This region offers an endless variety of culture and changing countryside as it proceeds from the hot rice-growing districts through terraced fields, forests of birch, bamboo and rhododendron that eventually turn to stands of fir and hemlock as one climbs higher into the mountains. Himalayan bear, barking deer and the lesser panda are among the rich animal and birdlike that fill the area. Kanchejunga, Makalu and the spectacular Junu are among the peaks at the outset of the trek. Passing through villages of Brahmins and Chetris, you enter almost exclusive Rai territory with a scatter of Gurung and Sherpa settlements.

The main trekking trails in the region are: Trek to Kanchenjunga 5140m. 23-day, difficult trek to Makalu Base Camp 5000m. 27-day and to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp 4620m. 22-day.