Experience the Paradise of all treks - Sandakphu
Sandakphu.
The name conjures an image of snow-capped peaks. Mother Nature at her very best. Vistas that take your breath away in that first moment when your eyes see its beauty.
Literally translated, it means “Height of the Poison Plant.” Aconite plants do grow near the peak, but there is nothing poisonous about the journey or adventure.
From this one location, you can see 4 out of the 5 tallest mountain peaks in the world. Lhotse, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, and Everest make for the perfect panoramic arc. That is why this trek is one of the best treks that the world offers.
It is a journey that doesn’t have the same challenges that other trekking opportunities provide in this region. Assuming your fitness is reasonably good, you can enjoy the sights of Sandakphu, whether you are 12 or 112. You will reach 3,636m with relative ease, and have an incredible experience with what nature can offer.
Sandakphu includes passing through Singalila National Park, which means an opportunity to spot a Red Panda. Following the order of India and Nepal, it is a wonderful way to begin exploring or introduce yourself to the Himalayas.
What to Expect from Sandakphu
Anyone who loves the mountains will enjoy this opportunity. If you are physically active, then you can enjoy this trekking experience. The trail itself moves frequently between Nepal and India.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1 (9TH Nov) – Arrive in Kolkata in the night. Check-in into the hotel for rest.
Day 2 (10th Nov) - Check out and take a flight from Kolkata to Bagdogra. Pick up from airport and drive to Maneybhanjang, , a small township located at an altitude of 7,054 ft (2,150 m). This is virtually the gateway to Singalila and Sandakphu. Manebhanjan is about 4 hours drive. Overnight in Manebhanjan in a Homestay/Trekkers Hut.
Day 3 (11th Nov) Manebhanjan to Tonglu (11kms), 6-7 Hours Trek
This trekking trail takes various forms along the way. In some parts it's a muddy trail through forests or open meadows, in other parts it's a steep stony stairway cutting through the mountains and again meeting the gravel road, and in other sections it's a narrow gravel pathway. Tonglu is a small hamlet located at an altitude of 10,130ft. From Tonglu you can get lovely views of Darjeeling and Kurseong town areas. Down below you can see the great valleys and the plains of North Bengal with rivers like Teesta and Koshi flowing. Tonglu also offers a wonderful view of Kanchenjunga snow peaks. Overnight in a Homestay/Trekkers Hut.
Day 4 (12th Nov) - Tonglu to Kalipokhri (15kms), 6-7 Hours Trek
From Tonglu, we start the trek early next morning. The trek route passes through bamboo glades and red Rhododendrons forest. Kalipokhri is so named because of a pond or a water tank filled with black water. The word Kali means black and pokhri stands for water area. However the black color is not due to pollution, it's muddy and the water never freezes. The small lake is considered sacred by the local villagers. As you are entering the village, look up 45 degrees towards left, and you can get the first real glimpse of your targeted destination far away on a clear day... Sandakphu. Overnight in a Homestay/Trekkers Hut.
Day 5 (13th Nov) - Kalipokhri to Sandakphu (6kms), 3 Hours Trek
We will start very early in the morning next day. You don’t want to miss out on the panoramic view of the snow peaks from Sandakphu, which is best seen early in the morning. An early start from here will give us a chance to view the snow peaks twice, once as soon as you reach Sandakphu and again next morning before we start your return or onward trek. Sandakphu is the place from where you get a 180 degree panoramic vista of some of the highest and most beautiful peaks of the world, right from Nepal all the way up to Arunachal.
Some of the greatest peaks include the Mt Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Chomolhari, Pandim, Three Sisters, Kumbhakarna etc. Once you reach here, you will get a wonderful feeling and all the tiredness of the tough trek will slowly fade away. Look at the views from up here and do not forget to take photos of them.
After a while, transfer to your lodging for rest.
Day 6 (14th Nov) - Sandakphu to Srikhola (16km), 8 hours trek
Relish a tasty breakfast and start climbing towards Samandin Village. Explore the picturesque village and continue towards the next village Rammam. Descend towards Srikhola and stay overnight in a Homestay/Trekkers Hut.
DARJEELING
Day 7 (15th Nov) – Srikhola to Darjeeling
Have a good breakfast early in the day and drive to Darjeeling. Check-in in the hotel. Experience the world famous Toy Train ride from Darjeeling to Ghoom *. After lunch, do sightseeing. Visit Rock garden, Japanese Peace pagoda and observatory hill in the mall road. Overnight in hotel.
* subject to availability of tickets
Day 8 (16th Nov) – Start early in the morning around 3am and drive to Tiger hill for sunrise. You can see the first rays of sun hitting the twin peaks of Kangchenjunga. Back to hotel and rest of the day for sightseeing. Visit Padmaja Naidu Zoo, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Ghoom monastery. Overnight in hotel.
Day 9 (17th Nov) – After breakfast, driver back to Bagdogra from Darjeeling. Take a flight to Kolkata and then to Singapore. Tour ends.
Gaye Firdaus Barruye jameen ast
Hameen asto, hameen asto, hameen ast'
If there is anywhere Heaven on the earth,
It is here, it is here, it is here.'
DIFFICULTY : MODERATE. MAX ALTITUDE : 3636 metres
Grade: 3/5
Read our Grading System
Whom is the trek meant for?
This trek is for every mountain lover. The grand Himalayan Mountains stay with you throughout the trail and these are views you will get unlike any other treks. It’s a good trek for beginners whom are relatively fit. Any physically active person over the age of 12 can do this trek.
Grade: 3/5
Read our Grading System
Whom is the trek meant for?
This trek is for every mountain lover. The grand Himalayan Mountains stay with you throughout the trail and these are views you will get unlike any other treks. It’s a good trek for beginners whom are relatively fit. Any physically active person over the age of 12 can do this trek.
LAND COST (10 pax to go)
All included price based on the attached itinerary in hotels, B&B arrangement, including entrance
fees:
• In a group of 10 to 15 participants: $950 SGD
• In a group of 16 to 20 participants: $900 SGD
Pricing includes:
• Trip leader from Singapore.
• Tour guide services, Hiking guide.
• Coach transportation throughout the entire experience.
• All Domestic transfer flights
• Hotels as established, B&B arrangement.
• Homestays / Trekker's Huts
• Sight entrance fees.
• Trip preparation and training provided by Adventures Unlimited.
Pricing excludes:
• International Flight tickets SG to KOLKATA
•Toy Train ride at Darjeeling
• Any expenses of personal nature.
• Meals not included other than B&B arrangement in hotels.
Registration and Payment Details:
Step 1- Deposit of $450SGD via ATM/Bank transfer to ADVENTURES UNLIMITED, DBS CURRENT A/C - 0039351950
Step 2: Whatapp proof of payment receipt to tel: 9871 3089 (Mala)
(IMPORTANT: PLEASE INDICATE "SANDAKPHU 2017")
Step 3 Receipt for payment will be issued and you will be added into a dedicated whatsapp chat for this trip.
EVENT HOSTS: Simon Chan and Mala Krishnan
Refund Policy
Step 1- Deposit of $450SGD via ATM/Bank transfer to ADVENTURES UNLIMITED, DBS CURRENT A/C - 0039351950
Step 2: Whatapp proof of payment receipt to tel: 9871 3089 (Mala)
(IMPORTANT: PLEASE INDICATE "SANDAKPHU 2017")
Step 3 Receipt for payment will be issued and you will be added into a dedicated whatsapp chat for this trip.
EVENT HOSTS: Simon Chan and Mala Krishnan
Refund Policy
- Deposit (non-refundable)
- Until 4 weeks prior to departure – 100% Refund of balance paid
- 4-2 weeks prior to departure – 50% Refund of balance paid
- 2-1 weeks prior to departure – 0% Refund of balance paid
The Beauty on the trek
I found beauty along the trail. Provided by Mother Nature in awesome detail. Majesty and grace whispered past my face. Offering me love with its lingering embrace. I found beauty in the sky. Offered with a gentle breeze like a sigh. Power infinitely offered in a sunshine’s ray. Creating perfect moments every day. I found beauty in the rustle of a tree. As the leaves sang their melodies next to me. Providing shade for a moment of rest. Allowing me to offer Mother Nature my very best. I found beauty in a glorious sunrise. As morning’s first light gazed into my eyes. Hope offered freely as the darkness fades. Forgiveness offered freely like waterfall cascades. I found beauty in the joy of meeting a new friend. Of gaining new perspectives without an end. Conversations with each footstep as together we explore. As Mother Nature whispers to us, encouraging us more. I found beauty in the simplicity of a cool drink. In the moment of contemplation when I can stop to think. Beyond the meaning of life is the meaning of love. Letting us live and laugh under the starlight above. |
I found beauty in the laugh of a child. Exploring perhaps for the first time, out in the wild. Innocence demanding a craving for knowledge. Something that only a trail can truly acknowledge. I found beauty in the reflection offered by a lake. Even in the flaws present that sometimes makes my soul shake. For each line, that wrinkle, and every freckle there. Lies a story which only I have the privilege to share. I found beauty in the many arms lifted high. Celebrating success even if plans may go awry. Because Mother Nature offers a journey that is true. With wisdom offered daily to learn something new. I found beauty in the courage to continue on. To embrace the struggle that happens before the dawn. Summoning strength which lies deep within. Allowing for a new adventure to finally begin. I found beauty in a loved one’s embrace. Giving permission to pursue dreams I wish to chase. Loving me deeper with every footstep I take. Knowing we are together at every summit I make. I found beauty in the fear that comes when trying something new. In going beyond what I’m certain that I can do. Mother Nature asks me to come back without fail. That is why I hold tight to the beauty found on the trail. |
* copyright 2017 Travelledpaths.com
Others:
1. This event is organised by Adventures Unlimited (TA02844), a licensed travel agent registered with the Singapore Tourism Board.
2. Insurance
From 15 July 2015, a travel agent is required to inform and ask attending participants if it is their wish to purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for business insolvency of travel agencies when:
– they are buying a leisure travel product/package; or
– their travel product/package costs at least S$1,000 (including GST) per person; or
– they are paying a deposit or payment of at least S$500 per person.
1. This event is organised by Adventures Unlimited (TA02844), a licensed travel agent registered with the Singapore Tourism Board.
2. Insurance
From 15 July 2015, a travel agent is required to inform and ask attending participants if it is their wish to purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for business insolvency of travel agencies when:
– they are buying a leisure travel product/package; or
– their travel product/package costs at least S$1,000 (including GST) per person; or
– they are paying a deposit or payment of at least S$500 per person.
Others:
1. This event is organised by Adventures Unlimited (TA02844), a licensed travel agent registered with the Singapore Tourism Board.
2. Insurance
From 15 July 2015, a travel agent is required to inform and ask attending participants if it is their wish to purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for business insolvency of travel agencies when:
– they are buying a leisure travel product/package; or
– their travel product/package costs at least S$1,000 (including GST) per person; or
– they are paying a deposit or payment of at least S$500 per person.
1. This event is organised by Adventures Unlimited (TA02844), a licensed travel agent registered with the Singapore Tourism Board.
2. Insurance
From 15 July 2015, a travel agent is required to inform and ask attending participants if it is their wish to purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for business insolvency of travel agencies when:
– they are buying a leisure travel product/package; or
– their travel product/package costs at least S$1,000 (including GST) per person; or
– they are paying a deposit or payment of at least S$500 per person.