One Step Beyond Sandakphu!

Kalijhar is a small hill in North Bengal giving a view of Sikkim on the right, Nepal on the left and the spectacular Kanchenjunga right in front!

The trek to Kalijhar is usually taken through the Sikkim route via Uttray and takes about 3-4 days. However, since we were a little short on time, and not sure if we could do a 3-4 days, we took the route less travelled by - via Sandakphu and Phalut. 

Even though the trek was tough, the view along with the absolutely clear weather made it all absolutely worth it!

Day 1: Kolkata to Siliguri

We took the overnight bus from Kolkata to Siliguri.

Day 2: Siliguri to Kalpokhri

Road journey starts from Siliguri to Kalpokhri, via Maneybhanjan, where you need to change your vehicle since only certain licensed vehicles operate from here on. From Maneybhanjan, the Singalila Forest Region starts and you start coming closer and closer to the magnificent Kanchenjunga. 

Overnight stay at Kalpokhri which is a small town with a few homestays run by very friendly people.

Day 3: Kalpokhri to Sandakphu and back

Depart early in the morning to witness the sunrise at Sandakphu which offers a 180 degree view and a glimpse of Mt. Everest, or as it is locally known, Sagarmatha, along with the Sleeping Buddha. The view point has hotels and home stays run both by Nepalis and Indians and accomodation may be found, except during peak season. Kalpokhri to Sandakphu is 6 kms. However, the road being in very poor condition, takes about 1.5 hours by car.

Day 4: Kalpokhri to Phalut and onwards to Kalijhar

Kalpokhri to Phalut is about 27 kms and the route goes through Sandakphu. Again, the roads being in very poor condition, the journey may take up to 6-7 back-breaking hours, in the least. 

From there on a short trek to Kalijhar for around 11 kms where you essentially cross mountains to come closer to Kanchenjunga. The entire trek took around 5 hours for beginners. Another 1 km and you may reach Phoktey Dara which is the neighbouring hill, and also offers a closer view of Sagarmatha.

Camp at the Kalijhar top where you are likely to find trekkers coming from the Uttray route.

Day 5: Back to Kalpokhri

After witnessing the mesmerising sunrise at the Kalijhar top, depart for Phalut from where we take the car back to Kalpokhri via Phalut and takes around 6-7 hours.

Day 6: Kalpokhri to Siliguri and onwards to Kolkata

The view from Kalijhar top is absolutely breathtaking and there seems to be very little that can top this experience! 

Feel free to reach out in case of any help in planning! Cheers!