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 from around the world generally come to view the panorama. You may have also seen its pictures in newspapers and journals.
Mt. Kanchenjunga means the five treasures of snow.
Travelers generally come to Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Sikkim in India 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.
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 its length and the 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 an active part and climbed the summit.
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 you can enjoy spectacular sunrise views over the Kanchenjunga massif. The peak is located at an elevation of approximately 10,000 feet 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 spectacular sunrise over the mountains. If the weather remains proper, one can also see other neighbouring peaks of the mountain giant. Langtang Valley is situated at an elevation of around 12,500 ft and offers enchanting views of the entire range of Kanchenjunga and its neighbouring 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 they have scheduled the trip for the correct time of year. However, the road to Nathang Valley from Lungtung is a short distance 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 kilometres from Darjeeling and offers enthralling views of the world’s third-highest mountain. The early sunrise creates a beautiful halo in the entire atmosphere, making Kanchenjunga one of the most iconic mountains in the world. Tiger Hills generally remain crowded because travelers from around the world come to view the sunrise over Mt. Kanchenjunga.
5. Tashi Viewpoint, Gangtok – Tashi Viewpoint remains a significant place to catch sight of the 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, 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. Delving a few kilometers further to Phalut, tourists can also enjoy a beautiful landscape and glorious sunrise views. Sandakphu and Phalut are in the Eastern Himalayas. They generally offer spectacular views of Mount Pandim, Mount Lhotse, Mount Makalu, Mount Everest, and Mount Kanchenjunga.
KANCHENJUNFA FAQ
Rishyap offers the best views of Kanchenjunga in Kalimpong.
Tiger Hills and Batasia Loop offer the best views of Kanchenjunga in Darjeeling.
Peling offers the best views of Kanchenjunga in Sikkim.
Sandakphu offers offbeat views of Mt. Kanchenjunga.
India and Nepal offer views of the mighty Kanchenjunga massif.
CONCLUSION
Witnessing Mt. Kanchenjunga during sunrise has been on the wish list of many travelers. They come from different corners of the world and pay tribute to the mountain giant. The best views can generally be observed when the weather is clear and free from clouds. Trekkers and adventure seekers plan extended trips to reach the base camp of Mt. Kanchenjunga and create memories to last for a decade.