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Kanchenjunga range glowing at sunrise above forested ridges, seen from Sandakphu

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West Bengal · India

Sandakphu trek: grade, cost & permits

Four of the world's five highest peaks visible from one ridge, including Everest and Kangchenjunga. You sleep in village huts and cross the border repeatedly without noticing.

Photo: Abhishek.ghosh1984 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source

GradeMedium
Duration6 days
Highest point3,636 m
SeasonOct–Dec, Mar–Apr
Cost from base₹11,000per person
BaseManebhanjan, via Darjeeling

Four of the world's five highest peaks visible from one ridge, including Everest and Kangchenjunga. You sleep in village huts and cross the border repeatedly without noticing.

Good for soloGood for groupsGood for couples
Live weather

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Forecast for the trek's map point. It is usually colder and windier at the top.

Step 2 of 6Next: Route
Your trip plan · PDF

Sandakphu, planned for you

Day-by-day timings, the route, what each part costs, where to sleep and eat, and a checklist. One PDF that works offline: print it, or send it to everyone going.

  1. Day 1 Sandakphu: the trek
    • TravelBase: Manebhanjan, via Darjeeling
    • PermitPermits and entry
    • On the trailMedium trek to 3,636 m₹11,000

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The route

Tap a place: the map zooms to it.

On the map

Sandakphu · Open in Google Maps ↗

The climb

2000 m2400 m2800 m3200 m3636 m3400 m2000 m Start · 2000 mEnd · 2000 m 3,636 m

How to reach the start

Fly or train to Bagdogra/Siliguri, shared jeep to Darjeeling, then to Manebhanjan.

Directions to the trailhead ↗Open in Google Maps ↗
Step 3 of 6Next: Permits

Permits and rules

Permit: Permit at Manebhanjan and a compulsory registered guide — the trail crosses in and out of Nepal.

Rules change. Check the park office or official booking system before you travel.

Step 4 of 6Next: Gear

What to carry

Step 5 of 6Next: Cost

Altitude safety

Sandakphu reaches 3,636 m, high enough for acute mountain sickness (AMS). Climb slowly, drink water, and tell your guide about headache, nausea, dizziness or breathlessness. If symptoms get worse, go down: descent is the treatment. Take travel insurance that covers trekking at this altitude and rescue.

What it costs

Ballpark ranges, not live quotes. Prices last updated 6 October 2026. Prices move with season and demand, so check live fares before you book. Spot a wrong price? Tell us and we fix it.

Your group, from the base₹22,000
Couple · from Manebhanjan, via Darjeeling
Per person₹11,000

Covers local transport, permits or entry, a guide where needed and food on the trail. Getting to Manebhanjan is extra.

Step 6 of 6Next: FAQ

Photos

Questions people ask

How hard is the Sandakphu trek?

Medium grade. It takes 6 days and climbs to about 3,636 m. Four of the world's five highest peaks visible from one ridge, including Everest and Kangchenjunga. You sleep in village huts and cross the border repeatedly without noticing.

Do I need a permit for Sandakphu?

Permit at Manebhanjan and a compulsory registered guide — the trail crosses in and out of Nepal.

How do I reach the Sandakphu trek?

Fly or train to Bagdogra/Siliguri, shared jeep to Darjeeling, then to Manebhanjan. Base: Manebhanjan, via Darjeeling.

What is the best season for Sandakphu?

Oct–Dec, Mar–Apr.

How much does the Sandakphu trek cost?

From about ₹11,000 per person from the base, covering local transport, permits or entry, a guide where required and food. The journey to the base is extra.

What should I carry?

Serious cold-weather kit. Trekkers' huts along the way mean no tent is needed.

Nearby treks

Snow peaks above golden alpine slopes at Dzongri La under a deep blue skyDzongriHard · 6 days · up to 4,200 mFrom ₹14,000Still blue waters of Samiti Lake reflecting the mountains on the Goecha La trailGoecha LaHard · 10 days · up to 4,940 mFrom ₹22,000Machapuchare (Fishtail) towering over the lodges at Mardi Himal High Camp, NepalMardi Himal Base CampMedium · 5 days · up to 4,500 mFrom ₹26,000

Places to stay near by

Panoramic view of forested hills from Ahaldara viewpoint above SittongSittongA valley of orange orchards at 4,000 ft, where every house has a garden and every garden has…From ₹1,700/dayThe zigzag hairpin road below Lungthung on the Old Silk RouteZuluk & the Old Silk RouteThirty-two hairpin bends stacked up a mountainside, a village of 36 homestays, and Kanchenjunga…From ₹2,000/dayHaa valley with farmhouses, river and snow peaksHaa ValleyA farm valley over the 3,988 m Chele La from Paro, with two 7th-century temples, homestays and…From ₹1,900/day

Costs are indicative ballparks for doing it yourself and change with season and demand. Always check live fares, rates and opening rules before you book. Trip Under is not a travel agency: we don't sell packages or bookings, we take no commission, and we link to maps and official sites, never to booking sites. Every guide is free; our only paid products are optional downloadable trip plans and itineraries. Photographs come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences; see credits.

By Gokul · Updated 6 October 2026 · Photo: Abhishek.ghosh1984 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source · Photo: Satadru306 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source · Photo: Firojali.art · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source

From the base · —
Cost