GUNUNG · India

Sandakphu

সান্দাকফু / Sandakphu

Information

Elevation: 3.636 m
Country: India (IN)
Location / Range: Punggungan Singalila, Himalaya Timur — perbatasan India (Benggala Barat)–Nepal, distrik Darjeeling
Mountain type: Puncak punggungan Himalaya (non-vulkanik, batuan orogenik)
Volcanic?: No (non-volcanic)
Coordinates: 27.1036, 88.0001
Difficulty: Sedang — trek panjang di ketinggian dengan tanjakan bertahap; cocok untuk pemula berkondisi baik
Best Season: Oktober–November (langit paling cerah, panorama puncak terbaik) dan Maret–Mei (rhododendron mekar)
Permits & Rules: Berada di tepi Taman Nasional Singalila; wajib tiket masuk taman dan umumnya memakai pemandu/porter terdaftar dari Manebhanjan
Hazards: Ketinggian & udara tipis, suhu dingin/beku, kabut tebal dan cuaca cepat berubah, jalur berbatu-licin pada segmen akhir

Description

Sandakphu (3,636 m) is the highest point of the Singalila Ridge and the highest peak of the Indian state of West Bengal, sitting on the India–Nepal border within the Singalila National Park area of Darjeeling district. This non-volcanic mountain is celebrated as one of the finest viewpoints in the Eastern Himalaya: from its summit four of the world's five highest peaks — Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu — can be seen at once, with the Kangchenjunga massif forming the iconic 'Sleeping Buddha' silhouette. The classic trek to Sandakphu begins at Manebhanjan village near Darjeeling and follows the border ridge through Tonglu, Tumling, Gairibas and Kalapokhri, passing through rhododendron, oak and pine forest and alpine meadows. Beyond the mountain panorama, the route is known for its seasonal wildflowers and birdwatching. For non-trekkers, Sandakphu can also be reached by the legendary vintage Land Rover 4x4 vehicles from Manebhanjan.

Gallery

Foto bersumber dari Wikimedia Commons — klik untuk memperbesar & lihat sumbernya.

Routes

Trek Punggungan Singalila via Manebhanjan (rute klasik)

Sedang

4–5 hari (bisa diperpanjang ke Phalut, 6–7 hari)

The main trekking route to Sandakphu starts at Manebhanjan village (about 28 km from Darjeeling) and follows the India–Nepal border ridge through Tonglu/Tumling, Gairibas and Kalapokhri before climbing to the 3,636 m summit. The trail passes through rhododendron, oak and pine forest and alpine meadows, with gradual ascents suited to fit beginners. Many extend to Phalut for a wider Kangchenjunga–Everest panorama.

Source

Climbing Experiences

Sandakphu (3,636 m), the highest peak of West Bengal on the Singalila Ridge, is usually reached by a multi-day trek from Manebhanjan through Tonglu, Tumling, Gairibas and Kalapokhri — often extended to Phalut. Its main draw is the panorama of four of the world's five highest peaks (Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu) and the 'Sleeping Buddha' silhouette. The videos and travel notes below document real trekkers' experiences on this route, from a full trek film to a first-time-in-the-Himalaya vlog.

References

The summary above is compiled from the following sources. Click to explore them yourself.