Sandakphu – Phalut trek located at an altitude of 3636 m along the Singalila Ridge is a moderate one and quite popular among tourists to witness the most visually stimulating view of the majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga and a host of other stunning peak.
The grandeur of snow capped mountains, battalions of colorful wild flowers like primulas, rhododendron, magnolias, orchids and many other sub-alpine flowers, the melodic chirp of birds filling the air and the fresh green smell… soaking in all of this would definitely elate all your senses during the trek. Of course, you will have to make an effort and trek uphill to experience this ‘top of the world’ feeling but we assure you it is definitely worthwhile.
If you plan your travel to Darjeeling, make sure you don’t miss out on Sandakphu Phalut trekking for lifetime experience.
Arrive at the Tribhuwan International Airport where you will be welcomed by Trek Himalayan representative and transferred to your Pre-booked hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free until evening when you’ll enjoy a welcome drinks with your guide and introduce to each other. Overnight in Kathmandu
Your guide will meet you at your hotel in the morning to begin your city tour of Kathmandu. You will visit the Boudhanath temple, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal, Pashupatinath, a Hindu pilgrimage site, and possibly view cremation ceremonies along the banks of the Bagmati River and continue drive to Patan Durbar Square to take in ancient Nepalese architecture and end your tour after a lunch. Then, you will visit the Patan museum. Overnight in Kathmandu
After an early breakfast we drive to Kathmandu airport to catch a flight to Bhadrapur (Nepal – India border town). Upon arrival you will be driven to Darjeeling popularly known as the Queen of the Hills. The route is scenic and the drive is enjoyable. Once you reach Darjeeling, you will be free either to relax in your hotel or to explore the town. Overnight stay in hotel
Early in the morning we drive to Tiger Hill to watch the sunrise view. The sunrise over Kanchanjunga which can be viewed from Tiger hill is considered one of the best sights. We will return to the hotel and rest for a while. In the afternoon we continue sightseeing around the major attractions of the town. We will also take a joy ride in the Toy train of Darjeeling up to Ghoom station. Later, we will visit the Himalayan Zoological Park and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. There is a natural history museum which is worth a visit. Overnight stay in hotel
We need to wake up early and drive to Manebhanjang, a small village 58km away from Darjeeling and takes 1.5 hours drive. This modest village is inhabited by Buddhist Sherpa. We begin our trek early in order to cross over a quite steep uphill climb on a stoned pathway and enjoy panoramic grandeur of the mountain. We reach Tonglu (3070 m) which is situated 11 km from Manebhanjang. It takes 5-6 hrs. En route you will pass through pine, fir, birch, bamboo forest and reach Tonglu, another tiny Buddhist settlement. From Tonglu you will enjoy an excellent view of the entire Himalayan Mountains. Overnight at camp or home stay
Wake up early to witness the magical golden sunrise behind the Himalaya Range. It will be a rewarding day today as you will enter the famous Singalila National Park and discover some exotic plants and if you are lucky even spot a red panda. After breakfast you could begin your easy downhill trek to Gairibas (2621 m). This small village is approximately 9km from Tonglu and will take you around 3 hours to reach. En route you will pass through a quaint hamlet, modest farmlands and lots of bamboo forest. We will have lunch at Gairibas and then gear up for a continuous uphill climb to Kalipokhari. It is 6 km from Gairibas which should take you around 3 hours of hike. In the spring then you will see the blooming of
rhododendrons all over the areas. At Kalipokhari (Black Lake) as the name suggests you will find a small dark colored lake amidst pine trees and fluttering prayer flags. Overnight at camp or home stay
Today we make an ascent of about 2 and a half mile and reach to Bikhebhanjang (3,346m). From here the road is densely covered by rhododendron and magnolia forests. We will soon reach Sandakphu, from where we will enjoy awe inspiring views of Mount Everest, Mt Kanchanjunga and Mt. Makalu. We will also use this day to acclimatize. Therefore the trek will last only about 3 hours. Overnight at camp or home stay
After crossing the entire alpine ridge and being enjoyed by amazing views of the mountains, we finally reach Molley, which is a small village encircled by a beautiful forest. Overnight at camp or home stay
From Molley we will make an uphill climb. Phalut is an important place which stands at the juncture of Nepal, Sikkim and West Bengal. While trekking we enjoy fascinating views of snowy peaks. After having lunch at Phalut, we will descend to Samaden which stands at a distance of 4 km from Phalut. The trail to Samaden winds through pine, conifer, rhododendrons and oak forests. Overnight at camp or home stay
A short walk from Samaden will bring you to the village of Ramman. You will then have to take a walk across a forest of orchids and wild flowers. You might also see some rare species of birds. We will soon reach Rimbik. Overnight at camp or home stay
From Rimbik we will drive back to Darjeeling.
Today right after breakfast you will be transferred to Bhadrapur airport to catch a flight to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu
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