Kanchenjunga: Mysteries of the Third-Highest Peak
26 Nov,2023
Kanchenjunga is situated in the Himalayas, straddling the border between Nepal and the Indian state of Sikkim.
Location
It is the third-highest mountain in the world, with an elevation of 8,586 meters (28,169 feet).
Elevation
The name "Kanchenjunga" is derived from the Tibetan language and means "The Five Treasures of Snow," representing the mountain's five peaks.
Name Meaning
The mountain has five main peaks: Kanchenjunga Main (8,586m), Kanchenjunga West (Yalung Kang, 8,505m), Kanchenjunga Central (8,482m), Kanchenjunga South (8,494m), and Kangbachen (7,903m).
Five Peaks
Climbing Kanchenjunga is considered extremely challenging, and it has a lower success rate compared to some other 8,000-meter peaks. The mountain presents a series of difficult technical climbing sections.
Climbing Challenges
Kanchenjunga is sacred in the local culture of Sikkim and is believed to be the abode of the mountain deity Dzo-nga. As a result, the area around the mountain is protected as the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.
Cultural Significance
The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area is a biodiversity hotspot and is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the red panda, snow leopard, and numerous species of orchids and rhododendrons.
Protected Area
The first successful ascent of Kanchenjunga was made by a British expedition in 1955. The team stopped just short of the summit to honor the wishes of the Sikkimese monarchy, which considers the summit sacred.