View four of the world's five highest peaks from the border of India and Nepal. Walk the incredible Singalila ridge dividing two nations.
The Sandakphu Phalut trek is the only trail in India that offers a panoramic view of four of the world's highest 8000m peaks—Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu. The trail takes you deep into the Singalila National Park, famous for its red pandas and blooming rhododendrons in the spring.
What makes this trek completely unique is its geography. You walk directly on the Singalila ridge, which forms the physical border between India and Nepal. Throughout the trek, you will constantly weave in and out of the two countries, eating in Nepal and sleeping in India. The "Sleeping Buddha" formation (Mt. Kanchenjunga) stays by your side for almost the entire journey.
While the altitude is under 12,000 ft, the walking days are exceptionally long, culminating in a 21km ridge walk. Trekkers must provide proof of running 5km in under 35 minutes 15 days prior to the departure date to ensure sustained cardiovascular endurance.
A perfectly paced 7-day itinerary blending deep forest climbs with vast, open ridge walks.
Meet the pickup team at NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport. The drive takes you through the beautiful tea gardens of Darjeeling and up into the steep pine forests of the Singalila range. We check into our base camp at Sepi for an expedition briefing.
The trek begins with a walk through dense bamboo and oak forests. You will cross several small streams and hanging bridges before ascending sharply. Samanden is often called the most beautiful village on the trail, surrounded by pine forests and farming fields.
Today we push above the tree line. The terrain opens up as we approach Sandakphu, the highest point in West Bengal. Upon reaching the summit, the entire "Sleeping Buddha" (the Kanchenjunga massif) is revealed, alongside the Everest cluster in the far distance.
The defining day of the expedition. You walk 21 kilometers continuously along the Singalila ridge. The trail is relatively flat but incredibly long. With Nepal dropping off to your left and India to your right, the snow-capped giants remain in your line of sight all day until you reach Phalut.