-
Trek Grade
Moderate -
Trek Distance
67 Kms -
Trek Duration
7 Days -
Highest Altitude
12,000 ft -
Basecamp
Kopidana -
Pick & Drop Point
NJP railway station
Sandakphu Phalut Trek
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₹ 12,450
₹ 11,980
- + 5% GST
- 2500 - Extra For Transport From NJP & Return (you can pay directly to driver)
Sandakphu Phalut Trek
Sandakphu Phalut Trek lies in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal; on this trek, you can expect to experience the breathtaking vistas of the world’s tallest peaks. The Level of this trek is moderate to difficult, suitable for people with prior experience; first-time trekkers can also do this. Picturesque views of the snow-capped peaks of Nepal, Bhutan, and east of Tibet are the scenery that awaits on this trek. Since this trek falls under the Singallia National Park, you can witness this region’s rich vegetation and fauna. At this remarkable height, you would see the Buddha Formation and the sight of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, and various other snow-covered peaks. The vibrant biodiversity found in the region includes Magnolias and Rhododendrons, which are very beautiful and add to the scenic picture-perfect landscape. This hamlet is studded with local wooden huts and spread-out farmlands. This trek also follows the Old Silk Route, where the trail leads through bends, loops, and lush natural beauty, along with the hospitality of the locals.
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Priyanka | Mountain Experts
Priyanka
Born in Gopeshwar, Uttrakhand completed education in Dehradun, and graduated in the technical. After that, Priyanka worked for 1 year in the technical field. However, her passion was to travel so she tried to turn her career in that direction. To fulfill adventure passion, Priyanka did first trek to Kedarkanta, which was a life-changing experience for her. After this Priyanka became curious to explore more, so later she did the BramhaTal Trek, Nag Tibba Trek, and Chopta Tungnath and list goes on. Now she taken this trekking and adventure experience and converted it into a profession. Now she love to offer advice, guide, trekkers. Make sure to get detailed help related to the Himalayan trek from her.
Why You Should Do Sandakphu Phalut Trek
Sandakphu Phalut Trek is a must-do trek as on this; you come close to the world’s highest peaks. One of the famous sights on this trek is the Buddha Formation. Also, enjoy nature at its best as it lies in the Singallia National Park. The trekker learns about the local lifestyle by seeing the architecture of houses, monasteries, and locals in their day-to-day activities.
A stunning view of the world’s tallest mountain peaks.The picture-perfect sight of four of the world’s tallest mountains in Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. The peaks that will be visible are Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Kanchenjunga. Snowline
1.Get enthralled by the sight of flora and fauna.
The trek is in Singallia National Park, which is rich in biodiversity as you see Magnolias and Rhododendrons. The flowers add to the scenic views of pink, red, scarlet, and yellow hills. Get astonished at the sight of Himalayan black bears and Red Panda jumping on trees in the National Park.
2. “Sleeping Buddha” is a famous peak that is uniquely shaped.
The famous sight of the Buddha Formation is another picturesque sight on this trek. Sleeping Buddha holds significant meaning and importance in Buddhism. This stance mainly implies eternal peace and tranquility. The four tallest mountains form the famous “Sleeping Buddha.”
3. Remote Villages of the Himalayan region.
On the trek, you would see quaint Himalayan villages where people live in the winter season. You would come close to the lifestyle of local villagers, who depend greatly on tourism.
4. Drive through the well-known tea estates of Darjeeling and Sikkim.
You will have the opportunity to tour the native tea gardens of Darjeeling and Sikkim and experience.
Best Time to Do Sandakphu Phalut Trek
The best time to do this trek is between January to April and September to December. In the spring season, the temperature during the day is between 15 to 20 degrees Celsius, and at night it drops to 1 to 5 degrees Celsius. In the autumn, the temperature ranges between 13 to 18 degrees Celsius during the day, and if it rains, the temperature may drop to 1 to 12 degrees Celsius. In the winter, the temperature remains between 8 to 12 degrees Celsius; at night, it remains at 0 degrees Celsius and sometimes drops below 0 degrees Celsius. In winter, the trekker gets to experience snow mildly; spring brings color with it, whether it is white Magnolia flowers or trees of Rhododendron in pink and red. The landscape turns golden in autumn, and you see the unmistakable sight of peaks.
Trek Route
Day 1: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Sepi by Road
Day 2: Sepi to Gorkhey via Raman-Samanden
Day 3: Gorkhey to Phalut by Trek
Day 4: Phalut to Thakom by Trek
Day 5: Thakom to Aal by Trek
Day 6: Aal to Timbure via Sandakphu by Trek
Day 7: Timbure to Srikhola by Trek, Srikhola to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) by Road
Day Wise Detailed Itinerary of Sandakphu Phalut Trek
Day 1: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Sepi by Road
- Stay – Overnight stay at the teahouse.
- Meal – Dinner
- Distance – 130 km
- Time Taken – approx. 7 hrs
- Altitude – New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station (374 ft / 114 meter), Sepi (6400 ft / 1951 meter)
- Altitude Difference – 6026 ft / 1837 meter
The trekkers would begin the journey from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Sepi; on the road, they would pass through the famous tea gardens of Darjeeling and Sikkim. After we had begun the drive, the first place we would reach was Mirik, which is a famous tourist destination. On route, we would pass by some picturesque, charming villages like Rimbik, Sukhipokhri and Dhotrey. The stop point of today’s trek is Sepi, an impressive place surrounded by greenery. There is also a Srikhola spring in Sepi village, which makes the landscape more beautiful. Upon reaching it, we would rest after the tiring, long drive.
Day 2: Sepi to Gorkhey via Raman-Samanden
- Stay – Overnight stay at the teahouse.
- Meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Distance – 15 km
- Time Taken – approx. 8 hrs
- Altitude – Sepi (6400 ft / 1951 meter), Gorkhey (7874 ft / 2400 meter)
- Altitude Difference – 1474 ft / 449 meter
- Trek Grade – Gradual
It is the second day of your travel and the first day of your trek, so that trekkers will be given a delicious breakfast in the morning on this day. The trekkers would be passing through the famous Darjeeling tea garden. From the beginning of the trek, the trail gradually climbs uphill, followed by some steep sections until we reach Raman. At the beginning of the trail, you would be crossing fields and small huts on the way. But as you proceed, the huts will disappear, and you will start seeing pine and oak forests. The trekker would find dense forest as the region falls under the Singalila Range, which is well known for abundant greenery. The trekker would then cross a bridge, after which lies an area where locals have dedicated stone benches for the people who have passed away. As the trekkers move further, they would again see farmlands and wooden huts, which means they have reached Samanden village. From Samanden village, it is just a few kilometers till you reach Gorkhey, which would be the resting place for the day.
Day 3: Gorkhey to Phalut by Trek
- Stay – Overnight stay at the teahouse.
- Meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Distance – 15 km
- Time Taken – approx. 7 hrs
- Altitude – Gorkhey (7874 ft / 2400 meters), Phalut (11,800 ft / 3600 meters)
- Altitude Difference – 3926 ft / 1200 meter
- Trek Grade – Gradual to Moderate
Begin your morning with hot tea and the glorious view of the mountains before you. When the trekker is ready for the day’s trek, they begin walking along the gorgeous Gorkhey Khola, which flows out of Ramam River and passes through Gorkhey village. The trail would then pass through Oaks, Bamboos, and Rhododendron Forest, and at some places, the trail could be steeply uphill. Soon, you will reach Phalut, one of the highest peaks in the Singalila Range and the second-highest point after Sandakphu Ridge. “Sleeping Buddha” is the name of the four tallest mountain peaks in Phalut. Gorkhey is a small village with fields and rivers flowing at the bottom. Here, you could also experience the warmth of the local culture and lifestyle of the quaint little village.
Day 4: Phalut to Thakom by Trek
- Stay – Overnight stay at the teahouse.
- Meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Distance – 10 km
- Time Taken – approx. 7 hrs
- Altitude – Phalut (11,800 ft / 3600 mtr), Thakom (11,300 ft / 3444 mtr)
- Altitude Difference – 500 ft / 156 meter
- Trek Grade – Gradual to Moderate
On this day, you would be trekking where the Sleeping Buddha formation would be in the background. In today’s trek, you will cross the Indo-Nepal border to reach Nepal. Thakom is a beautiful valley between Sabargram and Sandakphu, a beautiful combination of beautiful meadows and a picturesque landscape setting. On this trek, you would see some Yaks grazing in the meadows; the trail is further remote and unknown location. You will see Rhododendron trees as you reach the day’s stopping point. Upon reaching the stopping point, Trekup India’s high-altitude chief will prepare a delicious dinner for you.
Day 5: Thakom to Aal by Trek
- Stay – Overnight stay at the teahouse.
- Meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Distance – 11 km
- Time Taken – approx. 7 hrs.
- Altitude – Thakom (11,300 ft / 3444 meters), Aal (11,500 ft / 3505 meters)
- Altitude Difference – 200 ft / 61 meter
- Trek Grade – Gradual to Moderate
The beautiful sunrise awaits you as you wake up in the morning with scenic views of the mountains. All is also the closest campsite to Sandakphu summit; today’s trek will not be as tiring as the previous days. Furthermore, on this trek, you would also catch sight of the Kanchenjunga ranges and other peaks. From here, you would be closely seeing the Sleeping Buddha formation. You would get ample rest at Aal before the next day’s trek.
Day 6: Aal to Timbure via Sandakphu by Trek
- Stay – Overnight stay at the teahouse.
- Meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Distance – 14 km
- Time Taken – approx. 6 hrs
- Altitude – All (11,500 ft / 3505 meters), Sandakphu (11,930 / 3636 meters), Timbure (6550 ft / 1996 meters)
- Altitude Difference – Aal to Sandakphu (430 ft / 131 meters), Sandakphu to Timbure (5380 ft / 1640 meters)
- Trek Grade – Gradual
Today marks a long trekking day; begin the morning with a warm breakfast and hot tea. The trekker would reach from Aal to Sandakphu in a few hours, where you could enjoy the sunrise if you wake up early. From Sandakphu, you will see snow-covered peaks such as Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Nuptse, Baruntse, Chamling, Chomo, Lonzo, Machapuchare, and others. After spending ample time at the top, you would begin your downhill climb towards Timbure. The first village you would be crossing by is Gurdum, which is a picture-perfect dwelling surrounded by Himalayan mountains. Upon reaching Timbure, you would be either staying at the teahouse.
Day 7: Timbure to Srikhola by Trek, Srikhola to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) by Road
- Stay – Overnight stay at the teahouse.
- Meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Distance – Timbure to Srikhola by Trek (3 km), Srikhola to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) by road (130 km)
- Time Taken – Timbure to Srikhola by Trek (approx. 1 hr), Srikhola to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) by road (approx. 6 hrs)
- Altitude – Timbure (6550 ft / 1996 meter), Srikhola (6900 ft / 2103 meter), New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station (374 ft / 114 meter),
- Altitude Difference – Timbure to Srikhola (440 ft / 107 meters), Srikhola to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway (6526 ft / 1989 meter)
- Trek Grade – Gradual
This is the last of your journey and trek; this would be the last when you would be up close to the mountains. You will begin your trek from Timbure to Srikhola, which will take approx. one hour. From Srikhola, you would begin road travel to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station, where a Trekup India Representative would drop you off. As you reach New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station, the Trekup India Team will bid you farewell, and you will be on your own to either proceed towards your home or you could explore the nearby places.
Food Provided by Us During the Sandakphu Trek
We provide only Indian vegetarian food and mainly your meal is going to contain Indian bread, vegetable, lentils and Rice along with delicious dessert. During your trek, we will serve three meals a day including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In the evening, you will also be served tea & snacks and lip-smacking soup before dinner. If it will be a long day of trekking, you will be given a packed snack.
After doing a lot of research on the nutritional requirements for the trekkers, we prepare the menu. Before putting all the meals together, we also consider altitude gained and weather.
The meal served by us while trek is perfectly balanced with the right amounts of calories, carbohydrates, vitamins, protein, fiber, and minerals. You need to know that all our cooks have great expertise in cooking and have undergone thorough training. So, get ready to enjoy delectable and lip-smacking dishes during your trek. You will be served with lemon tea in the tent in order to start your day with a refreshed feeling. Before leaving the campsite for trekking, you will be given a hot finger-licking breakfast like upma, Aallu Prantha, Besan Chilla, Poha, Daliya, Corn flakes, Maggie, along with tea or coffee.
In case, your trek will be longer one then we also offer some fresh local fruits such as apples and even healthy drinks like Frootie or Maaza. In the afternoon, you will be served simple & healthy lunch, while at around 04:00 pm, you will be given tea and a light evening breakfast. After you reach your campsite at night, you will be served a hot and delightful dinner. After reading this, you must have got the idea about the food provided by us on trek, you don’t need to worry about food. Many trekkers trek with us again and again because of the food we provide. Thus, we will definitely give you unforgettable experiences.
Safety During Sandakphu Trek
Trekking with us for sandakphu trek is completely safe because we have a team of trek leaders who are qualified in Wilderness first-aid and also have complete information about the high-altitude glitches. During Trek, we carry a complete first-aid kit that contains all the important medicines. Before trekking with us, you need to ensure that you are medically fit for the trek and if you are able to judge yourself then it is better to take advice from a professional. For us, your medical fitness is very important than anything else.
Know About Us:- You need to know that our company Trekup India has been in the field of Adventure Tourism for the last 23 years. Right from our inception, we have been involved in providing treks, voyage & hiking programs as well as high altitude expedition rafting.
We keep on organizing treks in Uttarakhand, Kashmir, Sikkim and Himachal, while being a part of the trekking community, we feature more than 75 Himalayan documented treks. Apart from other outdoor activities, our company also organizes trips for schools, colleges, and family.
We ensure complete technical safety in the mountain
Our company has a vast team of more than 100 guides, as well as trainers in order, serve in the mountain treks. One of the best things about our team is that all the members are trained professionally from Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Indian mountaineering foundation Delhi as well as Hanifle Center Outdoor Education Mussoorie.
Therefore, we never believe in compromising on the quality as well as services offered to our valuable customers.
For Us, Your Safety Is the Top Priority
At Trekup India, you will find a team with local knowledge and fluency in English as well as Hindi. This helps in ensuring that you have an amazing trek and not only this, we also pay attention to your health as well as safety because this is something we cannot ignore. All the team leaders involved in trekking have already undergone several professional courses in First Aid, Portable Altitude Chamber Training, CPR, Environmental Awareness Training as well as Advanced Wilderness Emergency Medicine.
We also carry a complete first aid medical kit not only on the trek but on each and every trip which is organized by us. Apart from the medical kit, we carry a portable altitude chamber and medical oxygen for all kinds of high-altitude treks . Our company has great expertise in organizing all sorts of group adventure holidays for family groups, school & college groups as well as friend groups. When it comes to travel options, we have a wide range that suits different fitness levels as well as traveling styles.
Therefore, no matter who big the group size, we pay personal attention to each and every member present in the group.
How We Ensure That Your Trek Is Safe with Us
Right from our establishment, we at Trekup India, are continuously involved in introducing new safety practices into Indian trekking in order to ensure the safety of voyagers. For walking on snow, Trekpp India introduced Microspikes and also made emergency bottled oxygen mandatory for all kinds of treks. In order to test pulse as well as oxygen saturation levels, pulse oxymeters are used. As a safety communication device, we at TrekupIndia introduced radio.
Though we have noticed that most of the organizations organizing treks do not follow these systems but with time several competing companies are adopting these practices and organizing great and safe treks.
Explore our New Safety Protocols
In order to ensure a perfect Trek, we have introduced some new safety checks that will assure more safety for our trekkers.
Our On-trek safety checks includes:
- Daily oxygen saturation along with pulse readings
- Stretchers team appointed on every trek
- Radios
- Trained mountain staff and full safety
- Additional oxygen cylinders
- Special medical kit for high altitude treks
- Microspikes on all types of snow treks
- Experienced Trek leaders as well as safety
- Technical team on all snowy slopes
What should you pack for the Sandakphu Trek?
Being an trekking, adventure & travel company, we get many questions from our trekkers and most common question that arises is what to carry or what should we pack for the trek? Sometime it becomes difficult to explain in details and therefore below we have prepared the detailed packing list, helpful for all trekkers coming to the Himalayas. Whenever we go on trek or start packing things one should remember the packing pattern i.e. either you start from head to foot or foot to head, this way there will be rare chance that you will forget the items to pack, so go step by step.
- Backpack
Make sure your backpack should be comfortable neither too big nor to small and for a week trek 60-70 liters of backpack should be enough to hold all your belongings. Ensure that your backpack has good hip & Shoulder support and pockets should be accessible quickly.
- Daypack
All trekkers should keep in mind that daypack is very important, this will be a great help to you while on trek, also every single day you won’t be carrying you backpack therefore for day excursion , shorter hikers, sightseeing you can carry your stuff in it.
- Footwear
- Trekking shoes: Preferably water proof, ankle support.
- Walking / Hiking sandals: This can be used off trek i.e. in the morning and evening hours, basically to get your feet rest from heavy boots, sometime used for crossing streams and rivers, it’s more comfortable and safe than crossing barefoot or wetting your boots.
- Sneakers (Optional): For normal driving days or can use around the camp
- Socks (3-4 Pairs) – Make sure to choose material wisely, it should be quick drying, warm and comfortable.
- Clothing’s
- Hiking / trekking jacket: Carry good quality layer jackets
- Hiking pants: Check some kind of long nylon blend, light and quick drying pants. Warm covers ups like fleece-lined tracksuit pants or ski pant.
- Undergarments as per your habitual requirement
- T-Shirts and Shorts (3-4 Warm comfortable)
- Ordinary Shirt / T-shirt – Just in case everything gets wet this will help for roaming around.
- Long Sleeve shirt – can be used as a base layer on colder days
- Socks – at least 4-5 pairs
- Leggings – Can be used specially chilling morning and evening , to keep your body warm
- Thermals – get 2 pairs of thermals, this will be great need a body to keep it warm.
- Buff / Balaclava – This is a must to carry to cover your neck and this item is an ideal solution to keep your neck / throat warm.
- Beanie Cap- Very helpful item for colder and windy days should carry 1, also sometime when its freezing cold you can use it a night as well.
- Hiking Hat- this will basically help during the day time specially from the sun rays, make sure it has a strip so that wind does not below is far from your headJ..
- Gloves – 01 pair will be enough to keep your hand warm and nice.
- Rain wears
- Rain Coat and Pant – Carry a pair of it to protect you from the rain OR
- Rain Poncho – during long rains, the waterproof jackets starts leaking but poncho does get work in keeping you dry, so choose accordingly.
- Rain covers: Some small water proof to cover your backpack and daypack as well for your gadgets.
- Gadgets and Electronic
- Trekking Poles
- Mobile phone
- Camera
- Spare batteries for phone and camera, powerbank
- Light weight flash light or headlight
- Waterproof bag made up of plastic for camera
- Music system / Bluetooth
- Plug/converter for electrical items
- Sunglasses
- 1 liter water bottle
- Journal with pen would be good idea to keep your notes.
- Some book of your interest for ideal time
- Get into habit of keeping Map and guide book of the region.
- Hygiene & Personal toiletry
- Sunscreen with UV protection
- 1 or 2 small quick-drying towels
- Toilet paper/tissues/wet-wipes
- Toothbrush/toothpaste/ mouth freshener
- Deodorant / Talcum powder
- Shampoo
- Lip-gloss/salve
- Sanitary pads/tampons (For female traveler)
- Bio gradable Soap
- Nail clipper
- Your other personal items that you use on daily basis
- Personal First aid Kit and Energy – below are some common medicine generally required / used during your adventure trip, however please consult your doctors prior.
- Antiseptic towel or water syringe (to clean the wound)
- Butterfly bandage for small cut
- Cotton and elastic bandages and sterile gauze pad for larger wounds
- Latex gloves used when its wound bleeds
- Medicine for Diarrhea (Upset stomach)
- Medicine for cold, flue / fever headache
- Some pain killers
- ORS pouches
- Quick pain relief spray (External use)
- Any personal medicine prescribed by your doctor
- Dimox / Similar for high altitude sickness
- Bug Repellent
- Carry some nutria / energy bars and drinks (non-alcoholic)
Note: Kindly consult your doctor before purchasing or taking any medicine.
9.Compulsory Documents to Carry
These are files needed to be submitted at Forest Department before ypur trek. With no of these, you will not be permitted to trek .Original and photocopy of government photo identity card. Carry Id’s like adhaar, voter id, etc.
Important note: You can book rent gears, what you can rent & buy from us and what you need to get from your home town, make your bagpack easy not heavy.
Click the link: https://booking.trekupindia.com/rent-trekking-gears/
Now you are all set for your Adventure trip with Trekup India!!
Trek Cost Inclusion
- Stay: 7 Nights tented accommodation at respective teahouses on a sharing basis.
- Meals: Trekup India provided cooked meals during the trek, starting with Dinner on Day 01 to Breakfast on day 7 (Meals are simple, nutritious, and vegetarian and non-repeated meals)
- Transport: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Sepi and Srikhola to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) on sharing jeeps
- Health & Safety: First Aid Box, Oxygen Cylinders, Stretchers, Oxi meters, BP Machines, Health.
- Permits: Forest Permits and Camping Permission Fee
- Trek Crew: High Altitude Chef, Helpers, Trek Leader & Guides, and other support team.
- Potters & Mules: Potters and Mules to carry all trekking equipment, ration, and vegetables.
Trek Cost Exclusion
- GST 5% (it is Mandatory)
- Any insurance (Trekup India recommends each trekker get insurance)
- Any Meals/accommodation beside the itinerary or not mentioned in the program.
- Any Bus / Airfare to/from trek start/end point
- Personal Medical expenses do carry your medication.
- Any personal services such as Laundry, phone calls, liquors, mineral water etc.
- Any still / video camera fee
- Any Entrance fee Monuments, Monasteries, Museums, Temples – Pay directly on the spot.
- Mules or porter charges to carry private baggage (Offload Charges for bag 700 per day, per bag. Note: Bag weight should not be more than 10 kg.
- Any emergency evacuation charges
- Any services that are not mentioned in the cost inclusion section.
Trek Logistics
How To Reach New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP)
By Air
Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport (if you plan to come by flight, our pickup point will be STNM Bus / Taxi Stand in Siliguri, which is approx. 20-25 Km from the airport, and it is advised to arrive either early morning or a day prior if planning by flight).
By Train
The Railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) with great railway connectivity connections; if planning to arrive by train, then book your train till New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) and from there, take an auto/taxi to STNM Bus / Taxi Stand in Siliguri, which is approx. 30-35 Km from the airport, and it is advised to arrive either early morning or a day prior if planning by train as sometimes the trains are delayed).
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Route Map, Temprature And Rain Fall Charts
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