Sandakphu-Phalut-Singalila Range Trek
For a clear view of the four of the five highest peaks (Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu), what wouldn’t any trekker do? It is pretty easy, all one has to do is trek to Sandakphu or Phalut. In recent years, this trek has gained much popularity and not because of the view to the four eight thousander peaks but for the beautiful trail that this trek entails across the forests of rhodendrons and magnolias and more.
Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.
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Overview
- Destination: Sikkim/West Bengal
- Location: Sandakphu
- Departure: Darjeeling
- Google Map Co-ordinates: 27.0600° N, 88.0000° E
- Nearest City (Airport): Bagdogra
- Nearest City (Railway Station): New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
- Duration: 5 – 8 Days
- Dates: On request
- Months: April–May, October-November
- Level: Easy to Moderate
- Children Friendly: Available
- Guide: Available
- Price: On request
Experience
Trek to Sandakphu and Phalut is a pristine forest trek with charming beauty of panoramic Nepal/Sikkim Himalayan ranges.
Sandakphu is the highest point of the Singalila Ridge in Darjeeling district on the West Bengal-Nepal border at height of 3636 m/11,941 ft. The peak is located at the edge of the Singalila National Park and has a small village on the summit with a few hostels.
Phalut is one of the highest peaks of Singalila range and located in Darjeeling district at an altitude of 11,811 ft. This is the second highest point in Singalila ridge after Sandakphu (11,929 ft). Phalut is also in the border of Nepal, Sikkim and West Bengal.
Along the trail, apart from the amazing view of the Singalila range, one is also treated to the magnificent views of the four 8,000 m + peaks – Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Lhotse. This is a low altitude trek and is perfect for first time trekkers, families and children.
There are multiple trekking trails with various durations along this route to Sandakphu-Phalur exploring the Singalila range. We have four such treks with different routes and durations. The itinerary is a guideline and standard pattern, which we provide. This trek can be modified according to your time and requirements.
1. Sandakphu-Phalut Trek: 8D/7N
2. Sandakphu-Singalila Range: 7D/6N
3. Sandakphu-Phalut Trek (short): 6D/5N
4. Singalila Range-Phoktey Dara Trek: 5D/4N
Itinerary
SANDAKPHU TREK ITINERARIES
- Itinerary 1: Sandakphu-Phalut Trek: 8D/7N
- The trek starts from Darjeeling and ends there. Throughout the forest laden trail explore the Singalila Range, stand on top at Sandakphu and/or Phalut to view an amazing panorama of the majestic Himalayan peaks including four of the highest mountains in the world.
- Day 1 / Bagdogra/New Jalpaiguri (NJP) – Darjeeling (2,042 m/6,700 ft): 67 km/2.5 hours
- Drive towards Darjeeling. On arrival transfer into hotel. Evening sightseeing and acclimatization. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
- Day 2 / Darjeeling - Maneybhanjang – Tonglu (3,020 m/9,908 ft): 5-6 hours
- Sandakphu Trek begins. Drive to Maneybhanjang (1-1/2 hrs), the starting point of the trek. The walk about six hours, is uphill and the trail passes through small village of Chitre and forests of Rhododendrons and Magnolias. The trekkers hut/camping site at Tonglu is located on a hilltop over looking the Sikkim Himalayas. Overnight at Tonglu.
- Day 3 / Tonglu – Garibas (2,620 m/8,595 ft): 4-5 hours
- On second day of Sandakphu Trek, we undertake a pleasant walk through the forest which is home to the rare Red Panda and the Tragopan. It will take around four hours to reach trekker's hut/camping site of Garibas (2,620m), where we will spend the night.
- Day 4 / Garibas – Sandakphu (3,636 m/11,929 ft): 6-7 hours
- After breakfast, we will trek to Sandakphu, which takes about 6 hrs. Sandakphu is the place to view the mountains. On a clear day one can see the peaks of Lhotse (8,501m), Everest (8,848m) and Makalu (8,475m) of the Nepal Himalayas and the huge Kanchenjanga massif (8,586m) along with other peaks of the Sikkim Himalayas. Overnight stay at Sandakphu.
- Day 5 / Sandakphu – Phalut (3,600 m/11,811 ft): 5-6 hours
- The trail is along a ridge and can be considered as one of the most enjoyable and scenic walks in the Himalayas. The whole range of snowy peaks is always in view and the trail passes through high altitude vegetation and areas of dwarf rhododendrons and firs. The walk to Phalut is about seven hours. Overnight at Phalut.
- Day 6 / Phalut – Rammam (2,560 m/8,399 ft) via Gorkhey: 5-6 hours
- The trek continues early morning walk up to Phalut Top to see the sunrise over the Himalayas. After breakfast we will trek to Rammam, which takes about five hours. The trail passes through the villages of Gorkhey and Samanden and the forest provides ample opportunities for birding. Overnight at Rammam.
- Day 7 / Rammam – Rimbik (2,280 m/7,480 ft): 5-6 hours
- We move from Rammam, the trail descends to the bridge at Srikhola and passes through a number of small villages to reach Rimbik (2280m), the road head. Overnight at Rimbik.
- Day 8 / Rimbik – Darjeeling: 4 hours
- After breakfast drive 4 hours to Darjeeling. Sandakphu Trek concludes.
- Itinerary 2: Sandakphu Trek-Singalila Range: 7D/6N
- The trek starts from a beautiful hamlet, Uttarey in Sikkim and goes merges into the classical Sandakphu-Singalila trekking trail with a vista of beautiful Himalayan peaks including four of the top highest mountains.
- Day 1 / NJP/Bagdogra to Uttarey (Sikkim). 2,316 m/7,600 ft: 6-7 hours
- Drive to Uttarey valley in Sikkim. Bordered by Bhutan, Tibet, West Bengal and Nepal, Uttarey is a small village located on the northern slope of Singalila Range in West Sikkim. It is slowly emerging as a satellite township and is only 150 km from Siliguri and 140 km from Gangtok. Stay in a homestay.
- Day 2 / Chitre (2,682 m/8,800 ft.): 5-6 hours
- Trek to Chitre. Overnight stay in a camp/hut.
- Day 3 / Kalizar (2,987-3,597 m/9,800-11,800 ft): 5-6 hours
- The trail goes through the alpine forest with dense Rhododendron species forest and with an enviable view of Mt. Kanchendzonga, Mt. Pandim and Mt. Jupino. We trek to Phoktey dara and Singalila top from where we can see Mt. Kanchendzonga and the adjacent high altitude snow capped peaks. We can also see the daunting peaks of Mt. Makalu, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Everest, the great Dhaulagiri range and also the surreal view of Nepal rural hamlets. Overnight stay at nature camp.
- Day 4 / Phalut (3,600 m/11,811 m): 5-6 hours
- After breakfast trek from Kalizar to Phalut via Singalila Pass. Phalut is one of the highest peaks of Singalila range and located in Darjeeling district at an altitude of 11,811 ft. This is the second highest point in Singalila ridge after Sandakphu.
- Day 5 / Sandakphu (3,636 m/11,929 ft): 5-6 hours
- Sandakphu is a wonderland for the trekkers. It's located in Darjeeling district and north west of Darjeeling hill town. This is the summit or the highest point in Singalila range as well as in the state of West Bengal, India.
- Day 6 / Srikhola (2,102 m/6,896 ft): 5-6 hours
- Srikhola is a lovely scenic village in the Darjeeling district. Today we will stay at a homestay here.
- Day 7 / Drive to NJP/Bagdogra: 132 km/6 hours
- Itinerary 3: Sandakphu-Phalut Trek (Short): 6D/5N
- This is a shorter version of the classical Sandakphu-Phalut trek. However, this one starts from Sikkim (Uttarey) and ends in West Bengal (Gorkhey).
- Day 1 / NJP/Bagdogra to Uttarey (Sikkim) 2,316 m/7,600 ft: 158 km/6-7 hours
- Drive to Uttarey valley in Sikkim. Bordered by Bhutan, Tibet, West Bengal and Nepal, Uttarey is a small village located on the northern slope of Singalila Range in West Sikkim. It is slowly emerging as a satellite township and is only 150 km from Siliguri and 140 km from Gangtok. Stay overnight in a homestay.
- Day 2 / Achalley/Hangeypani (2,682 m/8,800 ft.): 5-6 hours
- Trek to Achalley or Hangeypani. Overnight stay in a camp/hut.
- Day 3 / Kalizar (2,987-3,597 m/9,800-11,800 ft): 5-6 hours
- The trail goes through the alpine forest with dense Rhododendron species forest and with an enviable view of Mt. Kanchendzonga, Mt. Pandim and Mt. Jupino. We trek to Phoktey dara and Singalila top from where we can see Mt. Kanchendzonga and the adjacent high altitude snow capped peaks. We can also see the daunting peaks of Mt. Makalu, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Everest, the great Dhaulagiri range and also the surreal view of Nepal rural hamlets. Overnight stay at nature camp.
- Day 4 / Phalut (3,600 m/11,811 m): 5-6 hours
- After breakfast trek from Kalizar to Phalut via Singalila Pass. Phalut is one of the highest peaks of Singalila range and located in Darjeeling district at an altitude of 11,811 ft. This is the second highest point in Singalila ridge after Sandakphu.
- Day 5 / Gorkhey (2,350 m/7,710 ft): 5-6 hours
- Gorkhey is a lovely scenic village in the Darjeeling district. Today we will stay at a homestay here.
- Day 6 / Drive to NJP/Bagdogra: 132 km/6 hours
- Itinerary 4: Singalila Range – Phoktey Dara Trek: 5D/4N
- Phoktey Dara trail starting from Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary goes through the last few remaining undisturbed patches of pure forests in Sikkim.
- Day 1 / NJP/Bagdogra to Uttarey (Sikkim). 2,316 m/7,600 ft: 6-7 hours
- Drive to Uttarey valley in Sikkim. Bordered by Bhutan, Tibet, West Bengal and Nepal, Uttarey is a small village located on the northern slope of Singalila Range in West Sikkim. It is slowly emerging as a satellite township and is only 150 km from Siliguri and 140 km from Gangtok. Stay in a homestay.
- Day 2 / Achalley/Hangeypani (2,682 m/8,800 ft.): 5-6 hours
- Trek to Achalley or Hangeypani. Overnight stay in a camp/hut.
- Day 3 / Kalizar (2,987-3,597 m/9,800-11,800 ft): 5-6 hours
- The trail goes through the alpine forest with dense Rhododendron species forest and with an enviable view of Mt. Kanchendzonga, Mt. Pandim and Mt. Jupino. We trek to Phoktey dara and Singalila top from where we can see Mt. Kanchendzonga and the adjacent high altitude snow capped peaks. We can also see the daunting peaks of Mt. Makalu, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Everest, the great Dhaulagiri range and also the surreal view of Nepal rural hamlets. Overnight stay at nature camp.
- Day 4 / Kalizar-Phoktey Dara-Uttarey (2,350 m/7,710 ft): 5-6 hours
- After breakfast early morning around 5 am Kalijar, proceed to Phoktey Dara and Singalila for the sunrise view. Walk back to Kalizar and after breakfast trek to Uttarey via Chewabanjayang Pass. Overnight stay at Uttarey Homestay.
- Day 5 / Drive to NJP/Bagdogra: 158 km/6-6.5 hours
- Itinerary 5: Sandakphu Trek: 6D/5N
- While this is a shorter duration trek it still has the flavour of the longer Sandakphu trek. The accommodation would be in tea houses.
- Day 1 / NJP/ Bagdogra to Kopidana (1,950 m/6,400 ft): 84 km (By Drive) (5 hrs. Drive) · Accommodation in Tea house
- Day 2 / Kopidana to Tumling (2,957 m/9,700 ft): 11 km (5-6 hours)
- Day 3 / Tumling to Kalapokhri (3,170 m/10,400 ft): 14 km (6-7 hours)
- Day 4 / Kalapokhri to Sandakphu (3,636 m/11,929 ft): 6 km (3-4 hours)
- Day 5 / Sandakphu to Sepi (1,890 m/6,230 ft): 15 km (6-7 hours)
- Day 6 / Sepi to NJP / Bagdogra: 140 km (By Drive) (5 hrs. Drive)
- Itinerary 6: Sandakphu Trek: 6D/5N
- This is a shorter duration trek starting from Darjeeling and it still has the flavour of the longer Sandakphu trek. The accommodation would be in tea houses.
- DAY 1 / NJP/ BAGDOGRA TO DARJEELING (2,042 M/6,700 FT): 67 KM (3 HOURS. DRIVE.
- ACCOMMODATION IN HOTEL.
- DAY 2 / DARJEELING TO MANEYBHANJYANG (2,143 M/7,030 FT). 2 HOURS DRIVE. TREK TO TO TUMLING (2,957 M/9,700 FT): 11 KM (5-6 HOURS)
- DAY 3 / TUMLING TO SANDAKPHU (3,636 M/11,929 FT): 14 KM (5-6 HOURS)
- DAY 4 / KALAPOKHRI TO SANDAKPHU (3,636 M/11,929 FT): 6 KM (3-4 HOURS)
- DAY 5 / SANDAKPHU TO TIMBUREY (1,890 M/6,230 FT): 13 KM (5-6 HOURS)
- DAY 6 / TIMBUREY TO RIMBIK (2,280 M/7,480 FT) TO DARJEELING: 10 KM TREK/5-6 HOUR DRIVE
Inclusions
Inclusions
- Camping & Trekking equipments including tents, sleeping bag, carry mat, dining tent, toilet tent, hot water bottles, gas heater (when needed). Stay could be in trekker's huts as well based on availability.
- Personally trained professional guides, cook, porter/ponies to carry equipment as well as personal luggage.
- Forest entry and permits wherever needed.
- Ground support from an experienced team of adventurers.
- High comfort/luxury trek facilities including stay at camps.
- Meals during the treks or expeditions while camping.
Exclusions
- Air Fares.
- Airport pick up & drop including all necessary transportation. Could be arranged on request.
- Any medical expenses, evacuation etc.
- Any kind of Insurance.
- Any cost of personal nature.
- GST
- Items not mentioned in inclusions.
Map
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