Kangchenjunga

Also known as: Kangchen Dzo-nga / Kangchanfanga / Khangchendzonga

Height: 8,586 m
Countries:
Nepal flagNepalIndia flagIndia

Kangchenjunga is the third-highest mountain in the world at 8,586 meters, straddling the border between Nepal and India. It’s known for its remote location and demanding terrain, making it one of the more challenging 8000-meter peaks to climb. The route involves long sections of technical mixed rock and ice, with frequent exposure to avalanches and unpredictable weather, especially in the final sections. It's less crowded than Everest or K2, partly due to the limited infrastructure and the cultural significance that discourages reaching the very summit out of respect for local beliefs. Most climbers approach from the Nepal side, with base camp located in a fairly isolated area that requires several days of trekking to reach.

Prepare for an adventure climbing Kangchenjunga. This overview provides essential details on routes, difficulty, costs, and the best times to go, helping you plan a successful expedition.

Difficulty

  • D: Hard (alpine grade 4)

These are pictures taken while climbing Kangchenjunga. They're shown here to give you an idea of what the route is like. You're welcome to share your own pictures of mountaineering Kangchenjunga, to help the community of climbers. Picture here are either uploaded by members (there own, or creative commons pictures), or guides.

Guide links

These guides offer organised climbs for Kangchenjunga. Compare each trip - pricing, reviews, and key details to help you choose the right guide. To explore more options / routes, check out our full Guides Directory.
We've carefully selected these independent guides based on their expertise with Kangchenjunga. Compare their offerings, from group sizes and equipment inclusion to trip duration and support services. Each guide brings their own unique approach, so you can find the perfect match for your adventure. Click through to see full details and connect directly with any guide that interests you.
View the summit location and surrounding terrain to get a sense of the mountain's environment. This map offers a valuable perspective on the peak's position within the region, aiding climbers in visualizing their route and nearby landmarks.
What you can see from the summit of Kangchenjunga. Click and pan around the map to explore, and zoom in/out to see the names of neighbouring mountains.

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