Sandakphu trek leads you to the height of 11,900 ft being the highest peak of West Bengal. Famously called as ‘Trekkers Wonderland’, Sandakphu provides an exceptional view of four of the world’s highest peaks of Himalayas- Mt. Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga and Lhotse. With a total distance of 45 km, it includes colorful flora, forest of blooming rhododendrons, beautiful landscape and rare animals like Red Panda and Bears.
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Another enroute attraction is Singalila National Park where you can indulge in the bird watching activity with migratory birds like fledgelings. You can also take a walk along the Bikhey Bhanjyang, notoriously famous for growing poisonous Aconite flowers. Kalipokhri houses a sacred lake known as Black Pond by the locals which is considered sacred by Buddhist and also has a temple beside it.
Trek Distance: 53 km
Trek Altitude: 11,900 ft
Difficulty level: Moderate
Best Season: October to February
Highlights of the Trek:
Chitrey
You can start your trek from Chitrey to avoid the starting steep climb from the very start. There are even accommodation facilities at Chitrey so you can stay the night and also explore the beautiful monastery of Chitrey.
Lame Dhura
Lame Dhura is a quiet little village ahead of Chitrey with tea houses and cottages where trekkers can take a break and relish in the view of snow-clad mountains.
Meghma
Meghma at a distance of 3 km from Lame Dhura is another village with green meadows. You can visit the monastery of Lame Dhura.
Tonglu
At a hike of 2 km from Meghma, Tonglu comes into the picture with excellent views of Kanchenjunga Mountain.
Tumling
As you move upward, Tumling is a settlement in Nepal and acts as a resting house for the trekkers. From the up above at night you can see the lighted up villages of Darjeeling and other small villages.
Jorubari
Jorubari is another hamlet in Nepal that acts as a check-post and has several shops. The captivating landscape of this place will only motivate you to explore further.
Gairibans
Gairibans located around the border of India and Nepal give you insight into the locals and their culture. It resides inside the Singalila National Park and the trekker needs to hike uphill for getting a better vantage point.
Kaiyakatta
Kaiyakatta is approximately a 2 km upward hike from Gairibans and you can have a taste of folklore over a cup of tea from the stalls.
Kalipokhri
Kalipokhri at an elevation of 10,400 ft is a village in Nepal with a deep black water lake sacred to Buddhists. Situated on the ridge, the village is a treat for the sore eyes.
Bikhey Bhanjyang
With a 40 minutes trek from Kalipokhri you will reach the last settlement on the trail of Sandakphu. It is famous for the poisonous flowers of Aconite growing on the land of Bikhey Bhanjyang.
What to Carry:
Clothing: your regular wears plus light thermal wear, windproof jacket, heavy woollen jacket, woollen caps, gloves and muffler.
Trekking: Waterproof backpack, trekking gears, hiking shoes, sleeping bag, hot water bag, trekking pole, tent.
Utilities: Sunglasses, gloves, Sunscreen, lip balm and toiletries
Document: carry your passport size photos, identity card/Driver’s license, medical certificate and Disclaimer form.
Electronics: Camera with extra batteries and power bank
Medicines: your prescription if any, Diamox, Crocin, Paracetamol and first-aid.
Eatables: Glucose/ORS, energy bar, dry fruits, water bottles, chocolates and snacks.
When to Visit:
Sandakphu trek remains operational for about 8 months around the year, monsoon being the only season when trekking through Sandakphu is not advisable due to landslides and foggy views of the Himalayan peaks. The winter months bring you fresh snowfall and snow-covered trails. The snow trail leading through the forests looks delightful and you might even get to see some frozen waterfalls. Spring gives you a mix of summer and winter virtues with colourful forest and residual snow. The trail is a pleasant stroll among nature with pink, red and white colours turning the place lively. Autumn months are famous for crisp views of Kanchenjunga range amidst the golden hours of sunset and sunrise. Ideally, trekkers prefer visiting Sandakphu in the period of October to February for the sole reason of mountain views it offers.
Accommodation:
From Budget travellers to people who prefer luxurious stay, Sandakphu houses everyone’s wishes. The hamlets enroute provide hut and cottage options for the trekkers to stay at a reasonable price. You can even choose to do camping in the well-placed campsites of Sandakphu from where the views of the mighty Himalayan peaks keep you company.
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