Sandhakphu Trek, (3685m)
Introduction :
Trekking into Sandakphu starts off from an altitude of 1,524 meters (5,000 ft) and gradually climbs up through forests of rhododendron, giant magnolias, spruce and other trees of sub-alpine region and more than 600 varieties of orchids-the largest to be found in one geographical area in the world.
For flora worshippers, the months of April and May are the best time of the year for the trek while for those who have an insatiable thirst for a view of the mountains; the best months are in autumn. The view from Sandakphu is unsurpassed by any view anywhere. Where else can be seen 180 degrees of snow-capped mountains which includes Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, Kumbhakarna, Kanchenjanga, Chomolhari in one single stretch of snows-an ethereal beauty. It is easy to understand why people leave hearth and home, traveling sometimes thousands of miles to walk through ripples of terraced fields of maize, rice, millet and barley, leaving the last traces of civilization far behind.
Day 01: Bagdogra – Darjeeling
Arrive in Bagdogra and meet our representative and drive towards Darjeeling. On arrival transfer into hotel. Evening sightseeing and acclamitisation. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel on a B&B basis.
Day 02: Darjeeling – Maneybhanjang – Tonglu
After breakfast Sandakphu Trek begins. Meet Hidden Paradise Adventure Tours representative and drive to Maneybhanjang (1-1/2 hrs) this is the starting point of the trek. The fisrst days walk should take approx 6 hrs,it is mostly uphill and the trail passes through the small village of Chitre and forests of Rhododendrons and Magnolias. The trekkers hut at Tonglu (3020m) is located on a hill top over looking the Sikkim Himalayas. Overnight at Tonglu in tents or trekkers hut
Day 03: Tonglu – Garibas
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. After about 04 hrs the trekker’s hut of Garibas (2620m) is reached, where we spend the night.
Day 04: Garibas – Sandakphu
After breakfast, start the trek to Sandakphu (3636m) which takes about 6 hrs. Sandakphu is the place to view the mountains. On a clear day one can see the peaks of Lhotse (8501m), Everest (8848m) and Makalu (8475m) of the Nepal Himalayas and the huge Kanchenjanga massif (8586m) along with other peaks of the Sikkim Himalayas. Overnight at Sandakphu in tents
Day 05: Sandakphu – Phalut
On Day 4 of Sandakphu Trek, 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 (3600m) is about 07 hours. Overnight at Phalut.
Day 06: Phalut – Rammam
Sandakphu Trek continues early morning walk up to Phalut Top to view the sunrise over the Himalayas. After breakfast start trek to Rammam (2560m) which takes about 05 hrs. The trail passes through the villages of Gorkhey and Samanden and the forest provides ample opportunities for birding. Overnight at Rammam.
Day 07: Rammam – Rimbik
On day 6 of Sandakphu Trek, we move from Rammam, the trail descends to the bridge at Sirikhola and passes through a number of small villages to reach Rimbik (2280m), the road head. Overnight at Rimbik.
Day 08: Rimbik – Darjeeling
After breakfast drive 4 hours to Darjeeling. Sandakphu Trek concludes.
Day 09: Darjeeling – Bagdogra – Delhi (123 kms / 6-7 hrs)
Early morning drive to Bagdogra and take flight for New Delhi. On arrival at Delhi transfer to international airport to catch onwards flight.
Tour & Services End.
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