The Kanchenjungha region – Hidden Gem and Isolated Region of Nepal

by Glorious Himalaya Trekking Trekking and Tour operator

Located in the far eastern region of Nepal, Taplejung district is idyllic and spectacular. Boarding with China to the north and India to the east, it is the closest Nepalese land from Lhasa, the capital of Tibet autonomous region in China. It adjoins with Saretingjong province of Tibet to the North whereas Gejing and Sosing districts of Sikkim (India) to the East. Similarly, it abuts Panchthar to the South and the other two districts namely Tehrathum and Sankhuwasabha to the West. Taplejung covers 3646 sq. km. in an area with an altitude ranging from 770m to 8586m above mean sea level.

Taplejung is much diversity in terms of its ethnic, linguistic and cultural characteristics. Population mosaic of caste and ethnicity include various communities such as Sherpa, Limbu, Tamang, Gurung, Rai, Newar, Magar, Dhokpya, Walung, Sunwar, Brahmin and Chhetri. Each community possesses its own unique language and culture. They all exhibit mutual respect for their diverse religion, cultures and dialects. The Mt. Kanchenjungha is the pride of Taplejung from where the first rays of the sun flashes to Nepal. Kanchenjungha is the third highest peak in the world and second in Nepal. The first mountaineer to scale Kanchejungha was George Band who climbed it on May 25, 1995. In the Kanchenjungha range lie 11 major peaks with 7000 meters or above in elevation that include Kangawachan (7902m), Kumbakarna (7710m), Jongsong (7483m), Tantapick (7365m), Kabu (7353m), Yalung (7349m), Kiratchuli (7315m), Pyramid (7123m), Kumbhakarna (7090m), and Timets (7004m). From these mountain peaks originate and flow of snow fed perennial rivers including the Tamor, the Kabeli, the Mewa, the Fawa, the Tawa and the Lwa. The region is also located by the Singhalila range, one of the most beautiful panoramas in the world.

The Characteristics of Kanchenjungha Region

Given the unique and outstanding topography followed by rich biodiversity and habitats of several rare species, Kanchenjungha region is a model physiography in the world with the following exceptional features:

Several rare wild mammals such as red panda (Ailurus fulgens), snow leopard (Panthera uncia), Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla), Leopard cat (Felis bengalensis), Musk Deer (Moschus moschiferos) and rhesus monkey (Macaca assamensis) inhabit in the region.

The Kanchenjungha is the habitat of more than 300 species of birds. Among them rare birds of the world like Wood Snipe (Gallingo nemoricola), Maha Cheel (Aquila heliaca), Satyr Tragopan (Tragopan Satyra), Himalayan pheasant (Lophophorus impejanus), Blood Pheasant (Ithaginis cruentus), Common Raven (Corvus corax) and Common Green Magpie (Cissa Chinensis) are the major species.

More than 1000 flowering plant species have been discovered in Taplejung. Among them 810 are found in Kanchenjunga region only. The biggest junipers forest in Nepal lies in Taplejung and Lark Larix is a floral species endemic to this locality.

The Kanchenjungha region is also rich in medicinal and aromatic plants such as Chiraito (Swertia Chirata), Kudki (Picrorhiza species), Ban Lasun (Allium species), Pakhenbed (Berginia Ciliata), Panchaaule (Dactelorhiza emodi), Silajeet (Organic exodus), Yarshagumba (Cordyceps sinensis), Amala (Phylanthus emblica), Lauth Salla (Taxus baccata), Sugandhawal (Valerina wallichii), Bhojo (Acorus calamus), Rittha (Sapindus mucorosi),Majithao (Rubia majith), Argeli (Edgeworthia gardneri) and Lokta (Daphne species), Dhupi (Juniper scies), Sunpati (Dendrobium species) and Alaichi (Amomum subultum). Kanchenjungha regions has been popular for cottege industry products including Chhurpi (dried local cheese), Galicha (carpet), Radi, Pakhi, Dhaka, Nepali paper and Khukuri.

Various tempting spot lie including the famous Fungfunge water fall and Tingbung, the Sodu and the Lwa wetlands, which are potential to entice tourists.

The Pathivaradevi, one of the famous religious shrines of Nepal, lies on the base of Kanchenjungha. Each year, number of devotees from the eastern part of Nepal, Kalempong, Dargeeling, Sikkim and Assam give pilgrimage to the Pathivara. Situated at 3797m elevation, the Pathivara can also be a beautiful destination for other tourists willing to view the unique natural landscape in addition to religious pilgrims. The district is also characterized by the Dikichhyoling, the six hundred year old Buddhist monastery and the Faktalung, a holy place of Limbu ethnic.

Despite rich biological, ethnic and cultural diversity with immense panoramic view, why has the Kanchenjungha region in Taplejung not been so successful to attract domestic and international tourists to the extent as has been expected? However, few international tourists who are looking for the more challenging and isolated region in Nepal are considering on Kanchenjungha Base Camp Trek.

If you are willing to know about the Kanchenjungha trek route, difficulties, permits, altitudes, and essential gears, visit KBC Trek Guide link.