Witness the panoramic views of the world's tallest peaks

Considered to be one of the best winter treks in the Himalayas, Sandakphu Trek is a moderate and simple trek to start with. This trek is best suitable for beginners as well as regular trekkers, especially for all mountain lovers!

Sandakphu Trek, as compared to the western Himalayas, lies at a lower latitude. The sun in winters along with the height of the eastern Himalayas makes a great backdrop for glaring dusk and dawn skies. One candiscover the old Silk route and enjoy the view of the world’s tallest and majestic mountains while experiencing Nepalese and Sikkim people hospitality. Introduce yourself to the beauty of orchids and magnolia while discovering the Himalayas wilderness at Singalila National Park. Enjoying the early morning tea admiring the Kanchenjunga peaks and witnessing the eye-catching famous and glorious sleeping Buddha structure carved out of the Kanchenjunga peaks brings much needed peace to the lives of everyone.

The highest point in West Bengal within the Darjeeling district that meets Nepal at the border is Sandakphu at an altitude of 11,926 ft. The trek to this peak opens into the famous Singalila Ridge, which lies at the southern end of a long crest running down from the Kanchenjunga massif; a prominent spur of high land. The Singalila ridge currently forms the boundary between India’s Sikkim/Darjeeling and Nepal because of which the Sandakphu trek is also sometimes referred to as the “Singalila Ridge Trek’’.

The heavenly views from the top are one of the inevitable pleasures of trekking in the Himalayas. The trail along the ridge also passes through small remote villages which are some of the most hidden scenic places of the Himalayas. The Sandakphu Trek is also an ideal trek for beginners who seek adventure. However, despite the ease even experienced trekkers continue to choose this trek time and again for the overall pleasure and adventure that is found here. Also, one cannot afford to miss out the stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas of Nepal, the range of Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, Jannu (Kumbhakarna), Chamlang, Baruntse and some other peaks of Sikkim.

Although the highest altitude on this trek is much lower than the high mountainroads (as you get to witness in Ladakh and some western Himalayan regions), the gradient followed by sharp curves tends to be much steeper. The total distance accounts to 33km which stretches from the Maneybhanjung to the Sandakphu elevating you to an altitude of 5,500ft. The trekking trail consists of terrains and landscapes which give a different experience altogether. Overall, the trekking to Sandakphu is interesting, adventurous and enchanting!

Though most people usually do not face acclimatization problems on this journey, the probability of facing issues nonetheless still exists. Mountain sickness is common in areas of high altitude. Even though you can reach Sandakphu in 7 to 8 hours you might still face some minor symptoms such as severe headaches, breathing difficulties, cold, low blood pressure etc. These occur primarily due to a sudden increase in altitudes. However, they can be avoided using supplements such as diamox.

Sandakphu remains accessible for a good duration of 8 months throughout the year, however, it remains closed throughout the monsoon season, from May to August due to unfavourable climatic conditions. Sandakphu is recognized for its sunrises and sunsets. One can view a vast variety of flora and fauna from seasons to seasons. The inherent romance in snowfall also adds value to the overall winter trekking experience that everyone dreams to witness once in their lifetime. The Snowfall here is mild and just about the perfect texture.

Sandakphu Trek Package Overview:

● Difficulty level: Moderate

● Duration: 5 Days

● Location: West Bengal

● Best time: October-May

Bali Pass Trek is another trek best suitable for more seasoned trekkers. Trekkers who would love to undertake a trek that is more difficult and adventurous, should really go for Bali pass trek as the journey through this trek is enthralling and the views this trek offers are wondrous and soul-satisfying!

Bali pass trek is an offbeat trek with its enchanting views, which will surely leave one mesmerized. Bali pass trek is famous for panoramic views of neighboring massifs like Bandarpoonch, Kalanag, and Swargarohini peaks. A thrilling experience of camping above 15,000 ft., one just needs to embrace the challenge, enjoy the air and behold the view.

One of the less popular treks in India, though more exhilarating than most others, Bali pass bridges the picturesque valley of Har ki Doon to Yamunotri valley. It boasts of the spectacular panoramic views of the adjoining Himalayan giants like Bandarpoonch, Kalanag, and Swargarohini, all of which seem to be within touching distance. The trails cut through verdant greenery before beautifully transforming into alpine terrain. The trek also takes one through the rustic base villages of Sankri and Osla, where a world of fascinating village cultures awaits. The trail along the glacial Ruinsara river is lined with vibrant alpine flowers, and the water bears a striking reflection of the skies, leaving you speechless.

The maximum altitude of the trek is estimated to be around 16,241 ft. The trekking distance is roughly calculated to be 57kms. It will require 8 days to complete the trek comfortably with accommodation starting from Dehradun. The best time to attempt for this trek is between September and October. This ensures the difficulty level to reduce a bit as there is lesser snow which unblocks one’s trails with no account of rain eventually keeping away the slippery terrains. For trekkers, who want a level up, can choose the pre-monsoon seasons as well. The vicious temperatures along with challenging roads will keep on the thrill and exhilaration of the trek.

Bali pass trek is not beginner-friendly, and quite difficult, trekkers need to possess a sufficient level of fitness to complete the entire trek. People having breathing problems and altitude sickness should not opt for Bali pass trek as you have to hike high altitudes there.