Day 0
Overnight travel to NJP
Travel overnight to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station.
Trips / Nature / Stargazing
Sandakphu stargazing camping
A high-altitude Himalayan adventure combining trekking, astronomy, camping and unforgettable mountain nights across the Singalila National Park.
Duration4 days / 3 nightsDifficultyModerateActivity levelHighFrom₹8,999 per person
Journey overview
Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Difficulty
Moderate
Activity level
High
Region
Singalila National Park, Darjeeling district
Highest point
Sandakphu, 3,636 m
Format
NJP → Manebhanjan → Tonglu → Sandakphu → Manebhanjan → NJP
Activity
Stargazing camping
Best for
Travellers seeking altitude and dark skies
Sandakphu stargazing camping is the flagship experience within the Stargazing collection.
Unlike Lava–Kolakham, this journey combines high-altitude trekking with remote Himalayan camping and some of the clearest night skies in West Bengal.
The experience is built around slow mountain travel, guided stargazing, sunrise and sunset viewpoints, Himalayan forests and the rewarding challenge of trekking through the Singalila National Park.
Rather than simply reaching Sandakphu, the journey is designed to immerse travellers in both the Himalayan landscape and the night sky from one of the highest accessible points in the state.
Journey highlights
What defines this journey.
01Trek through the Singalila National Park
02Guided high-altitude stargazing sessions
03Sunrise views over the Himalayan range
04Sunset photography from mountain viewpoints
05Experience remote Himalayan camps and homestays
06Explore forests, ridgelines and mountain landscapes
The Untrails itinerary
The route we operate, day by day.
Day 1
NJP → Manebhanjan → Tonglu, first stargazing session
Arrive at NJP in the morning and transfer to Manebhanjan across approximately 4 to 5 hours. Begin the trek from Manebhanjan to Tonglu covering roughly 11 km. After reaching Tonglu, settle into the accommodation before enjoying sunset views over the mountains. Following dinner, participate in the first guided stargazing session where travellers learn about the visible night sky and constellations. Stay overnight.
Activities
- Transfer from NJP to Manebhanjan
- Trek from Manebhanjan to Tonglu, approximately 11 km
- Sunset views over the Himalayan range
- First guided stargazing session
Day 2
Tonglu → Sandakphu, high-altitude stargazing
Begin trekking from Tonglu towards Sandakphu covering approximately 12 to 14 km. The route passes through forests, mountain ridges and panoramic Himalayan viewpoints. Arrive at Sandakphu in the afternoon and relax before sunset. Following dinner, participate in the second guided high-altitude stargazing session. The reduced light pollution and higher elevation provide excellent opportunities for night sky observation and photography. Stay overnight.
Activities
- Trek from Tonglu to Sandakphu, approximately 12 to 14 km
- Forests, ridgelines and panoramic Himalayan viewpoints
- Sunset at Sandakphu
- Second guided high-altitude stargazing session
Day 3
Sandakphu sunrise → return to Manebhanjan
Wake before sunrise to experience one of Sandakphu's most celebrated Himalayan viewpoints. Photograph the surrounding peaks before beginning the return journey towards Tonglu and Manebhanjan. Depending on the group's pace and logistics, transfer towards NJP in the evening. Stay overnight or continue according to the operational schedule.
Activities
- Sunrise at Sandakphu
- Return trek towards Tonglu and Manebhanjan
- Evening transfer towards NJP where feasible
Day 4
Return journey concludes
Return journey concludes at NJP.
What's included
Every detail, handled.
From
₹8,999 per person
All meals, accommodation and guided stargazing included.
- NJP pickup and drop
- Transport during the journey
- Trek guide
- Homestay and camping accommodation
- All meals during the trek
- Trek coordination
- High-altitude stargazing experience
- Guided astronomy sessions
- Sunrise experiences
- Sunset experiences
- Singalila forest trekking experience
- Basic first aid support
Things to know
Before you set out.
Train tickets
Train tickets to and from NJP are not included.
Personal expenses
Any personal expenses during the trip are borne by travellers.
Trekking equipment
Personal trekking equipment and clothing are not included.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travellers.
Porter or mule services
Porter or mule services are not included unless specifically booked.
Additional activities
Any activities not listed under inclusions are not part of the journey cost.
Ready when you are
Book this journey.
Reserve your place with us. We respond personally to every enquiry.
Night sky highlights
Species and birdlife of the region.
High-altitude skies
The elevation of Sandakphu provides darker skies and broader visibility than lower Himalayan destinations.
Constellations
Seasonal constellations are visible throughout the year with minimal light pollution.
Planets
Bright planets may be visible depending on the season and astronomical conditions.
The Milky Way
During moonless nights, sections of the Milky Way may be observed with the naked eye.
Night photography
The combination of altitude and dark skies makes Sandakphu an excellent destination for astrophotography.
Mountain astronomy
Learn how elevation, weather and atmospheric conditions influence night sky visibility.
Gallery
Fragments from the trail.
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