Sandakphu-Falut Help needed

Hi all,

Me and my group of friends, are planning for a SANDAKPHU-FALUT trekking trip 8th-->15th May.

I need some information regarding that. Please help.

I have gone through allmost all the threads related to this trek, but couldnot find some vital information.

Here is the tour plan.

(day-1)(8th May) - Start from kolkata by night bus/train

(day-2)(9th May)- Reach New Jalpaiguri in morning. Then start for Sandakphu by car. (Please provide me details about distance, time taken by car, approx fare, can we book a car only for reaching sandakphu as a one way journey?)

(day-3)(10th May)- Rest at sandakphu

(day-4)(11th May) - Trek to Phalut from sandakphu. (Distance? Time taken?)

(day-5)(12th May) - Trek to Rammam from Phalut. (Distance? Time taken?)

(day-6)(13th May) - Trek to Rimbik from Rammam. (Distance? Time taken?)

(day-7)(14th May) - Rimbik to siliguri by car.(Distance? Time taken? will the car be available throughout the whole day?)Get the train from jalpaiguri in the evening for Kolkata

(day-8)(15th May) -Reach Kolkata in morning

Please help me with these information to zero down on my tour plan.

Some other questions:

1. Will the time be good for trekking as far as weather and views are concerned?

2. Is the plan achievable by almost amature trekkers like us?

Regards,

Hi,

Well,I found some prob. in your itinerary, first of all, it is impossible to reach Sandakphu by car the same day you reach Shiliguri, in both the cases you travel by bus from Kolkata to Shiliguri or by train Sealdah/Howrah to NJP. You have to stay a day at Manevanjan. Normally landrovers contract as a 3 day up-down journey from Manevanjan - Sandakphu - Manevanjan.

Sandakphu to Phalut is 21 km, prepare mentally for a long long walk for that day.

You can arrange for Sumo Car from Srikhola by advance booking in hotel, Sumo will come to Sepi, 2 km from Srikhola and 4 km before Rimbik, Sumo will take around 3500/-.

Month is ok, May and October is the best month to visit Singalila and Kanchenjungha range. You may find a little cloudy weather but you will find lots of rhododendrons on fire, that is sure.

Happy trekking.

Supratim has already answered most of your queries. For the question whether the route is achievable by beginners..yes absolutely. Sandhakphu Phalut was my first trek too. This time year you my get some clouds and haze in the environment. Octover onwards I guess it's the best time in terms of weather.