Sandakphu Trek – The Best Trek In December

 Sandakphu is an enormous mountain perched on the Singalila Ridge that bridges the two countries of India and Nepal. This mountain towers approximately 12,000 ft high and offers some of the most surreal, goosebumps-worthy, panoramic views of four of the world’s tallest mountains. While these views can be thoroughly enjoyed and admired all year round, the best time to visit Sandakphu is in the month of December.

Treks in December generally are overwhelmingly satisfying with fresh, powdery snow smeared all over most northern hilly areas. But the Sandakphu trek specifically is beyond explanation for the kind of experience it allows trekking enthusiasts to experience in December.

If you do not believe me, have a look at the five reasons mentioned below to join my clan and go gaga over the same -

1) The consistent juggling between India and Nepal -

One of the best parts about the Sandakphu trek is that it demands the sneaking in and out of the two countries to reach the top. After a point, the borders are blurred and all you have is an exotic, and arousing mountainscape in the forefront that you have to very cautiously accomplish. The spectrum of emotions felt during the juggling is simply ethereal. The brief glimpses of the lives of the two countries stolen during the trek make the experience all the more enriching and exciting. 
 Besides, the cultural exposure witnessed during the trek remains an added perk.

2) The transfixing views of the Sleeping Buddha -
 The very first thing to catch your attention on the Sandakphu trek is the Kanchenjunga Massifs, also known as the Sleeping Buddha. You get to access glimpses of it right from the very beginning of the trek. With each step uphill, the picture of the Sleeping Buddha tends to get clearer and sharper with the ultimate showdown at Tumling. The sight of the mighty Kanchenjunga Massifs gracefully mimicking the Sleeping Buddha is best observed from Tumling, at a mere height of 9,700 ft. The view remains completely unobstructed, unbelievably breathtaking, and other-worldly especially in December with thin carpets of fresh, powdery snow briefly outlining the landscapes.

3) The mesmerizing gallery of four of the world’s tallest mountains — 
 On the fourth day of the trek, as you head out for the ultimate leg of the expedition from Kalipokhri to Sandakphu peak with zeal and anticipation, you are introduced to a grand gallery of four of the world’s tallest mountains standing tall and aloof, in all their might. Starting from Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu to Mt. Chomo Lonja, the sight remains studded with many more robust mountain peaks including the Mt. Goecha, Mt. Shambho, Mt. Kabru, Mt. Koktang, Mt. Frey, and the peaks of Kumbhakarna. The month of December elevates the spark of the Sandakphu trek, even more, making it magical and romantic with its dreamy weather conditions. When clusters of clouds gracefully hang above you, as you climb uphill with fascinating visions before you, you tend to freeze in awe for a brief moment.

4) The trails embellished with blooming Rhododendrons and Magnolias — 
 On the very second day of the Sandakphu trek, as you traverse thickly forested regions to cut paths with the famous Singalila National park, you will trek along many trails with springs of pink and red Rhododendrons as well as aesthetic Magnolias. Rhododendrons and Magnolias completely sweep away the regions encapsulated by the Sandakphu trek, decorating the entire landscape with their ethereal beauty. The walk, through these trails, is truly heavenly and other-worldly.

5) The thrilling and nail-biting walk past the Singalila National Park -

The Singalila National Park lies en route to Sandakphu Peak. It is mostly famous for inhabiting exotic species of flora and fauna. It is also known to be a habitat for the bewildering endangered Red Pandas listed in the IUCN Red List. As you walk past the Singalila National park, you are overwhelmed with anticipation. The fright and urge to spot a Red Panda keep increasing until you move away from the region towards Tumling. The emotional flux and waves of adrenaline, experienced this day are undoubtedly worth the efforts and struggles of the trek.

Sandakphu is one of the very few moderate-grade treks out there that remain capable of keeping trekkers on their toes from the beginning to the end. It is completely action-packed and an excellent choice for anyone interested in experiencing a range of sophisticated feelings and emotions.