The must-haves for the Sandakphy trek will include sturdy and comfortable pairs of hiking boots with good ankle support, waterproof jackets, warm layers of clothes, backpacks with rain covers, trekking poles to get better stability on uneven terrains, sunglasses and sunscreen with UV protection, sleeping bags that are best for low temperature, trekking gaiters, water bottles and tablets for water purification, essential medicines and a first-aid box, headlamps with extra batteries, portable power banks, some high energy snacks and a camera.
During the winter months which is from December to February, snowfall in Sandakphu is most common. However, this pattern of snowfall can vary based on the overall weather conditions, yearly. Hence, snowfall is not guaranteed for any specific time.
To know more details about our exciting Sandakphu trek, please click on Sandakphu trek
The visibility in November in Sandakphu can vary, depending on the overall weather conditions. However, November usually has clear skies with sunny mornings, which allows clear visibility for trekkers to get a splendid view of the panoramic Himalayas, the Kanchenjunga and the Annapurna ranges.
The Sandakphu trek offers trekkers some of the most magnificent views of the highest mountain peaks like the Makalu, Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga and Lhotse alongside the panoramic visuals of the Himalayan range. Throughout the trek, these stupendous views of the mountain range keep up the wondrous vibe of the trek.
Yes, the level of oxygen reduces when you go to higher altitudes in Sandakphu, which is due to a reduction in the level of atmospheric pressure. The lower levels of oxygen might cause trekkers to experience shortness of breath, altitude sickness, fatigue and headaches when they go to higher elevations.
Yes, there is snow in Sandakphu in January as this is considered the coldest month in this region throughout the year. All those trekkers who visit Sandakphu in January have a high chance of experiencing snowfall covering the landscapes and the trekking trail, which adds magic to the trekking experience.
Yes, biking is banned on the Sandakphu trail. This prohibition is a step towards the preservation of the natural environment from degradation and also to ensure the safety of trekkers trekking through this trail and prevent accidents.
The time needed to go to Sandakphu from Manebhanjan typically takes somewhere around 7 hours, by road, depending on the road conditions and the starting point. However, concerning the trek, it takes somewhere around 6 days to complete trekking a distance of 60 km, round trip, based on the selection of the trekking route and trekking pace.
You might face some issues with the availability of mineral water especially at the higher altitudes in Sandakphu, as it is not readily available there. Hence, it is advised to all trekkers to carry purified or mineral waters on their own for access to safe drinking water throughout the trek.
The time needed to go to Sandakphu from Siliguri is nearly about 4 hours to cover the distance of nearly 120 km via road, depending on the condition of the road and the selection of the route. An additional 20 to 30 minutes is needed for breaks and refreshments on the way.
To reach Sandakphu from Siliguri, you can take a shared taxi, hire a jeep or reserve a cab from Siliguri to Manebhanjan, which is the starting point to reach Sandakphu. After reaching Manebhanjan, you can opt to trek to Sandakphu on foot to cover 32km from Manebhanjan to Sandakphu or reserve a Land Rover to reach your destination.
Yes, Mt. Everest can be seen from Sandakphu, which also offers some stunning panoramic visuals of the Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Lhotse from the summit. It also some of the splendid visuals of the Mt. Everest cluster, which allures trekkers to summit their trek.
Yes, you can expect snowfall in October in Sandakphu, as October is the onset of winter, with a temperature ranging between 0 and 10℃ which increases the chances for snowfall for trekkers and tourists. However, the unpredictable nature of the weather makes it unsure of receiving snowfall in October.
If you are a foreign national, you will need to carry your visa, photocopy, passport and special permits to visit some of the remote locations. If you are an Indian, you need to carry valid original photo ID proof, with 2 Xerox copies.
There is a high chance of snowfall in Sandakphu in March, as Sandakphu gets its best snowfall in January, which continues till the first week of March. However, snowfall is very likely dependent upon the weather conditions of the place, which makes it equally unpredictable.
The available spots for camping in Sandakphu are Tumling, Tonglu or Kalipokhri, where you can camp in the nearby areas, a little away from the private lodge premises. However, before camping, there are certain things you need to keep in check like carrying your water, taking a camping permit, paying a fee at the Manebhanjan check post and carrying utensils to cook or carry enough food as there are no public eateries.
The average rainy season in Sandakphu is from June to September when Sandakphu remains officially closed, as is also the off-season.
Yes, Sandakphu receives its first snowfall in December, which is the main season for snowfall and it continues till the first week of March. However, the unpredictability of the weather can cause changes in the time or month of snowfall.
The best month to visit Sandakphu is throughout the year, alluring travellers with its enigmatic charm, excluding the three months when it remains closed. However, considering the idea of the best time depends entirely on the objectives of tourists or trekkers when visiting Sandakphu. Hence, November has the clearest blue sky with mesmerising panoramic views of the mountain ranges under the bright sunshine and the splendid Milky Way at night. To experience snowfall, December to February are the best months, which turns the place into a snowy paradise and to witness the breathtaking views of the vibrant blossoms of rhododendrons, the spring season from March to May is the best, which makes the sight breathtaking. Thus, to ensure the most ethereal experience of Sandakphu, November to May is the best time.
The coldest month in Sandakphu is from December to the first weeks of February when the place experiences snowfall and the temperature falls below -5℃ and blankets the entire region.
The nearest major railway station to Sandakphu is NJP (New Jalpaiguri Station) and Siliguri Junction.
The nearest major Airport to Sandakphu is Bagdogra Airport, Siliguri.
Sandakphu checkpoint is at Dhotrey for trekkers and tourists, it is at Manebhanjan.
Both Phalut and Sandakphu offer some splendid views of the mighty mountain ranges. However, selecting between Phalut and Sandakphu depends on personal trekking goals and preferences. Based on factors like crowd factor, scenery, altitude, duration and difficulty of the trekking trail, the decision is left to the trekkers or tourists.
The 4 peaks seen from Sandakphu are Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Lhotse.
Sandakphu lies on the India-Nepal border, which is the highest peak in West Bengal, India.
In case you plan to go on the Sandakphu trek, 5 Nights and 6 Days are enough to cover the trek and summit. In case you plan for a trip to Sandakphu, 2 Nights and 3 days are enough for this Land Rover trip. In case you plan for a Sandakphu-Phalut trek, 7 nights and 8 Days are enough.
Sandakphu is famous for its trek, which is why it is popularly known as “Trekkers Wonderland”. Besides this, a trip to Sandakphu will allow you to witness some of the enigmatic visuals of the 4 peaks with snow caps. More importantly, you will be enthralled by the beauty of Mt. Kanchenjunga, which recreates the image of a “Sleeping Buddha”, and feels like a true paradise for tourists and trekkers alike.
Yes, Sandakphu is worth visiting because it offers some of the most splendid panoramic visuals of Mt. Kanchenjunga, which is breathtaking for tourists as the surrounding peaks hail like a magnificent grandeur.
Only the old Land Rover jeep models can travel the rugged and difficult terrain throughout Sandakphu, due to average to poor road conditions.
The seating capacity in Land Rover is 6 for the passengers and 1 for the driver.
The overall peak of Mt. Kanchenjunga is called the Sleeping Buddha, which resembles Buddha’s reclining silhouette.
The best view of Sandakphu is the Sleeping Buddha, which is prominent for trekkers, during the spring season, starting in March and ending in May, the vibrant rhododendrons which blanket the valleys make it one of the best views for tourists. Also, in October and March, when the sky is clear, the Milky Way is the best view for tourists.
Sandakphu is called the “Land of Land Rovers” because this is the only remote location, which still has a fleet of classic Series Land Rover models which existed since 1957, making it the vital link of transportation between Manebhanjhan and Sandakphu.
Yes, it is necessary to hire a guide for the Sandakphu trek for safety and navigation purposes. Also, these guides have the expertise and right knowledge to help you during medical emergencies or unexpected natural calamities and secure you.
You can book a trekker hut in Sandakphu via the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) or through a local tour operator.
There are not many charging facilities for Sandakphu trekking and only a handful may be available in some of the trekker huts. So, you must carry your charging facilities.
No, Sandakphu is not a difficult trek and can be covered and managed well by a beginner. The trekking is considered moderately difficult due to the time taken to complete the trek, the altitude of the peak and its length, which requires trekkers to have stamina and good physical endurance.
The Sandakphu trek is a 68 km in length round trip, which can take nearly 7 days to complete for an average person.
Yes, it is a beginner’s trek and is beginner-friendly. It is an easy-to-moderate trek, which is an excellent choice for physically fit beginners who can enjoy the splendid panoramic visuals of Sandakphu.
Day 1: NJP/Bagdogra to Dhotrey
Day 2: Dhotrey to Tumling
Day 3: Tumling to Kali Pokhari
Day 4: Kali Pokhari to Sandakphu
Day 5: Sandakphu to Srikhola
Day 6: Srikhola to NJP/Bagdogra
The average cost for trekking in Sandakphu will range between 10,000/- to 15,000/-, for 7 days per person, depending on the peak/off-season, the trekking company involved in the trek and other inclusions. There can also be additional costs which might be charged which involve permits, gear rentals and travelling to the base camp.
The starting point of the Sandakphu trek is Dhotrey, which is a small hidden hamlet with magnificent visuals of nature.
Yes, it is possible to trek Sandakphu alone. But it is not recommended to go alone on this trek as it will include trekking through secluded trekking trails, where you might face difficulties in navigation, or other emergencies like natural calamities or medical emergencies.
Yes, there are possibilities of experiencing breathing problems in Sandakphu, due to the increasing reduction in the level of oxygen at such an altitude, along with the long distance and carrying heavy baggage throughout the trek. Also, the distance covered during the trek differs from person to person due to varied fitness levels and weight
The degree of steepness in the Sandakphu trek varies in nature. However, there is a rise in the degree of steepness in this trek between Sandakphu-Phalut region. Thus, some areas are slightly steep, and other regions are comparatively steeper and more challenging, which require trekkers' careful footing and endurance.
Yes, Sandakphu is a high-altitude trek and is the highest in West Bengal, with an altitude of 11,929 ft or 3636 metres, which makes Sandakphu one of Inda’s highest treks. This high trek brings challenges for the trekkers especially due to cold temperatures and lower levels of oxygen.
The steepest trek in India is the trek to the “Valley of Flowers”, which is situated in Uttarakhand. This trek involves steep descents and ascents throughout its terrain gradient, the rapid gain in altitude in just 13 km and the unpredictable weather conditions, make this trek very challenging.
The treks like the one to Himachal Pradesh’s Triund are popularly recommended as treks for beginners, for their easy trails which also allow tourists to witness some of the breathtaking sceneries of the mystic Dhauladhar range. Also, the trek can be completed in a short span of 2 days, which is best suited for beginners.
There is no specific age which is considered the right age for trekking in Sandakphu, as trekking depends upon the person's health conditions besides their physical fitness. However, children within the age group of 6-7 years can participate in easier and shorter treks under proper guidance and supervision and then go for this Sandakphu trek.
You can prepare yourself for this Sandakphu trek by improving your physical conditions, training yourself to walk for longer distances with a backpack, familiarising yourself with the trekking trail, acquiring the right gear and also ensuring that you eat nutritious food and keep yourself hydrated. In addition to this, it is always helpful to gain some basic knowledge about first aid and have a good understanding of altitude sickness.
Complete Sandakphu Trek Planner
Plan Your Sandakphu Adventure with Our Experts !
