Sandakphu trek is a gorgeous blend of adventure and nature

Introduction Sandakphu Trek- A Trekker Dream

Sandakphu trek, located in the eastern part of the Indian sub-continent, is the place where you can get to experience the Himalayan dream. As far as adventure tours are concerned, the breathtaking panoramic scenery, the alien topographies and a blend of nature and culture is difficult to overlook and Sandakphu remains an adventure trail that cannot be ignored by adventure travellers. This trek is famously referred to as the Roof of West Bengal and will be a journey that any trekker would enjoy staying with throughout his or her life.

The highest point in the Singalila National Park is Sandakphu that is 3, 636 meters (11, 929 feet) above sea level and is the most preferred trekking, nature and photography destination. It is a difficult voyage but gives back in return some of the most beautiful sceneries to witness when Himalayan trekking. Four out of five of the highest mountains in the world can be seen here whose name is Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu with primeval forest; charming villages and valleys; high ice-cold spouting of the mountains snow fed torrential rivers.

The increase is the most appropriate to those who wish to challenge their potential amidst the nature in its finest. No matter how much an experienced trekker you are, Sandakphu has something extraordinary to grant everyone who will step here.

Best Time to Trek Sandakphu

You should plan the visit, before trekking to Sandakphu because the best season to visit Sandakphu is a significant concern whether you can enjoy the Sandakphu or not. The trek would be open throughout the year though treks to Sandakphu are most likely to be good in:

Spring (March to May): This is the most pleasant season to go trekking, and the weather is fine, the temperature is between 8o C and 15o C. Beautiful blossoming rhododendron forests fill the entire valley making your trek attractive through its color effect.

Autumn (September to November): The season Autumn is typified by clear sky and fresh air and no rain and in crossing passes. The perspectives of the mountains are magnificent and there was less siph due to the rains. The temperature is 6o C to 14o C within this time.

Winter (December to February): In case you love the snow, winter will suit you. Its temperatures do drop down to -10C at night -but it is so worth it with the surrounding snow covered scenery. This is however an opportune moment when experienced trekkers can go since it is cooler.

Monsoon (June to August): You are not supposed to trek Sandakphu during monsoons. The trail is often very slippery and challenging in case of rain. You might as well go now, if you do not mind a little wet weather, as you can get out of the crowds.

Hiking Trails to Sandakphu.

There are two routes to Sandakphu trek that are different in their experiences:

The Classic Sandakphu Trek Route: It is the most frequently utilized one and starts at Manebhanjan. It takes trekkers through scenic villages of Chitre, Tonglu and Gairibas with the blazing scenery of Kanchenjunga and Everest. The expedition crosses green forests of rhododendron, oak, and pine besides high Alpine meads. The trek takes about 6 to 7 days.

The Phalut Trek: In case you want to extend your trip, it is a great option of the trek. Trekking trekkers can also visit Phalut, which is the second highest point in the region, right after Sandakphu. This path offers even larger panoramas and is ideal to those who wish to have somewhat of off-the-beaten-path experience.

Landscapes Along Sandakphu -The Trek:

The magnificent views are among the best of Sandakphu trek. After you start the walk there are numerous beautiful sceneries that follow the path:

View of grand peaks: When you are hiking through the trails, you would be able to see the top of some of the tallest peaks of the world. Sandakphu is the only place where you get a glimpse of four out of five highest mountains, the Mount Everest (8,848 Mt), Kanchenjunga (8,586 Mt), Lhotse (8516 Mt) and Makalu (8485 Mts).

Rhododendron and Oak Forests: It is a hike through gorgeous rhododendron and oak forests, which burst into colored flowers in the spring. The birds are practically flying around in the woods, and it is pleasant to find a shady spot on very hot days. During autumn forests are very special and it is coloured orange, yellow and red.

Meadows and Alpine Landscapes: The final trail towards Sandakphu is in alpine meadowlands where the space is wide and views the mountain ranges in addition to the valleys. The Sandakphu -Phalut trail impresses terribly with its giant panorama and tranquility trekkers.

Village Culture: Trekkers pass through small villages of Chitre and Gairibas along the way where it gives them an idea of how life is in these villages. These villages are a perfect location to see Sherpa, get acquainted with them, their culture and sample their food.

The Sandakphu Flora And Fauna.

Sandakphu is located in Singalila National Park that is the habitat of multiple varieties of Rhododendrons and hundreds of Orchids species. The rural setting of the park is on the boundary of the India and Nepal, which give a natural habitat to numerous plants and animals.

Flora: The woods of Sandakphu are overgrown with rhododendrons, magnolias, oaks, pines and firs. Fields of rhododendrons, deep bamboo forests and alpine meadows can be viewed by the hikers depending on the season. Indeed, Singalila Ridge is known due to its great abundance of rhododendrons that produce colors of red, pink, a pure white and even purple.

Fauna: The region has a large number of wild life. The region around Sandakphu has rare animals like Red Panda, Himalayan Black Bear, Tibetan Wolf among other deer species, monkeys and birds. Birdwatchers will particularly enjoy the place that can boast of such animals as the Himalayan Griffon, Wood Snipe and Golden Eagle.

How to Reach Sandakphu

The Sandakphu expedition can be an adventure in itself. To arrive at the beginning of the trek, one should go as follows:

By Air: Bagdogra is the nearest airport and is approximately 80km away at the Manebhanjan where the trek begins. Manebhanjan can be reached in a taxi or shared jeep at Bagdogra.

By Rail: This is nearest railhead is the New Jalpaiguri (NJP) station which is linked to most of India. At NJP get a taxi or a shared jeep to Manebhanjan.

Road: Manebhanjan is well accessible by road and a taxi can be hired or a bus can be taken to ride to any of the places mentioned above till the start of the trek.

Hiking Sandakphu- Difficulties and Hiking Advice.

The sandakphu trek is not only a gorgeous trek but it has its own fair share of challenges. The following are details which can lead you in your path:

Altitude: The highest altitude on the trek is 3,636 meters (11,929 fee; therefore,re altitude sickness may be a problem to some of the hikers. The significance of acclimatization breaks, and remaining in a hydrated state.

Weather: The weather in the Himalayas is in constant change. Wear them so as not to be too cold, nor too hot, and are breathable, NO WIND, NO RAIN.

Fitness Level: The hike is moderate and hence one has to be physically fit. Good cardiovascular program or weight training program could help you to be in shape in the hike.

Stay Hydrated Water points can be obtained on the way, however, it is always good to bring your own water bottles and purification tablets.

In a nutshell: Is Sandakphu Trek Worth it?

In one word: Yes. The Sandakphu trek is a gorgeous blend of adventure and nature that is scattered with cultural mysteries. It gives the trekkers a chance to have a live experience of the Himalaya magic, as they walk in and through the beautiful rhododendron gardens, past the old alpine grasslands and on to the interminable giant snow capped mountains. In case you wish to push your physical boundaries, or even with respect to seeking some tranquility; the Sandakphu land will serve all. Then get your pack on, your boots off, and get ready to walk one of the most beautiful walks in the Himalayas!