|
Sandakphu |
About Sandakphu
- the place |
 The
name Sandakphu means the 'Height of the Poison Plant', a direct
reference to the profusion of the poisonous aconite plants
that grow near the peak. The loftiest peak of the Singalila
Range, Sandakphu is the culminating point of many trekking
routes in the Darjeeling-Sikkim
region.
At an altitude of 3,636 m, it is located
at a distance of 58 km. from Darjeeling. Trek to Sandakphu
starts from Maneybhanjan, a small town near Darjeeling. Maneybhanjan
can be reached from Siliguri via
Ghoom/Darjeeling. After necessary entries in the Immigration
check post and the last minute shopping and meal, the trek
begins.
Sandakphu epitomises the wild elemental grandeur of the snows.
Nature here is at her pristine best, and the vista at the
top is worth all the hardship endured on the way. Aptly called
the Paradise of Trekkers, the Sandakphu peak is a vantage
point from where one can see four of the world's five highest
peaks - Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Lhotse in a continuous
snow-clad arc.
Sandakphu is resplendent with the ethereal
beauty of magnolias, rhododendrons, primulas and other sub-alpine
flowers. It also contains more than 600 varieties of orchids,
the largest to be found in a single geographical area in the
world. Maneybhanjan, at an altitude of 2134 m., is the gateway
to the Sandakphu region. You can visit Sandakphu any time
of the year. The monsoon months of July-August is not suggested.
|
| |
Description of the
trek to Sandakphu |
The first lap till Chitre passes quite
steeply uphill on a good stoned path through lush greenery
of pine, fir, birch forests and bamboo glades. It takes about
an hour and half to reach Chitre (2530 m). Crossing the Buddhist
settlement of Chitre one reaches Meghma. The trail bifurcates
at Meghma. The right uphill route leads to the trekkers hut
at Tonglu (3070m) in India. The trail in the left passes through
Nepal. The roads meet again at Tumling (in Nepal).
 Tonglu
is famous for the view of the snow-capped peaks of the Singalila
range and the Kanchenjunga range. Tumling on the other hand
is a salubrious night halt with assorted lodges dotting its
sedate green environs. The lights of the towns of Darjeeling,
Kurseong, Pasupati, Siliguri and
other settlements can be viewed in a clear night.
The next day's trek from Tonglu or Tumling is rewarded
with a wide variety of flora, fauna and avifauna as you enter
the Singalila National Park. The trek route passes through
the Indo-Nepal border. The area is also the house of wide
varieties of Rhododendron and the playing ground of Red Pandas.
Reach Goiribans (9 km. 2621 m) through Joubari (in Nepal).
After some break move on to second nights halt at Kalepokhri
(4 km from Goiribans, 3108 m, in Nepal). The trek from Tumling
to Kalepokhri takes about 5 hours. At Kalepokhri there is
a small crystal lake surrounded by pine trees and prayer flags.
The dark color of the water in the lake leads to the name
of Kalepokhri (kale = Black, Pokhri = Lake)
As the third day of trek unfolds, you realise that Sandakphu
is within a short striking distance now (9 km app.). But hold
your breath. You will be negotiating with an uphill climb
today. After a tough trek for about 4 hours which ill leave
you panting and gasping, you will reach Sandakphu (3636m),
the highest point in West Bengal. As soon as you reach Sandakphu,
you will realise why it is called the paradise of trekkers.
The views of 4 of the five highest peaks in the world....
Everest, Kanchendzonga, Makalu and Lhotse along with numerous
other snow capped peaks great us in the morning. A day's halt
at Sandakphu allows trekkers to view the surroundings.
From Sandakphu there are several trekking
options available to the tourists. You can go down to Rimbik
directly by a shortcut route through dense forests. You can
move on to Phalut (3600m) from where you can further visit
to Molley, Rammam, Gorkey or Rimbik. Rimbik is the road head
on the other side of the trek. From here you will be taken
to your next destination. |
| |
Our services in Sandakphu |
 naturebeyond
organises treks to Sandakphu on a regular basis. Our treks
are customised as per guest requirements. Sankphu trek is
ideally organised for a group of 6-15 although smaller or
larger groups can also be managed.
Duration : 6 - 11 days.
Things to carry : Warm clothes, a good pair of sneakers,
a rucksack and raincoat, windproof is all that you need to
carry. Everything else is arranged by naturebeyond.
Food : The staple diet is rice and chapatti. Food is
sufficient and decent. For groups requiring special foods,
cook and food is carried with the group. This is done only
in case of customised tours. For normal packages, the food
is taken from the hotels/ trekkers huts. |
| |
How would you like
to proceed? |
 Check
Trek packages to Sandakphu
Short (5
nights 6 days)
Long (9 nights
10 days)
Prosenjit
- Our Sandakphu Expert
What guests
say about naturebeyond
Send an enquiry |
| |
Sandakphu Travel Enquiry
form (* marked fields are compulsory) |
|
|
|
|
Home
| About Us | Contact
Us | Site Map | Feedback
