Approved by Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India

Phalut or Falut (3600 m) is the second-highest peak of West Bengal – India Part of the Singalila Ridge in the Himalayas, it is located at the border of the Indian states of West Bengal and Sikkim and the country of Nepal. It is located inside the Singalila National Park. A small bunkhouse is near the top of the peak and is administered by the Indian army. Singalila Pass is 17 km away from Phalut.

The indigenous tribes surrounding the mountain peak are known as Falutians by outsiders. Falutians have a 300-year history of worshipping the mountain peak and believe that Phalut is an omniscient god. They refer to the mountain peak as “Omna Re Ay”.

Singalila ridge trek is one of the oldest treks in the world to view the amazing Eastern Himalayan range. This particular ridge trek will not only allow you to see remote Indian Himalayas but also parts of Nepal. It is considered to be one of the most scenic trekking routes of the Eastern Himalayas offering panoramic views of the world’s highest mountains –i.e. Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga right till the peaks of Bhutan. The trek starts in the Sherpa village of Manebhanjang and from throughout the trek you weave in and out of Nepal, through the Singalila National Park, across mountain ridges and picturesque villages. If you are, a flora and fauna enthusiast then March/April is a great time to go to see the rich varieties of rhododendron and orchids.

The northern part of the state of West Bengal is covered by the Himalayas, which provide ample mountaineering and adventure sports opportunities. Those who are beginners or have relatively less experienced in the activity may go on the Sandakphu trek as it is quite easy. Look at the bewitching peak of Kanchenjunga from here before starting your mountaineering excursion. With this Sandakphu – Phalut trekking package, you get a chance to cross the border and enter Nepal and meander back to India while following the winding trail. During most of your journey, your eyes will feast at views of sky-touching mountains covered with snow. The trail will take you through forests of pine at lower altitudes, and those of oaks, deodars, pindrow firs and morinda spruces at higher elevations. On the way to Tumling, you arrive at a picturesque alpine meadow, offering views of mountains nearby. At several halts, scenic sunrises over the Himalayas will leave you spellbound, and the spell will only be broken by even prettier sights. From Tumling, you may also get to see the magnificent Mount Everest if the weather allows you. The final approach to Sandakphu peak will be the toughest due to the rapid gain in altitude, but also the most rewarding. Just as you reach the summit and look at the stupefying view, you will forget all about tiredness. Sandakphu – Phalut trek will bring a well-balanced ratio of easy and tough sections as the path will keep climbing and descending. All said and done, it is one of the easiest mountain expeditions that you can undertake in the region, and is perfect for you to get better at hiking. At your lodgings near the summit, you will enjoy a little felicitation to celebrate the ascent, and the next few days will be spent solely in hiking mixture of downhill & casual uphill. In Timburey, where your trip will end, you will have another round of celebration; this time with a scrumptious dinner, warming bonfire, and good music.

Sandakphu, being the highest peak in West Bengal, offers grand views of the world’s tallest peaks. Lhotse and Makalu, the fourth and fifth highest peaks in the world stand tall at 8,516m and 8,463m, trying to outdo the world’s tallest peak. But how can they? After all, the Everest stands between them, towering over everything!

On the other hand, Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak, stands with its family at 8,586m.

The Kanchenjunga cluster is famously called The Sleeping Buddha, thanks to its appearance. Mt. Kumbhakarna forms the head and face of Buddha, while Kanchenjunga forms the upper body. The other peaks that make up The Sleeping Buddha are Kokthang, Rathong, Frey, Kabru South, Kabru North, Simvo, Mt. Pandim, Tenzingkhang, Joponu, Narsing.

The route of this trek lies along the border of India and Nepal. In fact, one constantly moves in and out of Nepal during the trek. The mighty mountains, of course, know no boundaries. They stretch through Nepal, India, Bhutan, and further.

Do the Sandakphu trek in April for the rhododendrons

This trek can be done almost throughout the year save for monsoon months. But April is one of the best months to do the trek thanks to the rhododendron forests that burst to life!

Not just rhododendrons, you get to see hundreds of birds and other animals. If you get lucky, you could even spot the elusive red panda!

If you want clear mountain views, then choose autumn

The months of September, October, and November offer crystal-clear mountain views and you can enjoy the glorious sights of sunrise from Sandakphu and Phalut. If you trek later in winter, you can even experience fresh snow at Sandakphu!