Drive Distance – 120 km (3–4 hrs) from Bagdogra/NJP

Time Taken – 3 to 4 hours

Elevation Profile – ~5,800 ft

Begin your cultural journey by arriving in the tranquil foothills of the Eastern Himalayas. You will be picked up from Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway Station and driven through scenic countryside and gentle hill roads to Samten Monastery. Nestled amidst serene hills, Samten is home to a small group of monks who will host you for the day. Lama and his French wife are the sweetest people you will meet. Participate in the evening prayers, share traditional meals prepared in their monastery kitchen, and sleep in their simple yet peaceful guest quarters. It’s a deep cultural immersion to start your Himalayan exploration.

Drive Distance – 65 km

Time Taken – 3.5 to 4 hours

Elevation Profile – ~6,200 ft

Description – After breakfast with the monks, begin your drive to Sepi village, a quiet settlement surrounded by tea gardens and forest ridges. En route, witness changing landscapes — from monastery prayer flags to pine groves and terraced farms. Upon reaching Sepi, you will meet Lippohochha family. They always make us feel home. In the evening, visit a local farm and interact with villagers preparing for the harvest. A cultural orientation will prepare you for the upcoming trail.

Trek Distance – ~8 km

Time Taken – 4 to 5 hours

Elevation Profile – 6,200 ft to 7,200 ft

The trail today ascends gently through lush forests of oak, chestnut, and pine. You will cross a few wooden bridges, walk beside mountain streams, and spot birds like the Himalayan bulbul and barbet. As you climb higher, the forest opens into a wide clearing — welcome to Samanden, a beautiful farming village surrounded by forest. Spend the evening with your homestay hosts Rupesh Daju and their family, learn about their architecture and way of life, and help them prepare traditional thukpa or kinema (fermented soybean curry).

Trek Distance – ~5 km round trip

Time Taken – 2.5 to 3 hours

Elevation Profile – 7,200 ft

A relaxed day of cultural immersion. Walk through shaded trails to Gorkhey, a picture-book village nestled at the confluence of two rivers. Interact with locals over tea and explore their unique stone-and-wood homes. Learn how river water is diverted for terraced farming. Return to Samanden in the evening and spend the rest of the day helping in vegetable gardens, or making local pickles. Evening folk songs around a fire are a highlight.

Trek Distance – ~9 km

Time Taken – 5 to 6 hours

Elevation Profile – 7,200 ft to 9,700 ft

This is a scenic forest trek through rhododendron, bamboo, and fir trees. The trail meanders through old yak grazing grounds and remote forested sections, offering occasional glimpses of distant ridgelines. At Molley, a grassy ridge-top clearing at nearly 10,000 ft, you'll camp under the stars. The silence is pristine. You’ll learn about Himalayan flora and how locals use herbs for medicines. Your support team will serve a hot dinner under a canopy of stars.

Trek Distance – ~7 km

Time Taken – 4 to 5 hours

Elevation Profile – 9,700 ft to 11,930 ft

One of the most visually rewarding days. The trek takes you along the Singalila Ridge — the Indo-Nepal border — with wide views on either side. On a clear day, spot the mighty Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and the majestic Kanchenjunga range in one sweep. Arrive at Sandakphu, the highest point in West Bengal. Check into a ridge-top guesthouse and watch sunset gild the peaks in pink and gold. Over dinner, hear stories of porters who’ve walked this trail for generations.

Trek Distance – ~11 km

Time Taken – 5 to 6 hours

Elevation Profile – 11,930 ft to 7,400 ft

Begin early and descend through dense rhododendron forests, mossy trails, and hidden brooks. You’ll likely spot colorful Himalayan pheasants and langurs. Gurdum is a quiet village tucked deep in the forest — here, life moves slowly and gently. Stay in a family-run homestay, cook alongside your hosts, and soak in the stories of these borderland villages that blend Nepalese and Indian heritage.

Trek Distance – ~6 km + 80–90 km drive

Time Taken – 2.5 hours (trek) + 4 to 5 hours (drive)

Elevation Profile – 7,400 ft to 6,200 ft (trek), then descend by road to plains

A gentle walk brings you back to Sepi. Your transport will be ready to take you onward to Darjeeling, Bagdogra, or NJP depending on your preference. Take one last look at the forests and trails that became your home. Depart with a heart full of stories, new friendships, and a deeper understanding of Himalayan life.

While this is an easy-to-moderate trek, participants should be comfortable walking for 4–6 hours a day. The terrain includes gradual ascents, forest trails, and ridge walks. No prior trekking experience is necessary, but basic fitness is important.

We recommend the following preparation at least 4 weeks before the trek:

• Brisk walking or jogging 4–5 km in 40 minutes (4 times a week)

• Basic stretching and mobility exercises

• Stair climbing to build leg strength

• Light backpacking practice (carrying 6–7 kg)

• Be respectful of local culture and customs — this is a cultural trek, not just a hike.

• Follow group discipline and instructions from trek leaders.

• Practice Leave No Trace ethics — do not litter, respect flora and fauna.

• Engage with local communities mindfully — photography only with permission.

• Carry personal gear responsibly — pack light but appropriately.