Kathmandu, Nepal · Wednesday, 20 May 2026: The Imagine Nepal Kanchenjunga Group has successfully summited Kanchenjunga — the world’s third highest mountain at 8,586 metres — with all fourteen climbing members reaching the top between 7:45 AM and 8:20 AM Nepal time on 20 May 2026, capping a nearly six-week expedition that began in Kathmandu and ended at one of the most formidable summits.
From Kathmandu to Kanchenjunga BC
Arrival and Approach
The expedition officially began on April 12 with the team’s arrival in Kathmandu. Two days later, on April 14, the group set out from the entrance of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, embarking on a seven-day trek through dense rhododendron forests, glacial river valleys, remote highland villages, and snow-covered mountain passes. On April 22, the team arrived at Kanchenjunga Base Camp at 5,550 metres, with the final stretch from Theram at 3,800 metres completed by helicopter.
Acclimatisation Rotations
After a rest day, the team gathered on April 24 for a traditional puja ceremony before beginning the systematic altitude exposure required for a safe summit attempt.
The first acclimatisation rotation began on April 25 with a climb to 6,000 metres, followed by a push to Camp 1 at 6,225 metres on April 27, where the team spent two nights before descending to Base Camp on April 29. The second rotation commenced on May 3, with the group climbing to Camp 2 at 6,200 metres and continuing to Camp 3 at 6,900 metres on May 8, before returning to Base Camp to rest and prepare.
The first acclimatisation rotation began on April 25 with a climb to 6,000 metres, followed by a push to Camp 1 at 6,225 metres on April 27, where the team spent two nights before descending to Base Camp on April 29. The second rotation commenced on May 3, with the group climbing to Camp 2 at 6,200 metres and continuing to Camp 3 at 6,900 metres on May 8, before returning to Base Camp to rest and prepare.
Weather Delay
Following the completion of both rotations, the team was forced to wait at Base Camp for approximately ten days due to persistent heavy snowfall and high winds before a suitable weather window finally opened.
The Summit Push
The summit push began on May 17 when the group climbed back up to Camp 2. They moved to Camp 3 at 7,100 metres on May 18 and reached Camp 4 at 7,500 metres on May 19, departing for the summit at around 6:30 PM that evening. After nearly 14 hours of climbing through deep snow and steep terrain, the Imagine Nepal Kanchenjunga Group reached the summit on the morning of May 20, 2026.
The Rope Fixing Team
Before the climbing members could make their summit push, Imagine Nepal’s dedicated rope fixing team worked to secure the route all the way to the top of Kanchenjunga. The team departed in the early morning of May 19, aiming to reach the summit by afternoon. However, deep snow severely slowed their progress, and after an extraordinary effort, they completed the rope fixing task and reached the summit at 00:12 AM on May 20, 2026, opening the route for all climbing members.
The fixing team was led by Dawa Gyalje Sherpa, an IFMGA-certified mountain guide and Imagine Nepal’s senior lead who has climbed all 14 eight-thousanders in the world. The team also included Imagine Nepal’s Chheten Tashi Sherpa, Sohail Shehzad from Pakistan, and Buddha Bahadur Gurung from Elite Expedition.
The Summit Team
Following the completion of the rope fixing, the climbing members made their push to the summit, arriving between 7:45 AM and 8:20 AM on May 20, 2026. The following ten climbers successfully reached the summit of Kanchenjunga:
Imagine Nepal: Palden Namgya Sherpa, Mr. Kunnar Karu, Pasang Sherpa, Ms. Zeng Xiaoyun, Pasang Namgel Sherpa, and Ms. Agnieszka Olkowicz.
Rolwaling Excursion: Phura Tenzing Sherpa and Mr. Christopher John Klinke (United States).
Satori Adventure: Nurbu Sherpa and Ms. Daniela Murinova (Slovenia).
In total, ten climbers from four nations stood on the summit of the world’s third highest peak, marking a remarkable achievement for the entire Imagine Nepal Kanchenjunga expedition and its partners.