Last year in March we went to Sandakphu for the first time but could not go to Phalut due to lack of time. It was a grueling 10 hours drive in a day from Darjeeling to Sandakphu and back. Next time we went in April with the legendary ADC da as co-driver and made it till Phalut. The weather was awesome the first time and horrible during the second. It was foggy and we could only get a glimpse of the mighty Kanchenjunga. Many people have been telling me that they would join if we go there a 3rd time. So when Ritik Kakoty from Jeep Thrills suggested about a quick trip, Altocumulous and I were all ears. A plan was made during a quick bike trip around Kolkata. Distinguished bhpian Sutripta da also agreed to be a passenger and it was a huge advantage which I came to understand later.
There is nothing much to write about Kolkata to Siliguri part of the journey. We took the Kolkata-Bolpur-Massanjore-Dumka-Bhagalpur-Purnea-Dalkhola route. The two Boleros (LX 4wd and Di 4wd) started together from Kolkata and parted ways at Siliguri. The Di went to Mirik and the LX went to Darjeeling via Kalimpong and Senchal. Met again the next day at Sukhia and thus started the arduous drive together till Sandakphu.
We planned to start very early in the morning so that we could get to Phalut before lunch time. Had been ready to get out of Planters club by 3:30 a.m. but disaster struck me. Gorging on pork last night had its toll on me and I started spending quality time in the bathroom. Took a dose of Norflox TZ and went out on our journey that got delayed by a significant amount of time. Ritik and his family along with Altocumolous and the Bolero Di were waiting near Sukhia when we reached there at around 5 a.m. Sukhia to Maneybhanjan and then till Lamey Dhura was uneventful. At the first army checkpost we came to know that the snow had cleared the day before and the route to Sandakphu had just opened. Only one Landy had gone the day before and it had not returned yet. They also informed that there were patches of snow here and there along the route. They seemed to be quite skeptical about the chance of the two Boleros making it till Sandakphu.
The two Bolero 4wds enroute to Sandakphu. The weather was crystal clear and quite cold.
All was going fine till we entered the Singalila forest. Inside the forest, due to lack of sunlight, there were still stretches of ice on the road which did not melt. I have driven extensively in USA on snow, but this was different. The lack of traction made me think, but backing off was not an option. Under the able guidance of Sutripta da and Ritik, I started inching forward in 4 low 1st gear. Sutripta da became the spotter for the next 1 kilometer or so
and we were able to overcome the hurdle. This same place became even more trickier while coming back as it was uphill and there was a a narrow bend. The lack of traction and higher speed needed for going uphill can easily push the vehicle over the cliff.
After several stops for taking pictures and coffee breaks, we reached Sandakphu. Encountered some more stretches of ice and slush en route.
The following shows the route on the map from Maneybhanjan to Sandakphu and back to Maneybhanjan. From Maneybhanjan we went to Rimbik.
Bolero LX 4WD, take a bow
We were not able to go to Phalut as there was deep snow ahead. We decided to stay at Sherpa Chalet. The day was extremely clear, the best weather that we got till date. The view of Kanchenjunga was at its magnificent best.
The entire Himalayan range was visible.
Can you spot the Mount Everest below?
A few random pictures -
The Sherpa Chalet hotel -
Kanchenjunga during sunset
The people.. from the left Sutripta Da, BlackPearl, Altocumulous, Ritik Kakoty
The rare privilege of being in the same frame with a D-bhpian and The Kanchenjunga
Sugata aka Altocumulous
Sunrise the next day -
Another view of the Mount Everest
Some more random pictures -
The White Tusker with the Kanchenjunga in the backdrop
The two heroes, Bolero 4 WDs
To end the travelogue, a few details about Sherpa Chalet and the Land Rover tariffs -
Sherpa Chalet Lodge, Sandakpur
Phone # 0091 9332599261, 9932592516
We left Sandakphu for Rimbik via Maneybhanjan. Rimbik is a very nice and serene little place with plenty of options for hiking. Stayed at Rimbik for a day and the next day came back to Kolkata via the same route.
Special thanks to Sutripta Da and Altocumulous for traveling with us.