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: A full day sightseeing around Kathmandu valley, the capital city

Early in the morning after breakfast, you will be picked by our guide at your hotel who will take you on a sightseeing tour around the Kathmandu Valley. First, you can head to Swayambhunath Stupa located on a hilltop. The dome-shaped stupa known as the Monkey temple offers views of the wonderful Kathmandu city with its green hills surrounding the valley and of high snow-capped mountains. 

After visiting the 25000 years old Swayambhunath, next you can visit Boudhanath which is a similar stupa but is dubbed often as Little Tibet due to the clear depiction of Tibetian lifestyle and culture in the said area. Then to the east of Kathmandu valley, you can visit the Pashupatinath Temple. Although you cannot enter the gates of Pashupathinath temple if you are not a Hindu, you can certainly roam around its huge premise and even observe the rituals and the golden rooftop of the temple from across the Bagmati River. Pilgrims from across the world flock Pashupatinath during Shiva Ratri which is a holy ritual celebrating the birth of Lord Shiva.

Day 3: Preparation day

This day has been set aside for so long because getting ready for the Kanchenjunga expedition is important. The guides will give you a comprehensive overview of the entire expedition. The guide will go over everything from the meals and lodging to the necessary supplies, clothing, and potential hazards. For the expedition to be successful overall, this day is crucial. In order to establish a link that must continue for more than two months, you will also be introduced to your team.

Day 4: Flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur (91 m/298 ft) & drive to Kanyam

We catch early morning scenic flight to Bhadrapur. After landing, we take a jeep ride to Kanyam enjoying the view of beautiful landscapes and peaceful tea garden stay overnight at Guest House.

 

Day 5: Drive to Taplejung and continue to Chiruwa

Drive to Taplejung via the eastern highway and, after Taplejung, take the recently constructed dirt road to Chiruwa via Mitlung and Tawa village. Stay the night at the tea house.

Day 6: Trek from Chirwa to Sekathum (1,640m/5,380ft)

During a couple of hours, we progressively ascend, after which we descend to a lush, green forest. Olangchung Gola can be reached by trekking along the Tamor River. We also make our way uphill before descending to the area of luxuriant greenery. Once at the OlangChungGola, where Kanchenjunga National Park has its entrance, we go downstream along the Tamur River. Walking to Sekathum is simple and quick.

Day 7: Trek to Amjilosa (2,490m/8,169ft).

After crossing the river, we climb a hard trail to a hill, drop to the other side, and cross the river once more. Take the narrow trail that descends to Amjilosa. Overnight Camping.

Day 8: Trek from Amjilosa to Gyabla (2,730m/8,956ft)

We travel along the river's edge, passing through thick stands of bamboo, rhododendron, and other trees in a verdant setting with a waterfall accompanying us, before arriving at the Tibetan settlement of Gyabla. Overnight Camping.

Day 9: Trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa (3,430m/11,253ft)

This is a well-known spot nearby where a renowned conservationist tragically lost in a helicopter crash. When we can reach Gunsa in a few hours, we begin to descend down the river valley. Overnight Camping.

Day 10: Rest & Acclimatization day!

We relax completely today so that we can become acclimated before exploring the neighborhood. We take a short stroll through the verdant woodland in the direction of the Lapsan La. At our campsite, we'll spend the night. Overnight Camping.

Day 11: Trek to Khangpachen or Khangbachen (4,040m/13,254ft)

We continue our journey farther north along the river bank after touring Ghunsa and its surroundings. We move among the bushes and trees. Before arriving in Kambachen, we travel over numerous suspension bridges across rivers and through waterfalls. 5-6 hrs trek. Overnight Camping.

Day 12: Rest and exploration day!!

We'll take advantage of the chance to adjust by exploring the neighborhood and possibly taking a detour to the base camp of the Junu Himal. Kumbhakarna Himal is another name for Junu Himal. One of the most unforgettable days of the entire Kanchenjunga trek. Overnight Camping.

Day 13: Trek to Lhonak (2,790m/9,153ft)

In order to reach Lhonak, the trail gradually descends toward the river before descending again through the stony fields in the slope alongside the river, passing waterfalls on the way. 5-6 hrs. trek. Overnight Camping.

Day 14: 13: Trek from Lhonak to Kanchenjunga Base Camp (5,140m/16,863ft))

Snow posed a challenge to walk this day up the inclining grassy pathways. On our right, we can see the Chang Himal in all its glory. We finally arrive at Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, a Pangpema. Overnight Camping.

Day 15 - 35: Climbing period of Kanchenjunga

Trekkers are advised to ascend from Base Camp to a specific higher elevation before returning to the Base Camp to climb higher the following time and repeating the procedure. Climbers are prepared to begin the last ascent once they have adjusted to the altitude and weather conditions.

Day 36: Cleaning Base Camp.

Collecting all the waste generated by expedition activity that needs to be cleaned up to protect the environment after the last successful ascent of Kanchenjunga.

Day 37: Trek back to Lhonak (4,790m/15,715ft)

Returning to our original route, we proceed downward through the valley to Ramtang. We will have the chance to take in the panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga, Gimmigela Chuli, Taple Shikhar, Kirat Chuli, and many other mountains along the way. Finally, by evening, we arrive at Kambachen.

Day 38: Trek from Lhonak to Kambachen (4,040 m/13,254ft)

During our ascent to Kanchenjunga Base Camp, we follow the same route back. Last but not least, around dusk, we arrive in Kambachen.

Day 39: Khambachen to Ghunsa (3,430m/11,253ft)

Today's route is the same one we took to return to Ghunsa.

Day 40: Trek from Ghunsa to Sele Le (4,685m/15,370ft)

Today, we cross two low passes to reach the Sele Le before walking into a thick rhododendron forest and skirting the hillside.

Day 41: Trek from Sele Le to Tseram (3,870m/12,696ft)

This would be a fantastic trekking day as we crossed three crossings, including the Sinon La, Mirgin La (4,480m), and Sinelapcha La (4,640m), en route to the mountain's north face. then to Tseram, with magnificent views.

Day 42: Trek from Tseram to Ramche (4,360m/14,304ft)

The choice is ours today to go up to Ramze, the base camp for Kangchenjunga's southern face. There are beautiful mountain views here near the Yalung glacier.

Day 43: Trek from Ramche to Tseram (3,870m/12,696ft)

Today, we will back the same route to Tseram. Mostly, we walk downhill.

Day 44: Trek from Tseram to Yamphudin (1,690m/5,544ft))

Today, we progressively descend to Yamphudin, which is populated by members of the Tamang, Rai, Limbu, and Sherpa ethnic groups, among others.

Day 45: Trek from Yamphudin to Anpan

Today, as we traverse the terraced farming system above the stream while walking down the Kabeli Khola, we pass through small settlements and cross low ridges to reach Anpan.

Day 46: Trek from Anpan to Taplejung

This day, it is just hike to Taplejung, We visit the Taplejung bazaar.

Day 47: Trek from Taplejung to Suketar (2,400m/7,874ft)

When we leave Taplejung, we head back to Sukhetar. We finally arrive at Sukhetar's STOL airfield after several hours of arduous mountain walking.

Day 48: Flight from Suketar to Biratnagar and again flight to Kathmandu

In the morning, you take a flight to Biratnagar. And then, in the afternoon, you take the flight to Kathmandu.

Day 49: Leisure Day - Farewell dinner

Leisure day at Kathmandu followed by farewell dinner & celebration. You can ask your guide to take you on a sightseeing trip inside Kathmandu Valley. On this day you can go to the various museums around the valley including the Narayanhiti Museum which earlier used to be the residence of the last king of Nepal. You may also go to the hilltop of Nagarkot. After some sightseeing around the world heritage sites in the valley, you will have a farewell dinner and enjoy with your Nepali friends and guide. You might even make plans for extending your stay for Chitwan jungle safari, rafting activities, and more with your guide.

Day 50: Departure

Finally it’s SEE OFF TIME. There is nothing to do but trade emails with your travel companions and organize your photos. You will be picked from Hotel by representatives of Wongchhu Peak Promotion staff and dropped at Tribhuvan International Airport 3 hours earlier than your flight time with a hope to see you again. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

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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