Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world, situated at an altitude of 8586 m above sea level on the Indo-Nepal border in the Himalayas. Lovingly chronicled as the "Five Treasures of Great Snow," it has five snow-capped magnificent peaks. It consists of 5 long pinnacles, each containing gold, silver, gems, grains, and the divine treasure of the holy book. Five peaks make up Kanchenjunga, with three main peaks bordering the central and southern Indian states of North Sikkim and Nepal's Taplejung District. The other two peaks are entirely in Nepal. However, there are 12 more peaks in the Kanchenjunga region, about 23,000 feet high. It inhabits a wide variety of rhododendrons and orchids and many endangered species such as the snow leopard, Asiatic black bear, Himalayan musk deer, red panda, blood pheasant, and chestnut-breasted partridge. The view of the entire Kanchenjunga range from Darjeeling and Gangtok is nothing less than splendid. From Pelling, it seems that one can touch it and admire its beauty at close quarters. The breathtaking view of the sunrise from Tiger Hill and its impact on the mighty Kanchenjunga is a memory one will cherish for entire life. The colour of the mountains turns pink, then orange before sunrise, and it is a great experience to see all the whites all day long.
Best Time to Visit Kanchenjunga
The climate of Kanchenjunga is generally pleasant throughout the year. The mountain and its glaciers receive heavy snowfall in summer and light snow in winter. Autumn is the best time to visit Kanchenjunga, as the mountains look very interesting and exciting at this time. Autumn offers clear skies that open up the world to witness the best up-close views of these majestic mountains. The beauty of the five peaks of Kanchenjunga is the main attraction of autumn. Spring brings a beautiful environment for trekking in this circuit. The temperature is adequate, which offers the trekkers an unparalleled wonder of vegetation on the trail. Wildlife can also be spotted during this time when they are exposed to the heat of the sun. A dense green forest covers the entire track until you reach the destination. Spring covers the lush green forest with new leaves, and you will never run out of spots to take photos. Summer in Kanchenjunga comes with frequent rains. This rainy season makes the tracks slippery and difficult to walk and limits the time and possibilities for observing mountain views. Since it is located in the eastern Himalayas, it suffers from monsoon moisture loss. So, Summer is not the best time to visit Kanchenjunga.
If you want to experience Kanchenjunga tourism, terribly cold winds, and a bad snowfall in the closed chaos, choose January. Moreover, Kanchenjunga does not have an "easy" winter path because the threat of snowfall is high. The highest crowds are seen in the Kanchenjunga hills in October. What many people have avoided for a long time has become a trend and test of their physicality. So if you don't have a holiday constraint, choose November, and you will have a lot to explore and trek. Beautiful landscape, good weather, a huge group of trekkers with huge discount minus, a perfect combo!
History of Kanchenjunga
Kanchenjunga has an interesting & fascinating history. There was a time when Kanchenjunga was considered as the highest mountain peak globally but things changed in 1856. After the great trigonometric survey of India in 1849, Mount Everest was declared the highest mountain by various texts and measurements. Kanchenjunga was officially moved to the third highest mountain in 1856. This highest mountain in India holds an important place in local mythology and religious rites, and its slope has undoubtedly been known to priests and merchants for centuries.
Places to Visit Near Kanchenjunga
There are a million things to witness and a million more emotions to experience in the surroundings of the highest mountains in India. Kanchenjunga has some marvelous places nearby, which is worth visiting.
Kanchenjunga National Park
Situated in the heart of the Himalayan mountains of northern India in the state of Sikkim, Kanchenjunga National Park consists of plains, valleys, lakes, glaciers, and a unique variety of spectacular, snow-capped mountains covered in the ancient forest, which ranks third highest peak in the world.
Kanchenjunga Falls
Located in West Sikkim, about 20 km from Pelling. It is truly a beautiful sight to see the wild currents of water flowing beneath the huge granite rocks. Kanchenjunga Falls is a leading tourist spot in Pelling and has a lush green environment and high waterfalls throughout the year.
Tiger Hill
Located at an altitude of 2590 meters and 2.5 kilometers away from Kanchenjunga, Tiger Hill is most famous for its excellent sunrise sights from where you can see the peaks of Kanchenjunga illuminated before the sun is seen at a lower altitude.
Mount Siniolchu
Mount Siniolchu is one of the highest mountains in Sikkim, which stands at an altitude of about 6888 meters. The mountain is located near the Green Lake area near Mount Kanchenjunga, the highest peak in Sikkim and the third highest peak in the world. The beauty of the snow-capped Siniolchur has attracted a lot of tourists to this spot.
Mount Pandim
Mount Pandim is a lofty peak in Sikkim. It is located between 22010 feet high and snow-capped mountains. There is an amazing view of the mountains from Jangri Top near the hill.
Mount Pauhunri: Mount Pahunari is located on the border of Sikkim and Tibet in the eastern Himalayas. The peak is located at 7128 m above sea level, about 75 km from Kanchenjunga.
How to Reach Kanchenjunga
Kanchenjunga Tourism has left a remarkable landmark in tourism history for enjoying its picturesque beauty. Tourists from different places visit this highest mountain peak in India throughout the year. Reaching here is very easy as the place is well-connected with different parts of the country. All three modes of transport can help the visitors reach this awe-inspiring destination.
- Nearest Famous City. Gangtok
- Nearest Airbase. Gangtok
- Nearest Railhead. Darjeeling Station
- Distance from Gangtok. 61.7 Km
By Air
Kanchenjunga does not have its own airport. The nearest airport to reach this stunning destination is in Gangtok. The Gangtok airport caters to flights from different parts of the country. It is well-connected with major cities of the country. Another airport that can be used to reach Kanchenjunga is Bagdogra Airport. After deboarding at the airport, the visitors can hire a private cab or board a state transport bus to complete their journey.
- Distance from Gangtok Airport. 61.7 Km
- Distance from Bagdogra Airport. 114 Km
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Kanchenjunga
By Rail
The nearest railway station to Gangtok is Darjeeling. A direct train is also available to the station and covers 85.5 km of the distance by a hired taxi. There are several trains that run between different parts of the country and ferry passengers to Darjeeling, the closest station to reach Kanchenjunga.
- Distance from Darjeeling Railway Station. 74.7 Km
By Road
Kanchenjunga is easily accessible by road. It is well-connected with different towns and cities of the state and parts of the country. Both private and state-run buses ply their services for the passengers who wish to explore Kanchenjunga. Many visitors plan a trip to this beautiful destination by their own car.
- Distance From Darjeeling. 74.4 Km
- Distance From Gangtok. 61.7 Km
- Distance From Pelling. 43.5 Km
- Distance From Yuksom. 120 Km
- Distance From Kolkata. 570 Km
- Distance From Delhi. 1087 Km
- Distance from Mumbai. 1826 Km
FAQs Related to Kanchenjunga
Ques 1. Why is Kanchenjunga famous?
Ans. Kanchenjunga is known all over the world for its breathtaking views from Darjeeling. Since the mountains seldom travel, the peaks have not lost their primitive beauty. It is also known for changing colours at different times.
Ques 2. Can I trek solo to Kanchenjunga?
Ans. No, a trekker group must have at least two people. To track Kanchenjunga, they must be accompanied by a licensed trekking guide or government-approved guide.
Ques 3. Is it the best time to visit Kanchenjunga in the winter?
Ans. No, the temperature in winter can go down to -30 Celsius. Pampema and Ramche tea houses are completely closed. If you are thinking of spending a night in base camp in a tent, don't do that as the temperature can go very low, making things very uncomfortable.
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