Have you ever found happiness in messy hair, dirty feet & wild water falling on your skin? If not, N.O.W is the best time to experience it. Trekking is the only activity where you can wander and wonder at the same time! Be it a solo trek or a group trek with friends, you are surely going to enjoy the Sandakphu Trek in Darjeeling. This awe-inspiring trekking trail presents you with amazing views of the Himalayas. With lush greeneries, serene atmosphere and unbelievable vistas, Sandakphu Trek has all that is required for a perfect trek. Here is a complete guide that will help you to explore the trails of Sandakphu trek in the state of West Bengal, India.

View of Nepal West Bengal border from top of Sandakphu trek — Image credits: Unsplash

Sandakphu Trek in a brief

If trekking in the Himalayas is your dream, Sandakphu Trek in Darjeeling is the right pick for you to start off as a beginner. This beautiful trek starts off with the Singalila Ridge, the southernmost end of the peak. As you get down, you will be led to Kanchendzonga massif. Beautifully sandwiched between Sikkim and Nepal, the place offers jaw-dropping views and an amazing natural atmosphere. Also, you will visit places such as New Jalpaiguri and Manebhanjan. This 47 km expedition will be a memorable experience. At the end of the trek, you can admire the two highest peaks in the world, namely Mount Everest and Mount K2.

Also Read: Ready To unwrap Darjeeling? – Here’s a good news for you!

Why Sandakphu Trek?

There’s a lot of special aspects about the Sandakphu Trek. Firstly, it is considered as one of the highest treks in West Bengal. It is fondly known as “Trekkies Wonderland”. As you start from Darjeeling, you will be taken to many hidden gems. Also, once you reach the final destination, the two-mountain view is truly breathtaking. To summarise, if you are a trekking enthusiast, you cannot simply miss out on the Sandakphu Trek for sure.

breathtaking view of Mount everest from Sandaphu trek — Image credits: Unsplash

Where’s Sandakphu Trek?

The mesmerizing Sandakphu Trek is located in Darjeeling at the West Bengal-Nepal border. Boasting a height of 3665 m, the cliff is located at the Ilam district of Nepal. The trail is quite easy to traverse. So beginners can choose to trek through Sandakphu without any fear.

How to reach Sandakphu Trek?

Reaching this place is quite an easy thing. Also, it depends on the place where you start it. You can take a flight or a train to reach the main city of Darjeeling. If you prefer flight transport, you can book your tickets and reach Bagdogra Airport. Once you reach, hire a taxi or book a train to reach New Jalpaiguri.

narrow trekking trail — Image credits: Unsplash

Plan before you leave

First Day:

On your first day, you will reach New Jalpaiguri by train or by road. Post your arrival, you will be taken to the starting point of the trek, Manebhanjan. It is a quick 4-hour ride from New Jalpaiguri to Manebhanjan.

Second Day:

The actual trekking expedition starts on the second day. Your day kick starts with a walk to cover 11 km. On your way, you will visit places like Tumling, which is one of the most beautiful places in the Singalila Range. This is a beautiful 9500 ft peak where you can also relish a tongue-tingling breakfast.

Third-Day:

On the third day of your memorable trekking journey, you will cover 9 km by walk which will take around 5 hours to finish. After successful completion of this 9 km trek, you will reach Singalila National Park and Kalipokhri. Also, do not miss taking amazing pictures of the natural scenery while walking through this park. Stay at this beautiful spot for one night and resume your journey the next morning.

Fourth Day:

On your penultimate day, you will cover a distance of 8km. Once you finish this walk, you will step into heaven. How excited are you to witness Sandakphu Peak, Mt Khangchendzonga, Mt Everest from one point? This will truly be an eye-opening moment of your entire life. Enjoy the moment for you will never get to experience such an amazing view anywhere else.

Fifth Day:

Now, it’s time to say goodbye to the beautiful Sandakphu trek and your fellow mates. While returning, you can visit places like Srikhola and Gurdum if you have enough time. Once you reach Srikhola, hit the road to reach New Jalpaiguri and get back to home.

beautiful grasslands on the way to Srikhola — Image credits: Unsplash

Leaving the place will probably be the hardest part of your entire trekking experience. Also, It is believed that nature teaches you a lot more than what you learn in schools. Listen to the music of hummingbirds and gushing water bodies. If you are a nature lover, do not miss out on the Sandakphu Trek. Head to the Pickyourtrail website and start planning your trip to Darjeeling right away. Get packing and we will help you craft an amazing itinerary for you. Now, you can connect with us directly via Whatsapp and our travel experts at your service.