Eastern Nepal has long been neglected by all but the most ardent trekkers, due to its remoteness and difficult access.
Before they met, Sian worked in computer programming and systems analysis, but was drawn to the Himalay.
He had also lived in Kathmandu for two years, employed as a Trekking company manager.
By then Bob had already driven an ancient Land Rover from England to Kathmandu (in 1974), and overland trucks across Asia, Africa and South America.
About the Author: Sian Pritchard-Jones and Bob Gibbons met in 1983, on a trek from Kashmir to Ladakh.
This is the first guidebook to this fascinating region since Kev Reynolds ventured here in the 1980s and 1990s.
The region is a naturalist\'s paradise, as Joseph Hooker found out more than 150 years ago.
The forests are enticing, mysterious, enchanting and pristine - even though they do seem to dominate a little too much of the march in.
The valleys are sliced deep as if slashed with a khukri knife, their sides almost sheer.
There is more to Kanchenjunga and Eastern Nepal than just snowy peaks, though.
Peaks such as Khumbakarna (Jannu), Mera, Pathibhara Chuli, Chang Himal (Wedge Peak), Kabru, Talung and Rathong are some of the lesser peaks that grace the panoramic views from airy ridges and high notches en route to the base camps.
Of course a great view of Kanchenjunga can be captured on a flight to Bhutan from Kathmandu with a great deal more ease and comfort, but that would be to miss all those fabulous moments on trek to savour.
The five treasures are guarded by more than thirty-five lesser treasures that almost steal the show.
Of all the highest peaks in Nepal, Kanchenjunga is the hardest to reach, hiding away at the end of a maze of contorted valleys, a secretive and shy massif that is scarcely seen even when within touching distance.
The \'five treasures of the snows\', as it is known locally, is one of the most difficult and dangerous peaks in the Himalaya.
Dominating the northern horizon from afar is Kanchenjunga.
Eastern Nepal has long been neglected by all but the most ardent trekkers, due to its remoteness and difficult access
