Darjeeling to Sandakphu Trek: Complete Guide to the Highest Peak in West Bengal
West Bengal’s highest peak is Sandakphu. Sandakphu stands at an elevation of approximately 12,000 feet. It is a dream destination for those who are passionate about mountains. From Sandakphu, four out of five mountains in the world can be viewed. These include Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga.
In this guide, we have used our in-depth experience in mountain travel. We have applied our expertise in explaining routes and safety procedures. Our aim is to serve as a trusted authority for you during your travel. We aim to provide you with exceptional information to plan your journey with ease.
What Makes Sandakphu
The Sandakphu trek will take you through Singalila National Park. It is an area under protection, which lies along the border between India and Nepal. In fact, during the Sandakphu trek, you will repeatedly enter and exit both India and Nepal. There is no need to have any visa for this, but an ID card will be compulsorily required.
The most popular attraction here is the “Sleeping Buddha.” It is a range of mountains that resembles a giant sleeping body. Mt. Kanchenjunga is actually the head of the Sleeping Buddha. The moment the first light of the sun strikes this peak is etched in memory for a lifetime.
Choosing Your Route: Trekking vs. Land Rover
There are two ways to climb up to the top of Sandakphu. You can either trek or climb up in an old vehicle.
● The Trek:
Most people typically begin their trek from a point called Manebhanjan or Dhotrey.The journey will take you four to five days to finish.It is a medium-grade trek. One need not be an expert climber. It is essential to be in good health.
● The Land Rover:
If a person is unable to walk for a long distance, they can rent a Land Rover from a place called Manebhanjan. They are vintage cars from the 1950s. Only these cars can climb over the rugged roads.
The Best Time to Visit
The weather in the mountain region keeps changing rapidly. Choosing the appropriate season is crucial for getting a good view.
- Spring (March to May): This is the most optimal time for flower enthusiasts. Rhododendron flowers in shades of red and pink blossom everywhere in the forest. It remains cool, and the sky is clear in the morning.
- Autumn (October to November): It’s the best time to see the mountains. Once the rain ends, the air gets very chilly. It’s when you will get the best views of Mount Everest and the Sleeping Buddha.
- Winter (Dec-Feb): This is the coldest winter season. There is heavy snowfall. This season can only be visited in winter conditions.
● Day 1: Manebhanjan – T
The trek begins with a stiff ascent. Then, you would go through villages and pine forests. Tumling is a beautiful place in Nepal where you would spend the night. The sunset views there are just amazing!
● Day 2: Tumling to Kalip
This leg of the trek takes you through the Singalila forest. You may catch a glimpse of rare birds or even a red panda, if you are fortunate. You would pass a dark lake called Kalipokhri. This name literally stands for “Black Lake.”
● Day 3: Kalipokhri to
This is the toughest day. The climb to the peak is quite steep. Once you reach the peak, all your exhaustion will melt away. You can see the magnificent range of the Himalayas stretching before you.
● Day 4: Sandakphu to
Many trekkers opt for the longer trek to Phalut. This route involves staying on the top of the mountain range. The entire walk provides the pleasure of seeing the peaks. This walk is relatively lengthy but flat.
● Day 5: Descending to Sirikhola
The sixth and final day involves a long hike through bamboo and oak forests along a downward trail. You will arrive at Sirikhola River and thus complete the trekking process. From there, you can return to Darjeeling by car.
Safety and Health Tips
Since you will be going very high, you have to be careful about altitude sickness. It happens when your body doesn’t get enough oxygen.
- Take Your Time: Don’t hurry up the mountain. It takes time for your body to become used to the thin air.
- Stay Hydrated: Ample water intake is necessary. Avoid alcohol consumption because it can accelerate dehydration.
- Listen to Your Guide: An important point is that you need to hire the services of a local guide from Manebhanjan. Your guide is extremely well-acquainted with the weather as well as the track. Your guide is your best friend in the mountains.
- Pack Layers: It may be sunny and warm during the daytime, but the nights may be very cold. It is essential to pack good woollen clothes, a thick jacket, and a raincoat.
Food and Stay
Accommodation will be in “Trekkers Huts” or homestays. Do not expect any luxurious treatment. The rooms are very basic with very simple beds and blankets.
The food is simple but quite delicious. You’ll get hot dal and rice, and you’ll also get vegetables and sometimes eggs. On the Nepal side of the villages, you must try their “Tibetan Bread” with honey for breakfast. It provides you with ample energy for the walk.
A good pair of trekking shoes and a strong grip. A trekking stick to assist your knees on the downward trails. A personal first-aid kit with basic medical supplies. “A power bank, as there is very little electricity in the high villages.” Your original ID card and a few photocopies for forest permits.
Final Thoughts
The trek route from Darjeeling to Sandakphu is an experience in the wild. The trek is not only about touching the highest peak. The trek is about the silence in the forests and the generosity of the mountain people. The trek is about measuring your own strength and then getting the best sightings in the world. Standing at the top and watching the sun rise over the mountains will make you feel small yet thrilled. It is an event that any lover of nature should have experienced, and preferably, it ought to be experienced once in life.
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