Mt. Kanchenjunga is the third-highest peak on the planet. It is beautiful, and its essence can generally be felt in India and Nepal. When the sun rises over the mountain ranges, it looks glittering like gold. The sunrise views are splendid, and people generally come from around the world to view the panorama. You may have also seen its pictures in newspapers and journals.
How do you reach Kanchenjunga base camp?
- Yuksom is the focal point for the 14-day Kanchenjunga base camp trek. However, the trek is challenging considering the length and other hazards along the route. The trek starts from Yuksom, Sikkim, covering Bakhim, Dzongri, and crossing Lakshmi Pokhari and Chaurikhang.
- There is another route from Nepal where trekkers need to drive to Taplejung and then cross Ghunsa and Lhonak to reach the base camp.
Many mountaineers have reached the summit of Kanchenjunga.
Mountaineers have climbed Mt. Kanchenjunga and created records. Many trekking and mountaineering expeditions have also made a significant mark in the mountain dictionary. George Band and Joe Brown were the first to climb this peak, creating history. After that, there were other expeditions where Indians, descendants of Nepal, and Britishers took active part and climbed the summit.
Mt. Kanchenjunga means the five treasures of snow.
Travelers generally come to Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Sikkim to witness the snow-covered peaks of Kanchenjunga. They can view snow and a spectacular sunrise over the five peaks of the mountain massif. The view is even more rewarding for anyone coming for a trekking adventure to the base camp.
Here is a list of seven places to witness splendid sunrise views over the mighty Kanchenjunga massif.
1.Rachela Peak, Lava: Rachela Peak is one of the few places in India where one can get spectacular sunrise views over the Kanchenjunga massif. The peak is at an elevation of around 10,000 ft above sea level. It is situated in Lava in the district of Kalimpong. It is a 12 kms uphill road to Rachela Peak from Lava. The sunrise view is fantastic and spectacular. On delving a bit further, the entire range of the Kanchenjunga massif is palpable when the sun’s reflection falls on the snow-clad peaks.
2. Lungtung Valley, Sikkim – Lungtung Valley in Sikkim is one of the most magical places in Eastern India. It is possible to witness the mesmerizing and ensnaring vision of Kanchenjunga’s mighty peak and the spectacular sunrise over the mountain. If the weather remains proper, one can also see other neighboring peaks of the mountain giant. Langtang Valley is around 12,500 ft and offers enchanting views of the entire range of Kanchenjunga and its neighboring peaks. Travelers can easily reach Lungtung Valley from Gangtok by road transport.
3. Nathang Valley, Sikkim – Nathang Valley is one of the destinations on the Old Silk Route that offers intriguing views of the Kanchenjunga massif. It is a few km from Zuluk by car or by safari jeep. The view is generally rewarding for any passionate mountain lover, provided it is the correct time of the year they have scheduled the trip. However, the road to Nathang Valley from Lungtung is a few kilometers long and can be covered by land transport.
4. Tiger Hills, Darjeeling – Tiger Hills remains one of the oldest and most popular places to view sunrise over the Kanchenjunga massif. It is a few km from Darjeeling and offers enthralling views of the third-highest mountain in the world. The early sunrise creates a beautiful halo in the entire atmosphere, making Kanchenjunga the most essential mountain in the world. Tiger Hills generally remain crowded because travelers come from around the world to view sunrise over Mt. Kanchenjunga.
5. Tashi Viewpoint, Gangtok – Tashi Viewpoint remains a significant place to catch sight of the Kanchenjunga Massif’s divine and enigmatic peak from the capital city of Gangtok. If you open a one-hundred-rupee note, you will find a picture of the mountain on the back. The image is of Kanchenjunga, which has been taken from Tashi Viewpoint in Gangtok. Travelers can easily reach Tashi Viewpoint from Gangtok by availing local cabs.
6. Tiffin Dara – Tiffin Dara offers astonishing views of the mighty Kanchenjunga Peak. Rishyap is one of the highest summits in the Kalimpong district. However, travelers must climb 2.5 km uphill from Rishyap to reach Tiffin Dara, where they can witness the glorious and spectacular sunrise.
7. Sandakphu and Phalut – Sandakphu is the highest point in West Bengal and offers one of the best views of the mighty Kanchenjunga massif. On delving a few kms further to Phalut, tourists can also see a beautiful landscape and glorious sunrise views. Sandakphu and Phalut are in the Eastern Himalayas. They generally offer spectacular views of Mount Pandim, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Everest, and Mt. Kanchenjunga.
KANCHENJUNGA FAQ
Sandakphu and Phalut provides the best offbeat view of Mt. Kanchenjunga.
The best time to witness Kanchenjunga is generally during the onset of sunrise.
Darjeeling and Kalimpong give the best view of Kanchenjunga in West Bengal. However, Sikkim also offers breathtaking views of the peak.
Rishyap generally offers the best views of Kanchenjunga in Kalimpong if the weather remains free from climatic disturbances.
Kanchenjunga is generally visible from India and Nepal.