INTRODUCTION
If you frequently hike, whether for work or pleasure, you have undoubtedly scaled the Himalayan mountains at some point. The Greater Himalayas in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are beautiful, but this powerful mountain range’s beauty also reaches north to the states of West Bengal and beyond, as well as the north-eastern states. The Sandakphu peak is one such prominent Himalayan feature. This is the highest point on the Singalila Ridge in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, rising 11,930 feet above sea level. Sandakphu Mountain shares a border with both Nepal and West Bengal because it is situated in the Ilam district of that country. You can also do kedar tal trek.
Sandakphu Trekking
Sandakphu, also known as Sandakfu or Sandakpur, is well-liked by trekkers from all over the world who enjoy exploring this region of the Himalayas.
This mountain’s trek is unique in that it offers unbroken views of the magnificent Kanchenjunga Range. Four of the five highest mountains in the world—Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu—can be seen from the summit, providing climbers with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Sandakphu trekking route is nothing less than a joyride on foot, abundant with seasonal wildflowers, alpine forests, and Himalayan fauna. Hire a Darjeeling car to get there and to help you plan the rest of your trek.
Typically, the journey is broken down into four stages.
Stage I: Manebhanjan to Meghma
The trek begins in Manebhanjan, a small hamlet located 28 kilometers north of Darjeeling. On the border of India and Nepal, in the cozy Himalayan village of Manebhanjan, are trekkers from both nations.
The trek that passes through Singalila National Park is easiest and most interesting here. You travel 2600 metres higher on this first leg of the journey. This 4-hour hike takes place in Chitre’s forested foothills. This route offers a captivating experience because it is surrounded by imposing oak, pine, and fir trees as well as wild orchids.
Stage II: Meghma to Gairibans
There are two possible routes for this section of the trek, which climbs another 2,621 metres: One trail passes through Tonglu at 3,070 metres, while the other passes through Tumling at 2,900 metres. The route through Tonglu is quicker and passes through a village with a small population. A picturesque scene of pine forests reflecting in the glistening glacial water can be found at Tonglu Lake, which is located en route.
The town’s inviting inns and cafes are another option for a pit stop. Tomling, on the other hand, is a short but beautiful trail. Despite being closer to the Himalayas, both of these trails are abundant in lush vegetation, especially during the busiest travel times.
Stage III: Gairibans to Sandakphu
As the altitude rises, the third section of the trek becomes more difficult. You can reach Sandakphu in this section after ascending 3636 meters. Bikeybhanjan is the final checkpoint on this route. The challenging terrain may seem like the “dark before the dawn,” but the vibrant alpine flora and stunning views of the surrounding mountains inspire trekkers to push through the final stretch and succeed in their mission.
Stage IV: Sandakphu to Phalut
A one-day trek covering 21 km is the last and most challenging, yet thrilling, leg of the journey. After a 3600 m climb, the route takes you to Phalut via Sabarkhum.
A trek to Sandakphu is essential if you want to fully experience the Eastern Himalayas. This journey is surreal, astounding, and exhilarating at the same time. The peaceful surroundings, the serene atmosphere, and the breathtaking views at every turn undoubtedly make the strenuous trek worthwhile.
The Best Season To Trek Sandakphu
With the exception of the rainy months, a trek to Sandakphu is accessible all year long. The best time to go is between April and October when the rhododendron flowers are in bloom and add color and life to the trail. You have the opportunity to see numerous rare birds and various animals in addition to rhododendrons.
You might even encounter the slick red panda on the off chance that you get lucky! Clear mountain views are available in September, October, and November, allowing you to enjoy the magnificent dawn views from Sandakphu and Phalut. The trail may be difficult if you want to hike later in the winter, but Sandakphu’s early snow experience is amazing!
How to Get There
Depending on where you live determines how to get there. In terms of getting here, you can either take a flight or a train. You must travel to New Jalpaiguri in order to go trekking. You can make reservations for train tickets and travel to Jalpaiguri railway station. However, if you want to fly, you can reserve your tickets and head to Bagdogra Airport. You can check the availability of tickets based on where you reside.
Thus, the Sandakphu trek was the focus of this. Everything vital for people to know before embarking on the Sandakphu trek has been covered. For your convenience, the location, the route, the itinerary, and all other details have been explained. Prepare your backpacks for this trek and book your flight to Darjeeling right away.
