Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek (Introduction)
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is an extra ordinary adventure in the eastern Nepal. This journey leads you to the base of one of the world’s highest mountains. It is a journey to the off beaten path along with dense forests, high mountain passes, and peaceful villages.
Trekking to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp offers a candid sight into undamaged and remote landscapes. This trekking journey is exploration of the local culture and traditions. Trekking to its base camp takes you to one of the untouched landscapes by the modern development.
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek in Nepal is an awe-inspiring journey to the foot of the third-highest mountain in the world Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 meters). Going for this trek is the perfect choice for natural enthusiasts and adventure-seeking trekkers.
Trek Kanchenjunga is one of the most thrilling adventure through the unpaved area of Nepal. Trekking to this region offers one of the unique and less crowded experience compared to other famous trekking routes in Nepal.
Highlights of the Kanchenjunga base camp trek in Nepal
- Beautiful rhododendron and other wild flowers blooming all over the trekking trail.
- A chance to soak into the nature with less crowed trails and teahouses.
- Enjoy the thrill of mountain from moderate to challenging level.
- Wonderful mountain views.
- Discovering the hidden treasure of mountains.
- Warm hospitality of locals.
- Views of sunrise and sunset over beautiful mountains.
- Exploration of the rich cultural heritage.
- Physical endurance test.
What are the things to Know about Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek?
Two Base Camps
The third highest mountain of the world Mt. Kanchenjunga has two base camps i.e. south base camp & north base camp. Trekking to both Base Camp starts from Nepal whereas north base camp is more famous among the trekkers as it is more accessible and has better infrastructures. Let’s discuss briefly about these two base camps:
South Base Camp: The southern base camp of the famous Kanchenjunga mountain is located near the border of Nepal and India around Yalung glacier. The altitude of this base camp is around 4,700 meters. The exact location of this base camp is often debated however, the trek to southern base camp starts from Taplejung in Nepal. The trek to south base camp goes through villages like Yamphudin, Ramche and Tortang.
Trekkers can see amazing mountain views of Kanchenjunga south, Koktang, Kabru, Kathong etc while trekking to south base camp. The southern base camp is lest visited and remote compared to the northern base camp.
North Base Camp: The northern base camp also known as Pangpema is located in the Nepal. The altitude of north base camp is approximately 5,143 meters. The north base camp trek is well-known among trekkers compared to the south base camp trek. This trek journey starts from Taplejung and goes through villages like Ghunsa, Pangpema, and Lhonak. Trekking to the north base camp offers an awe- inspiring views of peaks like Wedge, Twins, Tent, and south Kanchenjunga. This is a challenging journey to the mountains in Nepal due to its high altitude and remote landscapes.
Permits needed for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking route lies in the restricted areas so; you will need various trekking permits. You can only get these permits through the registered trekking company in Nepal. Details about the permit cost and its importance are given below:
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit: Trekkers must have the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit in order to complete the trek to base camp. The trek passes through the conservation area which is protected region. You can get this trekking permit from Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu and an entry point of the conserved area. The cost for this permit is NPR 3000 per person.
Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit: It is mandatory to get Kanchenjunga Restricted Area permit to trek in this region. The trekking trial falls through the restricted area making it compulsory to get this permit. The restricted area permit can be obtained from Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu and registered trekking agency in Nepal. the cost for this permit varies according to seasons.
Trekkers Information Management System Card: Obtaining the TIMS card is first step to trek in Nepal as you cannot trek without this permit. You can get this trekking permit from Nepal Tourism Board at Kathmandu. If you are an independent trekker the permit will cost USD 20 per person and USD 10 if you are with agency.
Travel Insurance
Traven insurance is key factor for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek as this trek goes through remote and high altitude places. The travel insurance covers the cost for emergencies, unexpected situations, and medical issues. As the trek reaches altitude over 5000 meters the risk of altitude sickness which requires emergency medical evacuation might be easy with travel insurance. You should be careful while choosing a travel insurance policy as it should be used during any type of difficult situations. The ravel insurance should help to cover the following:
Medical Expenses: The travel insurance covering hospitalization cost, medical emergencies and treatment for altitude sickness is more reliable.
Trip cancellation/delay: It should include reimbursement for cancelled or delayed flights and even trek.
Helicopter Evacuation: This is one of the most important coverage for high altitude trek. The insurance should cover the cost of evacuation from the altitude areas up to 6,000 meters and more.
Lost or stolen properties: Make sure to purchase the policy covering for lost or stolen belongings. You might lose your valuable belongings while trekking so, it is better to be careful in advance.
Best Season for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Hike
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking in Nepal is a dream adventure for many trekkers. It is best to visit this trekking region during the Peak reasons like Autumn and Spring. The weather conditions during the autumn and spring are great with best visibility of mountains throughout the year.
Autumn and Spring is best time with clear skies, beautiful scenery, and better trail conditions. These seasons avoid the hotness of summer and extreme coldness of winter. The weather is cool and clear during the autumn with less chance of rainfall whereas spring has mild weather with beautiful flowers blooming all over the trekking trail. You can enjoy trekking during the spring and autumn seasons without any fear and comfortably.
While trekking during Winter and Monsoon is best in Nepal it is best to avoid trekking during Winter and Monsoon. Winter brings extreme coldness and slippery trekking trails. The temperature during the winter is freezing especially at higher evaluations. Whereas Monsoon brings heavy rainfall in almost every parts of Nepal. The risk of disasters like floods and landslides making it risky and challenging. So, it is better to avoid monsoon and winter season for safety reasons.
Foods and Accommodation During the trek
The Kanchenjunga base camp trekking is remote and adventurous journey in Nepal. The food and accommodation while hiking in this region are more basic compared to popular treks like the Everest Base Camp trek and Annapurna Base Camp trek. Let’s look in detail about the foods and accommodation during the trekking voyage:
Foods: You will get simple and hearty food in this region. The food in this region are common dishes like dal bhat, noodles, soups, pasta, and Tibetan bread. Even if this is remote area you can get snacks like chapatti, pancakes and boiled eggs providing enough nutrition for your journey. You can enjoy healthy and hygienic dishes even at higher altitudes. It is better to avoid non-veg items during your journey as they are rare and might not be fresh. But as you climb to higher altitude the varieties of items might be very few at high cost. It will be good if you carry some high energy snacks like energy bars, chocolate, and nuts.
Accommodation: You will find basic tea houses run by locals along the trek. The rooms during the trail are simple with twin beds, blanket, and a mattress. The services like hot shower and electricity at mountains may be limited. Some tea houses might offer hot shower service with high cost.
Difficulties during the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking is one of the most adventurous and challenging journey into the Himalayas of Nepal. The trek goes up at the evaluation of more than 5000 meters which rises the risk of altitude sickness. The duration of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking is longer including longer hours of walk. The facilities and services in this region are rare and limited as it is one of the remote region of Nepal.
The weather conditions at this trekking region is unpredictable as it can change quickly. There is a high chance of strong winds especially at higher altitude making it challenging to trek. You might get culture shock while trekking in this region as people in this region have their own unique traditions and customs. It might be difficult to communicate with locals as most of them cannot speak in English.
Why Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking in Nepal with us?
The Dream Heaven Adventures is an experienced and registered trekking company in Nepal. with our professionalism and communication skills we are sure to make your trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp more enjoyable and safer. We have a professional team for your support in case of emergencies.
Our guides and porters are expert in trekking into the mountains of Nepal with many years of experience. We offer you a budget friendly trek package the Kanchenjunga Base Camp. We are committed to your service and safety. We have a great contact with hotels and flight arrangement office ensuring you a hassle free trekking journey to the mountain region. We design trip plan according to your preferences and wish. Whether you are an experienced trekker or beginner, with our support we are sure to make your Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek safe, memorable, and unforgettable.