Sandakphu

Sandakphu, the cool kid of West Bengal's peaks, boasts killer views of Everest and Kanchenjunga. It's like the VIP section of the Eastern Himalayas. Trekking there is like a rollercoaster through lush forests and Instagram-worthy rhododendron scenes. It's the ultimate adventure with a view!

Sandakphu is the highest point of the ridge and of the state of West Bengal, India. The peak is located at the edge of the Singalila National Park and has a small village on the summit with a few hotels. Four of the five highest peaks in the world, Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu can be seen from its summit. Must visit place in West Bengal, its beauty is beyond expectation.

This place offers a unique and serene experience, especially with snow in December. Trekking to a small village and the prospect of witnessing the sunset at ALL, just 2 km away, adds to the charm. The combination of natural beauty and the trekking adventure likely makes it a memorable destination.

It is the highest point of the Singalila Ridge and is renowned for offering a panoramic view of some of the world's highest peaks, including Mount Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, Kanchenjunga, and other peaks belonging to the Himalayan range. The Sandakphu trek, which is a popular trekking destination in India, takes one through numerous trails replete with beautiful landscapes, verdant valleys, and pristine hamlets. The trekking route is also celebrated for its excellent flora and fauna, along with a wide range of avian species. It is considered a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure lovers who wish to undertake the trek and soak in the breathtaking views it offers.

Sandakpu is a must-visit place for all nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

• Located in West Bengal, India, it offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and Mount Everest.

• The trek to Sandakpu is challenging, but the rewards are worth it.

• The sunrise and sunset views from Sandakpu are simply mesmerizing and leave you in awe of nature's beauty.

• The surrounding landscapes are breath-taking, with snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and vibrant rhododendron forests.

• The quaint villages along the way offer a glimpse into the local culture and way of life.

• The journey to Sandakpu is filled with adventure and a sense of achievement.

However, be prepared for rough terrain and unpredictable weather.
Overall, Sandakpu is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a breathtaking experience in the lap of the Himalayas.

We visited there in April. Don't think this is a hill station like Darjeeling, if weather isn't in favor this could be a bit dangerous. In case of snow fall you might have to walk for 4kms or more to reach the hotels and the road is really steep. I personally would not recommend for elderly person or who are not physically fit.
Didn't get view of the mountains because of the snowfall. But that view also have it's own beauty. Though we had some bitter experience with the hotel and driver, we will go there again, just because of the beautiful view. If weather in favor, should also visit Falut.
Some points I think everyone should know highlighted below

Pros :
1. From manebhanjan to sandakphu, the whole route have great scenic beauty.
2. Must visit the monestry, tumling, kalipokhri etc points...they have different vibes..
3. Heavenly view of Sleeping Buddha, Mt. Everest and other snow capped peaks.

Cons :
1. Unpredictable weather. Be prepared for rain or snowfall..It's better to use waterproof trekking shows, pants, jackets.
2. Mobile networks will not be available after some point.
3. Its a bit remote area, so carry things like medicine, water with you. Here some people might have mild breathing problem at night..so keep necessary things with you.
4. Lastly, we have met some good people there who helped us, but there are people because of whom we suffered a bit and refused to help at all. So keep in mind you are on your own

nice place. top of west bengal . i visit 2 times with HMI Adventure course

Sandakphu or Sandakpur (3636 m; 11,930 ft) is a mountain peak in the Singalila Ridge on the border between India and Nepal. It is the highest point of the ridge and of the state of West Bengal, India. The peak is located at the edge of the Singalila National Park and has a small village on the summit with a few hotels. Four of the five highest peaks in the world, Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu can be seen from its summit. It also affords a pristine view of the entire Kangchenjunga Range. Sandakphu is also known as the land of poisonous flowers.
The trek along the Singalila Ridge to Sandakphu and Phalut is one of the most popular in the Eastern Himalayas, owing not only to the stupendous vistas of the Kangchenjunga and Everest ranges which it affords, but also to its seasonal wildflowers and opportunities for birdwatching. Treks begin at Manebhanjan which is 28 km (approx. 1 hour by road) from Darjeeling.
The western part of Sandakphu peak is located in Sandakpur rural municipality (ward no. 2 & 4) of Ilam District of Province No. 1.
The trekking starts from Ilam Bazar via Maipokhari, Maimajhuwa, Mabu, Kala Pokhri Bikhe Bhyanjyang to Sandakpur, and also from Ilam Bazar via Sulubung, Jamuna, Hangetham (a special area for birds such as the spiny babbler and blue tit), Piple, Kalipokhari, Bikhe Vanjyang to Sandakpur. On this trekking route, Jamuna is most valuable for trekkers. There are many beautiful places like Dhap Pokhari, Choyatar (special area for red pandas). There is a three jungle Hile Samudayik Ban, Choyatar Samudayik Ban, Hangetham Samudayik Ban.

It was a wonderful journey and experience about sandakphu phalut trek...... Oh! There is a haven.... The colours of sky and specially the landscapes are just wounderful.... It is a great and best trek for beginners.... Love for you 'Sleeping Buddha '.... Really You are one of the best beauty of this earth...... Nature lover..... ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Surreal experience visiting Sandakphu for the first time and getting mind boggling view of Mt. kunchenjungha, Makalu, Lhotse & The Everest. Sunsets from Ahal was like a cherry on the top. The trip is incomplete without Sunset watching from Ahal.

Beautiful place. Has rear view of 4 8k+ mtr peak

Away from all noise and dust, very peaceful, but those who have altitude sickness should carry all precautions one should keep themselves hydrated.

The last 14 km trekking from Tumling to Sandakphu is totally WORTH it!!

I would suggest everyone who lives in West Bengal to atleast visit this place once in their lifetime. This place is indescribable and unbelievably BEAUTIFUL! ❤ One of the best place I've been.

Very cheap, if you know the place and people. If you want to go by car, book Land rover car from the ticket counter. It will be very cheap for you. PLEASE don't allow the "Tour Guide" book the Hotels and Cars, they will charge double.
The Guide will tell you Hotels/cars are not available etc... Just to fill up their pockets. Always book cars and hotels by yourself. Don't go for so called guides (dalals).

People are very nice and helpful over there.. I've been to this place two times.

Best trek of my life. Most memorable experiences. We were 5 teenagers who started from Maneybhanjan on 14th February 2016 and reached the highest point of West Bengal 3636 mt on 15th February afternoon. The last leg of our journey from Bikheybhanjan to Sandakphu was too tiring. But the view next morning was something to live for. Everest, Kanchanjungha, Makalu, Lhotse all the 4 among top 5 highest peaks were visible. The sky was very clear and the windchill was too much. There was plenty of snow.

This is the top most pick of west bengal. Hight of this pick is 11930ft. You have to go through India na Nepal border. This place is in Singalila National Park. lf you are lucky then you can see red panda. If you want to see snow then best time for you to go there is end of November to February. But you can go for this Trek in any time in the year. This Trek is best for beginners.This is a moderate trek. This is the most popular Trek in west bengal. The scenic beauty is wanderful.

Fantastic place to visit.....away from the hustle bustle of regular life. Definitely suggest everyone to visit not only once but multiple times to enjoy the natural beauty, view of the Himalayas, sun rise and sunset and thousands of other awesomeness. Will be a life changing experience !!!

The highest point of West Bengal. Mount Kanchenjunga's view from here is simply the best. The sleeping Buddha is clearly visible from here. World's highest peak Mount Everest is visible from here. You can have the view of Makalu, Lhotse. The place has 180° view. The place itself is very beautiful naturally. Sandakphu is now becoming popular among trekkers and also among tourists. Land Rover is the only vehicle that is allowed here. You have to hire a Land Rover from Maney Bhanjyang. If you trek you will have to stay first night at Tonglu or Tumling and second night at Garibas. On the third day you'll reach you destination Sandakphu. Once again, the view of Kanchenjunga is unreal from here.

SANDAKPHU... Wonderful place with very little Modernization and loads of Nature.
The view of Sleeping Buddha is mesmerizing and speechless nature view.
Snow adds as top up.
A day trip or two is more than enough to get the feel of nature but if you are not lucky you can miss the Sleeping Buddha view as it all depends on the mood of the Weather.
The road is a bit rough and full of stones and boulders which will make you feel discomfort but as usual after a load of hard work that beauty and view of the series of Mountains view in the disguise of Sleeping Buddha will soothe all your pain.
Temperature is a concern so be prepared with enough warm clothing and foot gears to protect yourself from mother Nature.
Basically at the top point you will find some trekkers Hut and a well known Hotel offering both Fooding and Lodging is Hotel Sunrise.
The problems you might face are the network of your mobile carriers , Electricity and Water a bit but the hotel tries hard to compensate for those things.
Just go,Roam and enjoy Nature,get your memories captured.

Noticing thing is that you will get the Old and Famous Land Rover for ascending if you are not interested in trekking too.Last 12 km of Road after entering the Singalila National park is a bit tough and there the chances of AMS(Acute Mountain Syndrome) may be an interruption.
I will suggest carrying basic medications including Tab Diamox(Allopathy), COCA 6(Homoeopathy) to prevent yourself from AMS.

BUT I WILL BET THE OVERALL EXPERIENCE WILL BE AWESOME AND OVER YOUR EXPECTATIONS IF ODDS will not interfere with your trip.
Just go and Njoy!!

There is nothing else like the Sandakphu Phalut Trek. It offers the breathtaking experience of seeing four of the world's tallest peaks. Yet it is also a trek where nature and culture come together.

From Phalut, on your left is the Everest cluster, which includes the world's fourth- and fifth-highest mountains, Lhotse and Makalu. It's a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see these three majestic peaks together from a vantage point.

The "Sleeping Buddha" on your right is even more impressive. The resemblance of the massif to a sleeping human form is uncanny. The third-highest mountain in the world, Kanchenjunga, stands out as the most prominent peak in this uniquely shaped massif.

You awaken to the Sleeping Buddha from our Sabalgram campsite. The view often leaves trekkers teary-eyed.

Sandakphu-Phalut is our favourite spot in the world to view sunrises and sunsets. We have never witnessed a sunset as stunning as the one we see from Aahl. In a quirk of natural wonder, in the evening, a sea of clouds settles below Aahl. The clouds come in like waves on the sea. In this magical cauldron of clouds, the sun slowly descends. Around us, still glistening orange, are the Everest cluster and the Sleeping Buddha. These are some of the trek's most emotional moments.

Frankly, we want you to do this trek just to see the sunrises and sunsets. In our experience, we have not found any of our treks that give such spectacular sunrises and sunsets.

The Singalila National Park is, of course, a favourite among our trekkers. The bamboo and rhododendron forests there are among the densest. These forests are magnificent.

Above Samanden, there is a long section of bamboo. Walking under the canopy of bamboo trees is an experience like no other. The towering stalks of bamboo rise high above, creating a natural ceiling that filters sunlight into a soft green glow. The bamboo stalks are thick and clustered, creating the feeling of being in a secret, magical world.

In the spring, when rhododendrons bloom, Sandakphu is one of our Indiahikers' top three rhododendron treks. The showy blooms of pink, red, scarlet, and white flowers swathe the mountainside, creating a truly magical moment.

Our trek leaders have spotted the red panda in these forests once or twice. It is rare, but not totally out of the question, to spot the Himalayan black bear, red panda, and clouded leopard on this trek. The trek’s Indo-Nepali culture is also something we look forward to! On the trek, our path gets in and out of Nepal all the time. Our sleeping tents are in India at some of our camps, and our kitchen tents are in Nepal!

Our trek leaders don’t want to leave this place! They love this cultural mix. The local families who run the tea houses are known for their warmth and friendliness. When you walk into one of the tea houses, you are greeted with a warm cup of tea and a friendly smile! The Buddhist culture is ever-prevailing.

The cuisine is a fusion of Nepali and Tibetan. Bhukiya roti is a fantastic, flavourful bread that we adore. The homemade fruit jams go superbly well with it. On the other hand, we love the Nepali Thukpa! It is very different from the thukpa that we get in our cities. Don’t forget to take the Dalle Khursani, one of the world’s spiciest chillies, back home. The bamboo shoot pickles and Churpi (yak cheese) complete your list of souvenirs.

The Sandakphu-Phalut trek is a spiritual journey towards the Sleeping Buddha. But what comes with it is a chance to observe a rare culture, a bamboo and rhododendron forest like no other, and sunrises and sunsets no one has ever seen.

Heaven for peace and nature lovers. Best place of west bengal with mesmerizing view of sleeping Buddha and world's top 4 largest mountains view.