A 360° view of the majestic Himalayas. Snow-capped peaks, each competing with the other, to touch the sky. Clouds floating underneath you. Breathtaking sunrises from beyond them. This and numerous additional mesmerizing views await you on the trails of the Sandakphu-Phalut trek.
The Sandakphu-Phalut trek, within the Singalila National Park, is an excursion along the Eastern Himalayas, on the Indo-Nepal border of West Bengal. It is a moderate level trek, with stunning vistas and changing scenes. The scenery varies drastically with the seasons as do the difficulty levels. The majestic view of the ‘Sleeping Buddha’, right from the beginning of the trek is the major stimulus along this trek. This trek offers you the opportunity to have Mt. Everest, the highest mountain in the world, in clear view, accompanied by Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, the third, fourth and fifth-highest mountains in the world, respectively, and several other peaks. Notable for its exquisite flora and fauna, the Singalila National Park holds an important place for naturalists and botanists. Red panda, Pangolin, Himalayan Monal, Black bears are a few of the many species found in this area. Birches, pines, and firs make the majority of the greenery. Aconite plants, orchids, and many other unique herbs grow in this region. The trail is streaked with red Rhododendrons and white Magnolia, making it one of the best flower treks in the country.
Duration: 6N/7D
Grade: Mid October – January, April – July
Best Time: July – September
ITINERARY:
Day 1: Pick up and drive from NJP/ Bagdogra Airport to Jaubari (88 kms | 4-5 hrs):
On the first day, pick up from NJP Railway Station or the Bagdogra Airport is at 8 AM. The trip starts with a 4-5 hour drive to Jaubari. The route takes you through some of the ideal hill stations of the eastern Himalayas.
As soon as you escape the city limits of New Jalpaiguri, the road becomes fringed by tea gardens, recognized for their authentic Darjeeling Tea. The road forks at the famous Ghoom Railway Station, the starting point for the Toy Train (Darjeeling Himalayan Railway). Before Jaubari a small town Maneybhanjang comes off which lies on the Nepal border, we mean that crossing a drain would instantly transport you into Nepal from India! Jaubari is a few kms from Maneybhanjang.
Day 2: Trek from Jaubari to Tumling (9450 ft | 4-5 hrs | 12 kms):
Post breakfast, you begin with the Sandakphu trail from the Singalila Wildlife Division office. Here on, the permits are collected and your trek formally begins. After entering the Singalila National Park, follow the stridden trekking route through the forest. The first destination is Chitrey, about 3kms away. Chitrey is a tiny hamlet located at a height of 8000ft. The hike to Chitrey is a steep uphill through thick forests of pine, fir, and birches. The incline becomes fairly more comfortable after the initial scrabble. The subsequent village is Meghma on the Indo-Nepal border, where the trail bifurcates. The route on the right goes to Tonglu in India. The left trail takes you to Tumling in Nepal, 4 km away, your next destination. In spring, the trail transforms into a fairy path flourishing in red due to the rhododendrons in full bloom. Tumling offers breathtaking sunrise as well as a beautiful panorama of the Sleeping Buddha.
Day 3: Trek from Tumling to Kalipokhri (10,400 ft | 5-6 hrs | 12 kms):
Starting the trek from Kalipokhri, the trail deviates into 3 routes. The trail on the left leads to Garibas via Jaubari in Nepal. Although more prolonged, this route is exceptionally scenic, passing through the rolling meadows of Nepal. You take this picturesque route via Jaubari, 3 km from Tumling. From Jaubari to Garibas, the trail goes through a vertical descent. After crossing Jaubari, you have a clear view of the extravagant ‘Sleeping Buddha’, straight ahead, doused in the sunlight. The complete family of Kanchenjunga reveals itself through the wilderness. Your hot lunch is served on reaching Garibas. Post lunch it’s a steep ascent till Kaiyakatta. You will come across several small lakes and streams throughout the trail. The path tends to get more verdant as you climb higher. The trail becomes a gradual ascent to Kalipokhri after crossing Kaiyakatta, the. Located at an altitude of 10,400 ft, Kalipokhri is a lake enclosing black coloured water. This lake is believed to be holy by the local people. It is considered that praying and stacking pebbles at this sacred lake will aid in manifesting your wishes.
Day 4: Trek from Kalipokhri to Sandakphu (11,950 ft | 4 hrs | 8 kms):
This is the day you reach Sandakphu. At an altitude of about 11,950ft, Sandakphu is the highest point of West Bengal. The trail from Kalipokhri to Sandakphu is straightforward and easy. This trail is gradually ascending in the beginning. The route passes through the hamlets of Bhagsa and Bikheybhanjang, where you can refill your water bottles. As the topography shifts to flat land, you are awarded with the panoramic vista of the Sandakphu summit. From the top of Sandakphu, you can witness incredible views of the snow- capped mountain peaks of Mt. Everest, Mt.Lhotse, Mt.Makalu, Mt. Nuptse, and the rest of the family of Everest. They lie on the left-hand side, while on the right side is Mount Kanchenjunga with its family. Standing at Sandakphu You can watch the clouds sail below you on the mountainside. You can spend hours watching the colours play out on the peaks in the panoramic view as the sun gradually sets on the horizon. You can find a feeble mobile network at particular spots in Sandakphu. Turn in early to your homestay to witness the sunrise the next daybreak.
Day 5: Trek from Sandakphu to Molley (11,200 ft | 5-6 hrs | 14 kms):
Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the towering mountains. One of the best sunrise spots in India, Sandakphu is truly gorgeous in the earliest hours. This mesmerising view of the dawn breaking over the panoramic view of the highest mountains in the world is unmistakably the best experience on this trek. The route today is slightly comfortable. The trail stretches through rhododendrons, pine forests, and through meadows with the glorious snowclad mountain ranges in the background. The Kanchenjunga family keeps on the right while Everest is on your left as you make your way towards Molley. Overnight stay at Molley.
Day 6: Trek down from Molley to Gorkhey via Phalut (7500 ft via 11,800 ft; 6-7 hrs, 21 kms):
The excursion from Molley to Phalut is conceivably the most picturesque in the entire trek. It’s a 7 km stretch, covering which you reach Phalut. The last stretch has a steep climb for a kilometre before reaching the top. Phalut has a barren table-top topography, with very little population. Due to the lack of vegetation at the top, Phalut assures the best panoramic vista of the surroundings. The Kanchenjunga ranges appear extremely near when viewed from Phalut. The further trek from Phalut to Gorkhey is gradual and well marked. The entire trail is dotted with conifers, pines, magnolia, and rhododendrons apart from several herbs and orchids. The vegetation helps in the descent by keeping the sun rays out for most of the hike. Gorkhey, about 14 km from Phalut, is a charming hamlet enveloped in pine trees. The Gorkhey Khola river flows through the village. Pause here to enjoy the beautiful environment and the warmth of the local people.
Day 7: Trek from Gorkhey to Srikhola and drive to Siliguri (6900 ft | 12 kms, Drive distance: 130 kms | 4 hrs trek, 4-5 hrs drive):
The last day of the trek takes you winding through the thick forest. You descend towards Srikhola via the beautiful village of Rammam. The initial stretch of the trail is on level terrain. This trail passes through rhododendron forests. As you draw nearer to the Srikhola Suspension Bridge, the frequency of houses along the route increases simultaneously. Several trails, from different directions, converge at the bridge. The Srikhola river flows by the village of Srikhola. This is your last destination of the trek. Post lunch, take your vehicles for Siliguri. The drive takes you through Rimbick and connects to Maneybhanjang. The route takes you back through the roads of Day 1 along the tea gardens and picturesque towns.
Trek Fee: ₹16,000 per person (with transport)
Package Includes:
1. Accommodation in the tea houses with basic amenities.
2. Transportation from Siliguri/ Bagdogra Airport to Jaubari and drop back to Siliguri
3. Meals from dinner on day 1 till breakfast on day 7
4. Forest permits & entry fees
5. Experienced & Certified Trip leader equipped with a Medical Kit
6. Round the clock medical attention
7. Comfortable sleeping arrangements
8. A local guide with good knowledge about the terrain
Package Excludes:
1. Accommodation other than the above mentioned days
2. Meals during the journey from Siliguri to Jaubari and back to Siliguri from Srikhola
3. Offloading of bags on mules/porters during the trek (₹350 per bag per day)
4. Trekking gears
5. Insurance
6. Accommodation if you discontinue the trek
7. No refund will be given if you decide to cut short or cancel the trek
8. Any kind of emergency evacuation charges
Required Trekking Gear:
1. Personal Medicines / Basic medical kit
2. Woolen Cap / headband
3. Sun hat / cap
4. Sun glasses
5. Face Mask / Buff
6. Neck warmer / Muffler
7. Fleece or Woolen gloves – 1 pair
8. Waterproof gloves – 1 pair
9. Woolen Socks – 1 pair
10. Ankle length Socks – 3 pair
11. Above ankle length socks – 2 pair
12. Ankle length trekking shoes (preferably water proof)
13. Thermal Wear (Top & Bottom – 1 pair)
14. Quick dry half / full sleeves t-shirts – 4 nos
15. Poncho / Rain Jacket + Pant – 1 no
16. Down or Padded Jacket – 1 no
17. Fleece or windproof Jacket / Sweater – 1 no
18. Trek Pants (preferably water proof) – 2 nos
19. Head lamp / torch with extra batteries
20. Tiffin box
21. Water bottle 1 liter each – 2 nos / Thermos (optional)
22. Coffee Steel Mug + Spoon (1 each)
23. Trek Pole
24. Toilet Paper
*Please note: We can help you buy Trek insurance*
Cancellation Policy:
For the cancellation of a trek due to any unavoidable situation has to be notified in writing.
- Cancellation 30 days before the start of the trek – refund of the trek fees with 10% cancellation charges.
- Cancellation between 30 to 20 days before the start of the trek – refund of the trek fees with 20% cancellation charges.
- Cancellation between 20 to 10 days before the trek – refund of the trek fees with 30% cancellation charges.
- Cancellation less than 10 days before the trek – refund of the trek fees with 50% cancellation charges.
