Maney Bhanjang, Gateway to Sandakphu | Local Guides • Homestays • Authentic Himalayan Experiences

Chintaphu

About the Region:

The Chintaphu Ridge lies in East Nepal, forming a dramatic wilderness corridor adjacent to Singalila National Park. It’s one of the most bio-diverse regions in the Himalayas, offering rare Red Panda habitats, Himalayan birding, and a panoramic view of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and Lhotse.

  • With Sandakphu and Beyond, every trek is fully customizable to suit your style and pace.

Day 1: NJP / Bagdogra – Kakarvitta – Mai Pokhari (2,100 m)

• Arrival at NJP / Bagdogra and transfer to Kakarvitta (Indo–
Nepal border).
• After immigration, continue through the scenic Ilam tea
gardens and pine forests.
• Arrive at Mai Pokhari, a peaceful highland sacred lake
area rich in flora and birdlife.
• Explore Mai Pokhari Botanical Garden, known for orchids,
butterflies, and rhododendrons.

Stay: Local lodge or eco-homestay
Drive Duration: 6–7 hours Hige

Day 2: Mai Pokhari – Trek to Mai Majua (2,600 m)

• Begin trekking from Mai Pokhari toward Mai
Majua, a village nestled in cloud forests.
• Walk through mossy trails, bamboo groves, and
wildflower-covered ridges.
• Excellent birding en route – possible sightings include:
• Fire-tailed Sunbird
• Rufous-vented Yuhina
• Green-tailed Sunbird
• Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush

Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
Stay: Village homestay in Mai Majua
Highlights: Rhododendron forest, birding trails, cultural immersion

Day 3: Mai Majua – Trek to Goruwaley (3,100 m)

• Steep climb through highland bamboo zones and Red
Panda territory.
• Trail moves into more remote terrain – quiet, mist-
covered ridges with panoramic views.
• Goruwaley is a scenic grazing meadow surrounded by
pine and birch trees.
• Afternoon walk for wildlife tracking and rare bird
photography.

Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
Stay: Tent or wooden hut
Wildlife Chance: Red Panda, Yellow-throated Marten, Satyr Tragopan

Day 4: Goruwaley – Trek to Chintaphu View Point

– Descend to Sandakphu (3,636 m)

• Early morning hike to Chintaphu Top, the highlight of
the trek.
• Viewpoint offers 360° Himalayan vistas of Everest,
Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu.
• Descend through windswept alpine ridges and
rhododendron forest to Sandakphu.
• Birding en route: Grandala, Alpine Accentor, Spotted
Laughingthrush.

Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
Stay: Homestay at Sandakphu
Highlights: Himalayan views, high-altitude flora and fauna, birding

Day 5: Sandakphu – Descend to Timburey (2,280 m)

• After sunrise, descend gradually through dense forest
trails to Timburey.
• Ideal for bird sightings such as:
  • Himalayan Monal
  • Blood Pheasant
  • Rusty-fronted Barwing
• Timburey is a peaceful riverside village near Srikhola
surrounded by oak and magnolia trees.

Trek Duration: 4–5 hours
Stay: Riverside homestay
Terrain: Mixed forest, village paths, bamboo groves

Day 6: Timburey – Srikhola – Drive to NJP / Bagdogra

• Short walk to Srikhola and then transfer back to
NJP / Bagdogra by road.
• En route, stop at Rimbik for tea and reflection.

Drive Duration: 6–7 hours
Trip Ends: With warm farewell and digital checklist of bird / wildlife sightings.

Day 1

NJP to Mai Pokhari via Kakarvitta

Day 2

Mai Pokhari to Mai Majua

Day 3

Mai Majua to Goruwaley

Day 4

Chintaphu top view point, Goruwaley to Sandakphu

Day 5

Sandakphu to Timburey

Day 6

Timburey to NJP / Bagdogra

Duration:

6 Days / 5 Nights

Max Altitude:

3,636 m

Trek Grade:

Moderate to Challenging

Best Time:

March–May | October–December

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