Introduction

Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m/28,169ft & treasures of the snow) is the third height mountain in the world and was first climbed by the British in 1956. Lying on the Nepal – Sikkim borders, the lush landscape of the Kanchenjunga area is an ideal environment for musk deer, blue sheep and the infamous Yeti. Few westerners have travelled to this remote area.

Kanchenjunga, regarded as the ‘Queen of the great Himalayas’, encompasses the mountain ridges of South Peak (8,491m), Central Peak (8478m), and Main Peak (8556m), Yalung Kang, Kambachen and Jannu. It stretches southward from Jon sang La to Langpo Peak, Pyramid Peak, and Nepal Peak – all on India’s border. It continues further from Talung Peak and Kabru North and South Peaks to the Twin Peaks of Rathong and Kokthan. To the west of Jon sang La, on Tibet’s borders, are Jongsang Peak, Outlier, Lashar, Chabuk, and Ohnmi Kangri. Further south lie Nupchu and Sharpu. This, then, is the Kangchenjunga Region, which is also called as the “GREAT SNOW MOUNTAIN OF FIVE TREASURES”.

Three first Westerner to explore Kanchenjunga was the British botanist JD Hooker, who visited the area twice in 1848 and 1849. Exploration of the Skim, side of the peak continued with both British and pundit explorers mapping and photographing until 1899. In that year a party led by Douglas fresh field made a circuit of Kanchenjunga and produced what is still one of the most authoritative maps of the region.

Until 1852, Kanchenjunga was assumed to be the highest mountain in the world, but calculations made by the British Great Trigonometric Survey in 1849 came to the conclusion that Mount Everest (known as Peak XV at the time) was the highest and Kanchenjunga the third-highest.

The Japanese now took up the challenge and mounted expeditions in 1976, 1973 and 1974 during which they climbed Yalung Kang. A German Expedition climbed Yalung Kang in 1975, and in 1977 an Indian army team mounted the second successful expedition to the main peak of Kanchenjunga.

We climb the Mt. Kanchenjunga via the normal route (South Face). The climb of Kanchenjunga begins from a charming base camp in the meadows of Panorama at 5,180 m. This provides the most challenging climbing of the expedition. Mt. Kanchenjunga is considered as one the difficult and challenging 8000 m. Peak and to climb this peak, the climber needs an extensive experiences & skills in the mountaineering. Therefore before to attempt this peak, the climber must have climbed at least one 7000 m. & 8000 m. peaks. To put the fixed lines and establishment of the three camps are most challenging part of this expedition, so Sherpa supports most essential for the success of this expedition. Using Sherpa support and oxygen, you can move at a systematically slow velocity higher and higher up the mountain. This is a highly satisfying climb for the expert Climbers.

Expedition Highlights

• Experience 8th highest peak and technically easy but physiologically challenging climb
• Stunning views of the Dhaulagiri massif.
• Accessible 8000m climb Himalayan climb and test of skills and physiology for Everest attempt
• Experience your first 8000m climb on relatively safe route
• Test for mountaineering isolation and psychological endurance
• Exploring Thakali village and old monasteries, Apple orchards, observing beautiful background of mountain desert (Mustang) and Dolpo range, different community with majority of Magar, Bramhin and Thakali.

Is it right for me?
Fitness

To participate in this expedition you must be a very fit and active winter-walker-climber in good health. Prior to joining our group, please see your doctor and obtain the necessary permission and advice, as well as medications for travel in extremes of altitude, and also for exotic locales.

Experience

Previous mountaineering experience is required to at least 6000m. You will also need to be very determined. It’s a very technical peak among all other 8000meters mountain. To succeed you will need to be extremely fit and have a high level of endurance. You don’t need to be fast but you need to be steady and strong. Mental toughness plays a large role as does the ability to relax and let your body acclimatise.

Why go with Triumph Expeditions?
Our style
On this Kanchenjunga Expedition, your Expedition guide will be a qualified Nepalese mountaineering guide. They are there to ensure your expedition a wonderful, fun and safe experience. Measurement of safety is our foremost priority.

Most of our climbing guide and climbing sherpas are very well trained and have at least climbed Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Everest, and other renowned mountains few times.

Your accomplished and friendly expedition guide will help you to enjoy and appreciate the cultural, and natural attractions of the region. They will assist with daily arrangements as you eat in and stay in the tents. The package uses a steady acclimatisation program and allows time for bad weather along the way, giving participants the maximum chance of success.

The expedition itinerary is well planned, well led, and well resourced with good quality food, transport, equipment, first aid and communications.

Accommodation and Food

In Kathmandu: We will be staying at the Shanker Hotel (4 stars). This charming historic palace has a huge peaceful garden with a pool and is just on the edge of the main tourist area, Thamel.

It is safe and clean and well staffed and is a safe place to leave your clean town clothes and other gear when you are in the hills. There are many restaurants in Kathmandu catering to western tastes as well as plenty of local Dahl Bhat (rice and lentils) shops at very reasonable prices.

On the Trek: We will stay in lodges before getting to the Basecamp and enjoy full camping style services onwards (cook, kitchen hands, morning tea to your tent door, camp sherpas to help with equipment, porters, yaks etc). Some of our head cooks have been with us since 1995 and has picked up Thai curries, Italian pastas and a whole host of other dishes, which are very welcoming at the end of a good days trekking. We also have cooked breakfasts and cooked lunches where possible.

On the Mountain: We will use specialized mountaineering tents for our brief stays up high. Food will be prepared by your guide and Sherpas and will be more basic than you might expect at home.

When to go?

Autumn season (Sept-Nov) being the best season for climbing, offers excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views, and also the best season for peak climbing.

Summer months (June-September) of the year which coincides with monsoon begins in mid-June and drains in mid-September making travel wet and warm. The mountain views may not be at their best as rain clouds and haze overhang the mountains occasionally obscuring the enchanting views. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation.

Spring season (March-May) is the expedition season and the best time for climbing the high peaks. It is mildly warm at lower elevations but occasional haze mars the beautiful view of mountains. At higher elevations over 4,000 meters, the mountain views are excellent and the temperature is quite moderate even at night. Recommended season for Kanchenjunga Expedition.

Winter season (December-February) is noted for cold weather with occasional snowfall at higher elevations. Again, excellent views are common. These months are popular and ideal for trekking for those who are well equipped or who remain at lower elevations below 3,000 meters. Most of the hotel owners will come to the lower altitude cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Currency

The unit of the Nepalese Currency is Rupee. One Nepali Rupee is made up of 100 paise. Nepali Rupee notes come in Rs. 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000. Coins come in paisa 5,10,25,50 Rs. 1, 2, 5 denominations. Paisa coins are not currently used for common transactions.

Foreign currency and traveller cheques can easily be exchanged at banks or authorized agents. In Kathmandu, banks have money exchange counters, which are quick and convenient.

MasterCard, Visa and American Express are accepted at all major Hotels, Travel Agencies, Restaurants and Stores. Only the first two though, are currently accepted at banks for money advances. As from August 2000 ATM services are available in Kathmandu.

In the cities, and specially while trekking, change for Rs500 and Rs1000 bills are not easily available.

Banking

Banks are open between 10:00 A.M. to 2:30 p.m., Sunday to Thursdays and between 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Fridays. Closed on Saturdays and national holidays. Some Banks in Thamel, Kathmandu are open till late.

Travel Insurance

We recommend cancellation insurance to protect your investment. We require participants to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, Chopper evacuation and repatriation. Please ensure that your chosen policy provides cover for the activities (trekking and mountaineering with ropes and guides) and in the localities in which you will travel (Nepal, to elevations up to 8848m/ 29028ft above sea level).

You may already have your own policy but if not you will need to put something in place. Your nationality will determine what options are available to you to cover this trip. For example, the British and New Zealand Mountaineering Clubs provide cover for locals; Australians can look into Insure for less with the appropriate extensions to the standard policy. Whatever policy you take out, you must ensure that covers the activities you will undertake on this trip.

Note: There are no any Heli rescue services available inside Tibet and are mostly done by land transportation. Nepal heli rescue can only get up to the border of Nepal and Tibet at Kodari/Tatopani.

Illness & Evacuation

Most of our adventures in the Himalaya take us to remote regions of high altitude. We always take our time to acclimatize properly and we allow for additional rest days. While most people may experience minor ill effects from high altitudes, there are some who have persistent symptoms, which require the return to a lower altitude or emergency evacuation. Adjusting to a new diet can also take some time.

All clients are required to have travel insurance covering emergency rescue, usually by helicopter. We must stress that this kind of evacuation occurs in a life or death situation only. Rest and/or descent to a lower altitude are the best remedies for most illnesses experienced out on the trail. Circumstances differ, and the head guide with regard to treatment and itinerary will evaluate each situation. Considering the ill person condition, if helicopter evacuation required then just coordinate with your guide, he can talk to us, we will arrange the fastest evacuation system immediately. We will work with you to accommodate your needs and requests to the best of our ability. There are small, limited health clinics in some areas, hours of operation dependent upon the season. Additional costs incurred in cases of illness are not the responsibility of mine or will be charged as an extra cost.