ST/ 03: 07 Days Sandakphu - Phalut Ridge Trek
- Max Elevation: 3636 m
- Grade: Moderate
- Period: Mar to May and Oct to Dec
This treks climbs steeply from the road head at Maneybhanjan, at 2134 m, for three days to reach the Sandakphu –Phalut ridge at an altitude of 3600 m. Enroute there are the lovely forests of the Singelila National Park, and the view pint of Tonglu. From Sandakphu there are breathtaking views of the Khangchendzonga Range towering over a basin of silver firs and Rhododendrons, in the foreground. In the West the peaks of the Mount Everest group are visible, whilst on the East lie the Chola Range with views of passes leading into Tibet. The trek from Sandakphu to Phalut is along the undulating 3500 m high ridge passing through meadows, forests full of wild flowers and himalayan flora, with the mighty peaks towering in the background. The descent to the road head at Rimbik through the Rammam River Valley, with its gurgling streams and diverse flowering flora is a visual delight.
Trek tour starts and ends at Darjeeling or Kalimpong.
Day 01: Darjeeling - Maneybhanjan, 2134m - Trek to Tumling, 3000m
Drive to Maneybhanjang. At 2134 meters, this is the end of the tarmac road and the start of a 1500 meter climb up onto the Singalila Ridge. Today you will trek up to the Tonglu Ridge, and reach your destination for the day - Tumling, in 6-7 hrs. It is a hard first days climb. Slow and steady pace over the 12.5 kms route will enable the following schedule:-
- Maneybhanjan, 2134m to Chitre. 2800m: Very steep 02 Kms takes 02 hrs
- Chitre to Meghma , 2900m: Easy undulating 06 Kms in 03 hrs
- Meghma to Tonglu top, 3070 m: Easy undulating 03 Kms in 1.30 hrs
- Tonglu top to Tumling, 2900m: Gradual descent 1.5 kms in 0.30 hrs
You will stay overnight at either Tumling in a comfortable private lodge, or at the trekkers hut at Tonglu.
Day 02: Trek Tumling - Garibas, 2621 Mtrs - Kal pokhri
Rise early for a sunrise view from Tonglu Top. Weather permitting you will get a fabulous views of both, Singalila and Chola Ranges. Mount Chomalhari, in Bhutan is also visible. Return to Tumling for breakfast. After breakfast, take the trail through the Singalila National Park. Mature forests, cascading streams and wild flowers, are a delight to the senses. A leisurely downhill walk of just 06 kms will bring you to Garibas in just 02.30hrs. Continue trekking to Kal Pokhri, 3081 m . It is a 6 kms fairly steep trek, which will take about 3.30 - 04 hrs of easy trekking. Overnight at comfortable private lodge.
Day 03: Kal Pokhri, 3081 - Sandakphu, 3636 Mtrs.
Today is a hard days trekking It is quite a steep climb to Sandakphu and you are no doubt likely to feel the effects of the thinner air as you climb over 3000 meters for the first time. However, there is plenty to distract the mind, as you are rewarded with remarkable panoramic views of Khangchendzonga, Makalu, Everest, Lhotse and the other, lesser peaks of Sikkim and eastern Nepal. The very steep 6 kms trek will take 03-04 hrs
If the weather is clear, there are remarkable sunset and sunrise views from Sandakphu, of Everest, Makalu, and Khangchendzonga. Overnight in trekkers huts / private Lodge.
Day 04: Sandakphu, 3636m – Sabargram, 3536 m - Molley, 3400m.
Rise early to see the breathtaking view of four of the world's highest peaks, all over 8000 Mtrs in elevation. The entire Khangchendzonga Range towers over a basin of Rhododendrons, and Silver Firs in the foreground. On the western horizon, the peaks of the Everest Group are Visible. To the East on the Chola Range can be seen the passes of Chola, NatuLa, and JalepLa, leading to Tibet. After breakfast, trek along the ridge to Sabargram and walk down 2 kms to the Trekkers Lodge at Molley. Today we cover a distance of 16 Kms. But it is a relatively level walk. The trail is lined with Rhododendrons of various hues, magnolias, chestnut oak, and Silver Fir. During springtime, there is a splash of primulas, daises, and other wild flowers. On the Western horizon, are, the great snow clad peaks. No wonder most trekkers do not feel the distance and enjoy every bit of the 06 hrs walk. Picnic lunch enroute. The last stretch up to Sabargram is a little climb . The trail forks here, and we take the path on the right going downhill to Molley. The Lodge is in the middle of a forest. Overnight at Lodge. Stay at Molly avoids the stark , Windy and uncomfortable stay at Phalut.
Day 05: Molley - Rammam, 2560 Mtrs.
After breakfast we take the path through the forest. This path is not so steep but is going downhill almost all the way up to the village of Rammam. It takes about 3 hours to get to Rammam.where we halt for the night. After lunch we can relax and explore the village Meals and overnight at Lodge.
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