Sandakphu & Singalila
সান্দাকফু
Darjeeling district · Darjeeling Hills
West Bengal's highest point (about 3,600 m).
About Sandakphu & Singalila
Sandakphu, in the Singalila National Park on the Nepal border, is the highest point in West Bengal at roughly 3,636 metres. On clear days the "Sleeping Buddha" panorama includes four of the five highest peaks in the world: Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu. It is a popular trek and can also be reached by Land Rover.
Highlights
- Sunrise over the Himalayan range
- Rhododendron blooms in spring
- Trek via Maneybhanjan, Tumling and Kalipokhri
- Singalila National Park (red panda habitat)
Plan your trip
- Best time
- April to May (rhododendrons) and October to November (clearest skies). Winter can be extremely cold with snow.
- How to reach
- Trek starts at Maneybhanjan, about 26 km from Darjeeling.
- Suggested stay
- 4 to 6 days for the trek
- Distance from Kolkata
- About 650 km by road
- Travel time
- Overnight train, a drive to Maneybhanjan, then 2 to 4 days on foot
- Nearest railway station
- New Jalpaiguri
- Budget
- Mid-range
- Good to know
- High altitude: go slowly, take a registered guide and check the weather. Not for small children.
- Travel responsibly
- It is a national park: carry all waste back down.
Tip
Entry to Singalila National Park is regulated, and guides are commonly required. Confirm current rules and book through registered operators.
Nearby and related destinations
- Darjeeling: Tea, toy train and Kangchenjunga at sunrise. (about 620 km from Kolkata, nearest station New Jalpaiguri)
- Kalimpong: A quieter hill town of monasteries, orchids and nurseries. (about 630 km from Kolkata, nearest station New Jalpaiguri)
- Mirik: A lake, tea gardens and pine forest slopes. (about 600 km from Kolkata, nearest station New Jalpaiguri)
- Lava, Lolegaon & Rishop: Forest villages with homestays and mountain views. (about 660 km from Kolkata, nearest station New Jalpaiguri or New Mal Junction)
Part of these guides
Distances and travel times are approximate road figures from central Kolkata. Check timings, permits and road conditions before you travel.