Mountains in Sikkim

The mountain chains which run southwards from the main Himalayan range form the natural boundaries of Sikkim; the Chola range dividing it from Tibet in the Northeast and Bhutan in the Southeast, the Singalila range separating it from Nepal in the West with the Greater Himalayan range forming the barrier between Sikkim and Tibet in the North.

Floating high over the cloud-covered lower Himalaya, Mt. Khangchendzonga dominates the landscape of Sikkim. At 27,803 ft is the third highest mountain in the world and the highest in India.

Some of the most important peaks of Sikkim are given below:

i) Mt. Khangchendzonga

West Sikkim

Height: 27,803 ft.

The crowning glory of Sikkim is Mt. Khangchendzonga, the third highest mountain in the world. With magnificent snow and ice scenery it is often regarded as the undisputed monarch among the peaks of the world. But for the Sikkimese, Khangchendzonga is much more than a mountain and is revered as the abode of their guardian deity Dzo-nga.

So sacrosanct is the mountain that successive mountaineering expeditions have climbed to within metres of the peak but left the summit inviolate in deference to local beliefs. The sacred mountain can be viewed from every corner of Sikkim and remains an intrinsic part of the consciousness of the people.

ii) Mt. Kabru

West Sikkim

Height: 24,005 ft.

Mt. Kabru is located in the Himalayas on the border of India and Nepal. 24,005 ft in height, it is part of a ridge that extends south from Khangchendzonga.. To the south west of Kabru south, there is a 6400 m saddle and a 6682 m summit known as Rathong at an altitude of 22,005 ft. To its south east is the 6600 m Kabru Dome.

iii) Mt. Siniolchu

West Sikkim

Height: 22,610 ft

Situated at a height of 22,610 ft, Mt. Siniolchu is one of the tallest mountains in Sikkim and is also considered one of the most majestic and beautiful peaks of the world. It is located near the Green Lake area, near Mt. Khangchendzonga.

iv) Mt. Thingchinkhang and Mt. Jopuno

Mt. Thingchinkhang (6010 meters) and Mt. Jopunu (5936 meters) are situated in western Sikkim and falls under Khangchendzonga National Park. One can see this peak from Okhlathang Valley while trekking to Goechala (pass). These two peaks have been declared by Sikkim Govt. as Alpine peaks in 2006. Since then it has caught the eye of many mountaineers.

From the summit of these peaks one can enjoy a breath taking view of some of the most beautiful mountains of Sikkim Himalayas. The permit for Alpine Expedition to above peaks are issued by the Home Department.

v) Mt. Pandim

West Sikkim

Height: 22,010 ft

MountPandim is situated in West Sikkim. It is about 22,010 ft high and is surrounded by snow-clad mountains. From the Dzongri Top, one gets a breathtaking view of Mount Pandim. This mountain is also suitable for expedition during the periods from April to May, and September. Interested parties can apply from IMF (Indian Mountaineering Foundation), Delhi.

vi) Mt. Rathong

West Sikkim

Height: 21,911 (ft.)

Mt. Rathong is immediately to the west of Kabru South and appears to merge with the main wall Kumbhakarna (Jano). Between Rathong and Jano lies the famous Yalung glacier.