Last Updated on October 11, 2019 by Treks Planner Nepal
Mt. Kanchenjunga is the third highest in the world at 8,598m, it sits spanning the Nepal/Sikkim border only a few miles from Tibet, the name Kanchenjunga means ‘five great treasures of snow’ i.e. Silver, Gold, Precious Stones, Grain, and Holy Scriptures, which hints at the spectacular mountain views that await. This route was opened to trekkers in 1988, though people have trekked in the area in connection with mountaineering expeditions since the turn of the century. Mt. Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world at 8,596m it sits across the Nepal/Sikkim border and is only a few miles from Tibet. This trek offers magnificent views of Everest, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga.
The trail climbs from the intensively cultivated hillsides of the Nepal Midlands, populated by the Rai and Limbu tribes. This trek will take you through gorgeous Rhododendron forests and picturesque villages. You will see a collection of wildlife and trek over high mountain passes offering mind-blowing views. On completion of this outstanding trek, undoubtedly you will be left with a bundle of wonderful memories.
Table of Contents
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Weather
Since the route of Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek goes across the diverse climate zones, it is a bit difficult to predict weather conditions in this trail. The lowest altitude of this trekking route is at Taplejung which is at the altitude of 1820 m above sea level. And the Kanchenjunga Base Camp, our destination of this trek stands tall at an altitude of 5140 m above sea level. This causes a drastic change in temperature.
There is no uniform weather conditions at different altitudes even in the same season. Climate and weather vary in different altitudes but you can somehow figure out the pattern of climatic conditions in different altitudes in different seasons.
- Winter Season(Dec-Feb)
November, December, January, and February winter in Nepal. Early winter is one of the best times to trek Kanchenjunga Base Camp other than Autumn. It is quite cold at high altitudes but the views of the landscape are crystal clear in this period of time. The lodges will be closed in this season in Pangpema and Ramche. So, you will have to camp at these rest stops. The temperature may drop to minus 30 degrees or more. That’s why, you must be prepared with all the winter gear, equipment, and clothes that will protect you from the cold. In late winter, the temperature begins to rise. The heavy snow deposits start to meltdown and flowers start to bloom everywhere at the lower altitudes.
- Autumn Season(Sep-Nov)
The perfect season to trek in Kanchenjunga Base Camp or any other place in Nepal is in the autumn season. The weather in the trekking route will be perfect with not much wind or clouds. It will neither be too hot nor too cold. Autumn is also the time of the year when a lot of festivities take place. You could score some special local delicacies too. Taking part in the local culture and festival is an experience not to be missed.
- Summer Season/Monsoon Season(June-August)
June, July, and August are the months of summer in Nepal known as monsoon or rainy season. It is super-hot in the lower regions at this time of the year, especially in the eastern regions of the Terai and Hilly regions of Nepal. The month of June is the pre-monsoon period and the temperature decreases during the downpours and rises on sunny days. Clouds will most likely cover the majestic views of mountains and different landscapes. But when the clouds clear up, you will be stunned by the view. Trekking in monsoon in Nepal can be a unique adventure in itself. If one is willing to go for trekking in the Kanchenjunga region, one is strongly recommended to do so. Just be sure to take precautions and safety measures.
- Spring Season(March-May)
The month of March brings spring in Nepal and continues up until May. In the early spring, the weather is close to perfect and temperatures at high altitudes are still cold but not as cold as in winter. The weather in the lower regions of the trekking trails is also perfect. The tea houses and lodges start to open in the alpine zone that was closed during winter due to heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. You don’t need to have all your camping gear while trekking in this season. You can easily cross the Sele La pass without difficulties. Late spring provides the blooming of colorful flowers in the entire lush green forest. Green hills and the white snow-capped mountain views are incredibly stunning. Very few traces of clouds can be seen in the sky.
Kanchenjunga Trek Equipments Checklist
Lots of people trekking in the Kanchenjunga area are on their first high alpine trek. In order to help those with less experience in choosing suitable equipment for trekking in high alpine areas we have listed a summary below. If trekking in Kanchenjunga is going to be your once in a lifetime experience, then there is no need to purchase expensive items of equipment. A lot of expeditions leave their equipment in Nepal and there are several shops in Kathmandu that will sell or rent you almost any piece of equipment that you would need.
- Duffle bag/Rucksack
- Day backpack
- Down jacket
- Sleeping bag
- Head accessories(sun hat, sunscreen, warm fleece hat)
- Hand(light gloves, thick warm gloves, waterproof outer gloves)
- Feet(camp shoes, lightweight boots, thick woolen outer socks, inner socks)
- Upper Body(t-shirts, lightweight thermals, fleece jacket, Windstopper/Waterproof jacket)
- Lower Body(hiking shorts, fleece or thermal pants, waterproof shell pants, undergarments, and lightweight inner thermals, lightweight hiking pants)
- Toiletries(toilet paper, toothbrush, and paste, small towel, soaps, nail scissors)
- Personal Hygiene(wet wipes, normal dry tissue, handwash)
- General Accessories(Headlamp, small combination for a backpack, first aid kit, bottles, trekking poles)
- Extra(iPad,tablets,indoor games,guidebook and map, binoculars)
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Itinerary Details
Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world is situated in the eastern region of Nepal Border. It is engulfed with mesmerizing natural beauty and authentic Buddhist culture and still, it remains off the beaten trek in Nepal. Only about 2,000 tourist hikes Kanchenjunga compared to 30,000 tourists hiking in Everest Base Camp every year.
The trekking region of Kanchenjunga is filled with rhododendron and bamboo forests and offers a panoramic view of mountains and is home to some of the ethnic communities of Nepal, such as Rais and Limbus and its trekking trail is off the beaten in nature. Trekking in this region means doing one of the longest treks in Nepal, as well as walking in the far northeastern region in Nepal.
The main highlights of the Kanchenjunga region trek are Kanchenjunga South Base Camp, Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, Yalung Glacier, and an altitude of 5,143 m, alpine forest, and quaint villages, Pangpema, including a panoramic view of Kanchenjunga and neighboring peaks.
Below we have given the 24 days of a summarized itinerary for your Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek from your arrival in Kathmandu until your departure day. The following itinerary guides you to the base camp from the Northside and also covering the Southside as well. This route is easier and preferred route to the base camp.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel.
Day 02: Drive to Suketar(Drive: 28 hrs)
Day 03: Suketar to Mitlung(Trek: 7/8hrs, Altitude: 921 meters)
Day 04: Mitlung to Chhiruwa(Trek: 6/7hrs, Altitude: 1270 meters)
Day 05: Chhiruwa to Lelep(Trek: 5/6hrs, Altitude: 1940 meters)
Day 06: Lelep to Amjilosa(Trek: 5/6hrs, Altitude: 2510 meters)
Day 07: Amjilosa to Ghunsa(Trek: 6/7hrs, Altitude: 3595 meters)
Day 08: Acclimatize Day in Ghunsa
Day 09: Ghunsa to Khangpachhen( Trek: 4/5hrs, Altitude: 4100meters)
Day 10: Khangpachhen to Lhonak(Trek: 4/5hrs, Altitude: 4785 meters)
Day 11: Lhonak to Kanchenjunga Base Camp/ Return to Lhonak( Trek: 6/7hrs, Altitude: 5143 meters)
Day 12: Lhonak to Khangpachhen
Day 13: Khangpachhen to Ghunsa
Day 14: Ghunsa to Lumba Samba (Trek: 4/5hrs, Altitude: 4206 meters)
Day 15: Lumba Samba via Sele La Pass to Ramche(Trek: 7/8hrs, Altitude: 4580 meters)
Day 16: Ramche to Yalung Base Camp (South Side)/Return to Ramche(Trek: 6/7hrs, Altitude: 4500 meters)
Day 17: Ramche to Anda Phedi(Trek: 4/5hrs, Altitude: 3370 meters)
Day 18: Anda Phedi to Yamphudin( Trek: 4/5hrs, Altitude: 2080 meters)
Day 19: Yamphudin to Mamankhe or Phumphe Danda(Trek: 4/5hrs, Altitude: 1785/1858 meters)
Day 20: Phumphe danda or Mamankhe to Kade Bhanjyang(Trek: 4/5hrs, Altitude: 2129 meters)
Day 21: Kade Bhanjyang to Illam(Drive: 4/5hrs)
Day 22: Illam to Bhadrapur(Drive: 2hrs)
Day 23: Fly back to Kathmandu(Flight: 1/2hrs)
Day 24: Departure day
Kanchenjunga Trek Difficulty
You don’t have to be an experienced mountaineer or trekker to finish the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek. On the other hand, it doesn’t mean that Kanchenjunga trek is as simple as walking or running in a park. An adequate level of physical fitness and training needs to be done if one really wishes to complete Kanchenjunga Trek smoothly. From our previous experiences with clients let us break down some of the basic training you can do at home or at the park nearby as part of the preparation.
Running in the park: At least one month before the date of departure a minimum of 5-8 km a day. It will dramatically help breathing and blood circulation in addition to building up your thigh and torso muscles.
Swimming: Holding your breath and swimming helps to store oxygen that will ease short breathing in the high altitude.
Yoga or Aerobic: Give some time doing yoga, stretching your body, jogging to tone up your body and muscles, etc.
Gym: If you plan hiking with a loaded backpack, we suggest extra exercise, especially leg Squat, Leg press, Deadlift, Leg extension, Wall sits, Leg curl, etc.
So, with proper training and preparation, one can challenge oneself on this once in a lifetime trek to the less touristic region where exploration of the villages and Himalayan culture of primitive Rai, Limbu and Sherpa communities and also the wilderness is a true joy. And also one can immerse oneself in the rich flora and fauna of the region which will leave anyone speechless. With the right preparation, the journey to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp will be a memorable adventure that one cannot miss.