Sandakphu Phalut Trek

The Sandakphu Phalut trek is unlike any other trek we run at Indiahikes. It follows a trail right along the India-Nepal border. You are constantly weaving in and out of Nepal. There is no other trek where you can experience this. And along the way, you stay in tea-houses, which offer an intimate look at the vibrant Nepali culture of the region. Trekkers come back raving about these cultural experiences. 

But it’s the mountain views that have the greatest impact. On the Sandakphu Phalut Trek, you see not one or two but five of the World’s highest mountain peaks. It’s a humbling experience.

From Sepi, you trek through a mosaic of villages, farmlands and tall pine forests to reach Samanden and then Molley. You get a glimpse of the revered Kanchenjunga massif on the way, but that’s about it. It’s only after you reach Sabargram that the mountain views open up fully. Right in front of you is the Kanchenjunga massif– the cultural icon of the region and the third-highest mountain peak in the world. It’s part of a group of peaks that line up to resemble a giant sleeping figure — the famous Sleeping Buddha. You see this alignment only from select vantage points. Trekkers from around the world come to Sandakphu-Phalut for a glimpse of this stunning sight. A sunrise in this setting, with clouds floating in and out of the valley, makes any trekker weak in the knees.

To the west of the Sleeping Buddha, the Everest group rises above the clouds. Mt. Everest, the tallest mountain in the world, sits between Makalu, the fourth-highest peak and Lhotse, the fifth-highest peak. To Lhotse’s west rises Cho Oyu, the sixth highest peak. That’s five of the world’s six highest peaks right in front of you.

While Everest, Kanchenjunga and Makalu get most of the attention, we often forget about Lhotse. The view is so captivating, you almost overlook other legendary peaks of Nepal like Cho Oyu and the Chamlang massif — each iconic in its own right. As long as you trek on the Singalila Ridge, from Phalut to Aahl and onwards to Sandakphu, these mountains walk with you.

The Sunsets from Aahl are our absolute favourite. Even our experienced Trek Leaders, who are in the mountains day in and day out, rate Aahl among the top spots to catch a sunset. Witnessing the sun set into a sea of clouds with all these magnificent mountains in the backdrop is simply breathtaking.

But Sandakphu-Phalut is also so much more. The trek takes you into the heart of Singalila National Park. From pines, oaks and firs to bamboo groves and rhododendrons– the variety of forests you witness on this trek is mind-boggling. In spring, the rhodos burst into colour — pink, red, scarlet, even white. If you're lucky, you might even spot a red panda or hear stories of black bears and clouded leopards. 

Adding to the trek’s charm are villages like Samanden and Gurdum, placed quietly amidst dense forests. These picture-perfect settlements feel like they’re straight out of the European Alps — quiet, beautiful, and welcoming. And the local food? Spicy dalle chillies, bamboo shoot pickles, churpi — every step is a glimpse into the unique culture of the region.

But it is not a very easy trek. On the Sandakphu-Phalut Trek, you cover nearly 70 km over 6 days of moderate trekking. But the rewards are truly exceptional. You get up close to the Sleeping Buddha, witness breathtaking views of the world’s highest mountains, and experience some of the most stunning sunrises and sunsets in the Himalayas. And in the middle of all this, you’re standing at Sandakphu — the highest point in West Bengal — without even realising it. 

With all these incredible facets, there’s no other trek in our books that is quite like the Sandakphu experience.

5 Things We Love About the Sandakphu Phalut Trek

1) The Sleeping Buddha
The Kanchenjunga cluster is something you can see right from the main Darjeeling town. It fills you with anticipation of seeing this massif up close on the trail. And when you arrive at Sabargram, you get your first unobstructed view of the Sleeping Buddha. The Sleeping Buddha is your companion for most days of the trek. It also gets closer and bigger each day. From Phalut, the cluster is so close that you feel like those mountains are a stone's throw away. No photograph does justice to how imposing it is.

2) Picturesque villages on the Trek
These villages are hidden gems on this trek. Samanden, with its European-style charm, is like a picture from a storybook. Aal, with its magical sunsets, feels otherworldly. The tea houses in these villages offer a warm, cosy experience. The mix of Nepali and Tibetan culture is evident everywhere. From the food to the hospitality, everything feels authentic and unique.

3) The Singalila Ridge
The moment you get to Sabargram, you arrive on the Singalila Ridge. Stretching from Phalut to Sandakphu, this is one of the classic ridge walks of our country. The Everest cluster and the Sleeping Buddha accompany you throughout the trek. From the ridge walk, you can see your path stretching out ahead of you for days. The views during sunrise and sunset are unparalleled. The sun rises and sets on a sea of clouds below you, creating magical moments you won’t find anywhere else. What most trekkers don’t know is that this ridge walk is longer than that of Phulara Ridge and Khopra Ridge!

4) The Forests of Singalila National Park
The bamboo and rhododendron forests of Singalila National Park are a treat. Walking under the tall bamboo stalks feels like entering a secret world. In spring, the blooming rhododendrons add bursts of red, pink, and white to the trail. The forests are alive with rare wildlife. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a red panda!

5) A Cultural Journey
This trek isn’t just about nature; it’s a cultural experience too. The trail crosses in and out of Nepal multiple times. Some of our campsites have sleeping tents in India and kitchen tents in Nepal! The tea house lets you immerse yourself in the local way of life. The food, like Nepali Thukpa and Bhukiya roti with fruit jam, is delicious and comforting. Don’t forget to take home Dalle Khursani chillies, among the spiciest in the world, or bamboo shoot pickles as souvenirs.

This trek is special in so many ways. Whether it’s the views, the culture, or the forests, every part of the journey has something magical to offer. At Indiahikes, Sandakphu Phalut is one of our most fulfilling treks — not just for trekkers, but for our mountain teams too.