Sandakphu and Phalut Land Rover Trip

Day 1: NJP/Bagdogra to Maneybhanjan and transfer to Tumling

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.

TThe 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 amagnificent 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 Sandakphu

Distance: 20 Km

Duration: 3 hours

Altitude: 11,900 ft

Time: 9 A.M

Get up early in the morning to view the mighty Kanchenjungha in the morning light. After that you can freshen up and get ready to set out for the day’s journey. After breakfast you will set out for Sandakphu. The distance though only 20 kms, will take a while as the path is winding and quite steep. On the way, you will pass settlements of Jaubari, Gairibas, Kalipokhari and Bikeybhanjan.At Kalipokhari you can stop a while to gaze into the steller black waters of the high altitude lake. On reaching Sandakphu, settle in your rooms before lunch is served. After that, you can rest a while or choose to explore the surrounding and visit the Kanchenjungha viewing point nearby. In the evening, tea and snacks will be served. You can spend the evening in the hotel lobby, engaging with other guests or you can retire back to your room till dinner is served. Post dinner, settle in and set your alarm for the famous Sandakphu sunrise.

Day 3: Sandakphu to Phalut day trip

Distance: 46 Km

Duration: 5 hours

Altitude: 11,700 ft

Time: 8 A.M

Today after breakfast you will set out to visit Phalut, the second highest point of West Bengal. This is easily the most beautiful part of the Sandakphu route. The magnificent view of the highest peaks of the world will be your constant companion. As you are above the tree line, you will not witness much trees along the route, other than some stretches of Rhododendron. If you are travelling in the March-April season, you will also be witness to the mesmerizing view of the Rhodoendrons at full bloom. The route is fairly flat, with some ascents and descents along the way. At the halfway point, you will find “Char Ratey”, a resting point for Yak Grazers of the past, where they used to wait for 4 nights while their livestock used to graze. In Phalut top, you will see one of the most unobstructed and up close view of the Sleeping Buddha range that you ever have or can experience. The Mt Everest, Lhotse & Makalu are also prominently visible. After spending some time there it will be the time to return back to our stay at Sandakphu.

Day 4: Sandakphu to Maneybhanjan and transfer to NJP/Bagdogra

Distance: 108 Km

Duration: 6 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. Sandakphu boasts as the vantage point which offers awesome views of four of the five highest peaks of the world, Mt Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Kanchenjungha. 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, 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.