The Northwest Face is a documented major line on Kānchenjunga and is considerably more serious than a normal snow climb. Conditions typically involve steep snow and ice, complex route-finding, and significant avalanche and serac danger.
Route Outline
Approach from the north side of the mountain
Climb the Northwest Face to the upper slopes
Reach the summit ridge or upper shoulder
Continue to the summit
Descend by the ascent route
This is the classic and best-known route on Kānchenjunga, first climbed in 1955 by the British expedition. It is a very serious high-altitude alpine route with steep snow, ice, mixed climbing, avalanche exposure, and major objective hazards.
The North Ridge is a named, documented alpine route on Kānchenjunga. It is a high-commitment Himalayan climb with exposed ridge terrain, severe weather, and objective hazards typical of an 8000-metre peak.
