Sandakphu: The Hidden Himalayan Trek Where You Can See Four of the World’s Five Tallest Peaks

Sandakphu: The Hidden Himalayan Trek Where You Can See Four of the World’s Five Tallest Peaks (Image: Canva)

Hidden away on the Singalila Ridge bordering the Indo-Nepal border, Sandakphu is one of the Himalayas' most overlooked treks. What sets it apart is the unique opportunity to see four of the planet's five highest peaks, Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu, standing together in a single, breathtaking panorama.

A Himalayan Balcony Like No Other
Sandakphu, at 11,930 feet, is frequently referred to as the "Balcony of the Himalayas." On its ridge stand the whole of the Kanchenjunga range in silhouette to create the celebrated "Sleeping Buddha" outline, golden light at sunrise. Beyond the great Nepal giants, Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu, rise in dramatic contrast to the horizon, making this one of the world's most spectacular mountain vistas.

A Trek That Blends Cultures and Landscapes
The path winds through India and Nepal, presenting trekkers with an offbeat cultural experience. Villages such as Tumling and Gairibas receive you with warm homestays, hot butter tea, and an insight into traditional mountain life. The path leads you through rhododendron forests that erupt in flowers during spring and golden-hued meadows that turn golden in autumn.

Rich in Flora and Fauna
Sandakphu is located inside Singalila National Park, where rare animals such as the red panda, Himalayan black bear, and numerous colourful birds can be found. Botanists adore the area for its orchids and alpine blooms, so the trek is a nature lover's paradise.

Moderate Yet Rewarding
In contrast to treks at high altitudes in Ladakh or Himachal, Sandakphu can be done by start-ins with moderate endurance. The marked path and gentle climbs make it less strenuous, with Himalayan vistas unfurling far and wide. October–November or March–April clear skies provide the best possible sighting of the great mountains.

Getting There
The hike typically begins from Manebhanjan in West Bengal, which is a 3–4 hour drive from Darjeeling. Jeeps can transport you halfway up the trek, but walking is the true Himalayan experience. Typical itineraries take 6–7 days, with acclimatisation stops at picturesque villages.

Sandakphu is not quite as well-known as Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit, but it has an experience equal to theirs in terms of beauty, without the large throngs. For someone wanting stunning Himalayan views and unadulterated mountain culture, the trek is one of the subcontinent's best-kept secrets.