Try "Sandakphu", "toy train", "homestay", "Gangtok in April"
Route · Darjeeling
Darjeeling to Maneybhanjan, the start of the Sandakphu trek and Land Rover road, is about 26 km and 1–1.5 hours via Ghoom and Sukhia Pokhari. Shared jeeps cost about ₹100–150 a seat. Leave early: trekkers aim to start walking by mid-morning.
| From | To | How | Time | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DARJEELING | MANEYBHANJAN | Shared jeep | 1–1.5 h | ₹100–150 |
| DARJEELING | MANEYBHANJAN | Reserved car | 1 h | ₹1,500–2,200 A C |
From our route pages. Fares change with fuel prices, season and demand: check current status before you travel.
Shared jeeps for Maneybhanjan leave from Chowk Bazaar motor stand, mostly in the morning. If none is filling, take a jeep to Sukhia Pokhari and change for the last stretch. In Maneybhanjan the jeeps stop in the small bazaar near the guides' association and the Land Rover stand for Sandakphu.
A reserved car is sensible for trekkers with heavy packs or a group of four. Leave Darjeeling by 7 am and you can finish trek formalities, hire your licensed guide and start walking towards Chitrey and Tumling the same morning. Drivers know the way; agree the fare before leaving.
Local tip: Singalila National Park entry needs a licensed guide; arrange one at Maneybhanjan and check current status before you travel.
Questions people ask
By shared jeep from Chowk Bazaar motor stand (about ₹100–150 a seat, 1 to 1.5 hours) or by reserved car (about ₹1,500–2,200). The road runs via Ghoom and Sukhia Pokhari. If there is no direct jeep, change at Sukhia Pokhari. Morning departures are the most frequent.
Yes, if you leave Darjeeling by about 7 am. You will reach Maneybhanjan by 8.30 am, complete the formalities, hire a licensed guide and start walking or driving up towards Chitrey and Tumling. Arriving after noon usually means a night in Maneybhanjan.
Yes. Entry to Singalila National Park requires a licensed guide, hired at Maneybhanjan through the local guides' association, plus park entry fees. Fees and rules are revised from time to time, and the park has seasonal closures, so check current status before you travel.
Yes, Maneybhanjan is known for its old Land Rovers that drive the rough road to Sandakphu, usually hired per vehicle for the day or for a two-day trip. Costs are shared among passengers. Rates are set locally and change, so ask at the stand and check current status before you travel.
Plan with a local
Where you want to go, how many of you, and roughly what you want to spend a day. A planner who lives in these hills replies within one working day with a route and every rupee written down.