8000m Peaks

Kanchenjunga

Write your own legend
on the mythical mountain.

Kanchenjunga
Expedition

Towering 8,568m above sea-level, Kanchenjunga is more than just the world’s third-highest mountain. Its five peaks are shrouded in myth, considered so sacred that the first men to climb it, a British party from 1955, stopped short of the actual summit in deference to the deities of the mountain. Today, it represents one of the toughest of all the 8000ers and a must for any serious mountaineer’s bucket list.

Country

Nepal

Duration

51 days

grade

Technical 5E

Max Altitude

8586 m
28169 ft

Daily activity

Approx
4 - 7 hrs

Season

Spring &
Summer

Dates Available

Enquire for dates

Starting from

USD $30,000

Aimed at climbers who’ve made multiple ascents of 6000m, 7000m peaks, plus couple of one 8,000er. You must have proficient in mountaineering - including climbing safely in moderate rock, glacier and snowy terrain.

A challenge for those who have scaled Everest

Kanchenjunga, which translates as “The Five Treasures of Snow” boasts no fewer than five peaks, four of which sit above 8,450m. Lying on the border between Nepal and India’s Sikkim state, it is not only one of the tallest mountains in the world, but also one of the most dangerous.

Very few tourists venture into this area of the Himalayas, and even fewer attempt the peak - there are usually only around 25 successful summits a season. This remoteness is one of Kanchenjunga’s great appeals for serious climbers, but it also adds an element of risk. With a high percentage of avalanche and weather hazards, deciding who you climb with perhaps matters more here than anywhere else.

Elite Exped’s guiding team - handpicked by our leaders Nimsdai and Mingma David Sherpa - have clocked up multiple ascents of Kanchenjunga. Several of our team - including Nim and Mingma David - have also been involved in high-profile, successful rescues above 8,000m. Simply put, you could not be in better hands when attempting this most tricky of mountains.

Our tailored 51-day expedition plan includes plenty of rest and acclimatization days, plus an extensive climbing window. Because we always look after all our logistics and expedition planning - rather than relying on third party providers - we’re adept at all the setup processes and rope-rigging required to scale a more remote peak like Kanchenjunga.

Not only that, our team’s Nepalese heritage - and ability to straddle the divide between Western and Himalayan climbing cultures, means we can be sure that every aspect of your expedition will run like clockwork, offering you the best possible opportunity to reach this majestic mountain.

From the moment you sign up, to the summit, and safely back home again, Elite Exped’s expert team will be with you, every step of the way. 

From our clients
Amy McCulloch
Aconcagua 2018

I often felt they went above and beyond to ensure we had a successful expedition. Excellent judgments throughout the expedition led us to reach the summit safely in extreme conditions. Highly recommend!

Steve Davis
Manaslu 2019

Manaslu was my first 8,000er and first time with Elite. They exceeded my expectations at every level and stage. I would have no hesitation in booking with them again! Highly recommended!!!

Jeff Evans
Mera 2019

You can trust them with the safety and satisfaction of clients. Elite was nothing less than a 10/10 in every aspect of how they executed the expedition.

This tried and tested itinerary is informed by decades of mountaineering experience. As with all adventurous activities of this type, however, circumstances may arise where Elite Exped is forced to make alterations, possibly at short notice. While making every effort to adhere to this published schedule, we kindly ask for your patience if the weather, or other naturally occurring circumstances, intervene.

Your daily schedule

  • Day 01

    Arrival in Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel

  • Day 02

    Expedition preparation day, Trip briefing and Government permits formalities

  • Day 03

    Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and Drive from Bhadrapur to Phidim

  • Day 04

    Drive from Phidim to Khandenba by Jeep

  • Day 05

    Trek from Khandenba to Khewang

  • Day 06

    Trek from Khewang to Yamphudin

  • Day 07

    Trek from Yamphudin to Tortong

  • Day 08

    Trek from Tortong to Tseram

  • Day 09

    Acclimatize day in Tseram

  • Day 10

    Trek from Tseram to Ramche

  • Day 11

    Trek from Ramche to Glacier Camp

  • Day 12

    Trek from Glacier camp to Kanchejunga Base camp

  • Day 13

    Rest day in Base Camp

  • Day 14-41

    Climbing Period ( Basecamp - Kanchenjunga Summit- Basecamp)

  • Day 42

    Cleaning Up basecamp and preparation for descend

  • Day 43

    Trek from Basecamp to Ramche

  • Day 44

    Trek from Ramche to Tortong

  • Day 45

    Trek from Tortong to Yamphudin

  • Day 46

    Trek from Yamphudin to Khewang

  • Day 47

    Trek from Khewang to Kandenba

  • Day 48

    Drive from Khandenba to Bhadrapur & Transfer to the Hotel

  • Day 49

    Fly from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu & Transfer to Hotel

  • Day 50

    Leisure day in Kathmandu/Sighsteeing

  • Day 51

    Final Departure

Training

Build your skills

Our tailored approach to training will help you improve as a climber, developing the mental and physical skills you need to achieve your dreams. Learn more

Environment

Protecting our mountains

We believe the mountains are there for all to enjoy, but must be respected, and protected. We are the voice, carers and keepers of these sacred places for future generations. Our environmental policy ensures we do no harm, and leave no trace. Learn more

Above + Beyond + Adventure

Practical info

Frequently asked questions

The following frequently asked questions may help answer any queries you have about Elite Exped, what this expedition involves, and what is required. If your question isn’t answered here please check our dedicated FAQ support page, otherwise don’t hesitate to get in touch.

What skillset and fitness level are required?

All Elite Exped expeditions are within extreme high altitude environments, with differing requirements for ability. Due to the nature of these operational landscapes it is essential you provide concise, honest descriptions of relevant experience and current fitness levels. Upon receipt we will review your experience and respond accordingly. At this point if we consider there to be any shortfalls, we can collectively discuss the opportunities and/or provide a training support plan to achieve your goals.

What accommodation is included?
What equipment is provided?
Will the expedition cost include travel?

Why choose
Elite Exped?

Unparalleled
leadership

Nimsdai Purja, Mingma David Sherpa’s and Mingma Tenzi’s mountaineering groundbreaking records speak for themselves, but our leaders are more than just supremely talented climbers.

While some choose to direct operations from back office, our three directors lead from the front. Their experience in every aspect of guiding and climbing — from fixing ropes to organising logistics — is unparalleled. It's no surprise that they have the industry-leading success rate when it comes to summiting 8,000m peaks.

Beyond this, our handpicked team of guides have also chalked up dozens of successful summits between them.

Safety through
self-sufficiency

If it’s controllable we control it: this is key to attaining and maintaining our industry-leading strategy for success and safety.

We maximise our options, agility and responsiveness by running self-sufficient expeditions that don’t rely on any other teams to achieve our objectives.

Our team is capable of setting up our own fixed lines (with a proven track record on all 8,000m peaks) and has backups to cover all scenarios. These include everything from secondary oxygen supplies to the ability and experience to operate our own rescue missions if the situation arises.

A unique
perspective

With his Nepalese roots and UK residency, our co-founder Nimsdai Purja brings a unique perspective and an unparalleled ability to bridge the gap between Western and Himalayan climbing cultures.

We can assemble trusted teams and networks anywhere in the world, but our founders’ roots are a particular advantage when it comes to summiting the world’s very highest peaks.

An intimate knowledge of how things work on the ground ensures that everything runs smoothly when you’re 8,000m above sea-level.

Your adventure
Ready to take on
the challenge?
Enquire Now
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