Our Popular Treks

Sandakphu trek is a must do trek for people eager to explore Darjeeling/Sikkim hills and enjoy the breathtaking panorama of Himalayan peaks. Sandakphu is the highest point of West Bengal at 3636 m/11926 ft in the district of Darjeeling and Phalut is another table top on the same ridge. This trek follows the famous Singalila Ridge, a prominent spur of high ground that lies at the southern end of a long crest, which runs down from the Kanchendzongha massif and forms the border between Sikkim & Nepal. One of the unavoidable necessities of trekking in Himalaya is that the best views are had from high up but the trek along this ridge, passing through small settlements, is perhaps the one of the most scenically rewarding in the Himalaya. There are spectacular panoramic views of Nepal Himalayas including Kanchendzongha range, Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, Janu, Chamlang, Baruntse and a host of peaks in Sikkim all seen in one stretch. The famous “Sleeping Buddha” formation of peaks is a delight for all. The Singalila National park area has rare species like Red Panda and is a birder’s paradise. Flowering of Rhododendrons and Magnolia fill the forest with red, pink and white shades during spring and foliage hue during fall. General Info: Trek grade: moderate / Total distance covered: 75 to 80 kms / Trekking days: 6 days / Max altitude reached: 3636m (12,000 ft.) / Best time to trek: Between April and early June and from last week of September to middle December / Minimum winter temperature: −4°C to −8°C. / Minimum summer temperature: 1°C to 2°C. Highlights of the trek: Stunning view of Mt. Kanchendzongha, Stay at Trekkers’ Hut / Tea House / Homestays, Interact with Local People, Car backup up to Phalut (Heritage Land Rover), Chance to see Himalayan Red Panda!

DETAILED ITINERARY:

DAY 01: ARRIVAL AT BAGDOGRA (IXB)/NEW JALPAIGURI (NJP) & TRANSFER TO DARJEELING

Arrival at Bagdogra Airport & drive (3 hrs) to Darjeeling. Rest and acclimatization. O/N at Cottage/Hotel.

DAY 02: ACCLIMATIZATION STAY AT DARJEELING

Whole day stay at Darjeeling. Can do acclimatization walk in the heritage town. O/N at Cottage/Hotel.

DAY 03: DARJEELING TO MANEYBHANJAN (2.5 HOURS DRIVE) AND TREK TO TUMLING – 13 KM – 5/6 HOURS

After early breakfast transfer to Maneybhanjan (2.5 hrs drive) fulfil entry formalities (at Singalila National Park) and commence trekking for Tumling. The walk goes through steep hill with a short-cut trail to Chitre involving 1 ½ hrs of climbing. About another 1 ½ hrs from Chitre we reach a nice small village called Megma. The trail now levels out and another 2 hrs of easy walk leads to Tumling (10000 ft). O/N at Trekkers’ Hut / Tea House / Homestays.

DAY 04: TUMLING TO KALAPOKHRI – 12 KM – 6/7 HOURS

The initial part of today's walk is on majorly level ground till we reach the Singalila National Park check post. We then crossover into Nepal on a rolling trail and reach the Nepalese village of Jaubari. Proceeding from here after a further hour, we cross back over to the Indian side of the border and decend to the Indian village of Gairibas. The day so far will be fairly easy. From Garibas however, after a short break we get ready for the climb through thick conifer, birch and Rhododendron trees. After the gradual 2 to 3 hour climb, we'll see the Kalpokhri Lake. Kalipokhri in Nepali language means a black pond. Through the route one can see several Nepalese villages scattered on different ridges. O/N at Trekkers’ Hut / Tea House / Homestays.

DAY 05: KALPOKHRI TO SANDAKPHU – 7 KM – 3/4 HOURS

Today the distance we cover is not too much; however you may get breathless due to the immense altitude gain. We traverse the ridge to reach Bhikey Bhanjang on the trail inside Nepal. The road ahead has several turns. On the right hand we can see one ridge after another meeting the horizon. We then ascend to the top of the Sandakphu ridge which is the natural border between India and Nepal. We proceed to Sandakphu top (3636 m) marked with strings of prayer flags. We see before us the remarkable breathtaking panoramic view of the snowy ranges of Nepal, Sikkim & Bhutan. The prominent peaks are Kanchenjunga range, Kabru range, Kumbhakarna (Janu), Pandim, Chamlang, Baruntse, Everest, Lhotse & Makalu. O/N at Trekkers’ Hut / Tea House / Homestays.

DAY 06: SANDAKPHU TO PHALUT – 21 KM – 8/9 HOURS

There's something about the morning view in the Himalayas. The weather is cold, but we will encourage to wake up in time for the sunrise. The sunrise at Sandakphu could be one of the best one's you've ever witnessed. On a clear day you'll be able to see an over 300 kilometer panorama of the Himalayas stretching from Sikkim to Nepal and Bhutan. You'll also be able to spot some giant peaks like Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Kanchenjunga. After the mesmerizing sunrise, we have breakfast and proceed onwards to Phalut. The journey today is a long but easy stretch with gradual ascents and descents. A walk of eight to nine hours through rhododendrons and then for a couple of hours over treeless mountain slopes to reach Phalut, the meeting place of three ridges coming from India, Nepal and Sikkim. Phalut provides a spectacular view of Everest and Kanchenjunga. O/N at Trekkers’ Hut / Tea House / Homestays.

DAY 07: PHALUT TO GORKHEY – 15 KM – 4/5 HOURS

For the second day in a row, we try and wake up early to try and catch the sunrise. Considering Phalut is further north east than the rest of the trail, you are right now as close as possible to the giant Kanchenjunga. After breakfast our day starts with a descend through the rich bamboo and rhododendron forest to the picturesque village of Gorkhey ( 2400m). The river which flows beside the village is also named as Gorkhey River and forms the boundary between the state of West Bengal and Sikkim. O/N at Trekkers’ Hut / Tea House / Homestays.

DAY 08: GORKHEY TO SRIKHOLA – 16 KM – 4/5 HOURS

We start the day by climbing a small hill to reach another village called Samandin. This is situated on a table top and looks like painting on canvas. Keeping the village behind we descent to the village of Rammam. From here we get down following a path cobbled with rocks and steadily descend for another hour to reach our destination for the day Srikhola (1900m). Our walk ends here. A cable suspension bridge connects Srikhola to the road which leads to Rimbik and Maneybhanjan which will be our motor route the next day. O/N at Trekkers’ Hut / Tea House / Homestays.

DAY 09: TRANSFER TO TEA ESTATE & OVERNIGHT IN A HERITAGE TEA BUNGALOW

Drive to Heritage Tea Bungalow via Maneybhanjan (here we collect our luggage left before the trek) and relax. O/N at Heritage Tea Bungalow.

DAY 10: TO BAGDOGRA (IXB)/NEW JALPAIGURI (NJP) FOR YOUR RETURN JOURNEY

Transfer to Bagdogra Airport (IXB) and departure.

DAY 01: ARRIVE AT LEH

Arrive at Leh and Rest. Overnight at Leh.

DAY 02: ACCLIMATIZATION HALT.

Sightseeing in and around Leh, covering: Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Shey, Thiksey, Hemis and Stakna Monasteries. Overnight at Leh.

DAY 03: LEH TO LIKIR AND TREK TO YANGTHANG (3600 MTR, 4/5 HRS)

Drive to Likir that serves as base for the trek. After meeting the staff, we will drive to visit the spectacular monastery of Likir. The monastery is tucked deep in the mountains and is one of the biggest in the valley. We later head towards Yangthang. After crossing a few small mountain passes we will arrive at our campsite opposite the village. Rest of the day will be spent in exploring the monastery and the village. Overnight at Yangthang (Homestays).

DAY 04: YANGTHANG TO HEMIS SHUKPACHAN (5/6 HRS)

Post Breakfast, We will begin the day by striking camp and start walking towards the village of Hemis Shukpachan. Crossing the pass of Tsermanchenla (3850 m), we will descend into the village and arrive at our campsite at about noon. After lunch and rest we will visit a family in the village and experience their lifestyle. Later we will visit the village and its charming monastery. The village is surrounded by rice fields, white sparkling water brooks and mature cedar trees, giving the village its name of Shukpachan (Shukpa means cedar). Overnight at Shukpachen (Homestays).

DAY 05: HEMIS SHUKPACHAN TO TEMISGAM (TINGMOSGANG) (5/6 HRS)

Post Breakfast, trek to Temisgam village (locally known as Tingmosgang). The trail goes through an amazing whirlwind path carved out from the ochre rocks. We cross the highest pass on this trek known as Lago La (4000 m) and another unknown small pass at a height of 3750 m. After we descend from the pass, we will reach the fertile village of Ang from where the trail goes over the bridge and turns into a regular path till it reaches the spread out village of Temisgam. Overnight at Homestsys.

DAY 06: TINGMOSGANG TO LEH – DRIVE

Post Breakfast, drive for Leh. On way visit Lamayuru Monastery where you will see the famous and fantastic moon land scenery and beautiful architecture of the monastery. Visit the famous Alchi Choskhor with its ancient architecture and beautiful wall paintings. Overnight at Leh.

DAY 07: REST AT LEH.

Whole day rest & relax

DAY 08: DEPARTURE FOR DELHI.

Transfer to Leh Airport and departure

DAY 01: HARIDWAR RAILWAY STATION AND TRANSFER TO RISHIKESH

Upon arrival at Haridwar meet our representative and move to Rishikesh. Afternoon free to relax and acclimatize. Dinner and overnight stay at resort/home stays.

DAY 02: DRIVE FROM RISHIKESH TO JOSHIMATH

After breakfast move for Joshimath. Evening free to relax and acclimatize. Dinner and overnight stay at Himalyan Abode – luxury home stay at Joshimath. www.thehimalayanabode.com Joshimath is a small town in Uttarakhand Garhwal hills on the bank of the Alaknanda River. This place is very famous for Sankracharya temple. Joshimath is also a hub for many interesting mountaineering and trekking options in Garhwal Himalayas region

DAY 03: DRIVE FROM JOSHIMATH TO AULI (13 KM) AND TREK FROM GURSON BUGYAL TO CHITRAGANTA (5 KM TREK)

After early breakfast, you drive up from Joshimath to Auli in a private vehicle (13 kms, 45 mins drive). We start our trek from Auli to famous Bugyals (meadows) of Gorson and from here we can see 27 high mountain ranges with Nanda Devi (2nd highest peak). Today, we will have lunch on the trek. Dinner and overnight stay in Camp Tali / Chitraganta

DAY 04: CHITRAGANTA TO KUARI PASS - DHAKWANI (9KM, 5-6HRS TREK)

After early breakfast, you proceed for the trek. Stunning views of grand Himalayan panorama accompanies you throughout this beautiful trek. You can enjoy packed lunch with the majestic 360 degree Himalayan panorama surrounding you. When you reach the camp site in the evening, you will be greeted by our smiling staff and aroma of fresh and hot meal. Dinner and overnight stay at Kuari Pass camp site. Kuari Pass : - Lord Curzon made the trek to Kuari Pass and since then it has come to known as Curzon’s trail. It is very popular among European and American travelers. In 1905, Lord Corzon reached Kuari pass from Ghat via Ramni. Today many trekkers prefer to undertake the trek in the reverse direction. They climb the ridge above Tapovan, and reach Gailgarh, where the trail coming from Gorson meets. One can also reach Kuari Pass from Auli bugyal through Gorson Top and this is the beast idea. The main attraction of Curzon’s trail is the majestic view of the twin peaks of Nanda Devi, Kamet, Dronagiri, and Hathi-Ghodi Parvat. Along the trek we’ll pass through pristine Rhododendron, Oak, and Deodar forests. Rare Himalayan Flora and Fauna are found aplenty on the trail. At Tapovan, there is a massive sulphur spring. The waters of the spring are said to have excellent medicinal properties. Mountains :- Hati- Ghodi parvat, Kamet , (7756 metres) Barmal- Trishuli, Dronagiri, Mana peak, Neelkanta, (6596 metres) Bethartoli, Barhmal, Hanuman peak, Changbang, kalanka, nanda ghunti, nanda kot and much more

DAY 05: DHAKWANI TO SINYARTOLI (5 TO 6 HRS)

Morning after start your trek to Sinyartoli. The meadow marks the upper limit of the mixed oak and pine forests and it’s time for a short break before we descend to a side river There follows another ascent and descent (steep again in places ) to an impressive waterfall before a gradual climb through the forest to Sinyartoli. Packed lunch on the way and dinner and overnight stay at camp site.

DAY 06: SINYARTOLI TO JHANJI (5 TO 6 HRS)

After breakfast, trek down to Jhenji village. There is a large suspension bridge over the river before a 200-metre ascent to Jhanji, a small pleasant village situated in the upper Brithi Ganga Valley. Packed lunch on the way and dinner and overnight stay at village home stay /camp.

DAY 07: JHANJI TO RAMNI (5 HRS)

After breakfast trek to Sutol village. Walk down diagonally across to the valley, cross over to the other side of the valley and climb past the village of Sutol. Reach the camp site. Meals and overnight stay at camp.

DAY 08: TO GHUNI (4 HRS) - TO GHAT AND THEN DRIVE TO NANDPRAYAG AND RISHIKESH (APPROX 8 HRS DRIVE)

After breakfast, trek down to Chefna. Then drive to Nandprayag via Ghat. Continue your drive to Rishikesh. Overnight stay at Rishikesh.

DAY 09: DEPARTURE FOR DELHI

After breakfast leave for Haridwar Railway Station and departure.

DAY 01: ARRIVAL AT BAGDOGRA (IXB)/NEW JALPAIGURI (NJP) & TRANSFER TO DARJEELING

Arrival at Bagdogra Airport & drive (3 hrs) to Darjeeling. Rest and acclimatization. O/N at Cottage/Hotel.

DAY 02: ACCLIMATIZATION STAY AT DARJEELING

Whole day stay at Darjeeling. Can do acclimatization walk in the heritage town. O/N at Cottage/Hotel.

DAY 03: DARJEELING TO MANEYBHANJAN (2.5 HOURS DRIVE) AND TREK TO TUMLING – 13 KM – 5/6 HOURS

It's famed for the distinctive black tea grown on plantations that dot its surrounding slopes. Its backdrop distinctive black tea grown on plantations that dot its surrounding slopes. Its backdrop

DAY 02: YUKSOM (1750M) TO SACHEN (2250M). 8KM APPX.

This is a fairly easy walk and helps trekkers to find their rhythm and gradually get used to the demands of the trail. The distance is about 8km and it takes between 3.5-4.5 hours for most trekkers to reach Sachen. Trekkers tend to skip this camp site at times, however this is not recommended unless one is a regular and experienced trekkers who has done multiple 800m single day altitude gains before.

DAY 03: SACHEN (2250M) TO TSOKHA (2950M). 8KM APPX.

The walk begins in an easy fashion from Sachen and takes about about an hour to the bridge over Prek chu (chu meaning river). From the bridge to Tsokha is a straight ascent of about 5 km and is a good introduction to the climb the next day. Bakhim (meaning Bamboo Hut) breaks the climb. There is a tea stall at Bakhim and one can sit here and enjoy the views of the valley below. Trekkers are often astonished at how much they have climbed in the previous hour and half. Rhododendron trees abound around Bakhim and here onwards till you are above the tree line they will remain a constant companion. It is a further hour and half to Tsokha.

DAY 04: TSOKHA (2950M) TO DZONGRI (3950M). 10KM APPX.

This day is often referred to as the ‘test day’ since it is a relentless and fairly steep climb from Tsokha to Dzongri. You will gain altitude fast and it is important to not rush up the slope. Time the ascent to reach Dzongri is about 5-6 hours and you will still reach comfortably by 2pm, assuming you start at around 8am. The trail passes via Phedang (3679m appx.) which almost slices the walk into half. It looks like a possible camp site but teams do not prefer to camp here because of lack of water near the campsite. Water here must be brought from far (20 min walk one way). Thus, teams rest here for a while, have their packed lunch/rations provided to them in the morning, and proceed to Dzongri. In an hour, you will come across Deorali top, the highest point on this day at over 4100m. Here on the trail eases out and descends slightly to dzongri. Many people, upon arrival in Dzongri will experience a mild headache due to the 1000m effective gain. Make sure you stay warm and hydrated. Let the guide/team leader know about any headache or health difficulty. Usually the headache should subside in a couple of hours.NOTE: There is no water source on the trail on this day and trekkers must fill up at Tsokha and ration the water wisely.

DAY 05: REST DAY. ACCLIMATIZATION

This day you stay on at Dzongri and take rest. You may choose to wake up early and walk up to Dzongri top to see a full panoramic view of all the snow-capped mountains around at sunrise. One can see at least 10 peaks here from left to right, including Kokthang, Rathong, Frey’s peak, Black Kabur, Kabru dome, Kabru north and south, Kanchenjunga, Pandim, Tenzingkhang, Japnoo, Narsing and a few others. Return from Dzongri top to the campsite and rest here for the day.

DAY 06: DZONGRI (3970M) TO THANGSING (3800M). 10KM APPX.

This day you ascend a little from the Dzongri campsite and then walk through meadows with gentle up and down slopes till you arrive at the steep descent to the Kokchurang campsite by the Prek chu. The descent is challenging for almost everyone and can take around an hour. Kokchurang campsite is nestled in a dense forest by the river side and is a perfect spot to rest for a while. We do not set up camp here on our way up. After some rest, we proceed to Thangsing, our camp for the night, through some more beautiful forest. On a clear day, the Thangsing campsite gives you a welcome gift of outstanding views of Mt. Pandim right upon arrival. Soak in the beauty of the sights before you and surrender to nature’s splendour. Thangsing is a wide open field and you will often find trekkers or local staff playing cricket, football or volleyball here. Join in for some fun and to test your lungs!

DAY 07: THANGSING (3800M) TO LAMUNEY (3950M). 3.5KM APPX.

It is the simplest day of the trek. A very gradual gain from Thangsing will take you to Lamuney in 1.5 hours. Start late by 10 am and you will still reach Lamuney by 11:30am. Relax at camp. The following morning you will be up early and leave for View Point 1 around 2:30am.

DAY 09: KOKCHURANG (3600M) TO TSOKHA (2950M). 15KM APPX.

The walk from Kokchurang to Phedang is through a very dense forest and no pack animals can do this trail due to the narrow nature and dense vegetation on the trail. For several hours you will walk through forests that might remind some of the forests in the Indian Western Ghats during monsoons. This part of the trail takes about 4-5 hours typically. Have the packed lunch provided to you, here. From Phedang turn left and down towards Tsokha. It is a continuous descent up to Tsokha and takes up 2 hours.

DAY 10: TSOKHA (2950M) TO YUKSOM (1750M). 16KM APPX.

Last day of the trek takes you back over the same route you took to come up. Descend all the way to the suspension bridge over Prek Chu below Bakhim. It can take anywhere between 1.5 to 2.5 hours. From the bridge there is a climb for about 20mins after which the trail takes you over gentle ups and downs while constantly losing altitude towards yuksom. Expect yourself to reach Yuksom in between 5-7 hours. You will have packed lunch on this day as well and Sachen is a good point to take a break. As you near Yuksom mobile networks will become active again. Reach the road head and you are standing at the end point of the trek. A cozy bed and hot water will be waiting for you at your hotel/homestay.

DAY 11: TRANSFER TO BAGDOGRA (IXB)/NEW JALPAIGURI (NJP) FOR YOUR RETURN JOURNEY

In morning after breakfast is ideally the final day of the trekking. It is advisable to start early since a long drive. Travellers we suggest you pack the luggage before have a delicious breakfast or before starting to your journey. The distance from NJP/ Bagdogra airport is 155 kilometres which ideally should take not more than 7 to 8 hours. Lunch can be enjoyed at Jorthang or malli where there are serving good local foods. After enjoying lunch drive continue to your destination at the N J P/Bagdogra Airport.

DAY 01: ARRIVAL AT BAGDOGRA (IXB)/NEW JALPAIGURI (NJP) & TRANSFER TO YUKSOM

It is a 6-7 hour ride through the hills. Upon arrival in Yuksom, prepare for the trek that starts the next day. If time permits, one could also see around Yuksom. The Dubdi monastery, the Coronation throne are a couple of the local attractions. Additionally, Yuksom is a historically important place for Sikkim as it was annointed the first capital of Sikkim in 1643 AD.

DAY 08: LAMUNEY (3950M) TO VIEW POINT 1 (4600M) AND BACK TO KOKCHURANG (3600M). 15KM APPX.

The day starts early at 2:30am. It will be biting cold at this hour and one must be prepared for it. Typically the temperature will be below zero at start. Start slowly and cross the Samiti Lake in the dark on your way up to the view point. The start is timed to take you the view point around first light and before sunrise for, as beautiful as first light looks on the peaks, the sunrise is pure magic. Peaks light up in the descending order of altitude with Kanchenjunga first to be lit followed by kabru north and then the lower peaks in order. The route used to be open right up to the Goecha la earlier. However, the National park authorities have closed the route beyond view point 1 now as the zone beyond it has been identified as having significant concentration of blue sheep and the snow leopard. This area is a breeding zone for these species as well and has been demarcated as a conservation zone to reduce human interference. Carry a pair of binoculars with you to give yourself a chance of spotting a rare leopard or a flock of blue sheep. Leopard sightings are very rare as they are extremely shy and if you see one, count yourself very very lucky! Descend to Samiti Lake on your way back to the camp. Around 8am, when you are likely to be back at Samiti, the water is very still usually and a full reflection of the peaks around it is visible in the water. Several birds will be out by now and the area around the lake is a great place for photography aficionados. Come back to camp at Lamuney, have an early lunch and move down to Kokchurang campsite next to the river for the night. It is warmer here and of course very beautiful.

P.S.: Distances and altitudes are approximate and may not be exact.