Planning the Sandakphu Trek in India’s Eastern Himalayas involves multiple steps. This trek provides unforgettable experiences and views of the world’s highest peaks, but requires careful and thoughtful preparation.

Firstly, understand the trail. It starts from Jaubhari village, winds through the Singalila National Park, and ends at Sandakphu peak, the highest point in West Bengal. The trek spans several days and covers diverse terrains, making it suitable for both experienced and beginner trekkers.

Physical readiness is critical. Some fitness benchmarks include the ability to jog or run for 5 kilometers in 30-35 minutes and the ability to climb 30 floors without a break. If you’re unsure about your fitness, consider joining a training program tailored to your needs.

Packing the right gear is also crucial. Essential items include a rucksack with a rain cover, a head torch with batteries, and UV sunglasses. Don’t forget appropriate clothing, footwear, toiletries, and utensils.

Accommodation will be in guest houses or homestays, and meals will usually be provided by your trekking company.

Overall, the key to a successful Sandakphu Trek lies in thorough planning and preparation.

The Trek at a Glance

Embark on a seven-day odyssey that will take you from the quaint village of Jaubhari, through the Singalila National Park, and culminate at the stunning Sandakphu peak – the highest point in West Bengal. With an elevation of 3,627 meters (11,929 feet), this moderate-level trek offers a perfect blend of challenge and comfort, making it an ideal choice for both seasoned trekkers and enthusiastic beginners.

• Grade: Easy
• Location: West Bengal, India
• Maximum Altitude: 3,627 meters (11,929 feet)
• Duration: 7 days
• Total Distance: Approximately 81 kilometers (50 miles)

Preparing for the Adventure

Before embarking on this extraordinary journey, it’s essential to ensure you’re physically and mentally prepared. While the Sandakphu Trek is considered relatively easy, it’s crucial to understand the demands of the trail and take necessary precautions.

Fitness Benchmarks

To gauge your readiness for the Sandakphu Trek, consider these fitness benchmarks:

• Ability to jog or run for 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) in 30-35 minutes
• Capability to walk continuously for 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) on a slight incline
• Ability to hold your breath for 40 seconds
• Capacity to climb 30 floors without a break
• Proficiency in performing 10 push-ups and 15 sets of lunges and squats

If you’re unsure about your fitness level, don’t worry! Bikat Adventures offers a comprehensive training program tailored to your needs, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

Essential Gear

To ensure a safe and comfortable trek, it’s crucial to pack the right gear. Here’s a list of essential items you’ll need:

Trekking Gear

• Rucksack bag with rain cover
• Day pack bag (recommended for summit day)
• Head torch with spare batteries
• UV protection sunglasses
• Two 1-liter water bottles

Footwear

• Non-skid, deep-treaded, high-ankle trekking shoes
• Pair of lightweight slippers or sandals

Clothing

• Quick-dry warm lower or track pants (2 pairs)
• Full-sleeved t-shirts or sweatshirts (1 for every 2 days of trekking)
• Thick woolen socks (1 pair for every 2 days of trekking)
• Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
• Warm jacket with wrist and neck closures
• Full-sleeved sweater
• Rainwear (jacket and pants)
• Waterproof, warm gloves
• Woolen cap
• Sun-shielding hat

Toiletries

• Personal toiletries kit (small towel, toilet paper, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, cold cream, etc.)
• Sunscreen lotion
• Lip balm

Utensils

• Small, lightweight, and leak-proof lunch box
• Plate
• Spoon
• Tea or coffee mug

Miscellaneous

• Camera (optional)
• Prescribed medications (if any)
• Dry fruits, nuts, and chocolate bars (optional)

The Trail Unveiled

The Sandakphu Trek is a captivating journey that takes you through diverse landscapes, each more breathtaking than the last. Here’s a day-by-day breakdown of what you can expect:

Day 1: Jaubhari (2,240 meters)

Your adventure begins in the quaint village of Jaubhari, where you’ll have the opportunity to acclimatize and prepare for the days ahead. Spend the evening exploring the charming surroundings, savoring delicious home-cooked meals, and resting in your comfortable accommodations.

Day 2: Jaubhari to Tumling (2,875 meters)

• Distance: 9 kilometers (5.6 miles)
• Duration: 7-8 hours

The first day of trekking will take you through lush forests, offering glimpses of the majestic Himalayan peaks. As you ascend, you’ll cross the border into Nepal, adding an international flavor to your adventure. The trail will lead you to the village of Tumling, where you’ll spend the night in a cozy homestay.

Day 3: Tumling to Kalapokhri (2,990 meters)

• Distance: 15 kilometers (9.3 miles)
• Duration: 8 hours

Today’s trek will take you through the Singalila National Park, a biodiversity hotspot teeming with flora and fauna. The trail will offer stunning views of the Kangchenjunga range, including the iconic “Sleeping Buddha” formation. Your destination for the day is Kalapokhri, a picturesque village nestled beside a colorful lake adorned with prayer flags.

Day 4: Kalapokhri to Sandakphu (3,627 meters)

• Distance: 5 kilometers (3.1 miles)
• Duration: 2-3 hours

This relatively short day will be a rewarding one as you ascend to the highest point of the trek – Sandakphu. The trail will take you through the “poisonous valley” of Bikheybhanjang before a steep climb to the summit. Once at the top, you’ll be greeted by panoramic views of four of the world’s highest peaks: Mount Everest, Makalu, Kangchenjunga, and Lhotse.

Day 5: Sandakphu to Phalut (4,508 meters)

• Distance: 20 kilometers (12.4 miles)
• Duration: 7-8 hours

Prepare for a long but visually stunning day as you trek from Sandakphu to Phalut. The trail will take you through a carpet of blooming rhododendrons, offering unobstructed views of the Himalayan giants. Phalut, your destination for the day, is an isolated region with no signs of habitation, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature’s grandeur.

Day 6: Phalut to Gorkhey (2,400 meters)

• Distance: 12 kilometers (7.5 miles)
• Duration: 4-5 hours

Today’s descent will take you through lush forests, with rhododendrons giving way to bamboo groves. Your destination is the charming village of Gorkhey, where you’ll be welcomed with warm hospitality and delicious home-cooked meals.

Day 7: Gorkhey to Sepi (1,900 meters)

• Distance: 20 kilometers (12.4 miles)
• Duration: 7-8 hours

The final day of your trek will be a long but satisfying hike through the villages of Sammamden and Rammam, culminating at Sepi. This marks the end of your Sandakphu adventure, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Inclusions and Exclusions

When booking your Sandakphu Trek with Bikat Adventures, it’s essential to understand what’s included and what’s not. Here’s a breakdown:

What’s Included

• Vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) on trekking days
• Forest permits, camping charges, and trek permits
• Camping tents, temperature-rated sleeping bags, and mattresses
• Safety equipment (static rescue rope, seat harness, carabiners, pulleys)
• Experienced and certified trek leader with wilderness emergency response training
• First aid-certified local guide, cook, and support staff
• Porters or mules for carrying common luggage

What’s Not Included

• Meals during road journeys
• Any kind of insurance (highly recommended)
• Personal expenses
• Expenses not specified in the inclusions list
• Carriage of personal rucksack
• Meals during hotel stays
• Additional forest or camping charges for foreign nationals (approximately INR 2,000 to be paid extra)

Frequently Asked Questions

To help you plan your Sandakphu Trek with ease, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Eligibility

• Is this trek suitable for me? The Sandakphu Trek, graded as BRS 2 (Bikat Rating Scale), is suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. However, a certain level of physical fitness and mental preparedness is required.
• What’s a good fitness benchmark? If you can jog or run for 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) in 25-30 minutes, you’re ready for this trek. Additionally, incorporating resistance workouts like squats, lunges, and push-ups into your routine will be beneficial.
• What skills do I need? Basic knowledge of using sleeping bags, toilet tents, sleeping tents, and mountain mannerisms will be helpful. However, no prior experience is required as your trek leader will guide you through the necessary skills.
• What are the age limits? The minimum age limit is 9 years, but minors between 9 and 17 years must be accompanied by their parents or guardians. If you’re above 60 years old, you’ll need to carry a medical certificate deeming you fit for adventure activities like trekking.

About the Activity

• Where is the Sandakphu Trek located? The Sandakphu Trek is located in the Eastern Himalayas of India, in the state of West Bengal. The trek starts from the village of Jaubhari.
• What are the highlights of the trek? The Sandakphu Trek offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks like Mount Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu. You’ll also trek through the Singalila National Park, a biodiversity hotspot, and witness the iconic “Sleeping Buddha” formation of the Kangchenjunga range.
• What are the challenges? While not a highly technical trek, the Sandakphu Trek presents challenges in the form of long distances each day, steep ascents, and unpredictable weather conditions. Trekkers should be prepared for sudden downpours, strong winds, and cold temperatures, especially at higher altitudes.
• What’s the best season for this trek? The best seasons for the Sandakphu Trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these periods, the weather is relatively dry and stable, offering clear views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
• What is the accommodation type? Throughout the trek, you’ll stay in guest houses or homestays, with accommodation mostly in dormitory-style rooms.
• What are the temperature ranges? From March to May, daytime temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), and nighttime temperatures range from 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F). From mid-September to mid-November, daytime temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F), and nighttime temperatures range from 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F).
• Is it technically challenging? No, the Sandakphu Trek is not technically challenging. It’s categorized as a level 2 trek on the BRS, making it relatively simple and suitable for novice trekkers.

Connectivity

• How do I reach the starting point? The starting point of the Sandakphu Trek is Jaubhari. You can reach Jaubhari by arranging transportation from the nearest airport, Bagdogra, in Siliguri, which is approximately 110 kilometers (68 miles) away.
• Is cellular network available throughout? Cellular network coverage is intermittent during the trek.
• Where is the nearest ATM? The nearest ATMs are located in the towns of Darjeeling and Siliguri, at the base of the trek.
• If I choose to travel to the base with you, what is the pick-up point? If you choose to travel with Bikat Adventures, the pick-up point for the Sandakphu Trek is NJP (New Jalpaiguri) to reach Jaubhari, the starting point of the trek. Payment for transportation will be divided among the participants and made on the spot.
• What time is the drop-off on the last day? On the last day, you can expect to reach NJP by late evening.
• What are the nearby attractions I can explore? Some nearby attractions include Singalila National Park, Darjeeling (known for its tea plantations and toy train), Mirik (a picturesque hill station with a serene lake), Kalimpong (known for its Buddhist monasteries and colonial architecture), and Kurseong (a quiet hill station with tea plantations and historic churches).

Equipment and Gear

• What equipment is provided? Bikat Adventures provides all common gear, technical climbing equipment (as required), and safety equipment used for rescue. Your trek leader will carry the necessary safety gear.
• What can I rent from you? Bikat Adventures does not provide rental services for the Sandakphu Trek.
• What gear do I need to bring? For a detailed packing list, refer to the “Essential Gear” section of this article.
• Are there local shops to rent or buy equipment? It’s advisable to come prepared with all the necessary gear, as there may not be ample time or options for last-minute shopping near the starting point.

Facilities and Additional Services

• Can I offload my bag? Although not recommended, you can offload your bag at an additional cost. Request this service while making your booking, and it can be arranged. However, it’s important to note that offloading goes against the spirit of trekking by eliminating a level of endurance and discomfort from the experience.
• Can I leave any extra luggage at the base? Yes, you can leave your extra baggage in the guest house on the first day.
• What are the meals like? On all trekking days, Bikat Adventures provides three full vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), along with evening snacks and tea. The menu is pre-decided, but accommodations can be made for specific food allergies or restrictions upon request.
• What are the washroom or toilet facilities like? At campsites, Bikat Adventures’ team will set up dry pit toilets and assemble toilet tents to provide safe and secure facilities. A shovel will be provided within the toilet tent, and you’ll need to carry your own toilet paper. Using water in the toilet tent is restricted.
• What should I do if I get my period during the trek? If you get your period during the trek and don’t have sanitary napkins, your trek leader can provide them. Feel free to communicate any assistance you may need, as Bikat Adventures’ staff is gender-sensitized and equipped to assist you.
• What are the medical facilities available? Bikat Adventures’ team carries a first aid kit and basic medicines required during the trek. They are trained as first responders in case of any injury or health-related issues. For higher altitude treks, they also carry a HAPO (High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema) bag and oxygen cylinders to tend to any altitude-related health conditions.
• Are there any electricity charging points on this trek? You’ll have access to charging facilities at every campsite except Phalut.

Mandatory Documents

• What documents do I need to carry? You’ll need to carry a copy of your ID proof and a medical certificate. Soft copies of these documents should be sent to Bikat Adventures, and you should have the originals with you during the trek.
• Do I need insurance for this trek? Yes, insurance for high-altitude activities is highly recommended to cover the cost of rescue, evacuation, emergency services, and medical expenses in case of injury or illness during the trek. You can purchase insurance on your own or through Bikat Adventures by speaking with their post-booking team.
• Do I need a permit for this trek? Yes, multiple permits are required for the Sandakphu Trek. Bikat Adventures obtains these permits on behalf of all trekkers, and the permit costs are included in your trek cost.

Certification

• Do you provide a certificate of completion? Yes, you will receive e-certificates (of completion) after the trek. These certificates will bear your name, the trek details, and the maximum altitude you achieved. If you were unable to finish the trek, you will receive a certificate of participation.
• When and how will I get the certificate of completion? Upon completion of the trek, the certificate will be available on your dashboard on Bikat Adventures’ website, where you can download it directly.

International Travel

• Will I need a visa? The Sandakphu Trek is located in India. If you’re coming from outside the country, you will need a visa to enter India. You should be able to find the rules for obtaining a visa based on your home country online.
• When should I apply for the visa? This does not apply if you hold an Indian passport. If you don’t, you’ll need to check the visa application rules based on your home country.
• What kinds of insurance do I need to travel here? If you’re not an Indian citizen, you’ll need travel medical insurance to visit the country. Ensure that your insurance policy is valid for the altitude you’ll be reaching and covers the trekking activity to protect against risks during the trek. The insurance policy provided by Bikat Adventures does not cover foreign nationals, so you’ll need to purchase it separately.
• What is the specialty of this trek compared to other mountain ranges? The Sandakphu Trek is part of the Eastern Himalayas, which house the tallest mountains in the world and offer a treasure trove of adventure opportunities. The variety in terms of beauty, terrain, landscape, geography, culture, and adventure in the Himalayas remains unmatched.
• Till which month can I make a booking for this trek? You can make a booking anytime, depending on the availability of slots in Bikat Adventures’ fixed departure batches. You can find this information at the top of their website.

Safety

• What is the qualification of the outdoor leader provided? A minimum requirement for Bikat Adventures’ team is a Basic Mountaineering Course certification from one of the five recognized mountaineering institutes in India. Their field experts are also trained in basic medicine and first-aid response. Additionally, Bikat Adventures conducts an annual on-ground training called the Adventure Professional Workshop (APW), where their leaders learn close to 25 topics and techniques of rescue not covered in the BMC and AMC courses.
• How do you choose your outdoor leaders? Bikat Adventures follows a rigorous hiring and training process for their outdoor leaders. Each trek leader is a certified mountaineer with years of experience in the field. The interview process to bring a trek leader on board is close to six months long, where various skills and personality traits are assessed. Trek leaders also progress from leading easier treks to more difficult ones as they gain experience.
• Is it safe for women? Absolutely. Bikat Adventures recognizes and values the ideology that the world of outdoor adventure can benefit from diversity. They make it their mission to create outdoor spaces that are equally accessible and safe for all genders. They also encourage women leaders in the outdoors, and all their staff is gender-sensitized. In case there are no other women on the trek, a solo female trekker is provided with a separate single-occupancy tent.
• What is the ratio of outdoor leaders to participants? For the Sandakphu Trek, Bikat Adventures caps their batch sizes at 15, with a trek leader to trekker ratio of 1:8.
• What do you do in case of an emergency? In addition to their qualifications, Bikat Adventures’ trek leaders are trained to tackle any sudden conditions that may arise on the ground. During the reconnaissance stage, they study the trail in detail and map out rescue routes before opening it up for trekkers. They also have local support staff stationed in each area to arrange for emergency services at the place of need as quickly as possible.
• What are the rescue options on this trek? Bikat Adventures mobilizes road rescue efforts, where their trek leaders bring the person in need down to the trailhead, from where a car can take them to the nearest healthcare facility. The cost of rescue is not covered in the trek

Conclusion

The Sandakphu Trek is a seven-day journey in West Bengal, India, starting from Jaubhari village, through Singalila National Park, and culminating at Sandakphu peak. The trek is suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers, requiring physical fitness and mental preparedness. Essential gear includes a rucksack bag, head torch, UV protection sunglasses, appropriate footwear and clothing, toiletries, and utensils. The trek offers stunning views of Mount Everest, Makalu, Kangchenjunga, and Lhotse. Accommodation is usually in guest houses or homestays, and meals are provided by the trekking company. The trek includes forest permits, camping charges, trek permits, camping tents, safety equipment, and experienced trek leaders.