Everything you need to know about Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking in Nepal. Nestled in the eastern region of Nepal, the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is a renowned Himalayan trek. In Nepali, “Kanchenjunga” means “crystal clear.” The third-highest peak in the world, Kanchenjunga (8586 meters) is also referred to as the “Five Treasures of the Great Snow,” which includes gold, silver, precious stones, grain, and holy texts. Sikkim, India, shares a border with northeastern Nepal, home to the renowned Kanchenjunga. Since Kanchenjunga is partially located in both India and Nepal, views of the peak are possible from Tibet, Bhutan, and India.
In addition to its cultural significance, it is home to a diverse range of plants and several endangered animals, including the Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, red panda, and musk deer. Furthermore, specialists have discovered 23 distinct varieties of rhododendrons flourishing in the region, designating it as a global “hotspot” for plant diversity.
Despite being one of the hardest treks in Nepal, trekking is one of the most popular activities in this area. Nonetheless, it could be the perfect place for people who wish to push their physical and mental boundaries while taking in the splendor of the natural world and local culture.
TREK HIGHLIGHTS
- Embark on a strenuous trek through an area that is rarely visited by tourists.
- Trace the course of the Tamur and Ghunsa Rivers’ glacial torrents to their source on the northwest face of the Kanchenjunga Himal.
- After climbing to Kanchenjunga Base Camp and crossing the Mirgin La Pass (4500m), spend the night in Pangpema (5140m).
- Enjoy unparalleled views of the Makalu range, the Kanchenjunga massif, and the neighboring peaks, including Jannu
- Walk through isolated Gurung, Limbu, Rai, and Sherpa communities
- Offers breathtaking views of the world’s third-highest mountain and other magnificent Himalayan peaks including Jannu, Kabru, and Rathong.
- Leads you through thick rhododendron, oak, and magnolia woods where you may see a range of animals, including musk deer, snow leopards, red-billed blue magpies, shy dragons, Himalayan black bears, and red pandas.
- Offers a special chance to fully immerse in the cultures of the ethnic groups that call the area home, such as the Gurung, Rai, Sherpa, and Limbu.
- It allows you to taste their local food, including dishes like momos, thukpa, and dal-bhat.
PERMIT REQUIRED FOR KANCHENJUNGA BASE CAMP TREKKING
You must first apply for permits from the Nepali government and abide by all guidelines about trekking in the Kanchenjunga area. The two types of permits are the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP) and the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for the path in the Tapethok and Yamphuding VDCs.
KANCHENJUNGA CONSERVATION AREA PERMIT (KCAP)
A permit known as the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP) is required for visitors to enter the area. The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Management Council (KCAMC) is in charge of overseeing the 2,035 square kilometer Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. The KCAP is required for all trekkers planning to access the region, and it may be obtained from the Taplejung office of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Region Project or the Kathmandu office of the Nepal Tourism Board.
KCAP PERMIT COST
Citizens of Nepal are required to pay NPR 100 per person.
SAARC nationals must pay NPR 500 (about $5) per person.
For foreign nationals, the cost is NPR 2000 per person, or around $20.
RESTRICTED AREA PERMIT(RAP)
Since the location is within Nepal’s restricted territory, a special permission called a Restricted location permission (RAP) is needed for the walk. Among the forbidden places are the Taplejung District’s four village development committees (VDCs): Yamphuding, Lelep, Paping, and Olangchung Gola. Hiring a certified guide and/or porter for the whole journey is required, and the permit can only be acquired from a recognized trekking organization in Nepal.
COST OF RESTRICTED AREA PERMIT(RAP)
The number of days you spend in the restricted area determines the cost of the Kanchenjunga RAP.
$20 USD per participant every week for the first four weeks.
After the initial four weeks: $25 USD per person every week
DOCUMENT REQUIRED:
When completing the application procedure, you will need to present the following documentation in order to receive the Kanchenjunga Trek permit:
- A valid passport that still has at least six months on it, as well as a valid Nepal visa that is valid after your RAP expires.
- an electronic copy of the passport-sized photo that has to be posted to the Kanchenjunga RAP website
- Two passport-sized pictures (KCAP only)
- In order for travel agencies to submit an application for a RAP permit, they must provide:
- Application
- Confirmed Itinerary
- Guide Insurance
- n Online submission ID (as supplied by the agency)
- Information about the dollar
- Tax clearance certificate
BEST TIME TO TREK TO KANCHENJUNGA BASE CAMP
The weather and environment are the most significant factors to consider while thinking about trekking to Kanchenjunga. Timing is also very critical. When choosing the ideal time to trek, it’s important to have comprehensive knowledge of the weather, temperatures, and peak trekking season during each of Nepal’s four unique seasons.
SPRING
As the weather warms up in the spring, rhododendrons blossom profusely and the area is blanketed in brilliant blooms, making for a striking scene. With pleasant temperatures and bright skies that offer stunning vistas of the Himalayan peaks, it’s a great time of year for trekking.
AUTUMN/FALL
Similar to this, trekkers may enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains in the fall when the skies are clear and visibility is great. It’s the perfect time of year to trek the Kanchenjunga area because of the warm temperatures.
MONSOON
But it’s crucial to remember that the Kanchenjunga region receives a lot of rainfall from June to August during the monsoon season, which increases the risk of landslides and flooding and makes trekking challenging. Trekking is not advised during this season and should be avoided completely.
WINTER
In addition, there is a significant drop in temperature and a lot of snow and ice in the region from December to February throughout the winter. It is only advised to trek during this season if you are well-prepared for cold weather and have experience because it may be very difficult and even hazardous.
RECOMMENDED SEASON
It is recommended that you schedule your trip during the peak seasons of spring and autumn, which are March to May for spring and September to November for fall, in order to have the greatest possible experience trekking Kanchenjunga. During these seasons, the weather is usually consistent, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures.
But keep in mind that the best times to hike in Nepal are typically in the spring and fall. The trails may get crowded this season, and the lodges may get overbooked. As a result, it’s essential to consider possible crowds while making plans.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Multiple ways of transportation are available to reach Kanchenjunga, based on your budget and preferences. The most often-used modes of transportation are:
BY FLIGHT
From Kathmandu, you may fly to Biratnagar, from where you can take a bus or jeep to Taplejung, the base of the Kanchenjunga trekking. Flights are usually faster and more comfortable, and they provide a breathtaking aerial perspective of the Himalayan area.
BY ROAD
To get to Taplejung, you can take a local bus or rent a private vehicle from Kathmandu or other nearby cities. Although this is a less expensive choice, the journey might be difficult, long, and tiresome.
BY HELICOPTER
A more opulent and expedient way is to charter a helicopter to get from Kathmandu to Taplejung. Though it’s the most costly choice, it’s a convenient method to get there swiftly and comfortably.
Your trekking journey may start as soon as you arrive at Taplejung. It’s crucial to remember that the final stretch of the route to Taplejung is unpaved and uneven, so it’s advisable to get ready for the trip.
ACCOMMODATION OPTION IN KANCHENJUNGA BASE CAMP
Trekkers in the Kanchenjunga region have a variety of lodging alternatives to choose from. The most well-liked choices include camping and teahouses.
Teahouses are little rooms with a bed, blankets, and pillows that can be found along the trekking path. They also provide dishes including momos (dumplings), noodles, and dal bhat (rice and lentils). While some teahouses have common restrooms, some have attached restrooms.
For individuals who require particular diets or would prefer more privacy, camping is another alternative. Additionally, camping gives hikers greater freedom in terms of scheduling and gives them a chance to take in the area’s natural beauty.
FOOD OPTIONS IN KANCHENJUNGA BASE CAMP
There are several different meal alternatives available for hikers in the Kanchenjunga area. It’s important to have a balanced meal that will provide you with enough energy for your adventure. Some of the popular food options are momos, dal bhat, noodles, thukpa, local cuisine.
It is crucial to remember that the menu may get more limited as you go higher, and fresh food may become harder to get. It is strongly recommended that you carry energy bars and snacks to add to your nutrition while on the trip. To guarantee clean drinking water, another piece of advice is to always have a filtration device or tablet with you.
All things considered, even though the lodging and food alternatives are modest, they are enough to keep you cozy and well-fed while ascending Mount Kanchenjunga.
KANCHENJUNGA BASE CAMP TREK COST
The cost of trekking can vary based on a number of things, including the route you take, how long the walk takes, what kind of service you need, and the season you trek. Trekking to Kanchenjunga Base Camp typically costs between $2500 and $4500 per person.
KANCHENJUNGA BASE CAMP TREK DIFFICULTY
It’s crucial to keep in mind that the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trip is tough and hard, necessitating a high degree of physical fitness and endurance while assessing its difficulty level.
The trek has small footpaths, rocky paths, steep ascents and descents, and occasional exposure to high heights. Every day of the expedition entails many hours of walking; on some days, hiking might take up to eight or nine hours. Because the walk ascends to high heights of more than 5,000 meters, altitude sickness is a serious risk.
That being said, the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek may be a fulfilling and life-changing event if one is prepared and trained well. I advise bringing the appropriate gear and equipment and hiring an experienced guide.
ADVICE AND PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES:
Before starting a Kanchenjunga trek, take into account the following crucial advice and safety precautions:
- It’s important to gradually acclimate to the high altitude. Do not go to higher altitudes too rapidly; instead, give yourself adequate time to acclimate.
- Trekking up Kanchenjunga is physically taxing. You must to be in excellent physical shape and have trained and exercised regularly.
- In the Himalayas, the weather may change suddenly. Before beginning the hike, it’s crucial to check the weather prediction and be ready for any changes in the weather.
- Trekking in the Himalayas may be problematic due to altitude sickness. To prevent altitude sickness, stay hydrated, get enough sleep, abstain from alcohol, and quit smoking.
- When trekking, keep yourself clean and hygienic. Bring wet wipes and hand sanitizer with you.
- Make sure you have all the gear you’ll need for walking, including hiking boots, poles, warm clothes, a sleeping bag, and a backpack.
- Follow the trekking instructions that the guide or trekking service gave you. Don’t go off on your own, stick to the approved route, and show respect for the traditions and culture of the area.
- Get adequate insurance for trekking that includes medical coverage and emergency evacuation.
OUTLINE ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrive in Kathmandu. Hotel.
Day 2 Rest day and trek briefing.
Day 3 Kathmandu – Biratnagar
Day 4 Biratnagar – Suketar – Mitlung (5 – 6 hours) 921m
Day 5 Mitlung – Chirwa (5 hours) 1270m
Day 6 Chirwa – Sekathum (5 – 6 hours) 1660m
Day 7 Sekathum – Amjilossa (5 – 6 hours) 2510m
Day 8 Amjilossa – Gybala (5 hours) 2730m
Day 9 Gybala – Ghunsa (4 – 5hours) 3595m
Day 11 Rest day at Khambachen.
Day 12 Khambachen – Lhonak (5 hours) 4785m
Day 13 Lhonak – Pangpema (Kanchenjunga north side base camp) (5 hours) 5143m
Day 14 Lhonak – Ghunsa (5 – 6 hours) 3595m
Day 15 Ghunsa – High Camp (5 hours) 4100m
Day 16 High Camp – Mirgin La Pass 4663m – Tseram (5 – 6 hours) 3870m
Day 17 Tseram – Ramche (5 – 6 hours) 4580m
Day 18 Day trek to Oktang (4 – 5 hours) 4730m
Day 19 Ramche – Lamite Bhanjyang (5 – 6 hours) 3310m
Day 20 Lamite Bhanjyang – Yamphudin (5 hours) 2080m
Day 21 Rest day at Yamphudin.
Day 22 Yamphudin – Ponphe (5 hours) 1900m
Day 23 Ponphe – Khunjari (5 – 6 hours) 1928m
Day 24 Khunjari – Suketar (4 – 5 hours) 2300m
Day 25 Flight from Suketar to Biratnagar, then another flight to Kathmandu.
Day 26 Depart Kathmandu