Sandakphu Trek
West Bengal
7 Days
Max Altitude
12,000 FT
Grade
Moderate To Difficult
Duration
7 Days
Trekking KM.
68 KM
| Suitable for: | 10+ years |
| Experience: | First timer can apply, previous trekking experience is more appreciated. |
| Fitness: | cover 4 km of distance in 30 minutes without a stress. |
12,300 /Person
- +5% GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Sepi to Sepi
- Rs 245 Insurance (Mandatory) | Rs 2,500 Transportation (Optional)
Help & Support
- +91 9368692892
- 10:00 hrs to 18:00 hrs Monday - Saturday
GMT +5:30
Sunday Closed - [email protected]
Overview
Trek Info
- Trail TypeA cross over trail. The trek starts from Kopidana and ends at Sepi
- Rail HeadNew Jalpaiguri (NJP)
- AirportBagdogra
- Base CampKopidana 84 Km Drive 5 hrs
- Best Season
- Winter Treks (Mid Nov - Mid Feb)
- Spring Treks (Mid Feb - Mid Apr)
- Summer Treks (Mid Apr - Jun)
- Autumn Treks (Sep - Mid Nov)
- SnowIN WINTERS
- Services fromSepi to Sepi
- MealsMeals while on trek & at Hotel/Guesthouse (Veg & Eggs)
- StayTea House
- Region - West Bengal
- Duration - 7 Days
- Grade - Moderate To Difficult
- Max Altitude - 12000 Ft.
- Approx Trekking Km - 68 Kms.
Why is Sandakphu Phalut A Must-Do Trek?
The Sandakphu Trek in winter is a breathtaking challenge in the Indian state of West Bengal. Renowned for its panoramic views of the worlds highest mountains, including Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt Everest, this trek is a winter wonderland for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. From the summit, one can witness the four tallest mountains in the world – Mt.Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Kanchenjunga in the popular ‘Sleeping Buddha’ formation.
The trek takes place in the Singalila National Park, situated on the border between India and Nepal. It starts from various points, such as Maneybhanjyang or Dhotrey, and leads to Sandakphu, which is a prominent peak in the region. In winter, the trail is covered with snow and you can witness the beautiful snow-clad beauty of both West Bengal and Eastern Nepal. The crisp winter air and clear skies provide the ideal conditions for exploring the Himalayas.
Highlights
Spectacular Mountain Views
The most prominent highlight of the Sandakphu Trek is the panoramic view of the worlds highest peaks. You can witness Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga, along with numerous other mountains, creating a breathtaking visual feast.
Snow-Covered Landscapes
The entire region transforms into a winter wonderland, with snow-clad trails, trees, and meadows. The white vistas create a serene and picturesque setting, perfect for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Tea House Stays
Along the trek, youll have the opportunity to stay in traditional tea houses. These provide a comfortable and cozy respite from the cold, as well as a chance to savour the local cuisine.
Sunrise and Sunset Views
Watching the sunrise and sunset from Sandakphu is a magical experience. The changing hues of the sky and the snow-covered peaks create stunning vistas that are truly unforgettable.
Cultural Exploration
The trek allows you to interact with the local communities living in the region, gaining insight into their culture, traditions, and way of life. Experience the warm hospitality and learn about the unique customs of the Sherpas and other ethnic groups.
Who can participate
- Age; 10 years.
- First timer can apply; previous trekking experience is more appreciated.
- The climber must be fit and have sufficient stamina to cover 4 km of distance in 30 minutes without a stress.
- The climber should be able to carry a 10-15 kg backpack.
- Pulse rate at rest must be in between (60 to 90 beats per minute)
- Blood Pressure Reading must be in between (DIASTOLIC 75 – 85, SYSTOLIC 100 - 130 mm Hg)
- Respiratory rate at rest must be in between (12 to 20 breaths per minute)
- Should not have Liver and kidney issues
- Should not have Diabetes Mellitus, Bronchial Asthma, Epilepsy, Heart problems, Hypertension etc
- No pacemaker implant
- People with the Sinus issues please contact to trek coordinator before booking the trek
- If your BMI is not normal, Please contact our Trek coordinator before Trek booking.
- Junior trekkers (below 15 years) should have a company of parent/guardian.
- Trekkers between 15 to 18 years can come solo with the disclaimer form signed by parent/guardian.
- Medical & Disclaimer Form (Mandatory Documents) Click here
Health Awareness
Government Employees {SCL}
Government Employees can avail the benefit of Special Casual Leave (SCL) when you join us for a trekking expedition. As per the rules of the Pay Commission, Special Casual Leave can be availed for up to 30 days in a calendar year for trekking/mountaineering expeditions through a registered organization. Trek The Himalayas is a registered adventure tour operator by Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) and Ministry Of Tourism (MOT)
Trekkers have to apply for leave at least 20 days before trek departure date.
Note
Itinerary
Day 1 : Drive From NJP To Sepi
- Altitude: 6,400 ft
- Drive Distance: 130 km
- Stay: Teahouse
- Pick-up time is 10.00 AM from NJP railway station.
- Transportation Amount is not included in the trek cost
- Breakfast and Lunch exclude, and Dinner included
The journey to the beautiful Sandakphu trek begins today. Our team will pick you up from NJP Railway Station and you will be driven towards Sepi, which will be the base camp for your Sandakphu-Phalut trek. It is an uphill drive of about 130 km to the base camp and takes about 7 hrs. You will be passing through the native tea estates of Darjeeling and Sikkim as you drive towards Sepi. Momos and delicious Thukpa is a delicacy that you must surely try along the way. They are simply mouth-watering.
En route, your first stop will be Mirik, which is also a popular tourist destination in West Bengal. This picturesque and quaint hill station is located in the serene hills of the Darjeeling district. The climate and natural beauty of Mirik attract a lot of tourists here. We will reach Mirik at around 1:00 clock in the afternoon, where we will have our lunch. Try the local delicacies, they are simply great!
After your lunch, we will resume our journey again towards Sepi, which is your base for the trek and is definitely also a very pretty campsite. The greenery surrounding Sepi makes it look very beautiful and feel pretty close to nature here. Srikhola spring also cuts through the village of Sepi, which adds to the beauty of the landscape.
En route to Sepi, you will also cross some charming villages like Rimbik, Sukhipokhri, and Dhotrey as well. The more you travel uphill, the more tranquil it becomes with no noise of bustling city life all around you. Your accommodation for today will be arranged in a homestay. So, enjoy the hospitality and rest well as you begin tomorrow.
Day 3 : Trek From Gorkhey To Phalut
- Altitude – 11450 Ft.
- Trek Distance – 15 Km.
- Altitude Gain – 3905 Ft.
- Hot lunch on the way at aalu bari
- Stay in camps
Start your trek early in the morning from Gorkhey towards Phalut. It is about 15 km from Gorkhey. The beautiful Gorkhey Khola flows through the village of Gorkhey after which it is named. It is a tributary of the Ramam River. Crossing this picturesque setting we will head on towards Phalut.
You will again cover long sections of forested trails today, be prepared as you have to continue ascending for a long distance and at some points, the ascent can be pretty steep. You may spot plenty of Oaks and Rhododendrons on the forested path. Maintain a steady pace along the trek.
It takes about 5 hrs to reach Phalut. Phalut is one of the highest peaks of the Singalila Range, it is the second-highest point after Sandakphu Ridge. To reach from Gorkehy to Phalut, you also need to get permits, which can be acquired from the Gorkhey check post.
En route to Phalut, you will get to see the Singalila Range from up close and you will get to see a stunning view of the Kanchenjunga Massif as well. The closer you get to Phalut the more beautiful the landscape gets. At 11,450 m Phalut offers stunning mountain views. Your stay is arranged in camps and after a delicious dinner, you will rest under the canopy of a million stars. Keep in mind that Phalut does not have electricity and everything runs on the solar panel, so keep extra batteries and power banks with you for your gadgets.
Day 4 : Trek From Phalut To Thakom
- Altitude – 11217 Ft.
- Trek Distance – 10 Km.
- Altitude Less – 233 Ft.
- Packed lunch on the way
- Accommodation in camping
The next day we will start our journey towards Thakum. If you didn’t know Thakum campsite is located in Nepal, so we will be skirting the Indo-Nepal border into Nepal. Thakum is a beautiful valley that falls on the way to Sandakphu between Sabargram and Sandakphu and has a very soothing and relaxing vibe with beautiful meadows and a picturesque setting.
En route to Thakum, you may spot some Yaks grazing in the meadows and you have crossed the Indo-Nepal border into Nepal. Although it is a remote and unknown location, the views here are stunning and extremely admirable. The route to Thakum is also lined with a thicket of Rhododendron trees.
Sleeping Buddha formation stays in the backdrop as you cross some abandoned huts and cattle grounds. From Thakum, several routes branch into Nepal. This is your campsite for the night. We will pitch our tents here and rest for the night.
Day 6 : Trek From Aal To Timbure via Sandakphu
- Altitude – 6560 Ft.
- Sandakphu Altitude – 11930 ft.
- Trek Distance – 14 Km.
- Altitude Gain – 330 Ft.
- Altitude less – 3700 Ft.
- Hot lunch on the way at Gurdum
- Accommodation in Tea House
The stretch from Aal to Timbure is about 14 km. As we start from Aal after 3km we will reach Sandakphu. We start early in the morning so that you can watch the sunrise from the top of Sandakphu. It is one of the prettiest sights we will ever see. The first rays of sun over the snow-capped sleeping buddha cover it in an alpenglow that is way too beautiful to be described in words.
Watching the sunrise at Sandakphu and spending some time at the summit we will head towards Timburey, our next campsite. From Sandakphu it is about 10km to Timburey and takes about 4 hours to complete. As you head towards Timburey, Gurdum is the first village that you will come across. Gurdum is a postcard-perfect village with only 4 to 5 dwellings. It is one of the remote Himalayan villages. Surrounded by forests and Himalayan mountains, Gurdum also offers a private stay for tourists in its scenic setting.
Timburey is not far from here. After trekking for another 3 km you will arrive at Timburey, your campsite for the night. There are also a couple of home stays here and we will be staying at one of the local tea houses.
How To Reach
- Pick Up Place
- Drop Place
- Note
Our Pick-up location is New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP) railway station
Plz Note:- Transportation Amount is not included in the trek cost.
Options to reach New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP) railway station:-
1. Taking a flight to Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal, and take a cab to NJP railway station, it’s 20 km away and will take 45 minutes.
- Domestic: There are various direct and indirect flights from other cities. You can take direct flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati and other cities.
- International: International terminal is well equipped with modern amenities. Druk Air is the airline which provides international flights to the passengers. International flights connect with Paro in Bhutan and Bangkok. These flights are direct and comfortable.
2. Take a train to New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP) that is well-connected to major cities like Kolkata, Guwahati, Delhi and Mumbai.
Please click on Note section to know about Pick-up timing and vehicle type.
-Pick-up timing will be 10:00 am at New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP)
-Dropped will be at New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP) by 06:00 PM, for onward journey from NJP it is advised to make arrangements after 08:00 PM.
-TTH’s Tata Sumo, Tempo Traveller or similar vehicles will pick-up you.
-If you wish to upgrade the transport service, please contact the Trek Coordinator.
Trekkers will be dropped at New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP).
The distance from Railway Station to Bagdogra Airport is 20 km, it will take approx 40 minutes.
Cost Terms
- Inclusions
- Exclusions
- Note
- Tour Fee
- Cancellation Policy
1. Accommodation – Day 1, Day 2, and Day 6 Stay in a Tea house (Triple/quad sharing Male and female separately ) / Day 3, Day 4, and Day 5 in a Tent (2 people in one tent)
2. Meals while on trek (Veg.) - Dinner at Sepi on Day 1 to Breakfast at Timbure on Day 7
3. Crampon (if required) – As per the snow condition
4. All necessary permits entry fees and forest fees
5. First aid, medical kit, and oxygen cylinder
6. Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader, guides, cook and Support staff
1. Any kind of personal expenses
2. Food during the transit
3. Transport NJP to Sepi and return
4. Any kind of emergency evacuation charges
5. Mules or porter to carry a personal backpack
6. Anything not specifically mentioned under the inclusion head
7. Transport cost.
Things can be provided on demand and availability (participant has to pay extra for these things)
1- Satellite phone/setphone - is a type of mobile phone that connects via radio links via satellites orbiting the Earth instead of terrestrial cell sites like cellphones. Therefore, they can operate in most geographic locations on the Earth's surface.
2- Gamow/PAC HAPO Bag (Portable Hyperbaric Bag) - is a unique, portable hyperbaric chamber for the treatment of acute mountain sickness (AMS), also known as altitude sickness.
3- AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) - are portable life-saving devices designed to treat people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, a medical condition in which the heart stops beating suddenly and unexpectedly
-Normally TTH expect to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you wish to offload your backpack, you can give it to Mule.
Charges of offloading backpack:-
-INR 1800/- if you make an online payment, 10 days in advance
-INR 2500/- if you inform us after reaching NJP
-The backpack cannot weigh more than 11 kgs. Backpack should have waterproof cover. Suitcases/strolleys/ bags will not be allowed. Paying the Trek/ Adventure activity fee:
Special Offers
Make a single payment and trek the number of times you want.
If you book a trek with Trek The Himalayas and are unable to complete the same or you have successfully completed that trek and want to do it again, you can repeat it multiple times without paying the cost of the trek.
Terms and conditions
-This offer is a non-transferable.
-This offer is valid for Trek The Himalayas limited fixed departures.
-This offer is valid for 5 years from the date of booking.
-This offer is not valid if the participant has received a cash refund or voucher at the time of cancellation.
-Participants don’t have to pay for the trek cost but have to pay for transportation and trek permit costs.
Trek Cost - Rs 12,300 (Sepi to Sepi)
GST - 5% (Mandatory)
Insurance - Rs 245 (Mandatory)
Transportation - Rs 2,500 (NJP to Sepi and return) (Optional)
Off load Backpack - Rs 1,800 Online (Optional)
The add-on options can be selected during the booking process. In case you miss selecting it at that time, you can simply log in to your account and book the add-on option from there.
Cancellation terms:
For the cancellation of services due to any avoidable/unavoidable reasons, Trek The Himalayas must be notified of the same in writing at [email protected] At the time we receive your written cancellation, refunds based on the total fare are as follows.
Cancellations prior to 25 days from the start of the Trip
Refund options
- 5% deduction of trek fee
- 100% cash voucher for any trip till one year
Cancellation between 24 days and 15 days to the start of the Trip
Refund options
- 30% deduction of trek fee
- 100% cash voucher for same trip till one year
- 85% cash voucher for any trip till one year
Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the Trip
Refund options
- Book the same trek, in the same season, with any other batch
- 50% deduction of trek fee
- 80% cash voucher for same trip till one year
- 70% cash voucher for any trip till one year
Cancellation less than 9 days to the start of the trek
Refund options
- Transfer your trek (same trek, same batch) to your friend
- No cash refund
- 20% cash voucher for the same trip till one year
- 10% cash voucher for any trip till one year
In the unlikely event that TTH cancels a trek prior to the scheduled departure date:
While it is extremely rare for TTH to cancel a trek, we understand that unforeseen circumstances or natural disasters may occasionally require us to do so before the scheduled departure. These circumstances could include continuous rain or snow, thunderstorms, snowstorms, landslides, floods, earthquakes, or any other natural calamity that poses a risk to the safety of our trekkers. Additionally, unforeseeable events such as local riots, curfews, pandemics, lockdowns, government orders, or any similar situations that compromise the safety of the trekking experience may also necessitate a cancellation.
In the event of such a cancellation, TTH will provide you with a voucher equivalent to the amount you paid for the trek. This voucher can be redeemed for any of our treks within the next year, allowing you to still enjoy an adventure with us at a later date.
Note
- The issuance of a voucher is not applicable in situations where you are required to descend from the trek for any reason. The trek leader may make the decision to send you down from the trek due to factors such as insufficient fitness level, symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), high blood pressure, exceeding the designated turn-around-time, health concerns, or if you are found smoking, drinking, or violating the rules set for the trek. In such cases, the provision of a voucher does not apply.
In the rare event that TTH shifts a trek:
We would like to emphasize that weather conditions in high-altitude areas are highly unpredictable and can undergo sudden changes at any time, irrespective of the day. Additionally, circumstances beyond our control, such as natural disasters, political unrest, pandemics, and lockdowns, may impact the feasibility of conducting a trek. In cases where we are unable to proceed with an event due to such circumstances that are beyond our direct control, we will make every effort to provide you with an alternative trek that is safer and more suitable.
In such situations, we will issue a voucher to offset the cost difference between the originally scheduled trek and the alternative trek. This voucher can be redeemed at any time within one year from the date of issue. Please note that a refund fee or reimbursement of the cost difference is not applicable in these cases.
Note:
- Change of trek batch is dependent on the availability of seats in the batch
- In case of transferring a trek to a friend, he/she should satisfy all the mandatory requirements put forward by TTH
- TTH holds the right to change/cancel the policies, without prior notice
- Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers
Cash Voucher Terms:
- This is a non-transferable voucher
- The voucher cannot be merged with any other offer of Trek The Himalayas
- The voucher is valid for Trek booked directly with Trek The Himalayas in India
- To avail the voucher please use your register phone number or e-mail id
- All the other Terms of booking a trek with Trek The Himalayas are applicable to the voucher
- Trek The Himalayas holds rights to add/remove any of the Terms and Conditions without prior notice
Itineraries are based on information available at the time of planning and are subject to change. "Trek The Himalayas" reserves the right to change expedition dates, people or itineraries as conditions warrant. If a trip must be delayed or the itinerary changed due to bad weather, road conditions, transportation delays, government intervention, airline schedules, sickness, or other contingency for which TTH or its agents cannot make provision, the cost of delays and/or other changes are the responsibility of the participant. TTH reserves the right to decline, or accept, any individual as a trip member for any reason whatsoever.
Trek Essential
- Basic Gear
- Clothes
- Personal Utilities
- Head Gears
- Foot Gears
| Back pack & rain cover | (50 - 60 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps |
| Day pack + rain cove | 20 - 30 ltr (If hire a mule or porter) |
| Walking stick | Advisable (At least one) |
| Water bottle/Hydration pack | 2 bottles of one liter each, People who use hydration pack 1 hydration pack and 1 bottle of one liter, Carry at least one thermos flask. |
| Personal Medical Kit | Consult your doctor |
| Snacks | Energy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors |
| T-shirts | 2 Full sleeves (Non-cotton) |
| Fleece T-shirts | 1 Nos. |
| Fleece jacket | 1 Nos. (Alternative: a woollen sweater) |
| Down feather / Hollofil jacket | 1 Nos. |
| Wind & waterproof (jacket & pant) | 1 Pair |
| Thermal inners (upper and lower) | 1 Pair |
| Trek pants | 2 Synthetic (avoid shorts, fitting denims, capris) |
| Windstopper Pant | 1 Pair |
| Waterproof gloves | 1 Pair |
| Fleece/woolen gloves | 1 Pair |
| Sunscreen cream | 1 Nos. |
| Moisturiser | 1 Nos. |
| Toilet Paper & wipes | 1 Nos. |
| Lip balm | 1 Nos. |
| Hand sanitizer | 1 Nos. |
| Antibacterial powder | 1 Nos. |
| Toothbrush and toothpaste | 1 Nos. |
| Quick dry towel | 1 Nos. |
| Head torch | 1 Nos. |
| Woolen cap | 1 Nos. |
| Balaclava | 1 Nos. (Optional) |
| Neck-gaiters | 1 Nos. |
| Sunglasses | Dark with side cover, it should be U/V protected, People who wear spectacles- (A)- Use contact lenses. (B)- Photo chromatic glasses. |
| Trekking shoes | 1 Pair (Waterproof, high ankle with good grip) |
| Floaters/flip-flops | 1 Pair (Optional) |
| Cotton socks | 5 pairs |
| Woollen socks | 3 pairs |
| Gaiters | 1 Pair (TTH will Provide) |
Important Links
Fitness
Fitness regime for:
| Moderate To Difficult |
Calculate Your BMI :
Your BMI value is
24.22
Congratulations, your body is in good conditions!
| BMI Range | Category |
|---|---|
| Less than 16.5 | Serverely Underweight |
| 16.5 - 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 - 25 | Normal |
| 25 - 30 | Overweight |
- If your BMI is normal, you can plan your fitness regime as mentioned.
- If your BMI is not normal, consult your trusted physician before you plan your fitness regime.
- If you're suffering from any chronic illnesses consult a medical practitioner.
Map
- Photos
- Videos
Gallery
- Photos
- Videos
12,300 /Person
- +5% GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Sepi to Sepi
- Rs 245 Insurance (Mandatory) | Rs 2,500 Transportation (Optional)
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