Sandakphu Trek Package

Day 1: Drive from NJP/Bagdogra to Dhotrey

Distance: 105 Km

Duration: 5 hours

Altitude: 8,500 ft

Time: 10 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 cost of the transport from the pick up point to Dhotrey is Rs 6,000/- and is shared by the trekkers.

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 Dhotrey, it's a constant meandering journey through beautiful tea gardens and mountain forests. On the way to Dhotrey, you will cross the hilly settlements of Sukhia Pokhari and Maneybhanjan. Apart from these, its just you and the tranquil nature for company as you reach the beautiful base camp of Dhotrey. Nestled within a thick pine forest, Dhotrey is truly a sight to behold. If you are lucky, you will get your first glimpse of Kanchenjungha from here itself. Have an early dinner and call it a day as you need ample rest before your trek tomorrow.

Day 2: Dhotrey to Tumling

Distance: 6 Km

Duration: 3 hours

Altitude: 10,000 ft

Time: 9 A.M

Today will be your first day of trek. It will be relaxed climb of about 1,500 ft and will mostly warm you up for the difficult terrain up ahead. From Dhotrey its initially a gentle climb towards Tumling. You will walk through rich forests of Pine and Coniferous and some occasional appearances of Rhododendron as you slowly gain the altitude. The forest is rich in flora and fauna and you will have multiple sightings of numerous birds. At the halfway point, you will find a beautiful resting stop comprised of a flat land, with mountain views all around and a peak of the Dhotrey village down below. From there it's a bit of a steep climb till you reach Tonglu. From there its just a km of flat walk to reach your destination for the day, Tumling. Reaching there you will receive the warm mountain hospitality as you sip on some tea while taking in the breathtaking views all around. This is the place which gives you a brief trailer of what treat awaits you once you reach your summit. After having a hearty dinner, sleep of to the sound of nature as you prepare yourself for the journey ahead.

Day 3: Tumling to Kalipokhari

Distance: 13 Km

Duration: 5 hours

Altitude: 10,500 ft

Time: 8 A.M

Wake up early to catch the beautiful sunrise from Tumling and catch The Mt Kanchenjungha in its full glory. After a quick breakfast, we start early as we have a long journey ahead of us. A short distance into the trek, we will reach the entry point of Singalila National Park. We will need to complete our entry formalities here. You will need to pay for a camera permit here if you are carrying any. Your trek guide will help you through the process. The Singalila National Park houses a great number of animals like the Himalayan Bear, Leopard cat, Barking Dear, Pangolin and the famous and elusive Red Panda. We will have a relaxed flat walk till we reach the settlement of Jaubari. All along the way, our trail will flirt with the Indo-Nepal border as we criss cross through our neighbor lands. From Jaubari we will have a descent, till we reach Gairibas. Here you can have a small break and also indulge in some snacks. Gairibas houses a rhododendron research centre and has a detailed accounting of the various varieties of Rhododendrons available in the region. From Gairibas we will face the first difficult phase of our trek, as we traverse a steep climb all the way to Kalipokhari. After a strenuous but rewarding climb, we will reach the high altitude lake of Kalipokhari. After a steaming hot beverage to soothe your aching muscles, you can pay a visit to the calm waters of the lake and feel your tiredness ebbing away.

Day 4: Kalipokhari to Sandakphu

Distance: 6 Km

Duration: 4 hours

Altitude: 11900 ft

Time: 9 A.M

Today is the the most challenging phase of your trek, The trail will test your endurance to the limit. Make sure to fill up your water bottles before starting, as there will be no settlements between here and Sandakphu. We will climb through barren mountain roads with scarce vegetations as we would be almost above the tree line. You can take short cuts in between which will cut down the time but will considerably increase the strain on your legs. Milestones along the way would motivate you as you will see the destination come nearer and nearer. Once reaching the summit, all your hard work will pay off, as you will witness the wonder called Sleeping Buddha at its full glory. Sandakphu has the distinction of offering the view of 4 of the top 5 highest mountain peaks of the world. Apart from Kanchenjungha, it also offers the view of Mt Kanchenjungha, Makalu and Lhotse along with several other high peaks of the Himalayas. On reaching Sandakphu, you can settle down for a bit and then set out to explore the area. Your aching muscles will beg you to call it an early night, but make a mental note to wake up early enough to catch the most beautiful sunrise ever.

Day 5: Sandakphu to Srikhola

Distance: 12 Km

Duration: 5 hours

Altitude: 6900 ft

Time: 8 A.M

After witnessing the magnificent sunrise from the highest point of west Bengal, you will get ready for the last phase of your trek. We have a lot of distance to cover today, so we will start quite early. Inspite of the distance we will have a fairly relaxed trek today as it's a steady descent. We will descend through rich forest which will get denser as we descend. We will walk through bamboo forests and if lucky enough may also have a glimpse of the famous Red Panda lurking in the trees. You will have a brief rest point at Gurdum, where also you can indulge in some snacks and fill up your water bottles. A further descent through some rich pine forest will lead you to the upper Srikhola. You will already be able to hear the gurgling sound of the river. The last 2 km stretch of the trail will let you through the settlement of Srikhola, until you reach the river, where will be the final pit stop of the trek. Once reaching the homestay, enjoy the hospitality while you revel in the glory of completing your trek. You can relax by the river while your celebratory dinner is being prepared. Enjoy a sound sleep as the gurgling river sing you a lullaby and your aching muscles receive a much needed rest.

Day 6: Drive to NJP/Bagdogra

Distance: 130 Km

Duration: 6 hours

Time: 9 A.M

Today you say goodbye to the Singalila National Park as you drive down towards NJP. Post breakfast you can take some cool insta worthy photos at the hanging bridge in Srikhola. After that you journey takes you along the mountain paths back to the chaotic city life. The cab fare to Siliguri is Rs 8,000/- and will be shared by the trekkers. You will pass through the settlements of Rimbik, Dhotrey and Maneybhanjan, after which the 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.