NEPAL TRAVELLER
Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586m), situated in the great himalayan range, is the world's 3rd highest peak and the 2nd highest peak in Nepal. The peak consists of four summits- Kanchenjunga I (8,586m), Kanchenjunga West (8,505m), Kanchenjunga South (8,494m) and Kangbachen (7,903m). The two of these peaks are on the border of north Sikkim district of Sikkim, India and Taplejung District of Nepal, while the other two are completely in Taplejung District. It is considered a remote area and till now it has only attracted fewer climbers as well as trekkers. The name “Kanchenjunga'' is delivered from the Tibetan word 'Kanchen' and 'Dzonga' which means "The Five Treasures of the Great Snows". The treasures represent the five repositories of god which are gold, silver, gems, grain, and holy books.
THINGS TO OBSERVE
The Kanchenjunga Expedition will allow you to explore the untouched nature of Nepal. The gorgeous landscape view will keep you company and motivate you to maneuver further. Likewise, the panoramic views of Himalayan mountains like Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Everest (8,848 m), Mt. Makalu (8,201m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516m), Tent Peak (7,365 m), Jongsong (7,483 m), Kabru (7,353 m), etc. will increase the sweetness of the trek. Trekking within the Kanchenjunga region will allow you to experience diverse cultures and traditions. You'll get to ascertain many ethnic groups during your stay within the guesthouse. As you progress further, you'll notice the Tibetan lifestyle and food. On the way, you'll encounter several stupas and Bihar also. You'll trek in Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, which is home to numerous wildlife like Moschus moschiferus, red panda, ounce, black bear, red pheasant, etc. You can also find a variety of vegetation like 69 species of orchid, 100 species of rhododendron etc.
HISTORICAL ACHIEVEMENT
Kanchenjunga was thought to be the tallest mountain on the planet until 1852. After the overview of 1849, held by the British Great Trigonometric, Mt. Everest was delegated as the tallest and Kanchenjunga the third-most noteworthy. Kanchenjunga was first climbed on May 25, 1955 by Joe Brown and George Band, of a British climbing group. This first ascension was made after the 50 years of the expedition attempt made by a certain group in 1905. An intriguing reality about this mountain is that it has never been summited. The first successful mountain dwellers Brown and Band avoided venturing foot on the head of the mountain as per the request of then Maharajah of Sikkim. All the nearby individuals from Himalaya especially of Darjeeling, Taplejung and Sikkim thought about the top as a sacred mountain. The custom has proceeded from that point forward.
EXPEDITION ROUTE
The first fruitful attempt follows the southwest route by means of the Yalung Glacier, notwithstanding, the north course is considered the most secure, despite the fact that it is also not the simplest course to climb. As the most distant 8,000 meter mountain, the methodology on the Kanchenjunga campaign takes you toward the eastern outskirt of Nepal, journeying across pristine and far off zones in the Arun valley before showing up at the headquarters. The journey to headquarters leads through one of Nepal's most excellent courses, including the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.
TOTAL CLIMB
Being too remote, too long, too high, too cold and too hard, the Kanchenjunga expedition is considered a dangerous journey. A few years data shows that around 43 people have already died while making an attempt to climb and about 250 have only successfully climbed the Kanchenjunga.
BEST SEASON
March to late May is one of the best times for climbing Kanchenjunga as there will be no rain and snowfall and the sky will seem clear and you can watch every view clearly.
Late September to mid december is another best time for expedition as dirt will be washed away by monsoon and there will be extra freshness in air along with clear view.
WARNING- Late December to early march is very cold and there will be snow all over the ground making your trip difficult. Also, June to Mid september is the rainy season which makes your trip slippery and sudden landslides will result in more danger. So, be cautious while selecting expedition time.
REQUIREMENT
Climbing Mt. Kanchenjunga is tougher than climbing Mt. Everest because of its remote area and lack of enough facilities.
Technical Climbing Skills- Mt. Kanchenjunga is a technical mountain which demands technical climbing skills and if you don't possess this skill then Kanchenjunga is not safe for you.
Fitness Certificate- You need to have great physical condition.
Mental Ability- Physical focus is not only a major requirement for this climb but you need to be mentally prepared, too to deal with harsh weather conditions.
Mountaineering equipments- Crampons, Ice axe, Helmet, Harness, Lock and unlock Carabineers, Shovel, Climbing pack, Rope, Ski poles, Jummer, Tapes, Prusik Loops, Rappel device, Hand Warmer etc.
Clothing and Wears- Snow google, Wool cap, Thermal Underwear, Trekking shoes with spare laces, Mountaineering Boots, Gore-Tex pants, Long shorts, Insulated Parka, Jumper, Waterproof Jackets, Down Jacket, Fleece Vest,Neck Gaiter, Gloves etc.
Gadgets- Map, Compass, Camera, GPS, Two way radios, Binoculars, Head Lamp, Flashlight etc.
Other equipment: Sleeping bags, Bag packs, Sun stuff, Medical, Eating and Drinking stuffs, Toiletries and so on.
TIME DURATION
It takes about 58 to 60 days to complete the whole trip taking 33 to 35 days to climb the mountain and the remaining other days to explore the scenic natural beauty of Kanchenjunga region.
OVERALL COST
Mount Kanchenjunga is the least climbed mountain despite its lower cost and lower government royalty as compared to Mount Everest. The royalty to climb Mt. Everest is US$11,000, US$5500 and US$2750 in spring, autumn and winter/summer season whereas Kanchenjunga's Royalty is only USD1800, USD900 and USD450 for spring, autumn and winter/summer season respectively. Also, its total cost is relatively too low for Mt. Everest (USD 30,000 to USD 50,000) i.e.
Overall cost- USD 20,000 to USD 25,000
Note: The cost may vary depending upon services and rules of the travel agency.
PERMIT AND REGULATIONS
You have to take permits from following authority by paying certain charges;
Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)- NRS 1000 (USD 9) per person if they have come in a group and NRS 2000 (USD 18) per person if they have come individually.
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit- It charges a specific amount depending upon the rules of the area.
Kanchenjunga Climbing Permit- USD 1800 for spring, USD 900 for autumn and USD 450 for winter/summer.
Permit should be taken from Government of Nepal since height above 8000m peaks permit are given by them. This permit will be taken by your trekking company and will charge a specific amount of money. Without a valid permit you are not allowed to climb Mt. Kanchenjunga Peak. Also, one needs to pay fees for Liaison Officer, his/her insurance, food allowance, Insurance of whole Nepali staff including porters in order to obtain permit and Garbage Deposit at ministry.
RESTRICTIONS
In Nepal, climbing Mt. Kanchenjunga imposed certain kind of age, health restrictions and they are;
Age- Minimum 16 and no restriction has been set in upper age till now.
Health- Should have a strong body, risk taking mindset and health should be free from any kind of sudden attack diseases.
NOTE: Till now in Nepal, permits to climb mountains in Nepal are issued by Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) to 33 peaks and rest of others permits are issued by the Government of Nepal, Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation.
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