SANDAKPHU TREK

 This nine-day trek beginning and ending in Darjeeling takes you along the famed “Singalila range” to Sandakphu (12,000) and Phalut (11,800). On the way you will pass through spectacular forests of silver fir, rhododendrons, chestnuts, oaks, magnolias and hemlock. A springtime trek reveals not only stunning views of the mountains but whole hillsides covered with rhododendron and magnolia flowers. A post monsoon trek reveals the mountains in crispier glory when the rains have washed away the haze. The trail from Sandakphu to Phalut is an exhilarating experience and one can see four of the world’s highest mountains: Everest, Makalu, Lhotse and Kanchenjunga in one glance.

Itinerary


Day 01   Arrival Kathmandu

 

Day 02   Full day sightseeing in Kathmandu

 

Day 03   Fly to Bhadrapur and transfer to Darjeeling after completion of immigration formalities at the border (145km: 5 to 6 hrs).

Day 04   Whole-day sightseeing in Darjeeling (2134m) – AM –Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center, Himalayan

Mountaineering Institute/Zoo and Happy Valley Tea Garden. PM – Toy Train ride to Ghoom (8km/1hr), Railway Museum, Ghoom Monastery and Local Market. O/N Hotel

 

Day 05   Drive to Maneybhanjyang (2134m, 26km; 1hr).Trek to Gairibas (2621m; 20km; 5hr) O/N Trekkers Hut/ Camp Maneybhanjyang to Tonglu is a steep climb up to Meghma (7 km - 3 1/2 hr. walk). Meghma is a small hamlet with few houses and a small monastery and impressive Chorten (stupa). Meghma to Tonglu is another 2 kms. Tonglu or the local name Tumling is 3070 m high and is one of the peaks of Singalila range. On a clear day one can get the fine view of the Nepalese valleys and of the plains of North Bengal with the snow fed Teesta on the east, Koshi on the west and a number of smaller rivers between them. Tonglu to Gairibas (2621 m) is downhill. The distance is 9 km and it is a 2 hrs walk. (Foreign Nationals are required to show their passports with valid Indian Visa at the Maneybhanjyang Foreigner's Check Post).

Day 06   Trek Gairibas - Sandakphu (3636m; 15km; 4hr). Trekkers Hut/Camp
Gairibas to Kalpokhari (3170 m) is continuous climb through rhododendron forest - 6 km, 3 hrs. walk from Gairibas. Trekkers may stop here for a while for a tea break. There is a small pond at Kalpokhari (Black pond). The colour of the water is black and the amazing thing is that it never freezes. From Kalpokhari the road descends to Bikaybhangyang - Valley of Poison (Aconites grow here) and from Bikaybhangyang to Sandakphu is a steep climb of 4 kms and takes more than an hour to cover this part.

 

Day 07   Trek Sandakphu-Phalut (3600m; 21km; 5hr). Trekkers Hut/Camp
The stretch from Sandakphu to Phalut is the most spectacular of the trek. The burned silver-fir forest makes most beautiful sight. While trekking this stretch the trekkers will be followed by the Everest group on the left and Kanchenjunga range right ahead. The trekker will come across Sabarkum (about 14 km from Sandakphu) and next Molley (2 km form Sabarkum). A trekkers hut is available at Molley where one can stay. Keeping the ridge on the left follow the trail north ward. After about an hour the trail begins to climb through a series of zigzag till one reaches Trekkers' Hut. From here Phalut summit is about 20 minutes walk.

Day 08   Trek Phalut-Ramam (2560m; 14km; 5hr). Trekkers Hut/Camp
From Phalut the trail descends the ridge through the virgin forest of Chestnut, pines, hemlock etc. till the trail reaches the meeting of two streams called Gorkhey Khola which is a tributary of Ramam river. It is a beautiful place. Trekkers can enjoy the bath in the river after the hectic trek begins to climb up to Samandin - a lovely plateau and it is a small forest village. From Samandin the road descends to a small stream and again climbs up for another hour and a half to Ramam Trekkers' Hut. This is about 5 hrs walk or 15 km in distance from Phalut.

Day 09   Trek Ramam-Rimbick (2296m; 19km; 4 hr).O/N Lodge
From Ramam the road is almost level walk for about 9 km and again it descends to Srikhola. The road rises steep, for about 1 km where it levels out again till it reaches Rimbick. Drive to Darjeeling (2134m; 72km; 4hr). O/N Hotel

Day 10   Departure transfer to Bhadrapur airport for flight to Kathmandu with halt at the border for immigration formalities (85 km/3 hrs). Overnight in Kathmandu

 

Day 11   Final departure

 

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