SANDAKPHU AND PHALUT TREK- INDIA

SANDAKPHU AND PHALUT TREK 

The only trek with views of 4 of the tallest mountains in the world​

LOCATION: NEPAL-WEST BENGAL BORDER

From Sandakphu you get clear views of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Lhotse. No other trek in India gives you that. 

Take a close look at the outlines of the mountains in the photograph above. You’ll see a profile of a man’s head on the left and towards the centre, his folded hands on his chest. Locals in India and Nepal call it the “sleeping Buddha”. When they stare at it, they are filled with divinity. As a trekker, you are looking at Kanchenjunga.  

Further to the left (see below) are incredible views of Everest, Makalu and Lhotse. It is no wonder that the Sandakphu trek is the holy grail of Indian trekking. It does not matter how easy or difficult the Sandakphu trek is, the trek just has to be done.

Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival day ( Base camp – Jaubhari)

• Arrive at Bagdogra airport or NJP railway station in the morning (on your own). 
• Indiahikes will arrange for pick up vehicles/shared cabs from the aiport/railway station to the base camp – Jaubhari. 
• The cost of transportation to the base camp will have to be borne by the trekkers (to be shared). 
• It will take approximately 5 hours to reach Jaubhari from the airport/railway station.
• Reporting time at Jaubhari is 5 pm, sharp. The trek starts at 8:30am the following morning.

Day 2: Jaubhari to Tonglu

• Start trek at 8:30 am from Jaubhari to Tonglu. 
• You will need to cover a total of 11 km with an altitude gain of 953 m in 7 hours today. 
• The trail is a combination of gradual as well as steep ascents. There are a few rocky paths, and level meadow walks.
• Look out for Chimal and Magnolia trees. If you are lucky and very quiet you might be able to spot a red panda.
• You will pass through Lamaydhura – a small Tibetian village, an SSB check post and a buddhist monastery. Foreigners need to keep their visas and Indians need to keep their ID proofs ready for verification at the SSB post.  
• The trek ends at Tonglu. Camp for the night at Tonglu.

Day 3: Tonglu to Kalipokhri

• Wake up early morning to view an amazing sunrise above the peaks of the Kanchendzonga range. 
• Today’s trek covers a distance of 11 km starting from Tonglu with an altitude gain of 83 m. 
• The trail goes through forests, a clearing, few meadows and the Singalila National Park. 
• Watch out for a border stone near Garibas. You will see India on your left and Nepal on your right.
•  The trail from Kaikhatta to Kalipokhri is perfect for bird watching.
• The final destination of the day is a small black lake known as Kalipokhri. You will find Buddhist prayer flags hanging above it.
•  Camp overnight at Kalipokhri, which is exactly on the India-Nepal border.

Day 4: Kalipokhri to Sandakphu

• Today’s trek is relatively easy, mostly level walks with some gradual ascents and a few steep ones. 
• It is a 6 km trek from Kalipokhri to Sandakphu with an ascent of 466 m.
• It will take you approximately 3 hours to reach Sandakphu.
• Watch out for Bikheybhanjang (Valley of Poison) en route. It gets its name from a poisonous aconite plant which grows in abundance here. 
• You will trek through forests of silver firs, rhododendrons, magnolias and lovely large-leaved drumstick primulas.

•  Enjoy a 180-degree panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks from here.
• You will be able to see Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Nuptse, Baruntse, Chamling, Chomolonzo, Machapucchare and other peaks of the Annapurna range spread on towards the west. Three sister peaks stand tall towards the north and then of course, the Sleeping Buddha lies before you.Towards the east, you see the highest ranges of Bhutan – Chomolhari which rises above of all other peaks around it.
• Mobile network is available at the highest point in Sandakphu. 
• The temperature at the top dips to sub-zero post sunset.

Day 5: Sandakphu to Phalut

• Start trekking early morning from Sandakphu. You will need to descend down to reach Phalut.
•  It’s a long trek covering 21 km in approximately 8 hours.
• Look out for the Forest Check Post at Sabarkum en route. 
• After descending 21 km (37 m) you will reach Phalut.
• Camp for the night at Phalut. 

Day 6: Phalut to Gorkhey

• The trail is mostly descending with a few gradual ascends between dense forest cover. 
• It covers a distance of 14-15 km starting at Phalut and ending at Gorkhey.
•  It will take you around 3 hours to reach Gorkhey.
• The highlight of today’s trek is the river crossing (Gorkhey river) at the end of the day.
•  Camp overnight at Gorkhey.

Day 7: Gorkhey to Sepi

• Depart from Gorkhey to Sepi early morning. 
• You will reach Sepi around 1 pm. The trek ends at Sepi.

Other Important Information:

Altitude:  3636 m, Sandakphu

Difficulty: Moderate

Trail type: Mix sections of gradual and steep ascents going through Singhalia National park, which involves trekking through forest cover and meadows. The trail can become difficult during monsoon.

Rail: NJP is the nearest rail transport to JAubhari.

Road: Buses and cabs are available from NJP to Darjeeling.

Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport, Siliguri, West Bengal

Base Camp: Jaubhari

Note:

Total Distance: 77 km (entire trek)

Accommodation: The Sandakphu trek is a tea-house trek, wherein you’ll be staying at tea houses / lodges. You will not be camping in tents. You’ll be sharing rooms with your trek mates on all days. 

Guides and Porters: Guides and Porters can be hired from Maneybhanjan, Jaubhari or Darjeeling. Ponies are not allowed on this trek.

Weather: Temperatures can drop between 0-5 degree celcius at night. The temperature during the day remains pleasant. Expect extremely windy conditions and sporadic rains.

Permits: You will need a permit to enter Singhalila National Park. It can be obtained while you are on the trek.