Sandakphu & Phalut Trekking

Sandakphu & Phalut Trekking

The trek along the Singalila Ridge to Sandakphu and Phalut is one of the most popular trekking trails in the Eastern Himalayas. The trek covers Sandakphu (3636 m), the highest point of West Bengal and Phalut (3600 m) the northern most point of West Bengal. Both Sandakphu and Phalut provide a panoramic view of Kangchenjunga and its sister peaks along with Mt. Everest, Mt. Makalu, and Mt. Lhotse. Most of the route runs along the Indo–Nepal border crossing and re-crossing it innumerable times.

The trek route passes through the Singalila National Park. Both Sandakphu and Phalut are connected by motorable road from Maneybhanjang however a trek route also exists. There is now a 4 WD motorable road to Sandakphu. One can hire a land rover of 1950’s vintage from Maneybhanjang and Darjeeling to reach Sandakphu via Tomling and Tonglu. Concrete roads are made recently. Earlier roads were made with gravel. The trek route is different from the motorable road however they do overlap at many places.

The entire route has lodges and tea houses serving meals. The route is open to trekking, jeep tour or a combination of both. The trek to Sandakphu is easy however the Phalut section is moderate. The trails are well marked. There are tea stalls located every few kilometers till Sandakphu. The Sandakphu - Phalut route difficult is difficult during the winter due to heavy snow. One need to take a permit from the Forest Department located by the roadside just before the steep uphill route starts from Maneybhanjang. It is mandatory to take a guide and optionally porters for trek to Sandakphu and Phalut.

The Sandakphu Phalut trek can be done in all months except the rainy season. The trek can be done from September to April months. There are two best seasons to go for the Sandakphu trek. The first season, with the temperature ranges from 6° C to 12° C, is from April to May and the second season is after the monsoon starting from October to early December when the temperature ranges from 1° C to 6° C. Autumn months of September and October are the best time for bird watching. Rhododendrons & Magnolias bloom in the months of March & April the most.

The trekking routes are as follows:

Manebhanjan to Meghma:

Maneybhanjang (2150m) is a small Himalayan hamlet, is the gateway to the Singalila National Park and is also the starting point of this trek. Maneybhanjang (2150m) is a small Himalayan hamlet, is the gateway to the national park. Maneybhanjang is located at about 19 Kms from Ghoom, 19 Kms from Ghoom Railway Station, 25 Kms from Darjeeling, 29 Kms from Mirik, 37 Kms from Bijanbari, 48 Kms from Rimbik, 75 Kms from Siliguri, 83 Kms from Bagdogra Airport, 86 Kms from New Jalpaiguri Junction Railway Station, Maneybhanjang can be reached from New Jalpaiguri Junction and Bagdogra Airport via Mirik. It is also well connected with Darjeeling via Ghoom.

One need to start the trek from Maneybhanjang to Chitre. It is a 3 kms route and takes 1.5 hours. This route passes through beautiful pine, fir, birch, and bamboo forest. Chitre is a small mountain hamlet situated at an altitude of about 8,340 ft. It is a good place to freshen up after a tiring trek. It is also home to a small Buddhist monastery. Trekkers need to trek from Chitre to Lamay Dhura. The trek route is about 3 kms and takes about 1.5 hours.

Lamay Dhura is another tiny hamlet with few shops selling water, drinks, and food. It is situated at an altitude of about 8,792 ft. After a brief halt at Lamay Dhura, one need to trek to Meghna. It is about 3 kms and takes about 1.5 hours from Lamay Dhura. It is a large village situated at an altitude of about 12,000 ft on the Indo Nepal border. This village houses an Indian army base and a Buddhist monastery.

Meghma to Gairibas:

There are two alternative trekking routes. One route is a direct route to Tumling (9,514 ft), and the other route is via Tonglu (10,072 ft). The direct route to Tumling is about 4 kms while the other route via Tonglu is about 5 kms. Both Tumling and Tonglu provides an enchanting view of snowy Himalayan peaks, including Kanchenjunga. Tonglu is a large village located on a hilltop. It takes one hour to reach this place from Meghma. It offers panoramic views of Himalayan peaks and the surrounding plains with meandering Teesta and Koshi Rivers.

There are several lodges and Tonglu can serve as the first night halt of the trek. The village lies entirely in India. Tumling is a small hamlet in Jogmai VDC in Ilam District of Nepal. It is situated on the Indo-Nepal border. It is situated at about 3 Kms from Tonglu and takes about one hour to reach from Tonglu. The trek from Tonglu to Tumling is downhill. It houses a few lodges and trekkers who bypass Tonglu make their first night halt at Tumling. Tumling actually is part of Nepal although there is no restriction for Indians or foreigners with Indian visa. 

One is able to see the Kangchenjunga Range from here and going forward for about 15 minutes visitors can notice the Mount Everest. From Tumling, one need to trek for about 6 kms (three hours) to reach Jaubari. The trek is easy and is downhill. Jaubari is ward no 07 of Jamuna Village Development Committee in Ilam District in the Province No. 1 of eastern Nepal. It is located on the Indo Nepal border and is situated at an altitude of about 9186 ft.

It has few lodges and hotels for the benefit of the trekkers. A steep descend from Jaubari takes one to Gairibas. It is about 3 Kms from Jaubari and takes around one hour. Gairibas is another village located on the Indo Nepal border at an altitude of about 8602 ft. It is a good stay option for trekkers reaching Sandakphu in two days. For those spending the night in Tonglu or Tumling Gairibas can be a good option for a lunch stop. There are a few eateries serving good food. 

Gairibas to Sandakphu:

Trekkers need to trek 2 kms from Gairibas to reach Kaiyakata. This trek takes around 1.5 hours. This trail climbs steadily through oak, rhododendron, and bamboo forest. Kaiyakata village is a nice stop for having tea and refreshments. Kalipokhri can be reached after a climb of about 2 Kms from Kaiyakata village and takes about 45 minutes. Kalipokhri is a small Himalayan village situated at an altitude of about 10453 ft.  It lies roughly halfway between the steep final stretch of the trek from Gairibas to Sandakphu.

The word, Pokhri means lake and kala means dark in Nepali, and the village is named after a local lake with dark waters or a lake whose water is dark in color. The water never freezes, and the lake is of extreme religious significance to the locals. A border check post of Nepal Army is situated opposite to the lake. This village is an ideal spot for spending the night for trekkers heading for Sandakphu in three days. Bikeybhanjan can be reached after a trek of about 2 kms from Kalipokhri and takes around 45 minutes.

This place is the final resting spot before the Sandakphu. It has a tea shop for the trekkers. The final ascent to the Sandakphu starts from Bikeybhanjan. Trekkers need to trek 4 kms to reach Sandakphu and takes about 2.5 hours.

Sandakphu is about 3636 m (11,930 ft) tall. Sandakphu is a big village with several lodges and homestays for the benefits of the trekkers. Four of the five highest peaks in the world, Mt. Everest, Mt. Kangchenjunga, Mt. Lhotse, and Mt. Makalu can be seen from its summit. It also affords a pristine view of the entire Kangchenjunga Range.

Trekkers bypassing the Phalut can trek to Gurdum through dense forest. It is situated at about 10 kms from Sandakphu. It has a GTA Trekker’s hut for night stay. Gurdum is situated at about 8000 ft above sea level. It is a settlement of 25 houses scattered along a terraced valley enclosed by the Singalila forest in West Bengal. It is frequented by trekkers on the Sandakphu trail. Srikhola is situated at about 6 kms from Gurdum.

Sandakphu to Phalut:

Phalut (11,800 ft) is a one-day trek via Sabarkum covering 21 kms. Sabarkum is situated at about 14 kms from Sandakphu. Sabarkum has an abandoned British era check post lies on the Sandakphu – Phalut route. The entire 21 kms trail between Sandakphu and Phalut is totally uninhabited. The entire route lies above 3500 m. This trail offers magnificent views of the Kanchenjunga and the surrounding Himalayan peaks. Trekkers should carry enough water and dry food to sustain the trek. This trek might take around 10 hours.

Molley is one of the least visited places situated on the Sandakphu to Phalut trail. It is not on the main route to Phalut. Molley is situated at about 3 kms to the east of Sabarkum. There is a hut in Molley, situated in the middle of the forest, perfect for the nature lover to spend a day. There is also a camp of SSB, a paramilitary force, due to its proximity to its border with Nepal. The hut is with several rooms to accommodate the larger number of tourists. The visitors can, however, try their hands-on cooking to help the caretaker, who is the only person available in the hut. Molley is also connected with Rammam by a trek route. 

This detour will make the trekkers to trek extra six kms in their journey. The final ascent to the Phalut from Sabarkum is about 7 kms trek. Phalut ((11,800 ft)) is the northernmost point of West Bengal. Phalut is located on a hilltop. Phalut has a GTA trekker’s hut and is the only option to stay. Phalut offers panoramic views of Mt. Kangchenjunga along with Mt. Everest, Mt. Kangchenjunga, Mt. Lhotse, and Mt. Makalu. A short walk to the north of the trekker’s hut leads to the actual trijunction of Nepal, Sikkim, and West Bengal. A ruined British era check post still stands at the trijunction. 

Phalut to Rimbick:

Trekkers starts their descend from Phalut to Gorkhey. The trail is about 15 kms from Phalut. Gorkhey is situated at an altitude of about 7703 ft. Gorkhey is a picturesque little village surrounded by thick pine forests and a small river flowing through it known as Gorkhey Khola. This river marks the boundary between Sikkim and West Bengal. Gorkhey has a GTA trekker’s hut and a few private lodges. It is an ideal place to spend a night after a tiring trek. Samandem is another village situated adjacent to Gorkhey. It has a similar landscape like Gorkhey. It has few lodges to stay.

One has to trek 9 kms from Gorkhey to reach Rammam. Rammam is a small village situated on the banks of the Rammam river, which originates in the Singalila range and merges with the Rangeet river near Jorethang. Rammam is surrounded by lush green forests, tea gardens, and snow-capped mountains. It is a paradise for nature lovers, trekkers, and adventure seekers. It is an ideal stop for lunch. One has to trek 12 kms from Rammam to reach Srikhola. It is a beautiful village situated at the junction of Ramman and Srikhola River. This settlement is an excellent rest stop for trekkers returning from Sandakphu or Phalut.

It has GTA Trekker's hut and few other lodges. Trekkers with an extra day can spend a night at Srikhola. Jeeps are available from Srikhola but are not frequent. One has to trek 7 kms from Srikhola to reach Rimbick. It is the endpoint of this trek.  Rimbick (7500 ft) is a village near the India-Nepal border. It is 56 km away from Darjeeling town. Lodging facilities are available in this village. Jeeps are available to Darjeeling via Dhotrey and Maneybhanjang. 

Panoramic Views of other Himalayan Peaks:

The following mighty peaks can be viewed from Sandakphu and Phalut during this trek;

·      Baruntse (7220m)

·      Chamlang (7319m)

·      Chomo Lonzo (7818m)

·      Lhotse (8516m)

·      Makalu (8462m)

·      Mount Everest (8848m)

·      Nuptse (7861m)

·      Kanchenjunga (8586m)

·      Talung (7349m)

·      Rathong (6679m)

·      Kabru N (7353m)

·      Koktang (6147m)

·      Simvo (6812m)

·      Frey (5853m)

·      Kabru S (7318m)

·      Kabru Dome (6600m)

·      Kabru Forked (6100m)

·      Pandim (6691m)

·      Tenchenkhang (6010m)

·      Jupono (5650m)

Sandakphu & Phalut Trekking – Entry Fees & Other Expenses

Sandakphu & Phalut Trekking – Entry Fees & Other Expenses

Entry Fees:

·      ₹ 120 for Indians & ₹ 500 for Foreigners

·      ₹ 400 for Vehicles

·      ₹ 100 for Camera

·      ₹400 for Video Camera

Guide Charges:

·      ₹1000 per day for a group of 7 for Indian Nationals

·      ₹150 per day for each extra person (Indians)

·      ₹1200 per day for a group of 7 for foreigners

·      ₹300 per day for each extra person (Foreigners)

The charges are inclusive of food and lodging.

Porter Charges:

·      ₹800 per day for a porter.

A porter carries a maximum of 20 kg load. The charge includes fooding and lodging throughout the route except for Sandakphu, where an extra ₹200 is to be paid per day for fooding and lodging.

Land Rover Tour:

·      Manebhanjan – Tonglu / Tumling (round trip) ₹ 2500

·      Manebhanjan – Sandakphu (round trip) ₹ 5500

·      Manebhanjan – Phalut (round trip) ₹ 9000

·      Night halt charges – ₹1500 per night

Accommodation Cost:

Lodging is available throughout the trek route and dormitory beds cost about ₹200 - 300 per person per day. Rooms are also available. The lodges are run by Gorkha Territorial Administration (GTA), formerly Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (​DGHC).

GTA Darjeeling Contact: +91 354 225 4879 / 225 5351,

GTA Kolkata Contact: +91 33 23377534 / 99031 74047

Food Cost:

Food is also available throughout the trek route and average cost is about ₹500 - 600 per person per day.

Singalila National Park, Darjeeling – History

Singalila National Park, Darjeeling – History

Singalila forest was purchased by the British Government from the Sikkim Darbar in 1882 CE and was notified as a reserve forest under the Indian Forest Act of 1878 CE. Later it was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1986 and was made a national park in 1992. Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker, the famous British botanist and explorer, visited the Singalila Ridge in 1849 CE and published the book Himalayan Journals, detailing his travels and discoveries of new plant specimens. Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker expedition was based in Darjeeling where he stayed with naturalist Brian Houghton Hodgson.

Through Hodgson he met British East India Company representative Archibald Campbell who negotiated Hooker's admission to Sikkim, which was finally approved in 1849 CE. Hooker explored with local resident Charles Barnes, then travelled along the Rangeet River to its junction with the Teesta River and Tonglu mountain in the Singalila Ridge on the border with Nepal. Heinrich Harrer, the author of Seven Years in Tibet, is believed to have visited Singalila several times. The Singalila Ridge was used as an approach route by the first documented mountaineering team which unsuccessfully attempted to climb Mount Khangchendzonga in 1905.

The team was led by Jules Jacot-Guillarmod and the famous occultist Aleister Crowley. Sir Tenzing Norgay Sherpa felicitated the first Khangchendzonga summiteers on their return from the mountain at Sandakphu in 1955. The Singalila Ridge had long been used as the trekking route from Manebhanjhyang to Sandakphu (the highest peak of West Bengal), and Phalut. Singalila in the Himalaya Film by George Thengummoottil speaks about the history of Singalila ridge through a 14-day trek.

Singalila National Park, Darjeeling – The National Park

Singalila National Park, Darjeeling – The National Park

This national park is situated on the Singalila Ridge at an elevation of about 2500 metres to 3650 metres above sea level with an area of 78.6 square kilometers. It is part of the Eastern Himalayas and falls in the Indo-Malaya Eco-Zone. The park derives its name from the Singalila Ridge, which runs through the park descending from Mount Kanchenjunga in the north and running south to the northern fringe of the Gangetic Plains. The national park shares a natural boundary with Nepal in the west and Sikkim in the north. The Singalila Ridge runs roughly north to south and separates Himalayan West Bengal from the other Eastern Himalayan ranges to the west of it.

This national park is one of the last remaining natural habitats of the endangered Red Panda. Rammam and Srikhola are the two rivers flows through the park. The two highest peaks of West Bengal, Sandakphu (3636 m) and Phalut (3600 m), are located on the ridge and inside the park. The famous trek route to Sandakphu and Phalut runs through the national park, making it a popular destination among adventure seekers and trekkers. The Sandakphu mountain peak offers magnificent views of the eastern Himalayas, including four of the five highest peaks in the world namely Mount Everest, Khangchendzonga, Lhotse, and Makalu.

The name Sandakphu is a word of Nepalese origin. It means the mountain of poisonous plants (Sanda means poison plant, and Kphu means mountain peak). The name was probably derived from the abundance of Himalayan Cobra Lilies (Arisaema) in its forests. The park has no significant history of human settlement. However, small settlements have grown up along the trekking route to Sandakphu and Phalut. There is a reasonably large village at Kala Pokhri, around the lake of the same name.

The park offers some spectacular treks through the alpine meadow and rhododendron forests. The park is one of the most popular family camping destinations in the Eastern Himalayas. The park is one of the most popular birding spots in the Eastern Himalayas, since it attracts a large number of birds due to its seasonal blooms. Blooming seasons are the best times to see birds. The national park remains closed during monsoon (from June 15 to September 15). The best time to visit this park are from March to May (Spring Season) and from mid-September to early December (Post Monsoon).

Visitors are required to take a permit either from the forest department office at Maneybhanjang or at the entrance of the National Park about 1 km from Tumling. Foreigners need to show their identity proof at the Maneybhanjang check post. Guides are mandatory for trekking and are available at any of the entrance point of Singalila. Accommodation facilities are available at Sailung Tea House at Meghma, Maneybhanjang, Tonglu, Gairibans, Sandakphu, Phalut, Kala Pokhri etc. The preferred way to visit the park is to stay in Darjeeling and camp inside the national park.

Flora:

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://explore-natural-beauty-of-india.blogspot.com/2026/02/singalila-national-park-darjeeling-flora.html

Fauna:

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://explore-natural-beauty-of-india.blogspot.com/2026/02/singalila-national-park-darjeeling-fauna.html

Sandakphu & Phalut, West Bengal

Sandakphu & Phalut, West Bengal

Sandakphu is a mountain peak in the Singalila Ridge in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is the highest point of the ridge and situated on the border between India and Nepal. Sandakphu is also called as Sandakpur. Phalut is another peak situated on the Singalila ridge in the Himalayas situated close to Sandakphu. Sandakphu and Phalut peaks are situated inside the Singalila National Park.

The Mountain Peaks

Sandakphu:

This peak is the highest point of the Singalila Ridge and situated at the edge of the Singalila National Park. It is about 3636 m (11,930 ft) tall. The western part of Sandakphu peak is located in Sandakpur rural municipality (ward no. 2 & 4) of Ilam District of Province No. 1. Four of the five highest peaks in the world, Mt. Everest, Mt. Kangchenjunga, Mt. Lhotse, and Mt. Makalu can be seen from its summit.

It also affords a pristine view of the entire Kangchenjunga Range. The peak has a small village on the summit with a few hotels. Sandakphu is also known as the land of poisonous flowers due to the abundant presence of the poisonous plants Aconitum ferox and certain Rhododendron species. These poisonous plants gave the name Sandakphu. As per the Tibeto-Burman Lepcha language, Sandakphu means the height of the poisonous plant.

Phalut:

Phalut is another peak situated on the Singalila ridge in the Himalayas. It is about 3,600 metres (11,800 ft) tall and is the second highest peak of West Bengal. Phalut is also called as Falut. The word Phalut is derived from the Lepcha word Fak-Luk, means Barren Peak. The area and even the last stretch to Phalut are actually quite barren. It is located at the border of the Indian states of West Bengal and Sikkim and of Nepal.

It is situated inside the Singalila National Park. A small bunkhouse is near the top of the peak and is administered by the Indian army. Singalila Pass is 17 kms away from Phalut. The indigenous tribes surrounding the mountain peak are known as Falutians by outsiders. Falutians have a 300-year history of worshipping the mountain peak and believe that Phalut is an omniscient god. They refer to the mountain peak as "Omna Re Ay".

Trekking

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://explore-natural-beauty-of-india.blogspot.com/2026/02/sandakphu-phalut-trekking.html

Entry Fees & Other Expenses

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://explore-natural-beauty-of-india.blogspot.com/2026/02/sandakphu-phalut-trekking-entry-fees-and-other-expenses.html

Connectivity

Maneybhanjang (2150m) is a small Himalayan hamlet, is the gateway to the national park and is also the starting point of this trek. Maneybhanjang is located at about 19 Kms from Ghoom, 19 Kms from Ghoom Railway Station, 25 Kms from Darjeeling, 29 Kms from Mirik, 37 Kms from Bijanbari, 48 Kms from Rimbik, 75 Kms from Siliguri, 83 Kms from Bagdogra Airport, 86 Kms from New Jalpaiguri Junction Railway Station, Maneybhanjang can be reached from New Jalpaiguri Junction and Bagdogra Airport via Mirik. It is also well connected with Darjeeling via Ghoom.

Tourists need to reach Maneybhanjang early since car entry inside the national park is only allowed between 07.00 AM to 02.00 PM. Tourists can start trekking the mountain trails or hire a vintage British Land Rover to reach the national park from Maneybhanjang. It is approx. 13 Kms from Maneybhanjang to Tumling. The entrance of the national park is about 1 km away from Tumling. Tourists can hire a British Land Rover to reach Sandakphu from Maneybhanjang. The park can also be accessed from Rimbik, where many trekkers finish up, or from Bijanbari, with one extra day's walking.

Location