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PriceNote – Listed Price & Customisation Rules:
The listed trek price applies to our fixed departures for the specified itinerary. Trek fees including any add-ons for customized groups may vary based on your preferences, ensuring every adventure is tailored to your needs.

Group Booking Offer:
For groups of 8 or more booking together, the trek fee for 1 participant will be waived as a token to encourage shared adventures.

Scholarship for Kids:
Children under 15 years receive a 30% discount on the trek price, making it easier for families to explore the Himalayas together.

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Transport Price Note:
The transport price mentioned is only an indicative estimate per person, assuming a small vehicle shared by at least 4 participants.
Fewer participants → cost rises;
More participants → cost decreases.

Transport Selection During Booking:
Selecting transport during booking informs us of your preference. No payment is collected at booking.

Final Cost & Payment:
Final transport cost will be communicated before departure and to be paid directly to the cab driver.

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Itinerary Note:
This itinerary represents the most updated plan, but minor adjustments may occur due to operational needs or mountain conditions.

Sandakphu Trek

Sleeping Buddha Trail – Gateway to the Eastern Himalayas

Gallery

Trek Overview

  • Trek Duration: 6 Nights / 7 Days
  • Trek Grade: Moderate
  • 🏔️ Max Altitude: 11,930 ft (Sandakphu Top)
  • 📏 Total Trek Distance: ≈ 80 km
  • 🌤️ Best Time: October–May
  • 🗺️ Region: Singalila Ridge, Darjeeling District
  • 📍 Start Point: Manebhanjan
  • 🏁 End Point: Srikhola
  • 🧥 Cloakroom facility: Not available

Price starting from ?

INR 14,900 * Manebhanjan to Srikhola

Terms & Conditions | Inclusions & Exclusions | Cancellation & Refunds

Addons (Optional)

  • Transportation – INR 4,000 (* NJP / Bagdogra to NJP / Bagdogra) ?
  • Offloading-Bags – INR 3,000 (* Maximum weight 9kg/bag)

Customize your trek to suit your preferences.

Sign up for our fixed departure dates below.

Registration Dates January 2026

03 Jan - 09 Jan Loading…

Registration Dates February 2026

Registration Dates March 2026

Registration Dates April 2026

Walking The Trail

The Sandakphu–Phalut Trek is a journey along one of the most iconic ridgelines in the Himalayas — a trail that rises and falls along the Indo–Nepal border, revealing the world’s greatest mountains in one sweeping frame. From the very first day, the landscape feels different: moss-covered oak forests humming with birdlife, mist drifting through ancient rhododendron trees, and long undulating paths that open suddenly into wide, wind-carved meadows.
As you climb higher into the Singalila Ridge, the horizon sharpens into a jaw-dropping panorama — Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga standing together like a silent wall of giants. At dawn, these peaks ignite in soft pink light, while at dusk the entire ridge glows in deep gold and crimson. The Sleeping Buddha — the legendary silhouette formed by Kanchenjunga and its neighbouring peaks — appears so close at sunrise that it feels alive, breathing with the rhythm of the mountains.
The route winds through the heart of Singalila National Park, a sanctuary of rare Himalayan biodiversity. Here, dense forests hide red pandas, black bears, yellow-throated martens, and an astonishing variety of high-altitude birds. Spring transforms the trail into a natural festival of blooming rhododendrons and magnolias, while autumn offers crystal-clear skies and crisp mountain winds.
Trekkers walk through charming border villages like Tumling, Kalipokhri, and Gorkhey — quiet settlements where prayer flags flutter from rooftops, children play outside stone houses, and warm homestays serve Himalayan meals cooked with local ingredients. The blend of Nepali and Indian cultures along this route is unlike anywhere else in the Himalayas: a fusion of languages, traditions, and hospitality that enriches every step of the journey.
From cloud-draped forests to ridges that soar above the world, Sandakphu and Phalut offer an experience that balances adventure with soulful beauty — a trek where the mountains feel close, the culture feels alive, and every viewpoint leaves you humbled by the scale of the Eastern Himalayas. Perfect for fit beginners and seasoned trekkers alike, this is a route that stays with you long after the trail ends.
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Highlights

✅ View the legendary Sleeping Buddha formation including Kanchenjunga, Pandim & Kumbhakarna

✅ See four of the world’s five highest peaks from one viewpoint — Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga

✅ Walk along the Indo–Nepal border through forests of rhododendron and bamboo

✅ Experience the Singalila National Park – home to the elusive Red Panda

✅ Stay in charming Nepali and Sikkimese tea houses offering warm hospitality and hot local food

✅ Panoramic sunrise and sunset from Tumling, Sandakphu, and Phalut

✅ Blend of Indian, Nepali, and Tibetan cultures across villages

Itinerary

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• Drive Distance: ~85 km | Duration: 4–5 hrs.
• Arrive at New Jalpaiguri (NJP) or Bagdogra Airport and drive through scenic Darjeeling hills via Sukhiapokhri to reach Manebhanjan, the gateway to Singalila National Park.
• The road winds through tea gardens and pine forests. Obtain your park entry permits here.
• Evening acclimatization walk around the bazaar and monastery.
• Overnight stay in a homestay or lodge at Manebhanjan.
• Trek Distance: ~11 km | Duration: ~6–7 hrs.
• The trek begins with a steep ascent on a jeep track passing through dense oak and rhododendron forests.
• You’ll cross Chitre village (8,400 ft) with its Buddhist monastery, fluttering prayer flags, and views of the snowline.
• The trail meanders in and out of India and Nepal — you can literally have one foot in each country.
• Reach Tumling by afternoon, a quaint Nepali village offering the first panoramic view of the Sleeping Buddha.
• Stay in a warm tea house and enjoy a spectacular sunset over Kanchenjunga.
• Trek Distance: ~13 km | Duration: ~6 hrs.
• The trail moves through Singalila National Park, alive with chirping birds and Himalayan flora.
• Cross Gairibas (8,600 ft) – a small settlement where you can rest and have tea.
• From here, the trail ascends gradually through bamboo and magnolia forest to Kaiyakatta and then Kalipokhri.
• The black sacred lake 'Kalipokhri' (meaning black water) is fringed by prayer flags.
• The air is crisp and cool, often with mist swirling over the lake in the evening.
• Overnight in tea house.
• Trek Distance: ~6 km | Duration: ~3–4 hrs.
• A short but steep climb today as you gain nearly 1,500 ft.
• The trail passes Bikheybhanjang ('Valley of Poison'), named after a local poisonous herb.
• Final ascent to Sandakphu is steep but rewarding – the entire panorama of the world’s highest peaks opens up.
• On a clear day, see Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and many more.
• Sunrise and sunset from Sandakphu top is one of the most unforgettable sights in the Himalayas.
• Stay in a tea house; expect cold winds and sub-zero nights in winter.
• Trek Distance: ~21 km | Duration: ~7–8 hrs.
• A long ridge walk through rolling alpine meadows, rhododendron bushes, and dwarf bamboo.
• The route is mostly level with gentle ups and downs offering unending views of the snow range.
• Phalut is the highest point of the trek route and the best spot for a 360° view of the entire Everest–Kanchenjunga range.
• Overnight stay in a forest hut or trekkers’ hut at Phalut.
• Trek Distance: ~15 km | Duration: ~6–7 hrs.
• After sunrise at Phalut viewpoint, begin descent through forests of rhododendron, chestnut, and pine.
• Gorkhey is a stunning riverside hamlet surrounded by forests – one of the most beautiful Himalayan villages.
• Refresh your feet in the icy Gorkhey Khola stream.
• Stay in a wooden homestay and enjoy local food cooked over a wood stove.
• Trek Distance: ~12 km | Duration: ~4 hrs + Drive ~6–7 hrs.
• The final leg is an easy descent through dense forest alive with birdsong.
• Cross Samanden and Rammam villages before reaching Srikhola.
• From Srikhola, drive back to NJP / Bagdogra.
• Trek concludes with lifetime memories of the Sleeping Buddha and warm village hospitality.

Packing list

For a comprehensive packing list, download the PDF below: Download Packing List

Did you know?

The “Sleeping Buddha” formation isn’t just poetic — it’s a precise alignment of Himalayan peaks. When viewed from Sandakphu or Phalut, Kanchenjunga forms the torso, Kumbhakarna the face, and Pandim the feet, resembling a sleeping figure of Lord Buddha. This alignment is visible only from this part of the Eastern Himalayas.
Sandakphu literally means “Height of the Poison Plant” — named after the Aconite flower, a rare Himalayan plant that grows abundantly here and is highly toxic if consumed.
Singalila National Park, through which the trek passes, is one of the few regions in India where you can spot the endangered Red Panda in the wild. Bird enthusiasts can also find over 150 Himalayan species, including blood pheasants and satyr tragopans.
The trail lies along the Indo–Nepal border, and at many points trekkers unknowingly walk in and out of both countries. Tea houses on one side of the ridge belong to India, while those on the other belong to Nepal — no checkpoints, just open friendship across borders.
The region is home to the old British Land Rovers, dating back to the 1950s, which still operate between Manebhanjan and Sandakphu — one of the steepest motorable routes in the Himalayas.
Spring (March–May) turns the trail into a riot of rhododendrons and magnolias, while winter (Nov–Jan) transforms it into a snowy wonderland with crystal-clear mountain views.
Phalut, the highest point of the trek, holds immense spiritual significance for locals. The name derives from the Lepcha word “Falut”, meaning “peak at the end”, and locals believe it to be the abode of mountain deities.
Spring (March–April) transforms the Singalila forests into a rhododendron paradise, while autumn (October–November) offers the clearest views of the Himalayan range. During winter, the upper trails turn into a snow wonderland, making it an all-season Himalayan gem.
Despite being moderate in difficulty, the Sandakphu–Phalut trek is at high altitude (above 11,000 ft) and can experience sudden weather shifts — trekkers often witness clear blue skies one moment and swirling mist the next, making every day an unpredictable mountain drama.

Map

How to reach

✈️ Air: Nearest Airport: Bagdogra (IXB), ~85 km from Manebhanjan. Regular flights from Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati.

🚆 Train: Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (NJP). Overnight trains from major Indian cities. From NJP, drive to Manebhanjan (4–5 hrs).

🛣️ Road: Shared jeeps and taxis available from Siliguri, Darjeeling, or NJP to Manebhanjan. Permit for Singalila National Park obtained at entry gate.

🗺️ Travel Tip: Avoid arriving late in Manebhanjan — park permits close by evening. Carry some Nepali currency if needed for tea houses inside Nepal.

TrekFAQs

  • Anyone with basic fitness and no major health issues can do this trek. Daily walks of 8–10 km are manageable due to gradual altitude gain and availability of tea houses. However, participants must be comfortable walking uphill for 5–6 hours a day.
  • Yes. The Sandakphu trek is among the best beginner-friendly Himalayan treks since accommodation and food are available en route, and altitude gain is gradual.
  • Spring (March–May) for rhododendrons, Autumn (October–December) for clear mountain views, and Winter (January–February) for snow-covered trails.
  • Unlike most treks, Sandakphu offers homestays and tea houses throughout the route with beds, blankets, and simple but warm local meals.
  • Yes. Singalila National Park permit is mandatory and issued at Manebhanjan. If you’re trekking via Nepalese sections, separate ID proof (passport, voter ID, or Aadhaar) is required but no visa.
  • The panoramic view includes Kanchenjunga, Pandim, Kumbhakarna, Kabru range, Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu — often called the ‘Sleeping Buddha’ formation.
  • In Oct–Dec, expect clear skies with daytime 8–12°C and subzero nights. In March–April, temperatures are milder (5–15°C) and forests bloom. Winters (Dec–Feb) bring snow above Tumling.
  • Network available at most villages (BSNL and Jio better). Tea houses offer charging (sometimes paid). No coverage between Phalut and Gorkhey.
  • Yes. A unique feature — Land Rovers (from British era) can reach Sandakphu via a motorable trail, though the ride is extremely rough. Most trekkers prefer walking.
  • Yes, every village and tea house provides filtered or boiled water. Carry two bottles and refill at stops. Streams also available between sections in summer.

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How Our Treks Are More Than Just a Trek

Every journey with us is carefully crafted for a deeply personal mountain experience.

Not Just a Trek — A Journey That Stays With You

Every trail we walk is a carefully chosen path into the heart of the Himalayas — not just to witness their grandeur, but to feel them under your skin and soul. Our treks are designed not as bucket list checkmarks, but as life-affirming journeys. At Planethimalayas, we believe a mountain journey is deeply personal — and that belief runs through everything we do.

Individual Care, Every Step of the Way

We keep our groups small and intimate so we can focus on you — your pace, your concerns, your joy. From pre-trek guidance to trail-side support, our leaders walk with intention, offering safety and attention without intrusion. It’s this deep care that turns strangers into friends and walks into memories.

Built on Genuine Love for the Himalayas

We don’t just operate in the Himalayas — we live and breathe them. From respecting mountain communities to following Leave No Trace ethics, our treks are shaped by humility and care. With Planethimalayas, your trek becomes a way of giving back to the mountains that give us so much.

Why Choose Us

Experience the difference of trekking with genuine mountain experts who truly care.

Trek Leader & Guide

Led by certified mountaineers with wilderness first aid training, ensuring your safety and confidence at every step.

Cook & Support Staff

Our mountain crew comprises local experts who bring unmatched experience, warmth, and deep knowledge of the region.

Small Group Size

We cap our group departures at just 8 trekkers — ensuring individual attention, deeper connections, and better trail discipline.

Safety Standards

From personal well-being to technical preparedness, we maintain the highest safety standards — using certified high-altitude gear and comprehensive safety protocols to ensure a secure and reliable Himalayan experience.

24×7 Online Support

We're always available — before, during, or after your trek. Reach out anytime, and you'll always hear back from a real human.

We Care for the Mountains

We strictly follow Leave No Trace ethics. Limited group sizes and mindful practices help protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.