The towering Everest may be seen as you reach the peak and go to the left. Also, did we mention that you can see the world’s four highest peaks from here? We were deceiving you. Because from this vantage point, you can view Makalu, the world’s fifth highest mountain, as well as Lhotse, the world’s fourth-highest peak. The long-distance views of the Sandakphu mountain give the impression that the clouds are below us rather than above us. The view of Everest is likewise from afar, but it is clear and visible.
Now, if you move your gaze slightly to the right, you will notice Mount Kanchenjunga, the world’s third tallest mountain. Kanchenjunga is never alone; it is always surrounded by its family of peaks, all awaiting your gaze. Because of how they all appear from a distance, this family is dubbed “The Sleeping Buddha.” Kokthang, Rathong, Frey, Kabru South, Kabru North, Simvo, Mt. Pandim, Tenzingkhang, Jubanu, and Narsing are the peaks in this family. Kanchenjunga serves as the sleeping Buddha’s body, while Kumbhakarna serves as the sleeping Buddha’s head and face. This family has a lot to contribute.
Also See: Kedarkantha Trek
Do you know what the most enjoyable part is? On the hike, the vistas of the Family of Peaks last for four days. In a sense, this family lives with you for four days.
If we didn’t mention it, you can also view the K2 peak from this vantage point.
This simply means that the Sandakphu Phalut trip takes you along the Indo Nepal border, allowing you to visit both nations. Being here makes you realize how humans have created boundaries to divide this lovely, never-ending land. It’s like if you’re in India for a second and then abruptly cross a line into Nepal. To summaries, it was quite an experience! You will be able to observe the Indo Nepal border up close and personal on the third day of the walk, when trekking from Tumling to Kalipokhri, and experience all of the above.
Getting a glimpse of the countryside
We never claim that the sights of the hills and peaks will bore you, especially if you are an explorer. That is something we must not do! This beautiful journey, however, also allows you to see the countryside views of Gorkhey and Samanden villages. On the seventh day of our walk, we will come across these charming settlements. From Gorkhey village to Sepi, we’ll take the same path. The Samanden village will be visited on the same day as our itinerary.
Both of them share the qualities of being serene and beautiful. They are, however, very distinct from one another. These are lovely tiny settlements with lush pine and bamboo forests surrounding them. These seem exactly like the charming French villages we see in movies, complete with a cute river running through them. This small community is made up of wooden homes, vegetable farms, and some lovely gardens. It is an excellent location for relaxation.
Unlike many other treks, this one begins and ends in an environmental community called Jaubhari. It’s a charmingly eccentric village, completely devoid of human interference, with only 10 to 12 houses in total. Staying here, taking in the scenery, and then getting ready to trek the next day would be a unique experience.
Day 1: Bagdogra to Jaubhari
The journey takes 4 to 5 hours and covers 112 kilometers.
The tea house will serve as our base camp in Jaubhari.
Day 2 – Tumling to Jaubhari
The trip lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours and covers a distance of 9 kilometers.
We’ll re-energize in the tea house after a long day.
Day 3 – Tumling to Kalipokhri
The trek distance is 12 km and it would take 7 hours for the trek.
If we get up early, we get to see the Sun’s rays falling on the sleeping Buddha from today onwards.
Day 4 – Kalipokhri to Sandakphu
It is a small 3-hour trek to cover a distance of 6 km.
We start to see a lot of peaks from this spot along with coming closer to the India Nepal border.
Day 5 – Sandakphu to Sabargram
This is a long day with a trek distance of 12 km to cover in 7 hours.
While we’ll be going on a lot of ridges today, there will be plenty of interesting vegetation and creatures to see.
Day 6 – Phalut to Gorkhey
It’s a 16-kilometre hike that takes 6 hours to complete.
Now we must prepare to see the Kanchenjunga more prominently from this day on, as well as spend some time in Phalut and the surrounding area, such as villages.
Day 7 – Gorkhey to Sepi
It’s an 11-kilometer hike that takes about 5 hours to complete.
The goal for the day is to live out our French rural fancies by visiting the charming villages.
Temperature/Weather –
During the summer, the temperature in Sandakphu ranges from 15 to 17 degrees Celsius. The temperature might dip below -5 degrees Celsius at night during the winter. This is a summer as well as a winter hike. It is expected that snow will fall throughout the winter months. As a result, it is always advisable to bring winter clothing and winter boots when going hiking.
Difficulty Level –
The hike has a moderate difficulty level. Some of the trails on the walk are zigzagging, which makes it a little more moderate to challenging. Aside from that, it’s a walk that’s easy to moderate in difficulty. When it rains, the trail becomes slick, making things more difficult. It’s even suitable for novice hikers.
Also See: Har ki Dun Trek
Desert Safari in Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer has many stories to tell about Rajasthan’s brave kings. It is home to sandstone forts, temples, and Havelis, which are some of the best examples of the region’s remarkable architectural style. Jaisalmer, a culturally rich city, attracts a large number of visitors throughout the year due to its ancient edifices and lovely lake, which are indeed a sight to behold.
The lovely city of Jaisalmer, in the Indian state of Rajasthan, is built on a small sandstone hill and is surrounded by the famous Thar Desert. Walking through the small streets of Jaisalmer, you’ll see individuals dressed in vibrant Rajasthani costumes and residences with an old-fashioned appearance. When you tour some of the top locations to visit in Jaisalmer, such as Jaisalmer Fort, Bada Bagh, Patwon Ki Haveli, and Gadisar Lake, your exploration of the city becomes truly unique.
Shopping in Jaisalmer is a must-do activity in addition to sightseeing. You won’t be able to take your eyes off the beautiful Rajasthani handicrafts, jewellery, and vivid Rajasthani apparel in markets like Manak Bazar and Pansari Bazar. You will undoubtedly take them with you!
Exploring Jaisalmer is more than just visiting its well-known tourist attractions and shopping for traditional Rajasthani products. The real fun is in Jaisalmer’s desert safari. Because Jaisalmer is located in the heart of the vast Thar Desert, many tourists visit Jaisalmer to enjoy a desert safari. They take pleasure in witnessing the beauty of the sandy terrains and dunes as high as a two-storey building.
A desert safari is a must-do experience on your Jaisalmer tour since it offers thrills, excitement, and a lot of fun.
Camel Safari
On a camel, you may experience the charm of Thar. Your bumpy camel ride in Jaisalmer will be an unforgettable adventure. You will be led by expert English-speaking guides to capture the sight of shimmering sand and massive dunes. Camels rides are frequently planned in the late afternoons and evenings so that you may enjoy the view of the city, desert fauna, oasis, and beauty of the outskirts while relaxing in a cool, breezy environment. The best part of a desert safari is seeing the sunset at nightfall, which is a sight to behold.
