After Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga (8,586 meters/28,169 feet) is Nepal’s highest mountain. In fact, this colossal mass of rock and ice is the third tallest mountain in the world. Occupying space in Nepal and Sikkim, India, Mt. Kanchenjunga is the kind of mountain that religions are created from. In fact, it is considered sacred by many local Indians and Nepalis.
In Tibetan, the name means “five treasures of the high snows,” referring to its five prominences. Each identifying separately, Kanchenjunga I (8586m), Kanchenjunga West (8505), Kanchenjunga South (8494m), Kanchenjunga Central (8482m) and Kangbachen (7903m). The five treasures represent the five repositories of God, Gold, Silver, Gems, Grain, and Holy Books.
Mt. Kanchenjunga was presumed to be the highest mountain in the world until 1852, and the British Great Trigonometric Survey in 1849 Mt. Everest (known as peak Sagarmatha, XV at that time) was crowned as the highest mountain in the world and Kanchenjunga the third-highest mountain in the world! Kanchenjunga was first climbed by a team of British mountaineers in 1955. Still today, it is considered a difficult peak to climb – not just because of the high altitude but because of the considerable risk of avalanches and rock falls. The best time for the Kanchenjunga expedition is during the spring when the terrain is still icy and less prone to avalanches.
On the first official day of the expedition, we fly to Bhadrapur and drive to Taplejung. We then walk on the lowlands, hiking past terraced agriculture fields and charming villages up to a ridgeline full of rhododendron forests. Gaining elevation, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga (four of the world’s five tallest mountains) make their presence known. We are filled with glee while sharing their beautiful presence. Their sheer size will have your eyes wide open, and you may never forget the first moment you see these mountains.
Mt. Kanchenjunga is located on the border between Nepal and India and it is very remote attracting relatively few trekkers therefore it retains much of its pristine beauty, mystery, and charm. Kanchenjunga due to its beauty and size is considered sacred by local people. With 4 top glowing in an X pattern almost symmetrically from the main summit aesthetically Kanchenjunga is a beautiful Mountains visible from many places in Nepal and India. In India, Tiger Hill is very famous for its beautiful view of Mt. Kanchenjunga.
During the journey, we move from tropical jungles to rhododendron and oak forests, and eventually into the alpine zone, where little to no vegetation exists. Along the way, we visit Rai, Limbu, and Tibetan villages. These groups speak their own dialect and practice different religions and customs than most Nepali people. They greet us with their superb hospitality. Who knows, maybe they’ll share or story or two about the elusive Yeti, as well as a couple of cups of Tongba, locally made hot millet wine. As for
wildlife on the trek, we may encounter Impedance Pheasant, Red–Billed Blue Magpie, Himalayan black bear, Musk Deer, Snow Leopard, and even the Red Panda.
Finally, it is time to begin the climb. You do not need to carry any worries with you during the climb. We take care of all the logistics. As long as you put your trust in us, the expedition will be successful. We set up our first base camp at 5100 meters / 14,764 feet.
From Base Camp, we make several more ascents to acclimatize before the final push to the summit. Camp I is around 6,050 meters / 19,849 feet. Camp II is around 6,800 meters / 22,310 feet. Camp III is about 7,300 meters / 23,950 feet. The Final Camp, from where we head to the summit, is at nearly 7,800 meters / 25,591 feet.
Experience the surreal feeling of summiting one of the world’s tallest peaks. It is unexplainable. You realize there are only two other points in the world that are higher than you are at that moment. Everything else is beneath you. Take some photos, and send some hugs around. The connection built with you and the team is strong and they are essential to your amazing experience.
On our descent, we stop again at the beautiful Sherpa village Khambachen and Ghunsa, where there are views of the southwest face of Jannu, considered to be one of the most beautiful mountain massifs in the Kanchenjunga region. This view will leave you with an everlasting memory. We head all the way passing Rai and Limbu village tasting their local beer “Tongba”. When we arrive in Kathmandu, a celebration is in store. You may have just achieved one of the biggest goals of your life, and that certainly calls for a party. Make your night a memorable one!
We strive to provide the absolute best services in terms of comfort, efficiency, safety, and climbing success throughout each step of the way. The itinerary is designed by veteran climbers and is attuned to providing the highest chances of success and safety. Safety is our utmost priority throughout the ascent and we adhere to all safety standards.
