Taplejung, a Himalayan district in eastern Nepal, offers stunning views of Mount Kanchenjunga to the east and Mount Kumbhakarna (Phaktanglung) to the west from its district headquarters, Phungling. These towering peaks are surrounded by hundreds of other magnificent mountains, captivating all who behold them.
Recently, the Sharphu-4 peak (6,433 meters) was climbed for the first time by a team including Chilean national Hernan Leal, mountaineers Lakpa Chhiring Sherpa and Nada Sherpa, and photographer Purnima Shrestha. Previously, in November, four South Korean climbers had summited the Sharphu-5 peak (6,328 meters).
Led by Nada Sherpa, the Sharphu-4 and Sharphu-5 ascents highlight the potential of these peaks. There are six Sharphu peaks open for climbing, though three remain unclimbed. Sherpa shared plans to return with a new team from Kathmandu for further expeditions. He expressed disappointment over the lack of government interest despite the area’s mountaineering and adventure tourism potential.
Sherpa criticized local governments for spending large amounts on festivals that fail to attract domestic or international tourists. He emphasized the need for programs that encourage climbers, promote the mountains, and improve trekking routes.
According to the Nepal Tourism Board, 48 peaks in Taplejung ranging from 5,000 to 8,586 meters are open for climbing. These include two peaks in Olangchungola (Lumba Sumba Peak at 5,740 meters and Lumbumba Peak at 6,500 meters) and four peaks in Yangma: Ngangamari-1 (6,547 m), Ngangamari-2 (6,209 m), Oho Mi Gangkar (6,839 m), and Pabuk Kang (6,244 m).
In Sirijangha rural municipality’s Yamphudin area, five peaks including Kanchenjunga Main (8,586 m), South Kanchenjunga (8,474 m), Kokthang (6,148 m), Ramthong (6,682 m), Kabru Central (7,412 m), and Kabru (7,318 m) are open for climbing. Phaktanglung-6 Ghunsa has 37 peaks available for expeditions.
Mount Kanchenjunga, the third highest in the world at 8,586 meters, lies in this district. Once considered the world’s tallest, it was officially declared the third highest in 1856 after surveying revealed Mount Everest’s superior height. The first ascent of Kanchenjunga was made on May 25, 1955, by British climbers Joe Brown and George Band, who respected local beliefs by not stepping on the summit a tradition still followed today.
Kanchenjunga has five major summits: Kanchenjunga Main (8,586 m), West/Yalung Kang (8,505 m), Central (8,482 m), South (8,494 m), and Kangbachen (7,903 m) all open for expeditions. Mount Kumbhakarna (Phaktanglung), at 7,710 meters, is Nepal’s 15th and the world’s 32nd tallest peak. It was first climbed in 1962 by a French team. The Himalayan holds cultural and religious significance for the Kirat people.
According to Sandeep Gurung, president of the Nepal Mountaineering Guide Association, climbing peaks around 6,000 meters in Taplejung costs around NPR 1.5 million for a team of five to six, including guide fees, gear, training, food, and travel. Nada Sherpa added that for Nepali climbers, the cost is at least NPR 500,000 per person.
Mountaineering in Nepal offers a unique global experience, but it requires thorough preparation, funding, and planning. Costs vary by mountain height, guide numbers, weather, and insurance needs. Expenses include permits, base camp setup, transportation, accommodations, and safety arrangements.
Despite its adventure tourism potential, Taplejung’s development is hindered by limited government focus. Local leaders believe that with proper infrastructure, simplified legal processes, and sustained community involvement, Taplejung could become a top-tier global destination. Only two rural municipalities in Taplejung have accessible mountains. Phaktanglung has 43 peaks and Sirijangha has five. Both are preparing tourism-focused festivals to promote mountaineering.
In Phaktanglung-6 Lelep village, the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Management Council is organizing the “Kanchenjunga Platinum Jubilee Festival 2082” (Nepali year) to celebrate 70 years since the first successful ascent of Kanchenjunga. The event will run from April 17–19, 2025 (Baisakh 5–7) under the theme: “Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, a gift of nature: Nature tourism for prosperity.”
The festival will showcase natural heritage, tourism, local culture, trekking, local products, and food. Family members of the first climbers and other mountaineers will be invited to honor their achievements. After Lelep, a national-level program will be held in Kathmandu.
Sirijangha is also hosting a Tourism Sirijangha Festival from April 24–26 (Baisakh 12–14) at the Kanchenjunga base camp to discuss the impact of climate change on glaciers and high-altitude regions. The municipality is also constructing adventure trails with federal support and will use the festival to promote trekking routes, arts, and traditions. Highlights include the Kanchenjunga Marathon at 4,500 meters altitude, yak shows, cycling events, and literary gatherings.
Sirijangha-8’s Chair Krishna Kumar Gurung said views from Jhande Danda offer a panorama from Makalu to Kanchenjunga, with rhododendrons, yaks, and Himalayan beauty as major tourist attractions. Though Taplejung has immense adventure tourism potential, insufficient government support slows its progress in Himalayan. With strategic promotion of new peaks, improved trekking infrastructure, and streamlined regulations, Taplejung could become a world-class mountaineering and ecotourism destination.
