How Difficult Is It To Climb Mt Kanchenjunga

Climbing Mountains can be an adventurous idea, but when you go into the Himalayas, all your excitement comes to an end. Since climbing is only fun in your thoughts but a hard job, not everyone is ready for mountain climbing.

And the high altitude mountains even scare the soul out of your body.

Nepal is home to 8 peaks over 8000 meters, and Mt. Kanchenjunga is the third highest peak in the world in the Taplejung District of Nepal. While many plan to ascend Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga does not come second in adventurous climbing.

But you should know the difficulty level of this mountain since it's the third highest mountain in the world, and you know it's going to be tough to summit it. Please review our draft to learn about the difficulty and guides to ascending Mt. Kanchenjunga Peak.

Overview of Mt. Kanchenjunga

Mount Kanchenjunga is the third-highest mountain in the world - it sits at an altitude of 8,586 meters (28,169 feet) above sea level. It is located in the eastern Himalayas, on the border between Nepal and India. Kanchenjunga means "Five Treasures of Snows," as it has five peaks, four of which are over 8,450 meters (27,700 feet) high. The local people consider the mountain sacred and climbing it was banned for many years.

The first successful ascent of Kanchenjunga was made in 1955 by a British expedition led by Charles Evans, Joe Brown, and George Band. Since then, it has become a popular climbing destination. However, it is still considered a challenging and potentially dangerous mountain due to its high elevation, steep slopes, and extreme weather conditions.

Kanchenjunga is also home to many flora and fauna, including several endangered animals, such as the snow leopard and red panda. It is part of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, established in 1997 to protect the mountain's ecosystem and the local communities that depend on it.

The Geography of Mt. Kanchenjunga

Climbing Mt. Kanchenjunga is no small feat, so it's important to know what to expect before setting out. The mountain lies on the border of Nepal and Sikkim, India, and it's part of the Mahalangur Himal range. It stands at a massive 8,586 meters (28,169 feet). Not only is Mt. Kanchenjunga one of the tallest mountains in the world, but it's also one of the most challenging treks to conquer.

The terrain is deceptively unpredictable. You can go from untamed vegetation to a snow-capped peak in just a few miles, and glaciers are typical along the route. Above 6,000 meters (19,685 feet), weather becomes a significant obstacle. The summit has an average temperature of -30 °C (-22 °F). Even experienced climbers can find conditions too extreme for their skill level. So yeah—it's going to be a challenge!

Weather Conditions in Mt. Kanchenjunga

The weather conditions on Mt. Kanchenjunga can be extremely harsh, with high winds, frigid temperatures, and heavy snowfall. 

The weather is cold and dry at higher elevations, with temperatures ranging from -20 to -40 degrees Celsius (-4 to -40 degrees Fahrenheit). The climate is more temperate at lower elevations, with temperatures ranging from -10 to 10 degrees Celsius (14 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit). 

The best time to climb Mt. Kanchenjunga is during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is more stable, and the temperatures are more moderate. However, even during these seasons, the weather can be unpredictable, and it is essential to be prepared for extreme conditions. Since the temperature is cold, climbers will likely get frostbite and altitude illness at higher altitudes. With the proper gear and plan, ascending Kanchenjunga is an achievable thought.

Common Issues Faced While Climbing Mt. Kanchenjunga

Though the climb is relatively straightforward, it poses several obstacles that could be challenging.

The first thing to be aware of is the terrain of Mt. Kanchenjunga. The mountain is covered in steep terrain and glaciers, so you'll have some technical knowledge of rock climbing and ice climbing skills if you want to submit successfully.

Another issue you'll need help with is the weather. The winter months are generally too cold to climb, while summertime temperatures could reach up to 40°C. This means that choosing the right season can make or break your success. Not only will it affect your comfort level while climbing but also your safety, so make sure to research beforehand when deciding when to make the ascent.

Finally, altitude sickness can also become an issue in high-altitude climbs like this. Ascending too quickly could leave you feeling lightheaded and dizzy and trigger headaches, nausea, and fatigue. Be sure to take time for proper acclimatization and plan rest days into your expedition for optimal performance at higher altitudes.

Physical Requirements for Climbing Mt. Kanchenjunga

Climbing Mt. Kanchenjunga is challenging, and it takes a certain level of physical fitness to reach the peak. You'll be walking for long distances at high altitudes, so you must ensure that you're physically capable of hiking long distances in harsh conditions.

You should also ensure that your body can handle fluctuations in temperature since it can get freezing at night and incredibly hot during the day. It's also important to note that the summit is 8,586 meters above sea level, meaning that altitude sickness can be a real danger.

You don't necessarily need to be an Olympic athlete to climb Kanchenjunga, but you should be prepared for the physical demands of mountaineering. Make sure you train your body for all types of weather conditions before attempting the climb.

Mental Challenges of Climbing Mt. Kanchenjunga

Climbing Mt. Kanchenjunga is a mental challenge as well as a physical one. You will need to push yourself and your willpower to stay focused and keep climbing despite any setbacks you might have.

The lack of oxygen at higher altitudes can make you feel slow and sluggish, and you might find yourself exhausted after a few hours of climbing. It can be challenging to stay motivated during those times, so taking regular breaks and practicing positive self-talk is essential.

The weather conditions can also wreak havoc on your mental state—using the right equipment and knowing when to turn back is vital in these situations. You should be prepared for unexpected weather changes and be aware of the possible risks associated with climbing in such an environment. Safety should always come first when tackling such an extreme challenge!

Climbing Routes To Mt. Kanchenjunga

Now that we've established the difficulty of climbing Mt. Kanchenjunga, let's take a look at the different routes that can be taken to summit the mountain. The main routes are categorized into the North-East ridge and South-West ridge.

The North-East ridge is considered the main route and is where most people attempt to summit. It takes around 12 days to climb with a  base camp at an elevation of 5,400 meters (17,716 feet). You'll pass through an array of stunning landscapes as you ascend toward the top, including past glaciers and icefalls.

The South-West ridge is a much more difficult route and is usually attempted by advanced climbers only. This route requires you to acclimate more due to the high altitude and to pass through the treacherous terrain of icefalls, crevasses, and seracs before reaching the summit. The base camp for this route is located at a higher elevation of 6,100 meters (20,013 feet).

Whichever route you choose, prepare properly by getting fit and learning essential skills like rope techniques, glacier walking, and crevasse rescue techniques before attempting the climb.

Tips for Planning Your Summit Attempt

Here are a few tips to know before you get you started to climb Mt. Kanchenjunga:

1. Choose the right season: Mt. Kanchenjunga can be climbed year-round, but the best time to attempt the summit is during the spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November) seasons. These are when the weather is most stable, and the mountain is less crowded.

2. Get in shape: Mt. Kanchenjunga is a challenging feat. The climb from Base Camp to Camp I is arduous and gets even more difficult. Make sure you're physically prepared for the challenge by doing some hiking and climbing in advance.

3. Train your mind: The mental aspect of climbing Mt. Kanchenjunga is just as important as the physical one. Make sure you're comfortable with high altitudes and have a positive attitude before attempting the summit.