Sandakphu (11,929 feet) is the highest peak in West Bengal, India. It is situated at the edge of the Singalila National Park in Darjeeling district on the West Bengal-Sikkim border and is the highest point of the Singalila Ridge. The peaks of Kanchendzonga and Everest can be seen from its summit. From Sandakphu the best view of the mountain Kanchendzonga is possible, which is known as the Sleeping Buddha.

Day 1 (23rd December, 2011)

The journey started in Esplanade. It was too late to get a train reservation, hence we booked a Volvo Bus (Prithvi Travels). The bus journey was good and we reached Siliguri at 11:30 the next morning.

Day 2 (24th December, 2011)

Siliguri - Manebhanjan: Booked a car to Manebhanjan, the starting point of this trek. It is a place where you can get your guide, porter and other important stuff at a very reasonable rate. We found Buddha as our guide here.

Day 3 (25th December, 2011)

Manebhanjan - Meghma - Tumling: The trek started from Manebhanjan. Initial few kilometers is a well-defined road with a few sharp turns till Chitrey. We had breakfast at Chitrey and lunch at Meghma. The trail from Chitrey to Meghma is easy having a few ups and downs. From Meghma the road divides into two parts: one goes to Tonglu and the other goes to Tumling. We followed the road towards Tumling and spent the night in a very beautiful and famous Shikhar Lodge.

Day 4 (26th December, 2011)

Tumling - Kalipokhri: Tumling is a very picturesque place. We woke up at 4:45 AM for sunrise and took a lot of snap from the viewpoint, which is a minute walk from Shikhar Lodge. After breakfast, we started for Kalapokhri. This day was a bit strenuous. But after we reach there we forgot our pain. It is a beautiful place with a view of Sandakphu. It was chilling cold there and we got an average grade lodge as we were very late to reach there.

Day 5 (27th December, 2011)

Kalipokhri - Sandakphu: We started early morning with an easy trail till Bikheybhanjan. Then there is a slight ascent but the beautiful view will distract all your pain. We had a booking done for trekkers hut in Sandakphu. But next time I would prefer to stay in Sherpa Chalet.

Day 6 (28th December, 2011)

Sandakphu - Sabarkum - Molley: One of our members was suffering from a serious headache and returned from Sandakphu. We had a plan to got to Phalut. But due to some unavoidable circumstances, we couldn't make it. We went to Molley via Sabarkum. Molley trekkers hut is just beside the army camp.

Day 7 (29th December, 2011)

Molley - Shrikhola: Molley to Shrikhola is descent only with a very good view. Shrikhola itself is a very good place beside the river (Shri Khola - Khola means river).

Day 8 (30th December, 2011)

Shrikhola - Rimbik - Manebhanjan - Darjeeling: Shrikhola to Rimbik is a very easy and mostly descent trail. Once you reach Rimbik there are several options to go to different places by car.

Day 9 (31st December, 2011)

Darjeeling - New Jalpaiguri: Darjeeling - New Jalpaiguri (by car).