Sandakphu Trekking

Why Sandakphu

The Sleeping Buddha

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. Maneybhanjang, at an altitude of 2134 m., is the gateway to the Sandakphu-Phalut Trekk route. Maneybhanjang, a small town. - can be reached from Siliguri via Ghoom or via Mirik. Sandakphu is the Paradise of Trekkers. Sandakphu 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. The place is resplendent with the ethereal beauty of Magnolias, Rhododendrons, Primulas and other sub-alpine flowers which are seasonal and change the entire trekking path every season. It also contains more than 600 varieties of orchids. Although open to tourists and trekkers round the year, the monsoon months of July-August are not suggested. For beginners this trek should be the one to start off.

The Trek Plan

Maneybhanjang is the base point or the start of point of this trek. From Maneybhanjang there are two routes that lead to Tumbling. One is an 11km trekking route through Meghma and Tonglu and the other one is from Dhotrey where the trekking route is 6.5 km. The route from Dhotrey is surrounded with long grasses and thick forest while the one through Megma is more exploring the beauty of villages in the hills and the scenic beauty.

Adventure Begins

Our trek plan was to explore the flora and fauna of this trek path and hence we chose Dhotrey, Also it saves sometime as the distance is lesser.

Dhotrey to Gairibans (12 kms):-- Porters or guides are available from Maneybhanjang or Dhotrey. But taking porters is very much necessary as they have the exact knowledge of the entire trek and are also helping hand in carrying the luggage. Within the start of the trek the forest begins to welcome the trekkers. The height increase is not very steep but the path is not a graveled path. This portion of the trek is soul soothing with absolute silence barring the birds chirping at some intervals. Depending upon the stamina and speed this portion of the trek can be covered in 5-6 hours. Tumbling is on the Nepal border and if the skies are happy you can have a nice view of the range from here only. There are only two trekkers’ huts in Tumbling; one can either have night halt here or at Gairibans which is walk downhill from Tumbling. We chose to stay at Gairibans after having a sumptuous meal in tumbling.

Gairibans to Kalipokhri (13km):-- Kalipokhri trek is not steep with a gain of 150 meters over 13 kms walk and is supposed to be easy on the legs. Kalipokhri gets its name from a small pond black in color, this is a holy place for those following Buddhism. The place is very nice for staying with lots of options for staying and preparing for the steep climb the Sandakphu the next day. This portion can be completed in 6-7 hours.

Kalipokhri to Sandakphu (10 km):-- The trek is of 10 kms and with altitude gain of over 600 metersbeing a steep climb there would be many stops in between so it is better to carry some chocolates for energy. This is the toughest part of the trek with altitude gain every few meters but the view and beauty of the place will keep motivating and the trek will be over before you knew it. One has to buy coupons at Bhikaybhanjang for entering into the Singalila national forest. Stay at Sandakphu is pleasant and clear skies will mesmerize everyone with the view of the range. We were unlucky the first time as clouds played hide and seek with us and we also had to face rains during this portion.

The View:-- Next day all of us were up at 5 AM to catch sunrise and Kanchenjunga, Everest Himalayan ranges. We were awarded with clear blue skies and perfect views of the Kanchenjunga. Nevertheless I sat there for a long time absorbing all the sceneries and will remember those for a long time.

Sandakphu to Srikhola (16kms):-- The trek is down hill via Gurdum, about 16kms and for a change through lush forest mostly bamboo trees and it is a test for everyone’s knees. Some rare red faced Pandas live here, only 30 are supposed to exist. Gurdum is actually in between a valley covered by lush green mountains. The place can bee seen from the top and is like a mirage that never comes and hours go by. One can have lunch at Gurdum, food here is nice and people are warm in welcoming. Srikhola is a tourist attraction in itself barring the trekkers. The mountain creeks gradually take the shape of a small waterfall and here it culminates into a gushing mountain river. There’s a hanging bridge which sways with winds and visitors love this place. If you start in the morning Srikhola can reached by the evening time. From Srikhola one walk up to Rimbik from where cabs to Darjeeling and Siliguri are plenty.

Camera/ Video camera fees have to be paid at Maneybhanjang itself. Although the entire trek is actually via Phalut and then to Srikhola but we did not have the time to cover the entire trek so we descended from Sandakphu instead.

In case you want to enjoy the place through my pictures you can find them Here!

P.S: This post has been drafted by my friend and roommate @rudyonmove