Maney Bhanjang, Gateway to Sandakphu | Local Guides • Homestays • Authentic Himalayan Experiences
• Remote & Untouched: Very few trekkers, immersive forest trekking
• Birding & Wildlife: Over 300 species – Red Panda, Satyr Tragopan, Himalayan Monal
• Panoramic Viewpoints: Phoktey Dara & Phalut – Everest to Kanchenjunga
• Floral Paradise: Rhododendron Sanctuary with orchids, lichens, and ferns
• Cultural Blend: Sikkimese, Limbu, and Rai villages
With Sandakphu and Beyond, every trek is fully customizable to suit your style and pace.
• Drive from NJP/Bagdogra to Hilley in West Sikkim via
Jorethang and Okhrey.
• Hilley is a peaceful village and serves as the entry point to
the Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary.
• Brief walk and orientation in the evening.
Drive Duration: 6–7 hours
Stay: Homestay in Hilley
Highlights: Forest edge, local Sikkimese culture
• Short trek through dense rhododendron and magnolia
forests with wooden walkways and mossy rocks.
• During spring, the forest is ablaze with red, pink, and white
rhododendron blossoms.
• Reach Varsey, a campsite in the heart of the sanctuary with
sweeping views.
Trek Duration: 2–3 hours
Stay: Forest hut or camp at Varsey
Highlights: Blooming rhododendrons, birdlife
Joributey – Phoktey Dara Base (3,200 m)
• Today’s trail winds deeper into remote bamboo forests,
alpine meadows, and forested ridges.
• Cross Thulo Dhaap (a large pasture) and reach Joributey, a
serene mid-point.
• Continue to Phoktey Dara base camp for overnight stay.
Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
Stay: Tent or wooden hut at campsite
Wildlife: Red Panda habitat zone, Himalayan
birds, butterflies.
• Early morning hike (1 hour) to Phoktey Dara viewpoint for
360° Himalayan views of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse,
Makalu, Nuptse, and more.
• Descend and trek along the Singalila Ridge toward Phalut, a
flat grassy meadow at the tri-junction of Sikkim, Nepal, and
West Bengal.
Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
Stay: Forest hut or guesthouse at Phalut
Highlights: Most panoramic Himalayan viewpoint in East
India
• Long descent through alpine and temperate forest zones.
• Reach the riverside village of Gorkhey, surrounded by
pine and terraced fields.
• Optional exploration of Gorkhey–Samanden valley.
Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
Stay: Homestay in Gorkhey
Highlights: River crossing, forest walk, village life
• Easy descent from Gorkhey to Srikhola (2–3 hrs )
through mossy forests and suspension bridges.
• Drive back to NJP/Bagdogra.
Drive Duration: 6–7 hours
Trip Ends with a warm farewell and a digital memory log.
NJP/ Bagdogra to Hilley (2600 mtrs)
Hilley to Varsey (3000 mtrs)
Varsey to Phoktey Dara base camp via Joributey (3200 mtrs)
Sunrise at Phoktey Dara (3636 mtrs) to Phalut
Phalut to Gorkhey (2400 mtrs)
Gorkhey to Srikhola & back to NJP/ Bagdogra.
This spectacular trail in West Sikkim connects Hilley, the entrance to the Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, to the iconic Phoktey Dara viewpoint and culminates at Phalut, one of the best ridgeline viewpoints in the eastern Himalayas.
The route traverses dense rhododendron forests, bamboo thickets, high ridgelines, and remote hamlets, offering unmatched views of Kanchenjunga, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and the Sleeping Buddha.
6 Days / 5 Nights
Moderate
3,600 m (Phoktey Dara / Phalut)
April–May (rhododendrons), October– December (clear views)
