There is now a 4WD motorable road to Sandakphu, so one
can hire a cab down to Manebhanjan and Darjeeling via Tumling and Tonglu
if needed. The drive on the gravel road, however, is very arduous.
Route No 1(a)
This trek is perhaps one of the best and certainly
the most popular of all the treks in Darjeeling for those having a
limited time at their disposal. It offers the travellers an excellent
view of the Kanchenjunga and the Everest group of mountain peaks in
Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan.
It is advisable to start the trek early in the day
and to cover ther distance from Darjeeling to Maneybhanjyang about 26
km. by jeep/buses. One can also go upto Sukhiapokhri, halfway from
Darjeeling since transport to this point is easily available and from
here to Maneybhanjyang either by jeep/buses or one can even trek from
here to Maneybhanjyang(4 km). The drive from Darjeeling to Sukhiapokhri
is about one hour and from there to Maneybhanjyang another half an hour.
Maneybhanjyang to Tonglu is a steep climb up to
Meghma 7 km or 3.5 hrs. walk. There is a small tea house where tea and
snacks are available at reasonable price(if necessary, accomodation is
also available at Meghma Tea House). Meghma is a small hamlet with few
houses & small Monastery & impressive Chorten(stupa). Meghma to
Tonglu is anothere 2 kms.
Tonglu or the local name Tumling is 3070 mt. high
and is one of peaks of Singalila range, falls on the West of Darjeeling
town. On a clear day one can get a fine view of the Nepalese valleys and
of the plains of North Bengal with the snow fed Teesta on the east, the
Koshi on the West and a number of smaller rivers between them. There is
a Trekkers Hut at Tonglu.
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The next day's march from Tonglu to Gairibas 2621
mt. is downhill. The distance is 9 km and it is 2 hrs. walk. The route
passes through the bamboo glades. Gairibas to Kalipokhri 3170 mt. is
continuous climb through the rhododendron forest. Distance is 6 km and
it takes 3 hrs. walk from Gairibas. Trekkers may stop here for a while
for a tea break. There is a small pond at Kalipokhri which means
'Blackpond'. The colour of the water is black and muddy and it never
freezes. From Kalipokhri the road descends to Bikhaybhanjyang-valley of
poison-(Aconites grow in abundance at this place). Bikhaybhanjyang to
Sandakphu is a steep climb of 4 kms. and takes more than an hour to
cover this trek. Accomodation is also available at Bikhaybhanjyang and
Gairibas. There is a trekkers hut at Gairibas.
Sandakphu 3636 mtr. is 58 km. from Darjeeling and
commands one of the most spectacular views. In the foreground is a great
basin set in the midst of the hills, the slopes covered with
rhododendrons and silver fir trees. In the background is continuous
barrier of snowy mountains, the most prominent of which is
Kanchenjunga-28156 ft. 8598 mts. towering up in gigantic height and
breadth with its attendant peaks Kabru 7338 mts. 24,026 ft, Jano
(Kumbhakarna) 7710 mts. 25,294 ft. and Pandim 6691 mts. 22,010 ft.
clustering closely round it. Kabru is foreshortened and does not present
the same graceful outline above the spectacle with its lofty peak
standing up like a great icy horn. Far off to the west at a distance of
160 km. among a group of other snowy mountain rising from graceful peaks
of Everest group can be seen,behind the crest of Mt. Makalu, which
looks like a great armed chair of snow; and further to the west towards
Nepal, there is a wonderful square mass of mountain looking like a wal
of snow Chamlang 7317m-24006 ft. The contrast between Everest and
Kanchenjunga is very marked. Kanchenjunga is remarkable for its imposing
bulk and massive proportions while Everest soaring above a series of
valleys and its ridges, is more graceful and majestic. The space between
the two is occupied by snowy ranges. Three Sisters which cluster
together if you look towards east beyond Kanchenjunga you will see
Narsing and then the Dongkya and Chola ranges of the Tibetan frontier
with Chumalhari lifting up to its heads in the rear. The whole snowy
ranges of Bhutan, Sikkim and Nepal about 320 kms in length; is visible,
but the panoroma is completely dominated by the Kanchenjunga and Everest
group.
Kanchenjunga-correctly spelt is Khangchendzonga is
the third highest mountain in the world means "Five Treasures of the
Great Snow" and is a guardian deity of the Sikkimese.
From the middle of April til 1st week of June this
region blushes with rhododendron bloom and spread with carpet of lovely
primula and other alpine flowers. Trekkers can stay at the Trekkers Hut
in Sandakphu.
The return march to Maneybhanjyang may be
accomplished either in a day or two breaking journey either at Gairibas
or Tonglu, depending on the physical condition of the Trekkers and the
time at his disposal. If the first alternative is chosen, the journey
must commence latest by 7 a.m. It takes about 8 hours of continous march
to Maneybhanjyang.
Route No 1(b)
Upto Sandakphu is in route 1 (a)
If the trekkers have sufficient time next day they
can march further towards Phalut 3600 mts. It is one of the loftiest
peak in the Singalila Range is situated 80 km. North West of Darjeeling
town. The name Phalut is a corruption of the Lepcha word Fak-Lut or the
peeled summit and appellation derived from the bare treeless slopes,
which offer a great contrast to the forest clad ranges below. The peak
is also called Phalilung by the local people.
The stretch from Sandakphu to Phalut is the most
spectacular of the trek. The burned silver-fir forest makes most
beautiful sight one will ever left come across. After walking for a
little while the trekker will be followed by the Everest group on the
left and Kanchenjunga range right ahead. A walk of about 4.5 hrs. from
Sandakphu the trekker will come across a stone house with blown of roof
on the top of a small ridge. The place is known as Sabarkum and is 14
km. from Sandakphu. An alternative place of stay is MOLLEY Trekkers Hut
about 2 k.m. from Sabarkum, for those who do not want to walk to Phalut
the same day. Keeping the ridge on the left follow the trail north ward.
After about an hour the trail begins to climb through a series of
zigzag till one reaches Trekkers' Hut. From here Phalut summit is about
20 minutes walk.
A magnificient view of snowy range is obtained from
the summit which is also trijunction of Sikkim, West Bengal and Nepal.
The general panorama is same as seen from Sandakphu except that
KanchenJunga ranges looks much larger and closer. It is only 48 km. away
as the crow flies. The trekkers will also notice on the foreground
Singalila range jutting out of Kanchenjunga peak. There is a Trekkers
Hut at Phalut. Trekkers can camp at Molley 1,811 mts. Phalut is 1.5
hours walk from this point.
Route No 2(i)
To take in this route, retrace back to Sabarkum and
turn left of ther roofless houses. This trail passes through the virgin
forest which is steep down-hill to Rammam. This takes about 5 hrs. walk
and 16 k.m. in distance. From Phalut, the right hand trail lead to
Srikhola and climbs up to Daragaon and again descends to Rimbick. It
takes about 8 hrs. walk and 25 k.m. in distance from Phalut.
Note : Do not venture this trail during winter i.e.
November and March as it gets dark by 4 p.m. and will be difficult to
find the way.
Route No 2(ii)
From Phalut the trail descends the ridge through the
virgin forests of chestnut, pines, hemlock etc. till the trail reaches
the meeting of two streams called Gorkhey Khola which is a tributary of
Rammam river. It ia a beautiful place. Trekkers can enjoy the bath in
the river after the hectic trek begins to climb upto Samandian-a lovely
plateau and it is a small forest village. From Samandin the road
descends to a small stream and again climbs up for another 1.5 hrs. to
Rammam Trekkers hut. This is about 5 hours walk or 15 km. in distance
from Phalut.
From Rammam the road is almost level walk for about
first 9 km. and again it descends to Srikhola. The road rises steep, for
about 1 k.m. where it levels out again till it reaches Rimbick. There
is a small bazar at Rimbick. Incase the Trekkers desire to return to
Darjeeling by bus next day, it is advisable to stay at Rimbick bazar.
Route No 3('A')
Darjeeling to Rimbick regular buses and jeeps are
available around 7 and 12 noon-12.30 p.m. It is about 5 hrs. drive and
54 K.M. from Darjeeling.
Next day's march, is continuous climb through the
forest of firs, chestnut, hemlock as well as rhododendron. During April,
May the whole slops blazes with different color of rhododendron. You
will observe different types of birds in this area. The trail is
continuous steep climb of 6 hrs. till you hit the main road to Sandakphu
i.e. one kilometer ahead of Kalipokhari and then to Bikhaybhanjang to
Sandakphu. Return trip can be accomplished via Gairibas, Maneybhanjyang
or same route back to Rimbick and to Darjeeling.
Route No 3('B')
Darjeeling-Tonglu or Gairibas-Sandakphu-Srikhola via Gurdum to Rimbick.
Sandakphu-Gurdum is about 3.5 hrs. walk and Gurdum
to Srikhola is about 1 hr. walk. At Gurdum, which is worth spending a
day, there is a private accommodation and at Srikhola there is Trekkers
Hut. Srikhola to Rimbick is 2 hrs. walk whereas Gurdum to Rimbick is
about 4 hrs. walk.
Route No 4
Darjeeling-Tiger Hill and back 26 k.m. one day trek.
There are two walking routes from the town.
(i) Tenzing Norgay Road starts from Chowrasta and
passes through Toong-Soong and Aloo-Bari villages. The road is almost
level and there is no vehicular traffic on this road. It meets the Hill
Cart Road at Jorebungalow. From Jorebungalow the road ascendend to
Tiger-Hill is 5 km.
(ii) Gandhi Road starts from Planters Club Motor
stand. This road goes almost parallel to Hill Cart Road and meets the
Hill Cart Road near Ghoom Railway Station.
Both the routes offer the Travellers excellent view of forests and mountains.
Accommodation
The Trekkers Hut under the management of DGHC
Tourism, are available at Sandakphu region. Advance booking can be made
through DDT,DGHC Tourism, Silver Fir, Bhanu Sarani, Darjeeling.
Clothes
During these treks travellers will encounter
extremes of weather. The routes pass through depths of valleys as low as
762 mts. and tops of mountains as high as 3640 mts. He will, therefore,
have to arrange his clothing accordingly. For treks at lower altitudes
it is sufficient to have a light sweater, shirt and trousers. At higher
altitude a heavy pullover toppes by a wind-cheater is advisable. Adown
jacket is very useful in high altitude. In case the trek is undertaken
in winter-woollen cap and gloves are a must. A muffler may be an added
advantage. A good plan is to start the trek in comfortable outfit and
carry the excess clothing in ruck sack, taking them out as and when
necessary.
Shoes
It has been found that the most common item of
complaint are shoes. In long treks the necessity of a good, durable,
comfortable pair of shoes can hardly be over emphasised. Such boots as
'Hunter' of Bata may be used. It is advisable to wear the shoes for some
days prior to the trek. Remember to carry a few extra pairs of thick
socks.
Raincoat
No matter what time the trek is undertaken a light
raincoat must from an essential part of the outfit. This may be folded
and put into the ruck sack when not in use. Weather may be
unpredictable, particularly in higher altitudes.
Food
Although caretakers of some of the Trekkers' Hut
provide simple rice and dal at nominal rates, travellers must carry
their own provisions. It is difficult to give extra advice on this
subject as tastes vary, but broadly speaking the food should be such as
can be easily carried and will keep in warmer climate. Tinned food, such
as skinless sausages, packet or tin packed soup, cheese, peanut,
butter, baked beans etc. will be helpful. Hard boiled eggs and bread may
be taken as an advantage, rice and dal are excellent items. These may
be cooked with ease at any place. it is essential to carry to packet of
salt as this is a rare commodity at the higher altitude. For hot drinks
tea or instant coffee, condensed milk and sugar may also be carried. It
is suggested to carry a packet of Glucose powder which help to give
energy while on trek. Rice, dal, eggs, chicken, onions and potatoes can
be purchased enroute at most places through they are likely to be
expensive. There are small tea shops enroute to Sandakphu, at places
like Meghma, Gairibas, Kalpokhri, Gorkhey, Rammam,Srikhola and Rimbick.
Water
It is safe to drink spring water in the high
altitudes. However it is advisable to carry water purifying tablets.
Some brand names such as PINATAB and ZEOLIN 200 are easily available at
the Chemist Shops at Darjeeling. Do carry a water bottle.
Season for travel
The best months to trek in this region are April,
May and October-November. During April-May there may be occasional
showers. But this disadvantage would be fully compensated by the beauty
of flowers, especially rhododendrons. Sometimes due to prolonged
monsoons, there may be occasional rains during the first half of the
month of October. But November is generally dry and visibility is
excellent. First half of December is also good, though rather cold;
besides that there are occasional snow falls.
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