Land Rover trip to Sandakphu

Day 1:Drive from NJP to Tonglu

Distance: 98 Km

Duration: 5 hours

Altitude: 10,100 ft

Time: 9 A.M

Your journey with us starts upon reaching the frontier town of Siliguri. Depending upon your mode of arrival, pick up will be arranged from Bagdogra, NJP or Siliguri Junction.

The road takes you through the bustling town of Siliguri initially, but soon you would be journeying through the tea gardens and lush forests. The ascent starts from after reaching the beautiful lake of Mirik. From there to Maneybhanjan, it’s a constant meandering journey through beautiful tea gardens and mountain forests. After crossing Sukhiapokhari, the last major settlement, a mere 7 km drive will take you to Maneybhanjan, a border town of India and Nepal. It’s a busy are of sorts, bustling with trekkers and travellers of Sandakphu. You will board a iconic land Rover there to drive to your destination, Tonglu. After completing the necessary formalities to enter the Singalila National Park, you will start your climb. From Maneybhanjan to Tonglu, it’s a climb of about 4000 ft and is quite steep.

Nowadays the road from Maneybhanjan to Tonglu has been paved with concrete and is a smooth ride. You wile ride through meadows and rhododendron forests as you gradually climb to your destintion. On the way the hamlets of Chitrey and Meghma will welcome you. You can have a small tea break at Chitrey, before you continue journey. From Meghma, its just 2 km to Tonglu and is the steepest part of the trail. Once reaching Tonglu, you will be mesmerized with the surreal view all around you. There is also the choice of proceeding to Tumling, just 1 Km farther, which houses somewhat better accommodation choices. After reaching your destination and settling down, you will be served with hot lunch. After that you can set out to explore the area. On a clear day, Tonglu boasts of a magnificent view of the Sleeping Buddha Range. There are small hillocks you can climb and take some envy enducing photos to show back home. As the day comes to close, the temperature drops considerably and you will have to move indoors. You can spend the evening, chatting away with the locals and enjoying the tasty local drink, Thumba. Soon, dinner will be ready for you and you can take to bed as you can’t miss the sunrise tomorrow.

Day 2: Tumling/Tonglu to Siliguri

Distance: 89 Km

Duration: 4 hours

Altitude: 400 ft

Time: 9 A.M

Get up early in the morning and don your winter wear as you set out to view, one of the nicest sunrises you have ever witnessed. The rising sun casts a truly spectacular color over the Kanchenjungha range and leaves the spectators almost in a trance as you will fail to look away. After you had your fill, you can retire back to the room or choose to explore the area some more in the early morning light. We will set out back for Maneybhanjan after breakfast. We will descent back the familiar path, through Meghma and Chitrey till we reach Maneybhanjan. From there you will board the cab waiting for you, to drive back to Siliguri. After Sukhiapokhri familiar tea garden vista will greet you. You will be able to attend a tea testing at the Gopal Dhara tea garden on the way. Where from you can source some authentic Darjeeling tea for yourself. Finally, your journey will come full circle at NJP, from where you can depart for your onward destination with fond memories from the trip.