Sandakphu & the Singalila Ridge · viewpoint

Phalut

Where India, Nepal and Sikkim meet under Kanchenjunga

Altitude3,600m Nights1 BestApr – May · Oct – Nov

Photo: Abhishek.ghosh1984 · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

In brief

Phalut, at about 3,600 m, is West Bengal's second-highest point and the northern end of the Singalila trek, where West Bengal, Sikkim and Nepal meet. The 21 km ridge walk from Sandakphu via Sabargram faces Kanchenjunga all day, and the summit view is closer and wilder than Sandakphu's. Few trekkers come this far.

The local story

The quiet top at the three-way border

Phalut is where the Singalila Ridge stops being a Darjeeling ridge. North of it, the ridge runs on into West Sikkim toward Singalila Pass and the high country below Kanchenjunga; west lies Nepal's Ilam and Taplejung; east, the valleys of the Rammam and Gorkhey rivers fall toward Sikkim. The summit marks the meeting of West Bengal, Sikkim and Nepal, and an SSB post keeps watch.

It has always been the far point. The British-era trekkers who rode to Sandakphu for Everest went on to Phalut for Kanchenjunga, which from here is only about 55 km away and fills the northern sky. In 1905 the Jacot-Guillarmod and Crowley expedition followed this ridge north on its way to Kanchenjunga's south-west face. Today, Phalut has a trekkers' hut and little else, which is exactly its appeal: on most autumn days you share it with a handful of trekkers, the border guards and the wind.

Phalut, at about 3,600 m, is the second-highest peak in West Bengal, after Sandakphu, and sits where West Bengal, Sikkim and Nepal meet.

The ridge walk from Sandakphu to Phalut is about 21 km, passing Sabargram at about 3,536 m, and is the longest day of the classic trek.

From Phalut, Kanchenjunga is roughly 55 km away, about 15 km closer than from Sandakphu.

About Phalut

The walk to Phalut is the reason serious trekkers do this route. From Sandakphu the trail follows the crest of the ridge north for 21 km, mostly between 3,400 and 3,600 m, through open grassland and dwarf rhododendron with the Kanchenjunga massif straight ahead the whole way. There are no villages, only Sabargram's huts and a few army posts. On a clear day it is the finest high walk in the Darjeeling hills.

Phalut itself is a rounded grassy summit with a trekkers' hut a little below it. Climb to the top for sunset and sunrise: Kanchenjunga is huge and close, and the Everest group appears to the west as at Sandakphu. The next day the trail drops steeply through forest to the river village of Gorkhey, and the high ridge is behind you.

What to see and do

The 21 km ridge walk

From Sandakphu to Phalut the trail runs along the open crest with Kanchenjunga ahead all day. It is long but not very steep, mostly between 3,400 and 3,600 m, with grassland, juniper and dwarf rhododendron. Start early and walk at a steady pace.

Kanchenjunga up close

From Phalut's summit the Kanchenjunga massif is about 55 km away and fills the northern horizon. The light at sunset and sunrise, with no lodges or crowds around, is the most powerful mountain moment of the trek.

Three territories at one point

Phalut marks the meeting of West Bengal, Sikkim and Nepal. Your guide will show you which slope belongs to which. An SSB post sits nearby; respect any restricted areas.

Sabargram

Halfway along the ridge, Sabargram at about 3,536 m has a few huts and an army post. It is the lunch stop on the long day, so carry food and water to it.

Few other trekkers

Most people turn down from Sandakphu, so Phalut is quiet. Evenings at the hut are spent with a handful of trekkers, and the summit at dawn can be yours alone.

How to get there

On foot from Sandakphu: Walk north along the ridge via Sabargram: about 21 km and 6–8 hours. Carry a packed lunch and plenty of water; there are few supplies on the way. A licensed guide is required.
On foot from Gorkhey: The reverse route climbs steeply from Gorkhey through forest: about 15 km and 6–7 hours with roughly 1,200 m of ascent. Usually done downhill.
Land Rover: The jeep track continues from Sandakphu toward Phalut, and some Land Rover trips include a day run there. Conditions and permission vary by season; check current status before you travel.

Where to stay

Phalut has a trekkers' hut a little below the summit with dorm beds, blankets and very basic facilities; a caretaker cooks simple meals when trekkers are expected. There are no private lodges. Its status and booking channel change, so confirm in Darjeeling or at Maneybhanjan before relying on it, and carry a warm sleeping bag. Some trekkers instead walk on to Gorkhey the same day, which makes for a very long day.

Local tips

Start from Sandakphu by 6.30 am; the 21 km day is long and afternoon cloud and wind arrive on the ridge.
Carry two litres of water and a packed lunch; there is little on the way except at Sabargram.
Bring a sleeping bag rated to −5 °C or lower; the hut is cold and blankets are limited.
Confirm the hut is open before you set off; it is the only shelter at Phalut.
Do not photograph the SSB post or walk into fenced areas.

02,7005,400

Altitude3,600 m

Thin air: walk slowly, drink water and sleep lower if you get a headache.

What it costs here

Trekkers' hut bed≈ ₹300–900 pp (indicative)

Simple dinner from the caretaker₹250–400

Packed lunch from Sandakphu₹150–250

Guide share for a pair≈ ₹750–1,000 pp a day

Porter for the long day₹1,000–1,300

Indicative, 2025–26. Check current status before you travel.

Best months: Oct – Nov · Apr – May
Nights we suggest: 1
From Sandakphu: ≈ 21 km · 6–8 h on foot
Altitude: ≈ 3,600 m
Known for: Tri-junction, Kanchenjunga close-up, ridge walk
Network: Usually none

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

BestGoodAvoid or closed

Things to do

Four things to do in Phalut

Treks and walks · 6–8 hoursThe 21 km ridge walk from SandakphuPhalut · Included in your guide fee

Viewpoints · 1–1.5 hoursSunset on the tri-junction summitPhalut · Free

Viewpoints · 1 hourKanchenjunga at dawn, close upPhalut · Free

Wildlife and birds · 2 hoursHigh-ridge birding for the fire-tailed myzornisPhalut · Included in your guide fee

On the map

Phalut and its neighbours

Drawn by Darjeeling Himalayas from Natural Earth outlines (public domain). Borders as depicted by India. Not for navigation.

Trips that stop here

Go to Phalut on a ticket

Value Singalila7 nights · On foot Sandakphu and Phalut from Dhotrey Dhotrey · Tonglu · Kalipokhri · Sandakphu ₹25,500per person
about ₹3,200 a day

Shoestring Singalila8 nights · On foot The full Singalila Ridge on a shoestring Maneybhanjan · Tumling · Kalipokhri · Sandakphu ₹19,000per person
about ₹2,100 a day

Comfort Singalila9 nights · Mixed Slow Singalila: Sandakphu, Phalut and Rammam Tumling · Kalipokhri · Sandakphu · Phalut ₹41,500per person
about ₹4,150 a day

Close by

Nearby places

viewpoint3,636 m Sandakphu West Bengal's highest point, with Everest on the skyline

forest village2,390 m Gorkhey A river meadow village after the long drop from Phalut

village2,500 m Samanden A farming hamlet in a green bowl between two rivers

Ways to travel

Treks and walks Kanchenjunga views Snow and high passes Photography Solo and backpacking

Questions people ask

Questions about Phalut

Where is Phalut?

Phalut is on the Singalila Ridge about 21 km north of Sandakphu, at the meeting point of West Bengal, Sikkim and Nepal. It lies inside Singalila National Park and is reached on foot from Sandakphu or, more steeply, from Gorkhey.

What is the altitude of Phalut?

About 3,600 m, making it the second-highest point in West Bengal after Sandakphu at 3,636 m. You should be well acclimatised by the time you reach it after several days on the ridge.

Is there accommodation at Phalut?

There is a trekkers' hut with basic dorm beds and simple meals from a caretaker, but no private lodges. Confirm it is open before you go, and carry a warm sleeping bag.

How many days does the Sandakphu–Phalut trek take?

Typically 6–7 days from Maneybhanjan: up to Sandakphu in 3 days, a long day to Phalut, then down via Gorkhey and Rammam or Samanden to Srikhola and Rimbik over 2–3 days.

Is Phalut harder than Sandakphu?

The Phalut day is longer, 21 km at altitude, and the descent to Gorkhey is steep and long. It adds two to three days and more effort, but no technical difficulty. Good fitness and acclimatisation are enough.

Can I go from Phalut into Sikkim?

The ridge continues north into West Sikkim toward Singalila Pass and Uttarey, but that is a separate route with its own rules and permits. Do not plan it without checking with the Sikkim authorities and your guide. Check current status before you travel.

When is the best time to visit Phalut?

October and November for clear views, April and May for rhododendrons and birds. Winter brings snow that can make the ridge walk hard and the hut very cold. The park closes for the monsoon.

Is there mobile network at Phalut?

Usually no. You will be out of contact from Sandakphu until Gorkhey or Rammam, sometimes Srikhola. Tell family before you leave Sandakphu.

Can I reach Phalut by vehicle?

The jeep track continues from Sandakphu toward Phalut, and some Land Rover trips include it, depending on rules and track condition. Most trekkers walk. Check current status at Maneybhanjan.