Introduction
Mount Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world and lies between Nepal and Sikkim, India. It has four peaks of over 8,400 m which makes it extremely difficult to climb. The normal climbing route of Kanchenjunga follows South-West face from Yalung glacier. There are many interesting facts about Kanchenjunga that make it even more interesting to explore. The best time to visit Mount Kanchenjunga is during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon season when weather conditions are more favorable for trekking and other activities.
Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain on earth and is situated in the border of Nepal and Sikkim, India.
The border of Nepal and Sikkim is known as the “Himalayan Kingdom”. This mountain has an important role in their culture because it contains two different religions: Hinduism and Buddhism. Before 1955, there had been many beliefs about this mountain including that it holds all the gods’ power inside of it so no one was allowed to climb Kanchenjunga without any reason except for religious purposes (which means that they must have permission).
Kanchenjunga was first climbed in 1955 by Charles Evans, George Band and Joe Brown.
The first ascent was made by Charles Evans, George Band and Joe Brown. The three were part of a British expedition that took place in 1955. They climbed the South-West face, which remains one of Kanchenjunga’s most popular routes.
Kanchenjunga is not only the third highest mountain on earth, but it has five peaks of over 8,400m which makes it extremely difficult to climb.
Ama Dablam and Manaslu, Island Peak are considered a bit easier compared to Kanchenjunga on its climbing difficulty.
| Peak | Altitude in meters |
| Kanchenjunga I | 8,586 |
| Kanchenjunga West | 8505 |
| Kanchenjunga South
Kangchenjunga Central |
8494
8482 |
| Kangbachen | 7903 |
The South-West face is the most popular and easiest of all the four routes to climb Kanchenjunga. During this time of pre monsoon and post-monsoon, the days are clear with little to no rain. The nights can be cold with temperatures dropping as low as -10 degrees Celsius, but it does not last long. In addition, there is also less chance of snowfall if you plan on visiting in the winters or early spring; however, the monsoons could still strike anytime between June through September and cause landslides, floods and avalanches which could cut off villages from each other for days at a time.
