Sandakphu-Phalut Trek (22nd-28th Sep)

Sandakphu being the highest peak of Singalala national park offers breathe taking views of the four tallest mountains in the world. Mt. Kanchenjunga (8598m), Mt. Makalu (8481m), Mt. Lhotse (8571m) and Mt. Everest (8848m) with very good clarity as the Mt. Kanchenjunga range if only 100km by road and the Ariel distance make you feel that the mountain is just standing beside you.

“Morning 5.30am I was trying to search which one is Everest among those mountains. Restlessly I asked my guide. Which one is Everest of these mountains?” He said, wait for a second, let the sun come up and you will find it. Just after he said that, I saw the magnificent mountain. Do ask us about this when you are travelling to Sandakphu-Phalut trek with Nature Walkers.

Kanchenjunga is the third highest peak in the world situated in the middle of the Kanchenjunga range also called “The Sleeping Buddha“. The Name is given for its appearance. The Mt. Kumbakarna peak makes its nose, forming a human face, Kanchenjunga peak makes its body and Mt. Pandim makes its feet.

The other part of the Kanchenjunga range is described in detail in the Itinerary.

The Singalila Forest is a home of many wildlife species. Red Panda are most famous among all as it’s a state animal of Sikkim and also it’s very rare to spot red pandas because of their shy nature. Sure they are rare but it is worth travelling long distance for just a glance of this beautiful animal.

The route of this trek is on the India and Nepal border. In fact on the trek you will constantly enter and exit Nepal. As the trek is long distance trek, it is always advised to follow your guide instruction and forest regulations.

The trail includes several monasteries, grass lands, snow covered tracks, jungle trail surrounded by huge mountains and amazing helping people.

The suitable seasons to do this trek is after the monsoon, i.e. after September mid as it amazing clear sunrise and Mountain View. It can also be suitable to travel in February to April months as its blooming season of Rhododendrons flowers and the probability of season a Red Pandas are more in this season (Keep looking for thin green bamboos and trees beside).

Difficulty Level of the trek

It is said that the difficulty of any trek depends of the ability and strength of the person travelling. Although considering other treks this trek is considered to be Moderate – Difficult trek. The gradient is gradual incline. The average kilometres of trek is about 10-11 KMs per day which is mostly covered in the morning and afternoon as the weather changes a bit foggy after later afternoon.

It is very much required to get acclimated to the weather because of which we stay a day longer before the start of the trek.

The trek does test your stamina, your endurance, you motivation and your will power because of which we request you to do proper planning and preparation for this trek. We would also suggest you to please watch our videos for the minimum fitness training required for this trek.

Small Itinerary

Day 1) Getting to Manebhangjung. Pickup from NJP station is at 9 am till 11 am one day prior the trek date. The travel time from NJP to Manebhagjung is about 4-5 hours. The cost of the transportation is Rs. 3500 per cab (5-6 people).

Day 2) Tumling – (2895 m or 9499 ft.) through Chitray (2400m – 7874 ft.) and Meghma (2800m or 9186 ft.), Distance – 11 kms from Manebhagjung.

Day 3) Kalipokhri – (3185 m or 10449 ft.) Distance – 11 km from Tumling.

Day 4) Sandakphu (3636m or 11929 ft.) through Gairibas (2625 m – 8612 ft.). Distance – 7 kms from Kalipokhri

Day 5) Sabargram (3585 m or 11761 ft.) Distance – 12 kms from Sandakphu

Day 6) Gorkhey (2142m or 7027 ft.) Distance – 17 kms (covering Phalut on the way).

Day 7) Sepi (1900m or 6234 ft.) t or hrough Manna – Distance – 15 kms

Departure from Sepi to NJP. (5-6 hours travel time) The Cost of the Cab from Sepi to NJP Station is Rs 5500 (5-6 people). You will reach NJP Station approximately at 8pm. (We request you to do the onward journey after 8pm from NJP).

Please Note: The Stay on the Sandakphu Trek is arranged in Tea houses.

It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo ID for entry at forest check posts on the trek. 

Additional information

1. Trekking shoes:  Not sports shoes. The shoes need to have soles with good grip and ankle support. We recommend FORCLAZ 100 and 600 from decathlon .Wear the shoes for a week prior to the trek to avoid shoe bites/blisters on a slope.
2. Backpack (40-60 litres): Backpack with sturdy straps and a supporting frame. Rain cover for backpack is essential.

Clothes

1. Full sleeve woolens (2 pairs including the one you are wearing):We endorse fleece over wool as it is light weight, compact and warm. It is better to layer your clothing with multiple light sweaters than to carry one thick heavy jacket.
2. Thick jacket: Carry 1 full sleeve windproof jacket/down jacket.
3. Trek pants (3 pairs including the one you are wearing): We highly endorse synthetic quick-dry pants as they are light. Plus, when it’s cold you can wear one over the other. While trekking, a pair is what you would carry apart from the worn. You could keep the third pair for your return journey. Alternative would be cotton pants with many pockets or track pants. Jeans, shorts and 3/4 pants are not suitable for trekking.
4. Collared t-shirts (3 pairs including the one you are wearing):Preferably light, full sleeve t-shirts that prevent sun burns on the neck and arms. Avoid loud colors that would distract birds and animals.
5. Thermal inners: 1 pair of lightweight, upper and lower. Thermal inners are optional for those who are more sensitive to the cold.

Accessories

1. Sunglasses: Curved ones will cover your eyes well. No blue coloured sunglass — they don’t block UV. Blacks, greens, browns are fine. Avoid multi tone sunglasses. Sunglasses are to prevent snow blindness. People who wear spectacles, choose either contact lenses or photo chromatic glasses. If both are not possible, wear your spectacles and carry big sunglass that can be worn over your spectacles.
2. Suncap: To protect your head from the direct heat of the sun, protect your face and neck from sunburns. The cap must cover your ears and neck.
3. Synthetic hand gloves: One pair of fleece or woolen hand gloves. One pair of water proof/resistant, wind proof gloves.
4. Balaclava: . You may use scarves as an alternative to balaclavas.
5. Poncho: A lightweight poncho is preferred because unlike raincoats, it covers your rucksack as well. A poncho is indispensable for the Tarsar Marsar trek as light showers are expected
6. Socks (3 pairs): 2 cotton pairs, 2 woolen pairs (mostly to be used on campsites and while sleeping. Keep them dry.)
7. Headlamp/LED torch: Mandatory
8. Trekking Pole: Trekking pole is mandatory.

Others

1. Daypack (20 litres): It is mandatory to carry a daypack if you choose to offload your backpack. If you decide to carry your backpack, day pack is not required.
2. Toiletries (Sunscreen – SPF 40+, moisturiser, light towel, lip balm/chap stick, small soap, toilet paper)
3. Repair kit (needle & thread)
4. Camera: Carry all accessories – spare batteries, charger, etc.
5. Cutlery: Carry a spoon, coffee mug and a lunch box. We insist on trekkers getting their own cutlery for hygiene reasons. To save weight, you may use your lunch box instead of carrying a plate separately.
6. Water bottles: 2 bottles, 1 Litre each. Packaged drinking water bottles like Aquafina, Bisleri and others are not allowed.
7. Headlamp/LED torch: Mandatory
8. Plastic covers: While packing, use plastic bags to compartmentalize things and carry few extra plastic bags for wet clothes. While packing, use plastic bags to compartmentalize things and carry few extra plastic bags for wet clothes.

Mandatory Personal Medical Kit 

1. Diamox – 10 tablets (to prevent AMS)
2. Crocin – 6 tablets (fever)
3. Avomine – 4 tablets (motion sickness)
4. Avil 25mg – 4 tablets (allergies)
5. Combiflam – 4 tablets (Pain killer)
6. Disprin – 6 tablets (headache)
7. Norflox TZ & Lomofen– 6 tablets each (diarrhea)
8. Digene – 10 tablets (acidity)
9. Omez/ Rantadine – 10 tablets (antacids)
10. Crepe bandage – 3 to 5 meters
11. Gauze – 1 small roll
12. Band aid – 10 strips
13. Cotton – 1 small roll
14. ORS – 10 packets
15. Betadine or any antiseptic cream
16. Moov spray (aches, & sprains)

Mandatory Documents

Please carry the below documents. Document two and three need to be downloaded (PDF), filled in, signed and handed over to the trek leader at the base camp.

Without these documents you will not be allowed on the trek.

1. Original and photocopy of government photo identity card- (driving license, voters ID, etc.)

2. Personal Certificate, and disclaimer (to be filled by the trekker) 

3. Medical certificate (to be filled by a doctor)  Click here to Download Form