Trekking to Sandakphu and Phalut
Trip Highlights
Trek to Sandakphu for 4 of the world's highest peaks, including Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga, also the diverse landscapes, from lush forests to alpine meadows.
Trek to Phalut, the second-highest peak of West Bengal for panoramic views of Mount Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu.
Witness the Kalapokhri, the "black pond" surrounded by rhododendron forests, that change colour mysteriously due to the presence of iron and minerals.
Explore the "lost village", Samanden, situated amidst the Himalayan range far away from the crowd, an off-beat destination for the nature lovers.
Know Before You Go
- Please carry a valid ID proof.
- Take your time adjusting to high altitudes, as the weather conditions can be different from lower areas.
- Listen to your trek leaders or instructors carefully for a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Carry basic medications and a first-aid kit during the tour.
- No bill will be reimbursed for any missed service/facility.
- Keep your luggage minimum; the more you carry, the more you hassle.
- Any personal expenses, items of personal nature, meals not mentioned, etc. will not be in part of the package.
- Mobile & laptop charging points may/may not be available on campsites at a common point.
- Avoid using plastic bags and maintain the ecological balance of the destinations.
- It is recommended to carry enough warm clothes and the right kind of shoes for the trek.
- Please note that in the event of emergencies or natural calamities, the management reserves the right to modify the trek itinerary. However, any changes due to circumstances beyond our control is not covered in the package cost.
Additional Information
About the Sandakphu & Phalut Trekking:
Popularly known as the 'Trekker's Wonderland', Sandakphu is indeed one of the most scenic treks both for beginners and experts. Enjoy spectacular views of some of the highest mountains in the world including the Kanchendzongha range, Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, Jannu, Chamlang, Baruntse, and a host of Sikkim peaks all seen in one stretch. The famous “Sleeping Buddha” formation of peaks is a delight for all. This trek follows the famous Singalila Ridge, a high ground that lies at the southern end of a long crest, which runs down from the Kanchendzongha range and forms the border between Sikkim & Nepal.
Walking on the high ridges, witnessing small Himalayan settlements, trekking through a colorful forest filled with Rhododendrons and Magnolia, and passing through Singalila National park which is a biodiversity hotspot that boasts numerous species of birds and Red Panda is rare but not impossible to sight, makes this trek a must-do for adventure lovers.
Departure Dates (2024)
March-6,8,9,10,16,17,23,24,26,30,31
April-6,7,8,12,13,14,20,21,27,28,29,30
May-4,5,11,12,18,19,21,25,26.
June-1,2,8,9,15,16,22,23,29,30
Sandakphu & Phalut Trekking Quick Facts:
- Duration: 7D/6N
- Altitude: 11,930 ft
- Sandakphu Trek Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Sandakphu Trek Distance: 80km
- Temperature: Day: 8°C to 15°C and Night: -5°C to 5°C
- Best Time to do Sandakphu Trek: March to May, October to January
- Nearest Railway Station: NJP (85 KM)
- Nearest Airport: Bagdogra (82 KM)
- ATM: You can withdraw money at New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP).
- Base Camp: Maneybhanjan
- Starting Point: Manebhanjan/ Chitrey
- Ending Point: Shrikhola
How to Reach Maneybhanjan/ Chitrey:
We will arrange a pickup and drop from NJP/Bagdogra to Chitrey and a drop from Rimbik to NJP/Siliguri. This will be shared by the team members on an actual basis. Typically a SUMO/Mahindra Max costs around 3500 Rs for Chitrey and to 4500Rs from Rimbik to NJP. One such car can accommodate 6 to 8 people.
If you want to reach Chitrey by public transportation then here are the options.
1) Take a shared jeep for Darjeeling from NJP Railway station and get down at Ghoom railway station. You can get one such shared jeep from Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus in Siliguri also.
2) Get another shared jeep from Ghoom to the town of Sukhiapokhri.
3) From Sukhiapokhri avail of the jeep service for Maneybhanjung. From here you have to walk a steep 2 Km up on the Sandakphu road to reach Chitrey.
Sandakphu & Phalut Trekking Season:
Being on the Nepal/Sikkim border this area observes a longer monsoon. Clouds start to hover from April and prolong till October beginning. There are two distinct seasons when this year's trek is particularly beautiful:
1) Spring/Summer for Rhododendron season: From mid of March to Mid of May. Flowering starts from early March in the lower elevation, and gradually towards the end of spring at higher altitudes. Rhododendron and Giant Magnolia are the two most famous along with several other wildflower species. A cloudy or misty atmosphere is common during spring. Though clear mountain views are not uncommon, especially during the morning.
2) Fall/Winter for clear weather: From mid-October to January. At the beginning of October, clouds start moving out from this region and the weather becomes clearer. November is particularly known for its crystal clear views of the mountains.
Regarding Accommodation:
This is a “Tea House” trek, i.e we don’t camp inside Singalila National Park but stay in Homestay/Lodge available on the trail. As you should expect on a mountain trail, these are basic accommodations run by the local Nepali/Tibetan families. Rooms are dormitory bed types with triple/quad sharing or more. The beds and blankets are neat and clean. Don’t expect an attached toilet or running hot water anywhere.
Sandakphu & Phalut Trekking Inclusions:
- Accommodation- 6 nights’ accommodation from Chitrey (Day 1) to Srikhola (Day 6) in a Private tourist lodge/Government Trekkers Hut on sharing basis.
- Meals- All meals during the trek. Regular Indian-style nutritious vegetarian food during the trek, breakfast, hot lunch (en route), snacks, dinner along with coffee/tea/soup.
- Expert trek Leader- An excellent mountain guide who will be local to this particular area and has profound knowledge of the trekking trail around.
- Camping charges- The permit fee for Singalila National Park and forest camping charges are included in the Sandakphu Trek package.
- Safety equipment- First aid kit, oxygen cylinders, oximeter, etc. will be with the guide/trek leader and at the campsite as well to deal with emergencies.
- Expert Trek support team- The mountain staff on this trek consists of certified guides, cooks, helpers, and porters.
[ Note: These dates can be customized in case of 5 or more persons. ]