Sandakphu Trek: Route, Itinerary, Best Time and Permits (2026–27)
The Sandakphu–Phalut trek on the Singalila Ridge: the route from Manebhanjan, a day-by-day itinerary, difficulty, best months, park permit and guide rules, where to stay and how to reach from Darjeeling.
Sandakphu, at 3,636 m, is the highest point in West Bengal, on the Singalila Ridge along the India–Nepal border. From the top, on a clear morning, you see four of the five highest mountains on Earth: Everest, Lhotse and Makalu to the west and Kanchenjunga, with the Sleeping Buddha range, close in front. The trek starts at Manebhanjan, about an hour from Darjeeling, and takes 4 to 6 days.
Sandakphu trek at a glance
| Detail | Sandakphu trek |
|---|---|
| Highest point | Sandakphu 3,636 m (Phalut about 3,600 m) |
| Start | Manebhanjan, about 26 km from Darjeeling |
| Duration | 4 days to Sandakphu and back down; 6 days with Phalut |
| Distance | About 32 km to Sandakphu; about 70 km for the full loop via Phalut |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate; steady climbs on old stone and jeep tracks |
| Best time | October–December for views, March–May for rhododendrons |
| Stay | Trekkers' huts and family-run lodges along the ridge |
Day-by-day itinerary (6 days with Phalut)
- Darjeeling to Manebhanjan (1 hour by road), then trek to Tumling, about 11 km. Pay the park fees and meet your guide at Manebhanjan.
- Tumling to Kalipokhri, about 13 km, entering Singalila National Park and passing Gairibas.
- Kalipokhri to Sandakphu, about 6 km but steep at the end. Sunset over Kanchenjunga.
- Sunrise at Sandakphu, then along the ridge to Phalut, about 21 km, the most beautiful day of the trek.
- Sunrise at Phalut, then a long descent through forest to the village of Gorkhey, about 15 km.
- Gorkhey via Rammam to Srikhola, then drive back to Darjeeling or on to NJP.
Short on time? Trek up to Sandakphu in three days and come back down by the association's Land Rover, the only vehicles allowed on the ridge road. Distances are approximate and vary by trail.
Best time for the Sandakphu trek
| Months | What to expect |
|---|---|
| October–November | Clearest skies and the best mountain views; cold nights |
| December–February | Very cold, chance of snow on the ridge, still clear |
| March–May | Rhododendrons and magnolias in bloom; views hazier by afternoon |
| June–September | Monsoon: leeches, cloud and slippery trails; the park usually closes to trekkers mid-June to mid-September |
Coming for snow? See when and where it snows around Darjeeling.
Permits, fees and guides
The route passes through Singalila National Park, so everyone pays a daily park entry fee at the forest office in Manebhanjan, with a separate charge for cameras and vehicles; recent rates are around ₹120 a day for Indians and more for foreigners, but check at the counter. A registered local guide is required for the park section and is hired at Manebhanjan. Carry original photo ID (foreigners, your passport): the trail crosses into Nepal in places. Our Darjeeling and Sandakphu permit guide has the details.
How to reach Manebhanjan
Fly to Bagdogra or take a train to NJP, then drive about 3 hours up to Darjeeling (see the Bagdogra to Darjeeling and NJP to Darjeeling cab pages). Spend a night in Darjeeling, then drive or take a shared jeep to Manebhanjan via Ghum and Sukhia Pokhri, about an hour.
What to pack
- Layers for sub-zero nights from November to March: thermals, fleece, a down jacket, gloves and a warm hat.
- Broken-in trekking shoes, a rain jacket, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Cash: there are no ATMs after Manebhanjan, and mobile signal is patchy.
Want Darjeeling before or after the trek? Our Darjeeling tour packages include Bagdogra or NJP transfers and hotels, and we can add the drive to Manebhanjan.
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the Sandakphu trek?
Easy to moderate. Days are 6–13 km on stone and jeep tracks, with a steep final climb to Sandakphu. Reasonable fitness is enough; first-time trekkers manage it well.
Can you see Everest from Sandakphu?
Yes, on clear mornings, along with Lhotse, Makalu and Kanchenjunga. October to December gives the best chance.
Can I drive to Sandakphu?
Not in your own car. Only Land Rovers and jeeps registered with the local association in Manebhanjan may drive the ridge road, and they can be hired there.
Is a guide compulsory for Sandakphu?
Yes, for the section inside Singalila National Park. Registered guides are hired at Manebhanjan.
Plan This Journey
Turn this Darjeeling guide into a trip that fits your pace
If this guide is part of the kind of holiday you want, Breeziah can help shape the route, travel flow and stay style around your dates, comfort level and destination priorities.