Kanchenjunga Expedition

The 3rd highest peak

5 Reviews

Trip Overview

Embark on an extraordinary journey with Taktok Brothers to explore the mesmerizing Kangchenjunga, the third-highest peak standing proudly at an elevation of 8586 meters. Here’s an overview of the adventure that awaits you:

Mystical Mountain Realm: Kangchenjunga, adorned with five significant peaks, is a mystical mountain crowned by nature’s treasures—Gold, Silver, Grain, Gems, and Holy Books. These treasures align with the peaks in the Kanchenjunga Himal, creating a divine connection. The massif stretches from Nepal to India, housing 16 peaks above 7000m, with the Yalung Glacier and Jongsang La to the north and the Teesta river to the east.

Historic Ascent: In 1955, George Band and Joe Brown achieved the first successful ascent via the Yalung face. The expedition set up six camps, navigating a mixed terrain of snow, glacier, and a challenging icefall. Kangchenjunga’s grandeur includes its main peak, Kangchenjunga West (Yalung Kang), Kangchenjunga Central, and Kangbachen.

Natural Wonders: The massif is not only a majestic spectacle but also the source of five major glaciers, influencing the rivers of Saptakoshi, including Arun, Tamor, and Teesta in Sikkim. Kangchenjunga is the highest point of the Brahmaputra River Basin, contributing to the Ganges River Basin.

Remote Beauty and Serenity: Despite its allure, Kangchenjunga retains its pristine beauty due to its remote location. Restricted accessibility adds an air of mystery, with the Goecha La pass trek in Sikkim being a popular route. The region is home to myths, including sightings of the “Kangchenjunga Demon” or “Yeti.”

Diverse Ecoregions: The trek to Kangchenjunga traverses three ecoregions—eastern Himalayan broadleaved and coniferous forests, eastern Himalayan alpine shrub and meadows, and the Terai Duar Savanna and grasslands. The journey unveils stunning landscapes, rivers, and the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, harboring endangered species like Snow Leopards, Red Pandas, and various flora.

Best Seasons for Exploration: Optimal seasons for Kangchenjunga expeditions are pre-monsoon or post-monsoon, offering clear skies and moderate weather. Taktok Brothers can organize trips year-round to accommodate your preferences.

Challenges and Preparation: Kangchenjunga Expedition presents challenges due to its remoteness, technical difficulty, risk of avalanches and icefalls, logistical complexities, and limited Sherpa support. Climbers require substantial mountaineering experience, high physical fitness, and preparation for extreme conditions.

Prepare to conquer Kangchenjunga with Taktok Brothers, where every step unveils the beauty, challenges, and wonders of this mystical mountain realm.

  • Season
    Spring
  • Destination
    Kanchenjunga Region, Nepal
  • Duration
    50 Days
  • Altitude
    8,586m / 28,169ft
  • Groups
    2 - 15 Peoples
  • Walk per day
    5 - 6 Hours

Itinerary

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you'll need to obtain a Nepal Entry Visa. Our representative will meet you and transfer you to your pre-booked hotel. Take the opportunity to rest and freshen up, and consider exploring Thamel, the tourist hub, in the evening.

  • Altitude 1400m
  • Meals N/A
  • Accomodation 3-5 star hotel

Before commencing the expedition, we'll acquire the necessary permits for the Kanchenjunga Expedition and prepare all essential documents. While in Kathmandu, we'll conduct a briefing about the expedition at Eight K Expeditions premises. These days also provide time for any last-minute shopping.

  • Altitude 1400m
  • Meals Breakfast
  • Accomodation 3-5 star hotel

Begin the day with a morning breakfast, then drive to the airport for a short flight to Bhadrapur in eastern Nepal. Afterward, we'll drive to Illam, a renowned market in the Eastern Region known for its high-quality tea gardens. Explore Illam Bazaar and spend the night at a hotel.

  • Altitude 1206m
  • Meals BLD
  • Accomodation hotel / lodge

Embark on a journey from Illam Bazaar to Jorpul through Phidim village. This route offers scenic views of terraced farmlands, lush vegetation, tea gardens, and cardamom plantations. The drive takes around 9-10 hours, and you'll rest overnight in Jorpul.

  • Altitude 1500m
  • Meals BLD
  • Accomodation hotel / lodge

Start your trek from Jorpul, gradually ascending through lush forests that feature Rhododendrons, Pines, Oaks, and Deodars. After 5 hours of trekking, you'll reach Khewang, where you'll spend the night.

  • Altitude 1740m
  • Meals BLD
  • Accomodation hotel / lodge

The day's trek takes you along the Kabeli Khola, crossing multiple streams via suspension bridges. You'll ascend through valleys, dense forests, and waterfalls, witnessing a transition from subtropical to temperate regions, marked by varying vegetation and forest density.

  • Altitude 2070m
  • Meals BLD
  • Accomodation lodge / teahouses

Yamphudin is a village of diverse cultures and ethnicities. Your journey leads you to ascend Dhupo Bhanjyang, then further to Lasiya Bhanjyang (3310 m). Descend to Amji Khola and reach Torongdin at 2995 m after a challenging day of trekking.

  • Altitude 2995m
  • Meals BLD
  • Accomodation hotel / teahouses

Depart Torongdin and trek towards Tseram. As you enter the subalpine zone, you'll notice fewer green trees and more shrubs and wildflowers. Spend a day in Tseram for acclimatization.

  • Altitude 3870m
  • Meals BLD
  • Accomodation hotel / teahouses

After breakfast, embark on a trek to Ramche. You'll cross the Yalung Glacier moraine, passing beautiful lakes and meadows before reaching Ramche, where comfortable tents await you for the night.

  • Altitude 4620m
  • Meals BLD
  • Accomodation camping

Set out early from Ramche to reach the Middle Base Camp at 4900 m. The trail takes you through glacier moraines and rugged terrain in the meadows.

  • Altitude 4900m
  • Meals BLD
  • Accomodation camping

Following the glaciers of the northern ridge, hike to the base of Kanchenjunga Base Camp and set up tents. Experience breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, including the mystical Mt. Kanchenjunga.

  • Altitude 5143m
  • Meals BLD
  • Accomodation camping

This phase spans 26 days and is dedicated to the climbing period of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Multiple rotations around higher camps are conducted, with ample time allocated for acclimatization. Climbing is predominantly on snow, ice, and glaciers, necessitating training with ice axes, crampons, and ladder climbing before the summit push. The summit day involves climbing a steep horizontal rocky section. The summit offers magnificent views of Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Everest, Mt. Makalu, the Kanchenjunga massif, and other snow-capped peaks.

  • Altitude 8586m
  • Meals BLD
  • Accomodation full board camp service

After a successful ascent, return to the base camp. Pack up expedition logistics, clean the base camp, and prepare to depart.

  • Altitude 5143m
  • Meals BLD
  • Accomodation full board camp service

Retrace your path back to Ramche, navigating rugged terrain. Spend the night in a lodge or tented camp.

  • Altitude 4620m
  • Meals BLD
  • Accomodation camping

Depart from Ramche, passing through Tseram to reach Torongdin, walking through forests. Spend the night there.

  • Altitude 2995m
  • Meals BLD
  • Accomodation lodge / teahouse

Continue your descent to Yamphudin, where you'll spend the night.

  • Altitude 2070m
  • Meals BLD
  • Accomodation lodge / teahouse

Begin early, trekking to Jorpul, passing through Khebang village along the way. The total trekking time will be around 9-10 hours.

  • Altitude 1500m
  • Meals BLD
  • Accomodation lodge / teahouse

Complete your trek at Jorpul and take a private vehicle to reach Birtamod, a commercial city. Rest in a comfortable hotel.

  • Altitude 1200m
  • Meals BLD
  • Accomodation hotel

After a night's rest in Birtamod, drive or choose to take a flight to return to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, relax in your hotel.

  • Altitude 1400m
  • Meals Breakfast
  • Accomodation 3-5 star hotel

Enjoy a leisure day to explore Kathmandu, visiting World Heritage Sites like Bouddhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Basantapur, and Thamel. In the evening, gather for a memorable farewell dinner at a typical restaurant.

  • Altitude 1400m
  • Meals Breakfast & Farewell Dinner
  • Accomodation 3-5 star hotel

If you haven't extended your stay or booked additional packages, our representative will take you to the airport for your departure to your home country. We look forward to traveling with you again.

  • Altitude 1400m
  • Meals Breakfast
  • Accomodation N / A

Includes

  • Transport to and from international and domestic airports in Nepal
  • Accommodation for four nights with breakfast in a Kathmandu hotel
  • Prearranged flight between Kathmandu, Bhadrapur, and Kathmandu for members, guides, and the Liaison officer
  • Conveyance of climbing gear from Jorpul to the base camp and back
  • Full meal and lodging during the trek to the base camp and return to Birtamod
  • A dedicated climbing Sherpa guide per member for both summit attempts and climbing activities
  • Provision of 5 Oxygen bottles (4 liters) for each member, equipped with top-out Mask and Regulator
  • 2 Oxygen cylinders (4 liters) per Climbing Sherpa
  • Transportation for all staff from Kathmandu to Kanchanjunga Base Camp and back
  • Essential climbing equipment (e.g., ropes, ice bars, ice screws, etc.)
  • Clean Mountain bags
  • Availability of Solar Power at Base Camp
  • Access to a Satellite Phone at Base Camp (with a nominal charge per use)
  • Internet service and recharge cards available for a nominal fee
  • Daily Weather Reports
  • High Altitude Tents: Single Tents at Base Camp, with upper camp tents shared between 2-3 climbers
  • Rations and fuel for Base Camp and higher camps according to the Expedition schedule
  • Cook and kitchen staff services at Base Camp and Camp II
  • Tents provided for Base Camp members, Climbing Sherpa, BC staff, and the Liaison Officer
  • Solar panels for lighting and charging small electronics at Base Camp
  • Personal solar-powered lights for each tent member at Base Camp during the evening
  • Transport of food and equipment supply from Kathmandu to Base Camp
  • Heating facilities in the base camp dining tent
  • Supply of fresh vegetables from nearby cities or Kathmandu
  • Specialized high-altitude foods as per choice for members and Sherpas
  • Costs for Summit and Higher Camp Route fixing
  • Applicable Conservation Area Entry fees
  • Emergency oxygen supplies at Base Camp and Higher Camps during the expedition
  • First Aid kits
  • Provision of a Walkie-talkie for each climber during the climb
  • Disposal charges for waste management
  • Company service charges
  • Climbing permits, Climbing Sherpa guide, Oxygen cylinders, mask regulators, Route fixing charges, Liaison officer, High Tents, and Foods for Kanchenjunga expedition

Excludes

  • International flight tickets to and from your country
  • Nepal Entry visa fees
  • Lunch and Dinner expenses during the stay in Kathmandu beyond 5 nights
  • Extended hotel stays beyond the initial 5 nights in Kathmandu
  • Personal Climbing Equipment
  • Additional expenses incurred due to baggage exceeding 60 kg per member
  • Special Insurance coverage (travel, accident, medical, emergency evacuation)
  • Charges for Commercial Filming and Drone Permits if required
  • Personal expenses (beverages, laundry, postage, telephone, Wi-Fi, etc.)
  • Extra oxygen beyond the provided 5 bottles
  • Climbing Sherpa summit Bonus of $1500
  • Tips for Base Camp Cook ($300) and additional tips for BC staff
  • Any other unforeseen expenses not covered in the Cost Includes section

Trip Notes

Embark on a remarkable journey with Taktok Brothers to explore the majestic Kanchenjunga region. Please take note of the following details for a seamless and enjoyable expedition:

Weather-Dependent Adventures: Trekking and mountain climbing in the Kanchenjunga region are influenced by unpredictable weather conditions. We strive to plan our trips during the most favorable times. However, in extreme scenarios leading to delayed or canceled domestic flights, we want to inform you that additional expenses for extra days will be the responsibility of the client. Taktok Brothers will make arrangements for the accommodation of porters and guides during such unforeseen circumstances. If you prefer alternative arrangements, such as a helicopter flight to avoid delays, we can organize it for a nominal extra charge.

International Flight Considerations: Taktok Brothers is not liable for compensation for losses incurred due to missed international flights. However, we are committed to assisting you in minimizing such losses by making necessary arrangements. To avoid missing flights, we recommend maintaining flexible time frames before and after the trip departure.

Itinerary Adjustments: Due to the remote and challenging nature of the areas we traverse, where climatic conditions and geography can impact trails, we might need to adjust our itineraries as necessary. Rest assured, the quality of service will not be compromised under any circumstances.

Climber’s Preparation: Climbers are advised to meticulously prepare and train both their bodies and minds to adapt to the remoteness, high altitude, and separation from their families. It is recommended to carry minimal valuable belongings, along with a mix of cotton and warm clothes for varying conditions. Always keep a copy of your passport and photos with you for documentation purposes.

Cost of Expedition

Expedition costs are subject to variations based on factors such as group size, royalty and permit costs in different seasons, hotel accommodation category, Sherpa allocation, and equipment requirements. To provide you with accurate cost details, we prefer to have a discussion with our clients, tailoring the package to your specific needs. Please feel free to contact Taktok Brothers for comprehensive information on your selected package.

Some Glipsim of Kanchenjunga Expedition

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Testimonials

Our client reviews

Lisa Ligina

November 5, 2023

Taktok Brothers made my trek in Nepal an unforgettable experience. The entire trip, from planning to execution, was seamless. The team’s deep understanding of the local culture added a unique layer to the adventure. If you want an authentic trekking experience, Taktok Brothers are the ones to go with!

David De-Gia

November 5, 2023

My trek with Taktok Brothers was a dream come true. The staff’s passion for the mountains and their commitment to responsible tourism shone through at every step. I’ll cherish the memories of this journey, and I’m already planning my next adventure with them.

Maria D-Closk

November 5, 2023

I can’t say enough good things about Taktok Brothers! Their attention to safety and the overall well-being of their clients is commendable. The trek was challenging yet rewarding, and I always felt in good hands. If you’re looking for a trekking company in Nepal, these guys are the real deal.

James Cook

November 5, 2023

Taktok Brothers provided a well-organized and memorable trekking adventure in Nepal. Their guides are not only experts in the trails but also wonderful companions. We trekked through remote villages and breathtaking scenery, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. This company comes highly recommended!

Sarah James

November 5, 2023

I had an incredible trekking experience with Taktok Brothers! From the moment I arrived in Nepal, their team took care of every detail. Our guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and made the trek enjoyable. The stunning landscapes and cultural experiences made this trip unforgettable. I highly recommend them for your next adventure!

Luis Stitzinger

November 5, 2023

I am aware that even though being a mere entity in this cosmic drama, I have braved plethora of hardships and have languished at the other side of the rainbows.

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