Maximum altitude: 11930 feet
Grade: Easy to Moderate
Duration: 6 days
Trekking distance: 44 kilometers
Trail type: A cross over trail starting from Manebhanjan or Chitrey and ending at Srikhola
Rail head: New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
Airport: Bagdogra
Snow Season: November to March
Base camp: Kopidana
Best season: November to March (winter trek) and September to November (autumn trek)
Region: West Bengal
Who can participate:- People above 10 years of age- Beginners can apply, but previous trekking experience is highly appreciated.- The trekkers must have enough stamina to cover a distance of at least 5 kilometers in just 30 minutes.- Must be fit and able to carry a backpack of around 10 to 15 kilograms.
Arrive at New Jalpaiguri and Drive to Manebhanjan / Chitrey
The journey to the Sandakphu trek begins with your pickup from the New Jalpaiguri railway station at 10 am and driving to the base camp in Manebhanjan. It is an uphill drive of about 110 kilometers, which will take you about four hours.
On your drive to Manebhanjan, you will pass through the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas (also known as Dooars).
You will notice that the altitude starts increasing slowly and gradually.
The trekkers will find a steep road with multiple hairpin bends on the last two kilometers from Manebhanjan to Chitrey.
Reach the hilltop and check in for a night's accommodation in a lodge or dormitory. All the fundamental mobile networks work relatively well here.
Have your dinner and rest for the day.
Sandakphu is the most culturally rich trek as you get a chance to observe the local culture very closely.
When you stay in the tea houses on the Sandakphu trek, you can witness the lifestyle, cooking, and a lot more of the local people.
Bamboo shoot pickles are the favorite of all the tourists and trekkers who go on the Sandakphu trek.
You will find the aesthetic designs and vibrant colors on the houses of the people along the Sandakphu trek in the Samanden and Sepi.
The people ensure that each tourist or trekker gets a welcoming vibe from the flowers that they display in their homes.
Nepal was never conquered by Britishers as they gifted Darjeeling to them out of fear.
The people staying in the Nepali region are known as Gorkhas, who generally follow the culture of Buddhism along with the old Tibetan culture.
You may find five colored flags in those areas that are regarded as monumental or holy by the local people.
The people believe that their prayers are taken to distant places when the wind blows and the flag flutters.
The Sandakphu trek is the only trekking experience that allows you to witness four different tallest mountain peaks in the world.
There are plenty of tips that trekkers should keep in mind when going on a Sandakphu trek. These tips not only help them to prepare for the journey but also assists them on their way to the journey. Some of the significant tips that you should keep in consideration when going for a Sandakphu trek are:
Plan your travel in such a way that you reach New Jalpaiguri on Day 0 and stay for the night to avoid any delay.
Carry a pair of thermal inners if you are more prone to cold as you will need two pairs of clothing to protect yourself from cold.
Walk on the concrete road or the trekking trail if you do not want to take the steep downhill walk.
Bring a copy of all the essential documents so you can easily pass the security check between the borders of India and Nepal.
If you are trekking for the first time, you should walk for about five to six kilometers every day for a month and practice freehand exercises to pass the fitness level.
Reach the base camp a day before so you can acclimatize your body according to the prevailing climate.
Plan and accumulate everything at least a few days before the Sandakphu trek to avoid last-minute hassles and delays.
Wear appropriate trekking shoes that are comfortable and provide good support for walking and climbing the steep slopes of the hills.
Take short breaks whenever possible, and do not exhaust yourself.
Drink plenty of water and keep your body hydrated at all times.