The Sandakphu Trek is a popular Himalayan trek situated in the Singalila Range in Darjeeling, West Bengal. Perched at 11,929 ft, Sandakphu is the highest point of the trek and offers stunning views of four of the five highest peaks in the world – Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu.
The trek starts from Maneybhanjang or Manebhanjan and passes through lush green forests, tiny hamlets, and rhododendron bushes until finally emerging above the treeline. It then follows a ridge along the India-Nepal border for stunning views of both Himalayan peaks and valleys. The clear weather during spring and autumn provides the best chance to get clear views.
Duration and Distance
The Sandakphu trek can be completed in 4-5 days starting from Maneybhanjang covering a total distance of around 50kms. It is a moderately difficult trek that involves climbing around 10 km on the first couple of days up to Sandakphu. The maximum altitude gained is about 3600m making proper acclimatisation essential.
Best Time for Sandakphu Trek
The two ideal seasons for undertaking the Sandakphu trek are Spring (mid-March to May) and Autumn (September to mid-November). During these months the weather is pleasant and skies relatively clear offering the best chance to see unobstructed Himalayan vistas. The summer months see heavy monsoon rains making the route slippery and dangerous. Winters can be extremely cold with snow covering the route.
Difficulty Level
The Sandakphu trek has a moderate difficulty level. No prior hiking experience is required but one needs to be reasonably fit to complete it comfortably. The trek involves climbing steep steps at parts and trekking for 5-6 hours each day while carrying a backpack. Proper preparation with cardio exercises like jogging, swimming etc. for a few weeks prior helps greatly. Acclimatisation to the altitude while ascending is also important to prevent altitude sickness.
Permits Required
If trekking from Maneybhanjang, West Bengal you require the regular permit issued by the tourism office in Manebhanjang. Foreign nationals have to register themselves showing passport and visa documents. There is a fee of Rs 200 per head. No separate Sikkim permit is required if not hiking down to Gurdum.
If approaching the trek from Sikkim via Gurdum, one requires the standard Sikkim permit issued in Gangtok or Rangpo. Foreigners have to pay a fee of $40 (Rs 3000).
Accommodation
While trekking, basic accommodation in local lodges and homestays is available at each campsite. Conditions are simple with common toilet facilities. Lower camps like Tumling and Kalapokhri also have a couple of budget hotels. At Sandakphu, there are three properties – the Trekkers Hut, Forest Rest House and Sunset Guest House. It’s advisable to book through your tour operator in advance during peak seasons of April, May, October and November.
Guide
Hiring a local guide is highly recommended for this trek if it’s your first time. The route passes through dense forests (with chances of bewildering) and has some steep parts for which guides are essential. Guides also arrange porters, permits, accommodation and food making things easier. Most hotels can easily arrange local guides charging around Rs 1500-2000 per day.
What to Carry
As this is primarily a teahouse trek with accommodation available, you need not carry camping supplies like tents or sleeping bags. However, do carry basic essentials in a 40-60 litre rucksack – trekking clothes, additional layers for cold, trekking shoes, sunscreen, toiletries, first aid kit, headlamp, water bottle, snacks and any personal medication. Walking sticks are recommended for descent.
Food
Basic vegetarian fare is available at the campsites and lodges along the route. The menu is fairly standard consisting of roti/rice, dal, sabzi and noodles/momos. Boiled water is also available to stock up on water bottles. It is better to carry some high-energy snacks like chocolate bars, dry fruits etc to keep energy levels up.
ATMs & Connectivity
There are no ATMs beyond Maneybhanjang so it’s advisable to withdraw cash accordingly before starting the trek. There is now a fairly decent mobile network along the Sandakphu trail enabling calling back home via porters’ mobiles if required. But don’t depend too much on connectivity.
Conclusion
In summary, the Sandakphu trek offers stunning views of lofty Himalayan peaks and passes through beautiful forests and tiny hamlets with rich biodiversity. Moderate fitness levels combined with sensible planning for permits, and booking of accommodation go a long way to make it a rewarding experience. So set out on this quintessential Himalayan adventure that leaves many spellbound given clear weather conditions!