The northern part of the state of West Bengal is covered by the Himalayas, which provide ample mountaineering and adventure sports opportunities. Those who are beginners or have relatively less experience in the activity may go on the Sandakphu trek as it is quite easy. Your guide or tour representative will pick you up from New Jalpaiguri, and then you will drive to the village of Chitrey. Look at the bewitching peak of Kanchenjunga from here before starting your mountaineering excursion.

With this Sandakphu trekking package, you get a chance to cross the border and enter Nepal, and meander back to India while following the winding trail. During most of your journey, your eyes will feast at views of sky-touching mountains covered with snow. The trail will take you through forests of pine at lower altitudes, and those of oaks, deodars, pindrow firs and morinda spruces at higher elevations. On the way to Tumling, you arrive at a picturesque alpine meadow, offering views of mountains nearby. At several halts, scenic sunrises over the Himalayas will leave you spellbound, and the spell will only be broken by even prettier sights. From Tumling, you may also get to see the magnificent Mount Everest if the weather allows you. The final approach to Sandakphu peak will be the toughest due to the rapid gain in altitude, but also the most rewarding. Just as you reach the summit and look at the stupefying view, you will forget all about tiredness.

Sandakphu trekking will bring a well-balanced ratio of easy and tough sections as the path will keep climbing and descending. All said and done, it is one of the easiest mountain expeditions that you can undertake in the region, and is perfect for you to get better at hiking. At your lodgings near the summit, you will enjoy a little felicitation to celebrate the ascent, and the next few days will be spent solely in hiking downhill. In Rimbik, where your trip will end, you will have another round of celebration; this time with a scrumptious dinner, warming bonfire and good music.

Itinerary:

Day 1: NJP (New Jalpaiguri) to Chitrey​

On your arrival at New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP), meet a tour representative and drive towards Chitrey. The drive on the mountain roads meandering through tea estates and perfect pine forests, will take you to a viewpoint at a decent height. After a halt for a 10-minute break to take a gander at the town of Darjeeling below, you will continue the drive to Chitrey. After arriving here, transfer to your lodging and rest. In the evening, meet the porters who will carry your luggage during the Sandakphu trek, and during dinner, get briefed about the journey by your guide..

Day 02: Chitrey (6,400 ft) to Tumling Tonglu (9022 feet) (6 km)

Begin Sandakphu trekking early in the morning after a nourishing breakfast. You will first climb through forests, and after a while, you will reach a viewpoint, from where you will be able to see the beautiful gorge below. All along the hike, you come across various terrains, few rocky paths (gravel roads) with muddy sections and a few walks through meadows as well. At the end of this walk, you will reach a beautiful mountainous meadow, from where the Tonglu peak of the Singalila Range can be seen. On the way, you will cross various Tibetan villages, tea shops, Buddhist monasteries and lovely forests. And if you get lucky, you might even spot a Red Panda. The path again climbs from the meadow, and after hiking for approximately 20 minutes, you will take a diversion through the forest for Tonglu/Tumling. This little settlement lies on the India-Nepal border, and after you arrive here, you will be able to see the sweeping views of Sleeping Buddha. Retire for the night at your lodging.
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Day 3: Tumling (9022 feet) to Kalapokhri (9875 feet) ​

Wake up at dawn to watch the mesmerising sunrise over Mount Kanchenjunga.
Post a delicious breakfast, begin the next phase of your journey. This day, your Sandakphu trekking package will bring you to Nepal.
 
Today you will trek for 13 km to Tumling campsite to Kalpokhri. If the weather is clear, you may get a glimpse of Mount Everest before you recommence your hike from Tumling campsite. You first experience a good ascent for roughly an hour, and then encounter descend. Stop here and take a short break from walking continuously. From here, the trail comes down steeply, and in about 1.5 hours, you reach the border check-post in Gairibans, back in India. Once again you start gaining altitude from here, till you reach Kaiyakata. Stop here for a comforting lunch before going further.
 
Post lunch, continue the expedition for approximately 2.5 hours along a trail with moderate elevation gain, and reach the village of Kalapokhari. There is a small lake in the area, from where the village gets its name. The waters of the pond appear black, and it is said that even in the severest of winters, it does not freeze. This belief has given the lake a mysterious aura and it is revered by locals. On arriving here, head to your lodging and stay overnight.

Day 4: Kalapokhri (9875 feet) to Sandakphu (11929 feet)

Wake up early in the morning and travel towards the lake to witness a pretty sunrise. After watching the phenomenon, return to your lodging for breakfast. Post enjoying your meal, start your ascent to Sandakphu, which is at a distance of about 6 KM from here.

This stage of the Sandakphu trek brings the highest amount of altitude gain. Today you start at about 9875 feet and walk to a height of roughly 11929 feet above sea level. After climbing continuously for around 2 KM, reach the place called Beekaybhanjan and stop here to take a break.

After relaxing at this tranquil spot, restart your excursion to Sandakphu peak. You will walk pretty slowly for approximately 4 KM as the elevation keeps on increasing till you reach the top. As the hike will be tiring, you will take breaks at regular intervals. Before reaching Sandakphu, three mountain peaks will have to be crossed, and as you cross the third, your destination will be quite near. The final approach to the destination is difficult as the path keeps turning in a zigzag pattern after every 30-40 metres, and the trail is also steep. Once you reach here, you will get a wonderful feeling and all the tiredness of the tough trek will slowly fade away. Look at the views from up here and do not forget to take photos of them.

After a while, transfer to your lodging for rest.

In the evening, mark the success of your arrival at the highest point in the state of West Bengal with a small celebration, and then stay overnight at this place.

Day 5: Sandakphu to Srikhola (16 km | 5-6 hrs.)

Today morning, post breakfast, you will descend to Srikhola meandering through dense jungle that also holds magnetizing views of the mountains. The grueling yet beautiful trek is laden with myriad species of flora and fauna, and boasts of incredible landscape, perfect for your Instagram feed when you will be here. On reaching Srikhola, you will stay overnight.

Day 6: Exit from Srikhola and drive to NJP (150 Km | 6/7 hours)

In the morning, after seeing the beautiful sunrise midst nature, you will continue your return journey. You will exit from Srikhola road, and drive towards NJP station, which will take you around 7-8 hours to reach. And at approx. 2.pm you will reach the station, from where you can spend the rest of the time at your own leisure.