Sandakphu–Phalut Trek, Darjeeling: History, highlights and visitor guide

History and context

The story behind Sandakphu–Phalut Trek

Sandakphu, at 3,636 m, is the highest point in West Bengal and of the Singalila Ridge, which forms the border with Nepal. Its name is usually traced to a Lepcha phrase about the poisonous aconite that grows on its slopes.

Useful facts

Sandakphu–Phalut Trek facts at a glance

Location

Singalila Ridge, from Manebhanjan near Darjeeling

Altitude

Sandakphu 3,636 m (11,929 ft); Phalut about 3,600 m

Experience type

Multi-day ridge trek

Known for

Views of Kangchenjunga, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu

Time or schedule

2 to 3 days to Sandakphu; 5 to 7 days with Phalut; park closed mid-June to mid-September

Why it matters

Why Sandakphu–Phalut Trek is worth your time

Sandakphu is one of the few places where four of the world's five highest peaks can be seen together: Kangchenjunga close by, with Everest, Lhotse and Makalu further west. The view along the Kangchenjunga range from the top of the ridge is the reason most people come.

The route runs through Singalila National Park, a protected forest of oak, magnolia and rhododendron that is home to the red panda. Walking it supports village lodges and the guide and porter association at Manebhanjan, which depend on the season.

Highlights

What not to miss

1. 01

   Sandakphu sunrise

   West Bengal's highest point, with a long view of the Kangchenjunga range and the Everest group to the west.

2. 02

   Sandakphu to Phalut

   A quieter, 21 km day along the open ridge to Phalut, near the West Bengal–Sikkim–Nepal border. There is no water source on this stretch, so carry enough.

3. 03

   Spring forest

   In April and May the rhododendron forest on the lower ridge is in flower.

Plan your visit

How to experience it

The trek starts at Manebhanjan (about 2,150 m), an hour's drive from Darjeeling. The first day climbs through Chitre and Meghma to Tonglu or Tumling (around 2,900 to 3,070 m), where the ridge opens up. The second day continues through Gairibas and Kalipokhri, and a shorter third day climbs past Bikheybhanjang to Sandakphu, at 3,636 m (11,929 ft). This is the shorter Sandakphu-only version: two to three days up, then back the same way or down to Srikhola and Rimbik.

The longer version carries on for about 21 km along the ridge from Sandakphu to Phalut, at around 3,600 m, near the meeting point of West Bengal, Sikkim and Nepal. From Phalut most groups descend through Gorkhey and Rammam to Srikhola and Rimbik, where shared jeeps run back towards Darjeeling. In all, the full route takes about five to seven days from Manebhanjan.

A jeep road follows much of the ridge, and the old Land Rovers of Manebhanjan still carry people up it. Walkers share parts of the path with vehicles. Lodges and trekkers' huts are basic, with dormitory beds, limited power and patchy mobile signal. Start each day early, as the mountains are usually clearest at dawn and cloud often builds by afternoon.

Know before you go

Timing, access and comfort

Area

Singalila National Park, starting at Manebhanjan, about 28 km from Darjeeling

Time needed

2 to 3 days to Sandakphu one way; about 5 to 7 days including Phalut and the descent

Best time

April to May for rhododendrons; October to November for the clearest views. The park is closed from mid-June to mid-September

Walking level

Demanding

Senior comfort

Several days of walking on a rough, often steep ridge at 2,500 to 3,600 m, with cold nights in basic lodges. Older travellers with heart, lung or knee problems should not attempt the full trek. The gentle option is the drive: a Land Rover or 4WD from Manebhanjan to Tumling, or all the way to Sandakphu on the jeep road, for the sunrise view while fitter family members walk.

Tickets and access

A Singalila National Park entry permit is needed, issued at the forest office at Manebhanjan or the park gate beyond Tumling, with separate fees for Indian and foreign visitors. A registered guide is reported to be mandatory beyond Tumling; guides and porters are hired through the association at Manebhanjan. Since 2022 foreign nationals may not stay in lodges on the Nepal side of the ridge. Confirm current fees and rules locally.

Plan it with

FAQs