Trek in the Himalayas-Sandakphu
Sandakphu is a fantastic place near the Indo-Nepal border in West Bengal, on the outskirts of Singalila National Park. The peak is the state of West Bengal's highest point. Sandakphu used to be a trekkers' haven, but it's increasingly gaining popularity among regular tourists as well. It is becoming more accessible as new roads are being built up to Gairibas, which is about halfway through the Sandakphu journey. We anticipate that as more people visit Sandakphu, it will grow in popularity throughout the country. It's difficult to ignore what nature has to offer here.
Sandakphu: A Spectacular Visual Experience
Sandakphu, a little hamlet, is really above the average cloud level. This is why, throughout virtually the whole year, Sandakphu provides unrestricted views of four of the world's highest peaks. The stunning broad range of snow-capped peaks may be seen.
Mount Everest (8848 m) can be seen in full glory between Mt. Lhotse (8516 m) and Makalu (8463 m), the fourth and fifth tallest peaks. On the other side, we can see a cluster of smaller peaks, including Mount Kanchenjunga (8586m), the world's third-highest mountain. The mountain formation is known as "Sleeping Buddha" because it resembles the sage Lord Buddha's head, face, upper torso, and feet.
The strange mood is created by the blue sky and lush trees, which are capped by snow-covered mountains and chilly weather. This small village has always been a lovely sight, but it was less well-known during the British era. Since then, the road has been the only means of communication with the outside world. Around this area, there were tea gardens, and the planters used Land Rover cars to get around the hilly terrains from 1930.
The famous old Land Rovers of Sakdakphu:
The villagers repurposed these multi-terrain vehicles as commercial local transport from Manebhanjan to Sandakphu. Because this is primarily a trekking path, the roads are nearly non-existent. Only these 1960s Land Rovers, which are typically run on Kerosin oil rather than Deisel, are capable of traversing these so-called highways.
The winding roads wind their way around the mountain, weaving through the forest canopy. India and Nepal have a good relationship, which is reflected in this region as well. The route has no apparent international border and runs through both nations, such as Jaubari and Tumling, which are both in Nepal and on the road to Sandakphu.
However, the government has constructed new roads from Manebhanjan to Gasiribas, which connect several hiking rest stops including Manebhanjan, Chitre, Meghma, and Tumling. This makes it convenient for both hikers and automobile tourists. As a result, over half of the trekking route is now motorable. That's a huge relief for the slackers who don't enjoy trekking.
Around this area, there are some spectacular hiking trails. The grandeur of nature, the flora and wildlife, as well as the musical voice of the unique birds along the road, make the long walking path never feel tiresome. It's a memory you'll treasure for the rest of your life. The daring trekkers prefer to walk into this natural paradise on the ridge from Manebhanjan, which is the entryway.
Sandakphu Height
Sandakphu is West Bengal's highest peak, as well as one of India's tallest. The mountain rises to a height of 3636 metres or 11930 feet above mean sea level. The base camp is around 6400 feet or 1951 metres above sea level. After that, it gradually grows.
Weather in Sandakphu:
Sandakphu's summer months are pleasant, with temperatures averaging around 10-15 degrees Celsius. This time of year, there is little to no precipitation. Even so, the temperature here can drop to 4 degrees Celsius at night.
During the monsoon season, the lower areas of the city and the roads leading to it (such as Chitre, Meghma, Tumling, and so on) receive a lot of rain. In the monsoon, temperatures range from 4 to 7 degrees Celsius on the low side to 13 to 17 degrees Celsius on the high side.
In the winter, the temperature rises well above freezing and there is a lot of snow. The peaks and surrounding area are covered with snow from the end of December to the beginning of February. The trekking trail from Kalipokhri to Sandakphu is covered in snow in January. In the winter, the temperature ranges from -5 to 10 degrees Celsius.
The weather in October is beautiful after the rainy season ends in September. The sky is clear during the day, but it gets chilly at night.
Snowfall begins in early December with a sharp drop in temperature. Days before it happens, the sky remains gloomy, and a strong wind begins to blow, making it impossible to stay in the tents. If the sun comes out after the snowfall, the weather becomes really nice. While trekking in narrow routes bordered by stones, there is a risk of slipping in the melting or fresh snow. As a result, if you're planning a snow excursion, you should exercise caution and bring all of the appropriate equipment.
Sandakphu: When is the best time to visit?
It's a little trekking community. Pollution and other civilization-related ills have little or no effect on this location. Throughout the year, you will be greeted by fresh air and a lush green forest. All of the seasons arrive in all of their splendour and unique beauty.
The weather is nice throughout late spring and summer, from April to June, and the temperature (as shown in the table above) stays above freezing point. The flowering trees are in full bloom, the Rhododendron blooms are brightening the hill, and songbirds trill as you walk through the pathways. It's a beautiful day for a trip around the local forest paths. Flowering in the Singalila Mountain Range. The Singalila Range's flowering lends a splash of colour to the route to Sandakphu.
From October to December is the next peak season. With sunny days and cool nights, this captures the full enchantment of Sandakphu. With frequent snowfall, the temperature may drop below freezing. The snowy paths provide an excellent trekking opportunity.
If you're looking for an adrenaline rush, go in January, when the temperature drops below zero and the roads are likely to be closed owing to knee-deep snow layers. The lights may go out, and drinking water may be scarce, but the area's natural beauty will make up for it.
Sandakphu Hotels:
There are a few hotels in and near Sandakphu and at night stay spots along the hiking route. While none of them offers luxury, the level of comfort provided varies depending on the property's budget and location. Magnolia Lodge in Gairibas provides basic lodging and cuisine. Sherpa Chalet Lodge provides a pleasant stay and delicious food in a welcoming atmosphere, as well as a spectacular 360-degree outlook. Chewang Lodge in Kalipokhri is another excellent cheap choice with welcoming proprietors. For a small amount, you can have hot water delivered to your room in a bucket.
They also supply firewood for the room or a campfire if requested. Because guests prefer not to go out to eat on frigid nights, most of the resorts feature food and lodging alternatives.
Any of the hotels on this tour will not provide excellent service or amenities. The loss is filled, however, by the earthy people's genuine welcome.
How to get to Sandakphu:
Sandakphu is best renowned for its trekking, but if you are too lazy to hike, you can avail a vehicle package from Siliguri. With the development of new roads, the journey will no longer be bumpy, and even children and the elderly will be able to reach Sandakphu without difficulty.
To get to Sandakphu, you must first travel to Shiliguri. You can get here by train (New Jalpaiguri Station) or by air from your home city (You got to reach Bagdogra Airport).
Suggested Reading:
Images Courtesy: Google