Sandakphu Trek Itinerary Details

Day 1: New Jalpaiguri to Chitrey

Travelers will begin their journey from New Jalpaiguri station from where they would be driving towards Chitrey.

Chitrey is a small village located in the thickly forested region of the Himalayas at a height of around 7218 feet. The distance from New Jalpaiguri Station to Chitrey is approximately 100 Km and will take approximately 4-5 hours to reach there by car.

In this village, one can get the chance to explore the colourful Buddhist stupas and monasteries. It is here that travelers will receive a brief about their journey.

Day 2: Chitrey – Tonglu/Tumling

On the second day, travelers will have to climb through pristine pine forests to reach the Tonglu peak of the Singalila range. On their journey, travelers will encounter many snow covered peaks and small hills. In between the journey to the Tonglu peak, trekkers will also have to climb across a mountainous meadow that will take approximate 20 minutes to hike. The Tonglu peak is situated on the India-Nepal border. It is here that travelers will need to spend the night.

Day 3: Tonglu – Joebari – Kaiyakata – Kalapokhri

After waking up to the mesmerizing sunrise over the Kanchenjunga, your next destination will be to Joebari. This is about 15 km from Tonglu and on the way travelers will have to cross the International border. The hike from Tonglu may first begin with a good ascent and then with a descent till one reaches Joebari. This may take an hour or two till you reach Joebari.

Once you reach Joebari, you will notice that the trail starts steeply. In about 1.5 hours, you will find yourself back in India (reaching the Gariban check post). You will soon reach Kaiyakata.

At Kaiyakata, travelers can take a break for refreshments and then continue their expedition to the village of Kalapokhari. This is a 2.5 hours trail with a moderate elevation slope. The village has a small lake and it is from this that the name of the village is derived. The water of the lake is black in colour and the local rumour is that the water of the lake does not freeze even during severe winters.

Day 4: Kalapokhri – Sandakphu

From Kalapokhri travelers will need to cover a stretch of 6 km before they reach Sandakphu. The Sandakphu trek will bring you the highest amount of altitude gain. From here you can climb up to a height of 11929 feet to reach a place called Beekaybhanjan.

After relaxing, you may begin your journey once again back to Sandakhphu trek. As the elevation keeps on increasing, you will find yourself walking slowly. You will need to cross three mountain peaks before you reach Sandakphu. The final destination will turn out to be difficult as you will find the path turning into a zigzag pattern.

Day 5: Sandakphu – Gurdum – Srikhola

Start climbing up to the Samandin village. Here, you can explore around and once you are done, you can continue your journey to the next village called Rammam. You can then descend towards Srikhola and spend the night there.

Day 6: Srikhola – New Jalpaiguri

The journey from Srikhola to New Jalpaiguri is the last part of the trek. From here, you will return home taking back wonderful memories.