06 Nights/07 Days
Sandakphu(3636 Mtrs) previously known as Santapur previously means “ a place for the saints” is the highest point in the state of West Bengal and commands an inexplicable view of the Mt. Kangchendzonda(8586 Mtrs) range along with the Everest group-Mount Everest (8850 m) Lhotse (8516 m) Makalu (8481 m). It lies in the Singalila National park and a trek to this place takes the trekker through the wilderness of the National Park along with stunning vistas of exquisite flora and Fauna. Reaching the top of Sandakphu really becomes an occasion of celebration for the trekkers with the stunning views of five eight thousander peaks of the world right in front of them defying the perspective of size and makes one feel sheer nature at its best, the very reason for which BBC had listed this trek in the “10 things I should do before I die” program.
This is essentially a beginner’s trek which does not need any technical expertise and can be done by anybody with the willingness to hit the nature and walk amongst them. The trekking route is very well beaten, wide and does not have steep gradients at all. So this becomes the best testing grounds for anybody who wants to start mountain exploration and enjoy nature at its best.
The time to visit this area is from October to February as the weather is very clear with the retreated monsoons thereby wonderful vistas of the eastern Himalayas will be open infront of the trekker with blue sky. It would be cold in the winter months so the energy will be saved to a great extent while trekking. Another time to undertake this journey will be during March to May to enjoy the full blooms of rhododendrons all along the trail.
The per person cost of the trek to sandakphu ( Bagdogra/njp) will be
10 persons : INR 27500.00 per person (B2B)
20 persons : INR 22500.00 per person (B2B)
We will pick u up from NJP/Bagdogra and drive to Dhotre a distance of 120 Kms which will take around 5 hrs. Dhotre is located in the tanglu forest range in the western part of North Bengal at an altitude of 2700 Mtrs and commands a beautiful view of Mt khanchendzonga. It’s a very small settlement of around 40 houses. We will meet our porters here There will be a briefing in the evening over dinner regarding the trek which will start the next day.
Early Morning after breakfast, we will, pack our backpacks and hit the trail on way to Tumling. The trail will start through deep pine forest, gradually going up and will reach a top for a 10 mins break from where we can see Darjeeling town and the beautiful eastern skyline. All along the trail we will have the snowcapped mountain ranges on our right side ruling the northern skyline. We go down from here cross two small hills and come across a meadow from where we can see the top of the place Tonglu. After climbing for about 20 mins we will take a diversion towards Tumling through the forest and can see the beautiful Tumling at a distance. Tumling is in the Ilam district of Nepal and we can practically stand by the side of the border pillar with one foot in india and another in Nepal. We stay the night at Shikhar lodge owned by Mrs. Nila Gurung who is a school teacher also and is known for her hospitality which has earned her several awards and her name has been incorporated in the Lonely Planet Travel journal/guide as well.
Wake up early in the morning to witness a beautiful sunrise on Mt khanchendzonga, have breakfast and prepare for the trek to kalapokhri. Today we will have a long day as the distance to our next destination is 15 Kms but a wonderful trek which will take through the Indo-Nepal border and also if weather permits we will get the first glimpse of Mt Everest just after staring from Tumling. The trek starts with a gradual climb for about an hour and then goes down to the town of Joebari(Nepal) where we will take a short break. After that the trail goes down steeply for about 1.5 hrs to Gairibas which is the Indo-nepal border check post. The trail takes climbs up steeply from here and takes us to kaiyakata where we will have our lunch and then a walk of 2.5 hrs on very comfortable gradient will take us to kalapokhri. The name kalapokhri has come from a pond which exists at this place, has black water and is revered by the local people. It is also said that this small pond never freezes even during the peak winter season. We will be staying in Chawang Lodge here which is maintained by a Tibetan family and is the best place to stay at kalapokhri.
We can get up early morning and go to the pond to witness a great sunrise, come back have breakfast and start for our final ascent to Sandakphu which is just 6 kms from here. We will be climbing the most today in terms of altitude from 3010 to 3636 mtrs and will take it very easy as the distance is not much but the gradient it. The trail from kalapokhri gradually rises for about 2 kms to reach a place called Beekaybhanjan or “Land of poisonous plants”. We take a short break here, have some tea and then start our final ascent to Sandakphu which can be seen from here and is just 4 kms away. We will walk very slowly from here with occasional rests as the gradient increases. We will cross three tops before we can clearly see Sandakphu at a stone throwing distance. The final ascent is steep and zigzag path turning after every 20-40 Mtrs. Reaching the top is an exhilarating moment for the trekker as suddenly he can’t see any mountain on top of him and the feeling of “top of the world” fills his being. We will staying at Hotel Sherpa Chalet here which is the best hotel and has well appointed rooms with attached bath and a very good restaurant. We will call off the day with a small celebration marking the success of reaching the top of the state of West Bengal.
We will get up real early in the morning to watch the most beautiful sunrise iat the horizon and watching the mountain range gradually getting filled up with sunrays is a treat to watch which can only be seen and enjoyed. After breakfast we start out trek downhill which is a beautiful walk through the jjungle along with the chirping of birds. We will lose altitude very fast and will see the mountain range gradually vanishing from our visions. We will come across a jungle with burnt trees all over which happened long back due to a very big forest fire. A steep downhill walk of 2 more kms will take us to Gurdum, which a beautiful place in the lap of mountain. We will halt for night here at Himalayan Resort which has a beautiful garden and a very good ambiance.
After breakfast we start for our final trek to Rimbick which is a very good trek and we will hit the Rammam River through the jungle and get to see some beautiful water fall. After about 2 hrs we will come to the mountain settlement of Sirikhola which situated by the side of the river Siri. We can go down to the river side, enjoy the view and continue to Rimbick which another 6 kms of absolutely straight walk. In Rimbick we will stay at Hotel Sherpa, the best property in the whole region with very well appointed rooms. In Rimbick we will have our first bath after 5 days as we have geysers with running water. In the evening we will officially close the trek with a bonfire some nice music and a great dinner.
After breakfast we drive down to Bagdogra airport which is a 6.5 hrs drive and take onward flight/train. Tour ends
The above cost is for 8 persons travelling together, the inclusions are mentioned hereunder:
The Above cost will not include the following
40% Booking deposite & remain amount trekkers should be deposite before start itinerary’s 1ST Day.
From Booking deposited amount of 75% our company will refund, if the trekkers cancellations prior 20 days before start of the trek.
Goechala trekking Fix Departure is open for booking.
Following given our departure list which are open for Booking. Our regular service cost Rs 16,500/- trekkers. And For details you may call and whatsapp our customer support. +91 80016 38402 / +91 96359 36229
