Sandakphu - The Highest Peak in Bengal

Sandakphu at a height of 3,636 meters is the highest peak in West Bengal. It is situated in the northernmost. It derives its name from a Lepcha phrase which roughly means ' the height of the poison plant'. Such a name is due perhaps to the profusing growths of the poisonous aconite plants in this area. It is situated in the Singalila National Park in the West Bengal - Sikkim border.

Beautiful flowers like magnolias, rhododendrons, primulas and many other sub-alpine flowers bloom in this region. This is home to over 600 species of orchids, probably the highest number of different varieties to be found in a single geographical location anywhere in this world.

Sandakphu, 58 kms from Darjeeling can be reached either by 10 hour trek or a 2-3 hour ride from Maanebhanjan (2,134 km). Sandakphu's location makes it ideal for viewing the mountain peaks of the Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and the beautiful Kanchenjangha. This makes Sandakphu one of the hottest and most scenic trekking destinations in the country. The 21 km long trek route from Sandakphu to Phalut (3,600 m) on the Singalila ridge is one of the best in the country.

The best time to trek is from March to May and from September to November.

Trek Route (10 - 12 days)

Route Distance (in Kms)

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Siliguri - Ghoom * 73

Ghoom - Maanebhanjan * 18

Maanebhanjan - Tonglu ** 11

Tonglu - Kalipokhri ** 12

Kalipokhri - Sandakphu ** 08

Sandakphu - Phalut *** 21

Phalut - Singalila Pass ** 06

Singalila Pass - Chiyabhanjan ** 09

Chiyabhanjan - Uttrey ** 10

Uttrey - Dentum ** 07

Dentum - Pelling ** 21

Pelling - Jorethang * 51

Jorethang - Siliguri * 85

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* Bus/Jeep

** Trek

*** This stretch is uninhabited and must be covered in a day