Kanchenjunga Expedition (8596m)

Kanchenjunga (8596m) range in the extreme north-west of Nepal is aligned north to south along the Nepal-Sikkim border. Thus, Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest peak is the most southerly of the major Himalayan peaks. And its proximity to the old hill resort of Darjeeling made it one of the better known mountains during the initial phase of Himalayan exploration.

Trekking route of Kanchenjunga is drained by Tamur River that meets Arun below Mulghat. The river is fed by numerous glaciers. The glaciers north of the main peak are clockwise Nupchu, Lhonak, Chichima, Gimsung, Pyramid, Kanchenjunga and Ramtang. West and south of the main peak are Kumbhakarna (Jannu), Yamatari and Yalung glaciers. The Kanchangunga area has a profusion of high summits of which three are above 8,000m. & 11 above 7,000m.

Kangbachen (4038) in Ghunsa valley and Walungchung (3,200m) in Tamur valley are the highest settlements in the area. The latter was an important trading centre between Darjeeling and across Tipta La in Tibet. Access to Kanchenjunga area is road link to Basantapur or through Taplejung bazaar that has direct air link with Biratnagar. There is also a fair weather road from Ilam and traverses Milke Danda. The area is rich with vegetation, particularly variety of rhododendrons.