In 1979 British Mountaineer Pete Boardman stated that the walk to the base of Kanchenjunga was the most beautiful he had ever undertaken. It is a strong contender for “The most beautiful walk in the world.” The word Kanchenjunga comes from old Tibetan and translates to “Five treasures of snow.” Local inhabitants have worshiped these holy mountains for as long as their stories go back in time. The five treasures are Gold, Silver, Precious Stones, Grain, and Holy Scriptures, referring to the five individual peaks of the Kangchendzonga Himal range.

Kanchenjunga lies on the far eastern side of Nepal, near the border with Sikkim, a tiny Himalayan state in the north-eastern part of India. It is the 3rd highest mountain in the world with an elevation of 8586 meters. Although first climbed in 1955 is was not until the late 1980’s that restrictions were lifted to allow trekkers rather than just mountaineering expeditions to approach Kanchenjunga from Nepal. Special, restricted permits are needed to walk here as you traverse pristine conservation areas. Solo hiking is not allowed and local guides must be employed to obtain permits.