DomesticAdventure

8-Day Sandakphu Trek — Sleeping Buddha View

The Singalila ridge to Sandakphu at 11,930 ft, where Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Kanchenjunga stand in one line — the Sleeping Buddha. Seven days on the Nepal border, with teahouses rather than tents.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: NJP to Maneybhanjang
Pick up and the drive to the trailhead via Darjeeling. Briefing.
Meals
Dinner
Stay
Maneybhanjang
Day 2: Maneybhanjang to Tumling
The first climb, crossing in and out of Nepal along the ridge.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Tumling
Day 3: Tumling to Kalipokhri
Through Singalila National Park, rhododendron and magnolia forest.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Kalipokhri
Day 4: Kalipokhri to Sandakphu
The steep pull up Bikeybhanjang to Sandakphu. Sunset on the Sleeping Buddha.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Sandakphu
Day 5: Sandakphu to Sabargram
Sunrise over Everest and Kanchenjunga, then the ridge walk north.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Sabargram
Day 6: Sabargram to Phalut and Gorkhey
Phalut for the closest Kanchenjunga view, then down into Gorkhey.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Gorkhey
Day 7: Gorkhey to Srikhola and Darjeeling
Out through Srikhola and the drive back to Darjeeling.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Stay
Darjeeling
Day 8: Departure
Drive down to NJP or Bagdogra.
Meals
Breakfast

Trip Highlights

Four of the world's five highest peaks from one ridge
Sandakphu at 11,930 ft — the highest point in West Bengal
The Singalila National Park rhododendron belt
Teahouse stays, no camping
Trek leader, permits and park fees included

What's included

Accommodation as per the itinerary, on twin sharing
Daily breakfast and dinner
All transfers and sightseeing by private vehicle with a local driver
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway joy-ride ticket where the itinerary names it
Driver allowance, fuel, tolls and parking

What's not included

Airfare or train fare to Bagdogra / NJP
Lunch throughout
Ropeway, zoo and museum entry tickets
Tea estate factory tour fees
Anything the itinerary does not name

Pickup point

Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station

Cancellation policy

Cancel 30 days or more before departure — full refund minus a ₹2,000 processing fee.

Cancel 15 to 29 days before departure — 50% of the trip cost is refunded.

Cancel 7 to 14 days before departure — 25% of the trip cost is refunded.

Cancel within 7 days of departure — no refund.

Toy Train joy-ride seats are booked against your name and are non-refundable once issued. The train is cancelled outright in landslide season; when that happens we refund the ticket and drive the same route instead.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Tiger Hill sunrise worth the 4am start?

On a clear winter morning, yes — Kanchenjunga catches the light first and Everest is visible on the far left. On a cloudy morning you will have driven an hour to look at fog. October to December gives you the best odds. We keep a spare morning in the longer trips for a second attempt.

Can I book the full Toy Train ride from NJP to Darjeeling?

The full seven-hour run is unreliable and often cancelled. What works is the Darjeeling to Ghum joy-ride — two hours, the Batasia Loop, and the steam engine on the scheduled service. That is what we book. If the full run is operating on your dates we will tell you.

When should I come for the Kanchenjunga view?

Mid-October to December, and again in March and April. The monsoon from June to September closes the sky completely and brings landslides on the Hill Cart Road. January is clear but very cold, with frost on the road above Ghum.

Is Darjeeling good with young children?

Yes, apart from the Tiger Hill start. The zoo, the ropeway, the toy train and the Chowrasta promenade all work well. The town is steep and the traffic on Hill Cart Road is heavy, so plan on walking short distances rather than long ones.

Do I need a permit for Darjeeling or Kalimpong?

No. Both are in West Bengal and need no permit for anyone. If your trip continues into Sikkim, that does need a permit and we arrange it separately.

Ready to book Sandakphu Trek — Sleeping Buddha View?

Tell us your dates and group size and our team will confirm availability, hold the rooms and send you the invoice and vouchers.

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₹21,999₹26,000

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+ tax as applicable

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Tour Option

Twin Sharing₹21,999

Darjeeling, West Bengal

Sunrise at Tiger Hill, tea all day.

Know Before You Go

Is the Tiger Hill sunrise worth the 4am start?On a clear winter morning, yes — Kanchenjunga catches the light first and Everest is visible on the far left. On a cloudy morning you will have driven an hour to look at fog. October to December gives you the best odds. We keep a spare morning in the longer trips for a second attempt.
Can I book the full Toy Train ride from NJP to Darjeeling?The full seven-hour run is unreliable and often cancelled. What works is the Darjeeling to Ghum joy-ride — two hours, the Batasia Loop, and the steam engine on the scheduled service. That is what we book. If the full run is operating on your dates we will tell you.
When should I come for the Kanchenjunga view?Mid-October to December, and again in March and April. The monsoon from June to September closes the sky completely and brings landslides on the Hill Cart Road. January is clear but very cold, with frost on the road above Ghum.

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