Taan

Overview

The far eastern section of Nepal's Great Himalayan Trail encompasses the Kanchenjunga region, stretching from Jhapa to Taplejung and also includes Ilam, Panchthar, and Tehrathum districts. Home to the world's third tallest mountain, Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 meters), this remote area features elevations ranging from 670 meters to towering peaks, earning its name 'Kanchenjunga,' meaning 'treasures of the high snow.'

Surrounded by incredibly lush temperate rainforest, the region's stunning landscapes include deep valleys, glaciers, and unique high-altitude wetlands, with diverse flora and fauna such as rare orchids, rhododendrons, and apex predators like the clouded leopard. The southwest face and ridges form a horseshoe-shaped valley system around Yalung, offering dozens of remote glaciated valleys to explore, though they remain rarely visited.

Kanchenjunga holds profound spiritual significance, revered by Buddhists, Hindus, and Kirats as sacred land for seekers of immortality, protected by Dharmapala, the guardians of the land. Trekking in this region is still in its infancy, and visitors are encouraged to trek lightly and adopt sustainable practices. In recognition of its ecological importance, the Kangchenjunga Conservation Area was established in 1997, designated as a 'Gift to Earth' to preserve its pristine ecosystem for future generations.

Highlights

Nepal offers some of the world's most iconic trekking trails, drawing adventurers from around the world. From the legendary Everest Base.

★ Majestic Mountain Ranges: Kanchenjunga, Janak, Umbak.

★ Mountain Peaks: Includes Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m) – the world’s third-highest peak.

★ Conservation Area: Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project (KCAP), managed by local communities.

★ Cultural diversity: diverse ethnic communities such as the Limbu, Rai, and Sherpa people as well as Tibetan nomads who cross the border to trade, each with their unique traditions, language, and lifestyle. Ilam, Tehrathum Panchathar are isolated communities of Limbu, Lepcha, Gurung, Kshetri and others.

★ Remote and Pristine Trails: Untouched landscapes and remote villages for immersive wilderness experiences.

★ Breathtaking Landscapes: Deep valleys, glacial moraines, alpine meadows, and pristine rivers.

★ Unique Flora and Fauna: Rare plant species like orchids and rhododendrons; elusive wildlife including snow leopards and red pandas.

★ Cultural Encounters: Traditional communities, monasteries, and local festivals.

★ Challenging Passes and Lakes: High mountain passes like Lumba Sumba and high-altitude lakes like Kanchenjunga Base Camp and Green Lake.

★ Popular Pilgrimage Sites: Dikichhoeling Gomba, Pathivara Devi Temple, Timbung Pokhari, Mai Pokhari.

★ Wildlife: Snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, Himalayan wolf, red panda, and more.

★ Birds: Impeyan pheasant, blood pheasant, golden eagle, and others.

★ Plants/Herbs: Wild garlic, Himalayan marsh orchid, spikenard, and more.

★ Key Watersheds: Pang Pema Glacier, Tamor River, Lhonak River, Teesta River.

★ Tea Gardens: Located in the lower region (Ilam)

1.1. Required Permits

★ Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA) Entry Permit from KCAP.

★ Controlled Area Trekking Permit from Department of Immigration (DoI):

For the designated areas of Phantanglung Rural Municipality (All areas of ward nos. 6 and 7), Mikwakhola Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 5) and Sirijunga Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 8)

★ Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Card.

1.2. Contacts for additional Information

i. Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Office

★ Address : Phaktanglung RM - 6, Lelep, Taplejung, Nepal

★ Email : kanchanjungaconservationarea@gmail.com

★ Telephone : +977-024-460081

★ Website : www.kca.gov.np

Route Map

Photos & Vidos

The Kanchenjunga region, in eastern Nepal, is one of the most pristine and stunningly beautiful areas in the Himalayas. Below is a description suitable for photos or videos showcasing the Kanchenjunga section: