Sandakphu

Sandakphu Trek

This trek is perhaps one of the best and certainly the most popular of all the treks in Darjeeling for those having a limited time at their disposal. It offers the travelers an excellent view of the Khangchendzonga and the Everest group of mountain peaks in Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan. Day 01 Darjeeling to Maneybhanjyang – 2134 m Drive from Darjeeling to Maneybhanjyang is about 26 km which takes about 2-3 hours. Day 02 Maneybhanjyang to Tonglu –3070 m Follow a steep climb for about 3 hrs to Meghma which is a small hamlet with few houses, a small monastery and an impressive stupa. The climb to Tonglu is another 2 km and is one of the peaks of the Singalila range, which falls on the West of Darjeeling town. A great view of the Nepalese valleys and the plains of North Bengal with snow fed Teesta on the east, the Koshi on the West can be view from here. Day 03 Tonglu to Sandhakphu - 3636 mtrs The trail from Tonglu to Gairibhas is downhill through bamboo groves and from Ghairibhas to Kalipokhri is a continuous climb through rhododendron forest for about 6 km. From Kalipokhri to Bikhaybhanyang or Valley of Poison ( Aconites grow in abundance here) the road descends and then a steep climb for about 4 km reaches us at Sandakphu. Sandakphu commands one of the most spectacular views of the Kabru 7338 m, Kumbhkarna 7710 mtrs, Pandim 6691 mtrs and the towering Khangchendzonga 8598 mtrs , which is the most prominent of all. Far off to the west, among a group of other snowy mountain raising from graceful peaks of the Everest group can be seen. Day 04 Sandakphu to Phalut - 3606 m Phalut is one of loftiest peak in the Singalila Range and the trail from Sandakphu is the most spectacular with burned silver-fir forest making the most beautiful sight and the view of Everest group on the left and Khangchendzonga range right ahead. A magnificent view of the snowy range is obtained from the Phalut summit at a much closer range

Day 05 Phalut to Ramman - 2560 m The trail descends the ridge through virgin forest of chestnut, pines till it reaches the meeting of two streams calley Gorkhey Khola , a tributary of Ramman river. After a rest, climb upto Samandin, a lovely plateau. From here, descend to a small stream and then climb for about 2hours to reach Ramman.

Day 06 Ramman to Rimbick - 2286 m From Ramman, the trail is almost a walk for the first 9 km till we descend to Srikhola. Rest at the stream and then walk to Rimbick which is a small village. Day 07 Rimbick to Darjeeling Drive from Rimbick to Darjeeling for about 4 hours passing through Manebhanjang. http://sanjivdas.tripod.com/

pradhan hotel- Manebhanjang Bazar,darjeeling, west bengal India.

Sanjiv Kumar Das. e.mail.([email protected]) Phone: +91 09874432851

Reisen Welt- Exploring the enchanting Northeast India.

Ronak Sikaria e-mail. ([email protected]) Phone: +91 8011 103 103, +91 8752 059 972