For years, I had dreamed of seeing the Sleeping Buddha, a majestic formation of peaks including Kanchenjunga, Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. The Sandakphu Trek, often called the "window to the world’s tallest peaks," promised exactly that. Many trekkers book expensive guided tours, but I was determined to experience it on a budget. With the help of Bino, I found affordable transport, homestays, and local guides, making this incredible trek possible without overspending.

Day 1: Reaching Manebhanjan – The Gateway to Sandakphu

The trek to Sandakphu starts from Manebhanjan, a small town near Darjeeling. I took a train from Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri (₹400) and then a shared jeep to Manebhanjan (₹300). The winding roads, misty tea gardens, and distant peaks made the long ride feel like part of the adventure.

Instead of staying in an expensive lodge, I found a budget homestay (₹500 per night, including food) through Bino. The owner, an old Nepali gentleman, welcomed me with a steaming cup of chai and stories about past trekkers.

Day 2: Manebhanjan to Tumling – Walking Through the Indo-Nepal Border

The trek began early, with the crisp mountain air filling my lungs. Unlike other Himalayan treks, Sandakphu’s trail follows a motorable road, making it easy to navigate without a guide.

After a steep climb, I reached Chitre, a small Buddhist village where I stopped for a quick breakfast of aloo paratha and chai (₹80). The trail ahead was breathtaking—moss-covered forests, red rhododendrons in bloom, and occasional glimpses of snow-capped peaks.

By afternoon, I reached Tumling, a picturesque village that sits right on the Indo-Nepal border. I checked into a budget teahouse (₹600, including meals) and spent the evening watching the sky turn golden over Kanchenjunga.

Day 3: Tumling to Kalipokhri – The Land of the Black Lake

Waking up to a panoramic sunrise over the Sleeping Buddha was something I will never forget. After a quick breakfast, I resumed my trek, walking through dense forests and vast meadows. The landscape kept changing—sometimes it was misty and eerie, and other times the sky was clear, offering views of distant peaks.

By late afternoon, I reached Kalipokhri, named after its unique black lake. The small Buddhist prayer flags fluttering around the lake added to the spiritual aura of the place. I stayed at a simple teahouse (₹600, including food), warming myself by the fire as fellow trekkers shared their experiences.

Day 4: Kalipokhri to Sandakphu – The Grand Summit

This was the most challenging part of the trek—a steep climb to Sandakphu at 11,930 ft. The cold air and strong winds made the ascent tough, but the thought of the world’s tallest peaks waiting at the top kept me going.

By noon, I reached Sandakphu, and the view was beyond anything I had imagined. In one single frame, I could see Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu, all standing tall like guardians of the Himalayas. It was a surreal moment, one that no photograph could ever capture.

That night, I stayed in a budget guesthouse (₹700, including food), sitting around a fire and watching the stars shine over the Sleeping Buddha.

Day 5: Descending to Srikhola and Returning

Instead of taking the same route back, I descended through Srikhola, a trail filled with bamboo forests and gushing streams. The downward walk was easier, and by afternoon, I reached Srikhola village, where I took a shared jeep back to Darjeeling (₹400).

How I Kept My Trek Budget-Friendly

• Used Bino to find budget homestays (₹500-700 per night, including food) instead of expensive lodges.
• Took local trains and shared jeeps (₹1,100 round-trip) instead of private taxis.
• Carried my own snacks and water to avoid overpriced food stalls on the trail.
• Did the trek independently instead of booking a package (saved at least ₹5,000).

The Sandakphu Trek gave me the best Himalayan views I had ever seen, all without breaking the bank. With the right planning and Bino helping me find affordable transport, stays, and local tips, I proved that high-altitude adventures don’t have to come at a high cost.

If you're looking for budget-friendly trekking options, affordable stays, or local transport tips, just message Bino on WhatsApp at +91 9800081110.