Kanchenjunga from Panchagarh: A Rare Himalayan Spectacle in Bangladesh

Throughout the year, we often plan to visit the Himalayas in Sikkim, India. However, we recently discovered that, without extensive planning, it is possible to view one of the highest peaks of the Himalayas from Bangladesh itself, without traveling to India.

Panchagarh, the northernmost district of Bangladesh, offers a view of Kanchenjunga. This district is bordered on three sides by a 288-kilometer-long boundary with India. To the north lies the Indian territory. In the Tetulia Upazila headquarters of Panchagarh, there is a historic post office bungalow constructed in the Victorian style, reportedly built by the Raja of Cooch Behar. The Dak-Banglow and Picnic Spot are located on an elevated ridge near the Indian border, around 15 to 20 meters above the surrounding area. From the veranda of the Dak-Banglow, the beauty of Kanchenjunga can be enjoyed, particularly in the fall and winter.

The Experience of Viewing Kanchenjunga

The locals of this region wake up early to witness Kanchenjunga’s beauty. Though they may not find it as fascinating after seeing it daily, they share vivid descriptions with tourists.

On clear days, the beauty of Kanchenjunga becomes evident, particularly at sunrise, when the red sunlight reflects off the mountain, creating a mirror-like effect. As the sunlight intensifies, the peak undergoes a magical transformation—shifting from black to patches of red, orange, yellow, and white.

At dawn, the first rays of sunlight turn the snow-covered peak into a fiery red, like molten lava. As the sun rises higher, Kanchenjunga fades briefly from view and reappears in the late afternoon, before disappearing again.

Kanchenjunga

Kanchenjunga, the second highest mountain peak in India, stands at a height of 3,630 meters. Located near the eastern border of Nepal, it lies adjacent to the Indian state of Sikkim and is part of the Kanchenjunga Himalayas.

While not visible from Tetulia year-round, the peak can be clearly seen from Panchagarh, especially during October and November when the sky is clear. The view is best enjoyed from the picnic corner of the Dak-Banglow. Tourists gather across the Mahananda River and from Panchagarh to catch a glimpse of Kanchenjunga.

In the cloudless winter sky, the snow-covered peaks sparkle in the sun, offering visitors a stunning view of Kanchenjunga. From Tetulia, visitors can also enjoy the scenic landscapes of the Himalayas, including Kanchenjunga and Mount Everest, which appear in different forms throughout the day—from morning to night. The untouched beauty of the district adds to the experience.

Panchagarh is surrounded by many large and small tea gardens and picnic spots that add to its charm. During winter, nature lovers flock to Panchagarh to enjoy these enchanting surroundings.

Geography – Why Is It So Close to Panchagarh?

Panchagarh is surrounded by India on three sides. Tetulia, an important point in this area, serves as one of the main gates to India’s Seven Sisters and is home to Bangladesh’s only quadruple land port, offering access to India, Nepal, Bhutan, and China. While there is no direct trade route with China, this port remains crucial for regional trade and commerce.

From this land port, Siliguri, India, is just 8 kilometers away, Darjeeling is 58 kilometers away, Mount Everest is 75 kilometers away, and Kanchenjunga is only 11 kilometers away (by air). Nepal is 61 kilometers, Bhutan 64 kilometers, and China is 200 kilometers away. Popular tourist destinations like Sikkim, Darjeeling, the Himalayas of Nepal, and the Dooars of Bhutan are easily accessible via this route. Due to its proximity to these regions, Kanchenjunga and the Himalayas are visible from Panchagarh without the need for a passport or visa.

Nearby Attractions

• Banglabandha Zero Line: A trip to Panchagarh would be incomplete without visiting Tetulia, about 40 kilometers from the district town. Tetulia is home to Banglabandha, a land port with great potential for trade between Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Bhutan. Visitors come daily to see the zero point (zero line) of Banglabandha.
• Mahananda River: The Zilla Parishad Dakbanglow in Tetulia Upazila is rich in memories from the Liberation War. The Mahananda River, which divides Bangladesh and India, flows past the Dakbanglow, where workers haul gravel.
• Muktanchal: Muktanchal Park is located along the Chawai River, on the Panchagarh-Banglabandha Highway in Amarkhana, Sadar Upazila. This area, which remained untouched by war during the 1971 Liberation War, is now known as Muktanchal. The district administration built the park to preserve the memory of the region. Visitors can learn about the history of the five Garhs of Panchagarh.
• Tea Gardens: Panchagarh is unique for its tea gardens, the only place in the country where tea is cultivated on flat land. These tea gardens are mostly in Sadar and Tetulia upazilas. Visitors are captivated by the sight of tea leaves being harvested.
• Shahi Mosque: The Mirzapur Shahi Mosque, a Mughal structure, is located in Mirzapur village, 20 kilometers west of the Panchagarh district town. The shrine of Bar Aulia is also situated here, drawing many tourists.
• Temples: Barashshi union is home to the Bhitar-Garh temple. Additionally, the ancient Golakdham temple, listed by the Department of Archaeology, is located in Saldanha union of Debiganj Upazila.
• Maharaja Dighi: Maharaja Dighi, a vast pond over 1,500 years old, is located 16 kilometers northeast of Panchagarh district town, near the India border.