(for more pictures click Mt. Kanchenjunga...)
Mount Kanchenjunga, one of the world's most spectacular mountains, is renowned as the queen of mountains. Kangchenjunga, the third highest peak on the planet, can boast of varied ecological zones, from the subtropical land to glacial wilderness. Mighty Kangchenjunga glacier is the most famous attraction of Kanchenjunga. Great valleys, encircled by high peaks, are another feature of Kanchenjunga. Mt. Kanchenjunga is a massif with its highest peak reaching 8,586metres. It is encircled with dozens of peaks, each of them competing with their queen.
It is situated in eastern part of Nepal at 8598m. It was first climbed by a British team in 1956. It is an enormous mountain mass, and many satellite peaks rise from its narrow icy ridges. It is located on the border of Nepal and Sikkim, just 46 miles northwest of Darjeeling. It is the most easterly of the great 8,000 meter peaks of the Himalaya. The peak consists of four summits.
view of kanchenjunga
The route (North Face) is definitely the safest, although not the easiest. Climb of Kanchenjunga begin from a charming base camp in the meadows of Panorama at 5,180 m. First challenge is to fix lines up 900 m of intricate mixed climbing to the North col. This provides the most challenging climbing of the expedition. Once creating a lifeline to and from the North Col you can begin the long process of establishing three camps up the long and complicated North ridge. Using Sherpa support and oxygen, you can move at a systematically slow velocity higher and higher up the mountain. This is a highly satisfying climb for the expert Climbers.
Fast Facts
| Location | Far-east Nepal |
| Altitude | 8,586 metres (28,169 feet) |
| Significance | 3rd Highest Peak in the World |
| Season | September to December, early February to late June |
| Peaks |
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The long trekking trail to Kangchenjunga takes one through some of the country's most pristine forests. The region is an ideal place for the tourists who desire for some time in seclusion. The following is a possible day-to-day trek to Kanchenjunga.
Day 01: Fly from Kaathmandu to Birathagar/ drive to Basantpur (2200m)
Day 02: Trek to Chauki (2700m)
Day 03: Chauki / Gupha Pokhari (2930m)
Day 04: Gupha Pokhari/ Nisum (2000m)
Day 05: Nisum / Dovan (921m)
Day 06: Dovan / Chirwa (1270m)
Day 07: Chirwa / Sekhathum (1660m)
Day 08: Sekhathum / Amjilassa (2510m)
Day 09: Amjilassa / Kyapra (2730m)
Day 10: Kyapra / Ghunsa (3595m)
Day 11: Ghunsa rest
Day 12: Ghunsa / Khambachen (4040m)
Day 13: Khambachen / Lhonak (4785m)
Day 14: Day trip / Pangpema
Day 15: Pangpema / Khambachen
Day 16: Khambachen / Ghunsa
Day 17: Trek around Glacier (up to 5540m, if you want) / high camp
Day 18: High camp / Ramche
Day 19: Ramche / Tseram (3870m) back to Ramche
Day 20: Ramche / Amchekhola
Day 21: Amchekhola / Ponphe
Day 22: Ponphe / Kande Bhanjyang
Day 23: Kande Bhanjyang / Lal Kharka
Day 24: Lal Kharka / Taplejung
Day 25: Taplejung / fly Kathmandu /transfer hotel
Highlights
Although the whole trekking trail to Kanchenjanga is adventurous and brimming with thrill, there are certain spots which are unmissable. Few of them are cited below:
- Wonderful glaciers to trek like Yalung Glacier
- High challenging mountain passes
- Rhododendron forests
- Opportunity to meet native Nepali communities such as Sherpa, Limbu, Rai and Gurung
Tit Bits
- Kanchenjunga is less explored by foreign visitors and lies shrouded in mystery.
- Some features of the walk are pleasant villages in the high regions, glorious mountains and abundant wild life.
- The wildlife at Kanchenjunga includes musk deer, blue sheep and for the believer, the Yeti!
- Magnificent views of Mt. Everest, Makalu and Kanchanjunga massif make the trip memorable.
- Soaring peaks, the Yalung Glacier and a wide variety of natural vegetation and agriculture areas can be seen in this region.
- Kanchenjunga is located in the extreme northeast corner of Nepal bordering Sikkim (an Indian state) to the east and China to the North.
How To Reach The trek to Kanchenunga begins at Tumlingtar or Taplejung that is accessible by air or by road through Ilam or Basantpur.
