Sandakphu-Phalut Trek

Altitude: 6,400 ft

Distance: 130 km

Duration: 6–7 hrs

Accommodation: Tea House

Your journey begins as you arrive at NJP Railway Station, where you’ll meet your fellow trekkers and trek leader. This is where strangers slowly turn into companions for the next six days, sharing stories, laughter, and the mountains ahead in the Eastern Himalayas.

Soon after, you’ll start your drive towards the hills. The landscape gradually shifts, from busy plains to quieter roads, cooler air, and rolling green slopes, giving you a gentle introduction to the terrain you’ll soon be walking through.

En route, you’ll halt at Mirik, a peaceful hill town known for its calm atmosphere and cultural roots. The name comes from the Lepcha words “Mir-Yok,” meaning “place burnt by fire.”

The journey continues along winding roads that pass through dense forest patches and small hillside villages. Expect changing views at every turn, mist rolling in, glimpses of valleys below, and locals going about their day, offering an insight into life in these mountains.

By evening, you’ll reach Sepi, a small and peaceful village near Rimbik, sitting at around 6,400 ft. Predominantly inhabited by the Rai community, Sepi is known for its proximity to the Singalila trekking route, especially the Black Forest Trail and the Srikhola River. The village has a calm, grounded feel, with traditions like herbal healing still practiced locally. Nearby spots like Devi Jhora Waterfall add to its charm, making it a gentle and welcoming introduction to mountain living.

Once settled, there will be a short evening briefing covering the trek plan, safety guidelines, and what to expect in the coming days. If time and energy permit, you may also head out for a short acclimatization walk to help your body adjust to the altitude and ease into the rhythm of the trek.

After your walk, you will be served dinner, followed by a stay in the tea house.

NOTE:

Pickup from NJP Railway Station at 10:00 AM.

NJP to Sepi transportation is included for trekkers who are opting for NJP to NJP package.

Stay in tea houses throughout the trek (triple/quad/hexa sharing) with common washrooms.

Any route change to Sepi (e.g., via Darjeeling instead of the standard route) will incur additional charges, payable directly by the trekkers.

Altitude: 7,500 ft

Distance: 14–15 km

Duration: 7–8 hrs

Accommodation: Tea House

After an early breakfast, begin your trek with a steady and gradual climb through shaded forest trails. The path is well-marked and allows your body to warm up naturally, making it a comfortable start to the day’s journey.

As you move ahead, the trail opens up to terraced fields and small Himalayan hamlets. You’ll likely pass locals tending to their farms or going about daily life; feel free to exchange a smile or a quick conversation, as these interactions often become the most memorable parts of the trek.

Midway, you’ll cross Raman village, a quiet settlement surrounded by greenery. It’s a good point to pause, catch your breath, and take in the slower pace of life that defines these mountain communities.

The trail then leads you deeper into the forests of the Singalila range, with stretches of rhododendron and bamboo creating a refreshing canopy overhead. Depending on the season, you might see bursts of color from blooming rhododendrons. Along the way, you’ll stop at a suitable spot to enjoy your packed lunch.

By afternoon, you’ll arrive at Samanden, often referred to as the “Lost Valley.” Sitting at around 7,545 ft in the Darjeeling district, this remote village offers wide, open views of the surrounding mountains. It’s known for its peaceful setting, glimpses of Lepcha culture, simple agricultural lifestyle, and proximity to Gorkhey, one of the most charming villages on this route, surrounded by lush meadows.

Once you reach your designated tea house, settle in and chill out. A warm, freshly prepared dinner will be served in the evening, simple, nourishing, and perfect after a day of walking, followed by a good night’s rest to prepare for the next day’s trail.

NOTE: A bucket of hot water will be provided in the morning.

Altitude: 11,811 ft

Distance: ~15 km

Duration: 7–8 hrs

Accommodation: Tea House

After a wholesome breakfast, begin your day with a descent towards Gorkhey, a quiet, riverside village that still feels largely untouched. The trail winds through thick pine forests, gradually opening up to this peaceful settlement, where the gentle Gorkhey Khola flows by, marking the natural boundary between Sikkim and West Bengal.

The trail shifts as you begin a steady ascent towards Phalut. The climb is gradual but continuous, and as you gain height, the landscape starts to open up, offering wider views of the Himalayan range with every step.

By late afternoon, you’ll reach Phalut, standing at approximately 11,811 ft. It is the second-highest point on the Singalila Ridge after Sandakphu and is known for its expansive mountain views. On clear days, you can witness a sweeping panorama of some of the tallest peaks, making the climb well worth the effort.

Once you arrive at your tea house, take some time to settle in and relax. As evening sets in, a warm dinner will be served, simple, filling, and comforting in the cool mountain air.

After dinner, it’s best to rest early and allow your body to recover. The altitude here is higher, so proper rest is important to stay well-acclimatised and ready for the next day’s journey.

Altitude: 11,200 ft

Distance: 11–12 km

Duration: 6–7 hrs

Accommodation: Tea House

Start your day early to catch the sunrise from Phalut. As the first light spreads across the horizon, it slowly reveals a line-up of four of the world’s five highest peaks. Watching the mountains change colors in silence is one of those rare moments that stay with you forever.

After breakfast, begin your trek along the Singalila ridge. This stretch is special as you’ll often be walking right along the Indo–Nepal border, with landscapes unfolding on both sides, giving a unique sense of walking between two countries.

The trail today is relatively gentle, with long open sections and wide views. You’ll notice how the terrain feels more expansive here, with rolling ridgelines, distant peaks, and a constant sense of space that keeps the walk engaging without being too strenuous.

By afternoon, you’ll reach Thokum. Once there, settle down for lunch and take some time to relax. It’s a good opportunity to rest your legs, rehydrate, and simply enjoy the calm surroundings after a fulfilling day on the ridge.

As evening sets in, the group usually comes together for some light activities or conversations. These shared moments often turn into the highlight of the trip, as stories, laughter, and experiences are exchanged.

Altitude: 11,600 ft

Distance: 9–10 km

Duration: 4–5 hrs

Accommodation: Tea House

Today is a comparatively easy day on the trail, with gentle ascents and descents that allow you to walk at a relaxed pace and give your body some rest.

After breakfast, begin your walk through dense forest sections dominated by oak, pine, and rhododendron trees. The trail remains shaded for most parts, making the hike comfortable and pleasant.

This stretch is perfect for slowing down and hearing the forest come alive. You may spot Himalayan birds' subtle sounds, offering a quiet experience away from busier routes.

You’ll reach Aal (also known as Aahl) early in the day. Located near Thokum on the Sandakphu trail, this scenic campsite sits at a vantage point known for its wide views. Reaching early gives you enough time to rest and explore the area at your own pace.

As evening sets in, return to your tea house, where a warm dinner will be served. After a fulfilling day, settle in for the night and get proper rest for the next stretch of your journey.

Altitude: 11,900 ft

Distance: ~14 km

Duration: 7–8 hrs

Accommodation: Tea House

After breakfast, begin your trek towards Sandakphu, the highest point in West Bengal. The trail involves a steady climb, but the changing views along the way keep the journey engaging and rewarding.

As you approach the top, you’ll witness the famous “Sleeping Buddha” formation of the Kanchenjunga range, where the peaks align in a way that resembles a reclining figure. It’s one of the most talked-about highlights of this trek.

From Sandakphu, enjoy clear, uninterrupted views of four of the world’s highest peaks, Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu, standing tall across the horizon, offering a rare perspective in a single frame.

After spending some time at the summit, begin your descent towards Timburey. The trail leads you back through forested paths, gradually losing altitude while passing through familiar greenery and quieter sections of the route. Enjoy your packed lunch while you're on the way.

When you arrive in Timburey, you'll notice that the atmosphere feels warmer and more inviting. Check into your tea house to relax after a fulfilling day that includes both a summit experience and a long descent. In the evening, enjoy your dinner and take some time to rest.

Altitude: 6,300 ft

Trek: 3 km

Drive: 130 km

Duration: 7-8 hrs

After breakfast, begin your final day with a short and easy trek from Timburey to Srikhola. The trail is mostly downhill, allowing you to walk at a relaxed pace while soaking in the last glimpses of the mountains.

Along the way, you'll cross charming suspension bridges, walk beside the Srikhola River, and pass through Sepi, a small Himalayan village surrounded by forests and peaceful landscapes. The sound of flowing water and the lush greenery make this stretch calm and refreshing, an ideal way to wrap up your trekking experience.

Upon reaching Sepi, board your vehicle for a short drive to NJP Railway Station. As you descend from the hills back to the plains, the journey gently comes to an end, leaving you with the best memories, stories, and a quiet longing to return to the mountains once again.

NOTE:

Drop-off at NJP Railway Station is tentatively scheduled for 5:00 PM. Please book your return train from NJP Railway Station after 9:00 PM.

Sepi to NJP transportation is included for trekkers who are opting for NJP to NJP package.

Any change in the route to Sepi, such as travelling via Darjeeling instead of the standard route, will incur additional charges, which the trekkers must bear.