Nestled in the Singalila Ridge at an altitude of 3,636 meters (11,929 ft), Sandakphu is the highest point in West Bengal, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including four of the world’s five highest peaks—Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu. This remote, picturesque destination is a paradise for trekkers, nature lovers, and adventurers. Getting to Sandakphu involves a combination of different transportation modes, given its remote location. This guide will walk you through various options to reach Sandakphu, covering travel from Kolkata, other cities, and nearby destinations.

From Kolkata to Sandakphu

Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is one of the major starting points for those planning a trip to Sandakphu. The journey from Kolkata to Sandakphu spans approximately 646 km and can be undertaken by air, train, or road, depending on your budget, comfort, and time preferences. Here are the main ways to reach Sandakphu from Kolkata:

A. By Air

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to cover the long distance between Kolkata and Sandakphu.

• Nearest Airport: The nearest airport to Sandakphu is Bagdogra Airport, located near Siliguri. Bagdogra is well-connected to Kolkata with several daily flights.
• Flight Duration: The flight from Kolkata to Bagdogra takes about 50 minutes.
• Post-flight Commute: Once you land in Bagdogra, you can take a cab or rent a vehicle to Sandakphu. The distance between Bagdogra and Sandakphu is approximately 100 km, and the journey takes around 4-5 hours by road. Alternatively, you can head to Manebhanjan (the base of the Sandakphu trek) from Bagdogra, which takes about 3.5 hours. Manebhanjan is the starting point for the trek to Sandakphu, or you can opt for a Land Rover ride to the top.

B. By Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical option for many, as Kolkata is well-connected by railway to Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri (NJP).

• Nearest Railway Station: The closest major railhead to Sandakphu is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), which is around 118 km from Sandakphu.

• Trains from Kolkata to NJP: Numerous trains run daily between Kolkata and New Jalpaiguri. Some of the prominent trains include:

  • Darjeeling Mail (overnight)
  • Padatik Express (overnight)
  • Kanchan Kanya Express (overnight)
  • Kamrup Express
  • Saraighat Express (day journey)

  The travel time by train from Kolkata to NJP ranges from 10-12 hours depending on the train you choose.

• Post-train Commute: Once you arrive at NJP or Siliguri, you can hire a jeep or take a shared cab to reach Manebhanjan. The road journey from NJP to Manebhanjan takes around 3-4 hours. From Manebhanjan, the trek to Sandakphu begins, which usually takes 2-3 days depending on your pace and the chosen route.

C. By Road

While flying and taking the train are the faster options, traveling by road offers a scenic experience. You can either drive your own car or hire a cab.

• Road Distance: The total distance from Kolkata to Sandakphu by road is about 646 km.

• Travel Time: The road trip typically takes around 16-18 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The route passes through Siliguri and follows the scenic winding roads of the Himalayas.

• Suggested Route: Kolkata → NH12 → Dalkhola → Siliguri → Mirik → Manebhanjan → Sandakphu. While the roads are mostly well-maintained, the stretch from Manebhanjan to Sandakphu is rugged, requiring a 4x4 vehicle (Land Rover) due to the steep, bumpy terrain.

From Jalpaiguri and Nearby Regions to Sandakphu

If you are already in North Bengal, Sandakphu can be reached by a relatively shorter journey. Jalpaiguri and its surrounding areas, like Siliguri, serve as a major gateway to Sandakphu.

A. From New Jalpaiguri (NJP)

New Jalpaiguri is a hub for travelers heading to the mountains of West Bengal and Sikkim.

• Distance from NJP to Sandakphu: Approximately 118 km.
• Travel Time by Road: The road journey from NJP to Sandakphu (via Manebhanjan) takes about 4-5 hours. Cabs and shared jeeps are readily available at NJP.
• By Train: Another unique option from NJP is to board the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway’s (DHR) famous toy train to Darjeeling. Although it doesn’t go all the way to Sandakphu, the toy train ride offers a wonderful experience of riding through lush green forests and scenic mountain routes.

B. From Siliguri

Siliguri is another key point from where you can travel to Sandakphu.

• Distance from Siliguri to Sandakphu: Around 110 km.

• Travel Time by Road: Similar to NJP, the journey from Siliguri to Manebhanjan takes about 4 hours. Cabs and jeeps are available for hire.

  Once you reach Manebhanjan, you can either start the trek or take a ride in a vintage Land Rover (the only vehicles allowed beyond Manebhanjan) up to Sandakphu.

Reaching Sandakphu from Manebhanjan

Manebhanjan is the starting point for the final leg of the journey to Sandakphu. This small town serves as the gateway for trekkers and adventurers heading to Sandakphu.

A. By Trekking

The most popular way to reach Sandakphu is by trekking. The trek from Manebhanjan to Sandakphu is about 32 km long and typically takes 2-3 days. The trek is divided into the following sections:

• Manebhanjan to Tumling (11 km): The first day of the trek usually ends at Tumling or Tonglu. Both offer scenic views and basic accommodations.
• Tumling to Kalipokhri (13 km): The second day involves trekking through the dense forests of Singalila National Park, offering breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga range.
• Kalipokhri to Sandakphu (8 km): The final stretch of the trek to Sandakphu is the most challenging, with steep ascents, but the panoramic views at the summit make it worthwhile.

B. By Land Rover

For those who prefer not to trek, vintage Land Rovers are available for hire in Manebhanjan. These 4x4 vehicles are the only mode of transport allowed on the rugged, off-road track to Sandakphu. The Land Rover journey takes about 4-5 hours to reach the summit. These vehicles can accommodate up to 6-7 passengers, making it a viable option for groups.

Best Time to Visit Sandakphu

The best time to visit Sandakphu is during the following two seasons:

• April to May: This is the spring season, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 15°C. The weather is pleasant, and the forests come alive with blooming rhododendrons and magnolias. Clear skies provide excellent views of the Himalayan peaks.
• October to December: Autumn and early winter are the ideal times to witness the clearest views of the snow-capped peaks. The temperatures range from -5°C to 5°C, making it chilly but bearable for trekkers. October and November are especially favored for their clear skies and unobstructed views of Everest and Kanchenjunga.

Planning Tips for the Sandakphu Trek

• Permits: You will need to obtain entry permits for the Singalila National Park, as Sandakphu lies within the park's boundaries.
• Physical Fitness: The trek to Sandakphu can be physically demanding due to its steep ascents and high altitude, so ensure you are in good physical condition before starting the trek.
• Packing Essentials: Be sure to pack warm clothing, trekking gear, first aid, and plenty of water. Trekking poles and comfortable, sturdy boots are recommended for the rough terrain.
• Accommodation: Basic accommodations (trekkers' huts, guesthouses) are available at various points along the trek, including Tumling, Kalipokhri, and Sandakphu itself.

Conclusion

Reaching Sandakphu may require careful planning, but the incredible views, serenity, and sense of accomplishment make the journey more than worth it. Whether you’re trekking or taking a Land Rover, Sandakphu offers an unforgettable experience of the majestic Himalayas. Choose the best mode of transport depending on your comfort and budget, and ensure to prepare well for the trek to make the most of this adventure!

Also Read:

• Avoiding Altitude Sickness: Acclimatization Tips
• Trekking in the Himalayas: A Seasonal Guide