KATHMANDU: The quiet Himalayan trails of eastern Nepal are buzzing with anticipation as climbers attempt the first ascent of Mt. Pathibhara (6,868m), a newly opened mountain in the Kanchenjunga region of Taplejung.

Mt. Pathibhara was officially opened for expeditions this year, and its first ascent via the South-East Route this autumn season, is being led by Xtreme Climbers Treks & Expeditions Pvt. Ltd. The company describes the climb as a “historic frontier for mountaineering” that could place Taplejung on the global adventure map.

The expedition team consisting of a select group fo international climbers and supported by highly experienced professional ground and base camp staff began its journey on September 21, is also supported by four renowned Sherpa climbers and a dedicated rope-fixing team.

It is following a caravan route through picturesque villages such as Siwa, Tapethok, Ghunsa, and Lhonak, before reaching the base camp area. However, heavy monsoon rains and unstable terrain forced the team to establish base camp slightly below the standard 5,200m site, close to the Mt. Kumbhakarna (Jannu) Base Camp.

On October 1, a traditional puja ceremony was held at base camp to seek blessings for the climb. Rope-fixing Sherpas have since moved toward higher camps, preparing the route for the summit attempt. 

According to expedition strategy:

• Camp 1 (5,800m): To be placed on the glacier.
• Camp 2 (6,300m): On upper snow slopes.
• Summit push (6,868m): To launch from Camp 2 or a high bivouac, depending on weather.

For adventure travelers, this expedition signals new possibilities. The Kanchenjunga–Pathibhara region, long overshadowed by Everest and Annapurna, offers untouched trekking routes, pristine landscapes, and now a mountaineering challenge of global significance.

“This is not just about reaching the summit,” the company said in its statement, “it’s about introducing the world to Nepal’s unexplored mountains and creating opportunities for sustainable tourism in the east.”

If successful, the climb could cement Pathibhara as the newest jewel in Nepal’s mountaineering crown, drawing both climbers and trekkers eager to explore one of the country’s least crowded yet most spectacular regions.