Sandakphu Phalut Trek

Sandakphu Phalut Trek

Surround yourself by the highest mountains in the world!

Duration
7 or 8 Days
Trek Altitude
11,745 Feet
Destination
West Bengal
Trek Distance
63 KM
Group Size
12
Best Time
Winters

Sandakphu Phalut Trek 

Sandakphu Phalut trek takes you to the rewarding Sandakphu peak, with views of 4 of the 5 highest mountains in the world. The trekkers get to witness the enormity of Makalu, Lhotse, Kanchenjunga and Mount Everest.

The trek is an easy to moderate category trek in terms of difficulty. It can be attempted by first time trekkers with moderate level of fitness, if they do not have any ailments. Add to this what the trek offers and this makes it a must do for every trekker.

The trek is geographically located in West Bengal, bordering Nepal & Sikkim. Sandakphu and Phalut are two ridge tops respectively, after which the trek in named. A drive of 104 Km to Dhotrey in around 4 hours takes us to the starting point of the trek.

The trek can even be started from Manebhanjang, but the route from Dhotrey has lesser crowd, at least for the first day, as both the trails eventually confluence at Tumling. A tea house based trek, it comes on the easier side owing to the prior arrangements.

Why should you trek to Sandakphu Phalut?

The trek has its own unique charm and there are many reasons you should choose to do this trek once in your lifetime. It surely has been on the bucket list of every trek leader we have ever met. There are three primary aspects that make the Sandakphu trek special -

Witness 4 of the 5 highest mountains in the world

The first reason in itself makes most want to Sandakphu Phalut Trek. You get to view the following 8,000-meter mountain peaks from the trek:
  • Mount Everest - The highest peak in the world at 8,848 meters
  • Kanchenjunga - 3rd highest peak at 8,586 meters
  • Lhotse - 4th highest 8,516 meters
  • Makalu - 5th highest 8,485 meters
Other 7,000-meter peaks such as Chamlang (7,319 meters), Baruntse (7,152 meters), Nuptse (7,864 meters), Jannu (7,711 meters) & more. You will essentially be surrounded by the tallest mountains in the world. There can be no better reason to trek to Sandakphu Phalut than this. "The Sleeping Buddha", an appearance that the Kanchenjunga massif gives is a very pleasant and unique experience.

Enjoy a culturally rich trek

While most talk about how beautiful the peaks are, very few mention how culturally different this trek is from what you would experience in places like Uttarakhand or Himachal or even Kashmir & Ladakh.

The tea house experience en-route the Sandakphu Phalut trek shares a resemblance with the treks in Nepal in terms of conduct. The villages are unique in their layout, the people have a vibrant culture and warm hospitality. Do keep and eye out for this unique blend and try not to get lost in the views of the tall mountains alone.

Trek to Sandakphu Phalut in different seasons, including peak winters

The Sandakphu Phalut trek can be done around most of the year except the rainy season. Winters, however, are the best time for the trek. Imagine an abode of snow, beautiful forests, vivid villages and tallest mountains of the world all covered in snow. You can enjoy it all even in the peak winter months of December and January. This makes it a fabulous trek and one of our most favourite trek on the easier side.

 

What is the best time for Sandakphu Phalut trek?

The Sandakphu Phalut trek can be done in all months except the rainy season. The trek can be done from September to April months. Rainfall arrives May onward and subsides by September.

Given that India is deprived of any snowfall except in the Himalayas, for trekkers from India, winters is the best recommended time to witness the spectacle of a snowy wonderland.

For wildlife or bird watching enthusiasts spring and autumn are a great time, as well as for non-Indian citizens who are well accustomed with snow landscapes, these two seasons make up for a great time. Rhododendrons & Magnolias bloom in the months of March & April the most.

Autumn months of September and October are the best time for bird watching. The views are spectacular around these months as the weather stays clear and visibility is the most. Downside of trekking can be increased crowd,s especially around the festivities of the October month, such as Durga Puja. Planning your visit post the festive period of October and prior to the arrival of winters (early November) will be the best time for the trek overall.



Sandakphu Phalut route map

Sandakphu Phalut Itinerary

  • Distance: 73 KM trek
  • Time: 3 hours

  • Distance: 5.5 KM trek
  • Drive: 44 KM
  • Time: 3 hours trek, 2 hours drive
  • Altitude: 9,840 feet | 3,000 meters

  • Distance: 11 KM trek
  • Time: 5 hours
  • Altitude: 9,910 feet | 3,020 meters

  • Distance: 7 KM trek
  • Time: 4 hours
  • Altitude: 9,910 feet | 3,020 meters

  • Distance: 14 KM trek
  • Time: 7 hours
  • Altitude: 11,550 feet | 3,520 meters

  • Distance: 15 KM trek
  • Time: 8 hours
  • Altitude (Gorkhey): 7,545 feet | 2,300 meters
  • Altitude (Phalut): 11,745 feet | 3,580 meters

  • Distance: 10 KM trek
  • Time: 6 hours
  • Altitude: 2,000 meters | 6,560 feet

  • Distance: 127 KM trek
  • Time: 6 hours

FAQ's about Sandakphu Phalut Trek

The Sandakaphu Falut trek is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the least explored summer hikes in the region.

Sandakaphu stands at an impressive 11,745 feet (3,608 meters) above sea level. The summit offers trekkers breathtaking views of four of the five highest peaks in the world: Makalu, Lhotse, Kanchenjunga and Mt.

Though Sandakaphu can be visited throughout the year, he can avoid traveling during the rainy season. The best time for this hike is during the winter months when the landscape is adorned with snow and scenery.

The total hiking distance from Sandakfu to Falut is about 63 km.This trek offers spectacular mountain views and unique cultural experiences along the way. This is an easy intermediate class hike, suitable for first-time travelers with moderate fitness levels.

At an altitude of 3636 meters/11926 feet, Sandakaphu is the highest point in West Bengal in Darjeeling district.
Phalut is the second highest peak in the Singlila range, only after Sandakaphu, and more or less resembles the top of the table on the same peak. Phalut also borders Nepal, Sikkim and West Bengal.

1. Witness 4 of the 5 highest mountains in the world: From Sandakafu, you will see the following mountains at an unparalleled height of 8,000 meters:
Mount Everest (8,848 meters) – the highest mountain in the world.
Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) is the third-highest peak.
Lhotse (8,516 m) – the fourth highest.
Makalu (8,485 meters) – the fifth highest.

Imagine being surrounded by these amazing giants—a truly awe-inspiring experience!

In addition, the Kanchenjunga group is like a “sleeping Buddha,” which makes the trek unique.

2. Enjoy a culturally rich trip:
Sandakaphu Fallut offers more than just mountain views. The tea house experience along the way parallels a trip to Nepal.

Explore unique villages, vibrant culture and warm hospitality. If you are out hiking, look out for this mix of nature and culture.

3. Walking in seasons, including the harshest of winters:
Sandakaphu phalut can be practiced almost throughout the year except during the rainy season.

Whether you choose spring, summer or winter, each season offers its own charm and beauty

Reviews

Inclusions
  1. Transport support on day 1 and the last day
  2. All vegetarian meals starting from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day.
  3. Professional Guide, Cook and Support staff
  4. First-Aid kit with Oximeter and Portable Oxygen Cylinder.
  5. Kitchen tents, common tents, toilet tents with portable toilet seats
  6. Rent for camping equipment like Clean sleeping bags and foam mattresses, Good quality ‘A’ shaped or dome tents, Camping stools, Table and Crampons and gaiters if required
  7. Forest entry charges for Indian nationals (Additional charges will be applicable for international tourists)
  8. Porter and mule support to carry camping equipment and NOT personal luggage
  9. Accommodation throughout the trek on a twin/triple-sharing basis
Exclusions
  1. Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls, etc
  2. Any transport support during the trek apart from what is included above
  3. Any cost or service not mentioned in the Inclusions
  4. Accommodations apart from the trek
  5. Adventure Insurance
  6. Cost arising due to unforeseen incidents like bad weather, medical evacuation, roadblocks, etc
  7. Porter and mule support to carry personal Luggage can be arranged at an additional cost of INR 500 per bag per day (weighing up to 12 kg)
  8. lunch box for packed lunch/breakfast. To avoid using polythenes and aluminum foils. Keeping the Himalayas clean is our own responsibility. Reduce the use of Plastic when you are in the abode of the Sacred Himalaya