About The Kanchenjunga Festival
Initially, the Kanchenjunga festival was celebrated to pay tribute to the mountaineers who first conquered the peak. It also celebrated the region’s rich cultural heritage and ecological significance. Over the decades, this festival has evolved into a platform that promotes sustainable tourism, highlights local traditions, and attracts climbers, trekkers, and researchers from around the world.
The events organized during this festival is a collaborative effort, with local authorities, trekking agencies, and tourism boards. The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) actively promote the festival to ensure global outreach and responsible tourism practices.
Likewise, the local government of Taplejung works closely with community leaders to organize cultural programs and trekking expeditions that align with conservation goals. Meanwhile, trekking companies facilitate guided tours, special trekking routes, and interactive sessions with renowned climbers.
Purpose Of The Festival
The Kanchenjunga Diamond Jubilee Festival is a strategic initiative to promote tourism by showcasing the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. Through this festival, organizers aim to attract adventurers, trekkers, and cultural enthusiasts to experience the untouched beauty of Nepal’s eastern Himalayas.
Hence, to further expand the festival’s reach, a national-level promotional program will be held in Kathmandu. It will bring together tourism stakeholders, travel agencies, and government officials. This initiative will raise awareness among domestic and international travelers, encouraging more visitors to explore the Kanchenjunga region.
“There is also a plan underway to host a related event in the United Kingdom with the collaboration of the British Embassy and the Prosperous Mountain Project. This particular event will target international travelers and reinforce Nepal’s status as a premier destination for high-altitude exploration.”
- Chitra Kumari Changsu, Program Coordinator of the Kanchenjunga Festival
Date, Venue, And Events Of Kanchenjunga Festival 2025
Official Dates: 18 to 20 April, 2025
Main Location: Phaktanglung Rural Municipality - 6, Lelep
Events Of The Festival: Trekking, photo exhibitions, cultural programmes, food exhibition, and open men’s volleyball competition.
Trekking And Mountaineering Event
Mountaineering and trekking take center stage at the Kanchenjunga Diamond Jubilee Festival. One of the festival’s most anticipated highlights is the special expedition to Kanchenjunga Base Camp. This trek is guided by expert mountaineers and retraces the steps of legendary climbers.
Adding to the excitement, this festival also hosts panel discussions with world-renowned climbers. In these interactive sessions, mountaineering legends share their experiences, challenges, and insights into high-altitude exploration.
Likewise, it emphasizes nature conservation through trekking programs designed to promote sustainable tourism. You will get to be a part of clean-up drives along trekking routes and awareness campaigns on environmental preservation.
Photo Exhibitions
The photo exhibitions at the Kanchenjunga Diamond Jubilee Festival offer a visual journey through the breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and mountaineering legacy of the Kanchenjunga region. They showcase a stunning collection of photographs capturing snow-covered peaks, remote villages, diverse wildlife, and sacred sites.
These photo exhibitions serve as a promotion of local tourist destinations, highlighting hidden trekking routes, lesser-known cultural landmarks, and conservation efforts. You will get to witness captivating visuals of places like Ghunsa, Pangpema, Oktang, and the lush forests of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.
Cultural Programmes
During the Kanchenjunga Diamond Jubilee Festival, you will get a peek of the vibrant cultures that thrive in the shadow of the great peak. One of the festival’s most captivating events is the Limbu and Rai cultural performances.
The local communities will perform traditional dance on the rhythmic beats of the Ke Lang (Chyabrung dance). Similarly, you will also witness the Sakela dance, a major Rai festival performance. These performances will be accompanied by traditional instruments like the Dhol (drum) and Murchunga (jaw harp).
Food Exhibition
There will be a food exhibition at the Kanchenjunga Diamond Jubilee Festival where you can taste the diverse cuisine of Nepal’s eastern Himalayas. For this event, local chefs and home cooks will come together to showcase authentic Limbu, Rai, and Sherpa delicacies.
You will get an opportunity to try traditional dishes such as Sishnu (nettle soup), Wachipa (a unique rice dish mixed with burnt chicken feathers), Phapar ko Roti (buckwheat flatbread), warm and hearty Gundruk (fermented leafy greens), and Kinema (fermented soybean curry).
Apart from these, some other delicacies would be Tongba, a locally brewed millet-based warm alcoholic drink and Chhurpi (hardened yak cheese).
Open Men’s Volleyball Competition
The Open Men’s Volleyball Competition is one of the most exciting events at the Kanchenjunga Diamond Jubilee Festival. Held in Taplejung, this competition attracts talented players from across Nepal. With the stunning Himalayan landscape as a backdrop, the tournament promotes community engagement and youth participation in athletics.
You will find a large number of spectators gathered for the game. The event features knockout rounds leading to a high-energy final, where the winning team receives a prestigious trophy and cash prizes.
Attending The Kanchenjunga Diamond Jubilee Festival
The Kanchenjunga Diamond Jubilee Festival offers a rare opportunity to witness history, adventure, and culture come together in one extraordinary event. Whether you are a trekking enthusiast, a mountaineering admirer, or someone who appreciates rich cultural traditions, you must be a part of this event.
With this unique festival, you will get to network with legendary climbers, explorers, and nature lovers from across the world. You can even join treks to Kanchenjunga Base Camp. Additionally, by participating in the festival, you play a vital role in supporting local tourism and conservation efforts.
How To Reach Taplejung For The Kanchenjunga Festival?
The fastest way to get to Taplejung from Kathmandu is by taking a 45-minute domestic flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, followed by a 12-hour drive through the picturesque valleys of eastern Nepal. This route allows you to enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayas before embarking on a scenic road journey.
Now, if you prefer a complete road journey, you can book a tourist bus, a private vehicle, or a shared jeep through travel agencies, depending on your comfort and budget.
Accommodation And Facilities During The Festival
As you attend the Kanchenjunga Diamond Jubilee Festival, you will find a range of accommodation options in Taplejung, catering to different budgets and preferences. The town offers a selection of lodges, guesthouses, and hotels with comfortable stays and essential amenities. However, you should book your accommodation early, as demand is expected to be high during the festival.
For those planning to trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp, traditional tea houses along the trail offer basic but warm hospitality. These teahouses provide simple rooms, home-cooked meals, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Kanchenjunga Entry Permits And Cost
If you plan to trek within the Kanchenjunga region after the festival, you must be prepared to pay for its entry permit. To enter this restricted region, you will need two permits per person. Since the trek will be guided, your agency will handle the permit process. However, you will need to provide your details, valid passport copies, and passport-size pictures.
The permits you will require are as below.
The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project Entry Permit (KCAP) costs 2000 Nepali rupees per person with no time restrictions.
Restricted Area Entry Permit (RAP) for Tapethok and Yamphuding costs 20 USD per person, per week.
Essential Travel Tips For The Festival
Taplejung’s Weather Condition In April
April is one of the best times to visit Taplejung as the weather is generally pleasant and stable. During this time of the year, Spring is in full bloom, bringing clear skies, mild temperatures, and stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayas.
You should expect daytime temperatures between 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F), hence, it is a comfortable period for outdoor activities and sightseeing. As for the nights, it can be cooler, dropping to around 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F), so you should carry some warm clothing.
If you plan to trek towards Kanchenjunga Base Camp, expect colder conditions at higher elevations, where temperatures can fall below freezing at night. The Spring season also brings colorful rhododendron blooms along the trails. While the weather is mostly stable, you may encounter occasional light showers, so you can carry a light rain jacket.
Packing List
Since April weather is mild but can get chilly at night, you should pack light yet warm clothing for changing temperatures. If you only wish to enjoy the festival, your packing list does not have to be extensive, in fact, a few items like sturdy boots, rain jacket, sunscreen, cash, hat, water bottle, and other necessities would be enough.
But if you plan to trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp, an additional packing list for the trek is necessary.
Essential Items For Festival
Light yet warm clothing (layering recommended)
Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
Rain jacket or windproof layer
Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen
Reusable water bottle
Camera or phone for capturing moments
Basic first-aid kit and personal medications
Cash
Additional Items For The Kanchenjunga Trek
Thermal base layers and insulated jacket
Sleeping bag (rated for sub-zero temperatures)
Trekking poles for stability
High-quality trekking boots with good grip
Headlamp with extra batteries
Extra power banks for electronic devices
Lightweight backpack for day hikes
Safety Precautions
Whether you are attending the Kanchenjunga Diamond Jubilee Festival in Taplejung or trekking to Kanchenjunga Base Camp, safety should be a top priority. Here are key precautions to follow for a safe and enjoyable experience:
For The Festival In Taplejung
Carry a reusable water bottle and drink plenty of water.
Since April weather can change quickly, so you must dress up in layers.
Use sunscreen, wear sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
Keep personal belongings secure to avoid loss or theft in the crowd.
Respect festival rules and cultural norms.
For The Kanchenjunga Trek
Avoid altitude sickness by trekking gradually and taking rest days.
Stay on marked trails by following official routes and guides.
Carry a first-aid kit including altitude sickness medication, bandages, and pain relievers.
Hire a licensed guide and porter to assist in navigation, emergencies, and to help carry your load.
Check the weather forecast every day to avoid bad weather.
Follow Leave No Trace principles: don’t litter or harm wildlife.
Conclusion
The Kanchenjunga Diamond Jubilee Festival in April 2025 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness history, adventure, and culture in one of Nepal’s most stunning regions. As the 70th anniversary of the first ascent of Kanchenjunga, this festival honors the legacy of mountaineering while promoting tourism, conservation, and the unique traditions of the region.
Therefore, you must not miss your chance to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Kanchenjunga, witness vibrant cultural performances, and engage with world-renowned mountaineers. If you are planning to join the festival, you must secure accommodations and trekking permits in advance. Nepal Trekking Experts can help you craft the perfect itinerary, arrange logistics, and ensure a smooth journey to Taplejung and beyond.
