Saddle Peak, the highest peak in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is in the Saddle Peak National Park in North Andaman. It is a dense tropical forest housing a range of exquisite trees and rare flora and fauna. The national park is also the origin of the Kalpong River, the only river in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This guide explains everything you need to know about hiking the Saddle Peak by yourself.
Saddle Peak Hiking Guide
Table of Contents
How To Reach?
You can reach Diglipur from Port Blair, Havelock Island, Rangat, and Mayabunder in two ways – either by ferry or by road. Refer to our Diglipur blog to identify the best routes to reach Diglipur and Kalipur.
From Diglipur, buses run once every hour to Lamiya Bay, which is the start of the hike. The bus service starts at 4:30 AM, and the last bus from Diglipur to Kalipur leaves at 7 PM.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to do the Saddle Peak hike is between November and May. This is the time when the weather is dry and good for exploring. It rains from June to October. Start as early as 6 AM to enjoy the hike at your own pace.
Network Availability
Only BSNL works in the area. Airtel and Jio have very poor reception, especially deeper in the forest. We highly recommend downloading the offline maps from OSMAND before starting the hike.
ATM Availability
There are no ATMs near Saddle Peak. ATMs are available only in Diglipur, which is 20 km away.
Languages Spoken
Hindi and Marathi are widely spoken in the region. Very few people converse in English.
Parking Availability
Ample parking space is available near the Saddle Peak National Park entrance. You can also take your vehicles inside the national park for a short distance. If you do so, you’ll have to pay a small parking fee, INR 20 for two-wheelers, INR 30 for four-wheelers, and INR 100 for heavy motor vehicles.
Restroom Facilities
Restrooms are available close to the entrance. However, there are no restrooms available along the hike.
Where to Eat?
No shops or dine-in restaurants are available near the Saddle Peak National Park. You must walk at least 2 Km to find the first shop. You can also dine at Pristine Beach Resort. We highly recommend you carry some snacks, energy bars, fruits, and at least 1-2 L of water per person.
Where to Stay?
You can only expect basic accommodations at Kalipur and Diglipur. Kalipur village has better options in terms of places to stay. There are three resorts in the region.
- Pristine – Comparatively expensive, best among the three with generator backup
- Saddle Peak View Resort – Affordable, basic, yet good accommodation without generator backup
- Turtle Resort – Government-owned (cannot be booked by visitors), cheapest, good with generator backup.
The power goes off without warning often, even at night. If you’re working remotely, this is to be noted.
Saddle Peak Hiking Details
Registration: No registration or pre-online booking is required.
Permission: Since Saddle Peak is located in the Saddle Peak National Park, permission is required from the forest department to summit this peak. Illegal entry is an offense. On reaching the forest checkpost office or ticket counter at the entrance, you’ll be asked to log in your name, address, and contact details in a notebook.
Cost: Entry costs INR 50 per person for Indians and is free of charge for islanders, children between 5 and 12 years of age, and school and college students. It costs INR 500 for foreign adults and INR 200 for foreign children. Extra charges must be paid to take a camera.
Timings: From 6 AM to 5 PM. We highly recommend starting the hike early at 6 AM so that you have ample time to spot the birds and enjoy nature.
Duration: The ascent takes 4-5 hours, and the return takes 2-3 hours.
Summit Height: 732 m.
Hike Distance: 9 Km, one way.
Difficulty Level: The hike is of moderate difficulty, but it is highly subject to your fitness level. You can create makeshift hiking poles from sticks.
Terrain: Tropical evergreen forest, river, tree roots, rocks, and stones.
Hiking Route:
From the hike starting point, walk on the visible path along the jeep track until you reach the forest officer’s house, where some shelters are located. The track narrows down after that. Keep following the route for another 4 km.
There are many bubbling streams along the way. At one point, you’ll have to go towards the beach and join the hiking track again. The trail is pretty much visible throughout the hike.
After the little waterfall or stream, the trail changes into a forest zone. The sound of waves fades gradually as you move ahead.
The route is inlaid with tree roots and bamboo pathways to help you with the ascent. The trail is steep at a few places, so take utmost care and look before stepping.
The views become more scenic as you ascend. The top of the trail is pretty flat and level. You’ll come across four viewpoints along the hike. The location of the viewpoints is marked on the OSMAND maps.
These viewpoints give a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. There are bamboo benches where you can take a break and rest or sit for a moment to immerse yourself in the beautiful sights and sounds of the Saddle Peak Hike.
However, the aerial view of the island is hidden from the top by trees in all directions. The Indian flag marks the summit of Saddle Peak. The descent takes pretty much the same route, but it typically takes less time than the ascent.
Important Things to Remember
- A guide is not required to hike the Saddle Peak.
- The use of plastics and smoking are strictly prohibited. As a hiker, it is incumbent on you to be responsible and not litter. Collect and bring back waste and dispose of it in proper, dedicated bins.
- Illegal trekking is strictly prohibited, and trespassers will be prosecuted.
- Most importantly, enjoy hiking under the shades of tall trees, surrounded by chirping birds and the waves crashing along the beach. You can also find coral stones along the route.
Essential Things To Carry
- Ensure you carry at least 1-2 L of water per person.
- Take sufficient snacks and energy bars, as there are no shops nearby. Refill your snacks at Kalipur or Diglipur.
- Have your first aid kit handy.
- Cap, sunscreen & sunglasses are essential to ward off the summer heat.
- Carry a poncho or raincoat in case of rain.
- Above all, ensure you wear comfortable shoes with good traction and grip.
Read the blog to know more about what we usually carry for day hikes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a guide required for the Saddle Peak trek?
No, having a guide to hike Saddle Peak is not mandatory. Direction marks are placed at a few prominent places. The hike is pretty much straightforward until the very end. The probability of getting lost is very low. Download the offline maps or GPS file in OSMAND and keep it handy. You can also opt for a guide near the entrance if you’re a beginner or new to hiking.
Is camping allowed in Saddle Peak?
No, camping is strictly prohibited in the Saddle Peak National Park.
Can the Saddle Peak hike be done in a day?
Yes. Saddle Peak hike can be done in a day. If you start early, you should be able to return on the same day after reaching the peak.
What are the places to visit around Saddle Peak?
Kalipur and Diglipur offer several offbeat activities for visitors. They are underrated destinations. Here are 10 activities to do in Diglipur and Kalipur that you shouldn’t miss while visiting.
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