The Roof of West Bengal.
Sandakphu
Sandakphu, perched at an altitude of 3,636 meters (11,929 feet), is the highest peak
in West Bengal and a crown jewel of the Singalila Ridge in the Darjeeling district.
Renowned among trekkers, photographers, and nature lovers, this stunning destination
offers an unparalleled Himalayan panorama. From its summit, visitors can witness the
rare sight of four of the world’s five highest peaks—Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse,
and Makalu—standing tall like eternal sentinels above the clouds. The famed
“Sleeping Buddha” formation, created by the Kanchenjunga massif and neighboring
peaks, is one of the most breathtaking spectacles of the Eastern
Himalayas.
Located within the Singalila National Park, Sandakphu is more than just a trekking
endpoint—it’s a realm of biodiversity, cultural richness, and serene wilderness. The
trails leading to Sandakphu pass through pristine forests of rhododendrons,
magnolias, and oaks, which burst into vibrant colors during the spring bloom. In
April and May, the landscape transforms into a natural floral garden, while autumn
offers crystal-clear skies and crisp mountain air, perfect for photography and
stargazing.
The journey to Sandakphu can be undertaken in two popular ways—either by
trekking from Manebhanjan, covering scenic halts such as Chitrey, Tumling, and
Gairibas, or by hiring one of the iconic vintage Land Rovers, a legacy of the
British era that still rumble along the rugged mountain roads. Each turn on the
route unveils new landscapes—from emerald valleys and mist-covered forests to
open ridgelines where the mountains stretch endlessly in every
direction.
During winter, Sandakphu transforms into a snow-clad wonderland, appealing to
adventure seekers who wish to experience the raw, untouched side of the
Himalayas. Although trekking in the cold season requires preparation and
endurance, the reward is absolute solitude amidst a pristine white landscape,
with dazzling sunlight reflecting off snow-covered peaks.
One of the unique attractions of Sandakphu is its location on the Indo-Nepal
border. The trail itself meanders in and out of both countries, allowing
visitors to walk through international boundaries multiple times a day without
formalities. This adds a sense of adventure and novelty to the experience, as
one moment you’re in India and the next in Nepal, with the same mountains
keeping watch over both lands.
The Magnificent View of the Sleeping Buddha
The Sleeping Buddha is one of the most breathtaking natural sights seen from
Sandakphu, Phalut, and other high-altitude viewpoints in the Darjeeling–Sikkim
Himalayas. It is not a man-made structure, but an extraordinary alignment of
some of the tallest Himalayan peaks, including Kangchenjunga, Kabru, Rathong,
and Pandim, which together form the silhouette of a giant Buddha lying in a
state of serene rest. In this natural formation, Kangchenjunga’s summit appears
as the forehead and face, while the surrounding peaks create the chest, stomach,
and feet.
Trekkers and photographers from across the world visit this region to witness
the Sleeping Buddha’s tranquil beauty. The view is most prominent from Sandakphu
(3,636 m), which offers the widest panoramic frame, but can also be enjoyed from
Phalut, Tonglu, and Tumling.
Testimonial
What Our Guest Says
Rohit Mehra
Guest
“Yangzi Homestay is a hidden gem! The view from the room was breathtaking, and the calmness of Gorkhey is unmatched. The hosts were warm and welcoming — I felt like part of the family. Highly recommended for anyone looking to unplug and enjoy nature.”
Gourav Das
Guest
“We stayed here as a family of four and had a wonderful time. The kids loved the open space and the nearby river. Everything was clean, peaceful, and beautifully simple. A perfect village experience!”
Amit Rajbanshi
Guest
“A truly authentic Himalayan experience. yangzi Homestay offered everything I hoped for – silence, natural beauty, and genuine hospitality. The food was delicious, and the surroundings were like something out of a movie.”
Sandip Bose
Guest
“As a solo traveler, I felt completely at home at yangzi Homestay. The hosts were incredibly kind and always ready to help. I spent my evenings by the riverside and mornings walking through the forest trails. It’s the kind of place that stays in your heart long after you leave.”
