Ever wondered what it’s like to be on the top, and enjoying a picturesque view of the world below you? Well Sandakphu trek allows it to do just that and more. Be above the clouds and walk along the path that gets you the gigantic Everest and Kanchenjunga by your side as they bestow you a once in a lifetime view of their grandeur with grand views of four of the World’s highest 8000-meter peaks – Mt. Everest ( 8850m, 1st), Kanchenjunga ( 8586m, 3rd), Mt. Lhotse (8516m, 4th) and Makalu (8481m, 5th). The panoramic views of the majestic Himalayas as you slowly trek towards the Sandakphu is unparalleled. The trek streamlines itself by meandering pathways touching India and Nepal and one will keep swinging in and out between the regions and villages of Nepal and India. The best part of it, it’s an moderate trek and thus any fit person can be up for it.
The trek starts from the NJP (New Jalpaiguri) station. New jalpaiguri as is known the gateway to the mountains true to the facts our journey to the top of starts from this busy town at the foothills of the Himalayas. After getting a steadfast aim for the journey ahead we move forward to Dhotrey. Dhotrey is in Darjeeling. Dhotre is a scenically blessed sleepy settlement at an altitude of 8,340 ft situated within the buffer zone of Singalila National Forest. It takes around 4 hrs by car from NJP. You will witness yourself gradually transcending to the interior of the Himalayas through winding roads as you climb up the mountains and leave the city and its concrete madness behind. Reaching Dhotrey, we’ll have a small refreshment & lunch arrangements for us. After taking this break we’ll start trekking for Tumling.The trek will start through a deep forest and beautiful rhododendron trees welcome you to enter into next place called Tumling. The Distance from Dhotrey to Tumling is 6 kms. The road towards Tumling has got ups and downs but not much in its extremities. As you slowly climb up the mountain trails you will witness the change in vegetation and beautiful views of the Himalayan ranges. Once reaching Tumling prepare to greet the ever mighty Kanchenjunga beaming with all its glory. All through the journey Tumling is the best place to view Kanchenjunga as it is closer in proximity than other locations along this trek. So be prepared to take some awesome snaps during sunset or sunrise. There is also a small lake here which stays frozen during the winter months and is a visual treat in itself for all the trekkers passing by. We halt for Tumling for the night and prepare for the next day.
Day 2: Tumling to Kalipokhri
After a good night rest we start again at 7AM onwards Kalipokhri. At a distance of 13km from Tumling at an altitude of 10,400 ft. this trek is moderately difficult as you will have some steep climbs . The word Kali means black and pokhri stands for water area , needless to say there is a water body which stands as a nature’s token for the tired trekkers passing by. As you gradually climb uphill you will pass through magnificently beautiful forests of oak, rhododendrons and bamboo. From here you can get the first glimpse of Sandakphu waiting to be conquered. We stay at lodge close to the lake and prepare for the next day trek to the summit.
Day 3 : Kalipokhri to Sandakphu
The final climb. The last stride to the summit of sandakphu starts early morning. This path has some very steep ups and downs with a very steep upwards path the last few kms. It would take around 3-4 hrs to complete the trek and reach the peak. If you are lucky and reach in time you will be able to see the sun setting down behind the horizon of the majestic Himalayas. The view from here is spell bounding to say the least. Bask in the glory of the Himalayas as it brushes away your worldly emotions and takes you to a surreal place above the skies.
Day 4: Sandakphu to Falut
Start early as there is lot of distance to be covered. The trails are the best you will encounter on this trek in terms of scenery and diversity of flora and fauna. You will walk on ridges and through meadows, and maybe even run down a few slopes with the wind blowing through your hair.
This route, in April and May, has an immense concentration of rhododendron in full bloom, and you will also have yaks for company in some places.Proceed north-east, following the logical trail. A 20 minute descent is followed by a 5 to 10 minute ascent and another short section of an easy descent. Gradual ascents and descents over 2 to 3 hillocks and you join the road again. This section takes 1.5 hours as you reach Thukumb Checkpost. Get your entry tickets checked here.
The trail to Sabargram is towards your right while the Nepal road goes via the left trail. Take a left via the Nepal trail and walk for 10 minutes till you reach a hut. Another 15 minutes on the same trail will connect you back with the trail to Sabargram. This stretch takes around 3 to 4 hours till you find yourself at Forest Check Post of Sabarkum. You will get the best views of Kanchenjunga while trekking to Phalut.The trail from Sabargram to Phalut is a 7 km zigzag route, which will take you about 2.5 hours to cover. There are a series of gradual descents and level field walks, each coming in intervals of 15 minutes. After this is a 1/2 km flat meadow walk followed by 1 km of steep climb, which can be negotiated by taking shortcuts.Look out for the trekkers’ hut on your way. From this point, you will reach Phalut by climbing steadily for about half an hour. The view point is on the hillock to your left. Reach there early to get magnificent views of the entire panorama of mountains and peaks.
Phalut is a small grassland with minimal or no vegetation. There is only a SSB camp, a forest guest house which can accommodate 8 people, and a GTA trekker’s hut which can accommodate 18 trekkers. Though this is a remote place, you get the closest views of the entire panaorama. We’ll put a stop for today’s journey here & stay there for the night.
Day 5: Falut to Bhareng via Gorkhey
From Phalut after having breakfast, you begin to descend. The trail passes through forests, with several openings. In the initial stretch of the descent, you will be able to view Pandim, Tenzingkhang, Jubanu, and Narsing through the openings. Continue on this trail for around 10 km to reach Gorkhey. The final stretch to reach the village is a steep descent through fields.While you’re at Gorkhey, make sure you walk through the village, across the bridge on the Gorkhey river to enter Sikkim. This will better enable you to absorb the beauty of the place. We’ll explore the surrounding beauty, the pristine beauty of Gorkhey river. The next phase of our trek begins from here towards Bhareng. It’ll take some more 4 hours of our trek post lunch. We’ll reach Bhareng afterwards by evening. We’ll stay here for the night here.
Day 6: Bhareng to New Jalpaiguri
After traveling for the last 5 days and conquering Sandakphu and witnessing all the Himalayas has to offer this quiet hamlet among the hills is the last stop our our journey. After having breakfast in Bhareng we’ll board cab to reach NJP, leaving behind the pristine beauty and the winding roads and taking along the memories to cherish forever and feed our forever hunger of wanderlust.
For the duration of this adventure, you will be staying in lodges / homestays, on a sharing basis Starting from day 1 to day 5.
There will be no couple sharing rooms.
Upgrade costs: Separate charges will be there if you want to upgrade your rooms. Please talk to us in person to get more detail. Also it is subject to availability.
By booking, you’re acknowledging the following guidelines of Desi Nomadz:
one must also follow some basic guidelines laid down by us so that the trek execution is smooth and easy. Here are few of the guidelines that are mandatory while you enroll for the trek
P.s -Though the list is exhaustive, we may add or remove some norms if required which will be informed prior to the start of the trek.
The more earlier your decide to go more easier it gets- As the trek traverses to arduous regions with no connectivity as such , home stays bookings need to be booked advanced many weeks back, also availability is another hurdle so its better to book in advance .Same goes for fooding. Desinomadz won’t take last minute requests for enrollment for an ongoing batch
Pack what’s necessary– Pack only what’s necessary. You would require to climb steep inclines and declines along the trek and needless to say a lighter baggage would go along way for a delightful trek. Pack what’s necessary only , avoid taking more baggage’s ,it will wear you down badly. If you are unsure what to take and what not to take we will be happy to help you for recommendation. Also we would share a list of items that need to mandatorily taken for the trek
Fooding– Prior to the start of trek we would be sharing the day to day menu for the entire trek. It would contain nutritious and light food that would keep you pepped up for the trek. The food won’t be over the the top level but will be sumptuous and locally prepared. Any extra food except what is there in the menu shared beforehand would be chargeable . You need to carry water all along the trek , though you would be getting packaged water all along the trek except few parts which you can buy.So it is advised to fill up your bottles in the hot springs sources or camps we would be staying in. We would carry zeoline for emergency purposes if required.
Accommodation – We would put ourselves in tents. During the stay kindly follow the local rules of the area and of the tents. Misbehavior, intoxication or any other means that may occur as unlawful or demeaning will not be tolerated.
Timeline – Desinomadz has fixed timeline and plan that need to be followed rigorously. Our Itinerary will stay fixed and it needs to be followed with utmost care. It is designed in a way to give you the balance of ample amount of rest and exertion for the trek.
Trek leader – A trek leader will be accompanying you the entire stretch of the trek . You need to thoroughly listen to his/her direction at all times. Problems faced if any while on the trek should immediately be informed to the trek leader and wait for his instructions.
Teamwork – You will be trekking as team with the trek leader at helm followed by the local guide. It is advised to stick together and share the common team vision and brotherhood as you go along. Be on the lookout for any problems faced by any other fellow trekmate and inform us. Moving as a unit makes the trek all the more , less tedious and more joyful.
Smoking, drinking or any other form of intoxication is not recommended during the trek. You would be trekking a lot and that puts your body under lot of toil and at that altitude you may feel nausea, vomiting and and many other health complications may arise. So its advised not to take any sort of intoxicating substances during the trek.
You are responsible for your safety – Though the trek to sandakphu is of moderate nature we strictly forbid any of our fellow trekkers to take shortcuts , stop at undesignated places without informing the trek leader. It is easy to get lost or get injured due to self made decisions. Listen and follow the trail taken by the trek leader and avoid putting unnecessary physical exertion to your body,it might cost you big time.
Prior to the start of the trek it is mandatory to sign and fill an agreement devised by us with your signature. It’s a standard level agreement consisting of your basic details and your agreement on the part that you are willing to take this trek in your own free will.
If a trip is called off at the last moment due to a natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rains, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh etc), Desi Nomadz will issue a trek voucher for the full amount. The voucher can be redeemed for the same trek or another trek in the next one year.
In case you wish to cancel your trek please e-mail us at support@desinomadz.com. Cancellation requests are not taken over phone.
The cancellation charges are as under:
Cancellations prior to 30 days from the start of the trek — full refund.
Cancellation between 30 days and 20 days to the start of the trek — 50% refund.
Cancellation less than 20 days to the start of the trek — no refund.
Please note:
If service purchased with a voucher code, then voucher amount will be deducted from deposit amount while refund to customer.
In case of refund, there will be a deduction of bank charges (if applicable) from the total fee you have paid. Also, if you have opted for a trek insurance, the amount will not be refunded.
This is a studio update from Cactuss. The whole Cactuss…
Detailed Itinerary
The trek starts from the NJP (New Jalpaiguri) station. New jalpaiguri as is known the gateway to the mountains true to the facts our journey to the top of starts from this busy town at the foothills of the Himalayas. After getting a steadfast aim for the journey ahead we move forward to Dhotrey. Dhotrey is in Darjeeling. Dhotre is a scenically blessed sleepy settlement at an altitude of 8,340 ft situated within the buffer zone of Singalila National Forest. It takes around 4 hrs by car from NJP. You will witness yourself gradually transcending to the interior of the Himalayas through winding roads as you climb up the mountains and leave the city and its concrete madness behind. Reaching Dhotrey, we’ll have a small refreshment & lunch arrangements for us. After taking this break we’ll start trekking for Tumling.The trek will start through a deep forest and beautiful rhododendron trees welcome you to enter into next place called Tumling. The Distance from Dhotrey to Tumling is 6 kms. The road towards Tumling has got ups and downs but not much in its extremities. As you slowly climb up the mountain trails you will witness the change in vegetation and beautiful views of the Himalayan ranges. Once reaching Tumling prepare to greet the ever mighty Kanchenjunga beaming with all its glory. All through the journey Tumling is the best place to view Kanchenjunga as it is closer in proximity than other locations along this trek. So be prepared to take some awesome snaps during sunset or sunrise. There is also a small lake here which stays frozen during the winter months and is a visual treat in itself for all the trekkers passing by. We halt for Tumling for the night and prepare for the next day.
After a good night rest we start again at 7AM onwards Kalipokhri. At a distance of 13km from Tumling at an altitude of 10,400 ft. this trek is moderately difficult as you will have some steep climbs . The word Kali means black and pokhri stands for water area , needless to say there is a water body which stands as a nature’s token for the tired trekkers passing by. As you gradually climb uphill you will pass through magnificently beautiful forests of oak, rhododendrons and bamboo. From here you can get the first glimpse of Sandakphu waiting to be conquered. We stay at lodge close to the lake and prepare for the next day trek to the summit.
The final climb. The last stride to the summit of sandakphu starts early morning. This path has some very steep ups and downs with a very steep upwards path the last few kms. It would take around 3-4 hrs to complete the trek and reach the peak. If you are lucky and reach in time you will be able to see the sun setting down behind the horizon of the majestic Himalayas. The view from here is spell bounding to say the least. Bask in the glory of the Himalayas as it brushes away your worldly emotions and takes you to a surreal place above the skies.
Start early as there is lot of distance to be covered. The trails are the best you will encounter on this trek in terms of scenery and diversity of flora and fauna. You will walk on ridges and through meadows, and maybe even run down a few slopes with the wind blowing through your hair.
This route, in April and May, has an immense concentration of rhododendron in full bloom, and you will also have yaks for company in some places.Proceed north-east, following the logical trail. A 20 minute descent is followed by a 5 to 10 minute ascent and another short section of an easy descent. Gradual ascents and descents over 2 to 3 hillocks and you join the road again. This section takes 1.5 hours as you reach Thukumb Checkpost. Get your entry tickets checked here.
The trail to Sabargram is towards your right while the Nepal road goes via the left trail. Take a left via the Nepal trail and walk for 10 minutes till you reach a hut. Another 15 minutes on the same trail will connect you back with the trail to Sabargram. This stretch takes around 3 to 4 hours till you find yourself at Forest Check Post of Sabarkum. You will get the best views of Kanchenjunga while trekking to Phalut.The trail from Sabargram to Phalut is a 7 km zigzag route, which will take you about 2.5 hours to cover. There are a series of gradual descents and level field walks, each coming in intervals of 15 minutes. After this is a 1/2 km flat meadow walk followed by 1 km of steep climb, which can be negotiated by taking shortcuts.Look out for the trekkers’ hut on your way. From this point, you will reach Phalut by climbing steadily for about half an hour. The view point is on the hillock to your left. Reach there early to get magnificent views of the entire panorama of mountains and peaks.
Phalut is a small grassland with minimal or no vegetation. There is only a SSB camp, a forest guest house which can accommodate 8 people, and a GTA trekker’s hut which can accommodate 18 trekkers. Though this is a remote place, you get the closest views of the entire panaorama. We’ll put a stop for today’s journey here & stay there for the night.
From Phalut after having breakfast, you begin to descend. The trail passes through forests, with several openings. In the initial stretch of the descent, you will be able to view Pandim, Tenzingkhang, Jubanu, and Narsing through the openings. Continue on this trail for around 10 km to reach Gorkhey. The final stretch to reach the village is a steep descent through fields.While you’re at Gorkhey, make sure you walk through the village, across the bridge on the Gorkhey river to enter Sikkim. This will better enable you to absorb the beauty of the place. We’ll explore the surrounding beauty, the pristine beauty of Gorkhey river. The next phase of our trek begins from here towards Bhareng. It’ll take some more 4 hours of our trek post lunch. We’ll reach Bhareng afterwards by evening. We’ll stay here for the night here.
After traveling for the last 5 days and conquering Sandakphu and witnessing all the Himalayas has to offer this quiet hamlet among the hills is the last stop our our journey. After having breakfast in Bhareng we’ll board cab to reach NJP, leaving behind the pristine beauty and the winding roads and taking along the memories to cherish forever and feed our forever hunger of wanderlust.
Included/Excluded
Accommodation and meals – Stay is included from Day 1 to Day 5 (Manebhanjan to Bhareng).Stay will be prebooked in homestays , tents**. 03 times Meals for the entire day (Breakfast, Lunch and dinner)**
Transport to and from the base camp – We will arrange shared/ dedicated vehicles for trekkers to pick you up from New Jalpaiguri Railway station and drop you back there.
Safety equipment – First aid, medical kit are take care off
Services of an expert Trek Leader – All our trek leaders are experienced.
Services of an expert guide – The mountain staff on this trek consists of well trained guides
Food during transit to and from the base camp – The trek fee does not include meals purchased during the journey.
Permit charges – All trekking permits charges are excluded.
Backpack offloading charges – We dont include porters in Sandakphu trek since we believe this is an easy to moderate trek and trekkers will enjoy the beauties and carry their own bags in this trek. However if anyone wants to take porter thats situational decision and that cost will not be considered into it.
In case of opting out from trek : If already the trek is ongoing and some one wishes to opt out from the trek due to some reasons and wishes to go back to the base, the cost incurred will not be born by Desi Nomadz.
Anything apart from inclusions.
Frequently asked questions
Stay on all days of trek except at Falut will be in homestays and trekker. Accommodations will be provided in homestays on sharing basis, triple / quad etc. cottage stays are basic in nature, no luxury amenities will be provided in homestays. Since our trekkers have joined this event for adventure purpose, we expect them to be mentally sound and strong.
Yes, Desinomadz trekkers will be provided with high altitude sleeping bags that can withstand temperatures as low as -3 ºC. Sleeping bags will be provided with extra charges per day rent basis which is to be informed to us prior to the start of the trek.
Summer day time temperatures will range from 13-18ºC and night time temperature will range from 3-5ºC. Winter day time temperatures will range from 8-15ºC and night temperature could drop to -5ºC.
You can expect to get snow on most parts of the trail in winter.
If it starts raining while you’re trekking, we will continue on the trail as planned. Your poncho should protect you from the rain. Carry a backpack cover for extra protection from rain for your belongings. When it rains at the campsite, we usually get together in the dining tent and play games. The tents that you will be staying in (on request) are water proof, so you will stay dry inside.
There are 2 seasons for this trek. Spring is best to make the most of the forest trail and to see rhododendrons in full bloom. Winters give you snow and great views of the mountains.
No. There are several websites that rent out trekking equipment. Desinomadz does not rent any equipment. We only have rent facilities for sleeping bags.
Sandakphu is a trek of moderate difficulty. A first timer can do this provided they have worked rigorously on their physical fitness. You will be required to walk long distances on most days.
Yes and No. We would recommend our fellow trekkers to make their backpack as low weight as possible. Offloading is dependent on availability of porters so if its feasible then only we can allow with some extra charges as put by the porter.
The minimum age requirement for the Sandakphu Falut trek is 10 years. If your child meets this criterion and is physically fit, you can bring her/him along.
An Desinomadz team consisting of a qualified Trek leader, local guide will be with you throughout the trek.
All homestays will have concrete toilets on common sharing basis. We will maintain the hygiene of these toilets. There may be dry toilets in some places , where you’ll have to use toilet paper. Please use plain toilet paper and refrain from using wet wipes since these are not bio-degradable. We therefore advise our trekkers to carry their own toilet paper
Desinomadz uses a well planned menu suitable for high altitude treks. Varied meals will be provided during the trek consisting of both veg and non veg (egg) items on various days during the trek. Be advised not to eat your stomach full as it will wear you down during the trek. You may carry nuts and dry fruits, chocolates to go by.
You will get drinking water at all the trekkers hut and homestays. We would also carry zeoline for emergency purposes. There maybe some places where you wont get any water, for that you need to carry water from the last available destination which we will foretell before the start of the trek. For your day’s trek, two liters of water should be enough.
You will get mobile network only at Manebhanjan, and then intermittently, after Gorkhey. So make sure that you finish your important telephone calls at Manebhanjan and inform anxious family members about poor connectivity during the trek.
You don’t need special snow shoes. A good trekking shoe is sufficient for the trek. We recommend a pair of shoes that is water resistant
No its not, though we highly recommend it if possible.
Alcohol is dangerous in extreme cold, especially on high altitudes. Contrary to what people believe, alcohol does not make you warmer. Instead it opens your pores making your body colder. Moreover, it dehydrates you very quickly. Hence consumption of alcohol is absolutely not recommended , except on some occasions only on our supervision during rest hours. Smoking, similarly, is not allowed during or before the trek. It could lead to severe health conditions as there is scarcity of oxygen in high altitudes.
Kindly check our itinerary tab for more information
At high altitudes, temperatures are sure to dip into negative at nights.. For these extreme cold temperatures, you need to keep the rule of 3 in mind. The rule of 3 usually takes care of cold that dip to -10°C. It is a simple formula of wearing 3 layers of woolen, inners and lower wear.
Follow this guide:
Wear one thermal and two T-shirts, three layers of woolens (two sweaters and a jacket). For your lowers wear a thermal inner with two layers of track suit. If you are prone to more cold, just add a layer.
The temperatures dip only late in the evening and early mornings. During the day if the sun is out, then you may even be trekking in your T-shirts. Make sure you use your thermal wear only at night and not while trekking.
A woolen cap/balaclava and gloves are a must.
We will inform you the must haves and have not’s prior to our trek which must be strictly followed with discipline. Each and every item on that list must checked and rechecked before joining the trek.
All high altitude treks come with their share of risks. At Desinomadz, we pay utmost importance to safety of trekkers. While we do our bit to ensure a trekker’s life is safe, we also expect any trekker who is enrolling with us to know what could go wrong, and if it does, how to tackle it. Before you go on the trek, make sure you’re thoroughly acquainted with the safety procedures followed on a trek.
The trail to Sabargram is towards your right while the Nepal road goes via the left trail. Take a left via the Nepal trail and walk for 10 minutes till you reach a hut. Another 15 minutes on the same trail will connect you back with the trail to Sabargram. This stretch takes around 3 to 4 hours till you find yourself at Forest Check Post of Sabarkum. You will get the best views of Kanchenjunga while trekking to Phalut.The trail from Sabargram to Phalut is a 7 km zigzag route, which will take you about 2.5 hours to cover. There are a series of gradual descents and level field walks, each coming in intervals of 15 minutes. After this is a 1/2 km flat meadow walk followed by 1 km of steep climb, which can be negotiated by taking shortcuts.Look out for the trekkers’ hut on your way. From this point, you will reach Phalut by climbing steadily for about half an hour. The view point is on the hillock to your left. Reach there early to get magnificent views of the entire panorama of mountains and peaks.
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