Is Sandakphu Trek Difficult?
The trek to Sandakphu is a moderate level trek and can be achieved in 6. The high altitude of 12,000 ft can be achieved easily. However, it is moderately ranked as external conditions could make the trek challenging. Sandakphu, known as the trekkers wonderland is one of the favourite trek destinations for many who hit the hill for a break.
Who can go for Sandakphu trek
- Beginners, trek lovers as well as experienced hikers.
- Trek enthusiasts, fitness freaks and explorers - this is a destination to tick off the list.
- Individuals above the age of 12 years can take the hike.
- Trek lovers with interest in trekking and mountaineering.
- The climbers must be fit and must have sufficient stamina to cover 5 km of distance in 45 minutes without stress.
- Should be able to carry a 10kg backpack at all times.
- People with heart problems, high blood pressure, asthma, and epilepsy cannot be reconciled on this trek.
How to prepare for Sandakphu trek
Fitness check:
Be fit for the trek. Fitness is an essential aspect in any trek. Regular walks must be practiced prior to the treks.
Health check:
Get a health check up done prior to the trek as a precaution.
Extra precaution:
Precaution must be taken by carrying all the necessary essentials such as warm clothing, general medicine and so on.
Avoid alcohol or narcotics:
Do not drink or smoke during or before the trek.
Exercise:
Regular exercise must be practiced prior to the trek. It isn’t possible for a climber to make a 5km walk comfortably without prior preparation.
Trek check-list:
Make a check-list of the essentials and check before leaving.
Trek equipment:
Trek essentials such as climbing sticks, boots and so on along with warmers must be carried.
What makes Sandakphu trek moderate
The decreasing oxygen levels, the long distance, heavy baggage to be carried throughout makes the trek a moderately tough trek to take.
The decreasing oxygen levels, the long distance, heavy baggage to be carried throughout makes the trek a moderately tough trek to take.
How many kms of trekking is required each day
The number of kilometers you can trek differs according to the fitness and weight of an individual. However, 16 kms/per day is the ideal range for the Sandakphu trek.
The number of kilometers you can trek differs according to the fitness and weight of an individual. However, 16 kms/per day is the ideal range for the Sandakphu trek.
Fitness level
To cope up with the decreasing level of oxygen one must build aerobic fitness. Defying gravity and walking for a long duration on steep slopes with a rucksack/day-pack requires a moderate level of strength and endurance training.
Best time for Sandakphu trek
There are two best seasons to go for the Sandakphu trek. The first season is from April to May, with the temperature of 8 to 15 degrees, and the second season is from October to early December with the temperature of -5 to 5 degrees.
To cope up with the decreasing level of oxygen one must build aerobic fitness. Defying gravity and walking for a long duration on steep slopes with a rucksack/day-pack requires a moderate level of strength and endurance training.
Best time for Sandakphu trek
There are two best seasons to go for the Sandakphu trek. The first season is from April to May, with the temperature of 8 to 15 degrees, and the second season is from October to early December with the temperature of -5 to 5 degrees.
Height/altitude
The altitude at the Sandakphu peak is about 3636 meters or 11930 feet above sea level.
Where it begins and ends
Sandakphu trek begins from Manebhanjan and ends at Siliguri.
Duration of trek
The trek takes about 6-7 days.
Dos and Don'ts
- You must carry a trekking pole to successfully complete your trek.
- Warm clothes and essentials should be carried.
- Hire a guide to take you through the trek.
- Keep yourself hydrated, drink ample water throughout the trek.
- Carry trekking shoes to be able to trek properly.
- Do enough research, initial research of the place, weather, region as well as basic tricks and traits for a trek must be well researched about.