7-Day Darjeeling Hiking Trip to Sandakphu and Phalut

• Arrive at Manebhanjang, the gateway to Singalila and Sandakphu, by taxi from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport. The journey takes about 4-5 hours. Stay here for the night.

• Hike through the pristine pine forests and stop at a point for a 10-minute break, where you can look down and enjoy the magnificent view of Darjeeling. Witness the snow-covered peaks and take your best pictures.

• Reach a higher point to see a beautiful mountainous meadow, from where the Tonglu peak of the Singalila Ridge can be seen.

• Continue hiking for approximately 20 minutes and take a diversion through the forest to Tumling, where you will stay for the night in your lodging.

(Time taken: 6-7 hours, covering 11 km)

• Wake up early for an awesome sunrise view and see Kanchenjunga, also called the Sleeping Buddha.

• Walk straight along the Nepal road, where two motorways converge, and in about 20 minutes reach the Singalila National Park entry point.

• Cross Gairibas and Kaiyakatta to reach the village of Kalapokhari. There is a small lake revered by locals in the area, from which the village gets its name. The pond's water appears black, and it is said that even in the severest winters, it does not freeze. This belief makes the lake mysterious to tourists.

• Head to your lodging and stay for the night.

(Time taken: 6-7 hours, covering 11 km)

• Enjoy sunrise at Kalaphokhari Lake and have breakfast.

• Start moving towards Sandakphu and, after climbing continuously for around 2 km, reach the place called Beekaybhanjan for a break.

• Restart your excursion to Sandakphu peak. The trail from here to Sandakphu is a steep 4 km incline in the form of zigzags up the hill. There are two trails: the left one goes via Nepal and is longer, but the ascent is gradual. The other trail is more difficult, as the path keeps turning in a zigzag pattern every 30-40 meters with a steep slope.

• Look at the panoramic views from the top, relax, and take photos of the world's four highest peaks. You might see snow-covered Sandakphu, and the temperature here dips below zero after sunset.

• Enjoy the morning scenery of snowy mountains changing colour from pink to orange to yellow and finally to white, and pay homage to Mother Nature.

• Head towards Phalut, one of the longest trek routes with level walks, and see breathtaking views of Kangchenjunga while trekking to Phalut.

• Leave for Gorkhey, crossing forests and descent trails while observing greenery throughout the journey. Reach Gorkhey, a lively village where you will find two beautiful rivers passing by and agricultural fields.

• Start for Sepi early in the morning. Initially, there is an ascent and then a descent until you reach Sepi.

• Cross a bridge on the way to Sepi, from where the trail ascends again for about 30 to 45 minutes.

• Reach Sepi around 1 pm and head to Darjeeling to continue to New Jalpaiguri Station or Bagdogra Airport.

(Time taken: 4-5 hours, covering 15 km)