India · Trekking

19-Day Sandakphu and Goecha La Trek with Darjeeling and Sikkim

19 Days Round trip from Darjeeling Hard pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Visit iconic Darjeeling sites such as Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
  • 02 Trek through Singalila National Park, home to rhododendron forests, rare wildlife, and stunning Himalayan views
  • 03 Reach Sandakphu (3,640m), the highest point in West Bengal, with panoramic views of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and Lhotse
  • 04 Hike along ridgelines to Phalut for close-up views of the Sleeping Buddha (Kanchenjunga massif)
  • 05 Transfer to Sikkim and explore ancient monasteries including Pemayangtse and Tashiding
  • 06 Climb to Dzongri and Samiti Lake, surrounded by spectacular alpine scenery

Embark on an unforgettable 19-day Himalayan journey through West Bengal and Sikkim, combining the Sandakphu and Goecha La treks with time in Darjeeling and key cultural stops in Sikkim. Explore Darjeeling's colonial charm, tea estates, and panoramic views of Kanchenjunga before trekking the Singalila Ridge to Sandakphu and Phalut for sweeping vistas of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and the Sleeping Buddha. Continue through ancient monasteries, lush forests, alpine meadows, and sacred high-altitude lakes on the way to the Goecha La viewpoint. Along the route, experience remote villages, rich mountain culture, and some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Indian Himalayas.

Start early for sunrise views of Kanchenjunga from the Goecha La viewpoint.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 19 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Hard
Accommodation Not included
Transport Not included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Darjeeling, Kangchenjunga, Gangtok, Pelling, Yuksom
Languages English, Hindi, Nepali

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival at Bagdogra and Drive to Darjeeling

  • Arrive at Bagdogra Airport and drive (approximately 3-4 hours) through lush tea gardens and winding hill roads to Darjeeling, the "Queen of the Hills."

2
Day 02

Darjeeling Sightseeing and Himalayan Views

  • Visit iconic sites such as Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, and local tea estates.

  • Enjoy views of Kanchenjunga and the rich British-era charm of the town.

3
Day 03

Drive to Maneybhanjang and Trek to Tonglu

  • Drive to Maneybhanjang, the entry point to Singalila National Park.

  • Begin the trek with a steady climb through forest and villages to Tonglu, which offers superb Himalayan views.

4
Day 04

Trek Through Rhododendron Forests to Gairibas

  • Trek down through rhododendron forests and along peaceful trails.

  • Stay at Gairibas, a small settlement within Singalila National Park.

5
Day 05

Ascent to Sandakphu

  • Ascend gradually to Sandakphu, the highest point in West Bengal.

  • Enjoy panoramic views of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and Lhotse.

6
Day 06

Ridgeline Hike to Phalut

  • Hike along a high ridge with stunning 360° mountain views.

  • Phalut offers close-up views of the Sleeping Buddha (Kanchenjunga massif).

7
Day 07

Descent to Raman

  • Descend through dense forest and alpine trails.

  • Overnight at Raman, a quiet forest-side village.

8
Day 08

Final Descent to Rimbik

  • Make the final descent through forest and farmland to Rimbik, marking the end of the Sandakphu trek.

  • Stay in a local guesthouse.

9
Day 09

Scenic Drive from Rimbik to Pelling

  • Enjoy a scenic drive to Pelling, a peaceful Sikkimese town.

  • Rest and take in views of Kanchenjunga.

10
Day 10

Pemayangtse Monastery Visit and Drive to Yuksam

  • Visit Pemayangtse Monastery, one of Sikkim's oldest monasteries.

  • Drive to Yuksam, the starting point for the Goecha La trek.

11
Day 11

Trek from Yuksam to Tshoka

  • Trek through subtropical forest, crossing suspension bridges and waterfalls.

  • Reach Tshoka, a small Tibetan settlement.

12
Day 12

Steep Climb to Dzongri

  • Make a steep climb through rhododendron forests.

  • Reach Dzongri, with wide views of snow-capped peaks.

13
Day 13

Across Alpine Meadows to Thangshing

  • Trek across alpine meadows and descend to the Prek Chu river valley.

  • Camp near Thangshing, surrounded by high mountains.

14
Day 14

Scenic Trek to Samiti Lake

A short but scenic trek to the turquoise Samiti Lake, a sacred high-altitude lake.

15
Day 15

Sunrise Hike to Goecha La Viewpoint

  • Start early for sunrise views of Kanchenjunga from the Goecha La viewpoint.

  • Return to Thangshing for overnight rest.

16
Day 16

Remote Highland Trek to Lam Pokhari

  • Cross remote highland terrain to Lam Pokhari, a scenic alpine lake.

  • Camp under the stars.

17
Day 17

Through Villages and Forest to Tashiding

Trek through remote villages and forest to Labdang, then continue to Tashiding, home to an important monastery.

18
Day 18

Drive via Martam to Gangtok

  • Drive 4 hours to Martam, then continue for 1 hour to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim.

  • Enjoy modern comforts and cultural sites.

19
Day 19

Departure from Gangtok to Bagdogra

  • After breakfast, drive to Bagdogra (4-5 hours) for your departure.

  • End of an epic Himalayan adventure.

Singalila Ridge, Sandakphu, Phalut, Goecha La viewpoint

Where this trip takes you

Singalila Ridge, Sandakphu, Phalut, Goecha La viewpoint

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Darjeeling 5 cities · 19 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Experienced and licensed English-speaking guide
  • Necessary permits and entrance fees

What's Not Included

  • Meals and drinks
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • International flights

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Bagdogra International Airport Road, Bagdogra, West Bengal, India
Tour start
Darjeeling, West Bengal, India
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 19 days finish where they began, in Darjeeling.

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