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Kanchenjunga
The name is derived from the Tibetan words,
'Kanchen' and 'Dzonga' meaning 'Five Treasures of the Great
Snow'. While the highest summit is 28,156 feet, the Second
highest peak is 27,820 feet, thus falling short of the former
by 336 feet only. Four colossal ridges of inconceivable
dimensions of rocks, ice, and snow abut upon this massif,
which culminates in a peak 28,156 feet high. These ridges
are named according to their repective directions with reference
to the great centrepiece to which they are attached.
 There
is absolutely no direct route to any of these summits, which
are accessible, if at all, by first ascending any of these
ridges, and then, say, reaching some ice terraces suitable
for camping, and lastly attempting the summit. The final
climbing to the rock pyramid may ascent of a vertical height
ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 feet is extremely trying, as
at that tremendous altitude every step upward is devitalizing
to an incredible extent.
With more than 250 species of birds and wildlife, and high mountain lakes in Olangchungola, the Kanchenjunga area has some of the most stunning scenery. The indomitable bamboo appears in many varieties, of¬ten the last lanky vegetation to give way to alpine grasses and scrub rhododen¬dron. Above the crystalline lake of Ramser, a trail skirts the massive Yalung Glacier up to Oktang for prime views of Jannu, the southern face of Kanchenjunga and the line of peaks that divide Nepal from Sikkim. Yalung Glacier is believed to be the longest blue glacier in the world.
The Kanchenjunga region has been selected as one of the 200 Global Eco Regions recognized by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and is protected by the government as the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA). Ten species among Nepal's 20 indigenous gymnosperms and 15 among Nepal’s 28 endemic flowering plants are found here. Juniper and Himalayan larch are abundant in the forests with more than 1,200 species of flowering plants. The Kanchenjunga region also boasts of 30 varieties of rhododendrons and 69 varieties of orchids. Birds found here include Impheyan pheasant, red-billed blue magpie and shy drongo, while rare wildlife include Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, musk deer, red panda, blue sheep and rhesus macaw.
Trek to the region also appeases natural
history interest, with ecological zones from the subtropics
to glacial wilderness. The hills are densely forested with
rhododendron, oak, and pine; and wooden houses and frequent
waterfalls confirm a copious monsoon. At Ghunsa, a Sherpa
village marked with prayer flags and a gompa, two trails
from Kanchenjunga's southern flanks join the northbound
route. Like treks into other far-reaching areas, the Kanchenjunga
trek encounters a vast range of elevations and temperatures,
and is best planned for September-November or March-May,
with the possibility of snowfall at any time of year.
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Rafting
The region also abounds in waterfalls, lakes and Himalayan
streams. The Tamor River flowing through the region offers
possibilities for white-water rafting.
Ancient Gompas
The rich cultural heritage of Taplejung is reflected in
the Buddhist gompas (monasteries) such as the 400-year old
Diki Chhyoling Gompa of Olangchungola which has a life size
statue of Avalokiteshwara. A butter lamp at the altar has
been burning here uninterrupted since the construction of
the gompa. The waters of a small stream outside the gompa
continuously spin twelve prayer wheels with the prayer "Om
Mane Padme Hum" inscribed on them.
Further Afield
It is possible to trek north to Pangpema for spectacular
views as mountains close in from both sides of the valley.
Pangpema is where expedition support teams spend months
as lead climbers make camps far above. You can take day
hikes onto the glacier and to higher ground for even better
vantages of Kanchenjunga. Pangpema (close to 5,000 m) near
base camp for Kanchenjunga's northern face, sits on a glacier
within 10 km of the Tibet border surrounded by peaks up¬ward
of 6,500 m.
Starting down the Simbua Khola (stream),
a trail diverts south through Yamphudin. From here you can
then head either west to Taplejung and on toward Jaljala
Himal and Milke Danda, or south to enter the subtropical
Kabeli Khola valley, and on to Phidim or Ilam.
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