Sikkim, cradled amidst snow clad mountain
peaks is one of the most ideal destinations for the trekkers and adventure
enthusiasts. In the southwestern part of Sikkim, in the main Himalayan
range, lies the majestic Khangchendzonga or Kanchenjunga, standing tall with
a height of 8,585 m (28,169 ft) above sea level. In addition to
Kanchenjunga, there are several other mountain peaks which offers some good
mountaineering opportunities.
Mountaineering expeditions, unlike trekking, require more planning and
paperwork as clearance is required from Ladian Mountaineering Foundation,
New Delhi. Local Government also imposes royalty on some peaks.
The first European to explore the Kanchenjungha area was Douglas W.
Fresfield who reached its base in 1899 from the Green Lake Basin area.
In 1977 another expedition led by Major Prem Chand reached a few feets below
the summit. In 1987, an Assam Rifles expedition attempted the peak. In 1991
an Indo Japanese expedition led by Hukam Singh and Yoshio Ogata conquered
the peak.
The Kabru was first climbed in 1935 by a British C. R. Cooke. The Pyramid
Peak was first conquered in 1949 by a Swiss R. Dittert. A British A. M.
Kallas, climbed the Paunhri in 1911.
The summit of Siniolchu was first reached by a German in 1936. It was later
again climbed by the famous Sikkimese Everester Sonam Gyatso. Pandim was
climbed in 1993 by a team from the Sonam Gyatso Mountaineering Institute.
Rathong was conquered by an Indian expedition in 1964.
Beautiful snow clad mountains present myriad challenges for the
mountaineers but cannot stop these enthusiasts from exploring themselves.
Major Mountaineering Peaks in Sikkim : Kanchenjunga,
Kabru, Kirat Chulior Tent Peak (7,365 m) and Sinolchu (6,887 m).
Best Time for Mountaineering : April-November and
December-March
Equipment Required: Plastic boots and Crampons with front Points,
Mountaineering harness, mountaineering ice-axe, climbing sling and two
locking carabiners, telescopic ski-sticks, Prussik loops, Climbing helmet
are some of the essential equipment needed for mountaineering. Equipment can
be hired, either from clubs, or purchased from one of the agencies selling
it. Prior to setting out, all equipment must be tested, and team members
must familiarize themselves with its use.
