Think about your self atop a crag on a hill, a sea of orographic clouds painted crimson by the solar beneath. From beneath the ocean emerge little blue hills, intersected by verdant valleys — like little islands positioned by an artist to finish an unfinished sculpture. A woodpecker and a bulbul harmonise to the haunting whistles of their neighbour, the grey-headed thrush. Collectively they weave a music — a prelude to the maestoso the mountains would construct.
The Kangchendzonga has prolonged an invite to witness its splendour. In entrance of you, a mild breeze clears the clouds, and the large mountain of white seems in an orange silhouette as an alpine odor takes over. Many have known as it ‘The Sleeping Buddha’.
At a lofty altitude of three,636 metres (11,930 toes), Sandakphu, nestled within the Japanese Himalayas, in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district, gives a world that enchants, conjures up, excites, and calms, all collectively — the proper playground for nature lovers.
Learn how to attain Sandakphu?
Sandakphu is positioned in Singalila Nationwide Park, a novel sanctuary that straddles the Indo-Nepal border. The mighty Himalayan bear, the elusive crimson panda, and the rabbit-like Pika are some animals that decision it their residence.
To achieve this ecological haven, one should first attain the city of Mane Bhanjyang. The city, a part of which lies in Nepal, derives its title from two phrases — ‘Mane’ that means Buddhist stupas and ‘Bhanjyang’ that means a go or a junction. The worldwide border here’s a small culvert, a slim drain separating the homes in Nepal from these in India. It’s an open border and Indian residents are free to discover both facet.
Earlier than the COVID-19 pandemic, a Friday Haat (market) would see folks from each side of the border collect to purchase their weekly necessities. Since then, the market has been suspended, however the vibrant Sunday market on the Indian facet stays a hub of cross-border alternate.
Mane Bhanjyang, positioned about 28 km from Darjeeling, is accessible by way of the closest railway station, New Jalpaiguri (85 km), or the closest airport, Bagdogra (82 km). Travellers usually attain Darjeeling first, from the place quite a few autos function alongside the 28 km path to Mane Bhanjyang.
For these restricted by time or bodily constraints, you’ll be able to journey about 32 km uphill to Sandakphu in a classic Land Rover. Round 30 of those 1954–57 fashions nonetheless perform as taxis, making the journey itself an journey!
Nonetheless, should you want to actually soak within the breathtaking panorama, nothing compares to experiencing it on foot.
The Sandakphu trek: A journey via the clouds
“There are a number of trekking routes, throughout each India and the Nepal border,” says Sasang Gurung, who gives excursions as a part of the ‘Sandakphu and Past’ group. “On the primary day, we climb about 2,000 toes to achieve Tumling.”
The journey might start from both Mane Bhanjyang or close by Dhotrey.
Tumling, located in Nepal’s Illam district, is clustered by just a few small cottages and huts. It’s harking back to an age the place time, maybe, moved slowly. The idyllic setting and proximity to nature make it an ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle. Alternatively, you’ll be able to halt on the Tonglu peak in India, just a few kilometres forward; however be ready for a steeper climb the following day.
If luck permits, and it’s a moonless evening, and clouds are scant, you could end up serenading the sky after the solar has set. Should you’re travelling between March and September, spot the constellation Scorpio and it is possible for you to to see the centre of the Milky Approach galaxy, bedazzled by the brilliant blue dots of numerous stars.
“On the second day, we trek as much as Kala Pokhari,” Sasang informs. A barely bigger institution, Kala Pokhari is known as after the seemingly black lake it homes (‘Kala’ that means black and ‘Pokhari’ that means lake in Nepali). At an altitude of three,000 metres (9,842 toes), it’s the proper place to relaxation and take within the breathtaking environment.
Lastly, after a difficult however rewarding climb, you’ll attain the summit at Sandakphu, a vantage level from the place you’ll be able to see 4 of the world’s 5 highest mountains — Everest, Kangchendzonga, Lhotse, and Makalu. Kangchendzonga, your fixed companion, would stand out — its cluster making up a golden or white silhouette that offers it the title, ‘The Sleeping Buddha’.
One other route that trekkers use begins from Rimbik, or close by Sirikhola, about 55 km from Darjeeling. “It’s because of the accessible motorable street we’ve these days that we select the Rimbik route,” Keshav Gurung, who runs the Shikhar Tarry homestay in Mane Bhanjyang, explains. “Teams like ‘India Hikes’ often use this route. They drive from right here until Rimbik after which climb up from the opposite facet via Phalut,” he provides.
The place to remain in Sandakphu?
Should you’re planning a visit to Sandakphu, it’s finest to maintain at the least every week in hand. “From Sandakphu, it’s your selection whether or not you wish to attain Phalut or climb down via Rimbik,” Sasang says. The descent from the summit ends within the city of Rimbik and passes via Sirikhola.
Phalut, the second-highest peak in West Bengal, stays a well-liked spot amongst trekkers because of its pristine location, breathtaking views, and color tapestry created by full-bloom rhododendrons. Many imagine that the trek to Sandakphu is incomplete with out setting foot on Phalut.
“The Phalut trek would take at the least 5 days,” says Sangay Sherpa, who manages the Singalila Jungle Lodge in Palmauja close to Dhotrey. “There isn’t any dearth of lodging all through the whole journey,” he provides. Dhotrey is amongst quite a few villages that trekkers select to acclimatise earlier than beginning their Sandakphu journey.
Sasang informs that the Singalila Ridge is dotted with such offbeat locations. Since tourism is a crucial technique of livelihood, there are a large variety of homestays and lodges. Nonetheless, it’s best to make bookings upfront, notably through the vacation season, Sasang recommends.
Does it snow in Sandakphu?
Sure! The upper altitudes have historically been blessed with snowfall between the months of December and February. Nonetheless, it has turn out to be a tad bit erratic, because of local weather change. “We had some gentle snowfall in September,” says Sasang. “Final 12 months, it snowed in March.”
They inform me that one of the best time to make the trek is between September and November when the skies are crystal clear, or March and April when the forests are lush.
However should you’re up for it, any time is an effective time.
Earlier than you set off, be sure you’re correctly ready. The climate within the mountains can change instantly, the nippiness could also be unfamiliar, and the dearth of urbanscape could pose challenges. So pack trekking sneakers, a thick jacket, a trekking stick, a torch (your telephone’s battery won’t final lengthy in these distant areas), and loads of nutritious snacks to maintain you energised.
Each step of the best way, you’ll end up in a mystical passage — via time, nature, and spirit. The mountains, the forests, the colorful flowers, and the celebs above — all come collectively to create an journey that’s positive to go away an indelible mark in your soul.
Edited by Pranita Bhat
