The trek route to Sandakphu is a wild surprise for trekkers throughout the year. With every seasonal shift, the landscape drastically changes and the viewing experiences with it. From sighting wildflowers and butterflies to the Sleeping Buddha (Khangchedzonga range) that won’t go out of your sight, the Sandakphu trek is one that will capture your heart right away.

Here are a few trek highlights that make it one of the most-loved treks in India:

(1) Witness the 4 highest peaks in the world

Sleeping Buddha

The mighty eastern Himalayas dominate the views in Darjeeling. While Mt. Khangchendzonga is a constant backdrop, the Sandakphu trek, which takes you to an elevation of 11, 930 ft, lets you witness Mt. Everest the highest mountain in the world along with Lhotse and Makalu. There’s no other trek that offers views of the 4 highest peaks in the world.

(2) Flowering trail in summers

The trail comes alive with pretty blooms in the spring. Though the weather during this time obscures views of the mountains, the rhododendron and magnolia flowers perk up the trekking trail.  

Rhododendrons inside Singalila National Park (Pic courtesy: Michelle Tirkey)

(3) Sunsets beneath you

Since the trek takes you up to an altitude of close to 12,000 ft, you will mostly have clouds floating below you. If that’s not mesmerizing enough, you can also view sunsets below you. 

A mesmerising sunset from a campsite

(4) Snow in the winters

November-end and December are pretty cold for this trek but it’s also an opportunity to escape the hordes of trekkers that crowd the trail during the ideal trek months of October and the beginning of November. Another reason to brave the cold is the chance to see snow. There won’t be any heavy snowfall on the route so you can still trek but vehicles won’t be able to ply.

Sandakphu trek during winters (Pic courtesy: Michelle Tirkey)

(5) Birdwatching 

The trek route passes through the Singalila National Park, which gives you an opportunity to view the park's biodiversity, including wildlife and birds. There are close to 300 bird species found in the national park, which include the Spotted Laughingthrush, Brown Parrotbill, Rufous-throated Wren-Babbler, and White-throated Needletail.

Satyr Tragopan inside Singalila National Park

UPCOMING TREK DATES (2022): 

October: 2nd, 9th, 23rd 

November: 6th, 13th 

ADDITIONAL INFO

Blog post: Sandakphu trek: Tryst with the highest peaks in the world

Trek package: Adventurous Sandakphu

Video: Sandakphu Trek with TourGenie