Discover Manebhanjan – Starting Point of the Sandakphu Trek

Discover Manebhanjan

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What to expect at Manebhanjan?

Nested on the Himalayan foothills of Darjeeling at a height of about 1925m is a picturesque traverse town named Manebhanjan or Mane Bhanjyang. Mane in Nepali means Buddhist Stupas, and Bhanjyang stands for junction, hence, Manebhanjan refers to a junction of Stupas. This serene town houses many different trekking routes for the adventurous Sandakphu trek.

Manebhanjan is an enchanting town nestled in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. It is the gateway to some of the famous trekking routes, Sandakphu and Phalut. Manebhanjan has something to offer to everyone, be it a peace seeker, a nature enthusiast or an adventure lover. You can witness a panoramic view of the surrounding dense forest of Fir, Rhododendron and Pine. Its magical atmosphere is created by the misty landscape. This place houses some of the vintage Land Rovers from the 1950s, which are used mainly for a safari ride to Sandakphu.

Manebhanjan is the starting point for trekkers who are planning to trek up to Phalut or Sandakphu. The trek route is beautiful and passes through the stunning Rhododendron forests of the Singalila National park, where you can also see some rare Red Pandas if lucky. This is the best spot for hiking and trying your hands on Himalayan adventure.

You will get to witness the best view of Mt. Everest and Kanchenjunga if you visit during the Spring season when rare bird species such as Himalayan Monals and Blood Pheasants can be spotted very easily. It is also a getaway to the biodiversity hotspot, Singalila National Park.

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We present to you with our exclusive and wide range of Darjeeling tour packages which will ensure to offer you a comprehensive experience of this hill station, curled up in the arms of the majestic Himalayas. Our packages typically include a wide range of activities, starting from visiting iconic attractions like Tiger Hill, Tea Gardens, Peace Pagoda or the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways, which will cater to all families, adventure lovers and honeymooners, alike.

Best Time to Visit Manebhanjan

The best recommended time for a visit to Manebhanjan is between April-June or from September- November. These months are ideal to explore the surrounding areas and go for a trekking owing to the favourable weather. Spring brings along blooming flowers while the Autumn keeps the skies clear offering some breathing views of the surroundings.

However, depending on your preferences and what you would ideally like to experience, you can choose your time of visit as well. During the Spring season, the hills get painted in the brightest shades of red and pink, resulting from blooming Rhododendrons and Magnolias everywhere. The Singalila National Park remains in its best scenic form with active wildlife and clear skies.

The summers here are ideal for a peaceful getaway with vibrant lush greenery, occasional rainfalls and comparatively less crowds. The Autumn is the best season here to try out trekking as the sky remains clearest during this season you will also get the opportunity for a cultural immersion during this time as festivals such as Tihar and Dashain are celebrated adding to the cultural charm.

The winter season brings along a solitude ideal for people who are seeking peace away from crowds. The occasional snowfall turns the entire place into a winter wonderland, thus an ideal time for photography.

Weather and Temperature of Manebhanjan (season-wise)

Manebhanjan mostly remains cold all year round, with chilly winters, misty monsoons and pleasant summers making it an ideal destination for trekkers and nature enthusiasts. Here is a season-wise breakdown of Manebhanjan based on weather and temperature-

Summer (June-August) here remains mildly warm during the daytime and colder nights with occasional occurrence of rain. The temperature remains generally between 12°C to 20°C. You will get to experience some pre-monsoon rains and lush greenery everywhere. It is an ideal time to get some peaceful escape as the crowd is less during this time. The landscape appears magical with a touch of morning fog adding to its charm.

Monsoon (July-September) experiences heavy rain with a misty landscape. There can be landslides in some areas with temperatures remaining between 10°C to 18°C. If you are a monsoon lover, then this is the ideal time for your visit as the landscape appears its greenest during this time. The occurrence of the Monsoon makes Singalila National Park a clouded wonderland. However, landslides can make the trekking routes very slippery, making this season a dangerous time to try out trekking.

Autumn (October-November) offers stunning views with clear skies and crisp air. The temperature remains between 6°C to 15 °c, and you can get the mountainous views of Makalu, Everest and Kanchenjunga. It is an ideal time to try out the Sandakphu trek and the Land Rover safari. You can also experience the cultural vibrancy as festivals such as Tihar and Dashain are celebrated during this time.

Winter (December-February) offers seasonal snowfall with cold misty mornings. The temperature lies between 0°C to 10°C where the nights can become freezing from time-to-time. You will get to witness the raw Himalayan beauty and enjoy a peaceful retreat as occasional snowfall turns this place into a winter wonderland. The higher altitudes become extremely cold making it very difficult to try out trekking up to Sandalkphu.

Geography and Natural Beauty

Manebhanjan is a charming town nestled in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India which offers winding hills, dense forests and picturesque landscape. Perched at an elevation of 1925m from the sea level, this serene town is the gateway to the thrilling trek of Sandakphu, Phalut and also to the biodiversity hotspot which is the Singalila national park.

It is located at a distance of 28 km from Darjeeling near the India-Nepal border. Encompassed by piping hills and lush forests of Oak and Rhododendrons the terrain is vibrant in a mix shade of pink and red during the spring season. On sunny days you get a clear view of the mountain Kanchenjunga and if you trek further above you view the four highest peaks of the world- Makalu (8481 m), Kanchenjunga (8586 m), Lhotse(8516 m) and Everest(8848 m).

The hills surrounding Manebhanjan offer traquail trekking trails which are very convenient for both seasoned and beginner trekkers. It is situated near some of the scenic villages and tea gardens adding to its charm such as Meghma, Tumbling and Rimbik.

Attractions and Activities

Aside from being the getaway to the famous trails of Sandakphu and Singalila, Manebhanjan itself is a peaceful destination by itself which offers nature, culture and adventure in a tranquil Himalayan setting. You can try out a number of things here such as exploring the wildlife, experiencing the vibrant culture, Land Rover safari and also trekking.

Attractions

Sandakphu-Phalut trek- Manebhanjan is the starting point of this most adventurous and highest elevation trek of West Bengal. Perched at an height of 3636 m, Sandakphu offers breathtaking views of the highest peaks of the world- Makalu,Kanchenjunga, Everest and Lhotse. You can spot some rare Himalayan bird and wildlife species while making your way through this adventurous trail passing through the Singalila National Park.

Singalila National Park- It is a high-altitude national park present in India where you can spot some rare species of Barking Deer, Himalayan Black Bear and Red Pandas. You can also spot some breathtakingly beautiful Himalayan birds in this bird’s paradise such as the Blood Pheasant and the Himalayan Monal.

Magnolia and Rhododendron forests- You can witness stunning Magnolia, Oak and Rhododendron trees in the forest of Manebhanjan. Especially during the Spring season the hill trunks are purple, red and pink with blooming flowers everywhere. These forests are ideal places for nature enthusiasts and wild photographers.

Chitrey Monastery- This peaceful Monastery is perched on a hill just at a distance of 3 km from Manebhanjan. You can spend some serene time amidst the breathtaking views of the monastery. This is the best place to learn more about the culture of Buddhists.

Activities

Land Rover Safari- Manebhanjan houses a number of vintage Land Rovers dated back in the 1950s. They are used for some off-road adventures up to Sandakphu. You can ride through the mountainous terrain of Singalila National park in these British-era fleets at an ease. This is the ideal option for those who want to reach Sandakphu without trekking.

Trekking- You can try out adventure activities such as trekking at an ease in Manebhanjan amidst the lush vibrant trails. For beginners there are short trek options available such as up to Tumling, Meghma or Chitrey. For longer treks you can opt for Gurdum, Phalut or Sandakphu. This activity is ideal for fitness enthusiasts and adventure lovers.

Camping and Bonfire- You can spend some tranquil time by camping under the blanket of stars. Staying at a comfortable camp near the high-altitude pasture, lush forests or waterfalls will enhance your thrilling experience. You can also add bonfire to your camping night along with storytelling and lively music sessions to make the entire experience even more special.

Wildlife and Birdwatching- Manebhanjan is an ideal place for the bird lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. You can spot some exotic species of Barking Deer, Himalayan Black Bear and Red Panda near the trails of Singalila National Park. Always remember to carry binoculars to spot those exotic Himalayan Birds such as Himalayan Monals and a good camera to capture their beauty in your lenses.

Nearby Attractions and Places to Visit in Manebhanjan

Tumbling- It is a tiny hamlet nestled in the breathtaking landscape of the Eastern Himalayas. Perched at an altitude of about 9,600 feet from sea level, this peaceful hamlet sits on the way to Sandakphu, a trekker’s paradise. It is situated at a distance of 11 km from Manebhanjan and might take you about 45 minutes in a cab. About 12 to 15 Nepali families reside here in small, attractive huts or cottages. It is an ideal place for peace seekers, nature photographers and trekkers, which offers stunning sunrise and sunset views along with the stunning view of the Sleeping Buddha range and the Kanchenjunga.

Meghma- The term Meghma originated from the word “Meg,h”, which also means cloud. This mystical hamlet is situated at an altitude of about 9,514 feet near the Singalila ridge, covered by the cloudy sky. Being situated at a distance of 9 km from Manebhanjan, this village acts as a merging point between India and Nepal. Only a handful of Nepali families reside here in a handful of village huts. Meghma has a small Buddhist monastery named Sangchen Ugagyur Hoshal Dechen Choling Monastery just at its entrance, which was built way back in the 1950s, featuring the different 108 forms of Lord Buddha. It is an ideal place for cultural exploration and enjoying small treks.

Chitrey- It is the first place that you will have to cross if you are planning on trekking at Sandakphu. Amongst the entire Sandakphu trail, the road leading from Manebhanjan to Chitrey is the steepest. Perched at an altitude of about 8,340 feet, the distance between this scenic hamlet and Manebhanjan is just 3 km. It will take you almost 20 minutes to reach this place from Manebhanjan in a cab, or you can also trek for 1.5 hours and reach your destination. You can visit the serene Chitrey Monastery with the breathtaking Kanchenjunga in the background and spend some tranquil time taking a relaxing walk along the monastery premises. You will get the opportunity to enjoy the clear sunrise view from here as well.

Gurdum- This Himalayan beauty is situated at an altitude of about 8000 feet from sea level and will welcome you with open arms with its refreshing nutty smell coming from its beautiful Rhododendron and coniferous branches. A total of 25 houses, which are inhabited by almost 150 people, are scattered all along the valley near the theSingalila range. The people residing here have modified their houses into dormitories to make a place for weary travellers to rest on their trek from or to Sandakphu. The distance between Manwebhanjan and this hidden Himalayan gem is just 8 km via trek. It is an ideal place for travellers who are looking for some tranquil time and enjoy a relaxing bonfire night by camping under the blanket of stars.

Rimbik- The distance between Manebhanjan and this offbeat settlement is about 20 km. This village is the connecting point between many trekking routes, making it a trekker’s hub, especially for those who are trekking to Sandakphu or the Singalila range. You will be captivated by the pictographic landscape and serene ambience of this natural beauty. You can visit the Rimbik Bazar to see the locals buying their day-to-day necessities, and also visit different religious Buddhist sites along with the Rimbik monastery. Two different trek routes connect this place with Sandakphu, one is from Bibek Bhanjan and the other is from Gurdung and Srikhola. This is an ideal place to take some peaceful nature walks and immerse oneself in cultural experiences.

Dhotrey- This scenic settlement is situated at an altitude of about 8,340 feet near the Singalila National Park. Located at a distance of just 6 km from Manebhanjan, this serene village offers breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga. You can spend some relaxing time here amidst the soothing ambience and chirping birds of the Singalila range. It is an ideal place to try out nature photography and enjoy small treks. You can visit the small monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism belonging to the Kagyu sect. It is especially recommended to visit this place from March to May to witness the magnificent Rhododendrons and Magnolias blooming everywhere.

Sukhiapokhri- This serene hamlet is situated at a distance of 11 km from Manebhanjan in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal adjacent to the Indo-Nepal border. Located at an altitude of about 7,198 feet amidst the misty fog, Sukhiapokhri mostly remains cloudy due to its proximity to the Rangeet River and Balasan River Valley in the north and south. This favoured summer retreat is loved by many owing to its blissful weather.

Mirik- This picturesque tourist hotspot lies peacefully at a distance of about 25 km from Manebhanjan. Nestled at an altitude of about 1767 from sea level, Mirik offers pleasant weather all year round. Its easy accessibility, blissful weather and breathtaking landscape make this place a tourist favourite. The Sumendu Lake is the main attraction of this place, with the Indreni Pull footbridge connecting pine forests and a massive green stretch from both sides. You can take a walk around the 3.5 km road surrounding the lake while enjoying the stunning view of the Kanchenjunga in the backdrop.

Local Cuisine and Cultural Experiences

You will get to experience a delectable fusion of Tibetan, Himalayan and Nepali flavours in Manebhanjan. The meals prepared here are perfect to be enjoyed during cold weather. The homestays, tea stalls and small eateries here serve lip-smacking, flavorful yet simple dishes. Here is a list of dishes that you can try out in Manebhanjan-

Momo-

Thukpa-

Dal Bhat-

Sel Roti-

Gundruk-

Senki-

Butter tea-

Churpi-

Manebhanjan houses a perfect blend of several cultures together such as the Nepali, Sherpa and Tibetan. You can experience a vibrant mixed culture here while enjoying warm hospitality, witnessing beautiful monasteries and taking part in different cultural festivals.

Visit the tranquil Buddhist Monasteries.

Manebhanjan is deeply rooted in its Buddhist influence, where you can spot several stupas and monasteries scattered all around. You can visit a peaceful retreat known as Chitrey Monastery, located just at a distance of 3 km with fluttering colourful praying flags along the gusting winds. You will get to witness a serene atmosphere by sitting through the prayer-chanting ceremonies and learn more about the Buddhist rituals by interacting with the monks.

Take part in the local celebrations and festivals.

Manebhanjan celebrates the Tihar and Dashain festival with great vigour. You can visit this place to get a true cultural experience at the time of Losar, which is the Tibetan New Year. Locals visit the monasteries and partake in prayers, perform traditional dance and song to celebrate Losar. At the time of Buddha Jayanti the locals generally offer prayers in the monasteries and go out to see processions.

Taste the authentic local food.

To experience the true culture of Manebhanjan, you will have to try out this authentic Himalayan cuisine first. The homestay owners offer delectable homemade food, which they prepare using locally sourced organic food ingredients, which they generally grow in the backyard of their garden. It is recommended to try out Sel Roti, Momo and Thukpa on your visit to Manebhanjan to make your trip memorable.

Traditional homestay experience

You will get the opportunity to enjoy the warm hospitality of the Sherpa and Nepali families by staying at a homestay in Manebhanjan. The people here are very kind and friendly and are eager to share their stories of the hills. You will be served war, delectable food made with fresh ingredients straight out of their garden, just to give you a homely feeling away from home. Staying in the homestays will also allow you to learn about their farming techniques, traditional customs and their day-to-day activities.

Local weaving and Handicraft experience

Manebhanjan is popularly known for its locally produced handmade items such as shawls, traditional blankets as well and scarves. Women residing in this village engross themselves in the traditional weaving process. You can buy these products or even learn more about this craft by interacting with them. You can visit the small Tibetan markets and get your hands on some beautiful prayer flags, Buddhist artefacts and singing bowls.

Folk Dance and Music

The local people residing in Manebhanjan partake in their traditional Tibetan and Nepali folk dances during their special occasions or festivals. The most popular dance in the Nepali culture is the Dhaan Nach, which is also known as the Harvest Dance. You can ask your homestay owner to perform their traditional folk song along with the madal at the time of bonfire night to elevate your experience. Thus, staying at a homestay will give you a much more culturally immersive experience.

More Places To Visit Near Manebhanjan

Varsey: A Symphony of Rhododendron Blossoms

In the Heart of Bloom – Discover the Magic of Varsey

Charkhole: Whispers of the Mystic Pines

Escape to Charkhole – Kalimpong’s Whispering Wonder

Lolegaon: A Dreamscape Wrapped in Mist

Unplug in the Misty Meadows of Lolegaon

Shittong: Diving into the Orange Paradise in the Hills

Escape to Sittong: Darjeeling’s Hidden Orange-Scented Paradise

Golpahar: Nature’s Ethereal Canvas

Escape to Golpahar: Peace, Pines, and Panoramas

Pabong: Where Silence Meets the Sky

Into the Pines and Beyond – Discover the Silence of Pabong

Accommodations

You will get a range of accommodation options for your stay in Manebhanjan starting from cozy homestays, a few budget hotels and budget lodges. All the accommodation options available here are very basic yet comfortable and budget friendly owing to the fact that it is the gateway to the famous Sandakphu-Phalut trek. Thus the amenities here cater to the needs of the nature lovers and trekkers.

You will also get the options of budget lodges and hotels here if you are searching for some slightly better facilities and privacy. Here are some recommended lodges and hotels for you- Shikhar Lodge, Hotel Chimal and Mountain View Lodge.

You can also get a more rustic, offbeat experience by staying at a trekker’s hut or at a Forest Bungalow, which are maintained entirely by the local authorities.

Homestays in Manebhanjan

You will get to experience warm hospitality while enjoying home-cooked meals by staying at the homestay. Some recommended homestays for you include- Hotel Pradhan Homestay, Naina Homestay, Amitesh Homestay and Trekker’s Hut Homestay.

Where is Manebhanjan?

This picturesque Himalayan hamlet is situated in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal and is the gateway to the trekker’s heaven Sandakphu-Phalut trek. It is also the starting point of the biodiversity hotspot, Singalila National Park. It is situated at an altitude of 1928 m amidst Pimple Hills and the lush greenery. Manebhanjan is at a distance of 26 km from Darjeeling, 32 km from Sandakphu and 92 km from Siliguri. This famous land of Land Rovers offers the best view of the Sleeping Buddha Range and Mt. Kanchenjunga.

How to Reach Manebhanjan

Manebhanjan is easily accessible by road, with the nearest transit point being the NJP railway station and the Bagdogra airport.

By Air: The nearest airport from Manebhanjan is the Bagdogra airport situated at a distance of 92 km with flights available from most of the major cities such as Guwahati, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata etc. You can book a cab or take a shared taxi from Bagdogra in order to reach Manebhanjan.

By Train: The nearest railway station from Manebhanjan is the NJP station which is situated at a distance of 90 km. You can take a cab or jeep from NJP station and then reach Manebhanjan.

By Road-

From Siliguri: Private cabs or shared jeeps from Siliguri are available from the Tenzing Norgay bus terminal. Buses go up to Sukhiapokhri or Mirik and from this point you will have to hop on a private cab or a shared jeep. The route includes Siliguri-Mirik-Sukhiapokhri-Manbhanjan.

From Darjeeling: You will easily get direct taxis or jeeps from Darjeeling up to Manebhanjan. The route includes- Darjeeling – Ghoom – Sukhiapokhri – Manebhanjan.

Siliguri to Manebhanjan & Manebhanjan to Siliguri Car Rental Service

Pro-Tips while travelling to Manebhanjan

Transportation tips- You must try to start your trip from Siliguri early in the morning to avoid traffic and reach Manebhanjan before evening. The roads are very bumpy, so it is recommended to carry medications for motion sickness. Also, you must download the important road maps in advance, as mobile networks can get weak at certain locations. The shared jeeps are much more affordable than the private cabs.

Accommodation and safety tips- Homestays and hotels are limited here thus it is always recommended to pre-book especially during the peak season to avoid any kind of last minute rush.

Packing tips- Remember to pack thick layers of clothes, thermals and gloves during winters or even in other seasons as the nights can get quite chilly. During the rainy season, pack umbrellas, raincoats, along with waterproof gear as well as sturdy shoes, as the roads are very rough here. There are a limited number of ATMS, and many places refuse to accept cards, thus, it is always recommended to carry some extra amount of cash to avoid inconvenience. If you are trekking or covering long distances at a time, carrying some extra snacks and water bottles will help you remain filled and hydrated.

Trekking tips- Manebhanjan being the gateway to Sandakphu-Phalut trek is the ideal place to get hands-on trekking experience. If you are trekking for the first time remember to pack all the essential trekking items. You must hire a good guide as it is mandatory to have a guide along with you beyond the point of Tumling. Try to plan your route properly beforehand and start early to reach your rest stop before it gets darker.

Conclusion

If you are looking forward to a serene getaway amidst lush greenery, breathtaking view and a touch of warm hospitality, then Manebhanjan is the right answer for you. You will get to collect unforgettable memories that you can cherish for a lifetime away from city hassle.

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Discover Manebhanjan – Starting Point of the Sandakphu Trek

Discover Manebhanjan

What to expect at Manebhanjan?