6th Nov 2007 (4:30 pm)
Weather in the Himalaya is unpredictable. After climbing to 3636 m (two days walking!), there was no sign of any snow clad mountains amidst thick fog which seemed as indelible as bad memories.
Towards the evening, as we anxiously hoped fog would subside, the cloud started moving eastwards teasingly slow but fast enough to reveal sun-laden summit of mount Kanchanjanga, the third highest peak in the world and her satellite peaks for a transient moment. If the wind was not kind enough to unveil such an elusive site, we would have left with no option but to proudly claim that journey was more beautiful than destination.
On a clear day one can clearly see Jannu (also known as Kumabakarna), Kabru, Rathong, Pandim, Simvo, Siniolchu and Kangchenjunga. Turn left and you will identify Everest, Lhotse and Makalu standing proudly, while on the right you have Pauhunri and Chomolhari- a matchless panorama for you!
Sunrise and sunset reflections on these mountains are almost mystical.
For those who do not want to do this knee wobbling trek all the way to 3636 metres high, the “farther” version of this panorama is also seen from Darjeeling (Tiger Hill, Mall road, St. Paul’s etc.) and Kalimpong (Kafair etc.).
However, the Sandakphu trek not just zooms Himalaya closer it leads trekkers through amazing world of flora and fauna. Many people trek this range for bird watching, exploring endangered species (e.g. red panda), doing research on various subjects of nature while others just seem to tweak their muscles in a bid to enjoy moments and anything that comes along: mist, rain, snow and even warm tongba (millet based local beer).
If you are done with 3636 m and wish to climb higher and also see Kanchanjanga more closely, Goecha la (4940m) trek (from Sikkim) is recommended.
Information:
The Sandakphu trekking route involves famous Singalila national park and it is a punishable offence to litter around or tamper with plants and animals.
Last year two scientists were arrested for allegedly “collecting more than 200 rare beetles, butterflies and other insects” in this route. However, for those who show even the slightest morsel of admiration for nature as she is, this trek is really enjoyable! A rule of thumb seems to be,"leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories"
