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Sandakphu Trek, Darjeeling Overview

Sandakphu Peak (11,941 Feet) is the highest peak in West Bengal. The highest peak of Singalila Ridge in Darjeeling district, almost near the border of Nepal, it is located very close to Singalila National Park. Sandakphu, the highest peak in West Bengal, gives you a spectacular view of four out of five highest peaks in the world. The best view possible is of mountain Kanchendzonga. You can reach the peak either by car or trekking. The trek is a beautiful 51 km long way up the hill, starting from Manebhanjan.

Sandakphu is also known as the "mountain of poisonous plants" because of the abundance of Himalayan Cobra Lilies here. Since this is an arduous trek, it is advisable to undertake it only after ensuring your complete fitness.The trek to the summit is quite exhilarating passing through several distinct terrains, from challenging valleys to the lush green of the lands dotted with rhododendrons, magnolias, primulas and vibrant wild flowers. The place is a paradise for nature lover with about 600 varieties of orchids alone.

Weather and Climate

The temperature range in Sandakphu goes from about -20 degrees Celcius in the winter months to about 15 degrees Celcius in the summer months. The last bit of December to early February sees snowfall in Sandakphu.

The Sandakphu - Singalila Trek

The Sandakphu Trek is a very beautiful walk, going through most part of the Singalila National Park. There are paths lined with magnolias and rhododendrons, rare and beautiful orchids and miles after miles of beech and spruce trees. There are over 600 different kinds of orchids in Sandakphu and Singalila alone and are in full bloom in the Spring months. You can also spot red pandas in the park.
The trek to Sandakphu from Manebhajan is about 32 kilometers and takes about 3 days to complete. For seasoned trekkers, it may even be two days. One needs a permit to enter the Singalila National Park. The way is well traversed and one will not read directions for the trek.
If you plan to go ahead to Phalut after Sandakphu, it comes to about 20 more kilometers. This is reasonably arduous and takes time, especially after a long 3-day trek to Sandakphu.

Camping/Shelter

Since you are on a trekking trip, you will be carrying your own camping tents. However, you will also have options of homestay and guesthouse as well at various campsites.

How to reach Sandakphu Trek

Manebhajan, the starting point of the Sandakphu Trek, can be reached in about 4 hours by driving from the last railway station, New Jalpaiguri and Bagdogra Airport. You can do a break journey from Mirik in case direct cabs are not available.

Rail: NJP serves as the nearest railhead to the base camp of the trek. Hire a cab or a bus from there on to reach Darjeeling.

Tips

1. Make sure you carry warm clothes irrespective of the fact that what season you are travelling in.
2. Carry your own trekking gear and equipments and be always prepared.
3. Carry a medical aid kit and your usual medicines for the way.
4. A good pair of trekking shoes is a must.
5. Carry raingear no matter if you are travelling during monsoon season.
6. Make sure you obtain all the permits well in advance required for trekking in the region.
7. Make sure you carry spare batteries as there will be no electricity supply.
8. A well informed and trained guide is very important and do make sure to sought out all trivial things well in advance to avoid misunderstanding.

Itinerary for Sandakphu Trek

Day 1: Darjeeling to Manebhanjang to Tonglu

Distance: 11km, Duration: 5-6 hours

Reach Manebhajang early in the morning to begin your trek on time. It is a tiny hamlet located around 58 km from Darjeeling, about an hour and half drive away. The village is inhabited mainly by Buddhist Sherpa Tribe. Make sure you grab some breakfast before the trek begins. Your destination for the first day of the trip is Tonglu (3,070 m), situated 11 km from the village and will take around 5-6 hours of trekking to reach there. The trail in the beginning is a beautiful one, comprising of fir, birch, pine and bamboo glides leading to yet another Buddhist settlement namely Chitre (2530m). Now you will ascend through a steep climb reaching a small village Meghna (2900m). Rest here for a while, have lunch, interact with the friendly villagers and resume trek. Now from here you can either take a route towards Tonglu or Tumling, both the routes finally meet again at Tumling. A walk of 2 km will take you to Tonglu that offers a splendid view of Himalayan Mountains while a halt at Tumling gives you a chance to gaze at the clear sky twinkling with stars and glittering lights of Darjeeling, Pasupati and Siliguri. You will have the both the options for accommodation: tents and home stay.

Day 2: Tonglu to Gairibas to Kalipokhari

Wake up early to spectator the first rays of sun peeking from behind the Himalayan range offering a magical view. After breakfast, descend down the hill towards Garibas (2621m), a tiny hamlet located 9 km from Tonglu that will take you around 3 hours to reach. While on the way, you will cross few quaint hamlets witnessing their simple lifestyle, modest farmland and several bamboo glades. Make sure you break for lunch at Garibas and continue ascending up the hill to Kalipokhari (3170m). It will take you 3 hours to reach the place. The trail is very pretty during spring time when the forest is blooming with rhododendrons. As you reach the place, you will witness a small dark coloured pong or Black Pond as it is called amidst pine trees and colourful prayer flags. For this route you also have an option of arranging for the jeep ride which takes two hours to reach Kalipokhari from Tonglu. You can stay at pond site at either a tent or home stay. The jeep rides are organized at Manebhajang.

Day 3: Kalipokhari to Sandakphu

Enjoy the morning hues and gear up for another of wonderful trekking day. Today you will be heading to Sandakphu, the best part of this Singalila Trekking route also referred to as Ã”paradise of trekkers'. Begin early in the morning and descent down the ridge till Bikhebhajang or Valley of Poison. A steep climb of 4 kms from here will lead you to Sandakphu. The ascent is way too steep, in fact one of the steepest of the entire Singalila treks, to pain your knee joints but equally rewarding in the end. The trail takes you through a thick cover of magnolia and rhododendron forest that will take approximately 2-3 hours to cross and arrive at Sandakphu (Height of the Poison Plant). Both Bikhebhanjan and Sandakphu are home to the poisonous aconite plants in abundance, which are said to have harmed the cattle in the past, are named after this plant. Once you reach the summit, the view will leave in complete awe with a panoramic vista of the entire Himalayan belt. The mighty elevations in Nepal Mt. Everest, Lotse, Makalu and Mt. Kanchenjunga and Pandim in Sikkim offer a picturesque sight for your eyes. However, the rhododendron and the silver fir trees covering the surrounding hills is incomplete contrast to it adding a charm to the scenic beauty. While at the top, you have an option of lodges, guesthouses and trekker huts for accommodation. If you find the uphill trek to Sandakphu tiring then you can opt for vehicle ride from Manebhajang itself. The trip takes 4 hours by jeep and can prove to be quite adventurous. On your way back, you can opt between either a longer or a shorter way down the hill. By the end you may take a short cut via a dense cover of forest and arrive at RImbik or head towards Phalut.

Day 4: Sandakphu to Phalut

Wake up early to enjoy the rising sun gleaming on the snow clad Himalayan Mountains. Resume your trek after a heavenly view, towards Phalut (3600 m). As you keep proceeding, the trail presents you with some of the most spectacular surroundings. The track passes through a dense rhododendron, pine and oak trees; however, the most beautiful of all landscape is the burned silver fir forest. If you get lucky might also spot Yak herds at the lake side along with some roofless stone houses adorned on a small hillock of Sabarkum. From here on the trek is easy walking along the ridge crest that will cross the indo-Nepal border and arrive at Phalut. The total distance is about 21 km and will take you almost 6 hours to cover. You will notic how close Mt. Kanchenjunga appears from here as compared to the rest of the trek. You can call it a night at trekkers hut or camp here.

Day 5: Phalut to Ramman

Distance: 14km, Duration: 5 hours

Early morning view will surprise every time with a magnificent backdrop of mighty Himalayan range. The trail descends from Phalut down the hill and will lead you through dense forest of pines, chestnuts, hemlock etc. Keep walking along the track till you reach Gorkhey Khola, a fresh water stream where two small rivulets meet. Take a plunge or two in the stream of fresh water rekindle your spirits and resume trekking towards Ramman via Samandin. You will be covering a total distance of 14 km today within a span of about 5 hours. Rest at Ramman for the night at a local home stay, guesthouse or a camp.

Day 6: Ramman to Rimbik

Distance: 19 km,

Sixth day marks as the last of the trek when you will be covering a total distance of 19 km from Ramman to Rimbik. For the first 9 km, the trail is an almost level walk and then begins to descend down towards Sirikhola River. A climb from here will lead you to Rimbik, the trail passing through tiny hamlets and verdant farmlands. Accommodate at a hotel when reached Rimbik and go for leisurely walks in the evening. Next day, after a hearty meal at hotel, drive back to Darjeeling or Siliguri.