Sandakphu is the highest peak in the Singakila range, with an altitude of almost 12 thousand feet. The prime reason why many visit this place and stay there is for the magnificent view of the snow peaks. You will get to see many of the highest peaks in the world, including Lhotse, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Mt. Everest, and more. While being here, you’ll get to see many more spectacular peaks in Bhutan, Tibet, Nepal, and Sikkim.
How Sandakphu region offers a variety of estates?
If you come here with a lot of time on your hand, you’ll get to see a variety of flowers and flowering plants, such as orchids, giant magnolias, and rhododendrons. Apart from that, you’ll also see hundreds of different types of orchids in this region. Every year, many families do visit Sandakphu in four-wheel-drive vehicles with Jeeps like Land Rovers left behind by the British during the colonial days. The British tea planters originally brought rugged terrain to a range of tea estates. You can now find around 50 in Manebhanjan that can be used to take tourists along the route to Sandakphu.
Make your boarding and accommodation easier
If you’re coming directly from Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway Station, you must come to Manebhanjan via Mirik. This place is a little less than 100 km from both Bagdogra and NJP. It will take around 4-5 hours to reach there by car. From Darjeeling, Manebhanjan is only 1 hr 15 min. Therefore, while coming from Bagdogra/NJP, many do prefer to stay overnight at Manebhanjan or Mirik and then proceed to Sandakphu the next day. But, from Darjeeling, there is no such problem of long driving hours and so, you’ll be able to move directly to Sandakphu.
Best time to visit Sandakphu
There are two great seasons to visit Sandakphu. The first is from April to May when the temperature ranges between 6 to 12 degrees and flowers such as orchids and rhododendrons bloom in full. And then again after the monsoon is over, between October and early December when the temp ranges from 1 to 6 degrees and the snow peak shows in its dazzling beauty in a clear blue sky.
How to reach Sandakphu
You can take a land rover or jeep from Manebhanjan to reach Sandakphu. It takes about 5 hours. You can have the option to either leave the vehicle after you reach, or keep it over night. There is a separate night charge applicable if you keep your car other vehicle over night. In case you want to trek all the way, then check out Sandakphu trek.
How to visit Sandakphu by Jeep
One way is to go through a Sandakphu-based tour operator. They will organize all the logistics for you, including entry and stay permits. They will be glad to organize this trip by offering you a range of packages. If you’re coming from Bagdogra, they can even pick you up from the airport or station and let you begin your journey.
If you want to manage on your own, then come down to Manebhanjan. This is where the journey to Sandakhphu trip actually starts. You can get a reserved taxi from both Bagdogra and Manebhanjan, but sometimes they may not agree to take you all the way there. Shared taxis are available at NJP, but need a change to another one at Sukhia.
Reception at NJP rail station / Bagdogra airport. Drive to Manebhanjan (92 km) in an exclusive vehicle. The road to Manebhanjan follows the Hill Cart Road connecting Darjeeling with the plains. At Ghoom (The highest rail station in India) you leave the Hill Cart Road and it takes another hour from Ghoom to reach Manebhanjan. Check in at Hotel and free evening to acclimatize in the new environ. (ONH: Manebhanjan)
Trek Starts from Manebhanjan (7000 ft) in the morning. Today we trek to Tonglu (10000 ft, 13 km). This is probably the toughest phase of the entire trek as you start with steep climb even before getting accustomed to the trek. You can take a break at Tonglu (2 km from Manebhanjan) and at Meghma (9 km from Tonglu, 9500 ft). Tonglu is a hilltop from where you can have an excellent 360-degree view of surrounding mountains of Singalila range and beyond. Depending on trekkers hut availability you may stay at Tonglu or at Tumling which is another 1.5 km away.
Wake up early in the morning for a rare and beautiful view of the mountains around. After breakfast start trekking. The first phase of today’s trek takes you downhill to Gairibans (8600 ft) through Nepal border town of Jaibari (Jaubari), Trek distance 9 km approximately. After light lunch at Gairibans, you continue to trek uphill for another 6 km to reach Kalpokhari / Kalepokhri (10200 ft). Overnight at Kalepokhari.
Today you will be trekking to Sandakphu. The first 3 km to Bikebhanjan is through a relatively less steep trail. Trek from Bikhebhanjang to Sandakphu is a steep climb of 4 km. Since you are already at an altitude above 10,000 feet, you may find some breathlessness. Reaching Sandakphu at 11930 feet would reward you enough though. Sandakphu commands one of the most spectacular views of the mountain ranges of Kanchenjunga and Everest. The mountain slopes are covered with rhododendrons and silver fir trees. (ONH: Sandakphu)
Explore Sandakphu. Wake up early in the morning for a beautiful view of Kanchenjunga and Everest range. Walk among the rhododendron. Enjoy the high. Overnight at Sandakphu.
Trek to Phalut. The trek from Sandakphu to Phalut is one of the most spectacular. The silver fir and rhododendron forests comprise the most beautiful sight. The trek takes you through the top of a ridge and is relatively easy. Phalut is one of the loftiest peaks (11800 feet) in the Singalila Range.
Phalut - Ramam. From Phalut the trail descends through the virgin forest of chestnut, pines, hemlock etc. till the trail reaches the stream known as Gorkhey Khola. One can enjoy the bath and savor a midday meal. Resume trekking via Samandin to Rammam (8400 feet) Trekkers Hut. Total distance covered today is about 15 km. Overnight at Rammam
Rammam - Rimbik. From Rammam the road is almost level. Walk for the first 9 km and again it descends to Srikhola. The road rises steeply for about 1 km where it levels out again till it reaches Rimbik. The trek ends at Rimbik. Overnight at Rimbik.
Drive to Darjeeling from Rimbik (54 km). Check in at a hotel in Darjeeling. Evening at leisure, take a walk to Darjeeling Mall. Overnight at Darjeeling.
Morning drive to Tiger Hill for a beautiful view of sunrise. Visit Ghoom Monastery and Batasia loop on your way back to Darjeeling. Drive back to Siliguri after breakfast. Tour concludes at NJP / Bagdogra.
Accommodation and Vehicle
Mostly you will be accommodated at trekker’s huts or similar budget accommodations.
Meal Plan
AP - Breakfast, Lunch, Evening tea and dinner included in the package.
Transfer Details
On the first day and the last 2 days, you will be provided with either Sumo (Non AC) or an Indica (Non AC) depending on group size.
Local sightseeing in Darjeeling would be in a different vehicle as per local rules.
Special Notes for this package
- The tariff mentioned is for Indian National only. Inbound visitors may ask for a special quote.
- We will organize guide service and there would be porters to carry common luggage. You will be required to carry your personal belongings yourself.
- There is a lack of high-end tourist facility in the trek route, you can expect only basic facilities at the trekker's huts.
- The trekker’s huts in some cases cannot be booked in advance and have to be booked on the spot.
- Hence no particular facility can be guaranteed in advance. Although our guides and porters would try their best to ensure the best accommodation for you.
- You are expected to have taken medical advice from your doctor before coming for this trek. You are also expected to be in reasonably good physical condition.
EXCLUSION Details
- Government GST as applicable (as on date 01/07/2017 it is 05%)
- Cost for extra usage of vehicle, other than scheduled & mentioned in the itinerary.
- Cost for optional Tours, Up-gradation Charges, Guide, Sightseeing entrance fees.
- Cost for any other service not mentioned under the "Cost Includes" Head
- Cost for Airfare, Train fare, Insurance.
- Cost for any increase in taxes or fuel price, leading to change in package cost, which may come into effect prior to departure
- Additional cost arising due to mishaps, political unrest, natural calamities like - landslides, road blockage, etc. In such case extra will have to be paid on the spot by the guest directly.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, bottled water, soft drinks, incidentals, porter charges, tips etc.
THE FOLLOWING POINTS ARE TO BE NOTED FOR CHILD RATE
- Children above 10+ years will be charged 100% as per Adult Rate (EPSR)
- Children of 5+ to 10 sharing parent’s room will be charged as per CWB or CNB
- Children below 5 years Complimentary
(Hotels are very strict with the child policy. Please carry the age proof so that it can be produced when asked for)
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Please note as per the Government Rule, in 01 Tata Sumo / Hard Top Jeep only 08 heads are allowed that is including child. In 01 INNOVA only 06 heads are allowed that is including child. Incase the number of heads traveling increases above 08 in a Tata Sumo / Hard Top Jeep & 06 in an Innova than the guest will have to opt for the 2nd (second) vehicle for which the cost is mentioned above.
Incase the guest is opting for INNOVA as per the unwritten syndicate rule; INNOVA will do the main transfer & sightseeing of Kalimpong & Darjeeling only. Lachung & Pelling sightseeing will be done by NON AC Tata Sumo / Mahindra Maxx / Hard Top vehicle which may have front / side facing seat. Gangtok sightseeing will be done by NON AC Maruti Van / Similar (one vehicle for every 04 paying Pax). Also while opting for INNOVA please inform the guest to travel light with minimum baggage of one piece per person. In case of excess baggage the guest will have to opt for an extra vehicle for carrying the excess baggage. The cost for this will be collected directly from the guest.
COST BASED On
- STANDERD HOTEL
- Per Person
- Extra Person / Child With Bed (CWB) sharing the Room on mattress
- All Transfer & Sightseeing by 01 NON AC Tata Sumo / Similar & Except Gangtok local sightseeing by NON AC Maruti Van / Similar (04 pax in a vehicle)
- Meal Plan as per the details mentioned in the Hotel norms.
THE FOLLOWING POINTS ARE TO BE NOTED FOR CHILD RATE
- Children above 10+ years will be charged 100% as per Adult Rate (EPSR)
- Children of 5+ to 10 sharing parent’s room will be charged as per CWB or CNB
- Children below 5 years Complimentary
(Hotels are very strict with the child policy. Please carry the age proof so that it can be produced when asked for)
Process Of Making Advance Payment
50 % of the total package cost must be deposited as an advance in our company's account to confirm the package. Remaining 50 % of the package cost will be collected on arrival (First day of the Tour).
Customers must carry the issued confirmation letter on their trip as it contains important information like confirmed hotel, Cab Details and Service contact Numbers.
PROCESS OF MAKING ADVANCE PAYMENT:
Payments can be be done through our website www.akkcrusier.com by using Net banking/Credit Card/Debit Card and Wallets via EBS, CC-Avenue, , Paytm, Atom etc.
EMI OPTIONS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE IN OUR GATEWAYS:
Cash Deposit option at AKK CRUSIER’s offices
Cash deposit in any of our Banks such as PNB, ICICI, SBI, BOI, UNION BANK OF INDIA etc.
CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY:
There is no contract between AKK CRUSIER and the client until the company has received initial deposit amount of specified tour package.
In case, customer wishes to cancel his/her booking before 15 days of the travel date because of whatsoever reasons, including accident, sickness, or any other personal reasons, non-payment of the balance payment, the Company is liable to recover Cancellation charges from the Client. All the cancellations must be communicated in written.
Advance amount 50% is also non-refundable in case the cancellation is done within 15 days of the travel dates or No Show scenarios.
The Company deserves the right to change the package cost depending on the economical status of the market as per the Government policy.
Services will be provided to the customers as mentioned in the booking voucher only.
Any complimentary services (If not provided) cannot be claimed in form of cash or alternative service.AKK CRUSIER have the right to cancel your Invoice due to insufficient Advance Amount i.e. 50% of the total tour Package Cost.
AMENDMENT POLICY (PREPONE & POSTPONE):
In case client wishes to prepone /postpone his or her travel dates, we request you to kindly reach us 15 days prior to journey date via e-mail.
The customers can prepone /postpone their tour once without any additional charges (if intimated before 15 days of travel date in written). However postponing & preponing second time will attract additional charges.
Also note that few service providers (Hoteliers, Transporter etc.) may apply postpone/prepone charges even after meeting above requirement. In such cases postpone/prepone charges will deducted from the advance amount deposited.
In all prepone or postpone scenarios, the services and the costing will be subject to availability of Hotel/Tranasprotation and season/off season time.
We do not accept any changes in plan within 15 days of travel date. However in rare cases like adverse climatic conditions or strikes, package can be postponed which will be intimated to you beforehand.
The validity to utilize your Advance payment in prepone/postpone scenarios is 1 Year from the date of advance payment.
The advance payment and the invoice Number allotted to you, are transferable i.e. you can pass on your booking to any of your friends/ relatives. (Please Note: In order to transfer your booking you must meet the above terms and conditions first).
