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Sandakphu

Sandakphu

5:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Monday
5:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Tuesday
5:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Wednesday
5:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Thursday
5:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Friday
5:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Saturday
5:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sunday
5:00 AM - 11:00 PM
About
Duration: More than 3 hours
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  • Aarshee
    4 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great trip
    Great location and comfortable crowd. The food was ok. Washrooms were there but not v equipped as expected in an adventure trip. Homestay people were very good and make a comfortable stay. Overall a good comfortable adventure trip to make.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 3 October 2023
  • Abhisurana
    Mumbai, India23 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Exhilarating!!
    We are a family of 4x4 enthusiasts and this trip was worth every buck and more. The vistas you witness along the drive and from the top cannot be explained in words. Just experience it if you have no health issues, are a thrill lover and planning a trip to Darjeeling. This was the highlight of our 10 day Sikkim Darjeeling trip and the terrain we drove on sits much high from what we have experienced till date. We did same day return trip from Maneybhanjan to Sandakpur/ Sandakphu costing Rs 5500 plus Rs 450 vehicle entry charges plus Rs 200 per person cost. The experience is beyond words and must do for all nature lovers. This is the highest point of West Bengal overlooking the mighty Himalayas including Mt Everest and Kanchenjunga. The way up goes through Nepal and that adds to the fun factor.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 21 December 2023
  • DocReshma
    151 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mesmerising forest trails with glorious mountain views
    A magical land of forests and mountains, especially view of the mighty Kanchendzonga.We went for a 1 week trek and stayed at the local tea houses. the trek passes partly through Nepal and partly through India. Beautiful meadows and bamboo forests
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 18 April 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Abhisurana
Mumbai, India23 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Family
We are a family of 4x4 enthusiasts and this trip was worth every buck and more. The vistas you witness along the drive and from the top cannot be explained in words. Just experience it if you have no health issues, are a thrill lover and planning a trip to Darjeeling. This was the highlight of our 10 day Sikkim Darjeeling trip and the terrain we drove on sits much high from what we have experienced till date.

We did same day return trip from Maneybhanjan to Sandakpur/ Sandakphu costing Rs 5500 plus Rs 450 vehicle entry charges plus Rs 200 per person cost.

The experience is beyond words and must do for all nature lovers.

This is the highest point of West Bengal overlooking the mighty Himalayas including Mt Everest and Kanchenjunga. The way up goes through Nepal and that adds to the fun factor.
Written 21 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Umed Raisoni
Jalgaon, India111 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2021 • Family
Some really bad and outdated jeeps(named land rovers) work here. And again the same reason- unions....atleast get some good card people... The road to tonglu is excellent condition. Rates and charges have showed in photo. U can reach manebhanjan and the take this. Avoid the homestays, they are extremely poor condition and widely used without much cleanliness. Bed bugs, and similar problems cant be rules out. But views, sunrise, sunsets are beautiful.
Written 4 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Abhishek
New Delhi, India75 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019 • Friends
Undertook this trek with 'trek the himalayas'. Started with kopidana as base camp, halts at tumling,kalipokhri, sandakphu and final descend to Sepi.

Trek was of moderate level and well organised. Accommodation is obviously basic and food was nice.

Amazing views of Kanchenjunga and everest.
Written 18 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DocReshma
Mumbai151 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Friends
A magical land of forests and mountains, especially view of the mighty Kanchendzonga.We went for a 1 week trek and stayed at the local tea houses. the trek passes partly through Nepal and partly through India. Beautiful meadows and bamboo forests
Written 18 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Aarshee
4 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Friends
Great location and comfortable crowd.
The food was ok. Washrooms were there but not v equipped as expected in an adventure trip.
Homestay people were very good and make a comfortable stay. Overall a good comfortable adventure trip to make.
Written 4 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

arnab_ghosh86
Howrah, India45 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2014 • Friends
Now a days you can go sandakphu by car also. thought the road condition is not very good. It takes 2 day to up hill one day to return at the base point i.e. Manebhanjan.
you can reach Tumling Nepal on the same day on which you reach NJP. from NJP you have to hire car for Jor pokhri or for Manebhanjan. from Manebhanjan trip star for Sandakhphu by car(special land rover goes to sandakhphu ). on the same day you will be able to reach tumling. then night stay at tumling nepal. on the next day (no need to start very early if the weather is clear) you can leave for sandakphu. then night stay at sandakphu on the next day you can come back to manebhanjan also , it takes six to seven hour from sandakphu to Manebhanjan.

if u dont get car for Manebhanjan from NJP then you may go to Darjeeling . .from Darjeeling you will get share jeep for Manebhanjan. from Manebhanjan journey for sandakphu begins.

In Sandakphu hotels are very few. and hotels are very costly. but dormitory room available. you can use tent also.

you can visit Mirik lake & Pashupati market Nepal on the way of Manebhanjan from NJP. .
Written 17 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

NiloyKB
Kolkata (Calcutta), India97 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2018 • Friends
We toured Sandakphu Phalut during end of April 2018. Our route was Manebhanjan, Tonglu, Kalipokhri, Sandakphu, Phalut, Gorkhey, Srikhola.The trek was awesome with beautiful views. Unfortunately we faced inclement weather both in Sandakphu & Phalut and did not got to see Kanchenjunga. However we faced snowfall which somehow compensated the disappointment.
I am just going to give some useful information:
1) Mobile Network is seldom available after Tonglu( except Airtel). Only after Srikhola we got proper connection.
2) Water scarcity is at its maximum for the entire tour. Only after reaching Gorkhey we got running water. Positively carry wet wipes, sanitizer & Zeolene.
3) Food is extremely costly and very basic. Also price will rise up as you climb up. At Phalut it is maximum. For eg at Phalut Trekkers Hut, one cup coffee costs Rs 80/- and one plate Khichri & Papad will cost around Rs 180-200.
4) Charging point is not available in maximum accommodation particularly at the Trekkers Hut. After Manebhanjan ,we charged our mobile & cameras at Srikhola. So carry power pank and extra camera battery.
Now I am giving idea about our individual residence:
Manebhanjan- We stayed at Home Stay of Suman Thapa ( 9734127836). Rs 700/-day for stay & all food. Very good accommodation with clean toilets & tasty food.
Tonglu- GTA Trekkers Hut. Details can be available from their website. Basic facility & toilets were not very clean. Location is excellent.
Kalapokhri- Hotel Singalila. Not a good one and would not recommend. Rooms were very small with inadequate bedding. Also 1 toilet for 25-30 people.
Sandakphu- GTA Trekkers Hut. This one was good. Rooms were great and sufficient bedding. Toilets were clean. Location was very good also.
Phalut- Only GTA Trekkers Hut is available here. Very average. Bedding facility not sufficient. We felt extreme cold throughout the night. Toilets were not good also. Food very average. But you have to accept all these seeing the location which is very extreme.
Gorkhey- Eden lodge. Booked by Mr.Rinku ( Bengali, 9733061793). We spent best 2 nights here. Location & facility both absolutely wonderful. Food very tasty. Ideal place for complete rest.
Srikhola- Hotel Red Panda. Again booked through Mr Rinku. Good hotel with all facilities available.
Finally our guide was Mr.John(7478150479). A very good and helpful person. I will definitely recommend him.
For any more information, feel free to contact me.
Written 9 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Imran S
Bengaluru, India152 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2012 • Friends
Did this trek through YHAI. Had never heard of this name any time before but this trek will always hold a very special name in my trekking trajectory. Started the trek from Darjeeling with a 2 hour drive to dhotrey. The drive in itself was splendid. The greenery the rich flora and fauna was never seen, felt and the air was the cleanest one ever breathed. From Dhotrey after a 4 hour trek we reached Tumling camped for the night next day we headed to kalipokhri and what was so surprising and amazing was the fact that we crossed in to Nepal without passport and SSB jawaans manning the borders did not question us. The sight of the India flag fluttering after crossing border was a sight to behold. From Kalipokri we headed to Sandhakpu base camp and snow fall and the below minus temperature made it a fabulous experience. The views from Sandhakpu of Mount Everest and Kanchanjunga were not clear. We reached Gurdum and finally the last camp Rimbik. The camp at Gurdum right in the middle of hills, dales and water falls was the best camp sites I ever experienced and no sight can match the stupendous amazing breath taking vista of this awesome campsite. Never before did we see and experiences the many hundreds of variety of flowers and the sights and colors were unmatched.

Sandhakpu is a must visit mountain and I would very highly recommend it.
Written 19 November 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ade O
Nambour, Australia58 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2012 • Friends
Took Mahindra 'jeeps' (2WD) from Darjeeling and drove out thru Sukhiapokhri (a gorgeous bustling hill village also worthy of review ... go there!) on onwards and ever upwards winding thru magnificent landscapes and views (some above clouds) as the sun sank and our spirits rose ... to spend a fabulous night at remote Kalipokhri - a roaring fireplace and welcoming 'natives' (Nepali folk) we are now virtually on the border between India and Nepal. Again 100s of words could never capture the sheer charm of the occasion, as it was the last night of Diwali and so much celebration, as folk appeared at the trekking hut (think small wayhouse or inn) door to perform song and dance as service to the Gods, a bit like busking crossed with Christmas carol singers in our culture. We evn had a shaman woman chant and dance an endless ritual and I was lucky to capture this on video. Sandakphu was in our sights (and within view) as we set off on foot for the 'trek proper' ... walking all thru the morning ever upward, past lovely perched houses with goats, chickens, pigs, cattle etc and gorgeous smiles and welcoming waves from the hill folk, especially the children to whom we occasionally slipped some candy. Back on topic, the roadway was mainly very easy going, just the constant uphill effort was the challenge, along with the lessening oxygen content in our lungs as we sucked hard for air. I was there in early Nov with cold air but hot sun, so one was always looking for the warm top to wear, then taking it off in the more exerted times or when the sun was higher .. at one stage it was almost warm, and we all strolled in T-shirts but mostly wore jumpers (sweaters) and carried jackets. So many fabulous plant species, trees and shrubs as well as small plants, and great views everywhere ... the last push to the top of the mountain was a matter of sheer psychology, albeit on a well made vehicle track, for its sheer steepness or perhaps the cumulative effect of so many pushes up so many steep passes. We all made it, in a long stream of stragglers , including some elder folk (well into 60s I mean) who put some of the youngies to shame. There is a great accommodation and food house there (only saw 1) which is pretty good for a remote outpost at 3600 metres. The chai and biscuits were heaven after our trek. We took pehaps 2-3 hours on foot from Kalipokhri with occasional persons getting into a 4WD to rest and travel a small way though most of us just walked it. The place is fully accessible for all age groups and even elder folk using walking sticks were able to enjoy this trek. The view across to Mt Everest and other Himalayan mountains was well worth it. I do recommend Sandakphu as a 'soft option' trek even though it will feel like a solid trek, there is no great skill or endurance needed as ample places to stop on the roadside to rest on a shady rocky surface. Do be aware that such a trek would require official guide and permits - do it, it's superb. And if you want the real trekking, go onwards to trek overland to Phalut (snow leopard country) and Ghorkey (where no cars are physically able to go) Ramam and on to Rimbick (where the Jambange charity has its clinic and volunteer services to the community there). Good luck and go for it.
Written 3 June 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tinafactor
Durgapur, India142 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2014 • Family
A visit to Darjeeling is more or less incomplete without a trek to Sandakphu. 31 km from Manebhanjan and at 3636m it is the highest peak in West Bengal. Having trekked to this place 3 times already, I decided to take my dad on this trek in the last week of March. I was treking to Sandakphu after 12 long years and a lot has changed. Previously, one would just start trekking from Manebhanjan, but now it is a must to take a guide ( helps to provide jobs to the locals) and also pay a small fee to the forest deptt. We managed to avoid taking a guide so I am not sure about the rates. Usually, most people trek to Sandakphu via Tonglu but I like going via the less known and a more solitary route which is Joubari ( a small Sherpa village in the Nepal- India Border). The trek to Sandakphu is pretty much easy for anyone who is physically fit. From Manebhanjan, the first stretch is excruciating and pretty discouraging to the first timers due to the steep climb. However , from Chitrey the route becomes more or less easier. If one can manage to use the short cuts which almost always comprise of steps, then that is the best way to save time.I like to stay at Joubari on the first night rather than go down to Gairibas. One gets a nice view of the Kanchenjunga from Joubari. I prefer staying at Everest Lodge run by Pasang Tshering Bhutia. The rooms at Everest Lodge are clean and cozy. Pasang himself is a very simple , friendly and hospitable . He even provides a guitar incase a group of trekkers wish to hum a tune. Food prepared by his wife is simple yet tasty. One can contact him on 7602022930 to book in advance. Bed rates are Rs200 each. Food rate depends on what one wishes to eat. Now , they even have electricity so one can always charge the phones and camera batteries. From Joubari we went downhill till we reached Gairibas and then from there it was a long climb up. By lunch time we reached Kalipokhri which is a beautiful sight in the mist and fog. There are now two routes leading to Sandakphu. One is via India and the other is via Nepal. I heard that the Nepal route is easier but longer and is mostly used by the landrovers. The India route is pretty steep. At Sandakphu, there are several lodging options. There is the very old PWD lodge which is well kept and cheap. Rs100 - Rs200 per bed depending upon one's bargaining skills.Food is also available . There is the very new Sherpa Chalet which has a good look and is precariously placed at a height giving one a breath taking view of the Kanchenjunga as well at the trekking route from Joubari. During our entire trek, except in the mornings , the weather was pretty foggy. It was only at Sandakphu that we saw the Majestic Sleeping Buddha and all our efforts of trekking in the cold foggy weather paid off. October gives a fine clear weather but March and April makes the mountainside alive and vibrant with the various hues of pinks and reds and purples of the rhododendrons and the huge white magnolias.Will I go there again?? Yes, ofcourse!!

For those who are unable to trek, there are landrover options. The landrovers are available from Manebhanjan starting from Rs4000 and Rs500 for night halt. Once again, one needs to have good bargaining skills, but then again, the locals are so simple that they never really cheat by overcharging.
Written 1 May 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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