# Kangchenjunga Expedition > The Kangchenjunga expedition is a full-service climb of the 8,586 m peak by the south-west face (Yalung side). The third-highest mountain in the world rises on the border of Nepal and Sikkim. On the first ascent in 1955, the British climbers stopped just short of the summit out of respect for local beliefs, a tradition many climbers still follow.Our 55-day expedition includes the climbing permit and royalty, an experienced climbing Sherpa for every climber on summit day, base camp and high camp services, supplemental oxygen, mask and regulator, and all logistics from Kathmandu. ## Trip facts - **Destination:** Nepal - **Duration:** 55 days - **Difficulty:** Very strenuous, technical - **Activity:** Mountaineering expedition - **Max altitude:** 8,586 m (summit of Kangchenjunga) - **Best season:** Spring (Apr–May) and autumn (Sep–Oct) - **Group size:** 1–12 climbers - **Accommodation:** Hotel in Kathmandu, lodges on the approach, tents at base camp and high camps - **Meals:** All meals during the expedition; breakfast in Kathmandu - **Price:** from US$28,900 per person - **Web page:** https://himalayanhiking.com/kangchenjunga-expedition - **Book:** https://himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=kangchenjunga-expedition ## Overview **Quick answer:** a 55-day Kangchenjunga expedition by the south-west face (Yalung side), from US$28,900 per climber, including the permit and royalty, climbing Sherpa support, base camp and high camp services and supplemental oxygen, mask and regulator. This expedition is for experienced mountaineers. See our [guide to expeditions in Nepal](/category/expeditions-in-nepal) for requirements, permits and how to prepare. ### At a glance FactDetailsSummit8,586 mRoutesouth-west face (Yalung side)Duration55 days from KathmanduBase campSouth base camp, about 5,500 mHigh campsCamps on the Yalung glacier and south-west face up to about 7,600 mRoyaltyIncludedCostFrom US$28,900 per climber ## Highlights - Summit of Kangchenjunga, 8,586 m - The south-west face (Yalung side) - Experienced climbing Sherpas - Full base camp and high camp services - Permits, royalty and logistics handled ## Day-by-day itinerary ### Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) Airport pick-up and transfer to your hotel. Welcome dinner with the expedition team. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Dinner · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 2–3: Preparation, gear check and permits Equipment check, expedition briefing at the Ministry of Tourism and final shopping in Thamel. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 4–5: Fly to Bhadrapur, drive to Taplejung Flight to Bhadrapur in the east and a long drive into the hills to Taplejung. _Altitude: 1,820 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Lodge_ ### Day 6–14: Trek to base camp Through Limbu villages, rhododendron forest and the Yalung valley via Ramche to the south base camp. _Walking: 5–7 hours a day · Altitude: 5,500 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Lodges and tents_ ### Day 15–47: Climbing period Acclimatisation rotations on the Yalung face and the summit push. _Altitude: 8,586 m · Meals: All meals · Overnight: Tents_ ### Day 48–53: Trek out to Taplejung Trek back down the valley. _Walking: 6–7 hours a day · Altitude: 1,820 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Lodges_ ### Day 54: Drive and fly to Kathmandu Drive to Bhadrapur and fly to Kathmandu. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 55: Departure Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast_ ## What is included - Airport transfers and hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast - Expedition permit and government royalty - Liaison officer, garbage deposit and national park or conservation fees - Domestic flights or road transport to and from the mountain - Lodges and meals on the approach trek - Base camp: individual tent, dining and kitchen tents, cook and kitchen team, all meals - Experienced climbing Sherpa (1:1 on summit day) - High-altitude tents, food and fuel at high camps - Supplemental oxygen, mask and regulator - Contribution to fixed ropes on the route - Satellite phone and radios for communication - Insurance for Nepali staff - All government and local taxes ## Not included - International flights and Nepal visa - Personal climbing equipment - Climbing and travel insurance including helicopter evacuation (mandatory) - Summit bonus for climbing Sherpas - Extra oxygen beyond the allowance - Helicopter flights unless stated - Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu - Personal expenses and tips ## Useful information ### Experience You should have climbed at least one 7,000 m peak, or several high 6,000 m peaks, and be confident with crampons, ice axe, fixed ropes, jumar and abseiling. Send us your climbing CV when you enquire. ### Fitness Train for 6–12 months with long days carrying a pack, uphill endurance work and strength training. ### Insurance Insurance covering climbing to the summit altitude and helicopter evacuation is mandatory. ### Rules Since September 2025, Nepal does not allow solo expeditions on peaks over 8,000 m; every climber is accompanied by a licensed guide or climbing Sherpa. ## Packing list - Down climbing suit and expedition down jacket - High-altitude double boots - Crampons, ice axe, harness, jumar and descender - Expedition sleeping bag rated to about –35°C - Expedition mitts and gloves - Glacier glasses and goggles - Helmet ## Frequently asked questions ### How high is Kangchenjunga? **8,586 m**. ### How long is the Kangchenjunga expedition? **55 days** from Kathmandu. ### How much does it cost? From **US$28,900 per climber**, including the permit and royalty. ### What experience do I need? At least one 7,000 m peak or several high 6,000 m peaks, and solid technical skills. ### Do climbers stand on the true summit? Many follow the tradition of stopping just below it, out of respect for local beliefs.