Some of you may remember a talk I did at a BCMC social night last year, about the Kanchenjunga area and other trips to Nepal. I mentioned a Kanchenjunga expedition - and here it is!

Kanchenjunga is the 3rd highest mountain in the world at 8,586m. The expedition is in the spring of 2020, for the whole of April/May. We will be climbing the original (SW Face) route via the Yalung glacier. 

For more information on the expedition, check out our expedition website: http://kanchenjunga.outdoor-explore.com/

Itinerary here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QMxN7I_v2Fj2pldZnwyl8gqiEEqdqAQsBgWfxdZdHaY/edit?usp=sharing

This IS a supported expedition. We will have Sherpa guides and a base camp crew. The lead guide, Namgya Sherpa (Grand Himalaya Treks & Expeditions), is a good friend of mine with an impressive 12 summits of Everest, plus many others.

Currently we have 4 Canadian climbers (all BCMC members) and 2 Romanian climbers (sharing Base Camp, permit, etc.). I'm hoping for 8-10 climbers - we will split into smaller teams on mountain.

Part of the reason to climb Kanchenjunga is to make a movie about Namgya, Sherpa culture and the expedition. We will have a camera person with us (likely not above base camp).

There is also a trek accompanying the climbers on the approach march. More information in a separate trip post.

The cost varies depending on the amount of equipment you already have, and the amount of sponsorship we can get. 

Base cost of the expedition for 8 climbers is $9,700 USD per climber. If we have 9+ climbers then this drops to $7,000 USD. Flights are approx $1,200 CAD. Plus insurance, tipping for Sherpa staff, spending money, gear etc. I have all the costs in a breakdown which I can share if you are interested in joining.

I have lots more information I can provide (this plan has been in the works for 2 years already). If you are interested, and you tick the following boxes, please get in touch:

- You understand and accept the risks involved in climbing an 8,000m peak
- You have previous high altitude experience (ideally 7,000m+)
- You have a spare $10,000 - $15,000 (depending on team size and sponsorship)
- You can take off 2 months in spring 2020
- You're a team player and you understand that this is a team effort.
- You have lots of experience ice, rock, mixed, snow climbing and are comfortable with glacier travel and rescue.
- You have past experience climbing fixed ropes, carrying heavy loads, long days, etc
- You understand that there's a very good chance you won't summit - but you're OK with that.

Please email me (johngill2527@gmail.com) before signing up. I would like to meet all potential team members in person, and practice climbs will be organized for the team.

Thanks, John