Sandakphu Trek offers panoramic views of the World’s highest 8000-meter peaks, Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Lhotse, and Mt. Kanchenjunga. Encounter Nepalese culture with no boundaries.
Sandakphu trek is also referred to as ‘Trekkers Wonderland’. The apple of the trekker’s eye ‘Sleeping Buddha’ can be seen at the beginning of the trek which motivates them. The other peaks that contribute to this amazing view are KumbhakarnaKokthang, Rathong, Frey, Kabru South, Kabru North, Simvo, Pandim, Tenzingkhang, Jubanu, and Narsing.
History of Sandakphu Trek
Sandakphu means ‘peak of the poisonous plants’ attributable to the presence of Wolf’s Bane and Himalayan Cobra Lilies there.
The highest peak of state West Bengal is Sandakphu. Award-winning Documentary film on Conservation and Environmental, named Cherub of the Mist regarding the reintroduction of Red Pandas was based on Singalila NP which is covered in the Sandakphu trek.
| AREA | Darjeeling District, West Bengal. |
| DURATION | 5 days |
| BEST SEASON | March to May, October to January |
| GRADE | Moderate to Challenging |
| ALTITUDE | 11,930 ft |
| APPROXIMATE KM | 44 km |
Images of Sandakphu Trek
Highlights of Sandakphu Trek
- The Kanchenjunga cluster is also referred to as the ‘Sleeping Buddha’ as it appears like it.
- Kalapokhri literally translates to ‘black lake’. It is considered sacred by locals.
- Encounter Nepalese and Tibetean culture and cuisine.
- The vintage Land Rovers are classic. Sandakphu is called “Land of Land Rovers” as they are part of this route for easy access.
- Singalila National Park is a National park, home to many endangered species.
Location of Sandakphu Trek
Sandakphu (11,929 ft) is the summit of Singalila ridge of the eastern Himalayas located on the Indo-Nepal border. It is situated in Darjeeling district of West Bengal and Ilam district of Nepal.
Villages at glance are Bhareng, Gairibas, Meghma, Maneybhanjyang, Srikhola ana Gurdum. Lhotse (8516m), Nuptse (7861m), Rathong (6679m), Kabru N (7353m), Koktang (6147m), Pandim (6691m), Mount Everest (8848m), Kanchenjunga (8586m), Makalu (8462m) and other few high altitude peaks are visible from here.
Best Time to Visit Sandakphu Trek
Summer(March to May): Rhododendrons and Magnolias are in full bloom from March to May.
Min Temperature: 5°c | Max Temperature: 22°c
Winter(October to January): Clearer view and Snow covered peaks look more prominent. Birds are easily spottable at this time.
Min Temperature: -5°c | Max Temperature: 12°c
How to Reach Sandakphu Trek
By Air:- Nearest Airport is Bagdogra, then reach Siliguri, hire or share a jeep to Sukhiapokhri then to Maneybhanjang.
By Train:- Railway station is New Jalpaiguri, then reach Siliguri, hire or share a jeep to Sukhiapokhri then to Maneybhanjang.
Itinerary of Sandakphu Trek
Day 1 : NJP to Manebhanjan
95 km | 4 Hours – Reach to Manebhanjan via Sukhiapokhri, and rest in Manebhanjan overnight.
Day 2 : Manebhanjan to Tumpling
11 Km | 5 Hours – In the Ilam district of Nepal, Tumling. Iconic houses of ‘Gurungs’ provide positive vibes. Before reaching Tumling, walk through ‘Meghma‘ which means through the clouds. It has an SSB check post and also has a small Chorten – Buddhist Stupa, then to Tonglu and eventually Tumbling.
Day 3 : Tumpling to Kalapokhri
11 Km | 5 Hours – The official check post of Singalila National Park is here in Tumbling. Crossing 2 villages and a valley we reach Kalapokhri.
Day 4 : Kalapokhri to Sandakphu
8 Km | 4 Hours – Silver fir and Pine trees are lined here, climb up to Bhikey Bhanjang then reach Sandakphu. Relish the beauty of ‘Sleeping Buddha’.
Read more: Hill Stations In West Bengal
Day 5 : Sandakphu to Srikhola via Gurdum
18 Km | 7/8 Hours – Gurdum is an aesthetically pleasing tiny village surrounded by dense trees. Srikhola has a soothing mountain stream. Stay overnight at Srikhola
Day 6 : Gurdum to Rimbik to NJP
130 Km | 5 Hours – Reach Rimbik early morning to avail shared jeep to NJP or trek down to Manebhanjan then from Manebhanjan to NJP via Jeep.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) for Sandakphu Trek
Can I drive a car through Sandakphu Trek?
Yes, you can hire a Jeep or Car but the roads are very inconvenient and miss on grandiose views.
Is this a difficult Sandakphu Trek?
The answer is it is moderate but the walk for many hours is intense.
Nearest place to visit after completion of Sandakphu Trek?
You can visit Darjeeling which is 85 km away and might take 4 hrs to reach.
Are there any borderlines between Nepal and India here?
No, there are just markings that indicate either country’s border. No Jawans, no protection magical blend of 2 cultures.
Where Do the Landrovers go in Sandakphu Trek?
Maneybhanjang to Phalut.
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