About Sandakphu Trek
Sandakphu is a fantastic location found at the edge of Singalila National Park in West Bengal, near the Indo-Nepal border. The peak of Sandakphu is the highest point of the state of West Bengal. Sandakphu used to be a trekkers paradise now; it is rapidly becoming famous among ordinary travelers.
With the new roads being built till Gairibas, which is about halfway to the Sandakphu trek, it is becoming more accessible. We assume that more and more tourists are arriving at Sandakphu as it has earned a lot more popularity across the country.
When we talk about the Sandakphu trek, it is popularly known as a 'Trekkers Wonderland'. The four massive peaks connected to this trek are Mount Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu. The trek moves around the famous Singalila Ridge, which runs down from the Kanchendzongha range and forms the border between Sikkim & Nepal. This ridge, passing through small villages, is possibly one of the most scenically rewarding in the Himalayas.
The entire trail is inside Singalila National park, a biodiversity hotspot that possesses numerous species of flora and fauna. Red Panda is uncommon but not impossible to view.
Sandakphu Phalut Trek
The northern part of West Bengal is covered by the Himalayas, which provide great mountaineering and adventure sports possibilities. Those who are beginners or have moderately less experience in trekking may go on the Sandakphu Phalut trek as it is pretty easy. With this Sandakphu Phalut trek, you can cross the border and enter Nepal and return back to India while following the twisting trail. During most of your trip, your eyes will feast at scenes of sky-touching mountains covered with snow.
Sandakphu Trekking
Sandakphu trekking is not only the most famous trekking in West Bengal, but it is also one of the best treks in Eastern India. At an elevation of 3636 meters or 11930 feet, it is the highest spot in Bengal. Sandakphu outlines the wild elemental beauty of the snows. Nature here is at her pristine best, and the view at the top is worth all the difficulty encountered on the way. Aptly called the Paradise of Trekkers, the peak is a beautiful point where one can see four of the world's five highest peaks - Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu Lhotse - in a perpetual snow-clad arc. The trek is comparatively easy and can be experienced by young or older people with somewhat good fitness. You can also reach Sandakphu by Jeep, but the road condition is relatively poor, and the Jeeps are ancient vintages.
The trail will take you through:
- Forests of pine at lower altitudes,
- And of oaks, deodars, firs, and morinda spruces at higher elevations.
On the way to Tumling, you reach a pictorial alpine meadow, offering views of mountains nearby. At several halts, scenic sunrises over the Himalayas will leave you spellbound, and even prettier sights will only break the spell. The final road to Sandakphu peak will be the most difficult due to the rapid gain in altitude and the most satisfying. Just as you reach the summit and look at the phenomenal view, you will forget all your miseries and tiredness.
Sandakphu Temperature
There are three different seasons to do the Sandakphu Phalut trek. The Sandakphu temperature varies in each season.
The most famous trekking season is autumn. The monsoons are gone, the days are sunny, and the air is fresh, and the temperature varies from -5 degrees celsius to 15 degrees celsius. The next popular season is winter, when people gather to the trek to encounter snow. The trek is one of those few treks where snowfall is moderate. Therefore, the trail gets blocked rarely. The temperature here in winter ranges from -11 degrees celsius to 7 degrees celsius.
Sandakphu encounters little rain in spring, and the cloudy weather might block the view. But, it's the time rhododendrons bloom, and the entire way becomes colorful. The temperature in spring is between -3 degrees celsius to 10 degrees celsius.
- Sandakphu temperature in December: The Sandakphu temperature in December is quite freezing in December. Expect the minimum temperature to be around -9°C and the maximum temperature to be around 7°C.
- Sandakphu temperature in January: The environment becomes colder, and the Sandakphu temperature in January will dip further at night. Temperatures fall moreover in January to -11°C with around 7°C at daytime.
- Sandakphu temperature in February: The weather becomes soothing in the daytime, with the expected temperature being around 9°C, whereas the Sandakphu temperature in February at night remains around -7°C.
- Sandakphu temperature in March: During this month, the Sandakhphu temperature is quite pleasant, and occasional snowfall occurs. The Sandakphu temperature in March is somewhat near -3°C to 11°C.
- Sandakphu temperature in April: The temperature in the daytime becomes normal and is around 16°C, and one doesn't require winter garments. But the nights are quite cold, and the Sandakphu temperature in April is about 1°C at night.
Health awareness to follow before Sandakphu Trek
Before going on Sandakphu Trek, you must follow these health updates. It will help you check if you are eligible for Sandakphu Trek.
- The pulse rate at rest must be between (60 to 90 beats per minute).
- Blood Pressure readings must be somewhere in between (DIASTOLIC 75 – 85, SYSTOLIC 100 - 130 mm Hg).
- The respiratory rate at rest must be between (12 to 20 breaths per minute).
- Should not have liver and kidney problems.
- Should not have Diabetes, Asthma, Epilepsy, Heart problems, High blood pressure, etc.
- No pacemaker implant should be fitted on the Trekker.
- People with Sinus issues must inform the trek coordinator before booking the trek.
- If your BMI is not normal, Please inform our trek coordinator before the Sandakphu Trek booking.
Local culture, people, and food habits
This region in Eastern Himalaya differs from the Western Himalayan states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. There are differences in religious practices which reflect in local culture and thus in the people's behaviour.
Sandakphu is home to many local communities, including the Sherpas and the Nepalis. Visitors can explore the local culture and traditions by visiting the local villages and interacting with the locals. Majorly, Nepali and Tibetan ethnicity follow Buddhism. People are nice, supporting, and smiling.
While on the Sandakphu trek, your major meals will consist of standardized Indian meals (Rice, Roti, Dal, vegetables, etc.) but expect a mix of local noodles soup, momo, and chowmein in lunch or snacks.
Sandakphu Height
Sandakphu is the highest peak not only in West Bengal but one of the tallest spots in India too. The peak lies at an elevation of 11930 feet or 3636 meters above sea level. The average Sandakphu height of the base camp is about 6400 feet or 1951 meters. It gradually increases after that.
- Sandakphu height in feet The height of Sandakphu at the highest elevation is 11930 feet, and it offers a phenomenal view of the tallest mountain ranges of the world. Before going on the Sandakphu trek, you might search for Sandakphu height in feet as it is at a high point to feel comfortable from Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
- Sandakphu altitude Sandakphu altitude Perched at the height of 11,930 ft., it is home to exquisite Alpine vegetation like the ever-present rhododendrons, towering trees of fir, birch, and even bamboo. Sandakphu Phalut trek is one of the rare high-altitude treks provided with a comfortable teahouse stay.
Sandakphu Trek Cost
Cost is an essential factor that a trekker must check before moving on a trek. At Glacier Trek and Adventure, we promise to take the minimum amount with a comfortable stay and delicious food.
Sandakphu trek cost it is always depend on the group size, because we can give the quatation as for the requirement of customer and depending the service. which will take you on a tour of 5 nights and 6 days. Our Trek cost includes your accommodation and fooding from your arrival at Chitrey till your trek completion at Srikhole.
We can further arrange your pick-up and drop from New Jalpaiguri railway station and or Bagdogra airport on extra charges. We aim to give you a lifetime trekking experience with beautiful memories, luxurious stay, delicious food, and breathtaking scenery.
Cost Includes
- Accommodation: Day 1 to Day 5 Stay in either camp or teahouse
- Accomodation total 5night in the homestay or tent
- All the three meals while on the trek, Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner/ complimentary tea biscuit.
- while on trekking accommodation at the lodge and homestay,
- The accommodation provides a trek-like dormitory, bed, with a blanket.
- All the homestay are while constructed by wood.
- Meals are on a trek, Sometimes Indian, Sometimes Chinese & Continental, all meals on the trek will be freshly prepared.
- An expert trekking guide and an assistant guide.
- Entry fee and permit fee etc. are included.
- Please note: Allways take flight ticket train ticket should be booked arrival mostly morning shift, and the Departure ticket mostly buys evening shift.
Cost Exclusion
- Any domestic and international flight ticket.
- Any costs for carrying personal luggage and still/video cameras etc.
- Alcohol, soft drinks, bottled water, beverages, etc.
- Personal expenditures such as tips, telephone calls bill, laundry, etc
- Any meals/services not mentioned above.
- Transport vehicle type, Tata sumo, Mahindra bolero, from Baghdogra airport or NJP railway station to the Trekking point and back to the pick-up location.
- Participants should be reached at NJP or at Baghdogra airport before 10 Am.
- Any costs arising cause of natural disaster circumstances like landslides, roadblocks, bad weather, etc
- Travel insurance.
Sandakphu Trek Route
There are several diverse Sandakphu trekking routes in this region. Depending on the season, the physical fitness of the participants, and the number of allotted days, we can sort out the Sandakphu Trek route.
This region has a variety of Sandakphu trekking routes. We can plan the Sandakphu Trek route based on the season, the physical fitness of the participants, and the number of days available. We will describe the most popular route with the most scenic beauty. Ramam serves as the trek's base camp. The journey begins in Ramam, a small hamlet. The village of Ramam is the main attraction here, aside from its scenic beauty.
Sabargram is the next destination; Sabargramis located between the two hills of Sandakphu and Phalut, making it the main junction for the trek; the distance from Sabargum to Phalut is only 6-7Km, while Sandakphu is 14Km. Most trekkers take in the view from Sabargum, which is also one of the best viewpoints on this trek.
Sandakphu To Phalut Distance
If you wish to extend your trek further, you can move to Phalut by hiking and experiencing the walk on India and Nepal's border. The Sandakphu and Phalut distance is approximately around 21kms, and you can combine the trek before commencing the return journey.
Sandakphu Trek Distance
If you calculate the Sandakphu trek distance, it can be upto two destinations. One till Sandakphu from Chitrey, which is about 46 kms. The other is till Phalut from Chitrey, which leads to around 67kms.
Best Time To Visit Sandakphu
The best time to visit Sandakphu trek is for about 8 months in a year, excluding only the rainy months of May to August.
The trek presents you a new essence every season, beginning with the Rhododendrons and magnolias in the spring to firm golden landscapes of autumn and finally, the moderate snowy backdrop of winter. You can observe the views, the landscapes, the flora and fauna change in various seasons.
Unless you particularly choose to experience something like the flowers or clear views of snow, Sandakphu is an excellent trek to do all eight months of the year when it is permitted. Through the monsoon season, from May to August, the trek stays blocked for visitors.
Sandakphu In December
The winters are recognized for unhindered distinct views of the peaks. The snowing month of December is also growing famous for its unique experience of trekking over snow. The best attribute about the snowfall at Sandakphu in December is that it is moderate. Enough to experience snow but not enough that trail gets blocked.
Sandakphu In January
Sandakphu is situated at a lower latitude as compared to the western Himalayas. The angle of the sun in winters and the height of the eastern Himalayas make a perfect cover for colorful skies at dusk and dawn. Very few treks come resembling when we speak about skies at twilight. Sandakphu in January is known for the colorful sky and soothing weather.
Sandakphu In February
The atmosphere is crisp, the days are bright, and the views are clear. The rains recede and have wiped away all the dust and pollution hovering in the sky. Sandakphu in February provides the best mountain views. Autumn in Sandakphu is also renowned for its golden colors, particularly during the sunrise and sunsets.
Sandakphu In March
As spring approaches in March, different magic starts to unfold. Rhododendrons start blooming. The whole trail is dotted with various sorts of flowers. Red, pink Rhododendrons, and white Magnolias overlook the panorama. Sandakphu in March is a colorful place with the fragrance of lots of beautiful flowers and birds chirping around.
Sandakphu In April
By mid-April, the rains become more prevalent. You might be able to trek. But it's not as much pleasure. Sandakphu in April is beautiful in the initial weeks, but gradually the showers increases and takes over the beauty, and you won't be able to look out for the beauty of the place.
Mount Everest From Sandakphu
Due to its location, the top view from Sandakphu and various other spots on Singalila ridge is exceptional. Starting on the East, you can see the peaks in Sikkim, then the enormous Kanchenjunga, and farther to the west, you can spot Mount Everest from Sandakphu and several other peaks bordering up to Tibet.
The peak scenery is wide enough to capture in two frames. One is the much-acclaimed "Sleeping Buddha." The other is the Everest group. When you look on your right, the mountains in Bhutan and Sikkim, staring straight ahead north, is Kanchenjunga.
Everest from Sandakphu: Now, looking ahead, turn left towards the northwest, you will see Everest's group of peaks far away, yet clearly recognizable. Do not forget that you are standing on the India Nepal border, and Everest is on Nepal/Tibet border! It's the pure size of the mountains that still you can see apparently without any gadget. Everest from Sandakphu looks clear and wide ahead that is visible when the weather is clear.
Sandakphu View Point
Sandakphu is a trekker's wonderland and a true paradise for adventure enthusiasts. It proposes an excellent view of mountains, a surreal trek extended over a long distance, some unique and fascinating places you must visit on this trek to make your journey memorable. One such place is Sandakphu view point from where you can see the magnificent Himalayas on one side and the sleeping Buddha on the other side.
Sandakphu Trek Guide: To get the best out of your trek, you need a professional and experienced Sandakphu trek guide who can guide you to the best path and describe the beauty and importance of the place. If the guide fails to describe the importance of the place or show you the view, you should not miss it. You could lose the essence of the place and return with a sunken face. Give sufficient time before choosing the guide that benefits your trip.
