Sikkim Feature

Sikkim Places

India Tours

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Phalut or Falut (3600 m) is the second highest peak of West Bengal, India. Phalut is the Part of the Singalila Ridge in the Himalayas, it is situated at the border of the Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal and the country of Nepal. It is situated inside the Singalila National Park. A small bunkhouse is near the top of the peak and is controlled by the Indian army. Singalila Pass is 17 km away from Phalut.

The native tribes surrounding the mountain peak are known as Falutians by outsiders. Falutians have a 300 year history of worshipping the mountain peak, and believe that Falut is an omniscient god. They refer to the mountain peak as "Omna Re Ay".

The word Phalut is derived from the Lepcha word Fak-Luk, means "Barren Peak". The area and even the last stretch to Phalut is in fact quite barren. This is relatively a contrast to the intense forests that are so widespread at the lower levels. On the way to Phalut there are rhododendron trees of various types that bloom with colorful flowers during April to May.

Trekking in Himalayas is incomplete without a trek to Sandakphu Phalut route. Phalut is located at the extreme North-Eastern corner of Darjeeling District near the tri-junction of West Bengal, Sikkim and Nepal, Phalut is a heaven for the lovers of trekking, lies on one of the loftiest eminences of the Singalila range at an altitude of 11900 ft above sea level. Phalut is 80 kms from Darjeeling via Sandakphu and from Sandakphu it is 22 km trek along the Singalila Ridge.

Phalut is one of the highest peaks of Singalila range and located in Darjeeling district at an altitude of 11,811 ft. This is the second highest point in Singalila ridge after Sandakphu (11,929 ft). Phalut is also in the border of Nepal, Sikkim and West Bengal. After a trek to Sandakphu, many plan for an onward trek up to Phalut before commencing the return. Phalut is further 21 kms from Sandakphu. Manebhanjan is the base of Singalila range where the trek actually begins for Sandakphu and then onward to Phalut.

From Phalut a portion of Mt Everest is visible although it is slightly hidden by another peak having a shape of a vast armchair. Although lacking in vegetation, bush rhododendron are abundant and the place consists of grassy undulation studded with gneissic rocks. The dazzling Everest family including Mt. Everest, Lhotse and Makalu are seen on the way to Phalut. The route from Sandakphu to Phalut has a relatively easier incline as both the places are at similar altitudes.

With the Kanchanjangha massif only 48 kms away, Phalut offers the nearest view of snow ranges obtainable in Darjeeling district. Located amidst attractive mountain scenery with wonderful view of snow peaks and glaciers, Phalut is very attractive to the trekkers. Few trekkers' hut and bungalows are available here providing accommodation for the trekkers.