Sandakphu Trek

Starts from ₹25000*

8D/7N

Duration

Easy-Medium

Difficulty

15+

Age

March-May & Sept-Nov

Season

The Sandakphu/Singalila Ridge Trek in Darjeeling is a must-experience journey for avid trekkers. Often referred to as a trekker’s paradise, this trek provides panoramic views of Himalayan peaks like the Kanchenjunga range, Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, Janu, Chamlang, and Baruntse. The remarkable “Sleeping Buddha” peak formation is an unforgettable sight. Sandakphu, the highest point of West Bengal at 3636m in the Darjeeling district, and Phalut, another tabletop on the same ridge, are major highlights of the trek.

Note: This itinerary is flexible and can be adjusted based on personal preferences and available time.
Sleeping Bags available on rent.
Different vehicle options are available for airport pickups and drop-offs.

Included & Excluded

Transportation from Darjeeling to Dhotray and Sandakphu to Darjeeling

Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek with hot tea/coffee as per the itinerary

Homestay accommodation in Darjeeling with twin sharing on BD (breakfast & dinner) basis

Accommodations in home-stays during the trek on a twin sharing basis as per the itinerary

Certified and experienced team of guide and porters. 1 porter for every 2 guests, maximum weight of 14 kg

Guides and porters daily wages

First aid and medical kits.

Pick up and drop from Bagdogra Airport to Darjeeling on actuals

Extra accommodation and meals outside of itinerary

Sightseeing in Darjeeling

Lunch during your stay in Darjeeling

Travel or medical insurance and emergency evacuation

Personal expenses during the trip such as mineral water, boiled water, internet, battery recharge, laundry, any other beverages, etc

Personal trekking equipment

Tips for guide and porter

All expenses incurred if you wish for an early departure

Any other service not mentioned in the service includes

Itinerary

Begin your journey with a warm welcome from our representative at the Bagdogra airport/NJP Railway Station, who will arrange your transfer to Darjeeling by private vehicle. Get your first view of the mesmerizing Himalayan landscapes and lush valleys on your drive to Darjeeling, accompanied by the sight of enchanting tea gardens. Once in Darjeeling, check in at a local homestay or hotel. A briefing for the next day's tour will follow. Your afternoon in Darjeeling is yours to explore. After freshening up at your accommodation, make your way to Chowrasta Mall. Here, sit back on one of the peripheral benches to relax and soak up the vibrant ambience or take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Mall Road. If you arrived in the morning or early afternoon, you would have ample time to venture up the Observatory Hill, located behind the Mall. Visit the renowned Mahakal Temple situated at the hill's summit and bask in the views and sunset. Other nearby attractions include the Nightingale Park and Glenary's, a heritage restaurant and bakery. In the evening, explore the variety of shops around Chowrasta Mall. Then, amble along Nehru Road, which descends from the mall and is flanked by a range of shops. Your day concludes with dinner at your homestay or hotel.

We begin the day early. After breakfast, we transfer to Dhotray by private taxi. The trek starts from Dhotrey, meandering through the stunning forest adorned with pine, rhododendron, and magnolia trees. Reaching Tonglu, at an altitude of 10,130ft, we can witness the majestic views of the world’s highest peaks on a clear day. After an on-field/homestay lunch, we rest briefly in Tonglu village before continuing our trek to Tumling, where we'll stay overnight in a homestay. This trek gradient is predominantly gradual, with one short steep section.

Wake up early to capture the sunrise over Mt. Kanchenjunga from Tumling Top. After breakfast, we will trek from Tumling to Kalapokhri. The first hour is a flat plain walk before we ascend to a beautiful viewpoint, where the views are truly breathtaking. We then descend to Gairibass before beginning a steep 2.5km climb. The final stretch to Kalpokhari is a gentle 4km walk. This day presents the longest and steepest climb of the trek.

After breakfast at the homestay, we embark on our day's journey. Despite being a shorter day, our trail challenges us as we ascend to Sandakphu, the highest point of the trek. We reach Sandakphu for lunch, and if you have the energy, you can take an afternoon walk towards Phalut and enjoy spectacular sunset views. We spend the night at a Sandakphu Homestay or trekkers' hut.

On this day, we board a Land Rover from Sandhakphu to Manebhanjan. From Maneybhanjang, we take a private vehicle back to Darjeeling.

If your departure is scheduled for the evening, we can arrange an early morning stop at Mirik Lake. Following breakfast, we check out and embark on our journey to Bagdogra Airport/NJP Railway Station. On our return journey, we take a brief detour to Mirik Lake, also known as Sumendu Lake, spanning 1.25 kilometers. Enjoy horse riding, boating, or simply soak in the serene lake views. The tour concludes upon reaching your departure point, leaving you with a cache of beautiful memories.

Photos/Videos Gallery

Images

Packing List

Sunglasses

Shield your eyes from the harsh UV rays at higher altitudes with a quality pair of sunglasses. They're essential for preventing potential snow blindness.

Trekking Boots

Your boots are your best friends on the trek. Invest in sturdy, high-quality trekking boots and remember to break them in before the trek to avoid blisters. Also, opt for waterproof boots to keep your feet dry.

Hard Shell

Your hard shell is your defense against strong winds and rain. It’s your outermost layer and should be able to keep the elements out, making it an essential item on your packing list.

Down Jacket

A high-quality down jacket is key to staying warm in chilly weather conditions. Ensure it’s well-insulated to keep the cold at bay, especially during winter treks.

Mid Layers/Fleece

A mid layer or fleece provides added warmth and is especially crucial for treks during colder months. It’s an extra layer of protection that can make a significant difference in comfort.

Base Layer/Thermals

The mountains are known for their unpredictable weather, so it’s essential to have a solid base layer or thermal wear. They help regulate your body temperature and keep you warm, regardless of weather changes.

Terms & Conditions

Booking Policy

Consumption of alcohol during this tour is strictly prohibited
While it is our endeavor to provide you the best experience, and cover as many species of Birds/Wildlife as possible, we cannot guarantee the sighting of any specific species or species count.
By signing up for this tour, the participant expressly indicates having read and understood the Itinerary, tour inclusions, tour exclusions, and cancellation policy.
While we promise to take the best care of our guests, and ensure we follow all safety guidelines, we continue to operate in nature. Sudden change in weather, change of route to ensure we are keeping your safety as our highest priority cannot be predicted and planned ahead.
You agree to sign our terms and conditions before you sign up for our trips.

Cancellation Policy

Altitude Sickness

Altitude Mountain Sickness is an illness as an effect of high altitude resulting in a rapid change in air pressure (air gets thinner) and oxygen level (less oxygen to breathe). These are a group of symptoms that arise while walking at a high altitude (more than 2,500m above sea level) without properly acclimatizing the body. The point to be noted is that AMS can occur to anyone, even those with great physical fitness as it depends upon several factors. The most prominent factors are how much elevation you are gaining in what period of time, the place where you live, and the altitude there. Previous records of Altitude Sickness can also determine if you will get AMS.

Symptoms

The symptoms of acute mountain sickness generally appear within hours of moving to higher altitudes. They vary depending on the severity of your condition.

Headache
Shortness of Breath
Sleep Disturbance
Dizziness
Fatigue
Insomnia
Nausea
Loss of Appetite
Trouble in walking

Prevention

If taken care of, Altitude Sickness can be prevented. Following prevention measures for AMS-

Walk slowly with adequate rest.
Keep your body hydrated.
Avoid alcoholic beverages and tobacco-related products.
Do not gain more than 500 meters.
Inform the guide immediately if you feel even the smallest symptoms.
Acclimatize well at lower altitudes
Sleep at a lower altitude than you have been.

FAQs

What types of treks does YodaTreks offer?

YodaTreks offers a range of trekking experiences suitable for all levels of trekkers. From beginner-friendly trails like Sandakhphu to more advanced adventures such as the Annapurna Circuit, we’ve got you covered. We also offer custom treks tailored to your interests and group sizes.

Do you offer family-friendly treks?

Absolutely! We have specially curated family trips to Meghalaya and Sikkim that offer a blend of mild adventure and cultural experiences, perfect for family members of all ages.

How eco-friendly is YodaTreks?

Sustainability is at the core of our operations. We adhere to eco-friendly practices throughout our treks, ensuring minimal impact on the environment.

Do I need prior trekking experience?

While it’s beneficial, it’s not necessary for most of our treks. We offer beginner treks that are perfect for those who are new to trekking. However, for more challenging routes, prior trekking experience is recommended.

Can you customize a trek for me?

Absolutely! We provide custom and bespoke trekking experiences tailored to your interests, whether you’re looking for a more challenging adventure or a laid-back scenic route. Just reach out to us, and we’ll arrange it for you.

What kind of guides do you employ?

All our guides are local experts who are well-acquainted with the trekking routes and the culture of the region. They are trained in first aid and emergency response to ensure a safe trekking experience.

What is included in the trek package?

Our packages typically include accommodation, meals, guide services, and transportation. However, what’s included may vary depending on the trek. Please refer to the specific itinerary page for details.

What is your cancellation policy?

Our cancellation policy varies by trek and will be specified in your booking confirmation. We recommend reading it carefully before making any payments.

How do I book a trek with YodaTreks?

Booking a trek is simple. You can book directly through our website, or if you have more specific questions, feel free to call us or fill out the contact form on the itinerary page.

Do you support any social causes?

es, we do. A portion of our profits goes to MyPragati, an initiative aimed at providing education and mentorship to a village community of 92 families. Your trek with us also contributes to this noble cause.