It's the first day of your Sandakphu trek. Many of you will be arriving from different places, so we'll meet at NJP Station or Siliguri Station. Our representative will give you a warm welcome. After a short briefing and tea break, we'll head to Manebhanjan.

Note: From Siliguri Station, we can take a small rickshaw or auto to Darjeeling More, where our car will be waiting. From there, we'll drive up the hill to Manebhanjan.

The journey from the plains (NJP/Siliguri/Bagdogra) to the hills is enjoyable, with the Sukna forest, army camps, Sal and Teak forests, tea gardens, and local huts decorated with flowers. You'll also see all smiling children and happy people along the way.

After reaching Ghum Station, we'll take a left turn and go through Lepcha Jagat, Sukhia Pokhari, Simana Bazar, and then arrive at Manebhanjan, a small village near the Indo-Nepal border.

Manebhanjan is the gateway for your Sandakphu trekking. Depending on road and weather conditions, you'll reach Manebhanjan around 1 to 1:30 pm. We'll spend the night here. After lunch, rest and explore Manebhanjan. Visit the small Buddhist Pagoda, stroll around, and enjoy the evening. Stay at a hotel or homestay.

Note: Manebhanjan is the hub of the Singalila Land Rover Association, with 45 old British-era Land Rovers. Though their iconic green color has faded, they are still charming and reliable for the rocky roads.

Wake up early in Manebhanjan and set out to explore the locality once again. Manebhanjan is a beautiful town located right on the India-Nepal border, and in fact, there is hardly a visible border at all - you can stand with one foot in India and the other in Nepal. A morning walk here gives you a glimpse of authentic village life, with locals beginning their daily chores, children walking to school, and shops gradually opening for the day. Life in the hills starts very early, and the atmosphere in the morning is calm and refreshing.

After exploring, return to your homestay and enjoy a hearty breakfast before getting ready with your rucksack. If you need any trekking gear, this is the right place to buy it. Soon, we will begin our trek to Tumling or Tonglu, depending on weather conditions and availability, covering approximately 13 km through Chitrey, Meghma, and Tonglu. Along the way, visit the serene Chitrey Monastery, explore the small hamlet of Meghma, and trek through picturesque meadows dotted with rhododendrons and countless wildflowers.

During the trek, you will also come across trekkers from different parts of the world, including many international travelers who come here to experience the unique charm of nature and to witness the rare sight of all four Himalayan peaks above 8,000 meters from one place. After completing the trek, check in at your homestay in Tumling or Tonglu, freshen up, and spend the night amidst the peaceful charm of the mountains.

Wake up early in Tumling to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the snow-clad peaks of the Eastern Himalayas. On a clear morning, you may catch a dazzling view of Kanchenjungha glowing golden under the first rays of the sun, an experience that will stay with you forever. After enjoying this magical sight, return to your homestay for a warm breakfast and get ready for the next leg of the trek. Today's destination is Kalipokhri, a serene little hamlet about 12 km away. Just a kilometer from Tumling, you'll arrive at the Singalila National Park Check Post, where permits are verified before you continue further into this pristine Himalayan wilderness.

The trail soon leads you through enchanting bamboo groves and dense rhododendron forests, which are especially stunning in spring when the hillsides burst into vibrant shades of red and pink. After trekking for about 5 km, you'll reach Jhaubari, a small but welcoming settlement with just a handful of homestays. This quiet village offers a perfect glimpse of life on the Indo-Nepal border. From Jhaubari, the trail descends steeply for about a kilometer to Gairibas, a popular resting spot where trekkers often pause to sip hot tea or enjoy freshly steamed momos prepared by the locals.

From Gairibas, the journey continues with a long stretch through dense bamboo forests, where the air feels cooler and the trail winds gently uphill. The final approach brings you to Kalipokhri, named after the small black lake ("Pokhri" meaning pond in Nepali) located at its center. The lake is considered sacred by the local people, and prayer flags fluttering around its banks add to the spiritual charm of the place. The settlement itself is modest, with a few homestays offering simple but warm hospitality. As evening sets in, the temperature here can drop sharply, often falling below freezing, so make sure to layer up and keep yourself warm. Rest well at your homestay, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the mountains, and prepare for the adventures that lie ahead.

After breakfast, begin the final and most challenging stretch of your Sandakphu-Phalut trek. Today's trail covers about 6 km of steep ascent along rocky and uneven paths. The climb can be demanding due to the altitude, but every step takes you closer to the much awaited destination. After trekking for roughly 1.5 hours, you will arrive at Bikhey Bhanjang, a quaint little hamlet often called the "Valley of Poison" because of a local poisonous plant that grows abundantly in the region. Take a short rest here before continuing.

From Bikhey Bhanjang, the trail ascends sharply once again for about 4 km, leading you to Sandakphu (3,636 m / 11,929 ft), the highest point in West Bengal. Though the climb is tough, the breathtaking surroundings rhododendron forests, crisp mountain air, and distant peaks will keep you motivated throughout.

At last, as you reach the summit of Sandakphu, you will be rewarded with one of the most magnificent mountain panoramas in the world. Stretching before you is the legendary Sleeping Buddha formation of Kanchenjungha, along with a stunning view of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Chomolhari, all towering in their snowy grandeur. The sight of these giants together is a rare and unforgettable experience.

Spend the evening soaking in the views, capturing photographs, and enjoying the peace of the mountains. Overnight stay will be arranged at a cozy homestay in Sandakphu, where you can rest after this incredible achievement.

After breakfast, begin your return journey from Sandakphu with a 10 km trek down to Gurdum. The trail takes you deep into the heart of the Singalila Forest, where towering oaks, magnolias, and pines line the path. In spring, this stretch is especially enchanting, as the entire forest bursts into a riot of colors with blooming rhododendrons painting the hillsides in shades of red, pink, and white. The descent is comparatively easier than the steep ascents of previous days, allowing you to walk at a relaxed pace while enjoying the soothing silence of nature, broken only by birdsong and the rustling of leaves.

By afternoon, you'll arrive at Gurdum (7,150 ft), a small but picturesque mountain village tucked away in the forest. Surrounded by lush greenery and offering a serene atmosphere, Gurdum is the perfect place to pause and refresh yourself with a hearty village-style lunch. The peaceful ambiance and warmth of the locals make this hamlet a memorable stop on your journey.

After lunch, continue your trek for about 2 more hours to reach Srikhola, a charming settlement named after the mountain stream that flows gracefully through it. The soothing sound of gurgling waters, wooden bridges across the stream, and the backdrop of dense green hills give Srikhola a fairy-tale charm. On arrival, check in at your homestay, rest, and spend a relaxing evening by the riverside or simply enjoy the tranquility of the place. Overnight stay at Srikhola will be a peaceful end to your day's trek.

After breakfast, take a shared vehicle to NJP/Siliguri/Bagdogra via Rimbik, Manebhanjan, Sukhiapokhri, and Mirik. It's a long journey of about 160 km, taking 6-7 hours. Your Sandakphu Trekking Package ends with sweet memories.