Kolkata, WB – India
Duration: 8 days
Maximum Number Of Travelers: 9
Prices Start At ₹ 15,000 INR / 215$ USD
Sandakphu is a wonderland for the trekkers. It’s located at an altitude of 11,929ft (i.e. 3,636 meters) in Darjeeling district and north west of Darjeeling hill town. This is the summit or the highest point in Singalila range as well as in the state of West Bengal, India. The trek route to Sandakphu goes all along the Singalila range and therefore this is also known as Singalila trek.So, why do you think the trekkers from all over the world are so fanatic about Sandakphu and Singalila trek? The answer is simple…. Where else can you see four of the five highest peaks of the world including Mt. Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, and Lhotse, along with Three Sisters and many other peaks of Nepal, Sikkim, Tibet and Bhutan in one single stretch of snow? Yes, this is what you get to see when you stand on the grounds of Sandakphu.Where else in the world will you be able to walk through the forests of flowering rhododendrons of numerous types, giant magnolias, spruce and wide range of amazing orchids? There are over 600 varieties of orchids in this area, the largest concentration in any single geographical area in the world. You can see them bloom in spring.The trek route passes through the Singalila National Park. So your trek journey is further complemented with a national park that has some of the most fascinating rare animals like Red Pandas and Pangolins. However, rare animals are rarely seen. The national park is also rich with varieties of birds.
(Manebhanjan)
In Darjeeling district, the trek route to Sandakphu starts from a place called Manebhanjan, a small township located at an altitude of 7,054 ft (2,150 m). This is virtually the gateway to Singalila and Sandakphu. The route is via Mirik, Manebhanjan is only 26kms from Darjeeling and takes about 1 hour 15 minutes by taxi. Trekkers usually reach Manbhanjan on the previous day, stay at a hotel or homestay, and proceed early next morning.
Before you start the trek for Sandakphu, you need to ensure that you have a registered guide or a porter cum guide (which is now mandatory). If you are going through our Tour Operator, we will arrange for the guide/porter. Otherwise you can get them from the Highlander Guides & Porters Welfare Association at Manebhanjan.
There is an office of Forest Department by the roadside just before the steep uphill route starts from Manebhanjan. You need to get a permit here (tour operators also take care of this). This permit is not a trek permit, it is an entry permit to the Singalila National Park. Note that if you go only up to Tumling, you don’t need this permit or even a guide. Because the entry to Singalila National Park is about 1km from Tumling, and the permits are meant for the national park entry.
All along, the trails are well marked with signage and one can easily make it without any assistance. You may in fact wonder why a guide needed at all? Well, rule is a rule and you got to follow that. Actually this is a way of providing livelihood to the locals.
From Manebhanjan the distance up to Sandakphu is 32kms which is usually covered in two or three days of trek. If you can trek for 8-9 hours a day, you can complete the one way trek in 2 days, otherwise in 3 days. Usually trekkers do it over 3 days.
From Sandakphu, you can trek further up to Phalut which is another 21kms away. It takes an additional day of trek from Sandakphu on a relatively easy terrain, but it still is a long arduous trek.
From Sandakphu, you can either return by the same route (seldom done) or take an alternative route. A popular return route is via Gurdum, Srikhola and then finally to Rimbik where one takes a transport (usually a shared or a private taxi) for a return transfer. Many move onward from Sandakphu to Phalut which is further 21kms away and then take a return route from there.
A full circuit or round trip trek to Sandakphu takes a total of four to five days (depending on your ability). It can be undertaken by anyone who likes to walk. In trekkers world, it’s considered a soft or light trek. But don’t take it too easy if you are a novice… it’s going to be a long hard work anyway.
Visit Sandakphu & Singalila Route Map before I start the trek description. The map has both the distances and altitudes of the important places that you will be passing by. The route goes along the border of India and Nepal, and at several places is part of Nepal.
At places there are more than one routes, one going through Indian territory while the other through Nepal’s. But there is no need for Nepal visa along this route. It’s a free zone for all including foreigners, but there are several check posts along the way guarded by SSB (Sashastra Seema Bal or Armed Border Force). All trekkers and tourists on this route are subject to identity checks (carry valid Photo IDs, foreigners must carry passport and visa for India).
Event tickets
SINGALILA SHOUT OUT TRIP
15,000 ₹
this trip is only available 16 oct , 2019 to 24 oct 2019, because of weather condition. booking on other time not available.
Description
Itinerary
Travel Plan-
- It will be a 6 nights and 7 days’ (excluding starting & ending day) trip, will start
- from 16TH OCTOBER, 2019 @ Sealdah Station and will complete on 24TH OCTOBER @ Sealdah Station.(kolkata, india)
- 16th Oct’19 – Kolkata > (overnight train journey)
- 17th Oct’19 – Njp > Jorethang(Sikkim) (will reach NJP by morning, will travel to Jorethang, explore the place & stay overnight)
- 18th Oct’19 – Jorethang(Sikkim) > Bhareng(Sikkim) > Gorkhey(Darj) (will travel to Bhareng, then trek to Gorkhey & overnight stay)
- 19th Oct’19 – Gorkhey(Darj) (will explore the village, people, food, stories and will enjoy multiple activities & surprises, overnight stay)
- 20th Oct’19 – Gorkhey(Darj) (will spend another quality day here creating more moments & memories)
- 21st Oct’19 – Gorkhey(Darj) > Rammam (will trek to Rammam & experience the place, food & stay overnight )
- 22nd Oct’19 – Rammam > Srikhola > Rimbik (Will trek to Srikhola & enjoy the nature there, then we will go to Rimbik via car, enjoy the food & overnight stay
- 23rd Oct’19 – Rimbik(Darj) > Njp > (will travel to NJP & get the train for Kolkata
- 24th – Will reach Sealdah Station, Kolkata early morning & after a while will plan a new way back to natureStop At:
• Srikhola Bridge, Darjeeling 434101 India
Important Information:
Details
- Departure: Sealdah Station, Sealdah, Raja Bazar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700014, India
Additional Information
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll
- be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because
- the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Inclusions
- All Fees and Taxes
- Private transportation
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Snacks
- Coffee and/or Tea
Exclusions
- Alcoholic Beverages
Return Details
- Returns to original departure point
Terms of Use
Once you have booked and received your travel voucher, the contact details for the
travel service operator will be on this voucher under the heading “Important
Information”. Where applicable, you are required to call the travel service operator
directly to advise of additional information such as:
- Hotel for pick up
- Weights for helicopter tours
- Choice of times for tours
- Special dietary requirements, meal choices etc.
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