Kanchenjunga Base camp Trek

Overview

Well, this adventurous trek so a fit trekker with willingness to challenge the altitude and own physical ability in order to reach the base camp of third highest mountain in the world. According to locals people thought Kanchanjunga was the highest peak in the word. This remote Himalayan trekking trail in part of eastern mountainous region of Nepal is more like roads less travelled and is different from any other major tourist destination in Nepal. 

One can experience the great pleasure of walking in the wild and experience the adventurous trek that is surrounded by majestic HimalayasWalking on the rugged mountain terrain this trek takes you to north and south face basecamp of Kanchanjunga (8586m). Following the off road tarmac with rivers flowing the motor able roads are tough as well. Along the way you come across many waterfalls which are unnamed and few suspension bridges.

During the past this trek was only accessed by camping but lately you can find some tea houses and home stays but still some places requires camping. However the accommodations and meals are not easily available and as good as Everest base camp trek and Annapurna base camp trek. There are few Sherpa community and rest of them are Rai, Limbu, Tamangs and Gurungs. Those people have their own different culture and life style than that of other region as well as they have their own mother tongue.

 Along the trails you come across variety of wildlife like Blue Sheep, Himalayan Tahr and others. Birds like Daphe, Chilime, Munal etc. and many others are found too. According to the conservation area the place is also home for migrating birds as well. This trails takes you through the lush green forest, terraced rice fields and some beautiful scattered villages. Sometimes walking just by rivers and forest of Rhododendron in spring seasons.

In addition to Kanchanjunga peak one can see many other named and unnamed peaks exceeding over 6000m. Some of them are Kanchenjunga West, also known as Yalung Kang (8,505m). Also found in this area are many peaks exceeding 7,000m, the highest being Kambachen (7,903m), Janu (7,710m), Jongsong (7,483m), Kabru (7,353m), Tent Peak (7,365m) and the Twins peak (7,350m).

Between this extraordinary groups of peaks there are many glaciers of which Zumu, Talung and Rathong flow into Sikkim while to the west, the Kanchenjunga and Yalung glaciers flow into the mighty Tamor River of Nepal.

Trek highlights 

• Magnificent views of third highest mountain in the world. 
• Remote and untouched landscape with cultural immersion.
• Diverse landscape as you will be moving subtropical forest with rhododendron along with alpine meadows in a single trek.
• Both base camp on a single trek North and South base camp.
• Tibetan influence village and monastery.
• Rich biodiversity and amazing wildlife including snow leopard.

A Typical Day on the Kanchenjunga Trek

A trekking day in the Kanchenjunga region begins with a breathtaking sunrise over the Himalayas, viewed right from your teahouse. After freshening up, you’ll enjoy a breakfast which is often a mix of bread, eggs, cereals, and tea or coffee and hot lemon ginger honey with the peaceful mountain surroundings.

The day’s walk usually starts around 7:00 in the morning and sometimes early giving you enough time to reach the next destination before sunset. On average, you’ll be walking five to six hours each day through stunning landscapes, trail filled with forest and small settlement in between. Once you gain elevation the trail change and you will find Tibetan influence in it. You will see the trail with prayer wheels, Mani walls, and colorful Chorten that reflect the deep-rooted Buddhist culture of eastern Nepal.

 It’s important to walk at your own pace, taking breaks when needed. Carrying a few snacks for the trail is always a good idea. Around midday, you’ll stop for lunch at a local teahouse. In some villages, you can choose your meal, while in others, you’ll be served what’s freshly prepared — typically healthy and     energizing dishes that keep you fueled for the climb ahead.

After a long day on the trail, you’ll reach your overnight stop, where you can relax and enjoy light snacks or tea. Dinner is served later in the evening. Nights are spent in cozy teahouses with warm blankets, though many trekkers prefer to use their own sleeping bags for extra comfort.

Accommodation during the Kanchenjunga Trek

We offer plan of bed and breakfast (BB plan) in mostly city area where there are plenty of different food outlets offering western foods and local cuisine as well. Rooms are as per your choice depending on your group size. While in mountain you will get twin sharing accommodation (best of available) and where there is attach bath you will get but if there is not it will just be simple and clean, mostly basic. The type of accommodation depends upon your Kanchanjuga trek cost but we assure that you will get the best of the best at range of your budget while in city areas.

Meals during the Kanchenjunga Trek

Food along the Kanchenjunga trail is simple but nourishing, prepared to keep you energized for long trekking days. In villages like Taplejung, Ghunsa, and Yamphudin, you’ll occasionally find cozy teahouses offering fresh coffee, tea, and even homemade bakery treats. As you move higher, meal choices become limited, but every dish is freshly cooked and designed to meet your nutritional needs in the mountains.

Breakfast and dinner are served at the lodge where you stay, while lunch is taken at local teahouses along the way. Typical meals include dal bhat, soups, noodles, potatoes, pasta, and pancakes warm, filling, and perfect for the Himalayan climate.

Kanchanjunga Trek Permits:-

Since the region is under Kanchenjunga conservation area you will be needing few permits.

• Kanchanjunga Conservation Area Permit.
• Kanchanjunga Restricted Area Permit.

Best time to trek Kanchanjunga:-

Usually there are two major season from trekking in Nepal. They are Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). 

Spring (March to May):-
The highlight of spring is clear mountain views with blue sky with blooming rhododendron with pleasant daytime temperature. The temperature will be in between 10-20 degree Celsius and as you gain altitude you will face lower degree of temperature. The nights will be harsh cold. This is also the ideal time to spot the wild life and photography as well.

Autumn (September to November):-
The highlight of this season is stable weather clear blue sky and crisp mountain air post monsoon. The weather is about 5-15 degree Celsius. As you gain altitude you will face lower degree of temperature. The nights will be harsh cold. The advantage is dry trail with minimal or zero rainfall.

Winter (December to February):-
Extreme low temperature with lots of snow fall at higher elevation with certain high pass being inaccessible or very hard to conclude the pass.

Monsoon (June to August):-
The high chance of rainfall with muddy and slippery trails. You will encounter lots of leeches as well.