TourItinerary
Additional info:
Sandakphu is an amazing destination at the top of Singalila National Park in Darjeeling, near the Indo-Nepal border. The peak lies at a height of 11930 feet or 3636 meters and has a small village on the summit. It offers one of the most outstanding sights of four out of the five highest peaks in the world, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Everest, Mt. Makalu and Mt. Lhotse to its visitors.
The small hamlet of Sandakphu actually stays above the normal cloud level and that is why Sandakphu offers fascinating never-seen-before views of the Kanchenjunga range throughout the year.
Apart from its fascinating snow peak view, Sandakphu is also famous for its colourful Rhododendron forest and variety of flora and fauna. The serene view of the rolling meadows of blooming rhododendrons covering the valley in different shades of red with the backdrop view of the snow-covered mountains and freezing weather create a surrealistic atmosphere here which has enticed travellers from all around the world.
Important note for trekking in Darjeeling
The accommodations in the Sandakphu or Phalut route that runs through Singalila National Park, are arranged in private lodges or Trekkers’ Huts. These lodges or huts are run and maintained by the hospitable and friendly local Nepalese or Tibetan people. They offer very basic facilities with room, bed and blankets. However, you may still carry your personal sleeping bags although it is not mandatory. In most of the places, the rooms are privet but the toilets are not. You will get hot water in a bucket for a limited quantity. Bathing is not advised in Sandakphu and Phalut. The room does not have any heater but we provided a hot bag and arranged a fire in the lobby or dining room. Food is available in those lodges but we carry our own cook and food staff to ensure a better quality and variety.
To avoid littering in the National Park bottled water is not carried and drinking water is boiled instead. Electricity or telephone connection is not available in most places. Some of the lodges, however, use generators for a specific time. Cell phone connection is available in Sandakphu and also at some other stops on the way but not throughout. Although Sandakphu is regarded as one of the best trekking routes in the Eastern Himalayas the Top is accessible by 4W Jeep also. You may come across a few vehicles riding up the hills while you are trekking. National Park Authority restricts open fire, carrying weapons or explosives, or collecting/killing any flora or faunal specimen in and around the park territory. Best time to visit: April – May for flowers and October-December for a clear view.
Things to carry during the trek:
Backpack (65lt), Knapsack (Small), Trekking Shoes (Alpine), Waterproof Jacket & Trousers, Windproof jacket, Fleece, Mid-Layer Garments / Thermals, Sleeping Bag (Feather) + Fleece Liner, Sleeping Mattress, Walking Poles (Telescopic), Hat/Caps (Woolen), Gloves, Socks (Spare Pairs), Indoor Shoes/Sleeper, Clothes For Sleeping, Camera, Binocular, Torch, Water Bottle, Toiletries, Goggles / Sun Glass, Personal Medical Kit, Sun Skin Lotion.
Please ensure that the total luggage does not exceed 10 kilos per person during the trek.
Day: 1 Transfer to Darjeeling |
On arrival, our representative meets with you & transfers to Darjeeling, Queen of India's hill stations. Its setting is one of incomparable beauty. A Victorian town of old-world charm 'discovered' by the British. It is surrounded by fragrant tea gardens which seem to flow over the layered slopes like emerald swells on a rough sea. Overnight hotel – Darjeeling. |
Day: 2 Transfer to the Singalila Park |
Morning transfer to the Singalila Park entry point (Manebhanjang) in 45 minutes and start trekking from here to Tumling (2750M) - a village in Indo - the Nepal Border - 3 to 4hrs hike. Stay in a local Tea House. |
Day: 3 Hike to Sandakphu |
Hike to Sandakphu (3600M) - the highest point of Singalila Park - 6 to 7hrs. through the prime forests of Rhododendron. Tonight we will stay at a cozy hut on the Indo-Nepal border. This place is particularly famous for observing the Red Panda and Satyr Tragopan - 2 flagship species in the Himalayas. |
Day: 4 Trek to Phalut |
Wake up early in the morning for the beautiful view of Kanchenjunga and Everest range.
Trek to Phalut. The trek from Sandakphu to Phalut is one of the most spectacular. The silver fir and rhododendron forests comprise the most beautiful sight. The trek takes you through the top of a ridge and is relatively easy. Phalut is one of the loftiest peaks (3600 mt) in the Singalila Range. Halt at Phalut.
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Day: 5 Trek to Ramam |
From Phalut the trail descends through the virgin forest of chestnut, pines, hemlock etc. till the trail reaches the stream known as Gorkhey Khola. One can enjoy the bath and savour a midday meal. Resume trekking via Samandin to Ramam Trekkers Hut. It's about 5 5-hour trek from Phalut or about 15 km. in distances from Phalut. |
Day: 6 Terk to Rimbik |
From Ramam the road is almost level. walk for the first 9 km and again it descends to Srikhola. The road rises steeply for about 1 km where it levels out again till it reaches Rimbik.
Drive to Darjeeling from Rimbik (50 km in 3hrs). Check-in at the hotel. Evening at leisure. Overnight at Darjeeling.
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Day: 7 Transfer to Bagdogra/NJP |
The morning after breakfast drive to Bagdogra/NJP. The Tour ends with sweet memories. |
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