Sandakphu is one of the most beautiful trekking trails in India. It is the summit of Singalila range of the eastern Himalayas. Sandakphu (3,636 m) is regarded as the highest peak of West Bengal. It is particularly famous for providing a clear and commanding 180-degree view of the world’s four highest mountain peaks. These peaks are Everest (highest, 8,848 m), Kanchunjunga (third highest, 8,586 m), Lhotse (fourth highest, 8,516 m) and Makalu (fifth highest, 8,463 m). Naturally, Sandakphu attracts trekkers and tourists alike. As such, there are various options of accommodation available on the Sandakphu trail. In this blog, we have tried to give information regarding accomodation in Sandakphu.
Sandakphu is situated on the Indo-Nepal border. It extends across the Darjeeling district of West Bengal and Ilam district of Nepal. The peak is positioned right in the middle of the Singalila National Park. The trekking route passes right through the national park. For a detailed itinerary of Sandakphu, visit https://thefloatingpebbles.com/sandakphu-in-search-of-the-sleeping-buddha/
The Sandakphu trail is dotted with a few small villages. There are handful of human settlements here. Also, these hamlets suffer from scarcity of running water and electricity. Hence, the Sandakphu trail offers limited and basic options of accommodation.
The nature of accommodation along the Sandakphu trail is mostly bare-bones and minimal. Rooms are provided with staples and devoid of any excess. It would be unwise to expect or demand any sort of urban luxuries here.
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Accommodation in Chitrey-
Hawk’s Nest Homestay and Izifiso Backpacker’s Camp are the options of staying in Chitrey. Izifiso backpacker’s camp can be booked from https://www.izifiso.com/backpackers-camp/9/chitrey-backpackers-camp
Accomodation in Tonglu–
The GTA Trekker’s Hut is the safest option of accommodation in Tonglu.
Accommodation in Tumling–
The accommodation options in Tumling are more, both in number and comfort:
Red Panda Homestay: Located just beside the entrance of Singalila National Park, the USP of this homestay is the undeterred view of the Sleeping Buddha from its terrace. They provide sufficient blankets, hot water and the food is delicious. We loved how hospitable the family of the owner of this homestay are. From preparing hot bowls of noodles on our arrival to showing us vantage points for watching the sunrise, they always looked out for our needs. They charged us INR 1,200 per head for both food and lodging. For booking, contact Yangee, the owner’s daughter (8116434907).
Shikhar Lodge: This is probably the most popular homestay of Tumling. Book rooms at 9232695120 and 9564797551.
Siddharth Lodge: This is another nice option to stay in Tumling. Contact the owner at 9593320408 and 9735000615.
Accommodation in Gairibas–
The GTA Trekker’s Hut is the best place for an overnight stay here.
Accommodation in Kalipokhari–
Pandim Lodge, Chewang Lodge and Himchuli Homestay are the three best options available for accommodation in Kalipokhari.
Accommodation in Sandakphu–
Sherpa Chalet: This is the most prominent and arguably one of the best places to stay while visiting Sandakphu. Owing to its elevated position and unique structure, Sherpa Chalet is visible from as far as Tumling. The location of the hotel is splendid. The Sleeping Buddha is clearly visible from the front–faced rooms. The balcony also provides an impressive view of the Kanchunjunga. The rooms are quite comfortable and provided with sufficient warm blankets. We were given a front-faced room (rent was INR 3,500 per day). The room heater is available for rent. Food is basic and a bit pricey (a plate of simple vegetarian meals costs INR 200), but flavorful. Warm water is provided for drinking. Also, unlimited Wi-fi is available at the rate of INR 50 per mobile. The owner and staffs are also helpful. For booking, call 9679256795 (Indian number) and 9741430237 (Nepalese number). You can also do the booking in 8509252318 on WhatsApp.
Hotel Sunrise: Known for breathtaking views of sunrise, this hotel is fast becoming popular among travellers recently. Contact the owner at 9741430237 and 09679256795. For further details, check https://sunrise-hotelsandakphu.business.site/
Hotel Namo Buddha: Not much on the public radar unlike the other two, this is a small budget hotel. Book rooms at 07076824423 .
Apart from these three hotels, there is also a GTA Trekkers’ Hut in Sandakphu.
Important things to remember:
1. In most of the accommodations along the Sandakphu trail, electricity delivered through solar power. Also, electricity is not available round the clock, especially at nights. Power banks will be handy for charging mobiles and cameras. Try carrying fully charged power banks. Also, it will be wise to carry more than one power bank.
2. Running tap water is unavailable here. The hotel and homestay authorities keep barrels filled with water in bathrooms. The locals here suffer from a water crisis. Stockpiling water is a real hardship. It is better to use water with moderation here.
3. The GTA Trekkers’ Huts can be booked from Gorkha Bhavan, which is located just opposite City Centre Mall in Salt Lake, Kolkata. Contact numbers are 033-23377534 and 9903174047
