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.
Trekking Trails:
Day 1: Siliguri to Dhotrey to Tumling.
The trek starts from Siliguri. It 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 Phalut

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: Phalut 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 Siliguri
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 Siliguri, leaving behind the pristine beauty and the winding roads and taking along the memories to cherish forever and feed our forever hunger of wanderlust.

Very Excellent trek for beginners to moderate