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Kangchenjunga

In majestic heights: Kangchenjunga, the queen of the mountains

Everest. K2. Kilimanjaro. Aconcagua. The mountain giants of this world are well known to everyone, they make headlines again and again and have a correspondingly high attraction for admirers and conquerors. But there are also the mountains, which stay discreetly in the background and seem to give way to others. The giants who reveal their beauty and wonders only to true connoisseurs and reward them all the richer. One of these mountains is Kangchenjunga at the border of Nepal and Tibet. And this although the so-called “Queen of the Mountains” would have every reason to place herself in the limelight.

So the “Kantsch” (as the tongue twister is simplified in German) with 8.586m is not only the third highest mountain in the world, but also the only mountain that can boast 4 peaks above the 8.000m mark. Welcome to the paradise of altitude difference! The direct translation of the name Kangchenjunga/Kanchenjunga/Kangchendzönga is “Five treasure troves of the great snow”. But whether these treasure troves of the “Queen” are her 5 peaks, 5 glaciers or perhaps something completely different, will probably remain her secret forever. And as if that weren’t enough, the mountain lies in the midst of a beautiful area that is brimming with species-rich fauna and flora (at least in lower altitudes) and awaits mountaineers a special march through the subtropical rainforest up into the eternal ice of the Yulang Glacier.

But there are two sides to every coin and the reason why Kangchenjunga – despite all the above-mentioned qualities – is still a calm mountain, may be because there is no route to the summit that can be regarded as easy. Furthermore, its location on the border to India makes it the most easterly 8.000 m and accordingly very exposed to the weather.

We want to pull together a small group of experienced mountaineers for our Kanchenjunga expedition and want to dare the challenge to climb this snow giant, offering the best safety currently possible in the context of high altitude mountaineering. For this purpose, we offer a professional and multi-tested Sherpa-team, one of our most experienced UIAGM-mountain guides, 1:1 Climbing Sherpa to mountaineer ratio, the best group equipment possible, good and varied cuisine, as well as weather report from our long-time meteorologist and the best oxygen system available on the market.

All that is still missing are adventurous mountaineers who want to face this challenge and experience the beauty of the Queen of the Mountains for themselves.

Adventure Factor brave
Experience / Emotion mindblowing
Fitness / Struggle suffer
Risk come back as a hero
Comfort expedition style

Highlights:

  • Climbing the third highest mountain in the world
  • Approaching through a wide range of landscapes
  • IFMGA/AMGA lead guide
  • 1:1 members – Sherpa ratio and O2 package for more safety
  • Mountaineering challenge
  • Pre-acclimatisation possible as an option

Trip dates:

Booking code:-
Minimum members:-
Price per person: 0

The exact schedule might be subject to changes, due to weather and snow conditions on-sight. Furthermore, we are traveling in a remote and politically sensitive region, where governmental or environmental restrictions may occur unexpected and can lead to travel restrictions.

We enable maximum flexibility. The expedition can be extended if the circumstances require it, the members wish it and bear the additional costs incurred.

The following schedule is planned:

Day 1 - Day 11: Arrival at the base camp

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu.

Day 2: Last preparations and some free time in Kathmandu.

Day 3: In the morning flight to Bhadrapur and then drive to Taplejung (1.820m)

Day 4: Trekking to Kande (2.129m).

Day 5: Trekking to Mamangkhe (1.786m).

Day 6: Trekking to Yamphudin (1.692m).

Day 7: Trekking to Tortong (2.980m).

Day 8: Trekking to Tseram (3.868m).

Day 9: Trekking to Ramche (4.610m).

Day 10: Trekking to Oktang (4.740m).

Day 11: Trekking to Kangchenjunga South Basecamp up to Yalung Glacier (4.840m).

Day 12 - 39: Ascent

Day 12 – 39: Climbing Period via the normal route. There is enough time for a comprehensive acclimatization and ascent over the normal route with interesting technical passages (mixed and ice climbing).
Reserve days for bad weather have also been taken into account.

Day 40 - 51: Return journey

Day 40: Cleaning of the Basecamp and packing.

Day 41: Basecamp to Ramche (4.610m).

Day 42: Ramche to Anda Phedi (3.390m).

Day 43: Anda Phedi to Tortong (2.980m).

Day 44: Tortong to Yamphuding (1.692m).

Day 45: Yamphing to Khebang (1.915m).

Day 46: To Kande Banjyang (2.190m).

Day 47: Kande Banjyang to Teplejung (1.820m).

Day 48: Drive from Teblejung to Badrapur.

Day 49: Flight back to Kathmandu and finally enjoying the advantages of a hotel.

Day 50: Reserve day in Kathmandu.

Day 51: Individual flight back home.

check_circle_outline  What is Included:

  • All organization for the expedition
  • IFMGA/AMGA lead guide
  • 4 hotel nights in Kathmandu in a single room
  • Domestic flights Kathmandu – Bhadrapur – Kathmandu (Economy)
  • All transfers (according to the program)
  • Full board for the duration of the whole trip (in Kathmandu only breakfast)
  • All drinks included in Basecamp
  • Double rooms on stop-overs during our trip to the mountain
  • Baggage transport to the base camp and back (30kg per baggage piece per member)
  • 1 tent per member at the base camp
  • 1 tent per two members during the approach and for the high camp
  • A mat for the approach and the base camp
  • High camp equipment (tents, stove, gas, dishes, food)
  • All the fixing material for the route
  • Use of the fixed ropes along the route
  • Transport of waste back from the base camp
  • High altitude porters and climbing Sherpa (1:1 Sherpa client ratio on the summit day)
  • Oxygen package provided by Summit Oxygen with a rental mask & regulator and 6 bottles per member
  • Insurance and equipment for the Nepalese staff
  • Emergency oxygen
  • Pharmaceutical travel kit, high altitude emergency medicine, pulsoxymeter
  • Kitchen crew
  • A comfortable, heated common tent, shower tent, etc. at the base camp
  • Satellite communication and WIFI for a fee and depending on availability
  • Solar charging
  • Radio transmitter for each member
  • All fees & permits
  • weather reports
  • Safety and liability of an EU based tour operator

help_outline  Optional:

  • Pre-acclimatization in a height tent possible

highlight_off  What is not included:

  • International flight to Kathmandu
  • Personal insurance
  • Visa for Nepal
  • Shipping costs for high altitude generator and tent outside of the EU
  • Personal medication
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Tips
  • Summit bonus for personal Climbing Sherpa
  • Personal mountain and climbing equipment
  • Sleeping bags for the base camp and high camp
  • Fees for satellite phones, emails
  • Summit bonus for personal summit Sherpa
  • Every service that is not named in the “included services”

info  General

Tour operator for this trip: Furtenbach Adventures.

An expedition to high altitudes still presents an enormous challenge despite modern equipment and tactics. Besides technical and fitness requirements, the high altitude still poses the largest hurdle. That is why we place great emphasis on prudent, slow acclimatization.

Weather and conditions on the mountain can lead to program or route changes. Participation in the expedition lies in your own individual responsibility. Furtenbach Adventures assumes no liability for accidents, damages or loss of materials.

If you are not sure that taking part in an expedition like this is the right thing for you, feel free to contact us on Tel +43 512 204134 or e-mail [email protected] for a personal consultation.

This package in general is not suitable for persons with reduced mobility.

language  Entry Requirements

Passport and Visa Regulations

EU or Swiss citizens:

Nepal:
When entering the country, you need a passport with a validity of at least 6 more months. You can get a visa on arrival directly at the airport or in advance directly at your embassy. We recommend to get a “multiple entry” visa for 90 days.

Get further information directly on the official website: https://www.immigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa

Information about recommended vaccines and health regulations: http://www.who.int/ith/en/

Travelers must be able to prove their return or onward ticket when entering the country. More detailed information regarding entry, visa and health requirements for this travel destination will be provided once you’ve communicated your nationality.

https  Insurance

We strongly recommend taking out a travel insurance (including trip cancellation, interruption, medical and luggage insurance) For this journey, the Global Rescue Signature Travel Insurance is suitable. The price of the insurance depends on the trip and the personal data of the traveller. We happily make you an offer after booking or upon request.

To cover search and rescue costs in the mountains, we ask our expedition members to take out a “medical only”-membership at Global Rescue. This membership can be concluded here before departure: https://ss.globalrescue.com/partner/furtenbach/. Further information are provided after your booking.

work  Equipment

Unless specified otherwise in the detailled program, all high camp equipment will be provided by us. You need to bring your own personal equipment such as down clothing, expedition shoes, an isolated sleeping mat and a sleeping bag with a comfort range of – 20 to -25 degrees celsius for the high camp. Following your booking we will send you a detailed equipment list. We will be happy to advise you personally during the selection and purchase of required equipment. With years of expedition experience, we know what has proved its worth and what not.

insert_chart_outlined  Difficulty/ Technique

The ascent always lies in the member‘s personal responsibility, while led by the mountain guide and expedition leader. Members must be able to move safely and independently in mixed terrain (rock, snow, ice) and – if required – independently build rope teams under the guidance of the mountain guide. Cooperation, camaraderie and support on the mountain increases the chances of success for all. The guide is there to provide guidance for the whole group, the possibilities for him to respond to individual needs is limited. It is imperative that members adhere to the instructions and decisions made by the mountain guide. Regardless, each member must know their own physical limits, and be able to make a timely decision to turn back.
For expeditions offered by us, unless otherwise specified in the detailed program, the following is required of members: independent getting on and off the fixed ropes on cliffs, snow, ice and firn snow slopes, as well as the independent use of crampons and ice axes in mixed terrain. On climbing passages, as well as very dangerous and exposed places, fixed ropes are attached by mountain guides and by the Sherpa team.

perm_identity  Physical fitness

A key success factor in expeditions is being in good shape. Train in the months before the expedition! Several hour climbs with a backpack and around 1000 meters per day should not be a problem for you. Mental training is also advised for this very challenging expedition. We will gladly provide individual advice on how to best prepare yourself mentally and physically for an expedition!

local_hospital  Health

We recommend that each member undergoes a medical examination prior to the expedition. Good health is a prerequisite for participation. Particularly important is a visit to the dentist because previously unnoticed dental problems can become quite acute due to the sudden change in pressure conditions in higher altitudes.

landscape  Experience

We are very familiar with the charm and attraction of an eight-thousander! However, we want to make certain that you can ascend safely, come back alive, and be able to enjoy the expedition while on it and not afterwards. Therefore, in order to participate in our eight-thousander expeditions, you must already have collected some experience at high altitudes and mountaineering. When booking, please let us know which heights you have already reached and which high mountains you have climbed. If you are a newcomer, no problem, we offer a bespoke program aimed to train you for reaching your desired destination.

In order to participate in our seven-and six-thousander expeditions, you should have at least some experience on the four-thousander peaks of the Alps or other mountain ranges. Our offer for newcomers applies here as well, we can train you to become prudent and safe high altitude climbers!

We offer a special introductory weekend for all those who want to learn about – or refresh their knowledge of – all the skills and techniques needed on an expedition. More info here.

payment  Payment

Deposit Payment is made less than eleven months prior to the end of the trip and is a maximum of 20% of the price. The balance must be paid no earlier than 20 days prior to departure. Please find more information regarding the payment in our GTC.

directions_run Right of withdrawal

The traveller has the right to withdraw from the travel contract at any time by paying the according cancellation fee stated in the General Terms of Conditions of Furtenbach Adventures GmbH.

For expeditions to 7000 and 8000 meter peaks the following fees apply for cancellations on the part of the client prior to travel: until 3 months prior to departure 50%, within 3 months prior departure 100%.

The tour operator will be released from the contract if the specified minimum number of members is not achieved and if the customer has been notified about the cancellation in writing within the following periods: until 20 days prior to Departure.