INTRODUCTION
With an elevation of 8,586 meters, Kanchenjunga (नेपाली:कञ्चनजङ्घा), also known as Kanchenjonga or Kanchendzonga, is the third-highest peak in the world (28,169 feet). It is a sacred site for the citizens of both India and Nepal and is situated in the eastern Himalayas near their respective borders. Read about five highest peak in the world.
In honor of the mountain’s five peaks, the name Kanchenjunga translates to “Five Treasures of Snow.” The five peaks include the West Summit (8,535 meters/28,047 feet), Yalung Kang (8,505 meters/27,903 feet), Central Summit (8,485 meters/27,828 feet), and South Summit (8,476 meters/27,790 feet).
HISTORY
The first known effort to ascend Kanchenjunga was performed in 1849 by British explorer and botanist Joseph Dalton Hooker. But it wasn’t until 1955 that a British team commanded by Charles Evans was able to summit the mountain.
Since then, it has been scaled by several expeditions, but due to its isolation and the fact that the locals revere it, the mountain is still one of the least regularly climbed among the tallest peaks in the world.
Kanchenjunga itself lies on the far eastern side of Nepal, near the border with Sikkim, a tiny Himalayan state in the north-eastern part of India. Until mid-1800, it was thought Kanchenjunga was the highest peak in the world.
This area was closed to trekkers until the mid-1980. Today the region is protected by the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and a special trekking permit is required. With these restrictions, the beautiful and unique flora and fauna of this area is still in pristine condition today.
GEOGRAPHY
The eastern Himalayas, which contain some of the tallest and most difficult mountains in the world, are where Kanchenjunga is situated.
The area is renowned for its harsh weather, which includes strong winds, a lot of snowfall, and bitter cold. The peak is situated in the “Third Pole,” the region with the most ice outside of the North and South Poles.
PLACES OF ATTRACTION
Many of you may have questions like can we visit Kanchenjunga? Or can we trek to Kanchenjunga? If you have one then the answer is definitely a big YES!!!
The Kanchenjunga Circuit trek visits both the north and south base camps of Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world at 8,586m.
Due to the fact this is a remote area trek, a good level of fitness and some trekking experience is desirable.
On the way, the landscape is filled with rivers; waterfalls; green meadows; rhododendron, birch and pine forests; the Yalung Glacier, and of course, visitors are accompanied on the route by the majestic mountains.
In addition, there are numerous peaks over 6,000m. Amongst this impressive cluster of peaks are five major glacial systems. Of these, Zumu, Talung and Rathong flow into Sikkim while to the west, the Kanchenjunga and Yalung Glacier flow into the mighty Tamor River of Nepal.
HOW CAN YOU REACH THERE?
Now after reading all this you may now have questions like how can we reach there? Or how many days do we need for the trek? And how much does it cost? Or what should we take with us? All questions are answered here.
You have several options to reach to Taplejung district. The first one is by flight. From Kathmandu you can take a direct flight to Ilam or Taplejung or to Bhadrapur (Jhapa). If you go up to Jhapa by flight then you should travel to Taplejung by road viewing different sceneries after which your trek starts.
Or the other option is to travel by road from Kathmandu seeing and enjoying natural beauties. The cost depends on you. How much you spend and what way you go either by flight or by road.
The road ways is a long route and a little cost friendly whereas flight is a short route and is a bit expensive. You can find small hotels and teahouses on the way. It takes around 20-25 days and the trek is categorized under challenging trek.
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu to Bhadrapur (Flight) to Ilam (Drive)
Ilam – 1677 m / 5501 ft – 5 hrs
Day 2: Ilam to Taplejung (Drive)
Taplejung – 1820 m / 5971 ft – 5 hrs
Day 3: Taplejung to Chirwa
Chirwa – 1270 m / 4166 ft – 6 hrs
Day 4: Chirwa to Lelep
Lelep – 1860 m / 6102 ft – 7 hrs
Day 5: Lelep to Amjilosa
Amjilosa – 2510 m / 8234 ft – 5 hrs
Day 6: Amjilosa to Gyabla
Gyabla – 2730 m / 8956 ft – 4 hrs
Day 7: Gyabla to Ghunsa
Ghunsa – 3595 m / 11794 ft – 4 hrs
Day 8: Acclimatization Day
Ghunsa – 3595 m / 11794 ft – 4 hrs
Day 9: Ghunsa to Kambachen
Kambachen – 4100 m / 13451 ft – 4 hrs
Day 10: Acclimatization Day
Kambachen – 4100 m / 13451 ft – 4 hrs
Day 11: Kambachen to Lhonak
Lhonak – 4785 m / 15698 ft – 4 hrs
Day 12: Day Trip to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp
Lhonak – 4785 m / 15698 ft – 8 hrs
Day 13: Lhonak to Ghunsa
Ghunsa – 3595 m / 11794 ft – 7 hrs
Day 14: Ghunsa to Sele Le
Sele Le – 4390 m / 14402 ft – 5 hrs
Day 15: Sele Le to Cheram
Cheram – 3870 m / 12696 ft – 8 hrs
Day 16: Day Trip to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp
Cheram – 3870 m / 12696 ft – 6 hrs
Day 17: Cheram to Torongding
Torongding – 2080 m / 6824 ft – 4 hrs
Day 18: Torongding to Yamphuding
Yamphuding – 1980 m / 6496 ft – 8 hrs
Day 19: Yamphuding to Khebang
Khebang – 1910 m / 6266 ft – 4 hrs
Day 20: Khebang to Khamdime
Khamdime – 1500 m / 4921 ft – 4 hrs
Day 21: Khamdime to Bhadrapur (Drive)
Bhadrapur – 93 m / 305 ft – 10 hrs
Day 22: Bhadrapur to Kathmandu (Flight)
Kathmandu – 1300 m / 4265 ft – 50 minutes
This is one of the outline for your trip. You may change it according to your need and desire.
CONCLUSION
Despite the difficulties, mountaineers and explorers from all over the world continue to go to Kanchenjunga. It is a fascinating and gratifying destination to explore because of its untamed beauty and distant location.
Kanchenjunga is a place that is sure to make an impression, whether you are an expert climber or just a fan of the great outdoors.
With the recent addition to the trekking map of the Great Himalayan Trail, tourism is being promoted in this, as well as other, remote areas so there is the opening up of more teahouses on the route.
While this is positive for the local communities, now would be a good time to go to Kanchenjunga before more trekkers ‘discover’ the area!
Enjoy your Trip to Kanchenjunga!!!
More…
To read about different places visit thesandeshneupane.com you can find article in Nepali language here.
Watch videos of different places on YouTube channel named as THE SANDESH NEUPANE or click here.
