ramam: First 1 km from Samamdin is a downhill trek till we reach the river bed. Then the rest 7 km slightly uphill trek through dense mixed forest till Ramam Village.
• Ramam to Timburey (2100 m): 6 Km: Trek from Ramam village to Timburey is an easy trek through vegetable fields.

Day 9: Trek Timburey to Rimbik (2331 m). Drive to Darjeeling (87 km/3 hours). Overnight Hotel (B/B only).

• Distance: 10 km
• Elevation loss: 228 m
• Timburey to Rimbik – The first 4 km trek from Timburey to Rimbik is an moderate trek through dense forest, locally known as the black forest. Then the rest 4 km to Rimbik is an easy trek through small villages.
• Rimbik is 87 km from Darjeeling and takes 3 hours to drive to Darjeeling.

Day 10: Drive to Bagdogra Airport or NJP Rail Station for final departure. End of the Sandakphu Phalut Trek in Darjeeling.

How much does the Sandakphu Phalut Trek cost?

• Sandakphu Phalut Trek Cost: US$790 per Person
• Cost for Indian Nationals: Kindly Request Quote in Rupee

What is included and excluded in the cost?

COST INCLUDES:

• Hotel accommodation: twin share, including breakfasts in Darjeeling.
• Twin-share rooms in lodges with mattresses and quilts during the trek.
• Fully organized trek services with guide, porters, and ponies
• Fixed three meals a day during the trekking period.
• Road transport as per itinerary by car or Jeep.
• Services of an English-speaking guide.

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Sleeping bag; personal clothing or equipment.
• Lunches and dinners during hotel stays in Darjeeling.
• Bottled or alcoholic drinks
• Tips, client insurance, and evacuation costs during the Sandakphu Trek Period
• Any expenses of personal nature

What is the booking process?

Once you decide to do the Sandakphu Phalut Trek with us, you will need to deposit a minimum amount to ensure your participation in the trek. Once we receive the advance amount, we will notify you and confirm your place in the trek. You can pay the balance amount on arrival, or it can also be deposited two weeks before the start of this trek in Darjeeling.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

• Minimum Charge: (Deposit Amount is non-refundable in case of cancellation of the trek due to closure of National Park, weather, etc., or canceled by the depositor.)
• Less than 7 days of trek date: 50% of trek cost.
• On or after the trek start date: no refund if the trek is aborted or shortened for any reason.

Note: The above-given itinerary is a sample intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule. Numerous factors, such as weather, road conditions, the physical ability of the participants, etc., may dictate itinerary changes either before departure or while on the trail. We reserve the right to change this schedule in the interest of the trip participant’s safety, comfort, and general well-being.

(All relevant terms and conditions apply.)