Sandakphu is located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, perched at the border of India and Nepal. It is famous for its stunning views of the Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga. Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal, is the main gateway for travelers heading to Sandakphu.

This route is popular among trekkers and nature lovers who want to experience the Himalayan landscape. This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Kolkata to Sandakphu, covering trains, buses, cars, and flights, along with practical travel tips for a hassle-free journey.

Getting from Kolkata to Sandakphu – Main Options

Train

Taking the train is a comfortable and economical way to cover most of the distance from Kolkata to the foothills near Sandakphu. The nearest major railway station to Sandakphu is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), which connects well with Kolkata.

• Trains from Kolkata’s Howrah Station to New Jalpaiguri cover around 560 km and take approximately 10 to 12 hours, with fares ranging from ₹500 to ₹1500 depending on class and train type.

• Popular trains include the Darjeeling Mail and Padatik Express, which run daily and offer sleeper, AC 3-tier, and chair car options, suitable for overnight travel.

• New Jalpaiguri station is well-equipped with waiting rooms, food stalls, and taxi services, making it a convenient arrival point for onward travel.

• Booking tickets through IRCTC or authorized agents is recommended, especially during peak trekking seasons from March to June and September to November.

• Monsoon season can cause delays due to landslides near the hills, so check train status before departure during June to August.

Bus

Buses provide a direct and budget-friendly option for traveling from Kolkata to Siliguri or Darjeeling, from where you can continue to Sandakphu. This mode is popular among local travelers and backpackers.

• State-run buses like NBSTC and private operators run from Kolkata’s Esplanade or Howrah bus terminals to Siliguri, covering about 560 km in 12 to 14 hours with fares between ₹400 and ₹900.

• From Siliguri, you can take shared jeeps or buses to Manebhanjan, the base point for Sandakphu trek, which takes around 2 to 3 hours and costs ₹100 to ₹200.

• Buses are frequent but can get crowded during festivals and holidays like Durga Puja and Diwali, so booking in advance is advisable.

• Road conditions on National Highway 12 and NH 10 are generally good, but monsoon rains can cause occasional delays due to slippery roads and landslides.

• Night buses are available but can be less comfortable; daytime buses offer scenic views but may be slower due to traffic.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Kolkata to Sandakphu offers flexibility and the chance to explore the region at your own pace. The route passes through major highways and scenic hill roads.

• The distance by road is approximately 580 km via NH12 and NH10, taking around 12 to 14 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• You can start early from Kolkata to avoid city traffic and plan breaks at towns like Bardhaman, Siliguri, and Kurseong for food and rest.

• Toll plazas are present on NH12 and NH10, so keep cash or FASTag ready; toll charges may total around ₹300 to ₹500.

• Driving in the hills near Manebhanjan requires caution due to narrow and winding roads; avoid night driving in this section for safety.

• Fuel stations are available along the route, but it is wise to fill up before entering the hills where options are limited.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to cover the long distance from Kolkata to the foothills near Sandakphu. The nearest airport is Bagdogra, which connects well with Kolkata.

• Direct flights from Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport to Bagdogra Airport take about 1.5 hours, with fares ranging from ₹2000 to ₹5000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• Bagdogra Airport is around 65 km from Manebhanjan, the starting point for the Sandakphu trek, accessible by taxi or shared jeep in 2 to 3 hours.

• Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber operate from Bagdogra, offering reliable transport to Siliguri or Manebhanjan.

• Flights are frequent but can be affected by fog in winter months (December to February), so check schedules and weather updates before booking.

• Booking flights well in advance during peak trekking seasons ensures better fares and availability.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Kolkata to Sandakphu, helping you prepare and navigate the journey smoothly.

• Book your train or flight ticket early through IRCTC or airline websites to secure your preferred travel date and class, especially during popular trekking months.

• Reach Howrah Station or Kolkata Airport at least 1 hour before departure to avoid last-minute rush and check platform or gate information carefully.

• Upon arrival at New Jalpaiguri or Bagdogra, arrange local transport to Manebhanjan via prepaid taxi or shared jeep; confirm fares beforehand to avoid overcharging.

• At Manebhanjan, check your trekking permits and local weather conditions; local guides can be hired here for the Sandakphu trek if needed.

• Pack light but carry essentials like water, snacks, and warm clothing as the weather changes quickly in the hills; waterproof gear is useful during monsoon.

• Keep emergency contact numbers and offline maps handy, as mobile network coverage can be patchy on the trek and in remote areas.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry bottled water or use water purification tablets as tap water in hill areas may not be safe to drink; avoid street food if you have a sensitive stomach.

• Book train and bus tickets well in advance through official portals or trusted agents to avoid scams and last-minute unavailability.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in Siliguri and Bagdogra to ensure fair pricing and safety; avoid unmarked taxis.

• Pack light luggage with easy-to-carry backpacks, as the trek to Sandakphu involves walking on uneven terrain and porters may not be available everywhere.

• During monsoon (June to September), be prepared for roadblocks and landslides; check weather forecasts and local news before traveling.

• Keep a copy of your ID and trekking permits handy, as local authorities may check them at checkpoints en route to Sandakphu.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Kolkata to Sandakphu is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is clear and pleasant. Avoid the heavy monsoon and winter fog for safer and more enjoyable travel.

Seasonal weather impacts road and rail conditions significantly, so planning your trip around these factors will help reduce delays and discomfort.

• Avoid traveling during the monsoon season (June to September) due to frequent landslides and slippery roads in the hills.

• Winter months (December to February) can bring dense fog in the plains and cold temperatures in the hills, affecting flights and road visibility.

• Peak festival times like Durga Puja and Diwali see heavy traffic and crowded transport, so book tickets well in advance or consider traveling outside these periods.

• Early morning departures from Kolkata help avoid city traffic and catch connecting transport easily, especially for train and flight travelers.

Arrival at Sandakphu & What to Expect

When you arrive at Manebhanjan, the gateway to Sandakphu, you will find basic facilities like small eateries, shops, and local guides offering trekking services. The local transport options include shared jeeps and taxis that can take you closer to the trek starting point.

Accommodation options near Manebhanjan are limited but sufficient for overnight stays before starting the trek. In Sandakphu itself, you will find simple guesthouses and tea houses catering to trekkers. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are not available beyond Siliguri, so plan accordingly.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Sandakphu from Kolkata is to take a train or flight to New Jalpaiguri or Bagdogra, followed by local transport to Manebhanjan. This combination balances comfort, speed, and cost effectively for most travelers.

Planning your journey with advance bookings, checking weather conditions, and preparing for hill travel will ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. With this guide, you can confidently navigate the route and focus on the breathtaking Himalayan experience that awaits at Sandakphu.