Key Points
- Kanchenjunga, on the Sikkim-Nepal border, is the 3rd highest peak in the world.
- Its 'Golden Mountain' nickname comes from its sunrise/sunset golden glow.
- Formed ~50 million years ago, it features five peaks and rich biodiversity.
Did you know that mountains cover about 25% of the Earth's land surface? These large formations are more than just piles of rock. They provide water, affect the weather, and serve as a habitat for unique wildlife.
Many mountains have unique nicknames; for instance, Mount Everest is often referred to as the "Roof of the World". Whereas the K2 is called the "Savage Mountain" due to its challenging climbs.
Now, here is a question for you: Do you know which mountain is called the "Golden Mountain of India"? In this article, we will explore the history and the breathtaking beauty of this golden mountain.
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Which Is The Golden Mountain In India?
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The mountain called the Golden Mountain of India is Kanchenjunga. It sits on the border of Sikkim and Nepal and is the third-highest peak in the world.
It earned its nickname because, at sunrise and sunset, the snow-capped peak catches the light and glows with a brilliant, shimmering gold colour.
Geologically, it is a "young" mountain that formed about 50 million years ago. It is known for its five distinct peaks, which symbolise the five "treasures of snow".
The nearby national park is a biodiversity hotspot. It is home to the rare red panda, snow leopards, and bright rhododendrons.
At a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Mountain Name | Kanchenjunga (also spelled Kangchenjunga) |
| Golden Nickname | Golden Mountain of India (Due to its shimmering gold glow at sunrise) |
| Other Nicknames | "The Five Treasures of Snow", "The Sleeping Buddha", "Sewa Lungma" |
| Height | 8,586 meters (28,169 feet) — 3rd highest in the world |
| Countries | India (Sikkim) and Nepal |
| Geological Age | Approx. 50 million years (formed during the India-Eurasia collision) |
| Physical Traits | Five distinct peaks, shaped like a giant cross, home to the Zemu Glacier |
| Flora (Plants) | Rhododendrons, Orchids, Himalayan Blue Poppy, and Dense Oak forests |
| Fauna (Animals) | Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Musk Deer |
| Best View From | Tiger Hill (Darjeeling), Sandakphu, and Pelling (Sikkim) |
7+ Lesser-known Facts About Kanchenjunga
- It stands at 8,586 metres, and due to tectonic activity, the Himalayas are still rising by about 5 mm per year.
- The name translates to "Five Treasures of Snow", referring to gold, silver, gems, grain, and holy books.
- It is home to the Zemu Glacier, the largest in the Eastern Himalayas, stretching nearly 26 kilometres.
- The Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognised for both its nature and culture.
- At the summit, the air contains only about one-third of the oxygen found at sea level.
- It hosts over 400 species of orchids and the medicinal "Himalayan Blue Poppy".
- Statistically, it is more dangerous to descend than to climb, with unpredictable avalanches being the top risk.
- The lower altitudes house over 600 species of butterflies, one of the highest densities on Earth.
- The region contains ancient "cloud forests" that have remained unchanged for thousands of years due to isolation.
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Which Mountain Is Known As Golden Mountain in the World?
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Globally, Mount Altai, also known as the Altai Mountains, is famously known as the "Golden Mountain". The name "Altai" comes from the Turkic-Mongolian word altan, which means "golden".
Unlike other mountains that get their name from sunlight, this range is named for its rich mineral deposits and its historical role as a source of valuable metals. It is a vast system where Russia, China, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan come together.
Where Is The Golden Mountain of India?
The "Golden Mountain of India" is Kanchenjunga. It is located in the Himalayas, along the border of Sikkim, India, and Nepal.
Kanchenjunga is the highest peak in India and the third highest in the world. This nickname comes from how the sun rises and sets.
It colours the large, snow-covered peaks in a bright, metallic gold. This makes the mountain look as if it is made of solid gold.
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