Kanchenjunga Expedition 2025/26

Overview And Highlights

Trip Facts

Trip Type

Camping

Grade

Strenuous

Altitude

8598 m.

Transportation

Flight & Private Jeep

Group Size

1 or more

Best Season

Spring

Duration

56

Duration

56 Days

From

US$ 20500

Best price guaranteed
Book now, pay later

Book Trip Make Inquiry

Kanchenjunga (8586m) is the third-tallest mountain in the world after Mt. Everest (8848 m) and Mt. K2 (8611m). Kanchenjunga is a word of Sikkimese origin. Indigenous people from Himalaya particularly of Darjeeling, Taplejung and Sikkim highly revere the peak as a sacred mountain. It is locally known as Sewalungma among Limbu and Rai communities in Nepal. Mountain people still believe that the mountain is the place where gods dwell which implicates their respect towards nature.

Kanchenjunga massif encompasses 16 peaks among which four are above 8000m. The mountain comprises of four glaciers covering an area of 314 sq. kilometers, and is a major source for Brahmaputra and Ganges catchments. Kanchenjunga feature narrow icy ridges spotted with smaller peaks, sloping plateau and hanging glaciers. The risk of avalanches also exists. Joe Brown and George Band successfully conquered the Mt. Kanchenjunga on May 25, 1955 and made it a historic day in the history of Kanchenjunga expedition. This team was led by Charles Evan and all other participants were from UK. The standard route and the one used in the first successful attempt follows southwest route via the Yalung Glacier. However, the north route is considered the safest, although not the easiest route to climb.

An interesting fact related to the mountain is that it has actually never been summitted. The first successful mountaineers Brown and Band stopped short of stepping foot on the top of the mountain as per the request of then Maharajah of Sikkim. The tradition has been continued ever since.

Kanchenjunga expedition was the first successful attempt made by any British over eight-thousanders. Mt. Kanchenjunga is a least climbed technical mountain despite of its comparatively low government Royalty as compare to Mt. Everest. The Royalty to climb Mt. Everest is US$11000, US$5500, and US$2750 in spring, autumn and winter/summer season respectively, where as Kanchenjunga Royalty is only US$1800, US$900 and US$450 for spring, autumn and winter season respectively. In the mountaineering sector, technical mountains represent tougher mountains to climb. It is considered as a technical peak mainly because of the longer expedition period. Kanchenjunga expedition involves intricate climbing from the very beginning and also includes longer horizontal walking in Death Zone above 8,000 meters. Thus, this mountain is regarded as a demanding mountain that requires well planned logistics, highly professional supporting staffs as well as safety & security measures.

Itinerary Expand All Close All

Day 1 : Kathmandu Arrival.

Food

Welcome Drink

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 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 4 : Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and drive to Taplejung.

Food

BLD

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

1820

Stay overnight at lodge/tea house.

Day 5 : Drive from Taplejung (1820m.) to Kande Bhanjyang and trek to Mamankhe (1785 m.).

Food

BLD

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

1785

Drive from Taplejung (1820m.) to Kande Bhanjyang and trek to Mamankhe (1785 m.). Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 6 : Trek from Mamankhe to Yamphudin.

Food

BLD

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

2080

Trek from Mamankhe to Yamphudin. Stay overnight in lodge.

Day 7 : Trek from Yamphudin to Tortong.

Food

BLD

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

2995

Trek from Yamphudin to Tortong. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 8 : Trek from Tortong to Anda Phedi.

Food

BLD

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

3370

Trek from Tortong to Anda Phedi. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 9 : Trek from Anda Phedi to Tseram.

Food

BLD

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

3870

Trek from Anda Phedi to Tseram. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 10 : Trek from Tseram to Ramche.

Food

BLD

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

4580

Trek from Tseram to Ramche. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 11 : Rest day.

Food

BLD

Accomodation

Camp

Elevation

4580

Rest day in Ramche for acclimatization. Stay overnight at camp.

Day 12 : Rest day.

Food

BLD

Accomodation

Camp

Rest day in Ramche for acclimatization. Stay overnight at camp.

Day 13 : Trek to Glacier camp.

Food

BLD

Accomodation

Camp

Elevation

4890

Trek to Glacier camp. Stay overnight at camp.

Day 14 : Trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp

Food

BLD

Accomodation

Camp

Elevation

5475

Trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp. Stay overnight at camp.

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 48 : Trek from Base Camp to Ramche.

Food

BLD

Accomodation

Camp

Trek from Base Camp to Ramche. Stay overnight at camp.

Day 49 : Trek from Ramche to Tseram

Food

BLD

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

3870

Trek from Ramche to Tseram. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 50 : Trek from Tseram to Chitre.

Food

BLD

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

2962

Trek from Tseram to Chitre. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 51 : Trek from Chitre to Khebang.

Food

BLD

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

1910

Trek from Chitre to Khebang. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 52 : Trek from Khebang to Gopetar.

Food

BLD

Accomodation

Lodge

Trek from Khebang to Gopetar. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 53 : Drive from Gopetar to Bhadrapur.

Food

BLD

Accomodation

Lodge

Drive from Gopetar to Bhadrapur. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 54 : Drive from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu.

Food

Breakfast & Lunch

Accomodation

Hotel

Elevation

1350

Drive from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

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 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.

What Is Included ?

Option: Full Board Service:

a) Kathmandu

Pick-up and drop-off service

All airport pick-up and drop-off services by private vehicle

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

Ropes

All required fixed and dynamic rope during the climbing

Rope Fixing Team

The team of experienced Sherpa will fix the route on Kanchenjunga (no extra charge will be applied to members)

Oxygen (O2) Bottle

3 oxygen bottles (4 ltrs.) for each member and 2- oxygen bottle for each high-altitude Sherpa

Oxygen Mask & Regulator

1 Set of Oxygen mask & regulator for each member and high altitude Sherpa

Back up Sets

Back up Oxygen Cylinder, mask and regulator (with appropriate additional charge)

Heater

Heater at Base Camp in each Dining and other necessary camp

Solar/Generator

1 Solar panel and generator for lights and battery charge for laptop and other electronic devices at Base Camp

Satellite Phone

Satellite Phone for emergency communication available for members with appropriate charge

Walkie-Talkie

Walkie –Talkie for communication from Base Camp to Mountain and Mountain to Base Camp

Permits

Satellite Phone / walkie-talkie permits

Internet Service

Internet facility (1 Mbps) will be available at the Base Camp with additional charge

First Aid Kit

Comprehensive Medical kit for members and staffs

Certificate

Certificate for Kanchenjuga (8586 meters) climbing issued by Tourism Ministry

Tax and VAT

Option: Base Camp Service:

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

High Camp services

High altitude tents at (C1) (C2) (C3) (C4), high altitude appropriate food for member, Sherpa and all climbing and cooking crews

Ropes

All required fixed and dynamic rope during the climbing

Rope Fixing Team

The team of experienced Sherpa will fix the route on Kanchenjunga (no extra charge will be applied to members)

Oxygen (O2) Bottle

3 oxygen bottles (4 ltrs.) for each member and 2- oxygen bottle for each high-altitude Sherpa

Oxygen Mask & Regulator

1 Set of Oxygen mask & regulator for each member and high altitude Sherpa

Back up Sets

Back up Oxygen Cylinder, mask and regulator (with appropriate additional charge)

Heater

Heater at Base Camp in each Dining and other necessary camp

Solar/Generator

1 Solar panel and generator for lights and battery charge for laptop and other electronic devices at Base Camp

Satellite Phone

Satellite Phone for emergency communication available for members with appropriate charge

Walkie-Talkie

Walkie –Talkie for communication from Base Camp to Mountain and Mountain to Base Camp

Permits

Satellite Phone / walkie-talkie permits

Internet Service

Internet facility (1 Mbps) will be available at the Base Camp with additional charge

First Aid Kit

Comprehensive Medical kit for members and staffs

Certificate

Certificate for Kanchenjuga (8586 meters) climbing issued by Tourism Ministry after climbing Mt. Manaslu successfully

Tax and VAT

Tax, VAT and our service charge

What Is Excluded?

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

Kanchenjunga Expedition (8586m) Altitude Profile

FAQs

Our itinerary is 56 days long and has been in practice from many years. It is well designed Kanchenjunga climbing program considering all aspects of mountaineering requirements for the successful ascent. There are 31 days allocated to summit Mt. Kanchenjunga from Base Camp and return back to Base Camp. The itinerary remains flexible, so can be customized according to personal requirements.

Kanchenjunga climbing is often classified as even tougher climbing than ascent of Mt. Everest. It requires a high level of technical climbing skills and great physical condition. You also need to be mentally prepared to deal with harsh terrain and worst weather condition. Anybody having all mentioned prerequisites can contact us to climb Mt. Kanchenjunga either solo or even in a group.

Kanchenjunga, at 8,586 meters (28,169 feet), is the third highest mountain in the world, located on the border between Nepal and India. Despite not being as well-known as Everest or K2, it presents some of the most formidable climbing challenges among the 8000ers.

One of the key difficulties is its remote location, which means a long and physically demanding approach trek (typically over 15–20 days), often through unpredictable weather and isolated terrain. Unlike Everest, where infrastructure like lodges and rescue services are relatively well-developed, Kanchenjunga remains wild and underdeveloped. The base camp is hard to reach, and evacuation options are limited.

The mountain's technical difficulty is high, especially on the standard Southwest Face route. Climbers must deal with steep ice and rock sections, frequent avalanches, and unstable seracs. The mountain is notorious for deep snow conditions, which greatly increase the risk of snow blindness, fatigue, and crevasses.

Moreover, Kanchenjunga has a very low summit success rate and a high fatality rate, largely due to the altitude, extreme exposure, and volatile weather. In fact, the weather can change abruptly, often leading to deadly whiteouts or storms.

Finally, there’s a cultural and spiritual element: climbers traditionally stop a few meters short of the actual summit, out of respect for the beliefs of the Sikkimese and local people who consider the summit sacred.

The best window for climbing Kanchenjunga is during the pre-monsoon season (April to May) and to a lesser extent in the post-monsoon season (late September to early October). Among these, late April to late May is considered the optimal time.

During this period, weather conditions tend to be the most stable, offering clearer skies and fewer storms. Snow conditions are relatively more predictable, and the temperatures, while still freezing, are less harsh compared to winter or early spring.

The post-monsoon season can also be viable, especially for climbers who prefer less crowded conditions, but it comes with increased risk of unsettled weather and heavier snow. The jet stream tends to dip lower after the monsoon, bringing high winds that can be dangerous above 7000 meters.

Due to the mountain's remoteness and difficulty, weather windows are narrower, and climbers must be well-prepared to adjust their summit plans quickly. Expedition leaders often rely heavily on professional meteorologists for accurate forecasts.

Climbing Kanchenjunga requires top-tier physical conditioning, high-altitude experience, and advanced technical mountaineering skills. This is not a mountain for beginner or even intermediate climbers; it’s reserved for highly experienced alpinists.

Physical preparation should begin at least 6–12 months before the expedition, focusing on aerobic endurance, muscular strength, and stamina. This includes long-distance hiking, running, strength training (especially legs and core), and climbing with a heavy pack.

Technical training is essential. Climbers should be proficient in using crampons, ice axes, ascenders, fixed ropes, and crevasse rescue techniques. Previous experience on other 6000–7000 meter peaks, and ideally at least one 8000er (like Manaslu or Cho Oyu), is highly recommended.

Because of the length and isolation of the Kanchenjunga expedition, climbers must also be trained in high-altitude survival skills, including emergency bivouacs, altitude sickness management, and decision-making under duress.

Mental resilience is crucial, as climbers spend weeks in harsh conditions, often isolated, cold, and exhausted. Acclimatization takes longer than on peaks with better infrastructure, and the chance of turning back due to weather or illness is high.

A full Kanchenjunga expedition typically takes 6 to 8 weeks from start to finish which include acclimatization rotations, summit push, and return trek. It depends on weather, team health, and logistics. Some expeditions may take longer due to acclimatization issues, route conditions, or emergency situations.

Kanchenjunga is situated in a delicate ecological and cultural zone, and as tourism and expeditions increase, so do the associated impacts.

From an environmental standpoint, the area around Kanchenjunga is part of a conservation area in Nepal and borders India’s Khangchendzonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The flora and fauna are rich and fragile. Expeditions can inadvertently cause littering, trail erosion, and waste management issues, especially at high camps.

Ethically, there is also the matter of respecting local traditions. The people of eastern Nepal and Sikkim believe that the summit of Kanchenjunga is sacred, and climbers are traditionally expected to stop a few meters short of the actual top as a sign of respect. Many teams follow this unwritten rule, but not all do, leading to ongoing debate.

Furthermore, there’s the ethical dilemma of risk. Given the mountain’s death rate, guides, porters, and Sherpas take on substantial danger to support climbers. Responsible climbers are expected to treat staff with fairness, ensure adequate gear and insurance, and adopt a leave-no-trace approach.

The total cost for a Kanchenjunga expedition ranges between $18,000 to $30,000 USD, depending on the expedition style (guided vs. independent), size of the team, and level of support.

Yes, Kanchenjunga lies in Nepal, and climbers must obtain a special climbing permit from the Nepal Ministry of Tourism. The permit fee is around $1,800 per person for spring climbs (March–May), with slightly lower fees for autumn and winter.

In addition to the climbing permit, you also need:

A Trekking Permit for the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.
A Liaison Officer appointed by the government.
Environmental deposits and insurance for guides and porters.

The standard acclimatization strategy involves several rotations between Base Camp and higher camps, gradually increasing sleeping altitude. A typical plan may look like this:

Rotation 1: BC → Camp 1 → return
Rotation 2: BC → Camp 1 → Camp 2 → return
Rotation 3: BC → Camp 1 → Camp 2 → Camp 3 → return
Rest Days
Summit Push: BC → Camp 2 → Camp 3 → Camp 4 → Summit → descend

Climbers typically wait for a stable weather window for their summit push. Oxygen use is optional—many attempt Kanchenjunga without supplemental oxygen, but it significantly increases the risk. Teams using oxygen typically start around Camp 3 or Camp 4.

Kanchenjunga has one of the highest fatality rates among the 8000-meter peaks, historically around 22%, though it has improved slightly with modern gear and weather forecasting. The danger stems from:

Unpredictable weather: Storms can trap climbers above 7000m.
Avalanche-prone terrain: Deep snow and steep faces.
Technical demands: Multiple exposed sections with limited fixed ropes.
Remoteness: Rescue is extremely difficult.

Unlike Everest, where helicopters can reach high camps, evacuations on Kanchenjunga must often be carried out on foot or by basic chopper from much lower elevations, making response time slow. Many climbers die during the descent, which is often more perilous due to exhaustion and changing weather.

Nepal Environmental Treks & Expedition ensures you to provide a well planned itinerary for Kanchenjunga expedition. An experienced and highly professional climbing guide will be assigned to each climbing member. All necessary logistics will be taken care from our side. However, we expect to maintain good health and physical condition as well as well good mental preparation from your side.

Additional Information

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

Add Review

IMAGE GALLERY