Trekking Routes in Kanchengunga
The third highest summit in the world, Kanchenjunga, rises noticeably above the undulating emerald landscape lying on the north of the Darjeeling, India. To an observer Kanchenjunga appears like an amazing upheaval of ice and snow that stretches over the Himalayan Range.
Kanchenjunga is bounded by 3 territories-
- Nepal in the west
- Sikkim in the east and south
- Tibet in the north
Although appearing to be serene and a calm mountain, when viewed from the hill station of Darjeeling, yet rocky and ice avalanches of various sizes are often found thundering as they sway down the steep slopes of this mighty peaks. Coupled with this there are the deadliest hurricane winds that can play havoc at times.
The name Kanchenjunga has been derived from the two Tibetan words ‘Kanchen’ and ‘Dzonga’ that means ‘Five Treasuries of the Great Snow’. There are 5 summits that adorn the mighty Monarch. The highest peak is 28,169 feet while the 2nd highest peak is 27,820 feet. The summits at Kanchenjunga cannot be reached through any direct route. One can only try to reach the summits first by ascending through the ridges followed by reaching to some of the ice terraces, which are proper for camping, and then finally you can attempt to reach the summits.
From the eastern side, Kanchenjunga can be entered through Sikkim via Zemu Glacier and Lachen. There are 2 mighty ridges here namely the North Ridge and the East Ridge. From the west side this mighty Monarch is assailable through the North-western Ridge. The south-western side of the mountain that is clearly visible from the beautiful Darjeeling. This place can be accessed from the Talung saddle, once you ascend the Yalung Glacier.
Kangchenjunga- Location
Located on the border of Sikkim and Nepal border, Kangchenjunga is belongs to the Himalayan mountain ranges. It has five summits out of which the highest is about 28,169 feet. Kangchenjunga has a vast mass consisting of innumerable satellite peaks with ridges. Kangchenjunga is amidst the latitude of 27° 42′ 9” and longitude 88° 9′ 1 ‘. Kangchenjunga is sometimes also referred as “Kangchen Dzö-nga”, “Kangchanfanga” or “Kachendzonga”.
Climbing Efforts at Kangchenjunga
Although, Kangchenjunga could not be climbed till the year 1955, the first attempt to climb the peak was made in 1905. The threat of avalanches and mudslides is omnipresent in the area, which receives very heavy precipitation throughout much of the year. Interesting to know is that, the 1st 3 parties who ascended the mountain did not try reaching the final few feet for showing respect to the Sikkimese, for whom the summit is sacred. The British expedition in 1955 set is as a standard to stop few feet before the actual summit, in order to honor the religion of the people in Sikkim.
In a British expedition undertaken by Charles Evans, in June, 1955 a telegram was sent to ‘Times”, where it was mentioned that-
“Summit of Kangchenjunga less five vertical feet reached on May 25. All well.”
The expedition was however stopped soon keeping in mind the religious sentiments of the people in Sikkim who considered Kangchenjunga as sacred and had therefore decided not to damage the neighborhood of the mountain.
In the year 1930, a European expedition took place that consisted of German, Swiss, Austrian and British mountaineers. Their attempt to trek Kangchenjunga, however failed. Few years later one of the writers came across a diary of the a climber-
Following the writings of one of the climbers, it was pointed out-
“Kangchenjunga (Kanchenjunga) had beaten us… we had examined every portion of the faces above the Kangchenjunga and Rathong glaciers; nowhere was there a chink in the armour of the giant. Others sceptical as to the truth-may follow… like us they will lie awake at night and tremble, even as the ground trembles at the roar of great ice avalanches that seek their destruction… their hope and optimism… ruthlessly crushed beneath the icy heel of Kangchenjunga.”
The next 2 climbs to the Kangchenjunga were made by teams headed by Colonel N. Kumar in the year 1977, and another team by the British climber Doug Scott in the year 1979.
Sir John Hunt, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norkey who were successful in reaching Mount. Everest described it by saying that it is a mountain that is more dangerous and difficult to climb at, than the Mount Everest itself.
Kangchenjunga- The Powerful Majesty
The Sikkimese believes the mighty Kanchenjunga as deity who has the capability and power to destroy the human habitations with destructive floods and avalanches or might ruin crops through terrible hailstorms. ‘He’ is portrayed by the people in Sikkim as a fiery red deity who has a crown of 5 skulls that ride the mythological snow lion and holds a banner depicting victory. An annual festival to worship the snow range of Khang-Chen-Dzog-Nga is celebrated along with rituals, dances and songs in the first half of autumn. On this occasion, Lamas are seen dressed in gorgeous masks and brocades of God. They engage in merry making prancing and whirling with the mountain as the backdrop.
Trekking at Kangchenjunga- Experience of a Lifetime!
Trekking is among the most adventurous activities that one can engage in! Are you a lover of adventure? Do adventurous activities interest you? “Are you sure of yourself that you can climb? If the answer is “Yes”, then Kanchenjunga is the place for you! Climbing the world’s 3rd highest mountain is on one hand interesting and difficult on the other hand. It calls for technical expertise because the route to the peak is almost unknown. There are undiscovered dangers and pitfalls along with the dangers of avalanche, falling rocks, blizzards, crevasses etc. No fixed ropes are here and each of the expedition is a new experience altogether. “Trekking at Kangchenjunga is definitely an Experience of a Lifetime”! The long untracked valleys, elusive snow leopards and the challenging peaks are surely to fascinate you!
Important Trekking Routes in Kanchenjunga
Darjeeling-Batast-Tonglo-Sandakphu-Return
This trek route is for about six to seven days trekking from Maneshanjang, located at a distance of 26 km from Darjeeling. A well-known trekking route from, this takes you through Sandakphu and Phalut from where you can have mesmerizing views of Kanchenjunga and Mt. Everest.
Kanchenjunga South Face Base Camp
The South Face base camp in Kanchenjunga lies in the east of Nepal. The trek starts from STOL airstrip at Taplejung and will take you amidst the pristine forests and the captivating villages. This is followed by South Face Base Camp at Ramche at a height of 4360 meter, prior to crossing the north of Kanchenjunga through the Mirgin La, which happens to be the highest pass at about 4663 meter. The glacial excursion that can be experienced near Ramche is an experience worth remembering. You can return by trekking via Ghunsa. This trek route is comparatively easier since majority of the path goes through the river valleys.
Kanchenjunga North and South Face Base Camp
This magnificent trekking commences and finishes near a small airstrip at Sukhetar. Sukhetar is on the north east of Nepal. Through this trekking route in Kanchenjunga, you are taken to South Face Base Camp at Ramche, Mirgin La in the north of Kanchenjunga and the base camp at Pang Pema.
The combination of glorious mountains, cascading rivers and valleys, the traditional villages and less number of trekkers make Trekking in Kanchenjunga an Experience of a Life time; a truly glorious one!
