Sandakphu trek

sujith_m82

Hey guys,

Am planning to trek to Sandakphu in March.
My itinerary is like this:

March 21 - Manebanjhang to Tumling
March 22 - Tumling to Kalpokhari
March 23 - Kalpokhari to Sandakphu
March 26 - Sandakphu to Rimbik

And then back to Darjeeling.

Is this a reasonable trek ? And I will I encounter snow during the 3rd week of march, or do I have to move the trek to the 2nd week if I want to see snow ?

Thanks.

blwetorch

Hi!.....let me make a small correction..........Sandakphu is in West Bengal...and not Sikkim.
Let me detail out the trek programme for you, as per the existing standard, that is conducted by most of the local trek organisers. But you need 7 days comfortably to complete the loop starting from Darjeeling.

Day 01: Darjeeling -Manebhanjang - Tonglu.
The trek can start after an early morning drive of about two hours from Darjeeling to Manebhanjang a small village inhabited by Buddhist Sherpas. From here one can get a view of the trekking route, which is an awesome, near vertical climb. The first camp - site is at Tonglu at 3070 meters, which is 11 kms from Manebhanjang through dense forests, and hillsides covered with wild flowers and a breathtaking mountain view of the incomparable Kanchendzonga and its neighboring peaks.

Day 02: Tonglu -Gairibas -Kalipokhari
Resume Trekking from Tonglu to Gairibas at 2621 meters, Trek time 3 hrs, Approx.09 kms, Trails leads one through bamboo glades and farmlands with quaint little villages habited by warm and friendly people. Gairibas to Kalipokhari 3170 meters is a continuous climb through the rhododendron forests. Distance is 6 Kms and it takes 3 hrs walks from Gairibas.

Drive by jeep will take approx.2 hrs. Halt Overnight at Kalipokhari.

Day 03: Kalipokhari - Sandakphu
Resume trekking from Kalipokhari to Sandakphu, From Kalipokhari the road descends to Bikhebhangang -Valley of Poison. Trek from Bikhebhanjang to Sandakphu is a steep climb of 4 kms and takes more then an hour to cover this trek. Trek time 2-3 hrs.

Sandakphu 3636 meter is 58 kms from Darjeeling and commands one of the most spectacular views .In the foreground is a great valley set in the midst of the hills, the slopes covered with rhododendrons and silver fir trees.

Day 04: Sandakphu - Phalut
Resume trekking from Sandakphu to Phalut at 3600 meters , It is one of the loftiest peak in the Singalila Range and is situated at 80 kms .The stretch from Sandakphu to Phalut is the most spectacular of the trek. The burned silver fir forest makes most of the beautiful sight .A walk of 4 hrs from Sandahphu,you will come across a stone house with blown of roof on the top of a small ridge. The place is known as Sabarkum and is 14 km .from Sandakphu. Halt at Phalut. Halt overnight.

Day 05: Phalut - Rammam
Resume trekking Phalut to Rammam, From Phalut the trail descends through the virgin forest of chestnut, pines, hemlock etc. till the trail reaches the meeting of two streams called Gorkhey Khola.It's a picture postcard place. One can enjoy the bath and savor midday meal. Resume trekking via Samandin to Ramam Trekkers Hut.Its about 5 hours trek from Phalut or 15-km.in distances from Phalut.

Day 06: Ramam - Rimbik
Trek from Rammam to Rimbik, From Rammam the road is almost level walk for the first 9 km and again it descends to Sirikhola. The road rises steep, for about 1 km where it levels out again till it reaches Rimbik. Halt Overnight in a lodge or trekkers hut.

Day 07: Rimbik - Darjeeling
Drive from Rimbik to Darjeeling, approx.4-5 hrs for 54 kms. . Trek ends.

Yes if you shift your programme to the 2nd week, the chances of viewing snow shall be all the more. But I guess, even the 3rd week is good enough.

Request to Mods-: Plz shift this thread to the West Bengal section, if possible...Thanks.

sujith_m82

Thanks a lot for the information.
And sorry for starting this thread in the Sikkim section.

I think I would probably give Phalut a pass, I know, the stretch from Sandakphu to Phalut is considered to be really beautiful, but maybe I'll come by once again for another trek.

blwetorch

That way, you can save 2 days I guess......all the best!

Aishah

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