About the Trek
Sandakphu at 3,636 metres is the highest point in West Bengal and offers one of the most remarkable mountain panoramas on Earth. From its summit, you can see four of the world's five highest peaks — Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu — along with the famous 'Sleeping Buddha' silhouette formed by the Kangchenjunga massif.
The trail follows the Singalila Ridge along the India-Nepal border, passing through dense rhododendron forests, magnolia groves, and traditional mountain villages. The region is part of the Singalila National Park, home to the rare red panda and Himalayan black bear.
Sandakphu is a special trek for those from eastern India — it is the closest Himalayan trek to Kolkata and offers an incredible mountain experience without extreme altitude or technical difficulty. The trail also continues to Phalut, offering even more expansive views of the Kangchenjunga range.
Trek Highlights
- See four of the world's five highest peaks from one viewpoint
- The famous 'Sleeping Buddha' silhouette of Kangchenjunga
- Walk along the Singalila Ridge on the India-Nepal border
- Dense rhododendron forests and red panda habitat
- Closest Himalayan trek to Kolkata and eastern India
- Continue to Phalut for even more expansive views
Day-by-Day Itinerary
A 7-day trek from NJP/Bagdogra along the Singalila Ridge to Sandakphu — the roof of West Bengal.
- Drive from NJP or Bagdogra to Manebhanjan
- Begin trek to Chitrey through forest
- Arrive at Chitrey village
- Overnight at lodge
- Trek through Meghma and enter Singalila National Park
- Cross the India-Nepal border
- First views of Kangchenjunga
- Reach Tumling village
- Overnight at lodge
- Walk along the ridge through bamboo and rhododendron forest
- Pass through Gairibas
- Reach Kalipokhri — named after the black lake
- Overnight at lodge
- Final ascent to the summit of Sandakphu
- Arrive at the highest point in West Bengal
- Evening views of the four highest peaks
- Overnight at lodge
- Sunrise over the Sleeping Buddha — four 8,000m peaks visible
- Long but stunning ridge walk to Phalut
- Even more expansive views of Kangchenjunga range
- Overnight at lodge
- Descend from the ridge through lush forest
- Beautiful trail through Samanden
- Reach the riverside village of Gorkhey
- Overnight at homestay
- Short trek to Srikhola
- Drive back to NJP/Bagdogra via Rimbik
- Trek concludes — departure
What's Included
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- Accommodation — Hotel / Homestay / Tents on triple sharing
- All necessary entry fees and permits
- Professional trek leader, guide, cook and support staff
- Camping equipment — sleeping bags, blankets, mats, toilet tents
- Safety equipment — medical kit, oximeter, crampons & gaiters
What's Not Included
- Meals during the road journey
- Any kind of insurance
- Mules or porter to carry personal luggage (can be arranged at extra cost)
- Medical / evacuation expenses (assistance provided in emergencies)
- Any expense of personal nature
- Any expense not specified in inclusions
Things to Carry
Essentials
- Backpack (50-60 L) with rain cover
- Day pack (20 L)
- Trekking shoes with ankle support
- Headlamp / torch with spare batteries
- Water bottles (2 L)
- Personal medication
Clothing
- Thermal innerwear (top + bottom) x 2
- Heavy fleece / down jacket
- Waterproof outer shell
- Woollen cap, balaclava, gloves (inner + outer)
- Trekking pants x 2
- Quick-dry t-shirts x 3
- Gaiters
Documents
- Government photo ID (Aadhaar / Passport / DL)
- Two passport-sized photos
- Medical fitness certificate
Optional
- Trekking poles
- Sunglasses (UV protection)
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Power bank
- Energy bars / dry fruits
How to Prepare
This is a Moderate grade trek. You'll be walking 5–8 hours on some days, often at altitudes above 3,500 m. Prior trekking experience is not mandatory but a solid 4–6 weeks of preparation will make a real difference.
Cardio — Start 4–6 Weeks Before
- Run/jog: Build up to 5 km in under 28 minutes, 4x per week
- Brisk walks: 8–10 km weekend walks with a 5–8 kg daypack
- Stairs: 10–12 floors daily, or use a stair machine at the gym
- Cycling / swimming: Great cross-training — 30 min sessions, 2x per week
Strength (3–4x per week)
- Squats — 3 sets of 20 (add 5 kg dumbbells in week 3+)
- Lunges — 3 sets of 15 each leg
- Step-ups on a bench — 3 sets of 12 each leg
- Planks — hold 60 seconds, 3 sets; side planks 30 sec each
- Dead hangs — grip strength helps on rocky scrambles
Diet & Hydration
- 3–4 litres of water daily throughout your training period
- High-protein meals (eggs, dal, paneer, chicken) for muscle recovery
- Complex carbs (oats, brown rice, sweet potato) for sustained energy
- Cut alcohol completely 1 week before departure
- Carry electrolyte sachets and glucose powder for the trail
Altitude Awareness
- Moderate treks often cross 3,500–4,200 m — AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is a real risk
- Walk slowly, breathe deeply, and hydrate constantly above 3,000 m
- Know the symptoms: headache, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness
- Inform your trek leader immediately if you feel unwell — never push through altitude symptoms
- Consult your doctor about Diamox if you have a history of altitude sensitivity
Photo Gallery
Photos from the trail. More coming soon — follow us on Instagram for daily updates.
Gallery photos will be added soon. Binoy is preparing the best shots from the trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! On a clear day, you can see Everest (8,849m), Kangchenjunga (8,586m), Lhotse (8,516m), and Makalu (8,485m) from the summit.
It is rated Moderate due to the distance (51 km) and some steep sections. Beginners with reasonable fitness can manage it, but some preparation is needed.
The Kangchenjunga massif, viewed from Sandakphu, forms a silhouette that resembles a person lying on their back — called the 'Sleeping Buddha'.
This trek uses mountain lodges and homestays at each stop rather than camping, making it more comfortable.