Sandakphu and Dayara Bugyal Trek: The Wonders of Winter Trekking

 One of the best 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 can discover 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 these 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 magical 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 one can reach Sandakphu in 7 to 8 hours they 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 unfavorable climatic conditions. Also, when trekking in October, one must try to not miss this mystic trek. Sandakphu trek 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.

Dayara Bugyal Trek

The heavenly Dayara Bugyal Trek begins through the forests of pine, oak, maple, and the famous and magical wildflower, rhododendrons. This trek is indeed best suited for first-timers and the height of Dayara Bugyal Trek is at such perfect altitude, that it experiences a subtle coldness and springing aroma, all year.

Dayara Bugyal Trek is called Uttarakhand’s winter wonderland is called so for a reason. Although its meadows remain a tourist attraction throughout the year, during winters, the beauty of this place gets to its extremes. Skiing is one of the doable sports during the winters through these bugyals, due to smooth slopes and tops. During summers, that is during the months of March and April, the meadows of Barnala and bugyals of Dayara are green and filled with gorgeous bedding of various flowers. During autumn, during the months of September, October, and November, the smooth and green pastures are transformed into shades of yellow, and golden. Trekmunk, one of the best trekking companies in India, provides well-planned trips to Dayara Bugyal which can be greatly enjoyed as well many new things can be learned and explored too.

The place becomes extremely gorgeous, and heart-warming, as the winters arrive. During the months of December, January, and February the meadows are embraced with a blanket of white, due to snow. This short-trailed 6-days treks will surely refreshen and make one’s life more enchanting than ever before!