Kanchenjunga Expedition

Kanchenjunga, the 3rd highest mountain on Earth, towers at an elevation of 8586 meters above sea level. Situated in the eastern part of Nepal, its exact location is defined by a latitude of 27° 44’09” and a longitude of 88° 09’25”. The first successful summit of Kanchenjunga occurred on May 25th, 1955, when George Christopher Band from the UK conquered the mountain via the Southwest Face. The name Kanchenjunga translates to “Five Magnificent Snow Treasures,” referring to the five high peaks that emerge from the surrounding glaciers. These peaks include the South Peak (8491m), Central Peak (8478m), and the Main Peak (8586m) to the southeast, as well as Yalung Kang and Khambachen to the west.

Climbing Difficulties

Climbing Kanchenjunga demands an advanced level of technical expertise. Some consider it more challenging than Mount Everest due to its harsh terrain and extreme weather conditions, so substantial mountaineering experience is required to attempt the ascent. The arduous nature of the expedition involves treks and climbs lasting over 7 to 10 hours each day, necessitating excellent physical condition. Additionally, participants must have proper winter technical climbing gear to combat the cold climate.

Climbing with Imagine Nepal

To climb 3rd highest mountain, individuals are advised to focus on their preparation, fitness, and motivation while allowing Imagine Nepal to handle the logistical aspects of the journey. The expedition planning is meticulously curated by Imagine Nepal, ensuring a detailed and well-thought-out course of action. The participant’s safety is paramount, and the company prides itself on providing the best possible support escorted by Sherpa Guides. Before setting foot on the route, participants will receive an expedition briefing, setting the stage for a successful journey. Throughout the expedition, participants will be accompanied by skilled guides and climbing Sherpas, providing invaluable support and guidance.

Noteworthy facts about Kanchenjunga include its distinction as the largest among the 8000-meter peaks, and its route to the summit is the longest among all mountains, measuring 8000 meters. While it may not be considered a technically challenging mountain, its towering height presents significant difficulties and hardships for climbers.

Brief Itinerary View in full

  • Day 01Arrive in Kathmandu, transfer to hotel
  • Day 2-3In Kathmandu, Government briefing and expedition preparation
  • Day 04Fly to Biratnagar early morning and Drive to Phidim, overnight at camp.
  • Day 05Drive to Khandenba by private jeep.
  • Day 06Trek to Khewang.
  • Day 07Trek to Yamphudin (1700m), crossing the Khesewa Khola
  • Day 08Trek to Baisi danda or direct to Torongtang.
  • Day 09Trek to Torontan forest camp (3010m) via Simbua Khola
  • Day 10Trek to Tseram (3910m)
  • Day 11Trek to Ramje.
  • Day 12Transport the expedition equipment to the base camp by helicopter.
  • Day 13Transfer the climbing team to base camp by helicopter.
  • Day 14-37Climbing Period
  • Day 38Transfer the climbing team to Kandenba or Suketar by helicopter.
  • Day 39Drive to Biratnagar early morning and fly to Kathmandu
  • Day 40Final Departure

Itinerary Details

  • Day 01 Arrive in Kathmandu, transfer to hotel

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    Meals: N/A

    You will be met at the arrival terminal and transferred to the group hotel. The Hotel locates within walking distance of Thamel in Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free to explore the city or can choose to relax.

  • Day 2-3 In Kathmandu, Government briefing and expedition preparation

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    Meals: BD

    We will set these two days aside for us to help you get some last-minute supplies or finalize any official documentation needed for the expedition. Of course, you will be briefed about the program by our team members as well.

  • Day 04 Fly to Biratnagar early morning and Drive to Phidim, overnight at camp.

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    Meals: BLD

  • Day 05 Drive to Khandenba by private jeep.

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    Meals: BLD

  • Day 06 Trek to Khewang.

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    Meals: BLD

  • Day 07 Trek to Yamphudin (1700m), crossing the Khesewa Khola

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    Meals: BLD

  • Day 08 Trek to Baisi danda or direct to Torongtang.

    Elevation: N/A

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    Time Taken: N/A

    Meals: BLD

  • Day 09 Trek to Torontan forest camp (3010m) via Simbua Khola

    Elevation: N/A

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    Time Taken: N/A

    Meals: BLD

  • Day 10 Trek to Tseram (3910m)

    Elevation: N/A

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    Time Taken: N/A

    Meals: BLD

  • Day 11 Trek to Ramje.

    Elevation: N/A

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    Time Taken: N/A

    Meals: BLD

  • Day 12 Transport the expedition equipment to the base camp by helicopter.

    Elevation: N/A

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    Meals: BLD

  • Day 13 Transfer the climbing team to base camp by helicopter.

    Elevation: N/A

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    Meals: BLD

  • Day 14-37 Climbing Period

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    Meals: BLD

    Puja Ceremony: The Puja ceremony is a crucial tradition followed by the Sherpa and the international climbers before the start of the climbing. It is a religious ceremony in which the climbers ask the mountain for permission to climb and for the safety of all those involved in the expedition. Acclimatization: After the puja, the group leader will begin planning the acclimatization rotation. Acclimatization involves gradually ascending to higher camps to allow the climbers' bodies to adjust to the altitude, a crucial part of the expedition as it helps prevent altitude sickness, which can be severe and potentially life-threatening. The acclimatization rotation usually involves climbing to a higher camp, spending a few days there to rest and adjust, and then descending to a base camp. Rest Days: During the rest days, the climbers will take time to recover and prepare for the final push to the summit. Eating high-energy foods, hydrating, and getting plenty of rest is very important. The climbers need to be in peak physical and mental condition before attempting the summit. Summit Push: Finally, with the best weather window, the group leader will coordinate the final push to the summit, which is a highly coordinated effort involving all climbing team members. The climbers will make their way up the mountain, often roped together for safety, and work together to reach the summit.

  • Day 38 Transfer the climbing team to Kandenba or Suketar by helicopter.

    Elevation: N/A

    Distance: N/A

    Time Taken: N/A

    Meals: BLD

  • Day 39 Drive to Biratnagar early morning and fly to Kathmandu

    Elevation: N/A

    Distance: N/A

    Time Taken: N/A

    Meals: BLD

  • Day 40 Final Departure

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    Meals: B

    Today is the last day of the program; depending on your flight time, we will arrange the transfer to the airport, and your guide will go to see you off. The airport check-in time is 3 hours before flight

Dates and Prices

2025

Dates Dossier Price Status
30 Mar - 8 May
USD 28500 Available

Inclusion

  • Kathmandu Service includes arrival & departure transfers, domestic airport transfers, 4 nights in Kathmandu hotel with breakfast and a welcome dinner
  • Government fee climbing royalty/permit. Includes all the permits charges required to climb Kanchenjunga, including the garbage deposit fee, government liaison officer charges and wages and insurance for at least 1 Climbing Sherpa as required by the Government of Nepal for permit & other miscellaneous costs
  • Trekking service includes all the necessary arrangements required during the trek: i.e. domestic flight/transfers including helicopter as per the program itinerary, accommodation and three meals a day in local lodges, a trekking guide and portage of personal trekking & climbing gears
  • Basecamp Service includes three-course meals a day and unlimited hot drinks while at basecamp, a required number of kitchen crew with their wages, transfers and insurance, a personal tent, and a common dining tent with a heating system and generator /solar battery charging facilities, toilet tent, shower tent and human waste disposal fees
  • Higher camp Service (C1, C2, C3 & C4), higher camp service beyond the base camp; it includes the necessary number of tents, oxygen set (4 bottles), high food, cooking pots, epi gas, gas stove, walkie-talkie, satellite phone and weather forecast.
  • High Altitude Climbing Sherpa, a personal climbing Sherpa with his equipment, daily wages, load ferry charge, meals, accommodation, oxygen set (3 bottles) if required, flight/transfers and insurance for the expedition duration

Exclusion

• The expedition price does not include your international airfare, climbing gear, visa fees, evacuation costs, insurance and other personal nature expenses. In addition, the clients are accountable for paying the summit bonus of US$ 1500 and tips to personal Sherpa once they reach camp IV and tipping for the kitchen staff, US$ 350 per client.

Key information

Hillary Steps

Kanchenjunga Expedition 2022

On May 7, 2022, from 4:07 am to 7:23 am, the Imagine Kanchenjunga Expedition team made it to the Summit of Mt. Kanchenjunga 8586m.

In total, there were 13 members of the expedition team, including Mingma G (Nepal), Gina Marie Rzucidlo (USA), Jill Whitney (Canada), Ishikawa Naoki (Japan), Tracee Lee Metcalfe (USA), Christopher Bernard Warner (USA), Sirbaz Khan (Pakistan), Dawa Gyalje Sherpa, Chhiring Sherpa, Tamting Sherpa, Pasang Namgel Sherpa, Pemba Tenzing Sherpa, and Pemba Chhiri Sherpa.

The Team is proud to announce that all expedition participants have reached the Summit safely and without any accidents or injuries.

Hillary Steps

Kanchenjunga Expedition 2018

The Kanchenjunga Expedition 2018 was a success! We are thrilled to announce that Ms Dong Hong Juan -China, Ms Nima Jangmu Sherpa, Mr Phur Galjen Sherpa and Mr Nawang Rapke Sherpa made the Summit on May 23 2018, at 6 am. This was a fantastic accomplishment for everyone involved, and we are so proud of our team members for their hard work and dedication.

Ms Nima Jangmu Sherpa set a Guinness world record by climbing the first three highest mountains in just 25 days.

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No of Days

40

Trip Price

USD 28,500

Trip Rank


Risk

Technical

Strenuous

Start Date :
March 30, 2025

End Date :
May 8, 2025

At a Glance

  • Group Size : 2 - 15 Participants
  • 40 days trekking
    • Contact Details
    Mingma G
    Mingma G
    +977-9851087896
    +977-1-4823475

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