WHERE THE SILVER FIRS GROW, RHODODENDRONS BLOOM...

How can we define a paradise? What is exactly there? A brightly hued sky, glistening shrouds of snow, a vast palette of flowers and birds, trees touching the sky above, and a pair of eyes to witness them so that it can preserve everything forever eternally. Why should someone wait if they can fetch all of these together? Doesn't it sound like the beginning of those known fairytales? Once upon a time, far away from the hustles and bustles of the sordid cities, there was and still is a secluded hermit called Sandakphu...

The blue sky over Sandakphu (Image Source: Aman Sharma, tripoto.com)

You are walking for some time now. The day is shining bright, and the cold icy wind is passing through your hair and your face. You are still walking ahead. The journey seems a bit tiring yet you are walking. You come across the streams of silver fir forests and watch rhododendrons in their full bloom. The path is getting steeper now. Yet you are walking. The sun is shining over your head. Your breath comes out, mingles and forms into little white clouds. Yet you are moving ahead. And after a while, you stopped. You have reached the cliff. You are finally there! Your destination. The pinnacle of Bengal. The Zenith of Darjeeling district. Sandakphu.

Situated at a height of 3636 meters; 11,930 feet, Sandakphu or Sandakpur is the highest mountain peak in West Bengal. The ridge is located at the India-Nepal border. The Sandakphu peak is at the Singalila National Park with a few settlements of locals and hotels for tourists. Being one of the most visited vacation places, Sandakphu is the ideally remarkable observatory of North Bengal as four of the five highest peaks in the world, Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu can be seen from here.

The nearest mountain of Bengal, Kanchenjunga has the most fascinating view from Sandakphu. The respective sight of the Kangchenjunga from Sandakphu is known as the "Sleeping Buddha*"* or "Sleeping Shiva*".* Anyone wooing a life of adventure and seeking solace in the mountains would find their paradise in Sandakphu.

A Trekker's abode (Image source: naturewalkers.in)

The name Sandakphu is derived from the Tibeto-Burman language  which means, “The height of the poisonous plant.” Truly, Sandakphu is the warehouse of a vast range of poisonous plants including Aconitum Ferox, which is one of the most poisonous plants in the World. The mountain ranges are filled with over 600 species of orchids, another wonder of this world. As far as one can look, they will encounter a bounty of flowers and their colourful splashes refracting the light of the mountain hymn. The area thrives with several species of flowers including magnolias, primulas, orchids, varieties of ferns and most importantly rhododendrons. The emerald-green forests echo with songs of mountains of over 600 diverse species of birds. Maybe that's what heaven looks like. Maybe heaven is nowhere but is only found in these corners of the world.

A trekker's abode, Sandakphu is popularly known for being one of the best trekking routes in the Darjeeling district and is ideal for any adventure lover. The total distance of the trek is 58 kilometers and approximately takes around 3 to 4 days to complete the journey. One can also take their tour by any kind of vehicle as well. The trek is quite easy and short-termed for anybody who doesn’t have much time to spare but is keen on every kind of trek and adventure. In the midst of passing hours, any nature lover will find their route to solace and a serene world within the embrace of a healing nature and a wonderous view in the shelter of Sandakphu.