Chintaphu Sandakphu Trek offers a refreshing, cross-border odyssey. While Sandakphu is a legendary destination known for its "Sleeping Buddha" vista, this specific route through East Nepal introduces a raw, cultural and botanical dimension that most tourists never witness. This 6-day journey is a masterclass in biodiversity, spanning lush tea gardens, misty waterfalls and high-altitude ridges.
This trek begins with a scenic transition from the plains of NJP to the rolling hills of East Nepal. Passing through iconic Kanyam Tea Gardens, travelers are treated to manicured emerald slopes before reaching the remote settlement of Femeguru. This initial drive sets the stage for a trek defined by deep immersion in local Limbu and Rai cultures, where homestay hospitality replaces the commercial feel of larger mountain towns.
As the trek commences on Day 2, landscape shifts from rural farmland to dense temperate forests. Trail to Maimajuwa (2,750 m) is punctuated by the thunderous Torke Waterfalls, a hidden gem in the Ilam district. Ascent toward Chintaphu Top (3,611 m) is arguably the crown jewel of the eastern Nepal section. Known as the "Garden of Flowers," Chintaphu is famous for housing nearly 25 species of Rhododendrons.
Latter half of the trek transitions from wild trails of Nepal back toward the famous Singalila ridge. Moving from Aal to the high point of Sandakphu (3,636 m), trekkers experience thrill of walking along the international border. Descent from the heights of Sandakphu to the riverside village of Sirikhola (2,100 m) offers a dramatic change in scenery, moving through ancient moss-covered forests and bamboo glades.
Trek Cost
Add-on Service
Starting From
₹10,999 +5% GST
EnquireSummary
Overview
Trek Name: Chintaphu Sandakphu Trek
Days: 6
Adventure Type: Trekking
Base Camp: Femeguru / Maimajua
Season: Pre - January to May | Post - September to December
Month: January | February | March | April | May | September | October | November | December
Country: India - East Nepal
Altitude: 3,636 m.
Grade: Beginners
Rail Head: NJP
Stay: Homestay and Tent
Food: Veg And Non-veg as per availability
Location: East Nepal
Trek Distance: 40 Km.
Drive Distance: 395 Km.
Trail Type: Mix Terrain
AirPort: Bagdogra
Mandatory Documents & Key Points
MANDETORY DOCUMENTS
Voter Card.
Passport size Photo.
Travel insurance Mandatory (No trek permit will be issued without insurance).
Medical fitness certificate must for every Participant.
Fixed Departure Dates
Itinerary
Quick Itinerary
Day 01: NJP - Femeguru via Kanyam Tea Garden (East Nepal). Drive Duration- 9 hours. Drive- 240 km. Accommodation in Homestay.
Day 02: Femeguru – Torke waterfalls - Maimajuwa. Altitude: 2,750 m. Trek Duration - 4 hours. Trek- 6 km. Accommodation in Homestay.
Day 03: Maimajuwa - Garuale bhanjang - Chintaphu Top. Altitude: 3,611 m. Trek Duration - 6 hours. Trek- 9 km. Accommodation in Tent.
Day 04: Chintaphu – Aal. Altitude: 3,400 m. Trek Duration- 8 hours. Trek- 13 km. Accommodation in Homestay.
Day 05: Aal - Sandakphu (3,636 m.) - Sirikhola. Altitude: 2,100 m. Trek duration – 9 hours. Trek - 18 km. Accommodation in Homestay.
Day 06: Sirikhola - NJP. Drive Duration- 6 hours. Drive- 137 km.
Who Can Participate
Basic Criteria
• Minimum age limit 10 years.
• Anyone can join the trek must having prior experience and good physical conditions.
Fitness Criteria
• The Trekker should have sufficient physical ability to complete a jogging activity of 5 km distance in 40 minutes or 7 km distance in 1 hour without stress.
• If a trekker prefers cycling, he/she has to be completed a distance of 15 km within 45 minutes.
• If a trekker wants to carry a backpack, then he/she should be able to carry an 8-10 kg backpack. If he/she is off-loading, then the trekker should be able to carry minimum 3 kg backpack.
Health & Fitness Information
Health & Awareness
Medical requirements & guidelines
Kids Guidelines
Special instructions for children
Fitness Required
BMI calculator & fitness criteria
Mandatory Documents
Useful resources & documents
Health and Awareness
1. Physical Preparation (Pre-Trek)
Conditioning your body is the best way to prevent injuries like sprains or extreme fatigue.
- Cardio & Endurance: Focus on leg-based cardio such as cycling, swimming, and brisk walking. Aim for 30–45 minutes, 4–5 times a week.
- Leg & Core Strength: Squats, lunges, step-downs, and calf raises help build strength and balance.
- Weighted Training: Start 4 weeks before the trek. Walk with a backpack similar to your trek load. If offload service is availed, you must still carry 3kg or more.
- Footwear Preparation: Never wear brand-new boots on a trek. Break them in with local walks to avoid blisters.
2. High Altitude Awareness (AMS / HAPE / HACE)
If your trek goes above 2,500m (8,000 ft), altitude sickness is a risk regardless of fitness.
HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema)
HAPE is a life-threatening condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs due to low oxygen pressure at high altitude.
Common Symptoms:
- Extreme fatigue
- Breathlessness even at rest (major red flag)
- Persistent cough with frothy or pink sputum
- Chest tightness
- Bluish lips or fingernails (cyanosis)
Prevention & Action:
- Climb high, sleep low
- Ascend gradually (300–500m per day)
- Drink 3–4 liters of water daily
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco
- If symptoms persist → descend immediately
HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema)
HACE is the most severe form of altitude sickness, caused by swelling of the brain due to low oxygen.
Key Warning Signs:
- Loss of coordination (ataxia)
- Confusion, hallucinations, or unusual behavior
- Severe headache not relieved by medication
- Loss of consciousness
Immediate Treatment:
HACE is a medical emergency. Immediate descent and hospitalization are critical.
3. Prevention Tips
- Climb high, sleep low
- Gradual ascent above 3,000m
- Stay hydrated and avoid sedatives
- If confusion or balance issues occur, descend immediately
4. On-Trail Health & Safety
- Hydration & Nutrition: Carry ORS and high-energy snacks.
- Sun & Eye Protection: Use SPF sunscreen, hat, and polarized sunglasses.
- Medical Kit: Carry personal medication as advised by your doctor.
- Hygiene: Use sanitizer and drink only filtered or boiled water.
- Slowest Hiker Rule: Always match the pace of the slowest trekker.
5. Environmental Awareness
- Weather Monitoring: Mountain weather changes rapidly; carry layered clothing.
- Leave Only Footprints: Respect nature. Pack out all trash and stay on trails.
Kids Guidelines
Trekkers Age Policy & Guidelines
To ensure the safety and well-being of all participants, we have established the following age-related guidelines for our trekking expeditions:
Young Explorers (Under 15 Years)
Safety is our top priority for our youngest adventurers. Trekkers under the age of 15 years must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian throughout the duration of the trek.
This ensures a supportive environment where children can build confidence, resilience, and essential outdoor skills in a safe and controlled setting.
Independent Trekkers (15 to 18 Years)
Participants aged 15–18 years may trek solo with a Parental Consent & Disclaimer Form signed and submitted before the trek.
Why These Guidelines Matter?
- Safety First: High-altitude trekking needs maturity.
- Legal Compliance: Consent ensures emergency readiness.
- Better Experience: Correct supervision improves safety.
Fitness Required
Calculate Your BMI
Your BMI value is
Enter your details to calculate BMI
BMI Categories
| BMI Range | Category | Trek Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 16.5 | Severely Underweight | Not recommended |
| 16.5 - 18.5 | Underweight | Consult coordinator |
| 18.5 - 25 | Normal | You're fit! |
| 25 - 30 | Overweight | Consult coordinator |
| Above 30 | Obese | Not recommended |
Mandatory Documents
Mandatory Documents to Bring on A Trek How to pay Add-ons, Submit Medical Forms, and Dietary Preferences.
Inclusions
1.Accommodation
Day 3rd stay in Chintaphu at Tent.
Day 1st, day 2nd, day 4th and day 5th Accomodation at Homestay.
2. Food (Veg + non-Veg)
Day 1st Dinner to Day 6th Breakfast.
3. Medical Support
Strong Medical kit, Oxygen can, Oximeter.
4. Transportation
NJP to Femeguru and return from Sirikhola to NJP by Car.
5. Permit
All necessary Trek Permit.
6. Group Leader
Experienced Trek Leader.
7. Safety Equipment
Micro Spike and Gaiter (as per snow condition)
8. Additional Service
Trek Completion Certificate.
1. Personal insurance Mandatory (No trek permit will be issued without insurance). Insurance Charges - 260/- INR.
2. Any kind of personal expenses.
3. Offloading Charges – 2500/- INR for entire trek per backpack up to 7kg.
4. Emergency evacuation and hospitalization charges.
Any additional expense arising from various / unforeseen circumstance:
In case any trekker is injured or medically not fit to carry out the trek, He or She has to descend.
We could be arranged for the same however the trekkers have to bear the expenses for the descend.
The same is applicable for someone wiling not to continue the trek.
Payment Structure
30% of the entire amount as Advance for Booking.
Rest amount will be paid 15 days before date of journey.
Cancellation Policy
30 Days Prior: Full Refund as a voucher.
15-29 Days Prior: 75% Refund as a voucher.
08-14 Days Prior: 50% Refund as a voucher.
Reschedule Policy
30 Days Prior: No Reschedule Charges.
15 – 29 Days Prior: 10% Charges will apply from Trek cost.
08 – 14 Days Prior: 20% Charges will apply from Trek cost.
0 – 7 Days Prior: No Reschedule or No Refund.
Non - appearance on the trek start day No refund.
Trek Essentials
Trekking Gear List
Backpack
1. Rucksack with Rain cover, 2. Knapsack.Footwear
1. Trekking Shoes (consult trek manager/trek leader), 2. Back belt Sandal.Accesories
1. Sunglass (UV Protected), 2. Head Torch (with Extra batteries), 3. Water bottle, 4. Trekking Poles, 5. Power Bank, 6. Lunch Box & Spoon.Clothing
1. Sun Cap, 2. Woolen Cap, 3. Buff/Balaclava, 4. Full sleeve T-shirts (2), 5. Half Sleeve T-shirts (2), 6. Fleece (1), 7. Feather Jacket (1), 8. Trek Pants (2), 9. Rain pants (1), 10. Socks (Cotton 4 + Woolen 1), 11. Gloves.Personal Items
1. Sunscreen, 2. Toothbrush, 3. Toothpaste, 4. Paper soap/Sanitizer, 5. Lip Balm, 6. Toilet tissue (Roll).
Gallery
Trek Cost
Add-on Service
Starting From
₹10,999 + 5% GST
Enquire