Sandakphu Fact Sheet
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Where is Sandakphu? |
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| Sandakphu is situated in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal, bordering on Nepal. In fact the road to Sandakphu from Maneybhanjan goes into Nepal once (no border checks here though). There are several other tourist destinations accessible from Bagdogra - like: Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Gangtok, Jaldapara etc. Nearest commercial town is Siliguri. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Airlines to Bagdogra | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| International Travelers need to arrive either at Delhi (airport code DEL) or at Kolkata (Code CCU), then take a domestic flight into Bagdogra airport (Code IXB). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Trains | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Instead of flying, one could also enjoy the hospitality of Indian Railways. The nearest Rail station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP). You could take the train from Delhi or Kolkata. Please note Kolkata stations appear on train schedules under the name of 'Sealdah' and 'Howrah'. The best train perhaps is the 'Darjeeling Mail' which leaves Sealdah station everyday evening and reaches you at NJP in the morning. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| How to get to Sandakphu | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Once you land in Bagdogra, you can to rent a Car or minivan to Maneybhanjan. Sometimes, the drivers will charge you per head - so you can split up the cost within a group. Public buses are available from Siliguri. At Maneybhanjan, you will need to hire a guide for the group (charge is about USD 7). The guide can also double up as your porter. The trek up usually takes two / three days with a stop at Tumling or Megma on the way. The total trekking time is approximately 12 hours from Maneybhanjan to Sandakphu, depending on your fitness level. In case you decide to drive up, the rusty but reliable Landrover's will cost you approximately Rs 3000 both ways from Maneybhanjan (USD 65) with extra charges for night halt. Usually people are honest, though I would take precautions with expensive camera gear. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Visa and registration requirements | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| To best of my knowledge you only need to have a visa for India and no inner line permit is necessary. However, on landing at Bagdogra airport, all foreigners need to register at the designated counter at the airport itself. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Entry Fees | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Entry fees are charged when you enter Singa Laila National Park, which is gateway to Sandakphu. The fees are: Rs 25 for Indians and Rs 100 (US$ 2) for foreigners. There are additional fees for camera Rs. 25 (USD 0.75) and Video camera Rs 250 (USD 7.00). These fees go towards upkeep of the park and are nominal by any international standards. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accommodation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| There are several small hotels in Sandakphu. Daily tariff usually ranges from Rs 250 (USD 7.00) to Rs 600 or more (USD 15). Its best to take help of your porter, guide or driver while in Maneybhanjan to book a room for your trek or journey up. Nowadays mobile phone coverage of the area has made it easier to communicate. Don't be surprised if the Hotel requests you to accommodate additional guests who are stuck for the night - a phenomenon frequent during full moon nights. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Phone & Communication | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As mentioned earlier, mobile phone links have improved. You would be able to get coverage through out the journey at few hotspots! There is a public booth in Sandakphu, which closes at night. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Safety | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Usually the hill people are trustworthy. However, take all usual precautions that you would, in a new place. In case you drive up, there is a higher chance of being stuck by altitude sickness. If that does happen, descend immediately. Avoid alcohol which is known to exaggerate the symptoms. After six o'clock, commercial establishments practically shut down and medical aid can be difficult, if not impossible to come by. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Booking - contact numbers | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Sherpa Chalet (Sandakphu): +91 99334 88159 Keshav Gurung (Maneybhanjan) : +91 99325 10381 Finzo (Maneybhanjan) : +91 97333 22975 |
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| Author is not responsible for accuracy of facts or consequences for usage of data given here. For contact, click here. Page updated 27 Nov 2007 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||