Sandakphu 6-day trek: Everest & Kanchenjunga views
Six days through Himalayan forests and ridge villages to the summit views of the world's tallest peaks
The Sandakphu Trek is a 6-day guided trek from Bagdogra through the Singalila Range, starting at Sepi and climbing to Sandakphu at 11,930 feet for panoramic views of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Lhotse. The trek includes a live guide who speaks English, Hindi or Bengali; all lodging in tea houses and homestays; meals; transport from Bagdogra; and basic medical support. The route passes through lush forests, ridge-top villages and sacred landmarks like Kalapokhari's black lake before descending through rhododendron groves to Timburey.
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Step-by-step itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and acclimatization at Maneybhanjyang
- Acclimatize at historic border town
- Attend trek briefing and paperwork
- Overnight stay at local homestay
Day 2: Trek to Tumling village
- Trek 12 km through forests and villages
- Reach Tumling ridge-top village
- Enjoy panoramic views of Kanchenjunga
- Overnight at tea house or homestay
Day 3: Trek to Kalapokhari lake
- Trek 13 km along Indo-Nepal trail
- Pass forested ridges and misty meadows
- Arrive at sacred black lake Kalapokhari
- Overnight at tea house or homestay
Day 4: Ascend to Sandakphu summit
- Trek 6.5 km to Sandakphu peak
- Enjoy 180° Himalayan mountain panorama
- Evening sunset walk to Aahl viewpoint
- Overnight at tea house or homestay
Day 5: Descend to Timburey village
- Trek 12 km through forests and rhododendrons
- Arrive at peaceful Timburey village
- Experience village hospitality
- Overnight at tea house or homestay
Day 6: Return to NJP or Bagdogra
- Morning walk or jeep ride to Sepi
- Drive 5–6 hours to NJP or Bagdogra
The experience
The trek starts with pickup from Bagdogra or NJP, followed by a trek briefing and overnight stay in a local homestay. From there, the route climbs steadily northward along the Indo-Nepal border, gaining roughly 5,000 feet over five days of walking. Each day covers between 6.5 and 13 kilometers, with morning and afternoon sections broken by tea house meals and rest stops in small villages where locals run the accommodations.
Sandakphu itself sits at the highest point in West Bengal, and the trek reaches it on day four. From the summit, the view spans 180 degrees across the Himalayan crest: Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and Kanchenjunga all rise in a single arc, with the distinctive 'Sleeping Buddha' formation visible among them. Sunrise from Sandakphu is the trek's signature moment. An evening walk to the Aahl viewpoint catches the sunset. The descent begins the next morning, dropping through forests and rhododendron groves to Timburey, a village known for its homestay culture and welcoming locals.
Your guide speaks English, Hindi or Bengali and stays with the group throughout. Lodging is in cozy tea houses or community homestays rather than hotels, which means smaller rooms and shared facilities but direct contact with Himalayan hospitality. All meals are included, as is transport back to Bagdogra or NJP on the final day. The trek is open to beginners and experienced trekkers alike, though a moderate level of fitness is necessary for the daily distances and altitude gain.
What’s included
- A live guide in English, Hindi or Bengali.
- all lodging in tea houses and homestays.
- all meals during the trek.
- transport from Bagdogra or NJP to the trailhead and back.
- basic medical support.
- and permits required for trekking in the region.
Before you book
Prices and times updated 15 days ago
Operated by heritageandhiketours
Is this one for you?This trek suits trekkers with moderate fitness who want high-altitude Himalayan views without technical climbing or mountaineering skills. The 6-day length fits a week-long trip to India, and the fixed itinerary means you join a scheduled departure rather than arranging a private group.
Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English, Hindi and Bangla.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (6 to 11 years): free; Infant (under 6): free.
What are the views like from Sandakphu at the top of the trek?
Sandakphu offers a 180-degree panorama of the world's tallest mountains: Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and Kanchenjunga all appear in a single arc from the 11,930-foot summit. The 'Sleeping Buddha' formation is visible among them, and sunrise and sunset from the peak are the trek's signature moments.
How many hours of walking happen each day on this trek?
Daily walking ranges from 4 to 8 hours depending on the stage. The shortest day is the final climb to Sandakphu at 4–5 hours. The longest days are the treks to Tumling and Kalapokhari, each 6–8 hours of walking with breaks included.
Where do you sleep on the Sandakphu Trek?
You stay in cozy tea houses or community homestays run by local families, rather than hotels. These are simple, traditional accommodations that give back directly to the villages you pass through, and meals are prepared and served at each location.
What happens on the final day of the trek?
On day six, you take a final morning walk or jeep ride to Sepi, where the trek concludes. From there, a 5–6 hour drive returns you to Bagdogra or NJP, with transport included in the trek price.
Sandakphu 6-day trek: Everest & Kanchenjunga views
6d · EN +2 · at your hotel
from US$ 242 per person