Trip Overview

Kanchenjunga, the 3rd highest peak, elevating at an altitude of 8586 m, was considered the highest peak of the world until 1856. Crowned by 5 significant peaks, out of which three reside at the Nepal-India border and two reside in the Taplejung district of Nepal, Kanchenjunga is a mystical mountain also believed by the locals to be the home to mountain deity. In the Tibetan language, the name ‘Kanchinjínga’ refers to the “Five Treasures of the Great Snow”. The treasures represent the repositories of God being Gold, Silver, Grain, Gems, and Holy Books and are often associated with the five peaks in the Kanchenjunga Himal. 

The Kanchenjunga section of the Himal extends from Nepal to India with around 16 peaks above 7000m. It is bordered in the north by Lhonak Chu, Goma Chu, and Jongsang La while in the East by the Teesta river. The western limits are distinguished as they run down the Jongsang La to Ginseng and Kanchenjunga Glaciers and rivers of Ghunsa and Tamor.  

The huge mountain massif of Kangchenjunga consists of the following peaks:

  • Kangchenjunga main 8586 m
  • Kangchenjunga West (Yalung Kang) 8505 m
  • Kangchenjunga Central 5482 m
  • Kangbachen 7903 m

The massif houses five main glaciers namely, Zemu, Kanchenjunga, Yalung, Talung, and Ramtang that drain the Saptakoshi Rivers including Arun, Tamor, and Teesta in Sikkim as well. Kanchenjunga main is the highest point of the Brahmaputra River Basin, one of the largest river basins. The Kanchenjunga massif is also a part of the Ganges River Basin. 

Best Seasons for Kanchenjunga Trek and Expedition

The best season to go on expeditions to Kanchenjunga is Pre-monsoon or Post-monsoon when the sky is clear, the weather is moderate and the days are neither too hot nor too cold nights. However, we can organize trips to Kanchenjunga any time of the year. 

What makes the Kanchenjunga Expedition difficult?

Kanchenjunga expedition is comparatively difficult than other 8000 m mountains because of its remoteness, technical difficulty, risk of icefall and avalanche, difficulty in managing logistics, and fewer Sherpas available to climb Kanchenjunga. Moreover, India has restricted the expeditions from the easier side, compelling the climbers to take a tough route. 

Preparation for Kanchenjunga Expedition 

Kanchenjunga is quite technical as it involves walking on snow, ice, and glaciers. Only a small section of the climb involves walking on rocks. Harsh terrain and extreme weather conditions pose a huge risk and challenge. Climbers are required to trek and hike for about 10 hours a day, so a high level of physical fitness and substantial mountaineering experience is required for the Kanchenjunga Expedition. High altitude mountaineers, who have summited Everest and Kanchenjunga claim the latter to be even more tricky and difficult. The last part of the climb comprises the longest horizontal climbs over 8000 m making the summit a bit demanding. 

Trip Itinerary

DAY1: Arrival In Kathmandu And Transfer To The Hotel 

Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, you will need to obtain an Entry Visa for Nepal. As soon as you complete the immigration procedures, you will be greeted by one of our representatives and transferred to the hotel booked for you. You can rest, relax and freshen up at your hotel and go sightseeing around the Tourist Hub, Thamel in the evening. 

Altitude1400 m

MealsN/A

Accommodation3-5 Star Hotel

DAY2-3: Official Formalities, Expedition Preparation, Briefing

Before we start our expedition, we will need to obtain the required permits for the Kanchenjunga Expedition. We will also prepare all our documents and go for last-minute shopping. At our  Eight K Expeditions premise, we will conduct a short briefing about the expedition. Enjoy your day in Kathmandu and prepare to head out to a wonderful adventure experience.

Altitude1400 m

MealsBreakfast

Accommodation3-5 Star Hotel

DAY4: Fly To Bhadrapur (91 M)  And Drive To Illam Bazaar (1206 M) 

We wake up to a warm breakfast in the morning. Then, we will drive to the airport to catch a short flight to Bhadrapur, a town in eastern Nepal. Then, we will drive to Illam, a beautiful and old market in Eastern Region of Nepal. It is very popular for tea gardens and exports high quality tea leaves around the world. We will explore around the Illam Bazaar and rest overnight in a hotel.

Altitude1206 m

MealsBLD

AccommodationHotel/Lodge

DAY5: Drive To Jorpul (1500 M) Via Phidim

The next day, we will drive from Illam Bazaar to Jorpul via Phidim village. We will behold the pleasing sights of terraced farmlands, vegetations, tea gardens, and cardamom plantations as we move higher. We will finally reach Jorpul to rest overnight to release the pain due to the 9-10 hours drive. 

Altitude1500 m

MealsBLD

AccommodationHotel/Lodge

DAY6: Trek From Jorpul To Khebang (1740 M)

Our trek starts from Jorpul as we slowly ascend towards Khebang through the lush green forests of Rhododendrons, Pines, Oaks, and Deodars. After a series of ascents and descents for about 5 hours, we will reach Khewang to rest overnight.

Altitude1740 m

MealsBLD

AccommodationHotel/Lodge

DAY7: Trek To Yamphudin (2070 M)

From Khewang, we walk along the Kabeli Khola and cross many streams over the suspension bridges. We start ascending through valleys, dense forests, and waterfalls. As we move from Subtropical to temperate regions, we will notice diverse vegetation and forest density. 

Altitude2070 m

MealsBLD

AccommodationLodge/Teahouses

DAY8: Trek From Yamphudin To Torongdin (2995 M)

Yamphudin is a village resided by people from diverse cultures and ethnicities. From there, we ascend towards Dhupo Bhanjyang and further to Lasiya Bhanjyang (3310 m). Then, we descend to Amji Khola and walk along until we reach Torongdin at 2995 m to rest overnight. This will be a very tiring day as we trek for almost 11 hours. 

Altitude2995 m

MealsBLD

AccommodationLodge/Teahouses

DAY9-10: Trek From Torongdin To Tseram  And Acclimatize (3870 M)

We start after breakfast at Torongdin and trek towards Tseram. As we slowly enter the subalpine zone, green trees are fewer and shrubs and wildflowers are abundant. We will be gaining subsequent height so we will spend a day in Tseram for acclimatization. 

Altitude3870 m

MealsBLD

AccommodationLodge/Teahouses

DAY11: Trek From Tseram To Ramche (4620 M)

We will wake up for a warm breakfast and start our trek to Ramche. We will be crossing the Yalung Glacier moraine and beautiful lakes and meadows. After a 6-7 hours trek we will finally reach Ramche to rest overnight. At Ramche, our team will set up comfortable tents for us to sleep. 

Altitude4620 m

MealsBLD

AccommodationCamping

DAY12: Trek To Middle Camp (4900 M) 

From Ramche, we start early as we will be elevating to the Middle Base Camp at 4900 m. The trail takes us through the glacier moraines and rugged path until we reach the Middle Base Camp in the meadows.

Altitude4900 m

MealsBLD

AccommodationCamping

DAY13: Trek To Kanchenjunga Base Camp And Establish Advance Base Camp (5143 M)

Following the glaciers of the northern ridge, we will hike up to the base of Kanchenjunga Base Camp and set up our tents. We will be welcomed by the panoramic views of giant snow-capped mountains including the mystic Mt. Kanchenjunga.

Altitude5143 m

MealsBLD

AccommodationCamping

DAY 14-46: Climbing Period 

We will allocate 26 days of our trip for the climbing period of Mt. Kanchenjunga. During this course, we will conduct multiple rotations around the higher camps. We will allocate enough days for acclimatization as it is extremely important for good health at a high altitude. Climbing up and returning to a lower height is our key strategy for acclimatizing. Most of the climb will be over the snow, ice, and glaciers so we will train with an ice ax, crampons, and ladder climbing before heading to the summit. The last part involves climbing on a steep horizontal rocky section. We will climb up to a step short of the main summit, as it is considered pious and sacred. 

As we reach the top, we will be gifted with the vistas of Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Everest, Mt. Makalu, the Kanchenjunga massif, and other giant snow-capped peaks. 

We will then return to the lower camp and prepare to leave. 

Altitude8586 m

MealsBLD

AccommodationFull Board Camp Service

DAY47: Return To Base Camp, Clean Up And Prepare To Leave

After a successful ascent to the third highest peak of the World, we return to the base camp and pack up our expedition logistics. We then clean up the base camp and prepare to leave.

Altitude5143 m

MealsBLD

AccommodationFull Board Camp Service

DAY48: Trek To Ramche (4620 M)

We retrace our path back to Ramche walking on the rugged terrain for 9 hours. We then rest overnight in a lodge or a tented camp.

Altitude4620 m

MealsBLD

AccommodationCamping

DAY49: Trek To Torongdin (2995 M)

Our trek starts from Ramche and we reach Tseram for lunch. We then walk through the forests down to reach Torongdin to rest overnight.

Altitude2995 m

MealsBLD

AccommodationLodge/Teahouses

DAY50: Trek To Yamphudin (2070 M)

Our trek continues to descend back to Yamphudin until we reach our lodge to rest overnight.

Altitude2070 m

MealsBLD

AccommodationLodge/Teahouses

DAY51: Trek To Jorpul (1500 M)

We start early after breakfast and resume our trek to Jorpul. We will cross the Khebang village and continue towards Jorpul. The total trekking hours will be about 9-10 hours.

Altitude1500 m

MealsBLD

AccommodationLodge/Teahouses

DAY52: Drive To Birtamod, Jhapa

Our trek ends at Jorpul, from where we take a private vehicle to reach the commercial city Birtamod. We will rest at a very comfortable hotel in Birtamod.

Altitude1200 m

MealsBLD

AccommodationHotel

DAY53: Fly/Drive To Kathmandu 

After a night’s rest in Birtamod, we will drive back to Kathmandu. You may choose to take a flight as well at some extra costs. Upon our arrival in Kathmandu, you will be escorted to the hotel to rest and relax.

Altitude1400 m

MealsBreakfast

Accommodation3-5 Star Hotel

DAY54: Leisure Day And Farewell Dinner

This leisure day is for you to explore Kathmandu city. You can go sightseeing to different World Heritage Sites like Bouddhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Basantapur and Thamel areas, and many more. In the evening, we will all meet for a wonderful farewell dinner at a typical restaurant.

Altitude1400 m

MealsBreakfast And Farewell Dinner

Accommodation3-5 Star Hotel

DAY55: Final Departure

If you have not booked any other packages or extended your holiday/stay in Nepal, one of our representatives will drop you off at the airport for your departure to your home country. We will look forward to traveling with you again. 

Altitude1400 m

MealsBreakfast

AccommodationN/A

Includes

  • International and Domestic Airport-Hotel-Airport transfers in Nepal
  • 5 nights hotel accommodation in hotel in Kathmandu on bed/breakfast
  • Scheduled flight Kathmandu-Bhadrapur-Kathmandu for members, guides, and Liaison officer  
  • Climbing equipment carriage fee from Jorpul to base camp to Jorpul
  • Full Board  food, lodging during trekking to base camp and back to Birtamod
  • A professional  climbing Sherpa guide per member during  summit attempt and during climbing 
  • 7 Oxygen bottles (4 liters.)per member with top-out Mask and Regulator.
  • Climbing Sherpa  oxygen 3 cylinders ( 4 liters ) per Sherpa  
  • Transportation for all staff KTM-Base Camp-KTM,
  • Common climbing equipment (necessary rope, ice bars, ice screws, etc.)
  • Clean Mountain bags
  • Availability of Solar Power at Base Camp and Camp II.
  • Availability of Satellite Phone available at Base Camp (with nominal charge per use)
  • The facility of Internet service and recharge cards with a nominal charge
  • Daily Weather Report Services
  • Medical consultation services at the Base Camp with the (HRA) clinic 
  • High Altitude Tents: Single Tent in the Base Camp while in upper camps, the tent shall be shared with 2-3 climbers
  • All food and fuel for Base Camp and higher camps during Expedition as per the schedule
  • Services of cook and kitchen boy at Base Camp and Cook at Camp II.
  • Kitchen tent, Stores tent, Dining Tents, Toilet Tents, Shower Tent, Tables and chairs, cooking utensils for Base Camp and camp II, 
  • Insurance for Climbing Sherpas, Cooks, Liaison Officer, and local porters as well as Equipment,
  • Allowances and wages for Climbing Sherpas, cooks, kitchen boys, and Government Liaison Officers. 
  • Base Camp single tent with mattress and pillow for each member, Climbing Sherpa, BC staffs, and Liaison Officer Tents
  • Solar panel at Base Camp for light and charging small electronics. (Eg.mobile phones, amateur digital cameras, and handheld video cameras).

Excludes

  • International flight tickets from/to your country
  • Nepal Entry visa fee that can be obtained at the airport upon arrival,
  • Lunch and Dinner during the stay in Kathmandu.
  • An extended stay in a hotel after 5-nights in Kathmandu
  • Your Personal Climbing Equipment
  • Extra cost incurred due to Personal members baggage exceeding 60 k.g,
  • Buy special Insurance such as travel, accident, medical, emergency evacuation by helicopter in case of need during the Kanchenjunga Expedition,
  • Charges for Commercial Filming and Drone Permit if needed,
  • International airport departure tax at Kathmandu Airport,
  • Expenses of a personal nature such as hard and soft drinks, laundry, postage, telephone, Wi-Fi, etc,
  • Extra oxygens beyond 7 bottles,
  • Climbing Sherpa summit Bonus $1500,
  • Tips for staff and cook in the Base Camp $250 at minimum that will be collected in the Base Camp,
  • Tips for the cooks at Camp 2 minimum $100,
  • Any other extra expenses other than mentioned in the Cost Includes section,
  • Any unforeseeable risks that can arise during the mountaineering,

Departures

06 Apr 2022TO26 May 2022

Trekking and mountain climbing in the Kanchenjunga region are highly dependent on weather conditions. We try to schedule our trips at the most favorable time but in case of extreme scenarios, domestic flights may be delayed or canceled. In cases as such, we would like to notify you that except for the total number of days in the itinerary section, expenses of other extra days shall be borne by the client himself/herself. However, 8K Expeditions will make necessary arrangements for the accommodation of porters and guides. If you wish to make alternative arrangements such as a helicopter flight to avoid flight delays, we can arrange it at a nominal extra charge. 

Also, 8K Expeditions shall not be liable for any compensation for losses due to missed International Flights but we will surely help to make necessary arrangements to minimize your loss. To avoid missing flights, we suggest keeping some flexible time frames before trip departure and after trip departure. 

Also be notified that as we will be traveling in remote areas with extreme climatic conditions and geography where trails can be distorted at times, we might need to adjust our itineraries as required.  But we assure you that the quality of service shall not be compromised at any cost.

Climbers are advised to prepare and train their bodies and mind in a perfect way to adapt to the remoteness, high altitude, and distance from the families. It is also advised to carry lesser amounts of valuable belongings. Also, pack in some cotton clothes for your stay in Kathmandu while some warm ones for the Himalayas. Always keep a copy of your passport and photos with you. 

Cost of Expedition

Expedition costs vary depending on factors including: group size, royalty and permit costs in different seasons, category of hotel accommodation, numbers of Sherpa’s allocated and equipment, type of arrangement and package customization. So, we would like to discuss with our client before offering the cost. Please feel free to contact for any information about in your selected package.

Thank you for joining us on our Expedition!!