Sandakphu Trek Guide 2026: Everest and Kangchenjunga From the Singalila Ridge

01Sandakphu at a Glance

• Summit: about 3,636 m, the highest point in West Bengal
• Start: Manebhanjan, about an hour from Darjeeling
• Duration: 4 to 6 days; add 1-2 days for Phalut
• Distance: about 32 km to Sandakphu; longer with Phalut
• Difficulty: easy to moderate
• Best season: October to December for views; March to May for rhododendrons
• Park closure: roughly mid-June to mid-September

02The Route

The trail weaves back and forth across the border, so some nights may be in Nepalese villages; Indian citizens can usually move along the ridge with their ID. A rough road follows much of the route and is used by old Land Rovers that ferry visitors up, so expect occasional vehicles.

• Manebhanjan to Tumling via Chitrey: a steady climb, with the first views of Kangchenjunga
• Tumling to Kalapokhri or Gairibas: into Singalila National Park, through forest
• Kalapokhri to Sandakphu: the steepest stretch, with a final climb to the summit village
• Optional: Sandakphu to Phalut, an open ridge walk with the closest views of Kangchenjunga
• Descent: back the same way, or down to Srikhola or Rimbik via Gorkhey

03The Sleeping Buddha and the Everest View

The Kangchenjunga massif, seen from the Singalila ridge, looks like a reclining figure, and is known as the Sleeping Buddha. At sunrise the whole range turns pink and gold. To the west, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu appear as a cluster of peaks above the Nepalese hills. You need a clear morning, which is why autumn is the prime season.

04Permits and Guides

Most of the route runs through Singalila National Park, and an entry permit is required. It is issued at the forest office in Manebhanjan or at the park entry check post, and covers per-day charges, with separate charges for things like cameras. Older published rates for Indian citizens were modest, roughly 100 to 150 rupees, with higher rates for foreign nationals; check current fees at Manebhanjan.

Hiring a registered local guide has been required for trekking to Sandakphu and Phalut, and guides are arranged through the local guide association in Manebhanjan. The park is closed from about mid-June to mid-September for the monsoon and the wildlife breeding season.

05Where to Stay and Eat

Sandakphu is a teahouse trek: you stay in lodges and homestays in villages such as Tumling, Kalapokhri and Sandakphu, and eat simple meals of rice, dal, vegetables, noodles and momos. Lodges get busy in peak season, so a guide or operator who books ahead is useful. Rooms are basic and cold; nights at Sandakphu drop below freezing from November.

06When to Go

• October to December: the clearest skies and best mountain views; cold, especially in December
• January to February: possible snow on the ridge; very cold
• March to May: rhododendrons in bloom; haze can hide the peaks in the afternoon
• Mid-June to mid-September: the park is closed

07Getting There

• Fly to Bagdogra or take a train to New Jalpaiguri
• Drive to Darjeeling or directly to Manebhanjan, about 3 to 4 hours
• From Darjeeling, Manebhanjan is about an hour by shared or private vehicle