SANDAKPHU TREK

Daywise Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrive at NJP / Siliguri and drive to Maneybhanjyang (5 to 6 hours)

   From NJP, we drive along narrow, steep and winding roads commonly found in such mountainous regions along the Indo-Nepal border. We cross a number of sleepy towns and a border check-post during the 6 hour drive. Maneybhanjyang is a bustling town with a small monastery overlooking the town offering great views of the town and the surrounding forests. A local market with interesting trinkets and the famed ‘land-rovers’ from a bygone era are worth a look too. A basic guest house run by friendly locals is where we stay for the night.

    

    

2. Day 2 Trek from Maneybhanjyang to Tonglu (5 to 6 hours)

   An early morning start to the trek along paved roads with gradually increasing gradient all the way to Tonglu, our destination for today. There are a number of shortcuts as we can cut across the road through forest trails. We ascend steadily and first reach the picturesque monastery of Chitrey. After a short break to capture the beautiful paintings and sculptures of the Chitrey monastery, we trek through open green meadows and pass through the settlement of Meghma along the trail to get to Tonglu. A home-stay in Tonglu, situated on the top of a knoll, is our resting place for tonight

3. Day 3 Trek from Tonglu to Kalapokhari (6 to 7 hours)

   From Tonglu, we initially descend for about 8 to 9 kms to Gairibas passing along the settlements of Tumling and Jaubari. Around an hour into the day’s trek, we first officially enter the Singalila National Park, where our permits are issued. The rhododendrons mark their presence here on with brilliantly coloured flowers visible on the slopes of the mountains. Jaubari, a large settlement is located further down on the winding trail and comprises a number of small lodges and tea-shops offering delicious traditional ‘momos’ and hot tea for trekkers passing through.

   The descent ends at Gairibas and Kalapokhri is another 4 kms from here. The trek is now uphill along a moderate gradient through the rhododendron forest. A holy lake adorned with numerous prayer flags marks the entrance to Kalapokhri. As it now becomes evident, the place has been named after this lake basis the ‘dark waters’ it holds. Kalapokhri is a small settlement with a few camping grounds and basic guest houses lodged on either side of the trail continuing to Sandakphu.

    

4. Day 4 Trek from Kalapokhri to Sandakphu (3 to 4 hours)

   A short trek today, albeit a demanding one. It’s only 5 to 6 kms to Sandakphu but the gradient is steep and as we gain in altitude, one needs a mighty resolve to make it through the last half an hour.

   Sandakphu is a charming town, a few basic hotels and guest houses lining up the roads leading to and out of the town. The sight of the Himalayan peaks forming the “Sleeping Buddha” in the distance is a sight that will provide much relief after the tiring end to the day’s trek. The Kanchenjunga showcases its massive size and is complemented perfectly by the (relatively) smaller peaks of Pandim, Tenzingkhang and others that together form the ‘Sleeping Buddha’. Retire for the night into a comfortable guest house with such great views.

    

5. Day 5 Trek from Sandakphu to Phalut (7 to 8 hours)

   Today’s trek is completely contrasting to the previous day’s trek: long at 21 kms but mostly gradual trek through easy terrain and dense forests as we head deeper into the Singalila National Park.

   Phalut is known to be windy and there can be sudden changes of weather accompanied by short, heavy downpours. A jacket and a raincoat must always be kept handy. And the most important part: trek for 30-40 minutes to the top of the hill next to the trekker’s huts at Phalut and we are rewarded with an unforgettable view. 3 of the 14 8000’ers stand tall and proud, visible in all their glory. Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse and Mt. Makalu and Mt. M can be seen clearly on a bright sunny day, along with other 7000 metre peaks. Sacred to many, a view of these tall mountains on any day is always greeted with a short prayer as a mark of respect and gratitude by all the locals.

    

6. Day 6 Trek from Phalut to Sirikhola (7 to 8 hours)

   It’s all downhill from here on. We retrace our steps towards Sandakphu to reach Sabargram and change direction thereafter to descend to Molley. Molley has a well-equipped army camp and if you’re fortunate enough you might even be able to enjoy a game of cricket with the army jawans! Descending further through forests of magnolia, oaks and rhododendrons we break for lunch at Upper Sirikhola. Post lunch, we hike down passing through the lovely houses and gardens in Upper Sirikhola and descend to the riverside.

   Sirikhola is a lovely village located on the banks of the Siri River. The stay here will be in a cosy trekkers lodge right next to the river. The trek now completed, we relax by the riverside and enjoy the local song & dance routine by the evening campfire. Early next morning, we trek down to Rimbik and board a shared jeep for NJP / Siliguri.

    

7. Day 7 Drive from Sirikhola to NJP (5 to 6 hours)

   A short trek of about 30 minutes will take us to Rimbik where the vehicles are ready and waiting to commence the drive back to NJP / Siliguri.