Kanchenjunga Expedition (8586m)
A journey shaped by the landscapes, people and experiences of Nepal.
Offered by Joy Travel and Tours Pvt. Ltd.
NEPAL · TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
Discover the journey
Kanchenjunga, standing at 8586 meters, holds the distinction of being the third-tallest mountain globally, following Mt. Everest and Mt. K2. Originating from Sikkimese roots, the name "Kanchenjunga" carries profound significance among indigenous communities in the Himalayas, particularly in Darjeeling, Taplejung, and Sikkim, where it is revered as a sacred peak. Locally known as Sewalungma among the Limbu and Rai communities in Nepal, the mountain holds mythical significance, believed to be the abode of gods, symbolizing a deep reverence for nature. The Kanchenjunga massif comprises 16 peaks, with four surpassing the 8000-meter mark. Encompassing four glaciers spanning 314 square kilometers, it serves as a vital source for the Brahmaputra and Ganges river systems. Characterized by narrow icy ridges, punctuated by smaller peaks, undulating plateaus, and hanging glaciers, the terrain poses inherent risks, including the threat of avalanches. On May 25, 1955, Joe Brown and George Band etched their names in history by successfully summiting Mt. Kanchenjunga, leading a team of climbers from the UK, guided by Charles Evan. Notably, the standard route to the summit, utilized in the inaugural ascent, follows the southwest route via the Yalung Glacier, while the north route, deemed safer yet challenging, remains an alternative ascent option. An intriguing aspect of Kanchenjunga's history is that it has never been fully summited. The pioneering climbers, Brown and Band, honored the request of the Maharajah of Sikkim by abstaining from setting foot on the mountain's peak, a tradition upheld since. Despite its lesser-known status, Kanchenjunga presents formidable technical challenges. Unlike Everest, with its higher government royalties, climbing Kanchenjunga entails lower costs, yet it remains a lesser-traversed technical peak due to its demanding nature. The extended expedition duration, intricate climbing from the outset, and prolonged exposure to the Death Zone above 8,000 meters necessitate meticulous planning, expert logistical support, and stringent safety measures. Thus, Kanchenjunga stands as a test of mountaineering prowess, demanding the expertise of seasoned climbers and dedicated support staff to navigate its formidable terrain safely.
Journey at a glance
Day Day 1: Kathmandu Arrival. — Food Dinner Accomodation Hotel Elevation 1350 On your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted traditionally with flower garlands. The representative will then take you to your hotel. If time prevails, you will visit office for paperwork.Stay overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu. Day Day 2-3: Rest and prepare day for assignment & briefing. — Food Breakfast Accomodation Hotel Elevation 1350 Permit issue day and briefing at Tourism ministry.Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu. Day Day 4: Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and drive to Taplejung. — Food BLD Accomodation Lodge Elevation 1820 Stay overnight at lodge/tea house. Day Day 5: Drive from Taplejung (1820m.) to Kande Bhanjyang and trek to Mamankhe (1785 m.). — Food BLD Accomodation Lodge Elevation 1785 Stay overnight at lodge. Day Day 6: Trek from Mamankhe to Yamphudin — Food BLD Accomodation Lodge Elevation 2080 Stay overnight in lodge. Day Day 7: Trek from Yamphudin to Tortong — Food BLD Accomodation Lodge Elevation 2995 Stay overnight at lodge. Day Day 8: Trek from Tortong to Anda Phedi — Food BLD Accomodation Lodge Elevation 3370 Stay overnight at lodge. Day Day 9: Trek from Anda Phedi to Tseram — Food BLD Accomodation Lodge Elevation 3870 Stay overnight at lodge. Day Day 10: Trek from Tseram to Ramche — Food BLD Accomodation Lodge Elevation 4580 Stay overnight at lodge. Day Day 11: Rest day in Ramche for acclimatization. — Food BLD Accomodation camp Elevation 4580 Stay overnight at camp. Day Day 12: Rest day in Ramche for acclimatization. — Food BLD Accomodation camp Stay overnight at camp. Day Day 13: Trek to Glacier camp — Food BLD Accomodation Lodge Elevation 4890 Stay overnight at camp. Day Day 14: Trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp — Food BLD Accomodation Lodge Elevation 5475 Stay overnight at camp. Day Day 15-47: Climbing period of Kanchenjunga — Food BLD Accomodation camp Elevation 8586 Climbing period of Kanchenjunga [ Base Camp – Kanchenjunga Summit (8586m.) –Base Camp ]Stay overnight at camp. Day Day 48: Trek from Base Camp to Ramche. — Food BLD Accomodation camp Stay overnight at camp. Day Day 49: Trek from Ramche to Tseram — Food BLD Accomodation Lodge Elevation 3870 Stay overnight at lodge. Day Day 50: Trek from Tseram to Chitre — Food BLD Accomodation Lodge Elevation 2962 Stay overnight at lodge. Day Day 51: Trek from Chitre to Khebang — Food BLD Accomodation Lodge Elevation 1910 Stay overnight at lodge. Day Day 52: Trek from Khebang to Gopetar. — Food BLD Accomodation Lodge Stay overnight at lodge. Day Day 53: Drive from Gopetar to Bhadrapur. — Food BLD Accomodation Lodge Stay overnight at lodge. Day Day 54: Drive from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu. — Food BLD Accomodation Hotel Elevation 1350 Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu. Day Day 55: Free day — Food Breakfast Accomodation Hotel Today is free day in Kathmandu for shopping and recreation.Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu. Day Day 56: Departure — Food Breakfast As per your flight schedule, our airport representative will transfer you from your hotel to the airport for your final departure.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Kathmandu Arrival. —
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Day 23: Rest and prepare day for assignment & briefing. —
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Day 4Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and drive to Taplejung. —
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 5Drive from Taplejung (1820m.) to Kande Bhanjyang and trek to Mamankhe (1785 m.). —
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Day 6Trek from Mamankhe to Yamphudin —
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Day 7Trek from Yamphudin to Tortong —
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Day 8Trek from Tortong to Anda Phedi —
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Day 9Trek from Anda Phedi to Tseram —
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Day 10Trek from Tseram to Ramche —
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Day 11Rest day in Ramche for acclimatization. —
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Day 12Rest day in Ramche for acclimatization. —
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Day 13Trek to Glacier camp —
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Day 14Trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp —
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Day 1547: Climbing period of Kanchenjunga —
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Day 48Trek from Base Camp to Ramche. —
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 49Trek from Ramche to Tseram —
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 50Trek from Tseram to Chitre —
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 51Trek from Chitre to Khebang —
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 52Trek from Khebang to Gopetar. —
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 53Drive from Gopetar to Bhadrapur. —
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 54Drive from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu. —
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Day 55Free day —
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Day 56Departure —
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What's included in your experience
Included
- a) Kathmandu
- Pick-up and drop-off service
- All airport pick-up and drop-off services by private vehicle
- Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu
- 5 night hotel accommodation with breakfast at 5 star standards hotel
- Sightseeing in Kathmandu
- One full day city sightseeing in and around Kathmandu valley with private A/C vehicle and English speaking tour guide including entrance fees
- Farewell Dinner
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu with live cultural performance at authentic Nepali restaurant on the last evening
- Souvenir
- b) Trekking/Climbing
- Flight Tickets
- Flight tickets from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and Bhadrapur to Kathmandu
- Land Transportation
- Land transportation from Bhadrapur to Taplejung and Gopetar to Bhadrapur by private jeep
- All permits
- Expedition Royalty and permit of Nepal Government to climb Kanchenjunga, Restricted area permit for Kanchenjunga region, Entry Permits for Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and TIMS card
- High Altitude Climbing Sherpa
- Personal climbing guide/Sherpa (1 climbing member will have 1 climbing guide who is trained, experienced and Government license holder)
- Climbing Sherpa Salary & Allowance
- Salary, equipments, meals and clothing for climbing guide
- Bonus
- Carry bonus of Sherpas and route fixing charges
- Porters
- Porter per member up to Base Camp from Taplejung and from Base Camp to Gopetar
- Base Camp Staffs
- Experienced and well-trained Base Camp Cook & kitchen helpers as per group size
- Staff Salary and allowance
- All involved Nepalese staffs & porter’s daily wages, salary, equipments, foods & clothing
- Insurance
- Medical & Emergency rescue insurance for all involved Nepalese staffs during the entire trip as per government rule
- Liaison Officer
- 1 Government Liaison officer with full equipments, salary, accommodation and insurance as per government rule
- Garbage Management Fee
- Garbage transfer & garbage disposal fees as per government rule
- Base Camp equipments
- Foam mattresses and pillow per member, 1 Dinning tent, 1 Kitchen tent, 1 Communication tent, 1 Toilet & 1 Shower tents, 1 Staffs tent, 1 tent for Nepalese Base Camp staffs, store tents, Tables, chairs & necessary cooking gears like Epi gas, high pots, stove, etc.
- High Camp services
- High altitude tents at (C1) (C2) (C3) (C4), high altitude appropriate food for member, Sherpa and all climbing and cooking crews
Not included
- Lunch & Dinner
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu (also in case of early return from trekking / expedition than the scheduled itinerary)
- Extra night in Kathmandu
- Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu (even in case of early arrival or late departure, early return from trekking / expedition due to any reason than the scheduled itinerary)
- Travel Insurance
- Medical and personal high risk travel insurance which should cover helicopter evacuation cost and medical treatment cost incase required
- Rescue Evacuation
- Medical and emergency rescue evacuation cost if required (Rescue, Repatriation, Helicopter, Medication, Medical Tests and Hospitalization costs)
- Personal Expenses
- Telephone calls, internet, toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beers and any alcoholic beverages (However we will provide soft drinks for members at base camp)
- Personal Equipments
- Clothing, packing items or bags, personal medical kit, personal trekking /climbing Gears
- Toiletries
- Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and your other personal items used to keep yourself clean
- Filming
- Permit fee for special filming by using camera or drone
- Internet
- Internet service is available with extra charge during the trek and Base Camp
- Summit Bonus
- Summit bonus for climbing Sherpa (Normally US$1500 applies to full board member)
- Tips
- Tips for Base Camp and other involved staffs
- Service Above Base Camp
- If you are taking just Base Camp services, then there will be zero service from company above base camp
- Rope Fixing
- The cost for using fixed rope during the expedition will apply only to base camp service users
- Extra services
- Any other services or activities which are not mentioned in the itinerary
Essential trip information
Accommodation
Camping
Fitness & eligibility
1
Meeting point
Kathmandu
What to bring
- Kanchenjunga Climbing Gear
- Mountaineering Equipments
- Crampons, Ice axe, Helmet, Harness, Lock and unlock Carabineers, Shovel, Climbing pack, Rope, Ski poles, Desender/abseil device, Jummer (Asender) , Tapes, Prusik Loops, Rappel device, Hand Warmer (if possible)
- Clothing and Wears
- Trekking shoes with spare laces, Mountaineering Boots, Plastic or leather for mountaineering boots, Gore-Tex pants, Long shorts, Insulated Parka, Jumper, Waterproof Jackets, Down Jacket, Fleece Vest, Wool cap, Neck Gaiter, Gloves, Climbing Socks, Thermal Underwear, Sandals, Snow Goggle
- Essential Gears
- Backpack, Duffle bag, Sleeping Bag, sleeping pad, Tents
- Gadgets
- Map, Compass, Camera, GPS, Two way radios, Binoculars, Head Lamp, Flashlight
- Sun Protection Items
- Sun glasses, sun scream, Lip balm,
- Medical
- First aid Kit (Brufen / Ibuprofens, Antibiotic, Diamox, Paracetamol, Handy Plaster, Crack Bandage, Tincture Iodine, etc.)
- Other Essentials
- Energy Bars, Water bottle, Water Purification Tablets, Toiletries, Trekking poles, Pocket knife, raincoat, Satellite Phone, Altimeter
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