Kanchenjunga Expedition
Kanchenjunga, Peak IX of the Indian Survey, is the most easterly of the 8,000m peaks, standing on the border between Nepal Sikkim. There are a number of subsidiary summits, at least three over 8,000m; the south summit - occasionally called Kanchenjunga II - was given a unique designation (peak VIII) by the Indian survey. The central (between the south and main tops) and west summits are both over 8,400m, the west (Yalung Kang ) having been the specific object of several expeditions.
Kanchenjunga's name is something of mystery. One Sanskrit scholar claimed it derived from Kancan Jangha, golden thigh, through quite why this should have been is a mystery as there is no physical resemblance, or any obvious legend associated with the area. Most experts now agree a Tibetan origin, deriving from Kang-chen-dzo-nga which would be pronounced (more or less) as Kanchenjunga. On 19th century explorer claimed the name was given to a local Sikkim god who rode a white lion and waved a banner, believing that the lion was the peak, the banner the clouds or snow plume at the summit. The name remains as enigma.
Trip Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Expedition Itinerary: A | ||
| Day 1 | Welcome to Kathmandu | Kathmandu |
| Day 2 | Kathmandu free and preparatiom | Kathmandu |
| Day 3 | Official work and briefing at Ministry of Tourism | Katghmandu |
| Day 4 | Fly to Bhadrapur then drive to Ilam Bazar | Ilam Bazar |
| Day 5 | Drive to Jorpul via Phidim | Jorpul |
| Day 6 | Trek to Khebang | Khebang |
| Day 7 | Trek to Yamphudin | Yamphudin |
| Day 8 | Trek to Torongdin | Torongdim |
| Day 9 | Trek to Tseram | Tseram |
| Day 10 | Rest and Acclimatization in Tseram | Tseram |
| Day 11 | Trek to Ramche | Tented camp |
| Day 12 | Trek to Middle Camp | Tented Camp |
| Day 13 | Trek to Kanchenjunga Base camp, set up Advance Base Camp | Tented Camp |
| Day 14 to 46 | Climbing period & summit Kanchenjunga | Tented Camp |
| Day 47 | Pack pack and clean base camp for return. | Tented Camp |
| Day 48 | Trek back to Ramche | Ramche |
| Day 49 | Trek to Torongdin | Torongdin |
| Day 50 | Trek to Yamphudin | Yamphudin |
| Day 51 | Drive to Jorpul via Khebang | Jorpul |
| Day 52 | Drive to Birtamod | Birtamod |
| Day 53 | Fly/drive to Kathmandu | Kathmandu |
| Day 54 | Kathmandu Free | Kathmandu |
| Day 55 | Transfer to Airport | |
| Expedition Itinerary: B | ||
| Day 1 | Welcome to Kathmandu | Kathmandu |
| Day 2 | Kathmandu free and preparation | Kathmandu |
| Day 3 | Official work and briefing or, free | Kathmandu |
| Day 4 | Drive to Taplejung Bazar | Tented Camp |
| Day 5 | Taplejung rest | Tented Camp |
| Day 6 | Taplejung to Danda Gaon | Danda Gaon |
| Day 7 | Danda Gaon to Khesewa | Khesewa |
| Day 8 | Khesewa to Mamankhe | Mamakhe |
| Day 9 | Mamakhe to Yamphudin | Yamphudin |
| Day 10 | Yamphudin to Chittre | Chittre |
| Day 11 | Chittre to Torontan | Torontan |
| Day 12 | Torontan to Tseram | Tseram |
| Day 13 | Tseram to Ramz Clacier Camp | Ramze Glacier Camp |
| Day 14 | Ramze to Glacier | Glacier |
| Day 15 | Glacier to Kanchenjunga Base Camp | Kanchenjung BS |
| Day 16 to 40 | Climbing period Kanchenjunga | Kanchenjunga BS |
| Day 41 | Clean Base Camp and trek back to Ramje | Ramje |
| Day 42 | Ramje to Amije Khole | Amije Khole |
| Day 43 | Amije to Yamphudin | Yamphudin |
| Day 44 | Yamphuding to Khewang | Khewang |
| Day 45 | Khewang to Panchami | Panchami |
| Day 46 | Panchami to Ghopetar | Ghopetar |
| Day 47 | Drive to Biratnagar, fly back Kathmandu | Kathmandu |
| Day 48 | Free Kathmandu | Kathmandu |
| Day 49 | Transfer to Airport |
Note: If above itinerary couldn't meet your needs, we can design a tailor-made itinerary to suit your needs. It is also possible to combine with some other activities such as Tibet tours, Bhutan tours, and Jungle safari in Nepal.
Trip Date & Cost
Cost Includes
- All land transportation by Car, Van or Toyota Hiace (Airport/Hotel/Airport, expedition pick up & drop).
- 6 Nights Hotel accommodations in Kathmandu at 3 star Hotel on Bed & Breakfast plan (before & after expedition).
- Schedule flight KTM/Lukla/KTM for member, Liaison officer & Expedition staffs.
- Transport of food supply & expedition equipments to Base Camp & back.
- Full board in lodges during trekking to base camp and back.
- Base Camp single sleeping tent & Mattress for each member, BC staffs & Liaison officer.
- All kitchen tent, store tent, dining tents, toilet tent, table, chairs & cooking utensils for BC.
- Food and fuel at Base Camp.
- Service of Government Liaison officer.
- Service of cook and kitchen boy at Base Camp.
- Equipments allowance, daily wages of cook, kitchen boys & Liaison officer.
- Insurance of cook, kitchen boy, Liaison officer and porters.
- Expedition Permit fee of Mt. Everest.
- Khumbu Ice Fall route fee.
- Sagarmatha National Park entrance fee.
- Per Person 50 KG. Expedition equipment’s luggage or, barrels allowed for expedition till Base Camp.
- Per Person 40 KG. Expedition equipment’s luggage or, barrels is allowed for returned to Kathmandu.
- 2 Expedition Barrel or, Duffel bag for each member.
- Generator or Solar panel at Base Camp for light and charging.
- Sat Phone available at Base Camp, but nominal charge for use.
- Emergency medical Oxygen at Base Camp.
- Visa extension fee.
- Garbage deposit fees.
- Official taxes and agency service charge.
Cost Excludes
- International airfare from/to your country.
- Nepal entry visa fee (can be obtained at the airport at upon arrival).
- Lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu.
- Hotel after 6 night stay in Kathmandu.
- Personal climbing gear and equipment above Base Camp.
- High Tents above Base Camp.
- High altitude food and fuel above Base Camp.
- Oxygen bottles with mask and regulator - Poisk Oxygen System (available on request).
- Personal insurance such as travel, accident, medical, emergency evacuation & lost luggage.
- Applicable permit fees & customs charges, etc. for SAT phone, Walkie Talkie set and services.
- Communication equipment & commercial filming.
- International airport departure tax at Kathmandu Airport.
- Expenses of personal nature such as drinks, laundry, postage, telephone etc.
- Tips and summit bonus.
Equipment for this trip.
The following gives you a general idea of the trekking equipment and clothing needed for this trek.
This is a porter-supported trek. Two clients share one porter. We will supply you a trek duffel bag where you keep your heavy items and this bag is carried by the porter. You will need to bring your own daypack to be carried by you. In the daypack, you can put money, important documents, water bottle/bladder, camera, toiletries, sunscreen, notebook, etc.
The weight limit for the porter is 30 kg or 66 pounds. 15 kg or 33 pounds for each client. So, we recommend you to pack as carefully as you can and not exceed the weight limit. You can leave your non-trekking stuff at the locker facility in the Kathmandu hotel.
General
- 4-season sleeping bag (We can provide one if you need it but has to be returned after the trek.)
- Duffel bag (We will provide one complimentary Ace the Himalaya duffel bag which is yours to keep.)
- Daypack
- Down jacket (Must have for mornings, nights and evenings, and for altitudes above 4,000 m; We can provide it if you need one but has to be returned after the trek.)
Upper Body - Head / Ears / Eyes
- Sun hat (We will provide you a complimentary Ace the Himalaya hat.)
- Wool or synthetic hat that cover the ears
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Headlamp
- Neck warmer
Hand
- Liner gloves
- Heavier shell gloves
Core Body
- T-shirts
- Lightweight expedition thermal tops
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Water/windproof shell jacket (Preferably breathable fabric)
- Synthetic sports bras (For women)
Lower Body – Legs
- Lightweight expedition thermal bottoms
- Nylon hiking shorts
- Soft shell and hard shell trekking pants
- Water/windproof trousers
- Casual pants
Feet
- Liner socks
- Heavyweight socks
- Waterproof hiking/trekking boots
- Light shoes/sneakers/sandals
- Gaiters (For monsoon and winter)
Medicines and First Aid Kits
(Please note our guide will carry the first-aid kit bag during the trek. However we still recommend you to bring your personalized first-aid kit as well.)
- Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude related headaches
- Ibuprofen for general aches and pains
- Immodium or Pepto Bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea
- Diamox (commonly prescribed as Acetazolamide) 125 or 250mg tablets for altitude sickness
- Anti-infection ointments
- Band-aids
- Lip balm (At least SPF 20)
- Sunscreen (SPF 40)
Miscellaneous, but Important!
- Passport and extra passport photos (3 copies)
- Airline ticket (Please make a copy and leave one at our office in Kathmandu just in case if you need to change the date of your flight.)
- Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport
- Water bottle/bladder
- Water purification Iodine tablets
- Toiletry kit (Be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap, etc.)
Optional
- Adjustable trekking poles
- Favorite snack foods (No more than 2 pounds)
- Paperback books, cards, mp3 player
- Binoculars
- Cameras (Memory cards, chargers and also batteries)
- Pee bottle for men and pee funnel for woman
This list is only a guide. While you are required to bring everything on this list, there are numerous options, brands, and versions of each piece of equipment. Use your experience and the listed features to find the best gear for you. Some of the above equipment can be easily found in stores in Kathmandu for cheaper prices.
Note: Tight fitting, figure-hugging clothing such as those made with Lycra can often be offensive to locals, especially to women. If you find these items comfortable as a base layer, please pack something to wear on top of them.
