Archive · 29 May 2025
Sikkim Outraged by Nepal Climbers on Sacred Kangchenjunga
Imagine a very important mountain in Sikkim that's like a sacred place.
People in Sikkim don't want anyone climbing it, especially from the side of another country, Nepal.
Recently, some climbers from Nepal went up the mountain, which made people in Sikkim very angry.
They feel it disrespects their traditions because they consider the mountain a living god.
Sikkim's government has asked the Indian government to talk to Nepal about this, to stop future climbs, and to protect the mountain's special meaning for its people.
Nepalese mountaineers climbed Kangchenjunga, the world's third-highest peak.
The climb from Nepal side has sparked outrage in Sikkim.
Sikkim's Chief Minister wrote to the Indian government to address the issue.
Kangchenjunga is considered sacred by Sikkim's Bhutia and Lepcha communities.
Climbing is technically easier from the Nepal side.
- Who
- Mountaineers from the Nepal side and the Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC).
- What
- Mountaineers from Nepal ascended Mount Kangchenjunga, sparking outrage in Sikkim.
- When
- Expedition occurred on May 18, 2025; Sikkim ban started in 2001.
- Where
- Mount Kangchenjunga, border of India and Nepal.
- Why
- Sikkim residents consider the mountain a sacred deity, and the Nepalese climbers have caused outrage.
Sikkim Residents
Nepalese Climbers
Mountaineering Access
Sikkim Residents
Climbing is forbidden from the Sikkim side due to cultural and religious significance.
Nepalese Climbers
Climbing is permitted from the Nepalese side.
- Mountain Height
- 8,586 meters
- Location
- Sikkim, India and Nepal border
- Expedition Date
- May 18
- Sacred to
- Bhutia and Lepcha communities
- Sikkim Climbing Ban Begins
- 2001
- Nepal's Royalty Fees (climbing season)
- USD 73,800