Experience a ride like no other.
Hop on a Land Rover in service since the late 50’s to the ‘Land of Land Rovers’.
Sway through winding roads and rough terrain, with the Sleeping Buddha mountain range to keep you company throughout.
Ride through bamboo and coniferous forests teeming with exotic Himalayan wildlife.
Take scenic stops for a cup of tea and photography sessions.
Spend a night at the peak to watch the stars at night and sunrise the next day.
We’ve chosen the best guides and homestays/accommodation for your trip.
Talk to our expert to customise your perfect trip.
This trip lasts 3 days and 2 nights.
Your journey begins at Siliguri. After your welcome, you will travel to Maneybhanjang (7054 ft) , a small town sitting on the Indo-Nepal border.
Once there, you’ll be shown your rooms in your homestay as you’ll be spending the night there.
Maneybhanjang is a tourist town in its own right, serving as the perfect transition from the climate in Siliguri to the one in Sandakphu.
With scenic hills and friendly locals, make sure to do some local sightseeing before you retire to bed.
Try out local foods like faleys or visit the Salamander pond near the school ground –
If you’re lucky you may get a glimpse of the super rare Himalayan Salamander.
You can also visit the Nepal side of Maneybhanjang for some local pork sausages or go shopping in town to prepare for the trip tomorrow.
After breakfast, you’ll be taken to your ride: a Land Rover. You’ll meet your driver, an expert on both the roads and the classic vehicle.
Your journey begins at the entrance to the Singalila National Park.
After the forest officer gives you the green light, your vehicle will start climbing the steep incline up to Chitrey.
The road there is like a tunnel of birch, fir and pine that leads to an open meadow.
Chitrey (8340 ft) is an open hill with a monastery and local shops. This is where you’ll first start seeing the Sleeping Buddha mountain range in the open.
After a while, you’ll pass Lamaydhura (8792 ft), a Tibetan hamlet., then Meghma (9514 ft). You’ll pass through forests of Chimal and Magnolia trees to reach the small village with a monastery.
Next is Tumling (9600 ft) to rest for the night. Tumling is a great place to view the Sleeping Buddha mountains, so a lot of trekkers spend the night here.
The entrance to the Singalila National Park is only a kilometre away from Tumling.
The nature reserve is home to Himalayan animals like the rare Red Panda, Pangolin, the Himalayan Black Bear and many species of birds.
After passing Gairibas (8600 ft), you’ll reach Kaiyakatta, a place where the road splits: one going to Nepal and the other staying in India.
Continuing your journey takes you to Kalipokhari (10,400 ft). Kalipokhari is named after the lake near the trail.
It is a black(kali) pond(pokhari) that never freezes, and is considered sacred. Covered in prayer flags, you’ll want to stop a while to see the lake.
Stop by Chowri Chowk for a sip of tea. Most of the drivers stop by this hamlet to stay the night because of the proximity to the peak.
After passing through Bikeybhanjang, you’ll reach the summit.
Sandakphu (11,930 ft) is the highest peak in West Bengal, which means you’ll see Darjeeling, Sikkim, Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan and the Kanchenjunga mountain range in clear view.
Your last stop is Phalut (11,790 ft). While not as tall as Sandakphu, Phalut is much closer to the Sleeping Buddha range of mountains.
You’ll be spending the night at Phalut.
Early at dawn, your homestay host/guide will wake you to show you the best place to watch the sunrise.
You’ll witness one of the most beautiful sights – The Kanchenjunga and Everest mountain ranges illuminated by the warm rays of early morning sun.
After breakfast, you’ll head back down the same route you came.
From Phalut to Maneybhanjang, and then to Siliguri.
Until next time.
Sandakphu’s famous Rhododendrons begin blooming by March. Flowers of all kinds decorate the landscape.
However, views may be obstructed due to the occasional showers and fog.
Autumn brings sunny days and clear skies, offering unobstructed views of the mountain ranges.
The Puja holidays in October makes this season a busy time for guides and hotels.
Book around the Pujas to avoid crowds.
Snow covers the hilltops during the winter. The best time to watch sunrises and sunsets.
You’ll need to carry the following legal documents for your trip:
Sandakphu is still cold during the Autumn, even more so during the Spring.
You will need 1 padded windproof jacket on top.
For a base layer, carry dry-fit T Shirts that quickly dry sweat or rain, preferably collared ones. You can also carry a thermal inner if you’re susceptible to cold.
For insulation, you’ll need 2 light fleece layers, 1 full sleeve light sweaters up top,
And at least 2 trek pants (not track pants) with additional thermal trousers.
Carry sunglasses for the day. Snow can get very bright.
You will need a wool cap/hat to help insulate your head during the night or when you’re watching the sunrise.
You will need at least three pairs of sport socks, along with woollen ones for night time.
Synthetic gloves with waterproofing on the outside are perfect to keep your hands warm.
Wear sturdy trekking shoes, with good grip and ankle support.
Carry two 1 litre water bottles with you. One of them can be a thermos if you want to carry warm liquids.
Carry a light toilet kit with a moisturiser, cold cream and lip balm. A small toilet roll will do and since there will not be any bathing, shampoos and soaps will not be necessary.
Carry the following medicines with you at all times. Do not take any medicine without consulting your guide.
Any medical emergencies will be handled by your trek guide. Consult your trek guide for any medical query.
Hiring a guide for your Sandakphu trek is mandatory. All guides are provided by the state government.
Homestay Tour will make sure you get the best guide available at the time.
Your guide is an expert. Please follow all instructions at all times.
You may also hire a porter (upto 20kg) for your trek. Please mention if you want to do so to our representative.
You will be without electricity and network coverage for most of your trek.
While some stops may have electrical or solar power to recharge your devices, treat it as a luxury.
Carry extra batteries for your Cameras, and power banks for your phones.
Make sure to insulate your batteries inside your packs for maximum efficiency, as the cold may sap your battery capacity.
Some areas of the route may connect your phone to Nepal’s mobile service, so beware of any roaming charges that may incur.
The food provided to you will be basic like rice, daal, noodles, etc.
If you’d like a Chicken meal, a pre order must be made.
You can buy packaged snacks, bottled drinking water, tea, coffee or beverages along the route.
Avoid drinking alcohol during your trek, as the lack of oxygen compounded with physical stress from exertion may put you in serious medical trouble, and getting to a hospital will not be quick or easy.
5 days starting at Rs. 11000/-
5 days starting at Rs. 11000/-
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