The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek lasts 26 Days, but it is actually 22 days of a challenging and unforgettable trek that takes one to some of the most beautiful terrains in Nepal. The entire trek covers a distance of 220km, which offers an exhilarating and captivating experience.
As one gazes at the majestic Everest range, remote villages, and above all high-altitude terrains, this trek is a recipe for only experienced trekkers looking for something worthy of bragging about in their catalog of adventures.
The journey to the base of the world’s third-highest mountain is not just about scaling to high elevation, bavied through densely wooded alpine forests and remote villages in eastern Nepal while gliding from stunning views all the way.
The word Kanchenjunga means ‘Five Treasures of the Great Snow.’ The name refers to the 5 summits that comprise Kanchenjunga. The 25-day circuit trek begins after we fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur.
The long haul on a fairly undeveloped route also gives us unrivaled glimpses of the rural Nepalese way of living, all of which belong to the country’s eastern part. Asian Expedition takes you through this trek so that you can ultimately decide if it is the right one for you.
Trek Highlights
1. Stunning Mountain Views
Enjoy the majestic sight of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586m), the third-highest mountain in the world, and other peaks Yalung Kang, Jannu, Frey Peak, Kabru, and Koktang.
2. Glaciers and High Passes
Explore Yalung Glacier and Kanchenjunga Glacier while traversing historical high-altitude passes like Sele La and Mirgin La with views of Makalu and other major Himalayan giants.
3. Kanchenjunga Conservation Area
This trek passes through one of the most biodiverse areas in Nepal, with rare wildlife such as the red panda, snow leopard, blue sheep, etc. The area features lush rhododendron forests and alpine meadows.
4. Cultural Immersion
Visit remote villages of Sherpa, Limbu, Rai, and Tibetan communities and be welcomed into their homes. Sample local food, including yak cheese; visit Buddhist monasteries like Ramtang and Oktang.
5. Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure
The 18-day trek offers a sense of wilderness and solitude as it winds its way through rugged terrain, dense forest, numerous cascades, and terraced fields with hardly any outside intervention.
6. Dual Base Camps
To catch an amazing view of Kanchenjunga’s north and south faces, reach both North Base Camp (Pangpema) located at 5143 m, and South Base Camp (Ramche) at 4160 m.
7. Landscapes Paved With Wonder
The trek displays varied life forms, from the valleys of Arun bordered by lush tropical jungles to grim high-altitude glaciated terrains, interspersed with bamboo forests, meadows, and icy plains.
8. Genuine Experiences
Visit tea estates in Ilam and enjoy a scenic flight over the lowlands of Nepal to Bhadrapur before the trek.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Route Itinerary
The trek features a combination of breathtaking views, cultural experiences, and biodiversity.
Starting
- The trek begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and then by jeep from there to Taplejung, the doorway to Kanchenjunga trekking.
North Base Camp Route
- From Taplejung, there enters the forest and beautiful villages, including Amjilasa and Ghunsa, a Sherpa village rich in culture.
- After acclimatization in Ghunsa, the trek proceeds to Kambachen and finally Lhonak, offering jagged terrains and views of Mt. Jannu.
- Finally, Pangpema (North Base Camp) is reached at 5,143m, with indescribable views of Kanchenjunga and its neighboring peaks, Nepal Peak and Tent Peak.
South Base Camp Route
- Returning to Ghunsa, the route crosses the Mirgin La Pass for panoramic views of Makalu and Jannu.
- A descent to Cheram takes us back to Ramche and Oktang (South Base Camp) at 4,160m.
- Here, trekkers could marvel at Yalung Glacier and the southern face of Kanchenjunga.
Ending Point
- The trek ends, as does any great journey, through such villages as Torongden and Yasang, and finally in Hellok.
- From Hellok, the group boards a jeep back to Taplejung, then on for the flight to Kathmandu.
Difficulty and Trail of Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
Trail Overview
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is about 220 km long and passes through varied landscapes of
- Subtropical forests, alpine meadows, and glacial moraines.
- Through remote villages like Ghunsa, Ramche, and Kambachen.
- Across high mountain passes like Mirgin La and Sele La, offering spectacular views of the Himalayas.
- Quaint sites like Yalung Glacier and Kanchenjunga Glacier.
The trek takes you to the North Base Camp (Pangpema) at 5,143m and the South Base Camp (Ramche) at 4,160m, both of which are remote, rugged, and less developed than popular treks like the Everest and Annapurna treks.
Difficulty
- Due to several factors, the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is considered one of the hardest treks in the country:
High Altitude
- The trek goes above 5,000 meters, where the atmospheric oxygen is thin, and proper acclimatization is needed to prevent altitude sickness.
Length and Duration
- The trek goes for about 22-26 days and requires prolonged physical and mental endurance for a long day’s walk.
Rugged Terrain
- The trails are made of steep uphills and downhills, rocky paths, and narrow ridges with traverses over glacial moraines. Some sections also require a rope for safety.
Remote Areas
- The trek is remote and includes minimal access to medical facilities or evacuation options. It expects trekkers to be self-sufficient and well prepared for any situation.
Weather Conditions
- Weather in the region is unpredictable, with temperatures that range from 25°C in lower elevations to -20°C at the upper elevations. Impairing the weather conditions are snowfalls and high winds.
Physical Strength Required
- Trekkers require good cardiovascular fitness, strength, and stamina; it is recommended to train with heavy backpacks and do cardio exercises to whatever degree possible.
Who Is It For?
- This is for experienced trekkers who have previously trekked at higher altitudes.
- Adventurers looking for solitude on an off-the-path route.
- Those who pay a price in physical challenges for an infusion of stunning natural splendor and cultural immersion.
- Rewarding yet demanding, the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek enters one of the most pristine places in Nepal.
Gear and Equipment
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is an expedition far away in a hard environment that needs a lot of preparation and equipment to keep it safe and comfortable. Here is a full list of the necessary gear:
Clothing
Base Layers
- Moisture-wicking thermal tops and bottoms to keep dry and warm.
Insulating Layers
- Fleece or down jacket in cold conditions.
Outer Layers
- Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants for rain and snow protection.
Headwear
- Warm hat, balaclava, and sun cap for various conditions.
Handwear
- Lightweight gloves (fleece or wool) and insulated mittens for high-altitude cold.
Trekking Pants/Shirts
- Lightweight, quick-drying pants and shirts for trekking at lower altitudes.
Footwear
- Hiking Boots
- Sturdy, waterproof boots with good ankle support for rough terrain.
- Gaiters to stop snow, mud, or debris from going inside your boots.
- Camp Shoes
- Lightweight sandals or sneakers for maximum comfort at campsites.
- Trekking Socks
- Many pairs of moisture-wicking socks to help reduce blisters.
Sleeping Gear
- Sleeping Bag
- A four-season sleeping bag rated for a minimum temperature of -20°C.
- Sleeping Pad
- For providing insulation and some comfort while camping.
Trekking Gear
Backpack
- A 50- 60L backpack with a rain cover for the essentials.
Daypack
- Small pack for daily items like water, snacks, and rain gear.
Trekking Poles
- For reducing strain on the knees while climbing uphill and downhill.
Navigation and Safety
- Map/Compass/GPS Device
- Navigation in the remoteness.
First Aid Kit and others
- Altitude sickness medicine, bandages, antiseptic cream, painkillers, and blister care should be included.
- Headlamp/Flashlight
- With spare batteries for use in the early morning or late at night.
Food and Hydration
- Water Bottles/Hydration System
- Minimum 2-liter capacity with purification tablets or a filtration system.
- Snacks/Energy Bars
- High-calorie items like nuts, dried fruits, or energy bars for quick energy boosts.
Personal Items
- Sun Protection
- UV-protection sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF 50+), and lip balm.
- Toiletries
- Biodegradable soap, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, toilet paper, toothbrush/paste.
- Cash/Documents
- Cash for your expenses along the trek and a few necessary permits like the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit.
Optional Items
- Crampons (for snowy trails).
- Camera/binoculars to capture views.
- Sleeping bag liner for extra warmth.
- Light a stove in case of cooking for yourself.
Why choose the Asian Expedition for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek?
Asian Expedition is an efficacious choice for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek due to its experience and good reputation, as well as a complete package of services. Here are its reasons that make you trust us:
1. Knowledge and experience
A trek like Kanchenjunga can be viewed only by a comprehensive company such as Asian Expedition, which boasts decades of experience in organizing treks and expeditions in Nepal, of which several are on particularly difficult routes. We ensure a safe and well-organized trek.
2. Well-planned itineraries
We offer carefully planned itineraries that prioritize acclimatization, minimizing risks of altitude sickness while maximizing the fun of the trek.
3. Focus on Safety
Our team is trained for such harmful emergencies in remote areas because the company provides high-quality equipment, medical kits, and backup plans for emergencies.
4. Responsible Cultural and Environmental
One of its key aspects is responsibility towards the local cultures and people. Affiliated employment and collaborative efforts are other forms by which they serve local communities.
5. Comprehensive Services
We help you with everything from airport pickups to permits, meals, lodging, logistics, and trekking, ensuring that trekkers have things easy with their Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek.
How much does it cost to Trek the Kanchenjunga Base Camp?
The cost to trek to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp can be $1,180 per person for an epic adventure lasting an overall 18 Days. And we run the Kanchenjunga circuit trek with a minimum group size of 2 in the group.
Well, the cost of trekking to Kanchenjunga in Nepal depends upon several different factors, like how long you trek, what route you take, and what type of service you require.
For a luxury camping trek in Kanchenjunga, we offer the Upper Kanchenjunga Yangma Valley Camping Trek, which is US$6800 per person. This is based on a minimum of 2 trekkers and a maximum of 10 trekkers per group undertaking this trek.
FAQs
1. Can I trek Kanchenjunga solo?
Ans: It is not allowed to do solo trekking since this area is marked as a restricted area for trekking and requires a special permit for trekking. By government rules in Nepal, trekkers must form a group with at least two people and be accompanied by a licensed guide and/or porter.
2. Which is the base camp of Kanchenjunga?
Ans: There exist two base camps for Kanchenjunga, North Base Camp (5143 meters), which is located in Tibet, and South Base Camp (4580 meters), which is located in Nepal. Kanchenjunga is the third-highest mountain in the world, and the following describes the south side of the base camp in Nepal.