India is a diverse land with varying landscapes from Rajasthan's golden deserts to snow-capped peaks in the Himalayas. Of these diverse landscapes, for a trekking experience in the Himalayas, Sandakphu and Markha Valley trekking offer some of the most breathtaking experiences. Eastern Himalayas' Sandakphu has an interesting trek to West Bengal's highest point and Markha Valley trek in Ladakh is renowned for its challenging terrain, high-altitude passes, and cultural diversity. Sikkim's beauty with Kanchenjunga mountain, city of Gangtok, and North Sikkim is a trekkers' and tourists' favorite destination. This article explores Sandakphu's altitude, challenges of Markha Valley trekking, splendor of Kangyatse peak, and incredible opportunities offered by Sikkim.
Altitude of Sandakphu: Climbing to the Highest Summit in West Bengal
The highest point in West Bengal is Sandakphu at an altitude of 3,636 meters (11,929 feet) above sea level. The mountain is in Darjeeling district and gives a stunning view of four of the highest peaks in the world: Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu. The trek to Sandakphu is renowned for its sheer beauty and moderate difficulty and is a favorite among beginners as well as seasoned trekkers.
Why Sandakphu is a Must-Trekking Spot
The trek to Sandakphu is a memorable one amidst thick rhododendron, oak, and magnolia forests. The trek is moderately easy and hence trekking specialists are not required, but one needs to be fit enough for long walks at a high altitude. The trek is four to six days on average and trekkers traverse quaint villages like Tumling, Kalapokhri, and Chitrey en route to Sandakphu.
The height of Sandakphu is not as drastic as that of some of the mountains in the Himalayas, but it is an experience so satisfying with scenery that is just breathtaking. The stunning view from Sandakphu is of the Kanchenjunga range in the west and of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu in the east and each of these look magnificent at dawn. The sun breaking through and bathing these towering peaks in golden light is a view that every trekker would never forget.
Markha Valley trek is a trekking experience amidst Ladakh's unspoiled beauty.
Although Sandakphu has stunning views of the Eastern Himalayas, Markha Valley trek in Ladakh is an experience in itself. In Leh's Trans-Himalayan landscape, this trek is a walk through dry lands, remote monasteries, and Ladakhi villages. With a challenging terrain that includes river crossings, steep ascents, and high-altitude passes, Markha Valley trek is for experienced trekkers who would like to explore Ladakh's rugged beauty.
Markha Valley Trekking Route: A Detailed Analysis
The Markha Valley trek is typically 8-10 days long and goes through a range of landscapes from deserts to valleys and gives breathtaking views of Ladakh and Zanskar mountain ranges. The trek is a sojourn through Ladakhi culture with a stop at old monasteries like Hemis Monastery and villages like Zingchen, Hangkar, and Rumbak. A typical trek itinerary is as follows:
Day 1: Arrival in Leh
The starting point for most trekkers is Leh, where you'll be spending a day or two acclimatizing to altitude. Leh is at 3,500 meters (11,500 feet) and you need to allow your body to acclimatize.
Day 2: Leh to Spituk, trek to Zingchen
The trekkers move on from Leh to Spituk where their trekking expedition begins. The trek to Zingchen is not strenuous and is a good introduction to Ladakh's topography.
Day 3: Zingchen to Rumb
The trek continues through gorges with steep slopes, with a stunning view of the Zanskar Range in sight, to the village of Rumbak where one stays overnight.
Day 4: Hangkar to Rumbak
From Rumbak, trekkers proceed towards Hangkar, a picturesque Ladakhi village. The trekking section here has breathtaking views of nearby mountains and valleys.
Day 5: Hangkar to Nimaling
The trek continues to Nimaling, a location that is in an alpine meadow at around 4,700 meters. Nimaling is used as a base camp for trekkers heading towards Kangyatse, a famous peak in Ladakh.
Day 6: Markha to Nimaling
Following acclimatization at Nimaling, trekkers move on to Markha, the largest village in the valley. This trekking section is renowned for its stunning vistas and is a chance to experience Ladakhi life in a more traditional form.
Day 7: Markha to Hemis
The trek continues from Markha to Hemis village and Hemis monastery, one of Ladakh's most famous monasteries. The monastery and its stunning surroundings are accessible for trekking.
Day 8: Back to Leh
The final day of trekking is devoted to returning to Leh, where one can relax and look back on one's wonderful journey.
Kangyatse is a mountain for experienced trekkers
Kangyatse is a mountain in Ladakh that stands at 6,400 meters (21,000 feet) and is one of Ladakh's most challenging peaks. While trekking in Markha Valley itself is scenic and cultural in nature, reaching Kangyatse is for adventurers. Climbing Kangyatse requires mountaineering experience and skills in glacier walking and steep ascents. Climbers who attempt this are in for a treat with stunning views of Ladakh and Markha Valley.
Sikkim is a Himalayan paradise for trekking and discovery.
Though Sandakphu and Markha Valley are among the most famous trekking places, Sikkim, a small northeastern Indian state, is itself a wonderful destination for travelers and trekkers. Famous for its breathtaking scenery, monasteries, and being in close proximity to Kanchenjunga, Sikkim is a heaven for nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, and adventurers.
Sikkim Gangtok Tour: Explore the Capital City
The capital of Sikkim is Gangtok and it is the gateway to Sikkim's many attractions. With its scenic view of Kanchenjunga range, Gangtok is a city that combines modern amenities and cultural experience. There are local bazaars to shop at, Buddhist monasteries to explore like Rumtek Monastery, and Tsomgo Lake to be seen. A trip to Gangtok usually includes a trip to Nathula Pass where you can see the Indo-China border and catch a glimpse of the Himalayan peaks.
North Sikkim Tour: Discover Unspoiled Beauty
North Sikkim is a land of untouched natural beauty. With its lakes at a high altitude like Gurudongmar and picturesque Yumthang Valley, North Sikkim is a holistic experience amidst the Himalayas. With snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows and remote villages, a North Sikkim tour is apt for those who are looking to experience the untouched scenery of the region.
Sikkim Packages: Perfect Holiday Retreat
Sikkim tour packages are the most convenient solution to explore the state without having to bother with planning everything. Sikkim tour packages typically encompass trekking tours, monastery tours, culture tours, and sightseeing in Gangtok, North Sikkim, and beyond. Whether you are in need of an adventurous escapade or a peaceful retreat in nature, there is something for everyone in Sikkim.
Conclusion
Ladakh in Sikkim and Sandakphu in West Bengal are among India's most exciting trekking destinations. From the moderately demanding and breathtaking Sandakphu trek with its wide-ranging views of the world's highest peaks to the grueling and rocky Markha Valley trek that is a dip into Ladakhi culture and topography, these treks are ones you'll never forget. Sikkim's monasteries, trekking routes and unspoiled natural splendour are an apt complement to every Himalayan sojourn. Whether trekking to Kangyatse or experiencing the cultural heritage of Gangtok, these places give you a face-to-face encounter with the very essence of the Himalayas.