The Sandakphu Trek is a famous hiking trail in West Bengal, India, that draws hikers from all over the world. The journey is known for its amazing views of the Himalayan peaks, like Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga. It is a hard but rewarding adventure. There are two main beginning points: Manebhanjan and Darjeeling. We’ll compare the two routes in this post and provide you a step-by-step guide to help you plan your hike, no matter where you start.
Introduction
The Sandakphu Trek is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in India. The walk takes you through a variety of environments, such as lush woods, alpine meadows, and picturesque villages. It also goes through the famed Singalila National Park and offers stunning views of the Himalayas.
There are different things to see and do on both itineraries, whether you start in Manebhanjan or Darjeeling. But the conditions for trekking and getting to the trails are different, so it’s crucial to pick the one that works best for you and your level of trekking ability.
Overview of Sandakphu Trek
At 12,310 feet, Sandakphu is the highest mountain in West Bengal. From the top, you can see Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Makalu, which are the highest peaks in the world. The walk is about 50 kilometers long and not too hard, so it’s a great alternative for anyone who are just starting out or have some experience. The hike usually takes 4 to 5 days, depending on how fast you go and which way you take.
Manebhanjan, a small hill town around 26 km from Darjeeling, and Darjeeling, a popular hill station with more transit choices, are the two main ways to get to Sandakphu.
Route 1: Starting From Manebhanjan
Day 1: Manebhanjan to Chitre
The trip starts in the small village of Manebhanjan, which is 7,000 feet above sea level. For most trekkers, it is the first stop. You will climb from Manebhanjan to Chitre, a beautiful village noted for its green hills and valleys. The path goes through thick woods of rhododendrons, oak, and pine trees. Every now and then, there are clearings where you can see the snow-capped peaks in the distance.
This segment of the hike is not too hard, so it’s a good place for beginners to start. The trip usually lasts 4 to 5 hours, and you’ll stay the night in a resort or camping in Chitre.
Day 2: Chitre to Sandakphu
The hike to Sandakphu starts on Day 2. This is one of the best days of the walk since you slowly make your way up to the highest point in West Bengal. The path gets steeper, but the vistas are amazing. You will pass through alpine meadows and thick woods along the trip. From different places, you will be able to see snow-capped peaks like Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga.
It takes about 5–6 hours to walk from Chitre to Sandakphu. When you get to the top, the view of the Himalayas is breathtaking. The “Sleeping Buddha” view at Sandakphu is famous for its peculiar shape of peaks that look like a reclining Buddha.
Day 3: Sandakphu to Phalut
The hike from Sandakphu to Phalut is a little simpler and has amazing views of the mountains the whole way. The ridge hike along this stretch is well-known for giving you a full perspective of the summits. You will walk through magnificent meadows and forests during the hike, which takes around 5–6 hours.
People know that Phalut is a tranquil place with stunning views of the Everest and Kanchenjunga mountains. You’ll spend the night in a nearby lodge.
Day 4: Phalut to Gorkhey
On Day 4, you go down a modest slope from Phalut to Gorkhey, a picturesque settlement in the lower Himalayas. The walk is rather easy and goes through forests, streams, and beautiful meadows. The hike takes about 5 to 6 hours. Gorkhey is a great place to unwind and take in the beauty of the area around it.
Day 5: Gorkhey to Rimbik
On the last day of the walk, you will go down from Gorkhey to Rimbik, a little settlement that marks the conclusion of the trek. The hike from Gorkhey to Rimbik takes around 4–5 hours. Along the way, you’ll see beautiful villages and go through forests. You can take a jeep or drive back to Darjeeling or other surrounding places once you get to Rimbik.
Route 2: Starting From Darjeeling
Day 1: Darjeeling to Manebhanjan
The second route starts in Darjeeling, a well-known hill station that is around 6,710 feet above sea level. You may go to Manebhanjan from Darjeeling by jeep or by renting a car. This trip takes about two hours and covers a distance of about 26 kilometers.
You can start your hike to Chitre from Manebhanjan, just like the Manebhanjan route above.
Day 2: Manebhanjan to Chitre
The path from Manebhanjan to Chitre is the same as in Route 1. Today is really easy because you steadily climb into the hills. You will stay the night in Chitre.
Day 3: Chitre to Sandakphu
On Day 3, you’ll keep climbing to Sandakphu, along the same road as you did on Route 1. The views get better and better as you go closer to the top, and the terrain gets harder. Once you get to Sandakphu, you can relax and take in the views of the beautiful peaks.
Day 4: Sandakphu to Phalut
The path from Sandakphu to Phalut is the same as in Route 1. The breathtaking vistas of the mountains around here make this part of the walk stand out.
Day 5: Phalut to Rimbik
The last day of the walk is the same as Route 1. You will finish your adventure by going down from Phalut to Rimbik. You can take a jeep or car back to Darjeeling or other surrounding places from Rimbik.
Which Route is Best for You?
Both paths, whether you start in Manebhanjan or Darjeeling, are great for trekking. But there are a few important things to think about:
- Starting from Manebhanjan: Many trekkers choose this route since it has a more gradual rise and gives them more time in the mountains. It’s easy to get to Manebhanjan from Darjeeling, and the trip is usually less busy.
- Starting from Darjeeling: People who are already in Darjeeling will find the route easier. But it means that you have to travel an extra day to Manebhanjan before the journey starts.
Starting from Manebhanjan might be the greatest way to get away from the crowds and have a more immersive trekking experience in the Himalayas.
Preparation Tips for the Trek
- Fitness: Prepare by engaging in cardio exercises such as running, cycling, or hiking to build stamina for the uphill sections of the trek.
- Pack Light but Smart: Essential items include warm clothing, sturdy trekking shoes, a first-aid kit, a camera, sunscreen, and a hat.
- Stay Hydrated: The high altitude can cause dehydration, so carry enough water throughout the trek.
- Proper Acclimatization: To avoid altitude sickness, take proper rest at higher elevations and stay hydrated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does the Sandakphu Trek take?
A: The trek typically takes 4-5 days, depending on the route you choose and your pace.
Q: Can beginners do the Sandakphu Trek?
A: Yes, the Sandakphu Trek is suitable for beginners with moderate fitness levels.
Q: What is the best time to trek to Sandakphu?
A: The best time to trek is during the months of March to May and September to November, as the weather is pleasant for trekking.
Conclusion
Whether you begin your Sandakphu Trek from Manebhanjan or Darjeeling, you are in for an unforgettable adventure. Both routes offer stunning views of the Himalayan peaks, lush landscapes, and an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of West Bengal. With proper preparation, you can enjoy this beautiful trek and create lasting memories in one of India’s most scenic trekking regions.