Explained: Why a Kanchenjunga Expedition Sparked Outrage in India’s Sikkim https://nepalnews.com/s/explainers/explained-why-a-kanchenjunga-expedition-sparked-outrage-in-indias-sikkim/

Agency: A recent joint expedition by Nepali and Indian army personnel to Mount Kanchenjunga — situated along the Nepal-Sikkim border — has reignited political and cultural tensions. The mountain, deeply revered by Sikkim’s indigenous communities as a sacred entity, was climbed from the Nepali side, prompting protests over religious sentiments and sovereignty concerns. Here is an explainer on the unfolding controversy, beginning with the background of Sikkim’s 2000 decision to ban ascents of Kanchenjunga in respect of local spiritual beliefs.

Why did the Sikkim government ban expeditions to Mount Kanchenjunga in 2000?

In July 2000, the government of Sikkim imposed a ban on climbing Mount Kanchenjunga and seven other sacred peaks out of respect for the religious sentiments of the local Buddhist population. The decision followed strong backlash over a controversial Austrian expedition that had been allowed to scale the northeast face of Kanchenjunga—one of the most challenging and sacred mountains in the region. Although the team agreed to stop 10 meters short of the summit, public anger was intense.

Indigenous communities, especially the Buddhists, consider the mountain a deity and its slopes the dwelling place of spiritual beings like the yeti (Nee-gued). The Concerned Citizens of Sikkim likened the climb to desecrating a holy object, while monks and cultural leaders accused the state of prioritizing tourism revenue over religious values.

Former Chief Minister B.B. Gurung framed the ban as a “gesture of respect,” asserting that such sacred places must be protected, even as other parts of India opened up previously restricted peaks to foreign climbers.

What was the reaction of local communities and international climbers to the 2000 climbing ban on Mount Kanchenjunga?

The ban on climbing Kanchenjunga from the Sikkim side sparked mixed reactions. While Sikkimese Buddhists and cultural organizations praised the decision as a necessary step to protect their spiritual heritage, many in the international mountaineering community expressed disappointment. https://nepalnews.com/s/explainers/explained-why-a-kanchenjunga-expedition-sparked-outrage-in-indias-sikkim/