A Wholesome Trekking Experience: Sandakphu Phalut Trek

After undertaking the heavenly Kuari Pass Trek last year, I was very much motivated and thrilled to undertake the Sandakphu Phalut Trek in the beginning of January. And like most people say that the best way to feel refreshed is doing things that make one happy the most, I, along with my cousins undertook this trek and was (still am) completely in love with this place! My trekking journey was really a thrilling and wholesome one.

Day 1: From New Jalpaiguri to Manebhanjan

The trek base camp was at Manebhanjan. A drive of 4 hours from New Jalpaiguri led us to Manebhanjan. Manebhanjan is a small, serene and beautiful village in West Bengal. The ambience of this place was so quiet with peace all around. This was the initial point of the Sandakphu trek.

Day 2 : Trekking from Manebhanjan to Tumling

Next day, we started our trek from Manebhanjan towards Tumling, it was a 11 km trek and took around 7 hours to complete. Tumling was at an elevation of 9,700 feet from mean sea level. There was a steep climb lasting for a duration of 1.5 hours. A gradual ascent along with descent was followed for another hour, then followed by 3 hours of level walk accompanied with some gradual ascents. There were approximately 3 water points namely Chittrey, Lamyadhura and Meghma which were at a duration of 1.5 hours from each other. There were a few private huts and lodges for the travelers. We came across a signboard indicating the way to Singalila National Park emanating right ahead. On the other side, we found an elevated trail towards Tonglu which was another high mountain settlement. The border between Nepal and India becomes a blur at Tumbling and we found ourselves in another country after crossing a check post. We also witnessed a magnificent view of the Kanchenjunga peak. This marked the end of the fruitful second day. We had our dinner and had an early sleep.

Day 3 : Trekking from Tumling to Kalipokhri

On the third day, we trekked from Tumling to Kalipokhri. From Tumling, the trek distance was around 14 kilometres and it took around seven hours to reach Kalipokhri. There was a gradual ascent which lasted for a duration of 1.5 hours. Thereafter, a 40-minute descent followed by steep ascent for an hour from Garibas which was again followed by an easy descent. A level walk continued for the remaining 2 hours of the trek. We also came across the elegant Sleeping Buddha soaked in the fine rays of the sun. The complete family of Kanchenjunga unveils itself if the sky is quite clear. Then, the journey towards Kalipokhri advanced through the stunning forests of Singalila National Park. The deep forests there, are well known for its diverse flora. Thereafter we came across steep ascend. The trail got greener and greener as we ascended. After reaching the campsite, we had dinner and enjoyed the mesmerizing colors of nature in the night.

Day 4 : Trekking from Kalipokhri to Sandakphu

On the fourth day, we trekked to Sandakphu from Kalipokhri. This trek was a 6.5 Kms stretch and took 4 hours to complete. The main ascent of the trek was from Kalipokhri to Sandakphu. Sandakphuwas at an elevation of approximately 12,000 feet above mean sea level. This was the highest point of the whole trek.The trail from Kalipokhri to Sandakphu was an easy one. With the arrival of the flat land, we were exposed to the panoramic views of the mighty Sandakphu summit.Another 4 kilometres of zig-zag ascend lead to the top of the summit. From there, we witnessed stunning glimpses of the snow-capped mountain peaks of Makalu, Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and many more. The surreal feeling of being on the top of the world was truly very wholesome and thrilling.

Day 5 : Trekking from Sandakphu to Sabargram/Mole

Next day from Sandakphu, we trekked to Sabargram/Mole, the stretch of the trek was 14 Kms and required about 8 hours to complete. The trail was very long and therefore we started as early as possible. The trail through it emanated with a gradual descent with a combination of steep and gradual ascents along with level walks. The whole trail was aligned with alpine berries and rhododendrons. The pretty red rhododendrons view was just surreal. One can also witness amazing snow-capped mountains throughout the thrilling trail.

Day 6 : Trekking from Sabargram to Gorkhey via Phalut

On the sixth day, we trekked to Gorkhey from Sabargram. This stretch of the trek was 21 Kms and it took around 6 hours to complete. On route there was Phalut, a zig-zag trail from Sabargram. We witnessed some of the best views of Kanchenjunga on this trail from Sabargram to Phalut. Phalut was a very small grassland with nearly empty vegetation. The place had the best panoramic views of the entire setting.We then started early as we had to make a long descend from Sabargram to Gorkhey. The trail was around 17 kilometres. Gorkhey was at an elevation of 7,546 feet from mean sea level. It was one of the longest trails in the whole Sandakphu trek but the descent makes it easier and less tiresome. The great variety of flora and fauna amidst the forest was alluring!

Day 7 : Trekking to Sepi and then departing

On the seventh day, we trekked to Sepiwhich took about 6 hours to complete. The trail was quite easy consisting of level walks with some patches of ascents and descents. An hour into the trek, we reached Ramam and took a small break at the teahouse adjacent to the SSB Post at Ramam. We also came across bamboo forests where Red Pandas and Bears are found. After crossing the serene Sri river, we finally reached Sepi. Lastly, we had a drive from Sepi to New Jalpaiguri and once reached we planned our further journey to visit Darjeeling. With this we bid goodbye to the enchanting Sandakphu Phalut Trek.