The short version
- 17 days, about 68km on foot, topping out at 3,636m (Sandakphu). Rated Hard on Trail to Tides.
- 2Best in Mar – May, Oct – Dec.
- 3Starts from Manebhanjan, reached via Darjeeling.
- 4One night gains more than 500 m above 3,000 m. That's common on Himalayan treks, but it's where altitude sickness tends to show up: go slowly the day before and drink well.
- 5Operators charge ₹13,000 to ₹13,900 per person; 3 listed, 2 verified.
The trek
Overview
Sandakphu is the highest point in West Bengal at 3,636m — and on a clear day its summit shows Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu at once: the only place on Earth where four of the world's five highest peaks are visible together. At sunrise the Kangchenjunga massif forms the Sleeping Buddha, one of the most iconic mountain views in Asia. The route along the Singalila ridge, lined with rhododendrons in bloom from March to May, is one of India's most scenic long-distance trails.
Right for you if
- You want a lodge trek: beds and meals every night, no camping
- You can walk 12–15 km a day along a ridge, for 6–7 days
- You want Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu in view from one ridge
- You'll carry ID: the trail weaves in and out of Nepal
Think twice if
- You want a roadless trail: old Land Rovers drive up to Sandakphu
- You're going in Jun–Aug: monsoon cloud hides the mountains
- Ice worries you: the ridge path can be icy in Dec–Jan (microspikes help)
Season
When to go
Winter: expect snow on the trail and camps well below freezing at night, often -10°C or colder near the top. Days are short and summit pushes start in the dark.
Spring: longer days and rhododendrons lower down. Snow can linger on high ground into May, and afternoons often bring cloud or a shower.
Autumn: the clearest skies and steadiest weather of the year. Nights get cold quickly from October, and early snow is possible in November.
More on the Himalayan seasons: When to go.
Travel
Getting there
Meet in
Darjeeling
Nearest airport
Bagdogra
Nearest railway
New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
By road
Bagdogra or NJP to Manebhanjan, about 3 to 4 hours
Most operators run a shared pickup from Darjeeling early on day one. Arrive the evening before so a late train or flight doesn't cost you the trek, and keep a buffer day at the end: mountain roads close for landslides and snow. Travel times are approximate.
Itinerary
Day by day
A typical plan, measured along the mapped trail: 55 km with about 2,740 m of climbing. The biggest day is day 1, climbing 960 m. Operators vary it a little.
- Day1
Manebhanjan → Tumling
A steep climb out of Manebhanjan past Chitrey's monastery, along the India-Nepal border
11.4 km960 m0 msleep at 2,918 m
- Day2
Tumling → Kalipokhri
Through Singalila National Park's forest to the 'black lake'
≈11.5 km470 m400 msleep at 2,984 m
- Day3
Kalipokhri → Sandakphu
Up the last steep stretch to West Bengal's highest point, facing Kanchenjunga and Everest
7.7 km730 m140 msleep at 3,636 m
- Day4
Sandakphu → Phalut
Along the open ridge, the finest walk of the trek
16.8 km560 m660 msleep at 3,493 m
- Day5
Phalut → Gorkhey
Down through forest to a riverside village
8.1 km0 m1,170 msleep at 2,279 m
Altitude
Altitude and acclimatisation
Start
1,933 m
Highest night
3,636 m
Highest point
3,596 m
Know the warning signs before you go: Altitude sickness.
Fitness
How fit you need to be
Rated Hard. A fair benchmark before you go: jog 5 km in about 35 minutes, and manage a 4 to 5 hour hill walk with a pack.
What this trek asks of you, on the ACE scale from 0 to 5:
Take the Matchmaker to compare yourself against these scores, and use the 8-week plan to close any gaps. How ACE works.
Paperwork
Permits and paperwork
- Singalila National Park entry, arranged at the start in Manebhanjan. Carry original photo ID.
- Carry original government photo ID and a few photocopies.
- Rules and fees change. Ask your operator what's included and what you need to bring, two weeks before you go.
More detail: Permits and documents.
Kit
What to pack
For Sandakphu–Phalut Trek in particular, on top of the standard layers:
- A down jacket rated to -10°C or lower, thermal bottoms, waterproof gloves, gaiters and microspikes (often provided)
- A warm down or synthetic jacket for nights near or below freezing
- Broken-in trekking shoes with ankle support, trekking poles, and a 25 to 35 litre daypack with a rain cover
The full list and how to layer: What to pack. The trek page has a tick-off checklist for this trek.
Safety
Safety on this trek
- Altitude is the main risk. Don't go higher with symptoms; descend if they get worse.
- Ice on the trail in winter: put microspikes on early, not after the first slip.
- Stay between the leader and the sweep, and respect the turnaround time on summit or pass days.
- Signal is scarce beyond the roadhead. Share your itinerary and your operator's emergency number with someone at home.
See also Trail craft and Insurance and emergencies.
Booking
Booking and cost
3 operators run this trek on Trail to Tides, from ₹13,000 to ₹13,900 per person. Prices usually cover the trek from the roadhead; check transport, permits and offloading.
- Indiahikes4.9₹13,000
- Trekup India4.2₹13,000
- Trek The Himalayas4.8₹13,900
What to ask before you pay: Choosing an operator.
Navigation
Offline map and GPX
Download the trail, with every overnight stop and its height, and load it on your phone before you lose signal.
Trail © OpenStreetMap contributors, via BRouter.
FAQ
Questions people ask
How difficult is the Sandakphu–Phalut Trek?
It's rated Hard on Trail to Tides. A fair benchmark before you go: jog 5 km in about 35 minutes, and manage a 4 to 5 hour hill walk with a pack. The highest point is 3,636m (Sandakphu), so pace and acclimatisation matter as much as fitness.
When is the best time for the Sandakphu–Phalut Trek?
Mar – May, Oct – Dec. Winter: expect snow on the trail and camps well below freezing at night, often -10°C or colder near the top. Days are short and summit pushes start in the dark.
How many days does the Sandakphu–Phalut Trek take?
7 days including travel to and from the trailhead, with 5 walking days. Add a buffer day for weather or road delays.
How do I reach the Sandakphu–Phalut Trek?
Most groups meet in Darjeeling. Nearest airport: Bagdogra. Nearest railway: New Jalpaiguri (NJP). Bagdogra or NJP to Manebhanjan, about 3 to 4 hours.
How much does the Sandakphu–Phalut Trek cost?
Listed operators charge from ₹13,000 to ₹13,900 per person. Check what's included: transport, permits, meals, tents and offloading vary.
Do I need a permit for the Sandakphu–Phalut Trek?
Singalila National Park entry, arranged at the start in Manebhanjan. Carry original photo ID.
This guide is built from Trail to Tides' trek data, mapped trails and operator listings, and checked by our team. Conditions change with weather and seasons: your trek leader's call on the day always comes first.