Sandakphu Trek
3 videos • 3 views • by Alina Goperma Sherpa The Sandakphu trek is one of the most scenic and rewarding treks in the eastern Himalayas. It offers stunning views of four of the world's highest peaks, namely Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Lhotse and Mt. Makalu. The trek also passes through the Singalila National Park, which is home to diverse flora and fauna, including the rare red panda. One of the highlights of the Sandakphu trek is the journey from Samaden to Phalut and then to Sandakphu and Sirikhola. This stretch covers about 50 km and takes three days to complete. The trail goes along the ridge of the Singalila range, crossing the borders of West Bengal, Sikkim and Nepal. The views of the snow-capped mountains are spectacular throughout this section, especially at sunrise and sunset. The trek from Samaden to Phalut is a gradual ascent of about 15 km, passing through forests of rhododendrons, magnolias and oaks. Phalut is the second highest point in the Singalila range, at an altitude of 3600 m. From here, one can see a panoramic view of the entire Kanchenjunga massif, as well as other peaks like Janu, Chamlang and Baruntse. The trek from Phalut to Sandakphu is a long but easy walk of 21 km, mostly on a flat or downhill terrain. Sandakphu is the highest point of the trek, at an altitude of 3636 m. It is also the highest peak in West Bengal. From here, one can see the famous Sleeping Buddha formation, which is a series of peaks resembling a reclining Buddha. The view of Mt. Everest and its companions is also clear from Sandakphu. The trek from Sandakphu to Sirikhola is a steep descent of 16 km, passing through villages like Gurdum and Timburey. Sirikhola is a small hamlet on the banks of a stream, where one can relax and enjoy the natural beauty. From here, one can take a vehicle to reach Rimbik or Manebhanjan, where the trek ends.