Archive · 27 May 2025
Sikkim CM Seeks Ban on Mt. Khangchendzonga Climbs
The Chief Minister of Sikkim wants to stop people from climbing Mt.
Khangchendzonga, the world's third-highest mountain.
He sent a letter to the Indian government because a team climbed it from the Nepal side, which hurt the feelings of the people in Sikkim who consider the mountain holy.
They believe the mountain is a sacred place.
Climbing is already banned from the Sikkim side.
The Chief Minister wants the government to talk to Nepal and ask them to stop allowing people to climb the mountain out of respect for the local beliefs.
Sikkim's Chief Minister urged the Centre to ban mountaineering on Mt. Khangchendzonga.
The request followed a recent ascent by a team from the Nepal side, which upset indigenous communities.
Mt. Khangchendzonga is considered sacred and a guardian deity by the people of Sikkim.
Climbing activities are banned in Sikkim but permitted from the Nepal side.
The Chief Minister requested the Home Minister to diplomatically dissuade Nepal from allowing ascents.
- Who
- Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and Home Minister Amit Shah.
- What
- The Chief Minister requested a ban on mountaineering on Mt. Khangchendzonga.
- When
- May 2025
- Where
- Sikkim, India
- Why
- To protect the sanctity of Mt. Khangchendzonga and respect indigenous beliefs.
- Mountain Name
- Mt. Khangchendzonga
- Location
- Sikkim-Nepal border
- Height
- 8,568 meters
- Sikkim's Belief
- Guardian deity of Sikkim
- Ban in Sikkim
- Since 1998 and 2001
- Climbing from
- Nepal side is allowed