Learn what Sleeping Buddha is all about on the Sandakphu-Phalut trek

Mount Kangchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world, is located in the eastern Himalayas on the border between Nepal and India. It is not just a thing of beauty, the mountain is a local legend. In that, it is revered by the local people and has several legends associated with it. But today, we are not here for the legend. We are here to explore why it is also called the "Sleeping Buddha".

Standing tall at 8,586 m, Mount Kangchenjunga is one of the 14 Eight-Thousanders in the world, and for those who can see, the massif (sort of) looks like the Buddha in a reclining position. Call it pareidolia or whatever, they say the five peaks of Kangchenjunga – Main, Central, South, West, and Kangbachen – when viewed from a certain angle resemble the silhouette of a reclining figure. Do you think so too?

The main peak or the highest point, must represent the head of the Buddha then. While we train our eyes to recognise the pareidolia, it is important to note that in Buddhism, the reclining Buddha holds great meaning and importance. The stance signifies eternal peace and tranquility. No wonder, the mountain is so revered.


So much so that it is not allowed to climb the mountain from the Indian side. However, you can do the base camp trek.



Speaking of treks, the Sandakphu-Phalut trek is one of those popular treks that will let you explore the beauty of the Kangchenjunga region. No, the trek will not take you to the base of the mountain itself, but the views that one gets from this route are just unmissable.


The trek offers breathtaking panoramic views of the mountain range, including the majestic Kangchenjunga peak. And not just Mount Kangchenjunga, the trek also offers unparalleled views of the world's highest peaks, including Mount Everest, Lhotse and Makalu, the other rare Eight-Thousanders.



There are people who go for the sunrise and sunset views from Sandakphu and Phalut, and then there are those who explore the region for the diverse landscapes, lush rhododendron forest and scenic villages.


The trek passes through several traditional villages inhabited by different ethnic communities like the Sherpas, Gurungs, and Lepchas.



Who said trekking should only be about physical exertion? The cultural experiences you get on this trek are simply unforgettable. It’s a multiple-day moderate trek, so you will have ample time to soak up all of these beautiful experiences.


You will have to get to Manebhanjang in Darjeeling, West Bengal for the trek. From there on, there are well-established trails that you can take. So why not pack your bags for Darjeeling this summer and see for yourself, the great Sleeping Buddha?