NamasteTrip
6 DaysFrom₹9,500
Kedarkantha Trek
A snowy summit trek through whispering pine forests and open Himalayan meadows.
🌄 Eastern Himalayas Ridge Trek
Sandakphu–Phalut Trek
Experience a mesmerizing 7-day ridge walk straddling the Indo–Nepal border. From the 11,930 ft Sandakphu summit, witness the legendary panorama of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse & Makalu — the four tallest peaks on Earth.
₹13,500 + GSTPer person
7 Days / 6 NightsDuration
ModerateGrade
SepiBase
Quick facts
Quick Facts – Sandakphu–Phalut Trek
🥾 Grade
Moderate trek with gentle slopes and ridge walks.
🕒 Duration
7 Days / 6 Nights (approx. 45 km).
⛰️ Altitude
11,930 ft (Sandakphu Summit) • 12,000 ft (Phalut).
🏕️ Basecamp
Sepi, near Manebhanjan, West Bengal.
🌄 Highlights
View 4 of the 5 highest peaks: Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse & Makalu.
💪 Fitness
Walk 5 km in 45 minutes • Practice stair climbs weekly.
🌡️ Temperature
–2 °C to 12 °C (Dec–Feb) • Pleasant 10–18 °C in spring.
🚐 Pickup / Drop
New Jalpaiguri (NJP) / Siliguri • 7 AM pickup, return 6 PM.
Quick answer
What is the Sandakphu–Phalut Trek?
The Sandakphu–Phalut Trek is a 7 days / 6 nights, moderate trek from Sepi, West Bengal in Darjeeling, West Bengal (highest point: 11,930 ft (Sandakphu Summit) • 12,000 ft (Phalut)). Suitable for beginners who prepare well and for regular walkers. Expect 5–7 hours of walking a day, some steep sections and one early-morning summit push. It costs ₹13,500 + 5% GST per person and is ideal for first-time Himalayan trekkers, snow lovers (Dec – Feb), meadow and rhododendron season (Mar – Jun).
📍 About the region
Darjeeling district, West Bengal, is famous for its tea gardens and the Singalila Ridge on the India–Nepal border — the only place where four of the world's five highest peaks (Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu) can be seen together.
The legendary ridge walk with views of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse & Makalu.
📅 Best time for the Sandakphu–Phalut Trek
| December – February | Snow on the trail and summit, clear blue skies and sub-zero nights. The classic snow-trek season. |
|---|---|
| March – June | Melting snow, rhododendron blooms, green meadows and longer days — comfortable temperatures for camping. |
Group departures run through the season; the booking calendar opens for this month and next month. Weather in the mountains changes quickly — your trek leader may adjust the schedule for safety.
🏔️ Sandakphu-Phalut Trek – The Sleeping Buddha Trail
Trek along the legendary Singalila Ridge that straddles India and Nepal. The Sandakphu-Phalut Trek (12,000 ft) offers jaw-dropping views of the Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu ranges — the world’s highest peaks, all visible in one frame.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
NJP/Bagdogra ➝ Manebhanjan (Basecamp)
Arrive at Manebhanjan, a picturesque border village and the gateway to the Singalila National Park. Meet your trek leader, explore the local monastery, and get your permits ready for the days ahead.
💰 Transport: Shared cab available from NJP or Bagdogra (not included in trek fee).
Day 2
Manebhanjan ➝ Tumling
Start with a steep ascent through pine, magnolia, and bamboo forests. Enter the Singalila National Park where the trail crosses into Nepal briefly. Stay overnight at Tumling, a small hamlet with mesmerizing views of the Kanchenjunga range.
Day 3
Tumling ➝ Kalapokhri
A gentle ridge walk through villages and rhododendron groves. Reach Kalapokhri, named after the dark holy lake that reflects the sky like a mirror. The air begins to thin as you approach the higher ridge.
Day 4
Kalapokhri ➝ Sandakphu (11,950 ft)
A short but steep climb to Sandakphu, the highest point of West Bengal. As you reach the summit, the world’s four tallest peaks — Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga — line up in one glorious view known as the Sleeping Buddha.
⭐ Highlight: Sunset over the world’s highest peaks.
Day 5
Sandakphu ➝ Phalut ➝ Samanden
A long ridge walk with views of Nepal on one side and Sikkim on the other. After enjoying panoramic views from Phalut Top, descend to Samanden — a forest village surrounded by tall pines.
⭐ Highlight: The 270° Himalayan skyline — among the grandest in India.
Day 6
Samanden ➝ Srikhola ➝ NJP/Bagdogra
A peaceful descent through forests rich with birds and orchids. End the trek at Srikhola, where a mountain stream marks the finish line. Depart for NJP or Bagdogra with unforgettable Himalayan memories.
⚠️ Trek Notes
- Distances and altitudes are approximate and may vary due to route conditions.
- Expect cold, windy weather above 10,000 ft — carry good winter layers.
- Permits for Singalila National Park are arranged by the trek organizer.
- Stay options include guesthouses and local homestays (heated rooms at Sandakphu).
- Shared cabs from NJP/Bagdogra to basecamp and back are available on request.
Cost of the Sandakphu–Phalut Trek
The trek has one fixed per-person price, so there are no surprises. Transport from the pickup city, rental gear and meals can be added when you book.
| Trek fee (per person) | ₹13,500 |
|---|---|
| GST @ 5% | ₹675 |
| Total per person | ₹14,175 |
| Group of 4 (total) | ₹56,700 |
| Add-on: Transport | + ₹2,000 per person |
| Add-on: Equipment Rental | + ₹1,500 per person |
| Add-on: Meals | + ₹1,200 per person |
Fitness & preparation
Suitable for beginners who prepare well and for regular walkers. Expect 5–7 hours of walking a day, some steep sections and one early-morning summit push. At high altitude (highest point: 11,930 ft (Sandakphu Summit) • 12,000 ft (Phalut)), the air holds noticeably less oxygen, so walk slowly, drink 3–4 litres of water a day and tell your trek leader about headaches or nausea early.
- Walk or jog 5 km, 4–5 days a week for 4 weeks before the trek.
- Climb stairs with a light backpack to build leg strength.
- Practise breathing and stretching; sleep well in the days before.
- Tell your trek leader about any health conditions before starting.
🚐 How to reach Sepi
Pickup / drop: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) / Siliguri • 7 AM pickup, return 6 PM.
- By air: Bagdogra Airport (IXB) – about 15 km from Siliguri, with direct flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Bengaluru.
- By train: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) – the main railway hub for Darjeeling and Sikkim, connected to Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati.
- By road: Shared and private jeeps run from Siliguri/NJP to Darjeeling, Manebhanjan and West Sikkim.
💡 Reach NJP or Bagdogra by the previous evening; the pickup is at 7 AM. Compare fares on our flight search.
🎒 What to pack
- Trekking shoes with good grip (broken in)
- Three warm layers + a down/padded jacket
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Woollen cap, gloves and 3–4 pairs of socks
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm
- Water bottle (1–2 L) and snacks
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Personal medicines and a basic first-aid kit
- Government photo ID (for forest permits)
Gallery
Sandakphu–Phalut Trek photos
Fact check
Key facts & sources
The Sandakphu–Phalut Trek costs ₹13,500 per person plus 5% GST (₹675), a total of ₹14,175, with NamasteTrip in 2026. The trek takes 7 days and 6 nights, starts from Sepi, West Bengal, is graded moderate and reaches about 11,930 ft. The price is fixed per person, and transport from the pickup city, rental gear and meals can be added when booking.
Altitude sickness can affect anyone above about 2,500 metres (8,200 ft), according to the UK National Health Service (NHS). Above 3,000 metres the NHS advises sleeping no more than 500 metres higher than the previous night and taking a rest day every 3 to 4 days. Tell your trek leader immediately if you develop a headache, nausea or dizziness.
Sources
- NHS (UK National Health Service) – Altitude sickness — altitude thresholds, symptoms and prevention
- India Meteorological Department – forecasts and weather warnings — official weather forecasts
- Incredible India – Ministry of Tourism, Government of India — official destination and festival information
Last reviewed on 6 October 2026 by the NamasteTrip team.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have a question? Message us on WhatsApp — a real person replies.
How much does the Sandakphu–Phalut Trek cost?
The Sandakphu–Phalut Trek costs ₹13,500 per person + 5% GST with NamasteTrip. Optional add-ons: Transport (₹2,000), Equipment Rental (₹1,500), Meals (₹1,200).
How many days is the Sandakphu–Phalut Trek?
It is a 7 Days / 6 Nights trek starting from Sepi, West Bengal in Darjeeling, West Bengal.
How difficult is the Sandakphu–Phalut Trek?
It is graded Moderate. Recommended fitness: Walk 5 km in 45 minutes • Practice stair climbs weekly.
What is the maximum altitude of the Sandakphu–Phalut Trek?
11,930 ft (Sandakphu Summit) • 12,000 ft (Phalut).
What is the best time for the Sandakphu–Phalut Trek?
NamasteTrip runs this trek in December – February and March – June.
Where does the Sandakphu–Phalut Trek start?
Base: Sepi, West Bengal. Pickup / drop: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) / Siliguri • 7 AM pickup, return 6 PM.
How do I reach the Sandakphu–Phalut Trek base camp?
The group transfer leaves from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) / Siliguri. By air: Bagdogra Airport (IXB) – about 15 km from Siliguri, with direct flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Bengaluru. By train: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) – the main railway hub for Darjeeling and Sikkim, connected to Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati.
Is the Sandakphu–Phalut Trek safe for beginners and solo travellers?
Suitable for beginners who prepare well and for regular walkers. Expect 5–7 hours of walking a day, some steep sections and one early-morning summit push. Every departure is led by an experienced trek leader with local guides, and many of our trekkers join solo — including solo women travellers.
What is the total cost of the Sandakphu–Phalut Trek with GST?
₹13,500 + 5% GST (₹675) = ₹14,175 per person. Optional add-ons such as transport, gear rental and meals are charged per person.
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