Sandakphu Trek
The Sandakphu trek is one of the popular trek routes requested in India; it comprises some of the most exquisite views of the Himalayan mountain ranges which include the Everest and Kanchenjunga. Sandakphu is the highest place in West Bengal, with an altitude of 3,636 m (11,929 ft) and offers an incomparable trekking experience to the visitor. It is usually known as the Treasure of the Singalia Ridge.
It is an adventure, beautiful scenery and the attraction of cultural exploration rolled into one. A dream-take to the trekking enthusiast, the lover of nature and the photographer. This Sandakphu trek has something or the other to everyone be it the know-how trekker or a novice.
Sandakphu in review
Sandakphu at the Singalila National Park is famous because it overlooks four out of the five tallest mountains in the world, Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu. The trek to Sandakphu takes one through beautiful forests, bustling villages and lively meadows which makes this trek a naturalists delight.
The trek is a first in such ways considering that the trekkers cross into Nepal on their way to Sandakphu. Although the trek is fairly moderate, it is best suited to people with moderate fitness levels since the altitude gain may be difficult to some.
Significance of Sandakphu in trekking Culture
The Sandakphu trek has a certain relevance in the trekking culture. Historical and cultural richness, in conjunction with the Himalayan mountains views are the features, which are the reason to be a popular place of trekkers who come to this part of the world. Those trekkers who are in search of beauty combined with a bit of accomplishment should put Sandakphu trek to their list of must-do. Remarkably, the culture of the Sherpa people living in the area can also be experienced as the trail reveals a particular impression of their unique culture, and thus, when it comes to the definition of the cultural significance of the trek, one can certainly state that that part is also going to be present.
Best Time to Trek Sandakphu
Selecting the most appropriate time to do the Sandakphu trek is of great importance to make the trek pleasurable and safe. It is possible to say that weather conditions are different depending on seasons, and various seasons suggest different experiences.
Best seasons for Trekking
Spring (March to May): It is also one of the best times to travel to Sandakphu during spring. It is mild and the landscapes become filled with blooming rhododendrons and magnolias. The landscape in the mountains is also clear and hence suitable in photography.
Autumn (September to November): the weather is cool and clear and the mountainous region has a clear view. It is also another peak season of trekking.
Weather Conditions in case of various months.
Winter (December to February): The climate is very cold and the trails have snow. Although the sights are spectacular, the temperature can be very cold and thus it should be left to experienced trekkers.
Monsoon (June to August): Trekking during monsoon is not an option because the dense rain can make the trail hard to traverse due to slippiness.
How to go to Sandakphu
The Sandakphu trek is reachable at the starting point of the trek i.e. Manebhanjan. Nevertheless, the approach to Manebhanjan can be organized in a number of other ways.
Starting Points (Manebhanjan etc.)
Manebhanjan: Sandakphu trek starts here about a 26 kilometers drive away, so Manebhanjan is the main entry point of the trek. It is located by jeep or in a taxi in Darjeeling.
Rimbik: One of the other convenient starting points that is less flocked than the others. It is possible to trek to Sandakphu starting at Rimbik.
Transportation Options
By Air: The nearest airport is in Bagdogra which is around 95 kilometers away in Darjeeling. Taxi cabs or shared jeeps can be used to reach Darjeeling or Manebhanjan, and the distance is covered by them in a matter of hours once you reach the airport.
By Train: The closest major train station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), situated close to 88km of Darjeeling.
By Road: It also takes a journey of 2-3 hours to reach Manebhanjan by road around Darjeeling.
In- Questionnaire: Inherent Trek Itinerary
The average time it takes to complete the Sandakphu trek is between 5-7 days, your speed and the plan of journey. Day-by-day general picture looks like this:
Day 1: Manebhanjan to Tumling
Mumper: 11 km
Elevation: 2400 meters
Tumling is a small village that this trek passes through and requires you to start at Manebhanjan, and pass through the dense woods of the Singalila National park. Here is where the trek enters much into Nepal officially
Day 2: Tumling to Kalapokhri
Distance: 12 km
Altitude: 3,000 meters
The route proceeds through rhododendron forests and at times above the snow-capped peaks. You will make a stop at the Kalapokhri where there is a small, dark lake.
Day3: Kalapokhri to Sandakphu
Miles: 7.5
Altitude: 3636 meters
The last part brings you to the summit where you will be rewarded with some of the most stunning scenes in Kanchenjunga and Everest ranges.
Day 4: Sandakphu to Gorkhey
Distance: 14 km
Altitude: 2450m
Day5: You will start your descent towards Gorkhey, through the forests and hamlets after spending the night at Sandakphu.
Gorkhey to Rimbik
distances 12 km
Elevation 2,000 meters
Day6: On the last day you will get back to Rimbik by trekking, completing the circuit.
The difficulty of the trek and elevation gains
Sandakphu trek is a moderately difficult trek that also has some demanding parts, sub-due to the altitude. The overall altitude gain can be approximated to 1, 200 meters and trekkers are likely to have cases of altitude sickness in case they have not properly acclimatized. The trek consists of gradual ups and downs, but one will be on an incline with a gradient, especially on the route to Sandakphu.
Best Sights on the Sandakphu Trek
Scenic Viewpoints: There are a number of viewpoints spread in the span of the trek, and each of those points provides panoramic views of the Himalayan range including the Kanchenjunga, Everest, and Makalu.
Flora And Fauna: The trek also abounds in biodiversity with an array of rhododendron, magnolia and oak trees besides a large number of animals and birds including red panda, Himalayan tahr and various species of birds.
Sandakphu Packing List
This is a quick list to make sure you pack the entirety of what you may require in the Sandakphu trek:
Wear: trekking Pants, warm jackets, thermal wear, rain gear, gloves and hats.
Footwear: sturdy and good trekking boots with a good grip.
Personal: Some first-aid kit, sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottles and snacks.
Other: Camera, power bank, and trekking poles and sleeping bag (on a camping trip).
Summary on why Sandakphu is a must do trek
The Sandakphu trek is no doubt one of the most fulfilling treks in India. You can be fascinated with the sight of incredible mountains, the cultural abundance of the area, or the challenge of covering problematic terrain but this hike has its offering to anyone. The views that the trek ends up with, the cultural interaction, the physical challenges will offer a memorable trek which must be on the bucket-list of every trekker.