Sandakphu Trek

Sandakphu trek the most beautiful hike through eastern Himalayas :

The Sandakphu trek being the highest peak in the state of West Bengal offers the stunning view of the beautiful Kanchenjunga range. Sandakphu is popularly known as the Trekker’s Paradise. The adventurous trails of Sandakphu are the calling for the people who seek an escape from the concrete metropolitan jungle. Unattached and away from the human machineries it offers the much needed calmness and peach to the mind. The lush green forests surrounding with the snow covered mountains make Sandakphu perfect for the trekking. The peaks being unattainable and undisturbed help to embrace the beauty quietly. Trekkers mostly visit Sandakphu as the trail reaching to Sandakphu is a long stretch that includes the mystical forests and mountains around with the variety of colourful orchids around, the best part of the place is the panoramic view of all the highest peaks from Lhotse, Everest, Makalu, Nuptse, Baruntse, Chamling, Chomolonzo, Machapucchare along with the other peaks of the Annapurna range that spreads out towards the west. The view is also popular as it holds out the Three Sister Peaks standing tall towards the northern side and the magnificent Sleeping Buuddha lying before the trekkers to witness it. The highest range of Bhutan where the Chomolhari peak can be seen rising above all the other peak proving to be highest can be observed by the trekkers towards the east. The engulfing beauty of Sandakphu with all the beautiful wonders of nature along with the ranges particularly is a magical inspiring and soul-stirring trek away from all the busy city-life. Certain places are labelled as the essential stop for the trekkers on the way to Sandakphu in order to make the trek a glorious affair.

The adventurous trek can begin from the small village of Manebhanjan which is not very far from Darjeeling. The camps and houses around this place are set up especially for the trekkers. The only other way to reach Sandakphu without trekking is in rugged vintage Land Rovers as they have been in existence for a long time. Particularly these Land Rovers are made with the machineries found by the local people and is another way of earning for them. Manebhanjan is an interesting and inspiring place to begin the journey from as the place has villages both from India and Nepal visible on each side of the border. The pleasant town prepares the hikers for the adventure.

The enchanting village of Chitrey is also a perfect place to begin the journey if the hikers feel that the steep slopes of Manebhanjan can be difficult for them. The amateurs prefer to start the trek from here. The place is bejewelled with green scenic beauty, towering pine, oak trees which act as the most loyal companions all through the journey. Spiritual and mental refreshment is also brought by the wonderful monastery.

The trails to reach Sandakphu offer two routes. One that is long and goes through the Nepal while the other which is more steep but a popular short cut. The trekkers will have to come across the engrossing and alluring town of Tonglu as it falls on the way. The place serves as a magical experience and milestone for all the trekkers. The sight of Tonglu River refreshes the trekkers. The lake has beautiful picturesque scenery as it almost looks like a painting. The crystal clear sparkling water reflects the towering oaks and pine trees and the hikers can capture this beauty in their mind’s eye. Take a minute to feel the nature’s magic working the wonders to bring the sense to one’s soul.

The striking environs of place Tumling which is famous for the lush greenery all around cradling the village is another beautiful spot in the journey. The small hamlet is located near Sandakphu and offers an exceptional opportunity to feel and experience the sudden change in the cultural climate, as this village is in Nepal. It showcases the diverse culture of the local people of Nepal. A few kilometres away from Tumling is the Singalila National Park checkpost which also happens to be the entry point of the highest peak in West Bengal, Sandakphu. The trail from this place is filled with a large variety of flora and fauna. To witness the rare kind of wild colourful flowers growing the trekkers will have to be alert all the time. The different shades of brown and green can also be seen as the mountains keep accompanying the trekkers all through the trek as the small hamlet of Maghma is situated inside the national park from where if the night sky is clear the hikers can also catch a glimpse of the Indian Border at a distance and the shimmery glazing lights of Kursheong and Darjeeling almost looking like fallen stars in the meadows far away. To gain the complete knowledge of the whole experience of trekking a short detour of Nepal should be included.

Kalipokhri which is as enthralling as the name itself is another beautiful resting spot. The name means Black Water. The lake of Kalipokhri is surrounded by a Buddhist temple on one side and camps on the other for all the trekkers. The place is cradled by the huge luscious green mountains around protecting and preserving the magical essence of the place. The hikers can also witness a lot of colourful rare species of birds also around the lake as the prayer flags flutter in the background.

The last milestone of this adventurous journey is the Bikeybhanjan. It can be a difficult task to accomplish the steep slopes of the place but the beautiful flora spread all around the rugged terrains surrounded by the immaculate mountain peaks will keep the motivation high. The darkness before the dawn is most applicable here as the steep slopes act as the darkness but once it can be overcome the gorgeous Sandakphu awaits just round the corner. The village of Sepi which has trail through the bamboo forest is another place to lookout for, it is the natural habitat for the red pandas. The village of Sepi offers the last of the stunning snow clad mountains while providing the much needed rest to all the trekkers.

Although the trek to Sandakphu is not easy it surely is rewarding. The nature’s art showcasing the beautiful green and often rugged terrains of mountain and the colourful flora is worth all the difficulties. The soul-stirring sunrise from the highest peak will bring all the inner peace that is needed as the sun paints the Kanchenjunga with the golden rays or watching all the far away lights of the small villages almost like stargazing at night with the vast open sky, The trek in itself is a magical enchanting once in a life-time experience. Sandakphu trek can be added to the list of long weekend getaway trek. In the search of soul what can be a better place than Sandakphu often quite and often drowned in the melody of nature the trek helps find peace away from noise and life in the cities covered with only huge concrete building with no chance of seeing the sky.

Detailed Itinerary

Sandakphu trek is one of the most popular hiking destinations for the tourist lovers all over the world the Sandakphu trek is believed to be a challenging expedition in the life of the hikers and also a highly acclaimed spot for its scenic beauty among all other hiking spots in India. Planning for Sandakphu trek is undoubtedly an important one as there have been many routes available and the terrain can be achieved through almost six days of walking amidst the beautiful mountainous view of Himalayan range.

Day 01- NJP/ Bagdogra to Kopidana

The travellers can be picked up from the new Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) or from the nearby airport of Bagdogra. It is the starting point of the hike as one can feel the essence of beautiful Sandakphu trek to be waiting for them. Our representatives will receive you from NJP railway station or Bagdogra airport. Today’s schedule is to cover a distance of 84 km through the winding uphill roads of eastern Himalayas and reach Kopidana where our base camp lies at 6400 ft. An approximate driving time to reach Kopidana is 5 hours. Here the trekkers can enjoy their breakfast and spend a misty morning tea with a cup of tea. After few hours, they can also have lunch there so that they can be well prepared for a heading Sandakphu trek.

Day 02- Kopidana to Tumling

Kopidana is a lesser well-known camping site for the Sandakphu trekkers. It is a quite village situated at the eastern Himalayan range in West Bengal. One can witness a beautiful sunrise from such a less altitudinal hamlet as the sun’s first rays kiss the soul and mind of the travellers to venture for a scintillating hiking expedition to Sandakphu. After having the morning breakfast, trekkers proceed for a 5-6 hours trek through moderate ascents. The travellers will be provided with hot and delicious lunch on their way. Tumling is a place which lies between borders of India and Nepal. Slowly the border between two countries smudges and the expeditionary minds of the travellers are escorted to a new land of Nepal. It is mentionable that the trekkers must keep their Ids and Visa ready with them while crossing the border as they will be verified in the check post of India and Nepal. As a matter of fact, there is least restrictions allowed for both Indians and foreigners to enter into the hiking route, but the only thing the travellers have to keep is their Visa as identity proof. Tumling is a small hamlet located at a height of 9600 ft and it is also reachable from other hiking points like Manebhanjam and Jaubhari. Tumling is a small rustic place amidst the slopy mountains where only 10 -12 Nepali families are dwelling whose main livelihood is accompanied by running tea house housing facilities for the trekkers expending to Sandakphu all through the year. In spit of these lodging facilities, there are also some private accommodations facilities like hotels and huts which also provide accommodation facilities to the tourists of the place. While reaching at Tumling nearly at the afternoon around 5 PM, the hospitality of the rural community people of Tumling awaits for the trekkers who started early in the morning from Kopidana. The travellers can spend on a beautiful afternoon by witnessing the ecstatic beauty of Kanchenjunga range covered with snowy peaks and slowly the sun tumbling across the mountain range to give the travellers the first ever picturesque sunset viewing experience in the Sandakphu trek route. From the heart of the town, travellers can find the extensive view of the Singalila national Park and it is only one kilometre walking distance ahead of the traveller from Tumling. On the other hand of the road, the winding road marches towards Tonglu, this is another spectacular mountainous spot in eastern Himalayas. A hiker who is genuinely is love with mountain treks during winters, can easily find upon some demarcated trails to Sandakphu – Phalut.

Day 3- Tumlung to Kalapokhri

On the third day the hikers will reach Kalapokhri which has a magical essence attached to its name it means black water. The place is located 13kms away from Tumlung taking about 6-7 hours. To reach this place the hikers have to walk through the lush green forests of the Singalila national park while the motor road towards Nepal peaks through in a distance along the trekking route. A break can be taken at Garibasa which consists of a small settlement with very few hotels and rest homes. The view of the surrounding mountain forest can be enjoyed while sipping on piping hot tea. An hour of trekking through the trekkers can find rock cut steps elevations which will ease the trek as fresh hot lunch awaits for them Kaiyakatta at the enclaves of the Nepali community. Kalpokhri being the final destination of the day is located just 4kms from this enclave. The trail has more scenic beauty to it as this stretch is home to a lot of beautiful and rare known species of birds. The small lake of Kalapokhri can be witnessed after two hours of trek where a small Buddhist temple rests at one side of the lake. The travellers will have the option of settling down around the small lake from which the name comes and enjoy the picture perfect view of the rugged snow covered Kanchenjunga in distance and the beautiful mountainous terrains surrounding them all around cradling them with the nature’s magic. This little place rests almost within the borders of Nepal. The mixture of the Ethno-Buddhist culture can be witnessed among the people residing in Kalapokhri.  The flags of prayer or as known as the Prayers flags which are around the lake keep fluttering in the chilling wind almost like carrying all the prayers in the wind as the sun sets and disappears behind the mountains of snow. This place has the power of bringing calmness to the soul of the hikers preparing them for the adventure of the Sandakphu trek that awaits them.

Day 4- Kalapokhri To Sandakphu

Leaving behind the lush green meadows of Kalapokhri surrounded by colourful birds chirping around the huts, the hikers will have to begin the preparation for their Sandakphu trek. Hot cup of coffee can be great refreshment for all the hikers before they begin their journey to reach the highest trekking point in West Bengal. The track from Kalapokhri to Sandakphu can be an easier trek for the trekkers who are healthy and fit. The trek can take around 3hours covering about 6.3kms. the initial track covers the forest for almost 30 minutes followed by the speeding winding motor road through a steep climb for an hour. The reaching point of the flat land of Bikheybhanjang showcases the huge view of the summit of Sandakphu ahead for the trekkers to observe. The route from this mark can be a bit of a zigzag pattern for 4kms along with the steep ascent. The choice is upto the hiker to choose between the longer trail that goes through Nepal or the famous steep short route. An hour’s climb through the steep trek the hikers can see the horizon of Sandakphu in front of them as the small cuts of tea houses and small wooden homes can be made out in the distance resting in the landscape of Sandakphu. This place further brings the trekkers to the trails from Nepal and India which unite and further diverge. One of main attractions of this place has been the 180 degree breathtaking gorgeous panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks which include the Lhotse, Everest, Makalu, Nuptse, Baruntse, Chamling, Chomolonzo, Machapucchare along with the other peaks of the Annapurna range that spreads out towards the west. The view is also popular as it holds out the Three Sisters Peaks standing tall towards the northern side and the magnificent Sleeping Buuddha lying before the trekkers to witness it. The highest range of Bhutan where the Chomolhari peak can be seen rising above all the other peak proving to be highest can be observed by the trekkers towards the east. The faintest mobile networks can be available at the highest point of Sandakphu but mostly the trekkers will be willing to ditch the mobiles to enjoy the picturesque view in front of them. In the winter months, the campsite of Sandakphu is covered in snow. The temperature tends to dip down to sub-zero levels after the sun sets in the months of November till March. The campsites can be found by the hikers by walking just for 20 minutes as the campsites are mostly situated a little lower than the summit near a icy cold waterfall. The trekkers can use the water from the waterfall to feel the ice melted coldness of the water and enjoy the terrains of mountains in front of them while resting. The camps are set in such an order that it will give the best view of the whole wide horizon of the surrounding mountain peaks. The trekkers can take rest there and indulge in the food available or choose to leisurely take a walk along the small settlement of Sandakphu and find little tea stalls set up by the residential villagers. In order to defeat the hunger the trekkers can also have Thukpa or Soup Noodles which is mostly a traditional dish there. It will give more insight to the trekkers if they decide to walk along and explore as the discoveries on the way of living of the people living there will be unveiled.

Day 5- Sandakphu to Sepi

To witness the sun painting the snow covered mountain peaks with the golden rays changing the colour of the sky first from orange dawn to golden the hikers will have to wake up as early as possible. The cold chilly wind against the face is a relief to the trekkers after all the trekking as it is an escape from the concrete jungle stirring the soul and bringing peace to the mind. The preparations for leaving Sandakphu behind begins as the hikers get ready to trek or descent towards the village of Sepi which is located in the West of Sikkim. This is generally the longest trek of the whole journey for the trekkers but because it is downward trek the descent makes it less tiring. A natural habitat for Red Pandas are crossed by the trekkers on this day as the trekking continues through another forest of bamboos reaching Gurdum around midnoon where the hikers will be served hot lunch and an exotic rhododendron drink which is filled with medicinal values. The hikers will cross the village of Timburay along the stunning Sri River locally known as Sri Khola. The wooden bridge over the stream will lead the hikers to the village of Sepi.

Day 6- Sepi to New Jalpaiguri 

After spending a night at the beautiful village of Sepi enjoying the last of the gorgeous mountains around the trekkers can board a car and drive towards the New Jalpaiguri Station or NGP which is mostly scheduled to reach around 7pm. The hikers can catch the train at night from there safely, adding Sandakphu to the list of the nice long weekend treks to escape from the noise and stress of the city life.the hikers for the entire Sandakphu trip can carry the charm of the overall trek while travelling back to their busy scheduled urban lives.

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