Introduction
The Sandakphu trek is the most famous among all treks in West Bengal. This 8-day tour will take you through some really beautiful landscapes of Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas.
Sandakphu is derived from a Sanskrit word that means “height of the toxic plants.” This is the case because toxic aconite plants in Sandakphu are present at the highest peak in the Singalila range. The roots of these aconite plants are used to make medicines. However, the little purple-blue blossoms of the same species are deadly if consumed.
Sandakphu trek is West Bengal’s most popular trip and one of the top treks in Eastern India. This is the highest point in Bengal, standing at 3636 meters (11930 ft). Sandakphu captures the snow’s natural beauty. The walk is quite straightforward and thus be completed by young or elderly persons in reasonable physical condition. On the road to Tumling, one will pass through a picturesque alpine meadow with views of the adjacent mountains.
Beautiful sunrises over the Himalayas will enchant one at multiple stops, and even more, scenic vistas will only serve to break the enchantment. The last road to the Sandakphu trek will be the most demanding and rewarding due to the sudden climb in altitude. When one reaches the top and takes in the breathtaking view, one will forget about their troubles and exhaustion.
Sandakphu Trek Itinerary
Day 1: From Bagdogra or NJP to Rammam
It takes approximately 6-7 hours to drive from Bagdogra to Rammam (117 kilometers). One will go down a mountain path, pausing along the way to observe the lovely pine trees and tea gardens. Continue the journey to Rammam through Ghum station after a 10-minute pause for a cup of tea.
Once reaching, check-in and take bags to the room. Rammam village is a little hamlet with approximately 15-20 buildings that have been around for more than a decade and this place is completely connected to the Singalila range.
Day 2: From Rammam to Sabargram
This is the first day of the Sandakphu trek Have a hearty breakfast and begin the preparations. One will begin the hike by trudging through lush woodland before arriving at a lookout with a breathtaking view of the gorge. They will go through a variety of trails along the way, including dry, muddy areas and splendid meadows. One will be in a vast hilly meadow when they conclude this route.
There are many different types of Rhododendrons present in the gorgeous woodlands, and those who are lucky enough to view a Red Panda will be rewarded. Another highlight of the Sandakphu trek is that one can view the Sleeping Buddha for the majority of the journey. Trekkers will arrive at camp after an 8-hour hike and take time to calm their body and mind.
Day 3: From Sabargram to Phalut and back
One may watch the beautiful dawn this morning before eating a nutritious and filling meal. One will be moving on to the next part of their journey. One will be trekking for at least 14 kilometers on the same day. Enjoy the strange grandeur of Phalut, have lunch, and then return to Sabargram.
This is the campground; spend the remainder of the night there. Phalut is the second-highest point of this trek, with a vista that differs from Sandakphu. The mountains in the distance can be viewed from the Sandakphu, but the mountains in the close distance can be viewed from the Phalut; thus this is the primary attraction.
Day 4: From Sabargram to Sandakphu
Wake up to a beautiful sunrise, enjoy a hearty meal, and set off on your 14-kilometer journey to Sandakphu in the morning. The Sandakphu trek in this segment is a little more difficult compared to others. One may begin the hike to Sandakphu after having a brief rest in a peaceful place. The following trek will become progressively difficult as the hill’s altitude rises until reaching the peak.
One will lose speed and have to take pauses due to it. However, three passes must be negotiated before reaching the top. Sandakphu’s last climb is sluggish, steep, and zigzagging. As one reaches Sandakphu, the vista all around them will make one forget about their tiredness. Don’t miss the sunset on top of Sleeping Buddha.
Day 5: From Sandakphu to SriKhola
Trek to the highest viewpoint early in the morning for a splendid 180-degree vista of the mountain and the greatest glimpse of Sleeping Buddha. Return to camp after taking in the charm of the mountain, then pack the bags and depart for Srikhole. Trekkers will be going down the trail, through lush forest, and taking in the stunning vistas of the Alps. On the other hand, the trek is also challenging but rewarding because it passes through a variety of beautiful foliage and animals. This is the best option for photographers. Spend the night at Srikhole after arriving there.
Day 6: Drive back to Siliguri
Admire the beautiful woodland this morning before packing things for the return travel. From Srikhola to NJP, take a shared cab. This journey would take around 6-7 hours. Arrive at the station and take the train to the next location, carrying many happy memories along.
Nature is in its most pure form here, and the view from this summit is well worth the effort it takes to get there. The summit is aptly named the Trekkers’ Paradise as this is an amazing location from which one can view four of the world’s five tallest peaks – Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and Lhotse – in a constantly snow-covered arc.
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