The Kanchanjunga Conservation Area (KCA) spread over 2035 sq. km. in Taplejung district lies in the northeast corner of Nepal. The conservation area is bordered by the Tibet Autonomous Region – China in the north, Sikkim- India in the east and Sankhuwasabha in the West. It is named after Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) – the second highest mountain in Nepal and the third highest in the world. Taplejung district is also renowned for high peaks (eleven peaks higher that 7,000 m) and glaciers. Sikkim already has Khangchenzonga National Park adjoining KCA whereas the extension of Qomolungma Nature Reserve in TAR, to cover the land bordering KCA, is in progress.
In April 1997, the Nepal Government declared the Kanchenjunga region as a Gift to the Earth as part of WWF’s Living Planet Campaign 2000. The Kanchenjunga was designated as a conservation area in March 1998. The Departments of National parks and Wildlife Conservation and WWF Nepal Program together launched the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project to implement innovative programs that integrate biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area is home to wildlife species such as snow leopard, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, goral, serow and common leopard. Other animals abounding the area include blue sheep, rhesus macaw and many others. Impheyan pheasant, red-billed blue magpie, shy drongo are the birds found in this area. Himalayan larch and extensive juniper forests found here are unique to this part of Nepal.
Entry Fee Per Person Per Entry:
For Nepalese Nationals, Free
For SAARC Nationals, Rs. 100/-
For Other Nationals, Rs. 1000/-
Note:
Entrance fee not required for children under 10 years.
Park Entrance fees are regulated by Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (Phone: 4220850).
Access:
Fly to Sukhetar from Biratnagar and trek from there onward.
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