Can I buy a single seat in a Sandakphu Land Rover?
Often, but not always. The owners' association hires out whole vehicles, and trekkers pool together to fill them. Go to the stand at Maneybhanjan the afternoon before and ask which vehicles are going up with spare seats. In October and on weekends this is easy; in quiet months you may have to pay for more seats. Check current status before you travel.
How much does this 3-night trip cost?
About ₹9,500 per person for two people sharing a guide, from NJP back to NJP, indicative for 2025–26. That includes shared jeeps, a one-way Land Rover seat in a full vehicle, three nights of basic beds with dinner and breakfast, the guide, park entry and lunches. If you end up hiring a whole Land Rover, add several thousand rupees.
How hard is the walk down from Sandakphu to Srikhola?
Hard on the legs rather than the lungs. You lose about 1,700 m over 14–16 km, most of it on steep forest paths, and it takes 6–7 hours. Knees and toes suffer; walking poles and well-fitting shoes make a real difference. The trail is clear, passes Gurdum village for lunch, and needs no technical skill.
Will I get altitude sickness going straight to Sandakphu?
Some people do. Rising almost 1,500 m in four hours is fast. Sleeping in Maneybhanjan the night before, drinking water, avoiding alcohol and resting on arrival all help. A mild headache is common; a worsening headache, vomiting or confusion means you should go down. Walking down the next morning, as this trip does, is itself the cure.
Do I need a guide on the Land Rover and the walk down?
Yes. As we understand the rule, every group in Singalila National Park needs a licensed local guide, whether riding or walking. Your guide rides up with you and walks you down to Srikhola. The fee is about ₹1,500–2,000 a day per group, usually counted until the guide gets home. Check current status before you travel.
How do I get out from Srikhola?
A jeep road joins Srikhola to Rimbik, about 6–7 km. Shared jeeps are occasional, so most trekkers reserve one for about ₹600–1,000 or walk for two hours. From Rimbik, shared jeeps to Darjeeling leave early, roughly 6–8 am, for ₹200–300 a seat and take 4–5 hours. Ask your Srikhola lodge the night before for current times.
When is the best time for this trip?
October to early December for the clearest views of Everest and Kanchenjunga. April brings rhododendrons on the Gurdum descent but more haze on the peaks. January and February are very cold at the top, with snow possible, but often clear. The park usually closes from mid-June to mid-September.
Is there an ATM on the way?
Do not count on one after Darjeeling. Withdraw all the cash you need there: lodges, the guide, Land Rover seats and jeeps are paid in cash. Some lodges accept UPI when the network allows, but signal on the ridge and in Srikhola is unreliable. Carry small notes for tea and hot water.
What are the lodges like at Srikhola?
Simple but more comfortable than anything on the ridge. Family lodges by the river and near the bridge offer twin rooms at about ₹1,200–2,500 and dorm beds at ₹400–700, with home-cooked meals. At about 1,900 m it is far warmer than Sandakphu. In October and April trekkers fill the beds, so ask your guide to phone ahead from the summit.
