Mountaineering

Kanchenjunga Expedition

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Kanchenjunga Expedition

Kanchenjunga is the second highest mountain in the Nepal, located on the border between Nepal and India. It rises at an elevation of 8,586m (28,169 ft) delimited to the west by the Tamur River, to the north by the Lhonak Chu and Jongsang La, and to the east by the Teesta River. It is considered one of the most challenging mountains to climb, and the Kanchenjunga Expedition is one of the most difficult and demanding expeditions in the world. The first successful ascent of Kanchenjunga was made in 1955 by a British team led by Sir Charles Evans. Since then, many climbers have attempted to summit the mountain, with varying degrees of success. The Kanchenjunga Expedition typically takes about six to eight weeks to complete, and requires a high level of physical fitness, technical climbing skills, and mountaineering experience. The climbers must acclimatize to the altitude and extreme weather conditions, and navigate through challenging terrain including steep ice and rock faces. The expedition usually begins in the town of Taplejung in eastern Nepal, and the climbers make their way through a number of villages and high-altitude camps before reaching the summit. Along the way, they must contend with high winds, extreme cold, and the risk of avalanches. Despite the challenges, the Kanchenjunga Expedition is a highly rewarding experience for those who undertake it. The mountain offers stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan range, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with successfully summiting one of the world's highest peaks is unmatched. However, it's important to note that the Kanchenjunga Expedition is not without risks. The extreme altitude and challenging conditions can lead to altitude sickness, hypothermia, and other health problems, and climbers must take great care to ensure their safety at all times. In conclusion, the Kanchenjunga Expedition is a highly challenging but rewarding mountaineering experience that requires skill, endurance, and determination. It's an adventure that should only be undertaken by experienced climbers who are well-prepared and committed to their own safety and the safety of their fellow climbers.

Overview

Trip Code WPP-001-KXP
Destination Nepal
Altitude 8586m
Region Kanchenjunga Region
Season Spring and Autumn
Difficulty Moderate
Accomodation Hotel, Tea House & Tent
Duration 50 Days

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, our company representative will meet and welcome you to Nepal and then you'll be transferred to your confirmed hotel. Once you finish the check-in procedure, you can rest & relax at the hotel. Later you will be accompained by the office staff for a short tour of Thamel to make you familiar with some good restaurants, ATMs, money changer and other necessary places you might need during your stay in Thamel.

Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing & Preparation

Explore Kathmandu Valley sightseeing at UNESCO sites: Swayambhunath Stupa (2,500-year-old Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa (Little Tibet), Pashupatinath Temple (Shiva Ratri pilgrimage site), and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Finalize permits and gear for the Eastern Himalayas climb. Overnight in hotel.

Day 3: Preparation Day in Kathmandu

Comprehensive briefing by guides on meals, lodging, supplies, clothing, and hazards for the Nepal elite climbing expedition. Meet your team for bonding. Overnight in hotel.

Day 4: Fly to Bhadrapur, Drive to Kanyam

Catch a 45-min flight to Bhadrapur; drive (3-4 hours) to Kanyam, enjoying tea gardens and Terai landscapes. Overnight in guest house

Day 5: Drive to Taplejung & Chiruwa

Drive (6-8 hours) via eastern highway and dirt roads through Mitlung and Tawa to Chiruwa in Taplejung district expedition. Overnight in teahouse.

Day 6: Trek from Chirwa to Sekathum

Begin restricted area trekking along the Tamor River, passing lush forests and Olangchung Gola, the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area entrance. Easy walk to Sekathum. Overnight in teahouse.

Day 7: Trek to Amjilosa

Cross rivers and climb a steep trail, descending through bamboo and rhododendron to Amjilosa. Overnight in tent.

Day 8: Trek from Amjilosa to Gyabla

Trek along the riverbank with waterfalls, arriving at the Tibetan settlement of Gyabla in a verdant setting. Overnight in tent.

Day 9: Trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa

Descend the river valley to Ghunsa, a cultural hub with monasteries, honoring a conservationist’s legacy. Overnight in tent.

Day 10: Rest & Acclimatization in Ghunsa

Rest day for high altitude acclimatization. Short hike through forests toward Lapsan La. Overnight in tent.

Day 11: Trek to Khambachen

Trek north along the river, crossing suspension bridges and waterfalls to Khambachen. 5-6 hours. Overnight in tent.

Day 12: Rest & Exploration in Khambachen

Explore Kumbhakarna (Jannu) Himal base camp for acclimatization. Unforgettable Eastern Himalayas climb views. Overnight in tent.

Day 13: Trek to Lhonak

Descend along the river through stony fields and waterfalls to Lhonak. 5-6 hours. Overnight in tent.

Day 14: Trek to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (Pangpema)

Ascend grassy paths with Chang Himal views to Yalung Glacier base camp (North). Set up expedition camp. Overnight in tent.

Day 15 - 35: Climbing period of Kanchenjunga

21-day summit window: Establish Camps 1-4 (6,000m-7,800m) with Sherpa climbing support fixing ropes on Kanchenjunga North Face. Acclimatization rotations and summit pushes via ice walls (50° pitches). Respect sacred summit (stop 5m short). Descend to base camp. Overnight varies by camp.

Day 36: Cleaning Base Camp

Eco-friendly cleanup of expedition waste to protect the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. Overnight in tent.

Day 37: Trek back to Lhonak

Descend to Ramtang, enjoying views of Kanchenjunga, Gimmigela Chuli, and Kirat Chuli. Reach Lhonak by evening. Overnight in tent.

Day 38: Trek from Lhonak to Khambachen

Retrace route to Khambachen, reflecting on the Nepal elite climbing expedition. Overnight in tent.

Day 39: Trek from Khambachen to Ghunsa

Continue descent to Ghunsa, revisiting Limbu village culture. Overnight in tent.

Day 40: Trek from Ghunsa to Sele Le

Cross two low passes through rhododendron forests to Sele Le. Overnight in tent.

Day 41: Trek from Sele Le to Tseram

Cross three passes (Sinon La, Mirgin La 4,480m, Sinelapcha La 4,640m) with stunning North Face views. Reach Tseram. Overnight in tent.

Day 42: Trek from Tseram to Ramche

Ascend to Ramche, near Yalung Glacier, for South Face views. Overnight in tent.

Day 43: Trek from Ramche to Tseram

Descend back to Tseram along the same route. Overnight in tent.

Day 44: Trek from Tseram to Yamphudin

Descend to Yamphudin, home to Tamang, Rai, Limbu, and Sherpa communities. Overnight in tent.

Day 45: Trek from Yamphudin to Anpan

Traverse terraced farms along Kabeli Khola, passing small settlements to Anpan. Overnight in tent.

Day 46: Trek from Anpan to Taplejung

Hike to Taplejung; visit the vibrant Taplejung district expedition bazaar. Overnight in teahouse.

Day 47: Trek from Taplejung to Suketar

Trek to Suketar’s STOL airfield after a strenuous mountain walk. Overnight in teahouse.

Day 48: Fly from Suketar to Biratnagar, Fly to Kathmandu

Morning flight to Biratnagar (30 min), then afternoon flight to Kathmandu (40 min). Overnight in hotel.

Day 49: Leisure Day in Kathmandu & Farewell Dinner

Free day for Kathmandu Valley sightseeing: visit Narayanhiti Museum or Nagarkot hilltop. Optional extensions for Chitwan jungle safari or rafting. Farewell dinner celebrating your Kanchenjunga summit climb. Overnight in hotel.

Day 50: Departure from Kathmandu

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport 3 hours before your flight. Exchange contacts and plan your next Nepal elite climbing expedition with Wongchhu Peak Promotion. End of the Kanchenjunga Expedition.

Includes

  • Airport/Hotel transfer in Kathmandu,
  •  All ground transportation as per the itinerary by private vehicle in Kathmandu,
  •  Hotel in Kathmandu for 3 night’s pre and 2 nights post on B/B plan on sharing post,
  •  Full day Kathmandu Heritage site sightseeing by private tourist vehicle,
  •  Professional English speaking tour guide during sightseeing,
  •  City tour entrance fees of heritage site,
  • Domestic flights for members, climbing guides, liaison Officer, Assistant guides, Sherpa’s, kitchen staff and cargo,
  •  Yaks and porters for transportation of equipment from Staring point to Base Camp and back,
  •  Experienced and government licensed high altitude trekking and climbing guide during the trekking and climbing period,
  •  All trekking and mountaineering equipment like; Kitchen tent, store tent, dinning tents, toilet tents, tables chairs, and cooking utensils for advance Base Camp and high camp,
  •  Common climbing equipment (necessary fixed and main rope, ice bars, ice screws, snow bars etc.)
  • Service of cook and kitchen boy at Base camp and cook at Camp 2,
  • Food and accommodation during trek in full board,
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinners will be served at base camp, and camp 2,
  • All food and fuel for Base Camp and higher camps during the expedition for both members and crews,
  • Daily weather Report service from Seattle based,
  • Expedition Royalty and climbing permit of Nepal Government to climb Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m),
  • Nepal government Royalty and fees,
  • One experienced, trained, government licensed, Everest summiteers climbing/expedition Guide (Sherpa) per client,
  • All wages, equipment, medical and accidental insurances for all involved staffs in trekking and expedition,
  • Medical consultation services at the base camp with HRA clinic at the base camp,
  • Equipment allowances and wages for climbing Sherpa’s, cooks, Kitchen boys,
  • Equipment allowance and wages for Government Liaison Officer,
  • Solar equipment for light and also for charging of various electric devices,
  • First Aid Medical kits for the Group and the staffs,
  • Headset radios for communication in the mountain,
  • Satellite Phone (for personal use on the participants’ charge),
  • Internet at base camp (for personal use on the participants’ charge),
  • Appropriate food for high altitude and all climbing crew at base camp and above as required,
  • Rope fixing costs from camp II to summit,
  • The heater will be provided at the base camp for heating the dining room,
  • Emergency Oxygen, mask, and regulator will be provided,
  • Travel and rescue arrangements,
  • Ice fall usage Charge,
  • 5bottles of 3LTR Poisk Oxygen for member,
  • Daily Dispatches on www.wppnepal.com
  • Welcome and Farewell dinner with beverages.

Excludes

 

  • International fare to and from Kathmandu,
  • The current cost of a Nepal entrance visa USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days and USD 125 for 90 days,
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to ant reason) than the scheduled itinerary,
  • Travel and high altitude insurance ( Accident /Medical / emergency evacuation)
  • Personal Trekking and Climbing gears,
  • Sherpa Summit Bonus: Mandatory – Minimum USD: 2,000,
  • Meals in Kathmandu (except welcome and farewell dinner),
  • Alcohol and Beverages during the trek and climbing period,
  • Personal expenses (Phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, shower etc.),
  • If needed an Emergency rescue evacuation cost will be additional,
  • Tips for base camp staffs and porters,

 

Equipments

Everest defies the adage that "when you have the right tools, you have half the job done," but with the wrong tools, the results are very clear: disaster.

Equipment that can survive heights of 8,000 meters or above is needed for Mount Kanchenjunga Expedition. It is equally important for climbers to test each piece of equipment and have expertise using it.

Here is our checklist for ascending Mt. Kanchenjunga.

1.0 Travel Documents

  • Valid passport
  • Credit/debit card
  • Passport size photo (6pieces)
  • Insurance paper and contact address
  • Family contact members

2.0 Upper Body Wear

  • Expedition down jacket
  • Base camp down jacket
  • Lightweight fleece top
  • Wind shirt
  • Gore Tex Jacket
  • Waterproof shell Jacket
  • Base layer tops
  • Trekking cloths
  • Casual wear

 

3.0 Lower Body Wear

  • Thermal Bottom Base Layer (2 – 3 pcs)
  • Fleece Trouser (2 – 3pcs)
  • Gore Tex Pant (1pcs)
  • Mid Weight Pants ( 1 – 2pcs)
  • Light weight Quick Dry trekking pants ( 2 – 3pcs)
  • Gaiters for trekking boots
  • Down Pants (1pcs)
  • Under wear ( 4 – 6pcs)

4.0 Head Wear

  • Sun cap 
  • Desert Cap
  • Balaclava
  • Banadana or Buff
  • Fleece hat
  • Neoprene face mask 
  • Neck Gaiter 
  • Sun glass 
  • Ski Goggles

5.0 Hand Wear

  • Thin Fleece Gloves (2 pairs) 
  • Liner Gloves (2pairs)
  • Wind Stopper/ Screen tap Gloves (2pairs) 
  • Mountaineering gloves with removable liners 
  • Summit gloves – 8000m

6.0 Foot wear

  • Socks (6pairs) 
  • Lightweight shoes/sandals 
  • Trekking boots 
  • 8000m mountaineering boots 
  • 6000m mountaineering boots 
  • Save gaiters 
  • Down bivvy boots
  • Camp boots 
  • Foot-wearing system

7.0 Sleeping Bags 

  • Sleeping bag -20°c to -30°c for Base camp 
  • Down Sleeping Bag -40°c for extreme comfort 
  • Thermarests Matteres (Cell foam) 
  • Down Matteres (Inflatable) 
  • Sleeping bag Liner 
  • Inflatable Pillow

8.0 Climbing Equipment 

  • Power Bank
  • Pee Bottle 
  • Altimeter watch
  • Pocket Knife 
  • Walking Stick/Trekking Pole 
  • Satellite Phone with credit 
  • Battery
  • Head light 500-700Lumens Spare 
  • Snow Goggles · Tape Slings/240cm
  • Unlock Carabiner (2pcs) 
  • Lock Carabiner (3pcs) 
  • Climbing Helmet
  • Summit Down Suit – 8000m
  • Jumar / Ascender 
  • Belay Devices / Figure of 8/ATC guide 
  • Harness 
  • Ice Axe with Spike & Axe Protector 
  • Crampons (fit with boot)/ Packing cover

9.0 Bag packs 

  • Rucksacks 35 L -50 L 
  • Duffle Bag 120 L – 150 L (2pcs)
  • Lundry / Garbage Bag (Large) 
  • Water Proof Stuff Sacks / Dry Bag –small / medium / Large (3-4)pcs)

10.0 Sun Stuffs 

  • Banana Boat/Nivea Sun Cream (up to -50SPF)
  • Lip Guard - 30 to -50 (SPF) 
  • Sun Glasses (Uv Protection) 
  • Glaciers Glasses (Uv Protection)
  • Moisturizer / Lotion

11.0 Toiletries (Personal)

  •  Toilet Paper / Wet Tissue 
  • Toothpaste 
  • Toothbrush 
  • Soap 
  • Shampoo 
  • Towel 
  • Garbage Bag

12.0 Eating & Drinking 

  • 1 Ltr. Water Bottle 
  • 1/1.5ltr. Thermos 
  • Mug (Opt.) 
  • Spoon / Fork (opt.) 
  • Bowl (opt.) 13.0 Medical / First Aid 
  • Brufen / Ibuprofens 
  • Antibiotic 
  • Diamox 
  • Paracetamol 
  • Handy Plaster 
  • Crack Bandage 
  • Tincture Iodine 
  • Ondem 
  • Cetirizine 
  • Electrolyte 
  • Minil 10mg (Palpitation, anxity) 
  • Codopar (Headache & chest pain) 
  • Salbetol 4mg (Breathless) 
  • Azithromycin 500mg (chronic tonsillitis, fever, nose, throat infection-must take 5 days) 
  • Flupen 250mg (prevent wound infection) 
  • Allegra 120/180mg (Allergic tonsil) 
  • Menstrual Products 14.0 Miscellaneous 
  • Nail cutter 
  • Umbrella /Rain coat 
  • Hot water bag 
  • Tenacious Tape Repair Kits 
  • Camera 
  • GPS Tracker (Recommended) 
  • Hand & Toe Warmer

 

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