Mount Kangchenjunga

Mount Kanchanjunga Highlights

• Kangchenjunga-third highest mountain in the world
• Kangchenjunga is not only the name of one mountain, it collectively applies to the Kanchenjunga five peaks
• Kanchenjunga was assumed to be the highest mountain in the world until 1852. Later, The Great Trigonometrical Survey concluded its             Mt. Everest(8,884m) highest one
• It is the least summited top after Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m)
• First ascent- Joe Brown and George Band, on 25 May 1955
• First ascent without oxygen- 16 May 1979, Doug Scott, Peter Boardman, and Joe Tasker (also established a new route on the North Ridge
• First solo ascent( without supplementary oxygen)- Pierre Beghin,1983 

• Edurne Pasaban- First woman to summit twelve eight-thousands reached the summit in 2009
  

Geography of Mount Kangchenjunga

The Kangchenjunga mountain range, part of the eastern Himalayas, straddles both Nepal and India. This spectacular region boasts 16 peaks over 7,000 meters (23,000 feet), including the formidable Kangchenjunga Main, standing at 8,586 meters (28,169 feet). The range is bounded by the Lhonak Chu, Goma Chu, and Jongsang La to the north, and by the Teesta River to the east. The western boundary extends from the Jongsang La, encompassing the Gingsang and Kangchenjunga glaciers, and includes the rivers Ghunsa and Tamur. Located approximately 125 kilometers east-southeast of Mount Everest, Kangchenjunga lies about 20 kilometers south of the main Himalayan range. South of Kangchenjunga's southern face, the Singalila Ridge (3,000m/9,800–3,500m/11,500 ft) separates Sikkim from Nepal and northern West Bengal.

Kangchenjunga is a vast mountain range, featuring multiple significant peaks:

• Kangchenjunga Main: 8,586 meters (28,169 feet)
• Kangchenjunga West (Yalung Kang): 8,505 meters (27,904 feet)
• Kangchenjunga Central: 8,482 meters (27,828 feet)
• Kangchenjunga South: 8,494 meters (27,867 feet)
• Kangbachen: 7,903 meters (25,928 feet)

The main ridge of Kangchenjunga runs from the north-northeast to the south-southwest, serving as a watershed for various rivers. The range includes numerous peaks between 6,000 meters (19,685 feet) and 8,586 meters (28,169 feet), with four primary glaciers radiating from the peak. These glaciers are:

• Zemu Glacier: The largest glacier in the Eastern Himalayas, located in the northeast, draining into the Teesta River.
• Talung Glacier: Located in the southeast, also draining into the Teesta River.
• Yalung Glacier: Located in the southwest, draining into the Arun and Kosi rivers.
• Kangchen Glacier: Located in the northwest, also draining into the Arun and Kosi rivers.

Kangchenjunga is home to 120 glaciers, 17 of which are covered in debris. Although it is the third-highest peak globally, Kangchenjunga Main holds the distinction of being the highest elevation in the Brahmaputra River basin. It is also a significant part of the Ganges Basin and the Koshi River basin.

Discover the breathtaking beauty and geological significance of Kangchenjunga, a true marvel of the Himalayas.

Where is Kangchenjunga? The Location of the Third-Highest Mountain

Mount Kangchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world, often confuses people about its exact location. Is it in Nepal or India? The answer is both. Kangchenjunga straddles the border between Nepal and the Indian state of Sikkim. This majestic range comprises five main peaks:

• Kangchenjunga Main: 8,586 meters (28,169 feet)
• Kangchenjunga West: 8,505 meters (27,904 feet)
• Kangchenjunga Central: 8,482 meters (27,828 feet)
• Kangchenjunga South: 8,494 meters (27,867 feet)
• Kangbachen: 7,903 meters (25,928 feet)

Among these peaks, the Main, Central, and South are situated right on the border of Nepal and Sikkim, while Kangchenjunga West and Kangbachen lie within Nepal's Taplejung District.

Located in the eastern Himalayan range, Kangchenjunga is about 125 kilometers southeast of Mount Everest. The main range of Kangchenjunga runs from the northeast to the southeast, forming watersheds that feed into various rivers.

Discover Kangchenjunga's breathtaking beauty and strategic significance, a true marvel of the Himalayas, and understand its unique geographical positioning spanning two countries.

Diverse Flora and Fauna of the Kangchenjunga Region

Exploring the Kangchenjunga region offers a unique opportunity to encounter the diverse flora and fauna of the region. The surrounding area of Kangchenjunga Mountain is rich with various vegetation and wildlife. The Kangchenjunga Conservation Area, a protected zone at the base of Mount Kangchenjunga, is home to numerous rare species.

Flora and Fauna in Kangchenjunga

The green mountains around Kangchenjunga are adorned with grasslands, coniferous forests, and pastures. These habitats support a wide range of animals, including:

• Snow Leopards
• Musk Deer
• Black Bears
• Red Pandas
• Red Pheasants

Additionally, the area is known for the rare Melanistic leopard, a high-altitude cat that is seldom seen.

Bird Watching Paradise

Kangchenjunga is a haven for bird enthusiasts. You can spot:

• Golden-breasted Fulvetta
• Snow Cock
• Blood Pheasant

Many other bird species inhabit the area, making it a prime location for bird watching.

Rich Botanical Diversity

The forests are lush with various types of rhododendrons, orchids, and other plant species, adding to the natural beauty of the region.

Explore the Kangchenjunga Conservation Area and immerse yourself in the stunning biodiversity that this unique expedition has to offer. Whether you're a nature lover, bird watcher, or wildlife enthusiast, the Kangchenjunga Expedition promises an unforgettable experience.

Mount Kanchenjunga Weather and Climate

Generally, the weather and climate in high-altitude regions like Mount Kangchenjunga are unpredictable. Even within the same season, conditions can vary significantly. Here's what you need to know about the climate of Kangchenjunga:

Temperature Variations

Extreme Cold: At higher altitudes, temperatures can plummet to below -25 degrees Celsius.

Consistently Cold: Throughout the winter, temperatures remain below freezing.

Seasonal Changes: Summer brings some respite from the extreme cold but introduces other weather challenges.

Seasonal Weather Patterns

Winter: The area experiences less snowfall than the monsoon season, but temperatures remain consistently low.

Summer: This season brings regular rainfall to the lower areas and heavy snowfall to the higher altitudes.

Unpredictable Conditions

The weather in Kangchenjunga can change rapidly, making it essential for trekkers and climbers to be prepared for sudden shifts. Whether you're dealing with extreme cold, unexpected snow, or shifting temperatures, understanding these patterns can help you plan a safer and more enjoyable expedition.

Stay informed and prepared for the unpredictable weather of Kangchenjunga to ensure a successful and safe adventure.

Climber’s attraction

Mount Kangchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world, lies amidst a region teeming with diverse flora and fauna. Often referred to as the 'Queen of the Mountains' and the 'Five Treasure Troves of the Great Snow,' Kangchenjunga stands out not only for its height but also for its unique geographical features.

Unique Features of Kangchenjunga

Four Peaks Over 8,000m: Kangchenjunga is the only mountain with four peaks surpassing 8,000 meters.

Historical First Ascent: The first successful ascent was achieved by Joe Brown and George Band on May 25, 1955, followed by Norman Hardie and Tony Streather on May 26, 1955.

A Haven for Nature Lovers

Rich Biodiversity: The surrounding area of Kangchenjunga is renowned for its species-rich flora and fauna. The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area is home to various rare species of plants and animals.

Stunning Views: Trekkers can enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, and 14 other peaks in the eastern Himalayas.

Ideal for Climbing Enthusiasts

Challenging and Rewarding: The Kangchenjunga Expedition is a must-try for climbing enthusiasts, offering one of Nepal’s most beautiful and challenging routes.

Explore on an unforgettable adventure to Kangchenjunga and experience the beauty and grandeur of this iconic mountain. Whether you're a nature lover or a climbing enthusiast, Kangchenjunga offers an unparalleled experience.

Historic Kangchenjunga Expeditions: A Chronicle of Triumphs and Tragedies

The Kangchenjunga expedition, a Himalayan mountaineering quest, aimed to climb Kangchenjunga in 1905 but was only completed in 1955. Joe Brown and George Band made the first ascent on May 25, 1955, proving that Aleister Crowley’s 1905 route was viable.

In 1973, Yutaka Ageta and Takeo Matsuda of a Japanese expedition summited Kangchenjunga West (Yalung Kang) via the southwestern ridge. Tragically, Matsuda's body was never found, and he did not return to camp.

The challenging ridge that defeated German expeditions in 1929 and 1931 was finally conquered by an Indian Army team led by Colonel Narendra Kumar in 1977, marking the second ascent of Mount Kangchenjunga.

The first ascent without supplementary oxygen and the third overall ascent of Kangchenjunga occurred on May 16, 1979, by Doug Scott, Peter Boardman, and Joe Tasker, who established a new route on the North Ridge. Pierre Beghin achieved the first solo ascent without supplementary oxygen in 1983.

In 1991, Slovenian climbers Marija Frantar and Joze Rozman attempted the first ascent by a woman, but their bodies were later found below the summit headwall. Edurne Pasaban became the first woman to summit twelve eight-thousanders, including Kangchenjunga, in 2009.