Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is remote, wild, and full of adventure trekking routes. Kanchenjunga Peak (8586m), the world’s third-highest peak is located in Taplejung District northeastern part of Nepal.
Similarly, Simba Khola, the Ghunsa, and the Tamur valleys lie in the trails.
The magnificent views of Kanchenjunga Massif are the highlights of the Kanchenjunga trek—varied landscapes of forests, rivers, glaciers, and enchanting forests of rhododendrons.
Rare and unique flora and fauna including Rhododendrons, Orchids, and Musk deer are visible on this trail. Additionally, snow leopards, Asiatic black bears, and red pandas can also be found. It is a global hotspot for plant biodiversity. Thus trekkers can see 23 species of Rhododendrons on this route. Similarly, over 2000 flowering plants have been identified here.
Kanchenjunga Trek allows trekkers to discover the unique local culture and lifestyle over there. Similarly, this region is rich in culture and ethnic diversity over 11 ethnic communities. That is Limbu, Sherpa, Rai, Chhetri, and Brahmin.
Kanchenjunga Trek is famous for a camping trek. The trek gradually starts from 1200m (4,000ft) to 5180m (17,094ft). One can cross over several passes including the Mirgin La pass which offers majestic views of Kanchenjunga Massif. Some other trekking routes available in this area are Kanchenjunga Base Camp, Kanchenjunga South, and North Trek.
Summary of Kanchenjunga Trek
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is an arduous yet satisfying journey that leads you through the remote wilderness of eastern Nepal. The trek spans approximately 21 days and follows a path that showcases some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Himalayas.
Here is a condensed version of the customary itinerary for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek:
This itinerary outlines a trekking route through the Kanchenjunga region of Nepal. The journey starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, followed by a drive to llam. The trekking portion of the journey begins on the second day with a drive from llam to Taplejung. Over the next several days, the trekking group will hike through various mountainous regions, including Sinwa, Sukathum, Gyabla, Ghunsa, and Khambachen.
On the eighth day, the group will take a day off from trekking to acclimatize to the altitude and explore Jannu View Point, which has an elevation of 4400 meters. The trek will continue through Lhonak and up to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, which has an elevation of 5388 meters. After a day of hiking in this area, the group will return to Lhonak.
The trek then continues through Ghunsa and on to Cheram, which involves crossing several mountain passes, including Sele La Pass (4290m), Sinion La (4440m), Mirgin La (4480m), and sinelapche Bhanjyang (4646m). The group will then trek to Ramche and explore the Valung Glacier before continuing on to Yamphudin and Hapukhola. The journey ends with a drive from Hapukhola to Bhadrapur, followed by a flight back to Kathmandu. This trekking route is a challenging yet rewarding experience for those seeking an adventure in the beautiful Himalayan mountains.
Length and terrain of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is a demanding trek that covers about 170 kilometers (106 miles) and takes around 18-20 days to complete. It involves steep uphill and downhill sections and requires a high level of fitness and endurance. The terrain of the trek is diverse, ranging from dense forests to rocky mountainous terrain.
The trek starts at a low altitude and gradually ascends to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp, reaching a maximum altitude of 5,143 meters (16,873 feet). Trekkers will pass through small villages, cross streams and rivers, and climb peaks such as the Goechala Peak for breathtaking views. Overall, the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is a challenging yet rewarding trek that offers a unique experience for trekkers who are up for the adventure.
Accommodation on the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
On the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, accommodation is typically in teahouses or lodges run by locals, offering basic and comfortable lodging with facilities such as beds, blankets, and shared bathrooms. During peak season (March to May and September to November), accommodations may be more limited, so advance booking is recommended.
Food is usually served at the teahouses and includes local and international cuisine such as noodles, soups, and dal bhat. Trekkers can also camp along the route, which offers a more personalized and adventurous experience but requires carrying camping equipment and obtaining permits. The accommodations and food options provide an immersive experience of the local culture and lifestyle for trekkers.
Packing list for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
When preparing for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, it’s important to pack carefully and thoughtfully to ensure that you have everything you need for a successful and enjoyable trip. Your packing list should include clothing, gear, and miscellaneous items that will keep you comfortable and prepared for any challenges you may face along the way.
In terms of clothing, you’ll want to pack a variety of items that will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable. This includes thermal underwear, a fleece jacket or sweater, a down jacket or heavily insulated jacket, a windproof and waterproof jacket and pants, trekking pants and shorts, long-sleeve shirts, T-shirts, underwear and socks, a sun hat and woolen hat, gloves and mittens, and hiking boots and sandals. These items will help protect you from the elements, keep you warm during cold nights, and provide comfort during long days of trekking.
For gear, you’ll need a variety of items that will make your trek easier and more comfortable. This includes a backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, trekking poles, headlamp, extra batteries, sunglasses with UV protection, water bottles, water purification tablets, personal first-aid kit and medications, sunscreen and lip balm, insect repellent, pocket knife or multi-tool, camera and extra batteries or charger, and map and guidebook. These items will help you navigate the terrain, stay safe and healthy, and capture memories of your adventure.
Finally, you’ll want to pack miscellaneous items that will make your trip more enjoyable and convenient. This includes cash and credit cards, passport and travel documents, toiletries such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer, a small towel, energy bars and snacks, and duct tape and ziplock.
Moreover the Kanchenjunga Trek
Which is the best time to trek Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek?
The optimal time for Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is during the pre-monsoon (March to May) and post-monsoon (September to November) seasons. These seasons provide more favorable weather conditions, including clear skies and drier trails, making it easier to trek and enjoy the stunning views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range.
However, during the monsoon season (June to August), heavy rainfall can make the trails slippery and muddy, making trekking challenging. Similarly, the winter season (December to February) can bring heavy snowfall, which makes it difficult to trek. It is therefore advisable to avoid trekking during these months.
How difficult is it to trek Kanchenjunga Base Camp?
The Kanchenjunga trek is one of the most challenging treks in Nepal. Trekkers must cross through the mountain ranges passes. As this can be the most difficult route for them. The trekkers must be physically and mentally strong to trek this route. Great effort and determination are essential to trek Kanchenjunga.
During the trek, you’ll traverse dense forests, stunning valleys, and high mountain passes. The trail rewards you with striking vistas of Mount Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain, and other peaks in the vicinity. The trek is physically demanding, requiring you to walk for long hours on several days. However, the beauty of the scenery and cultural experiences throughout the journey make it an unforgettable and worthwhile experience.
Overview
Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is remote, wild, and full of adventure. The Kanchenjunga base camp trek takes you to the base of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8598m), the world’s third-highest mountain straddling between a huge massif located in the far northeast part of Nepal on the borders of Sikkim and Tibet.
The highlights of the Kanchenjunga North and South Base Camp trek are the magnificent views of the snow-capped mountain peaks, varied landscapes, from the subtropical lowlands to the spectacular glacial plateaus, enchanting forests of rhododendrons and abundance of wildlife that includes the famous muck deer and blue sheep. The tranquil villages that dot the borders of Tibet and Sikkim lend a special flavor to the trek.
The trail gradually ascends from 1200m (4,000ft) to 5180m (17,094ft) above sea level. It is a purely camping trek.
Trip Highlight
- You will be sleeping on the lap of the third highest peak in the world, Kanchenjunga (8586 meters).
- You will ascend to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp at 4610 meters to catch the stunning views of the Kanchenjunga South and Yalung glacier.
- You can know about the lifestyle and culture of the Rai, Limbu, and Sherpa people residing in Eastern Nepal.
- You will walk inside the diverse Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. To your luck, you may catch sight of snow Leopard there.
- You get to walk through the subtropical lowlands, alpine forests, and forests of rhododendrons and magnolia.
