Darjeeling & Gangtok: Sandakphu trek
Darjeeling · Singalila National Park · Sandakphu · Gangtok · Tsomgo Lake
Photo: Vineet Singh on Unsplash
Tea gardens and the toy train, then a guided trek along the Singalila Ridge to Sandakphu, the highest point in West Bengal, for sunrise over Kangchenjunga and, on a clear day, Everest. Gangtok and a high lake to finish.
Day by day
- Day 1
Bagdogra to Darjeeling
Met at Bagdogra airport. A scenic drive up through the tea gardens to Darjeeling.
- Day 2
Darjeeling
Tiger Hill at sunrise, Batasia Loop, a joyride on the UNESCO-listed toy train and a tea-estate tasting. Kit check with your trek leader.
- Day 3
Manebhanjan to Tumling
Drive to the trailhead and begin the Singalila Ridge trek with licensed local guides. A short first day to settle in.
- Day 4
Tumling to Kalipokhri
Forest and ridge walking along the India–Nepal border, through rhododendron in spring.
- Day 5
Kalipokhri to Sandakphu
The final climb to Sandakphu at about 3,636 m. Sunset over the Kangchenjunga range.
- Day 6
Sandakphu sunrise
Dawn views of the Sleeping Buddha — Kangchenjunga — and, on a clear morning, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu. Descend towards Srikhola.
- Day 7
Srikhola to Darjeeling
Walk out to Rimbik and drive back to Darjeeling for a hot shower and a celebration dinner.
- Day 8
Drive to Gangtok
Along the Teesta valley into Sikkim. An evening on MG Marg.
- Day 9
Tsomgo Lake
A permit day trip to the glacial lake at about 3,750 m and Baba Mandir, weather and road permitting.
- Day 10
Gangtok
Rumtek Monastery, the ropeway and a free afternoon.
- Day 11
Fly home
Drive to Bagdogra for your flight.
What's included
Included
- Hotels in Darjeeling and Gangtok, trek lodges on the ridge
- Licensed local trek guides and porters for the Singalila section
- Singalila National Park and Tsomgo Lake permits
- Private vehicles throughout
- All meals on the trek; breakfast and dinner in towns
- A viotours trek leader with a first-aid and oxygen kit
- Travel insurance and 24×7 helpline
Not included
- Flights to Bagdogra (quoted from your city)
- Restricted Area Permit for foreign nationals (we arrange it)
- Personal trekking gear
Good to know: Adventure level High: four trekking days at altitude on rough trails, up to about 3,636 m. Travellers should be comfortable walking 6–7 hours a day. We send a fitness plan and check every traveller before booking. Ridge lodges are simple and shared.
Every itinerary can be adjusted for your group's pace, food and mobility. Activities run with licensed operators, weather permitting.