SANDAKPHU TREK: SANDAKPHU TREK - A COMPLETE HIKING GUIDE

The Sandakphu Trek is one of its kind with exquisite bird’s eye views of the mighty snow-capped Himalayan ranges, which transports one to a magical world and allures one's soul to experience the true raw beauty of the tallest peaks worldwide. One of the prominent reasons the travellers or the trekkers are tempted to embark on this trek is to be the lucky spectator to the spectacular sunrise and sunset views.

The scenic beauty of the quaint sight of these mountain peaks of eastern Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan are some breathtaking sights awaiting the journey throughout this trek. Some of the exciting highlights of this trek journey and experience are witnessing the panoramic shift in the landscape from lush greeneries and viridescent meadows to a more rugged and parch terrain across the Sandakphu trek. 

About the Trek 

This moderate to difficult Sandakphu trek with a duration of 6 days and at an altitude of 11930ft, covering nearly 14km, is popularly known as “Trekker’s Wonderland” for gifting its trekkers with large copious stretches of lush green forestlands, with vibrant blooming rhododendrons and milky white mountain peaks with snow-caps and clouds. This trek also is a gift to the trekkers who witness the enthralling sight of the Buddha formation by the four mountain peaks. Other highlights from this Sandakphu trek which comes under Darjeeling Tourism are the unforgettable stay at the Tea house and the opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of the Sherpas, who guide trekkers to meet the summit.  

The participants for this trek can be those above 12 years of age, first-time trekkers can participate in this Sandakphu trek. However, it is comparatively more appreciated if the trekkers are experienced as the trek is 68km long. Additionally, the trekkers must be physically fit to cover without body strain or stress, a distance of nearly 6 kilometres. The trekkers must also be physically fit to easily carry a nearly 15kg backpack, containing all the trek essentials. Carry valid ID proofs. 

Awareness about health is crucial for this Sandakphu trek, where the trekkers must be fit with a pulse rate between 60 and 90 beats a minute when resting, BP reading must be between (SYSTOLic-100 to 140 mm & DIASTOLIC- 70 to 90). The trekkers must be free from any kind of kidney or liver issues, heart issues, hypertension, diabetic mellitus, bronchial asthma and no implantation of pacemakers. The trekkers must also not have any abnormal BMI, diagnosed with epilepsy or sinus problems. BMI for the trekkers must be within the range of 18.5 to 25. 

Trek Essentials you must carry in this trek is a backpack of 50 to 60ltr with a rain cover with comfortable shoulder straps, a walking stick, a water bottle, a small-sized lunch box, a personal medical & first aid kit, snacks, a head torch, sun and woollen caps, UV-Protection sunglasses, trekking shoes, microspikes, sleeping bag, warm clothes and trek pants, woollen and cotton socks and a bag with some personal utilities. 

Best Time for the Trek 

The most ideal time for this Sandakphu trek is between October and February for getting the best snow-capped mountain peak sight, while March and April assure you to keep you mesmerised with vibrant blooming rhododendrons.  

Way to reach 

There are numerous options to reach NJP station, which is the commencement point for this trek. You can take a flight from major Indian cities to Bagdogra airport. After arrival, you can book a cab to travel to NJP station. The distance between NJP station and Bagdogra airport is nearly 20 km and will take you approximately 20 minutes to cover this distance. 

Also, there are major trains connecting the major Indian cities to NJP station.  

Short Itinerary 

Day 1:  NJP/ Bagdogra Airport to Dhotrey via reserved Car. Night stay at a Homestay in Dhotray (8400ft) and acclimatize to the weather conditions 

Day 2:  Dhotray to Tumling through a 10km trek for approximately 5 hours. Night stay at Tumling’s teahouse. Lunch at Tonglu

Day 3:  Trek for nearly 14 km from Tumling, early in the morning to Kalapokhri. Night stay at Kalapokhri’s tea house. Lunch at Gairibas. 

Day 4:  After the morning meal, trek to Sandakphu from Kalapokhri, covering nearly 10km distance. Night stay at Sandakphu Peak. 

Day 5:  Trek to Srikhola from Sandakphu Peak. Night stay at Srikhola, covering nearly 16km. 

Day 6:  Early morning departure from Srikhola’s homestay towards NJP/Bagdogra airport, and marking the trip’s end.

2024-06-28T08:32:49Z dg43tfdfdgfd