The Phalut trek from Sikkim is pretty unknown, and that’s what makes it alluring. The scenic route takes you from Sikkim to the tiny, charming hamlets of West Bengal and onwards to Phalut where you traverse the spectacular Singalila National Park. 

The moderately short yet rewarding trek (5-6 hours uphill climb and 3-hour descent) takes you through enchanting bamboo, rhododendron, and pine forests. 

It’s a great trek well suited for fit beginners. Even if it’s your first trek, you can hire a guide, porter, and a pony to carry your belongings to enjoy the trek hassle-free.  

Best Time to Trek

The summer months from April-May see a rich profusion of rhododendron blooms along the trail, while the autumn/winter months from October-November offer an autumnal landscape and clear skies. 

Trek Highlights

The highlight of this trek is undoubtedly the sunrise view from Phalut at 11,600 feet and the unbelievably astonishing view of some of the tallest peaks in the world! As you walk down the ridge, right ahead, you will witness the “Sleeping Buddha”- the Khangchendzonga mountain range - that depicts the silhouette of a reclining Buddha. Besides Mt. Khangchendzonga (the 3rd highest peak in the world), you will also see Goecha La, Pandim, Kumbhakarna, Kokthang, Rathong, Kabru north and south, and Kabru Foked. 

To the left is the Everest cluster comprising Mt. Everest, Lhotse and Makalu (4th and 5th highest peaks in the world), Chamlang, Baruntse, Nuptse, and Chomolonzo. 

The sunrise appears to your right, gradually lighting up the eastern side of Khangchendzonga in a golden glow, and rising above the canopy of billowy clouds suspended below the ridge. 

New Trek Route to Phalut via Sikkim

Phalut is usually reached from Sandakphu in Darjeeling, but this new route from Sikkim is much closer and for a shorter duration. And what makes this route wholesome is the cultural immersion at the homestays enroute. More on that below. 

TREK ROUTE

We’ve crafted a leisurely route that gives you time to explore the trail and the opportunity to enjoy Himalayan hospitality at each of your stays. 

Day 1. Drive from Gangtok―Bhareng: 6 hours 

(Overnight stay at Bhareng)

Day 2. Trek from Bhareng―Gorkhey―Samaden: 3 hours. Explore Samaden

(Overnight stay at Samaden)

Day 3. Trek from Samaden―Gorkhey―Phalut: 6 hours

(Overnight stay at Phalut)

Day 4. Start for the viewpoint at 4:30 am to view the sunrise and the Himalayan peaks

Trek back to Samaden/Bhareng

(Overnight stay at Bhareng)

Day 5. Departure to Gangtok

Serene Hamlets

Bhareng, in Sikkim, is a small quiet hamlet of 100 houses, each with its own farmland and dotted with flowers throughout the year. The surrounding hillside offers a serene spectacle and turns into a colorfully vibrant canopy when the rhododendrons bloom in season. This is a great place to unwind while enjoying the peaceful farmlands. 

Gorkhey is another picturesque village nestled on the border of Sikkim and West Bengal and set in a valley. Gorkhey offers an idyllic spot for relaxation and is just 1.5 hours from Bhareng. It is known for its lush green surroundings, traditional wooden houses, and the Gorkhey Khola river running through the village, which marks the boundary between Sikkim and West Bengal. 

An uphill climb of 1.5 hours from Gorkhey takes you to Samanden set on a wide stretch of open land surrounded by pine trees. Life moves at a slow pace in this dreamy setting, where you can see cows grazing, ponies carrying potato sacks from nearby villages, vegetables and beans drying in the sun, corncobs strung on roof beams, and warm fires lit in traditional kitchens, with jars filled with local red chillies (dalle) and strings of churpi hanging from the roof beams.  

These hamlets are perfect digital detox retreats with scanty power supply and network connections. 

Ready For Phalut?

You will definitely love this trek and be rewarded with magnificent views throughout. From deeply connecting with nature to cultural immersion at different homestays, expect to make lasting memories and the urge to revisit time and again. 

Book the Phalut trek experience