Lonely Planet Nepal
In December 2022, Lonely Planet published an article detailing the 'Best Places to go Off-Grid Around the World in 2023'.
Where is Kangchenjunga?
Kangchenjunga, also spelt as Kanchenjunga, Kinchinjunga, or
in Nepali Kumbhkaran Lungur, is the third highest mountain in the world at
8,586m and lies in the Kangchenjunga Himal, an eastern region of Nepal. The
Kangchenjunga massif is roughly cross shaped with and three of its five peaks
straddling the border between Nepal and the Sikkim state of northeast India,
Kangchenjunga is considered sacred by the Sikkimese. So much so, that when it
was first climbed in 1955 Joe Brown and George Brand stopped just shy of the
summit in honour of their agreement with the Chogyal, or royal family, of
Sikkim at the time.
Why visit?
Lonely Planet describes this special region as the ‘unspoiled
Himalaya in Nepal’s silent corner’, and Kangchenjunga as the ethereal mountain
that, ‘rises amid a glacial garden of snow peaks.’
Sounds idyllic.
The article goes on to suggest that whilst 57,000 visitors trek
to the Everest region of Nepal each year, a mere 900 make the journey to
Kangchenjunga and those intrepid travellers that do are rewarded with stunning
scenery, high peaks and true peace and tranquility.
Alternatives to Kangchenjunga
Whilst it may be true that trekkers flocking to Nepal means
the hike to Everest
Base Camp can be busy, most people you meet will be like-minded travellers
and the opportunities for swapping knowledge, stories and resources brings a
sense of camaraderie to this iconic journey that is an integral part of the
charm of this destination. For iconic it is.
A region less travelled, but more accessible than
Kangchenjunga, is the Annapurna region. Annapurna I is the most deadly mountain
in the world, with only 1 in 3 climbers successfully managing to reach the summit
and descend safely. More people have died climbing Annapurna than any other
mountain.
However, you don’t have to climb Annapurna to visit the
Annapurna range. There are two more iconic trekking routes here that are often
missed by travellers – the Annapurna
Sanctuary trek and the Annapurna
Circuit Trek. Both routes explore the stunning and remote Annapurna massif,
offering diverse terrain, incredible views and a much less travelled trekking
route in Nepal than many others.
Hikers seeking peace and quiet should consider visiting
Annapurna for a taste of more unspoiled Himalaya.