Trekking in West Bengal

Starting from mountains and ending into an ocean, the landscape of the state presents some of the wonderful trails for trekking in West Bengal. Situated on the borders of India and Nepal, Sandakphu Peak is a paradise for trekkers and explorers.

Popular Treks in West Bengal

Sandakphu Trek: Stretching from the Bay of Bengal in the south to the Himalayas in the north, West Bengal offers a wide range of opportunities for trekking. For those who are amateurs but still crave for enjoying the thrill involved in this activity, Sandakphu Trek in West Bengal is relatively a great option to go with. Though it is the highest peak in the entire state, it still offers less difficulty levels to trekkers. With an average altitude of about 12000 feet, this peak presents commanding views of Mt. Everest and Kanchenjunga.

Taking you through lush valleys of orchids, pine forests and rhododendrons, this trail gives you a wonderful chance of crossing the international borders and strolling around in the region. With this trekking in West Bengal package, get ready to feast your eyes with the enchanting scenery of the sky-touching white montane peaks. At lower altitudes, the trail is all around bounded by the pine forests, whereas the higher altitudes are crowded with deodar, fir, spruces and oak. Trekking through lush meadows and alpine pastures, this excursion will delight your eyes with some of the best sights.

After an easy meandering through the region, the final approach on this trail is a bit challenging because of the sudden rise of the gradient. Though the ascent demands a great effort, this uphill climbing is the most satisfying one as the breathtaking views from the top of the summit are sure to take away all your tiredness.

With a total trekking route of about 48 km, this trek is certainly the ideal one for enjoying trekking in West Bengal.

Best Time to Go Trekking in West Bengal

Trekking in West Bengal can be best enjoyed in the months of April to May and October to November. During these seasons, magnolias and rhododendrons blooms to their fullest, making the trail look at its best. You can also opt for the season of spring but occasional showers during this period may cause some problems. Autumn is the perfect season to enjoy clear sightings of Mt. Everest as visibility is the highest in this period. For bird lovers, the trail becomes a paradise in the months of winters.

Flora and Fauna of West Bengal

Housing the largest mangrove forests of the world – Sunderbans, West Bengal has a rich diversity in flora and fauna.

• Flora: The flora of the western part of this state shares similarities with that of the adjoining Chota Nagpur Plateau. Shorea robusta or Sal tree is the predominant species of the region. The coastal region exhibits coastal vegetation, and is teeming with Casuarina trees. As you go above an elevation of 1000 metres, the region is predominantly subtropical. Above 1500 metres, the region boasts temperate forests with oaks, rhododendrons and conifers sprawling all over the landscape.

• Fauna: With six national parks and 15 wildlife sanctuaries, this state is home to a rich variety of wildlife. From majestic Royal Bengal tigers to one-horned rhinoceros and the Himalayan leopards, this state represents one of the finest collections of wildlife in the world. Some of the high altitude wild species of the region are chinkara, red panda, barking deer and serow. Gangetic dolphin, estuarine crocodile and river terrapin are some of the endangered species, which also find their shelter here.

From pristine mangrove forests to Himalayan endemic species, trekking in West Bengal offers an amazing chance to have a glimpse of one of the most unique ecosystems of the world.