Route 1 (a)

Darjeeling-Manebhanjang-Tonglu-Sandakphu and return by the same route 118 km. (4 Days Trek)

This is one of the best and certainly the most popular of all the treks in Darjeeling for those having a limited time at their disposal. It offers the travellers an excellent view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and the Everest group of mountain peaks in Nepal, Bhutan and Sikkim.

It is advisable to start the trek early in the day and to cover the distance form Darjeeling to Manebhanjang about 26 km. The drive takes about an hour and a half.
Note : Foreign Nationals should show their travel documents at Sukhiapokhri (on the way to Manebhanjang) as well as Manebhanjang Foreigner's Check Post.

Manebhanjang to Tonglu is a steep climp up to Meghma (7 km - 3 1/2 hr. walk). Meghma is a small hamlet with few houses and a small monastery and impressive Chorten (stupa). Meghma to Tonglu is another 2 kms.

Tonglu or the local name Tumling is 3070 m high and is one of the peaks of Singalila range. On a clear day one can get the fine view of the Nepalese valleys and of the plains of North Bengal with the snow fed Teesta on the east, Koshi on the west and a number of smaller rivers between them. There is a trekkers hut at Tonglu.

The next days march from Tonglu to Gairibas (2621 m) is downhill. The distance is 9 km and it is a 2 hrs. walk. Gairibas to Kalipokhri (3170 m) is continuous climb through rhododendron forest - 6 km, 3 hrs. walk from Gairibas. Trekkers may stop here for a while for a tea break. There is a small pond at Kalipokhri (Black pond). The colour of the water is black and the amazing thing is that it never freezes. From Kalipokhri the road decends to Bikhaybhanyang - Valley of Poison (Aconites grow here) and from Bikaybhanyang to Sandakphu is a steep climb of 4 kms and takes more than an hour to cover this part. Accommodation is also available at Bikhaybanyang and Gairibas.

Sandakphu (3636 m) offers the most spectacular views. In the foreground is a great basin set in the midst of the hills, the slopes covered with rhododendrons and silver fir trees. In the background is continuous barrier of snowy mountains, the most prominent which is Kanchenjunga (8598 m) towering up in gigantic height and breadth with it's attendant peaks Kabru (7338 m), Jano (Khumbhakarna - 7710 m) and Pandim (6691 m) clustering closely roud it. Far of to the west about 160 km among a group of other snowy mountain rising from graceful peaks of Everest group can be seen, behind the crest of Mt. Makalu. The contrast between Everest and Kanchanjunga is very marked.

The return march to Manebhanjang may be accomplished either in a day or two breaking journey either at Gairibas or Tonglu, depending upon the physical condition of the trekkers and the time at disposal.