Just been to Sandakphu, the highest point in West Bengal from where you can see four out of five highest peaks in the world like Mt. Everest, Kanchenjungha, Lothse, Makalu and many others. This National level expedition was organised by Youth Hostels Association of India, West Bengal branch.The base camp was at Darjeeling.First day trek started from Dhotrey village to Tumling camp, 9514ft [ 7 km.] One has to cross the Singalila National Park[reserved forest], Garibas & Kayankata villages to reach Kalipokhari, which is 10196ft [13 km.]. From Kalipokhari camp, we could see our Lakshya 'Sandakphu' where we could reach after gaining height of 1733feet in 6km, so you can imagine the steepness!At Sandakphu the weather was clear so we could see entire snow-peaked Singalila range. The next campsite Gurdum [9547ft, 14 km.] was in a deep valley and riverside so the most scenic campsite ever! we all enjoyed our stay over here!From Gurdum we enjoyed the trail along with river 'Shrikhola' and had lunch-break at Shrikhola. Post lunch we proceed to our last campsite Rimbik [7500ft 10 km.]All evening we had cultural sessions or camp-fires[without fire]. The Day used to start with Bed-tea and end with Horlics! No mobile range, no newspapers and no T.V. as there were hardly any electricity. Most of the places were solar energy, which were used for lighting. The whole trekking range was on India-Nepal border so one day we used to be in Nepal and next day in India. The all people we met were simple, honest and that's why content & happy! Check thesnaps athttp://outdoors.webshots.com/album/561767039xayEIZ
