- Updated July 1, 2026
- Sanchi Pandey
Saddle Peak
Diglipur, North Andaman
- Location: Diglipur, North Andaman
- Known For: Highest peak in the Andaman Islands, trekking, rainforest trails, panoramic island views
- Height: 732 metres
- Trek Distance: Around 8 – 9 km one way
- Trek Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
- Best Time to Visit: November to April
- Trek Duration: 8 to 10 hours round trip depending on pace
- Entry Permit: Required from Forest Department
- Mobile Network: Limited in some sections
- Best For: Adventure travellers, trekkers, hikers, nature lovers
- Location: Diglipur, North Andaman
- Known For: Highest peak in the Andaman Islands, trekking, rainforest trails, panoramic island views
- Height: 732 metres
- Trek Distance: Around 8 – 9 km one way
- Trek Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
- Best Time to Visit: November to April
- Trek Duration: 8 to 10 hours round trip depending on pace
- Entry Permit: Required from Forest Department
- Mobile Network: Limited in some sections
- Best For: Adventure travellers, trekkers, hikers, nature lovers
About Saddle Peak
Saddle Peak is the highest point in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located near Diglipur in North Andaman. Rising to an altitude of 732 metres inside Saddle Peak National Park, the trek offers a completely different side of Andaman beyond beaches and islands.
The trail passes through untouched tropical rainforest, giant evergreen trees, freshwater streams, bamboo sections, and multiple viewpoints overlooking Kalipur Beach, Craggy Island, Lamia Bay Beach, and the Andaman Sea. During clear weather, the summit offers panoramic views of dense forests on one side and endless blue coastline on the other.
Best Time to Visit Saddle Peak
November to March (Best Season)
This is considered the best time to visit Saddle Peak, with cooler temperatures, clearer skies, and better trekking conditions. Visibility from the summit also remains much better during these months.
Monsoon Season
We don’t recommend the forest trail during the monsoon season, as it becomes slippery and humid, with leeches present in some sections. Fog and rainfall can also reduce visibility from the viewpoints and the summit.
Best Time of the Day: Starting early in the morning is highly recommended. Many travellers first visit Lamia Bay before sunrise to enjoy the beautiful sunrise views along the coastline before beginning the trek. It is best to start trekking soon after sunrise and return before evening, as forest sections become darker later in the day.
Read More: Best Time to visit Andaman Islands
How to Reach Saddle Peak in Diglipur
Saddle Peak trekking starts at Lamia Bay Beach in Diglipur, North Andaman. Since the trek takes several hours to complete, most travellers prefer starting early in the morning before sunrise.
Reach by Private Cab
Private cabs are the most comfortable and convenient option to reach the Saddle Peak entrance, especially for travellers planning to watch the sunrise at Lamia Bay before starting the trek. Pre-booking cabs is recommended in Diglipur, particularly during peak season.
Reach by Local Bus
Government and local buses operate between Diglipur market and the Kalipur, Lamia Bay side. This is one of the most budget-friendly options, though early sunrise views at Lamia Bay may be missed depending on bus timings.
Reach by Rental Bike
Rental bikes are available in Diglipur, but options are very limited compared to Havelock and Port Blair. Booking bikes in advance is highly recommended if you plan to explore Saddle Peak and nearby attractions at your own pace.
Note: Visitors also need to register and obtain a forest permit near the forest check-post before entering Saddle Peak National Park.
Read More: How to Reach Diglipur from Port Blair
Fee: Starts from ₹23,000 (Up to 6 Pax)
Timings: Flexible Departure
G2A Tip: Explore Diglipur comfortably in a private AC car with an experienced driver. Perfect for families and small groups looking to visit the region’s popular attractions at their own pace.
Includes: AC Car, Experienced Driver & Sightseeing
Things to Do in Saddle Peak
The Saddle Peak trek combines challenging forest trails, freshwater streams, wooden bridges, rich biodiversity, and panoramic viewpoints into one unforgettable experience. As the highest point in the Andaman Islands, it offers a completely different side of the islands that most visitors never get to see.
Experience Sunrise at Lamia Bay Beach
Most travellers begin the Saddle Peak trek early in the morning from Lamia Bay Beach. Watching the sunrise here before starting the climb is considered a must-try experience in Diglipur.
The calm shoreline, soft morning light, and peaceful surroundings make Lamia Bay one of the most scenic starting points for any trek in the Andaman Islands. Starting early also helps trekkers avoid harsh afternoon humidity and return before forest sections get darker in the evening.
Trek Through Rainforest & Coastal Trails
One of the most unique parts of the Saddle Peak trek is that the trail initially gives travellers two route options, a coastal beachside path and a forest trail. Both routes later merge deeper inside the rainforest.
Trekkers starting early in the morning often witness beautiful sunrise views along the shoreline before entering the dense tropical forest sections. The trail passes through freshwater streams, giant trees, bamboo patches, shaded resting huts, and thick jungle canopies where sunlight barely reaches the ground in some areas.
The route is well-marked with coloured trail indicators placed by the forest department, making navigation easier even inside deeper forest sections.
Enjoy Panoramic Viewpoints
Multiple viewpoints appear during the climb, offering stunning views of North Andaman’s coastline, dense rainforest, Kalipur Beach, Craggy Island, and the Andaman Sea.
The higher sections of the trek also feature watch towers built along the route where trekkers can stop, rest, and enjoy panoramic island views before continuing towards the summit.
During clear weather, the summit viewpoint at 732 metres becomes one of the most rewarding viewpoints in the Andaman Islands.
Experience Freshwater Streams & Forest Rest Stops
Several freshwater streams flow through the forest sections of Saddle Peak National Park. Many trekkers stop here shortly to cool down before continuing the climb.
The forest department has also built shaded huts, benches, and resting points along the trail, which become especially useful during the steeper uphill sections later in the trek.
Herping & Birdwatching
The forests around Saddle Peak are among the richest biodiversity zones in the Andaman Islands, making the area popular among birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, and herping enthusiasts.
Trekkers often spot endemic birds, butterflies, reptiles, monitor lizards, and tropical forest species unique to North Andaman. Early morning hours are usually the best time for birdwatching along the quieter forest sections near Lamia Bay and inside Saddle Peak National Park.
Compared to the commercial tourist spots in South Andaman, the Saddle Peak trek feels raw, untouched, and deeply connected to nature.
What to Expect During the Saddle Peak Trek
The Saddle Peak trek is not extremely technical, but the humidity and continuous uphill climb can make it feel much tougher than expected.
- The initial trail near Lamia Bay feels relatively easy with coastal and shaded forest sections.
- After the first viewpoint, the climb becomes steeper and more tiring, especially inside the dense rainforest.
- Most trekkers find the stretch between the higher viewpoints and watch towers the most exhausting part of the trek.
- Humidity inside the forest drains energy quickly, even for regular trekkers.
- The final climb towards the summit can feel slow and never-ending during sunny weather conditions.
- The complete trek including return usually takes around 8 – 10 hours depending on pace and weather.
- Carry enough water, electrolytes, snacks, and wear trekking shoes with proper grip.
- During monsoon months, expect slippery trails, muddy patches, leeches, and fog near the summit.
- Starting before sunrise from Lamia Bay is highly recommended so you can enjoy the sunrise and comfortably return before evening.
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the Saddle Peak trek?
Saddle Peak is considered a moderate trek, but the humidity and continuous uphill climb can make it feel harder than expected, especially after the first viewpoint.
How long does the Saddle Peak trek take?
Most travellers take around 8 - 10 hours, including the return journey, depending on pace, weather, and breaks.
Is a guide required for Saddle Peak trek?
A guide is not mandatory as the trail is marked properly in most sections, but first-time trekkers may still prefer going with someone familiar with the route.
Is there mobile network during the trek?
Mobile network becomes weak or unavailable in several sections inside Saddle Peak National Park.
Are food and water available during the trek?
No food stalls or shops are available inside the national park. Carry enough water, snacks, and electrolytes before starting the trek.
What should I carry for the Saddle Peak trek?
Comfortable trekking shoes, drinking water, snacks, electrolytes, light rain protection, and insect repellent are highly recommended.
Is Saddle Peak suitable for beginners?
Yes, beginners can complete the trek with proper breaks and an early start, though the humidity and long uphill sections can feel tiring.
Are leeches present on the trail?
Yes, leeches are commonly seen during monsoon months and after rainfall in forest sections.
Is the summit view always visible?
No, during cloudy or foggy weather the summit can get completely covered, reducing visibility even after reaching the top.
Sanchi Pandey
Other Guides
Want to go to the Andaman Islands? Read our travel guide for details about how to reach Port Blair and other islands of the Andamans. Get information on Port Blair’s best things to do, recommended places to visit, and hotels.
Planning a trip to Havelock Island? Our guide covers how to get there, the best beaches to visit, top water sports, and recommended places to stay for an unforgettable Andaman experience.
Visiting Neil Island? Check our travel guide for how to reach, must-visit beaches, top activities, and the best hotels to make the most of your laid-back island vacation.
Nearby Attractions around Saddle Peak
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