Sandakphu Road Trip
Darjeeling, West Bengal
Difficulty
Easy to Moderate
No of Days
Maximum Altitude
3636m
Price
INR 9000/- per person NJP to NJP
Available Date
23rd Jan to 26th Jan 2025
14th Feb to 17th Feb 2025
28th Mar to 31st Mar 2025
12th Apr to 15th Apr 2025
About Sandakphu Road Trip
Sandakphu Road Trip: A Journey to the Highest Point in West Bengal
The Sandakphu Road Trip is a thrilling journey to the highest peak in West Bengal, standing at an altitude of 11,930 ft. This unforgettable road trip takes you through the Singalila National Park, offering panoramic views of four of the world’s tallest peaks: Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Lhotse, and Mt. Makalu. Starting from New Jalpaiguri (NJP), the route passes through picturesque villages, dense rhododendron forests, and rolling hills, ultimately leading to the breathtaking summit of Sandakphu.
Highlights of the Sandakphu Road Trip:
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Spectacular Mountain Views: Witness the grandeur of the world's highest peaks, including the entire Sleeping Buddha formation of Mt. Kanchenjungha.
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Scenic Drives: Navigate through misty forests, colorful villages, and winding mountain roads.
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Charming Villages: Stay in peaceful villages like Tumling, Kalapokhri, and Lepchajagat, known for their natural beauty and tranquility.
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Biodiversity of Singalila National Park: Explore the rich flora and fauna of Singalila National Park, famous for its rhododendrons, red pandas, and unique bird species.
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Cultural Immersion: Experience the local culture, hospitality, and cuisine of the small villages along the route.
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Offbeat Adventure: The rugged terrain makes this trip perfect for those seeking adventure and a break from the usual tourist spots.
This Sandakphu road trip is a perfect blend of adventure, nature, and serenity, offering an unparalleled experience of the Eastern Himalayas. Whether you're a nature lover, an adventurer, or a photographer, this journey promises breathtaking views and lifelong memories.
Note :- Sandakphu is a trekking spot, where you won't be getting any kind of network, the temperature during winter runs at around minus 10 degrees to minus 12 degrees. There is a scarcity of water in Sandakphu, use water wisely. The road to Sandakphu is very uncomfortable, steep, rugged, don't expect a very comfort journey to the Highest point of Darjeeling.
Itinerary
Day 01
Day 02
Day 03
Day 04
NJP to Tumling
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Distance: 80 km (NJP to Manebhanjan) + 11 km (Manebhanjan to Tumling)
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Driving Time: 4-5 hours (NJP to Manebhanjan) + 2-3 hours (Manebhanjan to Tumling via Meghma, Chitrey, LameyDhura and Tonglu.
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Arrival at NJP: Start your journey early from NJP (New Jalpaiguri) or Siliguri. Enjoy the scenic drive through lush green tea gardens and small hill towns.
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Drive to Manebhanjan: This small town is the entry point to the Singalila National Park and the starting point of the road trip to Sandakphu.
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From Manebhanjan, continue the journey in through the beautiful Singalila Pine Forest, as the terrain becomes more rugged.
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Drive to Tumling: The road to Tumling passes through dense forests, crossing small villages and winding paths along the Singalila Ridge.
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Scenic Views: Enjoy the first views of the Kanchenjunga range and the rolling green hills as you move towards Tumling.
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Arrival at Tumling: Tumling is a serene village on the Indo-Nepal border, known for its peaceful ambiance and stunning mountain views.
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Sunset at Tumling: Witness the sunset over the Himalayas, with golden light illuminating the surrounding peaks.
Overnight Stay: Lodge or homestay in Tumling.
Tumling to Sandakphu
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Distance: 21 km
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Driving Time: 4-5 hours by Land Rover
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Altitude: 11,930 ft
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Sunrise at Tumling: Wake up early to catch the sunrise over the Kanchenjunga range, often referred to as the "Sleeping Buddha" due to the shape of the peaks.
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Continue Drive to Sandakphu: After breakfast, begin the scenic drive toward Sandakphu. Pass through picturesque villages like Jaubari, Gairibas, and Kalapokhri.
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Kalapokhri: A small black pond with religious significance for the locals, offering a unique stop on the way.
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The final stretch from Kalapokhri to Sandakphu is steep and challenging but offers incredible views of the Himalayas.
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Arrival at Sandakphu: Reach Sandakphu, the highest point of West Bengal, offering panoramic views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Lhotse, and Mt. Makalu. On a clear day, the Singalila Ridge offers breathtaking views of the world’s highest peaks.
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Explore Sandakphu: Take a walk around Sandakphu to explore the area. Enjoy the incredible panoramic views and explore the small settlement.
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Sunset Views: Watch the sunset over the Kanchenjunga range, an unforgettable experience as the peaks turn golden in the evening light.
Overnight Stay: Lodge or guesthouse in Sandakphu.
Sandakphu to Lepchajagat or Gurdum
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Distance: 31 km (Sandakphu to Lepchajagat) or 13 km (Sandakphu to Gurdum)
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Driving Time: 4-5 hours to Lepchajagat or 3-4 hours to Gurdum
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Sunrise at Sandakphu: Wake up early to witness the majestic sunrise over the Himalayan peaks.
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Breakfast and Departure: After breakfast, begin your descent. Depending on your choice of destination, you can head to either Lepchajagat or Gurdum.
Option 1: Sandakphu to Lepchajagat:
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Route: Sandakphu – Kalapokhri – Gairibas – Manebhanjan – Lepchajagat
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Lepchajagat: This is a popular beautiful forested village, located at an altitude of 6,956 ft, is known for its peaceful surroundings, pine forests, and incredible views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. It’s a perfect spot for nature lovers and those looking for tranquility.
Option 2: Sandakphu to Gurdum :
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Route: Sandakphu – Kalapokhri – Gairibas –Maneybhanjang- Gurdum
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Gurdum: A small offbeat village located at a lower altitude, offering a very quiet and serene experience in the lap of nature. It’s ideal for backpackers looking to enjoy a secluded experience and close-to-nature camping.
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Explore the Area: Depending on your destination, explore the forests and nature trails in Gurdum or enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Lepchajagat.
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Relax at Homestay: Enjoy a relaxed evening with campfire activities, local storytelling, or stargazing.
Overnight Stay: Homestay in Lepchajagat or Gurdum.
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Breakfast and Farewell: After breakfast, begin your return journey. Both Lepchajagat and Gurdum offer scenic drives back to NJP, passing through forests and small hill towns.
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Drive to NJP: The route back to NJP takes you through lush forests, tea gardens, and scenic valleys. Stop along the way for tea or snacks, and enjoy the final stretch of your road trip. Arrive at NJP by afternoon/Evening, marking the end of your Sandakphu Road Trip. We will drop you to NJP Railway station, our service ends here, take only memories leave only smile
"What included"
Cost of transportation to and from.(NJP to NJP)
Cost of accommodation in Huts/Hotels/Homestays.
Cost of Fooding while on trek (Morning and evening Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner- meals will be provided).(Day 1:- Evening tea to Day 4:- Morning breakfast)
Cost of Permit fees.
Trip Co-ordinator
"What not included"
Cost of Personal expenses.
Cost of emergency due to bad weather conditions.
Cost of personal porter to carry to the homestays
Meals during transit i.e. meals while on road or travelling will not be provided. No meals will be provided in Last day (Day 4)
Cost of insurance.
Photo Gallery
Booking Policy:
To book your trek, you need to pay 30% of the trek fees as advance. Rest 70% to be paid seven days prior to the starting date.
One can pay the amount online(Net Banking, GPay, UPI ID).
Details to be shared on request.
Cancellation Policy:
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30 days before the trek date, full refund of the paid amount
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15 days before the trek date, 50% refund of the paid amount.
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Cancellation less than 15days to the start date of the trek, no refund possible
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In case Himalayan Passion cancels the trek or trip, full refund will be paid.
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One has option to send another person on their behalf.