Sandakphu Trek
Trip duration: 10 Days
Trip type: Trekkers Hut / Lodge
Trip Grade: Moderate
Max altitude:12,000 ft
Trip Start: Darjeeling
Trip End: Darjeeling
Best Season: March / April / May / Oct / Nov
everestjam@gmail.com
Tour Overview
Darjeeling has one of the most spectacular treks to offer along the beauty of its magnificent hills. This trek is along the Nepal /India border and the views of Kanchenjunga and both Everest and Makalu from the ridge is spectacular. The charm of the Himalayas along with its mysteries gradually unfold as trekkers traverse through the dense forests and verdant landscapes, through miles of green carpeted meadows. The Singalila Ridge, as it is called will enable you to discover the sublime Himalayan interiors unmarred by mankind. It is an ideal hike for first time trekkers in the Himalayas.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Bagdogra airport, you will be received by our representatives. The drive from Bagdogra to Darjeeling is a beautiful 3 hours drive along forests, tea estates, and pleasant hillside towns and villages. Our drive into Darjeeling will also take us along the route of the famous Toy Train. Overnight Hotel. (D)
We will visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), the center and training school for Indian climbers. The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is on the premises of the HMI has a rare collection of animals, some of which include the Siberian Tigers, Red Pandas and the Snow Leopards. We will also visit the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center. Late afternoon high tea at the Tenzing Norgay family Residence. We will have the unique opportunity to visit the late Tenzing’s personal museum, which houses an invaluable collection of medals and personal memorabilia. Overnight hotel. (B,L,D)
Drive to Dhotray through towns and villages on steep hillside for about 2 hours. Then we start the trek here, a gradual hike to the top of the Tonglu Ridge, which borders Nepal and India. Tonglu looks directly on Darjeeling and commands a magnificent view of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Overnight Trekkers Hut (B,L,D)
We continue our walk with gradual downhills through Oak, Magnolia, Chestnut and Rhododendron trees towards Gairibas. This is where we enter the Singalila National Park. Overnight Trekkers hut.. (B,L,D)
Today we continue uphill for about 2 hrs walk to a small village called KayaKatha, and then traverse along the road for another 2 hrs to Kalapokhari which falls in Nepal. We will have lunch at Kalapokhari. After lunch we will walk on the Nepalese border for another hour to Bekyabhanjang after which we then have to make a steep and final 1 hr and 30 mins climb to Sandakphu. It is here that one encounters nature’s pristine glory at its magnificent best. We will witness four of the world's highest mountains all at 8,000 meters. This is truly a sight that one will always remember. Overnight Trekkers hut. (B,L,D)
An early sunrise view of the snowclad arc of the Eastern Himalayas reveals the unforgettable view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, 144 Km as crow flies, Mt. Kanchenjunga 48Km as crow flies in all their majesty. After breakfast the trek begins with a gradual descent and proceeds at a fairly level stretch for 13 km an easy hike through Rhododendrons, oak forests and through the high pastures of the stately silver fur forest. The last km is a series of Zig – Zags downhill going into the forest into Molley. Overnight Trekkers. (B,L,D)
We descend through rich cultivated fields of vegetation and rare Orchids. This trail is also well known for its rare collection of birds and Rhododendrons. Then we reach the village of Gorkay. Overnight Trekkers hut. (B,L,D)
We will climb through thick rhododendron forests and orchids, which will bring us to Samaden village also known as the "Lost Valley". Standing at a plateau in the middle with green vegetation contrasted by the bright yellow mustard plant. A downhill hike for an hour and then an uphill walk for another one and half hour will bring us to the village of Ramam. We then traverse and walk downhill towards the village of Sri Khola. From here we drive for 20 minutes to the village of Rimbick. Overnight lodge at Rimbick. (B,L,D)
We drive in the morning from Rimbick to Darjeeling. Overnight hotel (B,L,D).
After breakfast, depart for Bagdogra to catch our flight home.
Inclusions
- Airport transfers,
- Accommodations and all meals at hotels in Darjeeling.
- Transportation to/from the trail head,
- All meals on trek, including trekkers Hut.
- Trekking services, Guide, Porters/ horses
- Trek permits.
Exclusions
- International airfare,
- Domestic airfare,
- Visas, rescue, insurance,
- Extra hotel nights,
- Items of any personal nature such as drinks, tips,laundry and camera fees.