Kumbhakarna (Jannu, Phoktanglungma)
“That is not a mountain, it is a ferocious giant.”
-Everest ascensionist Tenzing Norgay on Kumbhakarna
Kumbhakarna mountain is commonly referred to as both Kumbhakarna, its official name, and Jannu, perhaps the more popular name. In the Limbu language, it is named Phoktanglungma, meaning “mountain with shoulders” (with “phoktang” meaning shoulder and “lungma” meaning mountain). The peak of Kumbhakarna is sacred in the Kirant religion.
It is located in Eastern Nepal near its neighboring mountains Kanchenjunga, Kirat Chuli, Mount Pandim, Siniolchu, and Lamo Angdang.
Country: Nepal
State/Province: Phaktanglung rural municipality in the Taplejung district in Province No. 1 of Eastern Nepal
Mountain Range: Kangchenjunga Himalaya
Elevation: 25,299 feet/7,711 meters
First Ascent: 1962 by a French expedition led by the Lionel Terray.
Fun Fact: Kumbhakarna/Jannu is the 32nd highest peak on Earth.
Best Months to Climb: spring and autumn
Plant Life: The Kumbhakarna region consists of pine and hemlock forests; white fir, juniper, and birch trees; and rhododendron. Shrubland and alpine plants live at higher altitudes.
Animal Life: Wildlife in the Kumbhakarna region includes the snow leopard, clouded leopard, red panda, blue sheep, wild goat, the musk deer, the Himalayan tahr, the marten, marmot, weasel, and the Himalayan mouse hare (pika).
Bird Life: Kumbhakarna is home to over 118 species of bird including the Impeyan pheasant, blood pheasant, snow cock, and red-billed cough.
Photos
