Two Moderate-Grade Indian Trekking Expeditions covering Less Than 50 kms of Distance

 Any trekking expedition covering roughly 50 kms of distance is a decent, moderate grade expedition ideal for beginners who may be interested in levelling up. Although there are many such expeditions all over India, we think the Sandakphu and Phalut Trek as well as the Pangarchulla Trek make for great options.

Sandakphu and Phalut trek

Snuggled in the farther outskirts of West Bengal, the Sandakphu and Phalut Trek offers an interesting opportunity to juggle in and out of the two countries, namely- India and Nepal. Perched at an altitude of 12,000 ft, on the Singalila Ridge that connects India and Nepal lies the Sandakphu peak. Spanning over 6 days covering a distance of roughly 46 kms, the trek to Sandakphu offers stirring, spellbinding and transfixing views of four of world’s tallest mountains; Mt. Everest, Mt Lhotse, Mt. Makalu and Mt. Chomo Lonjo. Additionally, Panoramic cinematic views of the Himalayas of Nepal, the Ranges of Kanchenjunga, Chamlang, Jannu (Kumbhakarna) and Baruntse etc make trekking to Sandakphu an unmatched, admirable and delightful crossing. 

The Sandakphu and Phalut trek is unique in that it has trails that traverse vibrant landscapes, including fields of a variety of Orchids. The trail to Sandkphu and Phalut peak is known to have as many as 600 varieties of Orchids which is one of the vastest varieties of orchids to be found anywhere in the world. For the vibrancy that is encountered en route to Sandakphu, over just 6 days of overall trekking, the struggle required is negligible and that is precisely what sets apart the Sandakphu and Phalut Trek from the pool of remaining Indian trekking expeditions. The suitability of this trek for solo-travelling is also what garners this trek the much deserved hype and fame. The best time to hop onto the Sandakphu and Phalut Trek is post monsoons since the trail remains inaccessible during the months of monsoons.

The Sandakphu and Phalut trek begins from Kopidana; a village close to the Eastern Himalayas of Nepal. Kopidana can be reached through two means - you can either board a train to NJP railway station or board a flight to Bagdogra airport of the state of West Bengal. A swift 4-5 hours-long drive from either of the arrival terminals will lead you to the interesting village of Kopidana. Further, a 11 kms long trek from Kopidana will lead you to the serene hamlet of Tumling nestled in the laps of the Eastern Himalayas of Nepal. You will come across the enchanting views of Mt Kanchenjunga and its sister peaks as you gain height to reach Tumling. Approximately 5-6 hours of continuous trekking will elevate you to a height of 9,700 ft, at Tumling. 

Next to be reached from Tumling is the village of Kalapokhri situated at an altitude of 10,400 ft. The trail from Tumling to Kalapokhri is intriguing, thrill-generating and full of adventure as it takes you across the exotic and enticing Singalila National Park which is famous for Red Pandas. You will also come across many species of wild and exotic flora and fauna. The entire trek from Tumling to Kalapokhri which spans over 14 kms is moving, spine-chilling and goosebumps inducing. Specifically look out for the Rhododendrons and Magnolias as you traverse the Singalila National Park; the beauty of those Rhododendrons and Magnolias is inexplicable and truly breathtaking.  As you climb closer to Kalapokhri you will find mystifying views of the Kanchenjunga Range, Peaks of Kumbhakarna, Goecha, Shambho, Rathong,  Kabru Koktang and Frey slowly unfold before you leaving you gasping for a brief moment.  

What lies ahead is the final stretch of the expedition leading to the highest peak of the state of West Bengal; the Sandakphu Trek. The trail from Kalapokhri to Sandakphu is slightly tricky with marginally steep ascents. You will be astonished to find wide-screen views of  Mt Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Nuptse, Baruntse, Chamling and Chomolonzo etc, as you gain height to reach the summit. At the summit of Sandakphu, at an altitude of roughly 12,000 ft, the views of these unbelievably fascinating mountainscapes will become clearer and close-sighted. 

Call it a day at Sandakphu and devour a night of stargazing at the summit before you descend back to Sepi, the next day. The trek from Sandakphu to Sepi is fairly easy with steep descends gradually flattening out, but the trek is also exhausting and tedious. You will cover a stretch of approximately 15 kms to descend to an altitude of roughly 6,200 ft. About 5-6 hours of steady trekking through the villages of Gurdum and Timburay, is all that it will take for you to reach the engrossing village of Sepi.  A pleasant 140 kms drive from Sepi to either the airport or the railway station will bring the Sandakphu and Phalut trek to a full circle.

Pangarchulla Trek

The magic of the Pangarchulla expedition is better experienced than described. Slightly looping over the Kuari Pass Circuit- brought to life by Lord Curzon, the trek to Pangarchulla is an interesting tour into the wild. Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of the state of Uttarakhand, The trek to Pangarchulla allows you to explore some of the most exquisite Himalayan landscapes of all time. Spanning over 6 days covering a distance of roughly 44 kms, the Pangarchulla trek is a moderate grade trekking expedition that dives into the wild forests, vast meadows and majestic mountainscapes of Uttarakhand.

The trek to the Pangarchulla trek usually begins from Haridwar; an enticing and pleasant, ancient city in Uttarakhand. Distanced approximately 250 kms away from Haridwar is the relentlessly beautiful Joshimath city of the Chamoli district. A pleasant yet exhausting 10 hours-long drive from Haridwar will lead you to the fascinating city of Joshimath perched at an altitude of 6,750 ft. Admire the alluring and mesmerizing landscapes that you will encounter along your drive and feel the atmosphere around you gradually elevate to refreshing qualities. Joshimath is a drool-worthy city which serves as a gateway to the northern Himalayas. A gratifying drive from Joshimath to Dhak village will allow you to kickstart the expedition to Pangarchulla which begins with a trek from Dhak village to the Gulling Top. The Gulling Top lies at an altitude of 9,600 ft and roughly 5kms away from Dhak village.

 A short and fairly easy trek through a couple of villages will lead you to the enthralling campsite at Gulling Top.  Lower Khullara perched at an altitude of 12,200 ft is to be reached next on the itinerary. You will trek past dense thickets of oak and pine forests to enter Lower Khullara encapsulated by fierce and robust mountain peaks. The devastating views of the Greater Himalayas from the campsite at Lower Khullara are worth drooling over. Devour the exotic and surreal views of the enchanting mountainscapes and buckle up for the ultimate leg of the expedition, the next day.  

As you gain height towards the Pangarchulla summit, views of Mt Nanda Devi, Mt Chaukhamba, Ghori, Hathi Parwat and many other mighty mountains will leave you astonished and frozen for a brief moment. Swiftly climb to the top of the summit and watch the raw and heartwarming face of wilderness unfold before you. The eagle’s eye views of the valley from a whopping altitude of 15,069 ft are unmatchable and simply splendid! After spending an admirable amount of time at the summit, descend back to lower Khullara to camp for the night. The trek back to lower Khullara is comparatively easier but must be done with caution. A 12 kms long trek back to Joshimath is pretty much what the 5th day of the expedition will look like. You will retrace the same route to descend back to Joshimath. Enjoy the last few stirring moments of the expedition and trek continuously to return to the base camp in time. Further, a drive from Joshimath back to Haridwar will bring the Pangarchulla trek to a happy and satisfying end.

The best time to hop onto the Pangarchulla trek is during the month of April, since the weather around that time is most hospitable and the landscape still remains covered with fresh powdery snow. The Pangarchulla trek can also be coupled with the Kuari Pass trek since both the trails to both these treks overlap to some extent. However, coupling the two treks can be quite taxing and exasperating.