Sandakphu Trek

Why is Sandakphu Phalut A Must-Do Trek?

Sandakphu – Phalut Trek unfolds a staggering panorama of the 4 tallest mountain peaks in the world! From the snow-capped peaks of Nepal to Bhutan and further east in Tibet, you will get to see an epic snowline, especially the sleeping Buddha formation of peaks. The route entwines along the Singalila Ranges and switchbacks along with the Indo-Nepal world.

At an altitude of 11,930 ft, this is one of the amazing treks that presents the view of not one but four 8000 m peaks – The tallest mountain peak in the world, Mt. Everest (8,849m) with Mt. Lhotse (8516 m) and Mt. Makalu (8463 m), the fourth and fifth highest peaks, to the left of Everest and Mt. Kanchenjunga ( 8586 m), the third-highest mountain, on the right. Together they make the fabled ‘Sleeping Buddha’ formation.

The trek takes place within the Singalila National Park, also giving you an introduction to the rich biodiversity of the region. You get to see native wildlife and bird species, invoking the interest of the naturalists out there.

Our trek route lies along a line that is dotted with many quaint Himalayan villages that are inhabited even in the deep of winter. So, you get to have a peek into the lifestyle in those remote zones. And since these villages largely depend on tourism for their livelihood, our trek route largely benefits the local communities as well.

The Sandakphu Trek Itinerary is also designed in a way that lets you experience both

teahouse stays and camping on the Himalayan slopes and you will also skirt the borders of Nepal during the trek, such that you will be trekking both in India and Nepal during certain days. Our Thakom and Aal campsite lies in Nepal, so you will start the day walking on Indian grounds, and by the end of the day, you are in Nepal!

Owing to all these reasons, Sandakphu Trek becomes an adventure that you should not miss!

Major Attractions Of The Sandakphu Phalut Trek

The Sleeping Buddha Formation Of Peaks

Sandakphu Trek is a mix of many incredible things, whether it is the entwining path through the Old Silk Route with its elegant bends and loops, the lush beauty of the Singalila Range, or the hospitality of the people of Sikkim and Nepal, but what steals the cake is the astounding mountain views!

Few treks can beat such mesmerizing mountain views quite like the Sandakphu Trek. The sleeping Buddha formation of four 8000 m peaks is something worth mentioning again and again! Mt. Everest Peak stands tall and proud with a cluster of three other great peaks, the Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and Lhotse, appearing much like Buddha lying on his side, hence the name. This view remains with you on most days of the trek and from. The unobstructed view of such a beautiful formation is sure to steal your heart as well!

The Grand Vision Of Kanchenjunga

Watching the sunrise over the snow-ensconced peak of Kanchenjunga and other such high peaks is an incredibly surreal experience. As you approach the Sandakphu summit, the Kanchenjunga Range becomes bigger and sharper and it appears in its relentless glory. At sunrise and sunset, the gold and amber sun rays strike the peaks of the Kanchenjunga Range making it appear as if molten gold. This is one of the most prized views on the trek.

The Scenic Samanden And Aal Village

The entirety of the Sandakphu Trek is steeped in natural beauty and en route to the summit, you will cross many charming Himalayan villages and Samanden and Aal being two of them. Both of these villages are exquisitely beautiful. The gorgeous hamlet of Samanden seems straight out of a dream. With stretches of farmland all around and surrounded by mountain views, Samanden is straight out of a postcard. It is also a dreamy village that presents wonderful mountain scenery and a beautiful sunset view. These two villages en route to Sandakphu are surely a photographers delight.

The Native Flora And Fauna

The trek takes place inside the Singalila National Park, so you get the treat of observing native flora and fauna. Magnolias and Rhododendrons are two of the most beautiful floras in the trek that make the trek even more vibrant and beautiful, especially during the Spring months.

The Red Panda, a quite charming but elusive species can be seen hopping from tree to tree inside the National Park. If you are lucky enough, you might even catch it in a picture!

Skirting The Borders Of Nepal

Another great thing about the Sandakphu Trek is that we will switch borders with Nepal and India while on the trek! As you progress towards the Thakom campsite, you will start your day in India and end your day in Nepal. This makes for a unique cultural experience as well.

What Can You Expect At The Trek?

This is one of the very few treks on the planet that is a vantage point for a cluster of 8000 m peaks. On your left is the Everest cluster, Mt. Everest (8,849 m), Mt. Lhotse (8516 m), and Mt. Makalu (8,463 m). On the right side lies the third highest peak in the world, Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) with its family of peaks. All these mountains together form the famous ‘Sleeping Buddha formation’. You can see the Everest cluster only from Sandakphu and beyond, however, the view of the sleeping Buddha starts from the first day of the trek itself and stays until about the 4th or 5th day of the trek.

During your trek, you will get the unique experience of living in teahouses. Teahouse treks are common in Nepal and it is great to see such an experience in an Indian trek. Along the trek, you are walking at a very high point so you will notice cloud banks on either side of you. The sun rises and sets on the banks of these clouds, and that is one of the most spectacular sights to watch.

The trek runs almost all year round, around 8 to 9 months, except the monsoon season and every season presents a unique flavor. In Spring, you will witness Magnolias and Rhododendrons while autumn presents a beautiful golden alpenglow over a mild winter setting. Spring temperature is around 15°C to 20°C during the day and at night the temperature drops close to 1°C to 5 °C. In autumn temperature stays around 13°C to 18°C but any sudden rainfall can bring the temperature down to 8°C to 12°C. Also, as Sandakphu lies at a comparatively lower altitude than the western Himalayas, you can expect to see dramatic sunsets and sunrises, even in winter, and snowfall at Sandakphu is also quite mild. The snowfall is enough to enjoy the snow but not so much that it blocks the trail. The winter temperature ranges between 8°C to 12°C and it can be quite balmy as the snow reflects sunlight. At night the temperature drops ligers around 0°C and sometimes it can fall below 0°C as well.

Sandakphu Trek is a moderate one and does not have any technical section as such, it is suitable both for beginners as well as seasoned trekkers and the trail is also well laid out. Starting at an altitude of 6,400 ft at Sepi, you will go to an altitude of 12000 ft. and it also does not have any big climbs or descents on a day-to-day basis. The temperature at high altitudes can change drastically so it is recommended to layer properly so that you are comfortable throughout the trek. Carry a minimum of 5 layers with you. The trek is prone to heavy winds so there are chances of mild hypothermia or even AMS. So, layer up accordingly.

Exposure to exertion and cold conditions can lead to AMS and as such if you do not feel well at any campsite, please inform the trek leader immediately. Our trek leaders are all well-trained to deal with AMS and they will address the issue immediately. Before the beginning of your trek, your trek leader will brief you about the signs, symptoms, and causes of AMS, and as such, you can be well-prepared for the trek. Hydrate well during the treks. Also, this is one of those treks where exiting in case of emergency is easier than other treks. If there is any medical emergency, evacuation will be pretty immediate.