Sandakphu


Sandakphu or Sandakpur at is a mountain peak in the Singalila Ridge on the border between India and Nepal. It is the highest point of the ridge and of the state of West Bengal, India. The peak is located at the edge of the Singalila National Park and has a small village on the summit with a few hotels. Four of the five highest peaks in the world, Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu can be seen from its summit. It also affords a pristine view of the entire Kangchenjunga Range. Sandakphu is also known as the land of poisonous flowers.

Etymology

The name derives from the Tibeto-Burman Lepcha language and translates as "the height of the poisonous plant" - in reference to the former abundance at the locality of the poisonous plants Aconitum ferox and certain rhododendron species. So great was the danger of fatal poisoning to sheep and cattle being driven through the area that they had to be muzzled to prevent them grazing/browsing upon these toxic species.

Trekking

India

The trek along the Singalila Ridge to Sandakphu and Phalut is one of the most popular in the Eastern Himalayas, owing not only to the stupendous vistas of the Kangchenjunga and Everest ranges which it affords, but also to its seasonal wildflowers and opportunities for birdwatching. Treks begin at Manebhanjan which is from Darjeeling.

Ascent

The Sandakphu trekking routes inside the Singalila National Park have four legs or stages.
  • Manebhanjan to Meghma – height : This is a 4-hour trek through the lower forest. The route goes via Chitre.
  • Meghma to Gairibans – height : There are two alternative trekking routes. They respectively go via Tonglu – height and Tumling – height. From Tumling, a shorter trail cuts through Nepal and Jaubari – height. Jaubari is ward no 07 of jamuna VDC ilam.
  • Gairibans to Sandakphu – height
  • Sandakphu to Phalut – height : It is a one-day trek via Sabarkum – height covering.

    Descent

  • Retracing the way back to Manebhanjan.
  • A steep descent to the village of Sirikhola on the banks of the River Sirikhola, via Gurdum – height, and from there to Rimbick.
Panorama of Peaks seen from Sandakphu and Phalut
Baruntse – height, Chamlang – height, Chomo Lonzo – height, Lhotse – height, Makalu – height, Mount Everest – height, Nuptse – height, Kanchenjunga – height, Talung – height, Rathong – height, Kabru N – height, Koktang – height, Simvo – height, Frey – height, Kabru S – height, Kabru Dome – height, Kabru Forked – height, Pandim – height, Tenchenkhang – height, Jupono – height
Villages At Glance: Gorkhey, Bhareng, Gairibas, Meghma, Maneybhanjyang, Rammam, Srikhola, Sepi, Molley, Gurdum.

Nepal

The western part of Sandakphu peak is located in Sandakpur rural municipality of Ilam District of Province No. 1.
The trekking starts from Ilam Bazar via Maipokhari, Maimajhuwa, Mabu, Kala Pokhri Bikhe Bhyanjyang to Sandakpur, and also from Ilam Bazar via Sulubung, Jamuna, Hangetham, Piple, Kalipokhari, Bikhe Vanjyang to Sandakpur. Jamuna is a highlight for trekkers. There are several beautiful places like Dhap Pokhari and Choyatar on the route.