Trekking strikes a chord in every adventurer. It adds an element of excitement to the otherwise monotonous life and pushes an individual beyond limits. India with its humongous mountain ranges and wild forests provides several exploration opportunities. A trekker can go North to the Himalayas if that piques his interest or visit the southern jungles.
Sandakphu Trek Route
Among so many options lie the Sandakphu trek route. It is located in West Bengal at an altitude of 3627 m. The trek is within Indian and Nepal borders and is extensively covered in rhododendron forests.
This is what earned the place a Trekker’s Wonderland title. As you visit Sandakphu, you will feel a whiff of cool and warm hues. That part of the trek makes the whole journey worthwhile.
Sandakphu Phalut trek is a moderate-level adventure covered by Makalu, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, and Mount Everest. This promises you a breathtaking view of the clouds and slopes.
You can begin this trek from several points like Dhotrey and Maneybhanjang. It will lead you to the Sandakphu peak where the snow-clad mountains await. The clear blue sky and crisp air add to your experience.
Covering the Sandakphu Phalut trek will take 8 days and will cover all the major places. You will get to see the beauty of Bagdogra, Dhotrey, Tumling, Kali Pokhari, Sandakphu, Phalut, Gorkhey, and Sepi. Then you will go back to the starting point.
“More captivating blog posts await you – click now!”
Sandakphu Trek Route Map
Let us take a look at the complete Sandakphu trek route.
Day 1
Sandakphu Phalut trek route starts as you reach Siliguri. From there, you will be picked up and dropped off at Dhotrey. During this trip, you will bear witness to forests and tea gardens. The journey covers places like Maneybhanjan and Sukhia Pokhari. Upon reaching Dhotrey, you will find a forest enveloped in pine forest.
Day 2
This is when your real trek begins. The journey of 13 km from Dhotrey to Tumling can take approximately 3 hours depending on your endurance and the weather. This adventure is going to be a warm up for what is coming next. As you walk through the hills, you will see a beautiful view of coniferous and pine forests. You don’t have to cover the entire trek in one go. There is a rest stop in-between so that you can take a breather and gather your strength.
Day 3
This is a 13 km long trek which will take you around 5 hours to cover. Waking up to the sunrise of Tumling will give you an adrenaline rush. Have a hearty breakfast and begin your 2nd day from Singalila National Park. Here you can observe several animals and have a calming vibe till Jaubari. Then your difficulty level might increase slightly and you will have to climb a steep way up to Kalipokhari. It is at an altitude of 10,500 ft. and gives you a heartwarming feeling.
Day 4
This is the most difficult part of the trek. You have to cover a distance of approximately 6 km but it will take around 4 hours easily. As you climb and walk through the steep stairs and roads, you will cover the journey from Kalipokhari to Sandakphu. There you will get a glimpse of all 4 mountains and everything will feel worth it. Your muscles might be aching but the experience is unparalleled.
Day 5
This is the day your journey from Sandakphu to Phalut awaits. The distance of 20 km has to be covered in 7 hours. It will begin with a beautiful sunrise from West Bengal’s highest point. As you cover half of the distance, you will see a resting point called “Char Ratey”. It is in Sabarkum where yaks are grazed. From there, the route is divided into two points – Phalut and Molley. Move towards Phaut as it promises a peaceful experience.
Day 6
Phalut to Gorkhey is a 12 km long trek and can be covered within 5 hours. It is going to be a descending journey as you come down from an altitude of 4,500 m to 2,400 m. As you begin the end of your journey, your roads will be covered in autumn leaves and your heart full of memories. Gorkhey is a small village with a beautiful local culture and welcoming natives.
Day 7
This is the last day of your trek and you are almost back! It is a 20 km distance and will take about 8 hours. As you cover the distance from Gorkhey to Sepi, you will cross the Rammam and Sammamden villages. This is the perfect ending to your trek. From there, you can book a ride to Bagdogra. It will take around 5 hours.
Sandakphu Trek Best Time
The best time to go on your Sandakphu Phalut trek route will be between March and June. During summer, you get to witness a beautiful view of Rhododendron. If you are planning a winter trip, you can go between October and January. These months welcome you with a crisp air and clear sky.
Sandakphu Trek Cost
The exact Sandakphu trek cost will depend on the kind of package you want to book. Your approximate expenses will range from Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 15,000 per person. It will cover the trek permits, meals, accommodations, and guides. You will also get the necessary equipment like sleeping bags and tents.
Things to Carry on the Sandakphu Phalut Trek
Trekking means plenty of strenuous activities. That’s why it is important to come prepared. Here are some things you should carry on the Sandakphu trek.
- Lightweight backpack
- Trekking shoes
- Medical pouch
- Water bottles and energy bars
- Clothing according to the weather
- Sunglasses, hat, hand sanitizer, torch
- Trekking pole
Bookings for Sandakphu Phalut Trek
Are you excited to cover the Sandakphu Phalut trek route? This journey is going to be full of excitement and adventures. People from across the world plan the trek in advance. If you are also planning to push yourself and go through this experience, start your planning! West Bengal is a world of beauty within itself.
Leave a Reply