The walk
Sandakphu is the highest point in West Bengal, and on a clear morning it looks straight at the Kanchenjunga massif. The trail from Manebhanjan climbs through tea-country forest to Tumling, then along the ridge to Sandakphu and on to Phalut.
The walking is moderate and the huts or lodges are part of the charm. Spring has rhododendron. Autumn has the famous view more often than the monsoon does.
We treat the clear morning as a gift, not a guarantee, and we still make the ridge worth the trip when the cloud sits down.
You will remember
- Kanchenjunga and, on the best mornings, a far line of Everest
- Singalila National Park
- Tumling and the ridge villages
- Phalut’s wider view
- Lodge stays rather than a full tent trek
On this trail
Day by day
01 Day 1 · NJP to Manebhanjan and Tumling
Pickup, a drive to Manebhanjan, and the first walk up to Tumling. The evening view is already a hint of the ridge.
02 Day 2 · Tumling to Kalipokhri
A ridge day through forest and small settlements to the black lake at Kalipokhri.
03 Day 3 · Kalipokhri to Sandakphu
The climb to Sandakphu. If the morning after is clear, this is the view the trek is known for. We stay two nights when the plan needs the sunrise.
04 Day 4 · Sandakphu to Phalut
A long, quieter ridge to Phalut. Fewer buildings, more sky, and a different angle on the same mountains.
05 Day 5 · Phalut toward the road
We descend toward Gorkhey or the road head used on that departure. The knees notice the day.
06 Day 6 · Drive to NJP or Bagdogra
A morning drive out to the station or the airport. Book travel for the afternoon or the next day.
Included
- Stay on the nights listed in the itinerary, in guesthouses, homestays or camps
- Meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day
- Trek leader and a local guide
- Permits and forest entry fees for the route
- Transfers that are written into the day-by-day plan
- Group first-aid kit, and an oxygen cylinder on high camps
- Cloakroom support for the main bag on walking days where the trail allows it
Not included
- Travel to and from the meeting point
- Personal clothing, shoes and insurance
- Meals during the drive to the trailhead, unless the day says otherwise
- Tips for the guide and kitchen team
- Emergency evacuation or hospital costs
- GST, if it applies, until we confirm the invoice
- Anything not written in the inclusions
Before you go
Successive days of 5 to 7 hours on a ridge. The altitude is kinder than the western high passes.
Meet at NJP or Bagdogra. Ages 12 to 58.
Spring, Autumn.
What to carry
- Worn-in waterproof trekking shoes with grip
- A warm layer and a jacket for camp
- Rain shell and trekking pants
- Sun cap, woollen cap, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Gloves and spare socks
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Two water bottles, about two litres
- Personal medicines and a small toiletry kit
- Government photo ID
- Daypack, 20 to 30 litres
How to reach
We pick the group up from New Jalpaiguri station or Bagdogra airport in the morning and drive to Manebhanjan. Share your train or flight the day before so the vehicle is not guessing.
If plans change
If we cancel the departure, you can move to another date or receive a refund of what you have paid.
If you cancel 30 days or more before the start, the trek amount is refunded minus a processing fee we state in your confirmation. Between 15 and 29 days, half is retained. Inside 14 days the departure is non-refundable, because the stay, food and guide team are already committed.
The full note also lives on the Cancellations page.
Before you come
Carry a government photo ID. Mention a special diet when you book so the kitchen can buy for it.
Questions on this trek
Will I see Everest?
Everest is a small distant peak on the clearest mornings, far to the left of the Kanchenjunga wall. Kanchenjunga is the view you should come for. Cloud is common, and we do not promise a clear dawn.
Are there lodges every night?
Yes on this itinerary. Rooms are simple. If a lodge is full we use another on the same halt, not a surprise camp.
Is this good for a first trek?
It is a friendly first multi-day trek if you are happy walking several days in a row. The altitude is lower stress than Kedarkantha’s winter camps for many people, and the days are longer.