TAPLEJUNG: Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain, has increasingly become a popular destination for both domestic and international adventure seekers.
The number of foreign tourists visiting the region for trekking, mountaineering, and exploration is steadily rising.
Recently, a team of 10 climbers, including five foreigners, successfully summited Kanchenjunga through Seven Summit Treks. The climbers included nationals from the UK, Iran, and Kosovo, alongside experienced Nepali Sherpas.
According to Mingma David Sherpa, director of Elite Expedition in Kathmandu, an additional 63 climbers and guides are currently in the region for climbing expeditions.
Interest in the southern base camp of Kanchenjunga is also growing. According to Suryaman Rai, tourism assistant at the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Management Council’s office in Yamphudin, 44 foreign tourists—including 16 Americans, 15 Indians, five Russians, four Israelis, two Britons, and two Dutch—have visited the South Base Camp since last Chaitra.
The North Base Camp is also drawing significant interest. Tashi Tenzing Sherpa, a tourism assistant at the Ghunsa Tourism Checkpost, reported that 360 foreign tourists have visited the North Base Camp so far this season.
The Kanchenjunga region is gaining popularity not just among international visitors but among Nepali tourists as well. However, data on domestic tourist numbers is not yet fully documented.
At 8,586 meters above sea level, Kanchenjunga is served by two main base camps—North and South—that facilitate trekking and climbing.
Northern Base Camp (Oktang)
To reach the North Base Camp, travelers drive approximately four hours from Phungling Bazaar, the district headquarters, to Japantar. From there, a three-day trek leads to Ghunsa village, followed by another three-day trek to Oktang at 5,200 meters, the final camp in the northern section.
Basic facilities, including hotels, homestays, and rest houses, are available along the route, especially in Ghunsa, making the trek more accessible.
Southern Base Camp (Pangpema)
The southern approach starts with a seven-hour drive from Phungling Bazaar to Yamphudin village, followed by a three-day trek to Pangpema at 4,800 meters.
The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Management Council reports that local homestays, accommodations, and guide services are available along this route as well.
Climbers typically spend several days at base camps to acclimatize before ascending through Camps 1, 2, and 3. The presence of guides, high-altitude support staff, doctors, and logistics teams is vital for a successful climb.
Kanchenjunga is regarded as one of the most technically difficult among Nepal’s eight-thousanders.
Harsh weather conditions, thin oxygen levels, and avalanche risks add to the challenges, requiring longer durations and high-level preparation. Just last week, a French climber tragically died during an ascent.
Situated in eastern Nepal, Kanchenjunga is not only a national treasure but also a site of immense international tourism potential. Its breathtaking natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage make it a compelling destination.
With improved communication networks, infrastructure, and facilities such as expanded homestays, trail signage, first aid posts, and emergency rescue services, the region could attract even more tourists.
The involvement of the local community in promoting tourism in the Kanchenjunga region is noteworthy. Locals earn income through homestays, porter services, mule transport, craft sales, and tourism-related businesses, playing a key role in the area’s sustainable tourism development. (RSS)
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