Sandakphu trek - View world’s four highest mountain ranges

Sandakphu is the highest point in West Bengal, with an altitude of 11,950 feet. Among trekkers and adventure enthusiasts, this mesmerizingly spectacular site is immensely famous. In India, you will get a vivid view of the world’s four highest mountain ranges, and it is the only trekking site that will surprise the visitor. Tourists can visit there easily, even though Sandakphu is in the Singalila National Park. You will genuinely be awe-struck when you reach Sandakphu for the first time—Mount, Lhotse, Everest, and Makalu ranges, from almost all parts of Sandakphu.

Attraction

Sandakphu is famous for its awe-inspiring mountains and the lush greenery of the adjacent alpine forests. You will feel rejuvenated while staying there as the area’s vegetation is so vibrantly green. It would help if you stayed cautious while exploring the site’s surroundings. Sandakphu’s trekking route is one of the main attractions here. While reaching there by taking the scenic pathways, you will fall in love with this site. You will get to explore so many rare flower and plant species varieties that you will be amazed while hiking. On the trekking route to Sandakphu, one can see some of the most beautiful orchids, such as rhododendrons, wildflowers, magnolias, primulas, and others. You will forget your exhilaration while exploring the surrounding breathtakingly beautiful views, even though the trek can be pretty tiring. Others start their trekking expedition from New Jalpaiguri from Manebhanjan, even though some people love to hike to Sandakphu. It will take around six days to reach Sandakphu if you start your journey from New Jalpaiguri. It will take about 12 hours to get there if you start your trip from Manebhanjan. Due to the ever-flowing river Teesta, Sandakphu is even more beautiful. This river will stay on your side while you are trekking there.

History

Located on the border of West Bengal of India and Nepal, it is the highest point of West Bengal, at an altitude of around 12,000 ft, and in Singalila National Park. Derived from poisonous plants that grow near the top, the name Sandakphu means “Height of the Poison Plant.” With the fabulous view of Mt, anyone can be mesmerized on any clear day. Beautiful Snowy peaks of Bhutan and China are visible on the right side.

Inside/Outside Views

To mountain lovers and those distinct from here, watching the highest Peaks in the world -mount Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu is a dream. Some parts of the route enter Nepal while going to Sandakphu. During the winter, one can experience light to heavy snowfall, blue mountains, valleys of Nepal & West Bengal, and Spectacular views of snow-capped peaks of lots of known and unknown species of birds, flowers, and trees, which will amaze you if you are a nature lover.

Entry & Others Fees

You need to pay Rs. 120/- per person as an entry fee of Singalilla National Park per day of stay inside the park for Indians, whereas Rs. 500/- needs to be paid per day for foreign nationals.

For several intermediate check posts along the route, like Tumling, Gairibas, and Batasi, you must carry your Photo ID cards (like driving license / Voter’s ID Card, etc). It is a must for foreigners to carry their passports.

The Nepal entry fee at Kalipokhri is Rs. 50/- per person, so one must pay it.

Rs. 100/-for still Digital Camera; Rs. 400/-for Video Camera

How to Reach

By Air: Bagdogra Airport, which is 90 km away from Darjeeling, is the nearest airport connected by flights to major cities.

By Train: Apart from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Station (88 KM from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station), the two nearest railway stations are Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri. These railway stations have direct rail connectivity with Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, and other major cities of India.

By Road: Roads connect Darjeeling via Siliguri, linking it to all major cities in India. Bus services are available from Siliguri. Smaller vehicles are also available for seat sharing/hire from airports, railway stations, motor syndicates, and police motor stands. Pre-paid taxi stands can also be availed from NJP Railway Station and Bagdogra Airport. The four routes from Siliguri to Darjeeling are: i) Tyndharia-Kursiong route ii) Dudhia-Mirik route iii) Rohini route iv) Pankhabari.

Tips for Travellers

Going there in the summer season will be better if you are less experienced in trekking. You will get to see the red rhododendron forests and also be able to explore the region comfortably. There were few places to stay in Sandakphu even a few years ago, but now, located over there, there are some lovely homestays where you could spend your vacation. Mostly, the local Sherpas of the region run these properties.

FAQ

Que-1: Is this place safe to visit?

Ans: Yes, the place is safe to visit.

Que-2: Is photography allowed inside the place?

Ans: Yes, photography is allowed here.

Que-3:What is the best time to visit the place?

Ans: The site’s main attraction lies between January and February, although visiting Sandakphu between April and June will allow you to go there in a comparatively comfortable climate. The entirety of Sandakphu receives ample snowfalls during these two months.