sandakphu trek price comparison

Sandakphu Trek Cost Comparison, Trek Plan, Trek Guide

Trek Name: Sandakphu Trek

Trail Difficulty: Moderate

Season: October to February & March to May

Length: Approx. 29 miles (48 km) Total

Altitude: 11,941 ft

Number of Days and Nights: 6 Days and 5 Nights

Sandakphu(3636 Mtrs) previously known as Santapur previously means “a place for the saints” is the highest point in the state of West Bengal and commands an inexplicable view of the Mt. Kangchendzonda (8586 m) range along with the Everest group-Mount Everest (8850 m) Lhotse (8516 m) Makalu (8481 m). It lies in the Singalila National park and a trek to this place takes the trekker through the wilderness of the National Park along with stunning vistas of exquisite flora and Fauna. Reaching the top of Sandakphu really becomes an occasion of celebration for the trekkers with the stunning views of five eight thousander peaks of the world right in front of them defying the perspective of size and makes one feel sheer nature at its best, the very reason for which BBC had listed this trek in the “10 things I should do before I die” program.

Location

It is located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal at an altitude of 11,941 ft.

The trek is famous for some of its picturesque landmarks like the Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Lhotse. Infact, apart from getting the chance to view four of the five world’s highest peaks from the Sandakphu trek, one can also get to view the Three Sisters and many other peaks of Bhutan, Nepal, Tibet in one single stretch.

Other than that, the trek has a diverse range of flora and fauna, which contrasts with the snow-clad white peaks and the evergreen forests. The Sandakphu trek is home to around 600 varieties of orchids.

It probably has the largest concentration in the world and during the spring one can see them bloom.

The Sandakphu trek also takes the traveler past the Singalila National Park. Here, travelers can get the chance to view of the most fascinating rare animals like Pangolins and Red Pandas. The national park is also home to a variety of birds.

Type of Trek

Throughout the trek, travelers will find an equal ratio of easy and tough sections in their journey. Nevertheless, the Sandakphu trek is considered to be the easiest mountain expeditions and can be the perfect start for anyone trying to get better at hiking.

Sandakphu Trek Highlights

1. Sleeping Buddha

2. Singalila National Park

3. Red Panda

4. Rhododendrons

5. World’s 4 highest mountain peaks

6. Stars gazing night

Sandakphu Trek Itinerary Details

Day 1: New Jalpaiguri to Chitrey

Travelers will begin their journey from New Jalpaiguri station from where they would be driving towards Chitrey.

Chitrey is a small village located in the thickly forested region of the Himalayas at a height of around 7218 feet. The distance from New Jalpaiguri Station to Chitrey is approximately 100 Km and will take approximately 4-5 hours to reach there by car.

In this village, one can get the chance to explore the colourful Buddhist stupas and monasteries. It is here that travelers will receive a brief about their journey.

Day 2: Chitrey – Tonglu/Tumling

On the second day, travelers will have to climb through pristine pine forests to reach the Tonglu peak of the Singalila range. On their journey, travelers will encounter many snow covered peaks and small hills. In between the journey to the Tonglu peak, trekkers will also have to climb across a mountainous meadow that will take approximate 20 minutes to hike. The Tonglu peak is situated on the India-Nepal border. It is here that travelers will need to spend the night.

Day 3: Tonglu – Joebari – Kaiyakata – Kalapokhri

After waking up to the mesmerizing sunrise over the Kanchenjunga, your next destination will be to Joebari. This is about 15 km from Tonglu and on the way travelers will have to cross the International border. The hike from Tonglu may first begin with a good ascent and then with a descent till one reaches Joebari. This may take an hour or two till you reach Joebari.

Once you reach Joebari, you will notice that the trail starts steeply. In about 1.5 hours, you will find yourself back in India (reaching the Gariban check post). You will soon reach Kaiyakata.

At Kaiyakata, travelers can take a break for refreshments and then continue their expedition to the village of Kalapokhari. This is a 2.5 hours trail with a moderate elevation slope. The village has a small lake and it is from this that the name of the village is derived. The water of the lake is black in colour and the local rumour is that the water of the lake does not freeze even during severe winters.

Day 4: Kalapokhri – Sandakphu

From Kalapokhri travelers will need to cover a stretch of 6 km before they reach Sandakphu. The Sandakphu trek will bring you the highest amount of altitude gain. From here you can climb up to a height of 11929 feet to reach a place called Beekaybhanjan.

After relaxing, you may begin your journey once again back to Sandakhphu trek. As the elevation keeps on increasing, you will find yourself walking slowly. You will need to cross three mountain peaks before you reach Sandakphu. The final destination will turn out to be difficult as you will find the path turning into a zigzag pattern.

Day 5: Sandakphu – Gurdum – Srikhola

Start climbing up to the Samandin village. Here, you can explore around and once you are done, you can continue your journey to the next village called Rammam. You can then descend towards Srikhola and spend the night there.

Day 6: Srikhola – New Jalpaiguri

The journey from Srikhola to New Jalpaiguri is the last part of the trek. From here, you will return home taking back wonderful memories.

Sandakphu Trek Cost Comparison, Best Price List

Trekking Company TimeNo. Of DaysGroup SizePrice / PersonContact
Adventure NationOctober to February / March to May6 Days8 - 10Rs. 8,000CLICK HERE
ThrillophiliaOctober to February / March to May7 Days7 - 8Rs. 9,000CLICK HERE
My Tour IdeasOctober to February / March to May4 Days2Rs. 15,000CLICK HERE
India HikesOctober to February / March to May7 Days7 - 8Rs. 9,750CLICK HERE
Renok AdventuresOctober to February / March to May8 Days7 - 8Rs. 9,500CLICK HERE
Ongoz EscapadesOctober to February / March to May8 Days2 - 10Rs. 12,500CLICK HERE

Sandakphu Trek Photo Gallery

Sandakphu Trek Route Map

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