Sandakphu Phalut Trek
West Bengal
05 Nights/06 Days
Sandakphu Phalut Trek
ADV-13Trekking Tour
05 Nights/06 Days
CALL : +91 97490 61941Pick-Up & Drop : Bagdogra / NJP
Tour Overview
Cost : INR 11,000.
Duration : 6 Days.
Grade : Moderate.
Highest Altitude Gain : 3,636 Mtr. ( 11,929 Ft. ).
Approx Trekking Km : 55 Kms.
Activities : Trekking, Camping & Photography of Nature.
Best Time to Go : October to May.
The name Sandakphu means "Height of the poison plants". Sandakfu or Sandakphu (3636 m; 11929 ft) is the highest peak in the state of West Bengal, India. It is situated at the edge of the Singalila National Park in Darjeeling district on the West Bengal - Sikkim border. Sandakphu has a small village on the peak with a number of hotels. This treks climbs steeply from the road head at Maneybhanjang, at 2134 m, for three days to reach the Sandakphu Phalut ridge at an altitude of 3600 m. Enroute there are the lovely forests of the Singalila National Park and the view point of Tonglu. From Sandakphu there are breathtaking views of the Kanchendzonga Range towering over a basin of silver firs and Rhododendrons, in the foreground, which is known as the sleeping Buddha or the sleeping Shiva. In the West, the peaks of the Mount Everest group are visible, whilst on the East lie the Chola Range with views of passes leading into Tibet. The trek from Sandakphu to Phalut is along the undulating 3500 m high ridge passing through meadows, forests full of wild flowers and himalayan flora, with the mighty peaks towering in the background. The descent to the road head at Rimbik through the Rammam River Valley, with its gurgling streams and diverse flowering flora is a visual delight. Sandakphu-Phalut trek or Singalila trek is very famous trek of Darjeeling Himalaya amongst the trekkers. Majestic Himalayan, one of the best adventure tour operator of Siliguri - Darjeeling - Sikkim, will take care of your all trek arrangement with their expertise. Our other trek routes are Goechala Trek, Phoktey Dara Trek, Varsey Phalut Trek, Danphebir Pass Trek, Tosar Lake Trek etc.
Detailed Itinerary
"Meet & Greet" with our company representative on arrival at NJP / IXB / Siliguri and drive to Bhareng via Jorethang, Okhrey ( 128 km. 6 - 7 hrs., ). Most of the tourist and trekkers start there trek from Manebhanjang but we want to offer our trekkers a complete trek route to Sandakphu Phalut. Thats why we choose our trek route from Sikkim side. Enroute enjoy the beauty of evergreen beauty of Teesta river. After 3 hr journey we will take a break at Lohapool. We will take our lunch halt at Jorethang after crossing Sikkim check post. After this refreshment we will start our last 60 km journey towards Bhareng via Sombaria, Okhrey. After arrival check-in and get fresh. Overnight Stay at Bhareng in a homestay / lodge.
After breakfast start your first day trek of Sandakphu Phalut from Bhareng to Alubari via Gorkhey. A 4 km trek will take you to Gorkhey which is through the pine forest. Gorkhey, is a very beautiful vilage in between Sikkim & bengal border beside Gorkhey Khola and Rammam Khola, surrounded by thick pine forest. There is a one more beautiful village which is just 2 km from there, called Samanden. We will take a break at Gorkhey and then start our main part of the trek. The first 2 km trek is very uphill and then a gradual uphill route takes you to Alubari camp through the the forest of Singalila national park. This camping site is the most adventuours and thrilling in your whole Sandakphu trek. Overnight stay at Alubari in a dormitory / Tent.
After breakfast trek to Phalut ( 11,811 ft. ) which takes about 05 hrs. Todays trek route is very scenic and not so tiring. Phalut is the place to view the majestic mountains. On a clear day one can see the top four out of five highest peaks in the world called Lhotse ( 8501m), Everest ( 8848m) and Makalu (8475m) of the Nepal Himalayas and the huge Kanchenjunga Massif (8586m) along with other peaks of the Sikkim himalayas from Phalut Top. After arrival take your lunch and spend some time outside the Tent / Hut. You will get a beautiful night view of Darjeeling hills and Nepal villages from there. Phalut is also a true gem for Startrail photographer. You can get a nice milkyway snap. Overnight at Phalut in trekkers’ hut / Tent.
Early morning walk up to Phalut Top to view the sunrise over the himalayas. This spellbounding view of Mt Kanchenjungha range and Mt Everest range will give you a complete satisfaction of this tring 4 days trek. After early breakfast trek to Sandakphu / Ahal via Sabargram, Thakum, Charhatta. Today's trek route is very long but the trail is along a ridge and can be considered as one of the most enjoyable and scenic walks in the Singalila Trek. The whole range of snowy peaks is always in view and the trail passes through high altitude vegetation and areas of dwarf rhododendrons and firs. The trekking route to Sandakphu ( 11,919 ft. ) is about 08 hours. Ahal is a very enchanting place to stay where you can see the Sleeping Buddha and Everest range throughout the day. You can get a memorable sunrise and sunset from there. Overnight stay at Ahal in a lodge / tent.
Get up early for the enthralling sunrise and the Majestic golden view of Mt Kanchenjungh range & Mt Everest range. After breakfast start trek towards Srikhola which takes about 06 hrs. This trek route passes through the forest provides ample opportunities for bird watching. The 14 km trek route is almost a downhill route. After 10 km walk you will reach a beautiful mountain hamlet, called Gurdum. We will take our lunch here. Again a 4 km up -down trail will leads us to Srikhola. You can spend sometime near the river after a Tea-snacks refreshment. Overnight at Srikhola in a trekkers’ hut / lodge.
After breakfast drive to NJP / IXB / Siliguri (130 kms., 5-6 hrs.) for your onward journey by train / flight.
How to Reach
By Train :
New Jalpaiguri Railway Station or NJP is a major railway station located in Siliguri, the gateway to North Bengal, Sikkim, Bhutan and North-East India. There are many long distance trains arrives or pass through the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station or NJP station. You can choose to come to Kolkata and take one of the many trains to NJP. If you are coming from Delhi or north part of India, Mumbai, Pune or West part of India, Chennai, Bangalore or South part of India, try to take any north east train which directly goes to NJP by passing Kolkata.
By Flight :
Flying to Bagdogra or IXB is another option that you can choose. Bagdogra is well connected with regular direct / through flight from Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, Bengalore & Mumbai.
Sandakphu Phalut trek start point is either Manebhanjang or Dhotrey. Dhotrey is 18 km far from Manebhananag. If you start your trek from Dhotrey the 1st day trek will be 5 km instead of 11 km.
1. Accommodation : As per the current availability over there we can provide you Dormitory room at all places.
2. Meal Plan : Day 1 Evening Tea Snacks to Day 7 Breakfast.
3. Transportation : We will provide you : NJP / IXB / Siliguri to Manebhanjang & Srikhola to NJP / IXB / Siliguri return - Non-Luxury vehicle - seat capacity maximum 8 to 9 seats ( Sumo / Sumo Gold / Spacio / Mahindra Maxx / Similar ).
( Please Note : Vehicle will be taken for all transfers (Point to point drop) & the mentioned sightseeing points including fuel expenses on hire basis ).
4. All Car Permits, Parking, Toll-Taxes, Tips / Bata for the said vehicle & driver.
5. Entry fees of Singalila National Park for Sandakphu Phalut trek.
6. One group leader from our company.
7. Local Guide.
* Any Airfare / Train fare / Bus fare.
* Food during transit.
* Any extra porter for personal luggage carrying.
* Insurance.
* Any services not specifically mentioned in the inclusions.
* Any Airfare / Train fare / Bus fare.
* Any transportation which is not mentioned in the itinerary.
* Any expenses of personal nature like Room Heater charges / Hot Water Bag charges / Mobile charging fees etc.
* Any kind of emergency evacuation charges.
Fitness Required for Trek
To prepare for a trek, we need to strengthen our 2 prime M’s – Mind and Muscle, the body. Only then, the spending of the 3rd M – Money; a little or more, can bring to us an intense lifelong experience like trekking.
At high altitude as the air gets thinner oxygen becomes less abundant. The percentage saturation of haemoglobin with oxygen determines the content of oxygen in our blood. After the human body reaches around 2,100 m (7,000 feet) above sea level, the level of oxygen in our haemoglobin begins to plummet. However, the human body has both short-term and long-term adaptations to altitude that allow it to partially compensate for the lack of oxygen.
You can train yourself to run 3 kms in 30 minutes as per the schedule given below. Remember always start your training program with stretching and warm up exercises.
You can follow this stretching before run
- Ankle Rolls
- Wrist Stretch
- Standing Hamstring Stretch
- Standing Quad stretch
- Calf Stretch
- Finish with leg swings
After 15 min of stretching you can follow this training schedule for trekking fitness required.
Week 1: Start with 10 minute of brisk walk and then jog for 10 minutes and finally 10minutes of easy walk.
Week 2: 5 minutes of brisk walk 15 minutes of jog 5 minutes of easy walk
Week 3: 5 minutes of brisk walk 15 minutes of jog 5 minutes of easy walk
Week 4: 5 minutes of brisk walk and jog for 25 min and cool down your body.
MIND, THE MENTAL ENDURANCE :
To build our physical endurance prior to trek, we workout in a gymnasium or outdoors nearby. In both the cases, we actually choose a suitable environment for us to sweat. So, even if you get extremely fit before the trek, you don’t get exposed to the versatile environmental or climatic challenges that nature offers during a trek. All these environmental conditions have a deep impact on our body and mind too. A walk through heavy rains or snowfall, even in a normal gradient, becomes more challenging than the same trail in a pleasant weather. And it happens not only because of rain or snow makes the walk more difficult. Also, you need to adjust, tolerate and fight the adverse nature psychologically in which your body and mind are not habituated. Here, your mind comes into play. This is where the game becomes more mental than physical.
1. Bulid your own motivation system.
2. Use your passion to bring more motivation.
3. Study about your trek route to gain knowledge to plan and prepare yourself appropriately.
4. Think positive & stay focused.
5. Visualization is a common technique for handling stress.
Developing mental strength is not a one day game. Your experiences are the best teacher. You become more confident after every trek. Cherish your journey after completion of the trek. Sense, the achievement. These will build your mind stronger forever, no matter where you want to use it for, a trek or a life.
THUMB RULES FOR BETTER IMPACT
1. Hire a digital trainer for free. The key is to do it perfect than more in numbers. Use video tutorial, mobile apps, read blogs and use a mirror to make it perfect.
2. Be a regular, rather inconsistent & intense.
3. Drink more water during the exercise routine and more importantly in the time of trekking. Keep dehydration, muscles cramps, and life-threatening hypothermia away.
4. Food is fuel. Maintain a well-balanced diet consist of carbohydrate, fat, and protein during your exercise and trekking days.
5. Sleep well. Finally, the lack of sleep can spoil your whole preparation for a trek.
Below are the list of personal articles which are required for a trek on the Himalayas. This guide helps you to give an idea about the things that you need to bring in as a trek member. Depending upon the number of days of trek, the articles quantity may vary and this list is made considering the trek duration being 5 to 7 days (week long treks).
Trek essentials:
- 01. Sun hat.
- 02. Torch with extra battery.
- 03. Light Jacket.
- 04. Heavy Jacket.
- 05. Trousers.
- 06. T-shirt.
- 07. Socks.
- 08. Identity Card with photocopy.
- 09. Ruck Sack
- 10. Water Bottle.
- 11. Raincoat or Umbrella.
- 12. Pullover.
- 13. Balaclava or woolen cap.
- 14. Hand gloves.
- 15. Passport size photo.
- 16. Mattress.
- 17. Sleeping Bag.
- 18. Sports shoe.
- 19. Slipper.
- 20. Cold cream.
- 21. Tissue paper.
- 22. Soap Paper.
Always try to avoid unnecessary Cloths, toiletries which are heavy and of little use on mountain. Pack light.
For selection of personal gear/equipment and backpacking please read the articles carefully, before buying an item:
Rucksack/Back Pack : A Must item. Between 40 to 50 Litres. Don’t buy more than 60L unless you are in expeditions. These will be heavier and can cause discomfort if not fully loaded. You can buy it online or offine from trekking gear store. We can help you to find the right one.
Sleeping Bag : You can hire from us or bring your personal one rated for high altitude in case you have. Personal one is always better for hygiene. You can purchase from us. http://www.majestichimalayan.com/final/hire-a-guide
Trekking Shoe / Boot : A must item. A good quality trekking shoe/boot must have the following specs :
i) A sticky rubber sole with lug (indentations for better grip).
ii) Ankle support (Medium or high ankle).
iii) Waterproofing membrane. (A must for high altitude and winter treks).
Mattress (Foam/Rubber) : It is very cheap. You can buy it from Hardware shop or trekking gear shop.
Micro spikes/Anti slip grip & Gaiters : Its necessary only for snow trek, specially in winter time.
Rucksack cover (Waterproof): Advised. MUST for protection from rain/dust/stain etc. (Alternately you can keep your clothing and warm jacket inside polythene pack. Do get the pack(s) back to home and re use/recycle).
Daypack/Knapsack : Optional (Can carry along with you with water bottle, food, camera and wind/water proof etc.) if you want to offload your Rucksack in permissible routes.
T-shirt (Base layer while you are hiking) : A must item and as per need. Take at least one Dry fit/Quick dry type which can ventilate sweat/moisture wicking. These are made of synthetic materials. Cotton T-shirts are NOT advised and avoid especially when you walk.
Warm Jacket (Mid layer clothing for warmth ) : A must item. Warm Fleece Jacket/Synthetic fill (Some refer as Hollow Fill Jacket/Down feather Jacket.
While hiking you will not require this unless you are hiking in cold conditions. Use this when you cool down at campsite. You can but from us - http://www.majestichimalayan.com/final/hire-a-guide
Windproof Jacket/Wind Cheater (Outer layer clothing for protection from wind and rain/snow fall) : A MUST item. A hooded one made of water resistant/repellent material is highly advised.
Use this along with Base layer (t-shirt) while hiking unless it is warm and sunny weather. Wear this always as outer later to protect from wind chill be while hiking or at camp site.
Thermal wear (Base Layer once you reach campsite) : Upper and lower (Woolly cot). Must for winter treks.
Trek pant : A must item. Can be Track pants (avoid cotton), 3 quarter/Cargo or Convertible kind.
One Dry fit/Quick dry track pant is advised. Water repellent/proof quality is a plus.
For altitude above 5000m/16400ft you should use wind proof and water proof trek pants.
Raincoat/Poncho/Waterproof clothing: Waterproofing is MUST during your trek in the Himalayas, be it in summer or winter.
This can be achieved by any of the following:
i) Use your windproof jacket and hiking pant having water repellent/proofing quality.
ii) A Poncho/Raincoat.
Balaclava/Woolen skull cap/Monkey Cap : A Must item for protection from cold. Made of woolen/synthetic warm material.
Sun cap/Wide-brimmed Hat/Bandana : For protection from sun while you hike.
Under garments/Inner wear : As per need.
Hiking Socks : 3/4 pair. Use full length socks (Don’t use tennis socks). 100% Cotton socks are NOT recommended as these absorb sweat and dry slowly. A pair of woolen material is nice to have especially in winter treks.
Woolen gloves : A Must item.
Waterproof gloves : Optional. Useful especially on high altitude treks where snow/ice is encountered.
Camp sandal : Can be a strap on sports sandal or a Hawaiian sleeper.
Walking Sticks/Trekking Poles/Ski Poles : Nice to have, reduces the pressure on knees and gives balance specially while descending. Advised at least one pole for treks involving snow/ice.
Knee cap : Optional. Makes a difference especially if you have knee injuries/problems (Neoprene added variant is better).
Water bottle/Hydration pack : Must. Good quality plastic bottle.
Sunglasses : This is MUST for all the high altitude treks and winter treks. Polarised/Anti-glare is always a better option in snow with UV400 (UV A & B) protection. Trekkers using spectacle can order custom make powered sunglasses.
Torch/Head Lamp with extra batteries : A MUST item. Head torch keeps your hands free.
Accessories/Toiletries : Optional and try to share when you travel in group.
Sunscreen lotion – Optional. At least 30/40 SPF.
Chap Stik/Cold & Moisturising cream – Optional. As per need. Use small tubes/bottles.
Tooth brush and tooth paste – Carry smallest available tube of tooth paste.
Soap/Soap strip – Carry small pocket size soap, or Soap strip.
Hand sanitizer – Optional. Small bottle.
Tissue roll ( Toilet paper) – This is a must item as water may not be available in the vicinity.
Towel – Medium size (light weight).
Anti-Fungal Powder – Optional. This helps to keep the socks and the trek shoe drier and odour free to an extent. Carry smallest container.
Camera with extra cells: Optional. Normally there is no charging point on the Himalayan trek routes, carry spare batteries/power bank.
Dry food items(Kit): Must. Carry some dry fruits, chocolate/energy/protein bars and GluconD/Tang/Getorade.
Personal First-Aid Kit: Optional – Anti septic cream, Betadine/Dettol/Savlon, Band aid, cotton, crepe bandage, safety pin etc.
Medicines Kit: This is a simple guide line and a doctor’s consultation is recommended.)
- a) General medicines comprising of headache, fever, vomiting, stomach upset and pain killer (Volini gel/spray)
- b) Anti Diarrhoearal
- c) Antibiotics – ( choose broad spectrum antibiotics for treating a variety of infections – carry a course of each)
- d) Mild analgesics – (Aspirin/Paracetamol etc but DONOT take Codeine based painkillers).
- e) Strong analgesics (Co-Proxamol/Ponstan/Temgesic, use with care).
- f) Anti-inflammatory (Nurofen or diclofenac sodium)
- g) Diamox – This helps in acclimatisation (a proper dosage is must if taken. Drink lot of water as this is a diuretic drug.
Policy Regarding Cancellation / No Show / Early Departure
In case of cancellation of tour/travel services due to any avoidable/unavoidable reason/s we must be informed in writing. Cancellation charges would be effective from the date we receive letter in writing and cancellation charges would be as follows:
- 30 days & prior to arrival – 10% of the tour/service cost.
- 20 days to 18 days prior to arrival – 20% of the tour/service cost.
- 14 days to 16 days prior to arrival – 25% of the tour/service cost.
- 10 days to 08 days prior to arrival – 50% of the tour/service cost.
- 07 days & less, prior to arrival or no show – NO REFUND.
Please note – Irrespective of above mentioned cancellations slabs – in case of cancellation of tour services after the booking is made with us – a minimum 10% service charges would be applicable.
In case you cancel the trip after commencement refund would be restricted to a limited amount that too would depend on the amount that we would be able to recover from the hoteliers we patronize. For unused hotel accommodation, chartered transportation and missed meals etc. we do not bear any responsibility to refund.
Refund
In regard to refund of unused / unutilized services (which are paid for and cancelled in advance) the refund amount would be worked out on the basis of cancellation policy as described above and the money would be accordingly refunded to the person who has made the payment to us. Please note that the refund process may take 2 – 4 weeks due to banking procedures. If the refund is made to the credit card account OR to Bank account, the bank charges would be debited from the refund amount.
FAQ & Other Info
1. How do I choose a trek?
Ans : According to your time & fitness.
2. Are there any age restrictions to join Sandakphu Phalut trek?
Ans : Yes 5 years is the min age. Fitness is required for all ages.
3. I would like to book Sandakphu Phalut trek, do I need to bring my own equipment?
Ans : We will provide Sleeping bag, Sleeping Mat, Tent.
4. How long do we walk each day?
Ans : Apprx 8-12, 6-7 hr. But you have to trek for 8-10 hrs. on 4th day from Sandakphu to Phalut.
5. What is the fitness level required for Sandakphu Phalut trek and how hard are the treks?
Ans : Sandakphu Phalut is a moderate trek. But trekkers should practice ( running, Gym ) for 1 month atleast.
6. What would be the process of acclimatisation?
Ans : Walk slowly, be hydrated, proper clothing and be active after reaching at campsite.
7. What do I need to carry ?
Ans : Carry your personal clothing, Torch, Cap, Waterbottle, Umbrella. For details see whats to carry option.
8. I can’t carry my bag can anyone carry it for me?
Ans : If you dont want to carry bag then hire a porter ( Extra charge INR 2500 )
9. Do I need trekking poles ?
Ans : Yes, trekking pole is confortable to walk.
10. What are the major difficulties expected on a high altitude Trek?
Ans : Altitude sickness, Lack of oxygen, Headache, acclimatization, Disturbed sleep, loss of appetite.
11. What is the source of drinking water? Is it safe to drink?
Ans : Natural sources like river, Falls. Yes it is safe but you can use Geoline, Chlorine table as water purifier.
12. How to stay healthy during a trek?
Ans : Lot of water, Proper diet, Sleep, proper clothing. Be active & happy always.
13. Does anyone need to purchase snow shoes for Sandakphu Phalut trek?
Ans : Yes you can but a good trekking shoe is sufficient for the trek.
14. What will the daytime and night temperature be?
Ans : Day time temperatures will range from 13-18ºC and night time temperature will range from 3-5ºC in May. Expect temperatures to be lower by a few degrees in October/November.
15. How many people will share a tent?
Ans : 3 /4 person.
16. Is it safe for girls? What if I am the only girl on the trek?
Ans : Yes its safe. We will provide you a separate tent.
17. What kind of food do you provide in Sandakphu Phalut trek?
Ans : We will provide Veg & Non-Veg both.
18. Do I need to carry any documents with me?
Ans : Yes you should carry your identity card.
19. Is there any medical assistance during the trek?
Ans : Yes our trip leader is well known of medicine and fo any emergency we will transfer the trekker to Darjeeling hospital.
20. Do we get mobile signal during Sandakphu Phalut trek?
Ans : You will get mobile signal at every campsite except Phalut.
21. Are smoking and drinking permitted on the trek?
Ans : It is advisable to not take any liquor & smoking objects.
22. Is diamox is advisable?
Ans : Yes you can start it before trek as per doctor advise.
23. Will I be able to recharge camera batteries ?
Ans : Yes you can charge with additional cost. But it is advisable to carry power bank.
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