Kanchenjunga is part of the Himalayan mountain range and is located on the eastern border of Nepal with India. It is the third highest peak in the world. Kanchenjunga has total five peaks out of which one summit is 28,169 feet or 8586 meters. Other four of them are over 8,450 meters. It is best seen from the Hills of Darjeeling.
Other
names of Kanchenjunga : Kanchenjunga the 'King of the Mountains' is popularly known as Kanchanjanga or Kinchinjunga. Other names offered to the mountain are, 'The five treasures of the snow', Kangchen Dzo-nga, Kachendzonga, Kangchanfanga. In Tibet, it is known as Gangchhendzonga.
Climbing History :
In the year 1905, first attempt was made to climb Kanchenjunga, headed by Aleister Crowley. They reached above the Yalung glacier when the huge mass of snow killed Alexis Pache and three porters. At that time of emergency Crowley refused to help them. Than in 1930, an International expedition was led by George Dyhrenfurth, from the north west side of Nepal, in which a porter was killed in an avalanche.
In 1955, The first ascent is made by Britons Joe Brown and George Band followed by Norman Hardie and Tony Streather a day later. Out of respect for local beliefs, the actual summit itself remained virgin, a tradition that continued until recent years. Later in the year 1977, the second ascent to the mountain was made by an Indian Army Team led by Col. Narinder Kumar. They climbed the north east spur which is a difficult ridge.
Thereafter in 1979, a team of several people, climbed the north west face without oxygen. Since than many attempts were made by the people from various countries. Recently in 2005, on the 50th anniversary of the first ascent, Briton Alan Hinkers is the only person to the climb, who completed his challenge to climb all the 8,000 m mountains.
Things to do at Kanchenjunga Mountain:
Kanchenjunga Trekking :
If you are looking for an adventurous experience, than trekking at Kanchenjunga is something that can fulfill your desire. The fascinating view of the mountains, diverse flora and fauna, and remoteness of the area is what makes trekking in this area so interesting and pleasurable too. Sub tropical forests and alpine meadows, making a way through the high valleys and glaciers is what keep the mood going. The weather you will experience here is unpredictable so it is good to be prepared for all eventualities. As the trekking routes are quite challenging you are requested to go through the medical examination.
Wildlife Adventure :
Tourists can even make a visit to the Kanchenjunga National Park, which holds the spectacular wildlife. The park holds the rich flora and fauna. It holds the wide variety of natural vegetation. It has 454 types of orchids, over 600 species of butterflies and 550 species of Birds. The main attractions of the park include leopards, tahr, musk deer, bharal, scrow, snow leopard, red panda and binturong. Several glaciers in the park area such as Zemu glacier add special charm to its beauty.
