Everest and Makalu Group Seen From Sandakphu Phalut Trek
For shorter version of this trek ( Only Sandakphu, without Phalut), please visit SANDAKPHU TREK - 6 Days, 5 Nights for details.
Trek along with Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Lhotse and a grand Himalayan panorama of more than 22 other peaks. Swing along the border trails between India and Nepal. Walk through the clouds and rhododendron forest, in the Singalila National Park, to climb Sandakphu, the highest peak of West Bengal. At 3636 meters, this is not only the best trek for a beginner, but also stands out from lots of other treks in the Himalayas in terms of views and experience it has to offer.
The Sandakphu Phalut Trek boasts offering views of 4 of World's highest 8000 meter peaks ( excluding K2, in POK ) - Mt. Everest ( 8850m, 1st), Kanchenjunga ( 8586m, 3rd), Mt. Lhotse (8516m, 4th) and Makalu (8481m, 5th).
However, the Sandakphu trek is not just about these 4 highest mountains. The panorama of the Annapurna range including a glimpse of the Fish Tail mountain - locally known as Macchapucchare and Baruntse is also visible with the peaks of Chamling I, II and also Chomolonzo on both the sides of Makalu guarding the mighty Everest. For good, these mountains are too short to hide the mighty peak of Mt. Everest from us.
As you move your head towards right, the peaks of Three Sisters greets you followed by the mighty and elegant Kumbhakarna or Jannu. Its from here the Sleeping Buddha formation begins.
The Sleeping Buddha Seen From Sandakphu
The group of mountains form the Kanchenjunga family of mountains. It starts from the peak of Kumbhakarna and then is followed by Kanchendzonga and Simvo on the backmost line.. Below Kanchendzonga, there are several peaks and the named ones from the left are Koktang, Rathong, Frey, South Kabru, North Kabru, Kabru Forked, Goecha and then the ridgeline of Pandim just ahead of simvo. The depression between ridge-line of Goecha and Pandim is the Goechala, which is a popular n beautiful trek in Sikkim. Pandim is followed by Tenchenkhang and Jupono. All these peaks when seen from Sandakphu, Phalut and some other parts of Sikkim makes it appear like a huge man sleeping with spaced legs. This formation is so natural and ancestors associated it with Lord Buddha Sleeping over the clouds. Hence it is called the Sleeping Buddha.
Singalila National Park, Rhododendrons, Exotic Birds and Red Panda
The Sandakphu trails boasts of lots of wild life as it falls under the area of Singalila National Park. Few lucky ones can see the rare Red Panda here. Also lots of other birds and animals can be sighted here including the wild boar.
During the spring season, the route is beautified by blooming colorful rhododendrons as the trails is covered by rhododendron forest.
Villages and Local Culture
Sandakphu trek is also beautified by the local villages of Darjeeling district and Nepal. Its a border line trek between India and Nepal, and we keep swinging between the regions and villages of Nepal and India. We come accross the remote villages of Jaubari, Gairibas, Jaubaray, Kaiyakatta, Gorkhey, Samanden, Ramam and Srikhola on this trek which gives us a lot of insight into the hard way of life of the locals. The villages make this trek extra beautiful.
Sandakphu at 3636 meters is also the highest point of West Bengal. No other treks in India can boast of what Sandakphu Phalut trek can offer. We top it up with the pleasant, comfortable and welcoming Lepcha hospitality. Lepchas are the intrinsic tribes of that region. The best part of the Sandakphu trek is that its an easy trek and considered the best of the Himalayan routes to start your multi-day trek in the Himalayas.
Sandakphu Phalut Trek is a trek which is perhaps is un-compared and wins on every aspect. The giant and famous peaks more than 26 encircles you throughout... the flora and fauna of Singalila National Park including the Red Panda... finding the Buddha in yourself and the locals... the care of the villagers... swinging along the borders of Nepal and India... and many more undefined things makes SANDAKPHU PHALUT a **MUST DO TREK ** for any Himalayan Lovers. While it can be done any time expect for the monsoons ( June, July, August, September ), it does have its own characteristics and charm during different times of the year.
Sandakphu Phalut trek has 3 different seasons, and accordingly the experience vary
Sandakphu Phalut Trek In Springs
( from February end till Early May ) During this time the forest of Singalila National Park get colorful due to blooming of various species of Rhododendrons and Magnolia. Many species of these rare flowers adds a different and unique fragrance to the beautiful trail through the forest. The snow just recedes and fog adds to the extra element making it a fantasy photo frame. Its cold too and specially the camp[ of Sandakphu and Phalut are very cold and temperatures go below subzero here in the Spring season. These camps are always windy and it can rain or snow anytime during the Springs. Though it remains cloudy and foggy during the Spring season, it does offer clear window to view the majestic peaks, specially during the early morning hours when the magic of Sunrise happen.
Sandakphu Phalut Trek In Autumn
( from October Mid till late December ) During this time, after the rains, the weather starts to get drier and stable. The leaves and grasses starts to change their color from green to brown. The skies remain clearer giving you excellent views of the mesmerizing Himalayan peaks of Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan. Right from the Annapurna range in Eastern Nepal to Everest family to the Kanchenjunga family and then the peaks of Bhutan on the right, its a grand amphitheater of giant and popular peaks driving you crazy with their presence. The clouds play a cover and uncover game with those, making you lure and loose yourself to the beauty and magic of the Himalayas. If you want to do this trek for the grand panoramas, then this is the season you must target as the weather is much stable and visibility is very long.
Sandakphu Phalut Trek In Winters
( from December late till February mid ) Its a short but sharp winter here. The dried land after the autumn craves for some wetness and Mother Nature gifts snowfall to cheer up the spirits of the locals, animals, birds and lots of trekkers and tourists who craves to witness the beauty and the cold. Its bit uncertain to get a clear view of the panorama of peaks, but usually the persistent individuals are blessed with good views of the grand panorama of over 26 peaks even in the winters.
Himalayan High is a local organization and our guides and leaders are the best and most knowledgeable about the area. We not just focus on a Safe and Comfortable Trek, but also put lots of effort towards giving insight on cultural and ecological experience by mixing camping, homestays, tea houses, etc. Join our Fixed Departures or request a Private Trek
For shorter version of this trek ( Only Sandakphu, without Phalut), please visit SANDAKPHU TREK - 6 Days, 5 Nights for details.