Darjeeling Sandakphu Trek

Explore the Sandakphu Trek: A Perfect Adventure Trek in Darjeeling for Begineers.

The Sandakphu Trek is an introductory, and a non-technical trek in Darjeeling that can be undertaken by a wide range of hikers, even first timers too. The highest point on this trek is Sandakphu at 3636 m/11,960 feet above mean sea level, Sandakphu indeed is also the highest peak in Darjeeling and also in the state of West Bengal.

The typical starting point of the Sandakphu Trek is Maneybhanjyang an hours drive from Darjeeling, (though there are options to start from Dhotrey or Rimbik too), and traverses across the Singalila Ridge through the India-Nepal border trekking across the tiny villages of Tonglu, Tumling, Kalpokhri, Sandakphu and Gurdum.

A popular short trek in Darjeeling, the Sandakphu Trek is a perfect blend of natural beauty and moderate trekking trail, showing you just enough to introduce you to the art of trekking that will convince you to take longer treks in the near future. It also gives you more than expected without going to the extreme.

 And as the trail gently cleaves through the scenic Singalila Ridge to Sandakphu winding through the tiny hamlets along the India Nepal border, the gorgeous view of the world’s four highest mountains will surely awaken your senses.

Set in the lap of the Himalayas and famed for its moderate trekking trail and great mountain views, the Darjeeling Sandakphu Trek is a treat to your senses for a refreshing break. A promise of the glorious Himalayas, an eye-opener for hikers. A culturally rich short trek package in Darjeeling that can be undertaken even during the winter months.

Highlights of the Trek

The main highlights of the Sandakphu Trek is it’s moderate trekking trail which even a novice hiker can attempt, and the 180 Degree mountain view of the Everest and the Kanchenjunga Ranges that can be viewed in a single glance from Sandakphu.

Remember, Sandakphu is the only place in the entire Himalayas from where you can spy the four tallest mountains in the world decorating the horizon simultaneously.

The trek route also passes through the Singalila National Park rich in the different varieties of flora and fauna, especially the Red Panda.

Who can do this trek?

Anyone with a moderate level of physical fitness and who has acclimatized to long hours of walking can complete the Sandakphu Trek easily. However, one will have to remember that, with an average distance of ten kilometers of hiking per day, a certain amount of preparation is essential.

Starting and Ending Points of the Trek

Manebhanjyang an hours drive from Darjeeling is the traditional starting point for the Sandakphu Trek. While we at Farouttrek start the trek from Dhottrey, a small eco-friendly village located 38 km and two hour’s drive from Darjeeling.

This is because the trekking distance on the first day between Dhottrey and Tonglu is just 5 km. This will not tire you on the first day and as well help in acclimatization too.

While Rimbik a small town with a police out post, foreigners registration office and a few hotels located 77 km from Darjeeling is the ending point.

The starting and ending points also depends on where you choose to start and the end the trek.

Kind of Trek

The Sandakphu Trek is a tea house trek in Darjeeling. Lunches will be provided in the tea houses located at intervals on the trek route, and accommodation will be provided in trekkers huts and lodges operated by local families.

Accommodations on the Trek

Please Note: According to the notification issued by the defence Ministry Govt. of India, foreign visitors on the Darjeeling Sandakphu Trek entering from India will have to refrain from staying overnight in the lodges on the Nepal side of the trekking trail. However, there are no restrictions for Indian visitors.

For Foreign hikers accommodation in Tonglu and Sandakphu is limited to government-run trekkers’ huts and a few private lodges run by local families.

Tongloo and Gairibas each have one trekkers’ hut, while Sandakphu has three. These huts provide basic facilities with dormitory-style rooms containing five to six beds, and shared bathrooms without running hot or cold water.

Tongloo has one private homestay but lacks modern amenities. While Tumling on the Nepal side of the trekking trail, just a kilometer downhill from Tongloo, offers more options with better facilities, such as running hot and cold water, electricity, and free Wi-Fi.

Meanwhile in Kalpokhri village six kilometers before approaching Sandakphu inside Nepal, there are a few private lodges, and they offer twin-share rooms with common restroom and as well rooms with attached bathroom for a slightly higher price. Hot water for bathing is available on demand and will be provided in buckets.

This small village also offer electricity and free wifi to in house guests. Where as there are no lodges or trekkers huts on the Indian side of this village, because of which foreign hikers cannot stay overnight here and have to trek to Sandakphu directly.

While in Sandakphu, on the Indian side of the border there are two private homestays the “Sherpa Chalet” and “Namo Buddha Heights”, both offer twin-share rooms or three beds per room with attached bathroom, running cold water, electricity, and free Wi-Fi.

Therefore, charging your phone and camera batteries will not be a problem. These two lodges in Sandakphu do not offer running hot water.

On Nepal’s side of Sandakphu, two hotels offer better accommodation. They have twin-share rooms with attached restrooms and free Wi-Fi.

The upscale Sunrise Hotel is particularly better as it offers better rooms, besides the 24 hour running water and a restaurant with a menu. Hot water for bathing is available on demand for a price especially in the Sunrise Hotel.

Electricity, WIFI and Mobile Connectivity

There is no electricity on the Sandakphu Trek Route on the Indian side of the trekking trail in Tonglu and Gairibas. The trekker’s huts are solar-powered.

Sandakphu is divided between Nepal and India. On the India side of Sandakphu, are two private lodges, the Namo Buddha Heights and the Sherpa Chalet, These two private lodges provide electricity and free wifi to their guests. Particularly, the Namo Buddha Heights have charging points in every room, and a generator in case of emergency.

Both these lodges offer three bed per room with attached bathroom, and running water. Hot water for bathing is available on demand and will be provided in a bucket at an extra cost. These two private lodges also offer electric blankets at an extra cost.

There are also three Government run trekkers huts in Sandakphu with dormitory style accommodation equipped with very basic facilities.

Likewise, on the Nepal side, the two lodges, the Sherpa Chalet Annexe, and the Sunrise Hotel has electricity and also offer free WIFI to their in-house guests.

Therefore, power-related benefits are available when you trek into Sandakphu.

Mobile connectivity fluctuates once you leave Tongloo, and is therefore is not to be relied upon. Airtel and Jio networks are available from Tongloo and Sandakphu; other than these places, mobile networks are non-existent.

In contrast, the mobile network coverage on a Nepali SIM card is just superb. If you have a Nepali SIM, or have activated international roaming then you can also make video calls from Tongloo, Kalpokhari, and Sandakphu.

Food on the Trail

Our trek package includes fixed three meals a day to hikers, with evening tea and biscuits. Also, when it comes to food, hikers on the Darjeeling Sandakphu Trek do not have much choice, as tea houses, lodges and trekkers huts along the trekking trail offer basic local Indian dishes like lentil soup (dal), rice (bhat), and vegetable curry.

Lately some private lodges run by local families do offer chicken or egg curry during dinner. While chapatis, porridge, bread, butter, jam and eggs will be served for breakfast.

Therefore, expect simple home cooked but satisfying three meals a day—with evening tea and snacks.

These simple, home-cooked meals not only offer an authentic local taste, but is also perfect for fueling trekkers from Dhottrey to Sandakphu to Rimbik. This straightforward local delicasy is a key part of the Sandakphu trekking experience.

Drinking Water

Drinking water is available throughout the trekking trail in the lodges and tea houses, and it is fit for drinking. Nevertheless, water-purifying tablets are recommended. You can also purchase bottled mineral water in the tea houses and trekkers huts.

It is worth mentioning, that the Namo Buddha Lodge in Sandakphu offer unlimited hot and cold drinking water to their guests.

Trek Permits

Foreign hikers will have to register themselves with the Foreigners Registration Office, the SSB and the Darjeeling Police in Manebhanjyang before proceeding on the Sandakphu Trek. There are security check posts at four-six kilometer interval along the trek route from Manebhanjyang to Sandakphu, and every hiker has to register themselves at these check points.

In order to avoid harassment, please bring with you six Xeroxed copies of the Passport and the Indian visa along with six passport sized photos each.

Hikers will also need to pay the Singalila National Park Fee, hikers can either pay and register at the Singalila National Park office in Manebhanjyang, which is located at the end of the town, or at the entrance to the park at Tumling.

Best Season to trek

For brilliant mountain views, the autumn season from mid-October to November and into the winter month of December are the best months to embark on the Sandakphu Trek in Darjeeling.

The month of October in Darjeeling, with its mild temperature, is also favourable for trekking, but the month of November and December will see a drop in the temperature, and nighttime temperatures in Sandakphu may drop down to below freezing point.

Darjeeling may see some light showers during the first two week of October from the retreating monsoon, therefore, bring along an umbrella or a raincoat.

March and April are also good for trekking to Sandakphu, because the trail blooms with colorful rhododendrons and wildflowers. The mild weather makes the trek enjoyable, but mountain views might be hazy.

In May, monsoon clouds start arriving, which can block mountain views. If you trek during this month, carry a raincoat or umbrella to deal with the rain.

From June 15 to September 15, the Sandakphu Trek is closed to visitors. This closure allows red pandas and other wildlife in Singalila National Park to breed undisturbed.

What to Carry 

Bring along a haversack (50–55 liters), and put all your clothing and other items that you will need for the Sandakphu trek, this will be convenient for the porter to carry. Carry a day pack (26 to 30 liters) for your personal use for day time trek. Put all your personal items in the day pack and carry them yourself.

Also carry in your daypack a water bottle, a rain jacket or an umbrella, light fleece, and a wind stopper. The main baggage will be carried by porters or ponies. Trekkers carry their day packs only with their essential items and walk at their own pace.

Medical Kit

Carry with you a personal medical kit. Include in your medical kit- medicines for fever, dysentery, anti-acid tablets, pain killers, crepe bandages for sprains, waterproof band-aids for cuts and toe blisters, and antiseptic cream. Ensure to put in your kit Vaseline for chapped skin, moisturizer, sunscreen lotions (50 SPF recommended), and polarized sun glasses to ensure the safety of your eyes from the sun’s glare.

Clothing

The daytime temperature will vary from 10 degrees Celsius to 18 degrees Celsius. Therefore, carry light trekking pants or track pants for day use. Add some quick-dry t-shirts too, as they come in handy during daytime trekking.

Since you will be trekking to higher altitudes, the temperature will go down, especially at night. The temperature in the evening in Sandakphu can hover between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius; therefore, warm woolen or thick fleece or a down jacket is required. Thermal inner wear should also be added to the clothing collection, along with woolen gloves and balaclavas.

Comfortable ankle-length trekking boots are recommended for the safety of your ankle as the terrain is uneven in some places. If it is a new trekking boot, then one should ensure to break in these boots before the trek to ensure comfort rather than regret later while on the trek. Good-quality trail running shoes can also be used on the Sandakphu Trek, as the trail is on a wide track.

A Trail for Nature lovers and bird watchers

An added attraction of the Darjeeling Sandakphu Trek is that the trail passes through Singalila National Park. This, in turn, makes it attractive and inspiring among bird watchers, botanists, and, on the whole, nature lovers too. And as the trail meanders through the rich natural reserves of Singalila National Park, it allows you to witness nature in its best form.

Language

Nepali is the most common dialect spoken and understood by the Guides, Porters, and in the tea houses and lodges on the Sandakphu Trek in Darjeeling. Therefore, learning a few words of this language will certainly help you on the trekking trail. The most common words to know is “Namaste” meaning hello and “Dhanyabad”-Thank you.

English is also understood by everyone, from your guide and porter to the people you meet on the trail, the tea houses and in the lodges. Even if the locals may not speak well, but they will surely understand and help you out if you need anything.

What is the booking procedure?

You will have to deposit a minimum amount to confirm and ensure your place on the trek. The balance amount must be paid either on arrival or can be deposited a week before the start of the Sandakphu Trek. However, once you decide to do this trek with us, we will send you details about the payment mode.

Cancellation Policy

• Minimum Charge (Deposit Amount will not be refunded if the trek is canceled due to strikes, closure of National Park, etc., or canceled by the individual concerned).
• Less than 15 days of the trek or tour date: 50% of the trek cost.
• On or after the trek or tour start date: There are no refunds if the trek or tour is aborted or shortened for any reason.

TRIP FACTS:

• Style of Trek: Tea House/Lodge Trek.
• Duration: 8 days.
• Number of Days on the Trek: 5 Days.
• Distance Covered: 56 Km
• Trek Grade: Moderate to Easy.
• Minimum number of Participants: 2 Persons.
• Highest Point: Sandakphu (3636 m).
• Highest Sleeping Altitude: Sandakphu (3636 m).
• Starting and Ending Point: Bagdogra Airport/NJP Rail Station.
• Best Season:  March-June and September-December.
• Trek Availability for Solo Hikers: Join a Group on the dates given below.
• Climate: Days are normally warm. Nights can at times be (generally) freezing, and in winter, even below the freezing point. Monsoon showers in the summer (heaviest in July and August). Sometimes even in spring and autumn.
• A customized private camping trip can be arranged for a minimum of two people on request on a date of your choice

GROUP DEPARTURE DATES FOR DARJEELING SANDAKPHU TREK 2025

Darjeeling Sandakphu Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Bagdogra Airport, NJP Rail Station, or Nepal Border. Drive to Darjeeling (1686 m/90 km/3 hours). Overnight Hotel.

Day 2: Acclimatization Day. Walking tour of Darjeeling. Overnight Hotel.

Day 3: Drive Darjeeling to Dhottrey (2606 m or 8550 feet/2 Hr). Sandakphu Trek Starts. Trek to Tongloo (3001 m/5 km/1:30 hours). Overnight Trekkers Hut/Home stay.

• Distance: 5 km
• Elevation Gain: 400 m
• Max Elevation: 3070 m
• Min Elevation: 1981 m

The trek from Dhottrey to Tongloo is a gentle uphill 5-kilometer trek that will take about 1:30 hour for a slow hiker, but for a seasoned hiker the 5 km trek can be done within an hour.

Day 4: Trek Tongloo to Kalpokhari (3100 m/15 km/6 hours). Overnight Lodge.

• Distance: 15 km
• Elevation Loss: 69 m
• Max Elevation: 3070 m
• Min Elevation: 3001 m

• Tongloo to Tumling (2970 m) – 1 km: an easy downhill trek on a thin trail.
• Tumling to Gairibas (2620 m) – 8 km: a downhill trek through rhododendron forest on a thin trekking trail.
• Gairibas to Kayakatta (2800 m) – 2 km: the first 45 minutes are uphill and then an easy trek on a level track.
• Kayakatta to Kalpokhari (3001 m) – 4 km: easy trek till Kalipokhari on a wide Jeep track.

From Tongloo, the day’s trek starts with an easy 1 km downhill trek to Tumling. The trail then follows a gentle path to the Singalila Check Post. The entry pass for Singalila National Park will be checked here. From here, we have two options for trekking to Gairibas, 7 kilometers away. The first is to trek on the Nepal side through the small village of Jaubari. The second option is to trek through the dense forest on the Indian side of the trekking trail. Both the trek routes are an easy 7-kilometer downhill trek to Gairibas.

From Gairibas, it’s an uphill climb of one kilometer and then a gentle one-kilometer trek to Kayakatta. A small village made up of a couple of houses and a lodge on the Nepal side of the track. This is where we stop for lunch. Kayakatta to Kalpokhari is an easy trek on a wide path, with a gain of just 200 m. Kalpokhari is a small village on the Nepal side of the Sandakphu Gurdum Trail. Kalipokhari consists of a few lodges; there is also a small lake at the entrance of the village.

Day 5: Trek Kalpokhari to Sandakphu (3636 m/6 km/3 hours). Overnight Trekkers Hut/Lodge.

• Distance: 5 km
• Elevation Gain: 636 m
• Max Elevation: 3636 m
• Min Elevation: 3001 m

• Kalpokhari to Bikheybhanjyang (3030 m) – 2 km: uphill on a rough, wide track.
• Bikheybhanjyang to Sandakphu (3636 m) – 3 km: Steep uphill till Sandakphu on a Jeep track.
• Elevation Gain: 635 m

The 2-kilometer trek from Kalpokhari to Bikheybhnjyang is on the Nepal side on a rough Jeep track. From Bikheybhanjyang, it’s a steep, three-kilometer uphill trek to Sandakphu.

Day 6: Trek to Gurdum (2700 m/10 km/4 hours). Overnight Lodge. downhill trek through the jungle.

• Distance: 10 km
• Elevation Loss: 936 m
• Max Elevation: 3636 m
• Min Elevation: 2700 m

The hike to Gurdum is possibly the shortest and most lonely of the ten kilometers. A downhill trek through rhododendron, bamboo, pine, and fur forest. Look out for the Himalayan sloth bear on this part of the trek route. The village of Gurdum is on the periphery of the Singalila National Park. The main source of income for the village people is agriculture.

Day 7: Trek Gurdum to Rimbik (2331 m/13 km/5 hours):

• Distance: 13 km
• Elevation Loss: 369 m
• Max Elevation: 2700 m
• Min Elevation: 2331 m

First 45 minutes downhill on a thin trail through villages. Cross the river and then take a lonely trek through the Black Forest until you reach Rimbik, where you pass through a village.

The trek from Gurdum to Rimbik is an easy hike. The first three kilometers to Timburey are through terraced pea and potato fields. Here we cross over the Siri Khola (river) and then trek for 7 km through a dense forest till Rimbik. Rimbik is where the trek ends with a three-hour jeep ride back to Darjeeling.

End of Darjeeling Sandakphu Trek. Drive back to Darjeeling. Overnight Hotel.

Day 8: Drive to Bagdogra Airport/New Jalpaiguri Rail Station/Nepal Border for Final Departure. End of  the Trek. An extension can be made to Sikkim, Bhutan, or Nepal.

How much does the Sandakphu Trek cost?

• Sandakphu Trek Cost: US$630/Person
• Trek Cost for Indians: Please request a quote in Indian Rupee.

What is included and excluded in the cost?

Sandakphu Trek Cost Includes :

• Hotel accommodation in Darjeeling: twin share, including breakfasts.
• Four-Bed or Five-Bed Rooms in Trekkers Huts on the trekking trail.
• Twin-share rooms in private lodges with mattresses during trekking.
• Fully organized trek services with guides, porters, and ponies.
• Fixed three meals every day during trekking.
• All road transport is as per itinerary by car or Jeep.
• Service of an English-speaking guide.
• Entrance fees to monuments visited.
• All Permits for Darjeeling.
• Airport Transfers.

Sandakphu Trek does not include:

• Sleeping bag
• personal clothing/equipment
• Lunches and dinners during hotel stay in Darjeeling
• Bottled or alcoholic drinks
• Tips
• client insurance,
• evacuation costs
• Any expenses of personal nature

Note: The above 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.).