Call Now WhatsApp
Chitrey Sandakphu Trek View Chitrey Monastery Darjeeling Singalila National Park Trek Route
Singalila Trek Circuit

Begin Your Adventure at Chitrey

Located at an altitude of 8,340 feet, Chitrey is the serene first stop on the legendary Sandakphu trek. Surrounded by majestic pine trees and an ancient Buddhist monastery, it is the perfect gateway to the Himalayas. Book your taxi drop to the base today.

Trek Landmarks Book Base Camp Drop

Why Visit Chitrey (Chitre)?

Situated at a commanding altitude of 8,340 feet, Chitrey is a tiny, incredibly picturesque settlement that marks the true beginning of the renowned Sandakphu and Phalut trekking route. Located just 3 kilometers uphill from the bustling trekker's hub of Manebhanjan, Chitrey offers an immediate transition from crowded roads into the silent, pristine wilderness of the Singalila Ridge.

The ascent from Manebhanjan to Chitrey is famously one of the steepest sections of the entire Sandakphu route, putting both trekkers' stamina and the iconic vintage Land Rovers to the ultimate test. Many trekkers prefer to stay overnight at Chitrey rather than Manebhanjan to acclimatize and wake up to the tranquil sounds of the old Chitrey Monastery. With Siliguri Cab Rental, you can easily book a comfortable cab from NJP or Bagdogra directly to Manebhanjan, where your Himalayan trekking adventure officially begins.

Highlights: What You Will Experience

Chitrey sets the mood for the entire Singalila trek. Here is what awaits you.

Chitrey Monastery

As you arrive breathless from the steep climb, you are greeted by this beautiful, old Buddhist monastery belonging to the Kagyu sect. Surrounded by prayer flags fluttering in the mountain wind, it offers deep spiritual solace.

Lush Pine & Fir Forests

Chitrey is surrounded by a dense canopy of towering pine, fir, and oak trees. The air here is noticeably crisper and colder than Manebhanjan, making it a perfect spot for nature photography and forest bathing.

The Steep Ascent

The 3 km road from Manebhanjan to Chitrey is a thrilling introduction to the Sandakphu trail. Watching the vintage 4x4 Land Rovers roar and navigate the hairpin bends up this impossible gradient is a sight in itself.

Base Camp Checklist

What to Bring to Chitrey

You are entering the high-altitude wilderness. Preparation before leaving Manebhanjan is vital.

Permits & Guides

Before walking or driving up to Chitrey, you must arrange your Singalila National Park permits and hire a mandatory local guide from the Highlander Guides and Porters Association in Manebhanjan.

Trekking Poles & Shoes

The immediate climb from Manebhanjan to Chitrey is brutally steep. If you are walking, trekking poles will save your knees, and high-ankle trekking shoes are absolutely mandatory.

Sufficient Cash

There are no ATMs from Chitrey onwards up to Sandakphu. Digital payments (UPI) often fail due to poor network. Withdraw all the cash you need in Siliguri, Darjeeling, or Mirik before arriving.

Windcheater / Fleece

The temperature drops significantly once you reach the pine forests of Chitrey (8,340 ft). Keep a windcheater or a warm fleece jacket easily accessible in your daypack.

Quick Facts

  • Altitude: 8,340 ft (2,542 m)
  • Distance: 3 km from Manebhanjan
  • Trek Time: 1.5 to 2 Hours from base
  • Stay: Basic Trekkers Hut / Homestay
  • Cab Drop: NJP to Manebhanjan (~₹3,500)

Best Time for the Singalila Trek (Chitrey)

Because Chitrey is the gateway to the high-altitude Sandakphu trek, planning your visit around the Himalayan weather seasons is critical:

Spring (March to May) - Rhododendron Blooms

This is one of the most popular trekking seasons. The forests starting from Chitrey up towards Meghma and Tonglu burst into vibrant colors with blooming Rhododendrons and Magnolias. The weather is pleasantly cool for hiking.

Autumn (October to Early December) - Clear Views

If your main goal is to see Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga from Sandakphu, Autumn is the best time. The monsoon clouds have vanished, leaving the skies incredibly clear. The air at Chitrey becomes quite cold, especially at night.

Monsoon (July to September) - Park Closed

The Singalila National Park is officially closed to tourists during the monsoon season for animal breeding and due to the heavy risk of landslides. Trekking from Chitrey to Sandakphu is not permitted during these months.

The Sandakphu Circuit Landmarks

Chitrey is just the beginning. Discover the next stops on the legendary Singalila trekking route.

Manebhanjan Darjeeling
Base Camp

Manebhanjan

The bustling starting point of the trek located 3 km below Chitrey. This is where you get permits and hire vintage Land Rovers.

Location: 26 KM from Darjeeling

Taxi Drop Available Permits
View Details
Meghma Singalila Trek
Trek Route

Meghma

Located 6 km uphill from Chitrey. A small border village known for its beautiful monastery and thick, swirling clouds.

Altitude: 9,514 ft

Trekking Border Village
View Details
Tonglu Darjeeling
Viewpoint

Tonglu

One of the highest peaks on the Singalila ridge before Sandakphu. Famous for stunning sunrise views over Kanchenjunga.

Altitude: 10,075 ft

Viewpoint Trekkers Hut
View Details
Tumling Nepal Border
Nepal Border

Tumling

A highly popular overnight stop for trekkers. Geographically located in Nepal, offering great homestays and mountain views.

Altitude: 9,600 ft

Homestays Nepal
View Details
Sandakphu Summit View
The Summit

Sandakphu

The highest peak in West Bengal. The ultimate destination offering views of four of the world's five highest peaks, including Everest.

Altitude: 11,930 ft

Summit Everest View
View Details
Lepchajagat Pine Forest
Offbeat Stay

Lepchajagat

Located a short drive from Manebhanjan. A serene, offbeat village surrounded by dense pine forests, perfect for relaxing after a trek.

Tour Type: Taxi Drop Available

Forest Stay Homestays
View Details

Trending Darjeeling Tour Packages

Don't want the hassle of booking separate cabs every day? Combine your transit with our curated, multi-day Darjeeling tour packages. Fixed fares, zero hidden costs.

Darjeeling 3 Nights 4 Days Car Tour Package
Bestseller
4.9

3 Nights 4 Days Darjeeling Car Tour

A complete immersion into the Queen of Hills. Covers direct Bagdogra/NJP transfers, Tiger Hill sunrise tour, and local sightseeing before you head to the trekking base.

Cab Type: Hatchback / Sedan / SUV

₹ 11,000 ₹ 9,500 SAVE 13%
View Details
Darjeeling Couple Budget Tour Package
Budget Friendly
4.8

Darjeeling Couple Tour (Under 5000)

The ultimate romantic getaway. A highly optimized 4-day private taxi itinerary strictly tailored for couples, utilizing our efficient hatchback fleet for easy mountain travel.

Cab Type: Budget Hatchback

₹ 6,000 ₹ 4,800 SAVE 20%
View Details
Darjeeling and Gangtok Combo Car Tour Package
Multi-City Combo
4.9

Darjeeling & Gangtok Car Tour

Why choose when you can see both? This highly popular combo package covers intercity transit, Darjeeling's viewpoints, and Gangtok's beautiful monasteries and Tsomgo Lake.

Cab Type: Sedan / Innova Crysta

Custom Price On Request
View Details

Explore Other Destinations

Finished your trek? Extend your Himalayan trip to these nearby regions. View top attractions and book your transit instantly.

Places to visit in Sikkim and Gangtok
The Organic State
4.9

Sikkim & Gangtok

Explore the snow-covered valleys of North Sikkim, the serene Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass, and the skywalks of Pelling.

High Altitude Permits Included
View Places in Sikkim
Places to visit in Dooars
Wildlife Reserve
4.8

The Dooars

Dive deeper into the lush green floodplains of North Bengal. Explore Lataguri, Jaldapara, and Gorumara National Park for thrilling wildlife safaris.

Jungle Safari Exotic Wildlife
View Places in Dooars
Places to visit in Nepal
Border Transit
4.7

Nepal

Since Tumling borders Nepal, you can expand your mountain journey towards the cultural hubs and ancient temples of Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Border Heritage Sites
View Places in Nepal

How to Reach Chitrey & Taxi Details

Reaching the Base (Manebhanjan)

Before you can reach Chitrey, you must first arrive at Manebhanjan, the official base camp for the Sandakphu trek. Manebhanjan is located about 26 kilometers from Darjeeling town and approximately 90 kilometers from Siliguri/NJP.

Standard tourist taxis, hatchbacks, and sedans can easily reach Manebhanjan via the scenic Mirik or Darjeeling route. You can book a direct, point-to-point drop from NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport to Manebhanjan with Siliguri Cab Rental. The journey takes about 3.5 to 4 hours.

Manebhanjan to Chitrey

The 3-kilometer stretch from Manebhanjan to Chitrey is where the true Himalayan challenge begins. The road gradient is incredibly steep and paved with rough boulders. Standard commercial taxis are not permitted or capable of driving up this route.

To cover this distance, you have two options: you can either begin your trek on foot right from Manebhanjan, or you can hire the iconic, vintage 4x4 Land Rovers specifically operated by the local Highlander Guides and Porters Association at the Manebhanjan syndicate. These rugged vehicles will drop you off at Chitrey or take you all the way up to Sandakphu.

Similar Travel Guides & Blogs

Read our expert insights to help plan your perfect mountain package.

Tea gardens in Darjeeling
Travel Tips

Best Car Rental Service in Siliguri

Discover everything you need to know about choosing a reliable, safe, and affordable car rental service in Siliguri for your mountain adventure.

Read More →
Sikkim Car Rental Packages
Permits

Best Sikkim Car Rental Packages 2026

From romantic honeymoons in Gangtok to thrilling road trips to Gurudongmar Lake, explore our top-rated Sikkim car rental packages.

Read More →
Traditional food of Sikkim
Food

Top 5 Foods to Try in Gangtok

From steaming hot Thukpa to spicy Phagshapa, explore the authentic local cuisine of Sikkim. Don't miss out on trying Momos at MG Marg.

Read More →

Chitrey Trek Base FAQ

Common questions about starting your Sandakphu trek from Chitrey.

Can a regular taxi drop me directly at Chitrey?

No. Regular hatchbacks and sedans from NJP or Siliguri can only go up to Manebhanjan. The 3 km road from Manebhanjan to Chitrey is extremely steep and requires a specialized 4x4 Land Rover from the local syndicate.

Are there places to stay in Chitrey overnight?

Yes, there is a basic trekker's hut and a few local homestays right next to the Chitrey Monastery. Many trekkers prefer staying here rather than Manebhanjan to get a head start on the altitude acclimatization and enjoy a quieter morning.

How long does it take to walk from Manebhanjan to Chitrey?

Although the distance is only 3 kilometers, the intense, steep gradient means it usually takes an average trekker about 1.5 to 2 hours to walk up to Chitrey from Manebhanjan.