Kangchenjunga

Kangchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak at 8,586 meters (28,169 feet), straddles Nepal and India with five snow-capped summits revered as sacred by local tribes. Known for treacherous avalanches and remote glaciers, it was first summited in 1955 but remains less climbed than Everest due to its technical difficulty and spiritual significance (climbers stop short of the summit as tradition). Its name means "Five Treasures of Snow," referencing hidden gold and gems in folklore. A biodiversity hotspot, it shelters red pandas and snow leopards in surrounding valleys.