Sandakphu Trek
One of the most beautiful trek in the Eastern Himalayas, straddling through the Singalila ridge, offering grand views of Kangchenjunga and Everest
Snapshot
- Best Season: October – May
- Region: Darjeeling
- Duration: 9 days
- Activity: Adventure
- Grade: Moderate
The Sandakphu trek epitomises the wild elemental grandeur of nature. Being a part of the Singalila range which spans across India and Nepal, the route passes through some of the most biodiverse temperate forests in the country. Sandakphu – the loftiest peak of the Singalila range, is a vantage point from where one can see four of the world’s five highest peaks – Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Lhotse – in a continuous snow-clad arc.
The place is resplendent with the ethereal beauty of magnolias, rhododendrons, primulas and other sub-alpine flowers. It contains more than 400 varieties of orchids, over 250 birds, and many mammals including the red panda.
- Walk through some of the most bio diverse forests
- Only trek in India which offers views of Mt.Kangchenjunga and Mt. Everest
- Trek on the Indo-Nepal border
- Observe many rare birds
| Day | Description | Time | Alt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Bagdogra to Darjeeling
Pickup from Bagdogra airport and drive to Darjeeling. O/n at a hotel in Darjeeling | 3.5 hrs | 2042 m |
| Day 2 | Manebhanjyang to Tumling
From Darjeeling you will drive for approximately an hour to reach Manebhanjyang - your start point for the Sandakphu trek. Your route today gently climbs up through a mixed bamboo rhododendron and fir forest to reach Tonglu. As you get higher the view of the Kangchenjunga massif opens up to your right. O/n Trekker’s hut. | 5 hrs | 3036 m |
| Day 3 | Tumling to Kalipokhri
Descend from Tonglu top towards Gairibas. After passing the SSB check post at Gairibas climb for two hours to get to Kalipokhri. Kalipokhri is a beautiful meadow with views of hills all around. It gets its name from a lake which appears black. O/N Trekker’s hut | 6 hrs | 3170 m |
| Day 4 | Trek: Kalipokhri to Sandakphu
From Kalipokhri Sandakphu looks close but it is deceiving. The continuous uphill takes about 3 hours. As you reach the top the view opens up to reveal Kanchenjunga in front of you with Everest in Makalu’s shadow to your left. O/N at Trekkers Hut | 4 hrs | 3636 m |
| Day 5 | Sandakphu to Phalut
Today you tread a 21 kilometre long ridge walk from Sandakpu to Phalut . Despite being a long walk it would be the most beautiful day as you will get unhindered views of the Kangchenjunga and Everest range during the walk. O/N Trekker’s Hut | 7 hrs | 3600 m |
| Day 6 | Trek : Phalut to Rammam
Enjoy your last sunrise and probably the most beautiful one after which you will descend down through a mixed bamboo oak and chestnut forest. Take a lunch break at Gorkhey - a small picturesque village on the way. From here continue on to Rammam . O/n in Trekkers Hut | 6 hrs | 2300 m |
| Day 7 | Trek: Rammam to Rimbik and Darjeeling drive
Start early in the morning to reach Rimbik - your end point by afternoon . From here a four hour drive will get you back ti Darjeeling .O/n at hotel in Darjeeling | 4 hrs | 2042 m |
| Day 8 | Darjeeling
Have a relaxing day in Darjeeling enjoying the sights in and around Darjeeling. In the morning visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda absorbing the tranquil vibes of the place. From here visit the Zoological park (shut on Thursday) where you will be able to see endangered animals like the Red Panda Snow Leopard Clouded Leopard and many colourful pheasants. Thereafter visit the Tibetan Self Help Centre. In the second half walk around Chowrasta and Observatory hill soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. O/n at a hotel in Darjeeling | ||
| Day 9 | Darjeeling to Bagdogra
After breakfast drop to Bagdogra airport | 3 hrs |
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