Kanchenjunga Trek

Kanchenjunga trek is a remote destination that takes you to the base camp of the third-highest mountain in the world. It is a trek that leads you to both North Base Camp (5,143m) and the South Base Camp (4,500m) and is known for its wilderness, culture, and untouched trails.

Kangchenjunga is located in far eastern Nepal, near the border of Sikkim, India. Situated inside the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area in Taplejung district, the CA also borders with Tibet, China. The area is well-known for rugged terrain, distant villages, and wildlife. Moreover, the mountain is regarded as one of the most beautiful and unexplored regions of the Himalayas.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek take you 17, 18 days , starting from Kathmandu and End to kathamndu , The trek will be  21-day-long trek organized by Adventure Great Himalaya. The trekking period actually varies (can reach 26 days), depending on how the itinerary is planned. You can even reduce the trekking days by removing the North Base Camp or the South Base Camp and only opt for one. But be sure not to remove acclimatization days!

The main highlights of Kanchenjunga treks include:

• Close-up view of the mighty peaks of Mount Kanchenjunga, Jannu, and Yalung Kang.
• Rhododendron forests, meadows, glaciers, and villages within the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.
• Visit the iconic North and South Base Camps of the third-highest mountain in the world.

Trek through the beautiful landscapes and culturally rich region of Limbus and Rais.

Yes, the Kanchenjunga Trek route is significantly less crowded compared to the Everest and Annapurna region treks. The main reason is due to the remote location, few accommodation options, and the requirement of a restricted area permit. Honestly, it’s a challenge more than the serene experience the Kanchenjunga region offers.

The Kanchenjunga trek is often considered challenging and difficult, demanding high-altitude trekking experience, good physical health, and mental resilience. However, with proper training prior to the trek and guidance from your guide, it can be manageable for experienced trekkers.

The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project Entry Permit (KCAP) usually costs NRs 2,000 per person, and the Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit (RAP) costs around USD 10 per person per week (approx.).

Kanchenjunga Trek includes long days of trekking, crossing high altitudes above 5,000 meters, and extremely rugged trails. For that reason, it is going to be a difficult trek for beginners and mostly suitable for intermediate/advanced trekkers. However, with support from Adventure Great Himalaya, combined with your training (for more than a month prior), it is still possible!

The maximum altitude of the Kanchenjunga Trek is 5,143m at Pangpema (Kanchenjunga North Base Camp). The South Base Camp (Oktang) is about 4,500m, more than 600m below. So, acclimatization becomes essential, as there is an extreme risk of altitude sickness (usually above 3,000m). Hence, rest days are recommended (which is included on Day 9 in our itinerary)

It depends on what you really mean by ‘better’. The Kanchenjunga Trek is better if you want less crows, more remoteness, less commercialisation, and more cultural authenticity. However, the Everest Base Camp trek is undoubtedly better if you want a comparatively shorter trek, more convenience, comfort, and a glimpse of the majestic Mount Everest, the tallest in the world.

You should choose Kanchenjunga Trek over other treks in Nepal for a number of reasons. One of which is that it is one of the least explored trekking trails, offering serene routes, pristine nature, and very low trekker traffic. Also, it’s perfect for adventure and peace seekers who want to enjoy wonderful mountain views and village life.

The Kanchenjunga Trek is in an extremely remote part of eastern Nepal that has limited teahouses and facilities available along its route. The trek begins with a long access route from the town of Taplejung, which requires a flight from Kathmandu, along with multiple drives just to reach. Besides limited road access, even communication and medical facilities are limited here.

Yes, a prior trekking experience is highly recommended before taking on the Kanchenjunga Trek challenge because it’s a long and physically/mentally demanding journey. You shall have to hike in remote section with limited facilities, a big test to your stamina too. Moreover, the limited accommodation with only basic amenities can make you think twice before choosing this trip.

In order to do the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, it is recommended that you have a physically fit body that can walk for 6 to 8 hours a day on steep and rugged terrain. This means cardiac fitness, endurance, and leg strength are a must-have. It would also be ideal to start training two to three months before the trek.

On average, you will walk 5 to 7 hours per day in Kanchenjunga trek. Particularly on the day to South Base Camp and other isolated areas, you might need to hike for 7 to 8 hours because teahouses and lodges are far apart.

No, Kanchenjunga Trek is not suitable for independent trekkers, as trekking alone is not allowed in this restricted area. This means a restricted area permit (RAP) is a must, which is only possible from a registered trekking agency like Adventure Great Himalaya. Booking with us means we arrange a group of two/more trekkers with a licensed guide for you.

Yes, Kanchenjunga Trek is customizable according to your preferences, if you’re booking with Adventure Great Himalaya. You can add more acclimatisation days, choose a private journey, stay in better hotels in Kathmandu, include a side trip, or change the itinerary completely. And of course, there’s also option to choose between just one base camp (North or South), instead of both.

Yes, the trek is possible for people over 50 if you are physically fit and healthy. Many elderly people have already completed this trek successfully with us (Adventure Great Himalaya). Just a note that if you have a prior trekking experience, that would be much helpful considering how difficult the Kanchenjunga trek is. More than age, fitness is what matters!

The main ethnic groups that live in the Kanchenjunga region are Limbu, Rai, Sherpa, Lepcha, and some Tibetan-influenced communities. These groups follow a traditional way of life, and thanks to them, trekkers can experience local stays, visit different monasteries, walk through prayer flags/chortens, and experience authentic Himalayan hospitality wth unique cultural traditions.

During Kanchenjunga Trek, you will experience the traditional, simple life of people living in the Himalayas, along with ancient Buddhist monasteries, prayer flags, mani walls, chortens, etc. The main people in this region are the Limbu, Rai, Sherpa, Lepcha, and Tibetan communities. So, when trekking in the right season, you may even get to experience the local festivals and rituals.

In Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, you may have the chance to get rare glimpses of Himalayan wildlife. Possibilities of fauna include the rare snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, blue sheep, etc. In addition to this, you might be lucky to see the bird life, along with alpine forests and rare Himalayan flora (especially in spring).

The accommodation during Kanchenjunga Trek is in basic teahouses and local lodges. The rooms here are basic, consisting of twin beds, mattresses, pillows, and blankets. Even restroom facilities are basic (mostly squat-style) and shared by all the trekkers. In extremely remote areas, the accommodation becomes even more basic with the possibility to set up camp (in case crowded).

Yes, teahouses are generally available during the Kanchenjunga Trek route in recent times, which wasn’t the case a few years back. These are mostly local family-run lodges or teahouses with basic facilities that can’t be compared to the Everest and Annapurna treks. So, do not expect a high comfort level in this high-altitude trekking destination.

In Kanchenjunga trek, the main items here include mostly typical Nepalese (and Tibtean) food, such as Dal Bhat (a combination of rice, lentils, and vegetables), noodles, fried rice, pasta, soups (gralic recommended), etc. There’s also availability of potatoes, eggs, pancakes, and porridge in both lower and higher sections. Drinks like tea, coffee, and hot lemon are also readily available.

Yes, both vegetarian and vegan meals are available. The most common meal is Dal Bhat again. Fresh vegetables are available in lower sections but as you ascend higher, the options are scarce because of transportation difficulties.
Vegans are recommended to avoid milk prodcuts, which remain scarce in higher regions. For other dietary needs, be sure to inform us beforehand.

Yes, our team at Adventure Great Himalaya is ready to accommodate any type of dietary requirements if you pre-inform us. We’ll try to arrange gluten-free options (Dal Bhat is the best example) and other specialised food based on your needs. Just note that due to transportation difficulty, we may have to transport some ourselves, charging you certain extra fees.

Bottled water is available in the settlements at lower altitudes but costs a little more compared to cities. The availability, however, decreases as you go higher, and price increases if available. Boiled water is more reliable and available in most teahouses (fee on per litre basis). But if you fill bottles from taps, water purification tablets/drops are a must.

Hot showers are available in most of the lower villages in Kachenjunga trek. This facility is mostly powered by solar energy or electricity (which has been recently made available). However, as you move to higher altitudes, the availability of hot shower facilities is limited or unavailable completely. Even if available, an additional fee has to be paid for this service.

Electricity is available in most of villages along the route of Kanchenjunga trek in recent times. Still, in higher altitudes, many tea houses rely on solar energy. So, respecting this, an additional fee has to be paid to recharge your electronic gadgets. Also, if electricity is available, supply may be limited and sometimes affected when the weather is bad.

Mobile network availability remains low in the Kanchenjunga region. Even when available, the facility can weaken in higher altitudes and in bad weather conditions.

Wi-Fi services are available only in certain lodges of lower section, which cost an additional fee. However, the facility of internet connectivity is completely unavailable in the higher base camps. So, communication issues can be common.

To enter the Kanchenjunga region, you require a Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP) and a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) covering Tapethok and Yamphuding rural municipalities. TIMS Card remains optional, so we have not included it in this package as we cover all permits for you.

The primary reason for Kanchenjunga region being a restricted area is its location. The main Kanchenjunga peak (inside Nepal) is close to the international border of Sikkim, India, and the conservation area itself borders China’s Tibet. So, the area is geographically sensitive, and hence the government has declared it a restricted zone, further helping preserve local culture and wildlife.

Yes, a professional government-licensed guide is mandatory for Kanchenjunga trek as per the government rules. And since obtaining RAP is only possible through a registered trekking agency, our service at Adventure Great Himalaya would be perfect for you. Keep in mind that solo trekking without a guide is not allowed in this region.

The conservation area permit as well as RAP cost varies depending on the season as well as the number of days you’re trekking for. Generally, the KCAP is NPR 2,000 per person, while RAP costs USD 10 per person per week, the latter being comparatively pricier. Since we cover this in this package, you need not worry.

You can obtain the Kanchenjunga Trek permits from Kathmandu after arrival via your trekking agency (like Adventure Great Himalaya). No need to visit the National Tourism Board or NTNC’s office at all as you simply can’t apply for the Restricted Area Permit directly. But permits for drones and filming require separate permits that you need to arrange yourself.

The minimum group size is two to obtain a Kanchenjunga RAP, as it’s a rule imposed by the government to ensure proper monitoring and control of this restricted trekking region. But that doesn’t mean you can’t come alone. Through our group joining treks, we can secure your seats right away (so, check the dates and book now!).

It’s recommended to pack warm clothing, including and not limited to down jacket, thermal clothing, fleece clothing, and a waterproof jacket (layering is important). Also, carry trekking pants, gloves, sunhat/cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, trekking poles, crampons, and a headlight. Don’t forget your personal hygiene items, basic medication, water bottle, along with a proper trek bag and sturdy hiking boots

There’s no need to carry special/technical equipment as this is just a trekking route. However, it’s highly recommended to carry good-quality trekking equipment, considering how unpredictable the weather in the region is and how rough the trail/terrain is. Also, be sure to opt for good-quality clothing to protect yourself from the cold temperatures throughout the year.

Yes, sleeping bags and down jackets are both recommended when doing the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. That’s because nights in the region get very cold (up to -12°C, even in spring). Teaouses may not have good blankets to keep you warm. That’s why we include our own sleeping bags and down jackets to fight cold (one perk of travelling with AGH).

Before heading to do the Kanchenjunga trek, be sure to choose a pair of sturdy and waterproof trekking boots with good ankle support. This is important as the terrain of Kanchenjunga is rocky, uneven, and slippery (often, due to melted snow). Also, avoid wearing brand-new boots on long trekking expeditions like this one, as the chances of blisters and foot discomfort increase.

Trekking poles depend on the type of trekker you are. While not absolutely necessary, they are strongly recommended considering how supportive they can be when trail becomes slippery, especially during downhills. In fact, they maintain balance and posture on uneven terrain and protect knees from strain during steep descents. Just be sure to purchase sturdy ones, so they don’t break.

Carrying crampons depends on the season and weather conditions. However, it’s best that you carry crampons (at least microspikes) on this trek, especially during post-autumn, winter, and early spring seasons. The melted snow (icy route) on the high-altitude Sele La, Mirginla, and Sinelapcha pass can make the trek difficult. In such cases, microspikes come in handy!

The nighttime in Kthe anchenjunga region becomes quite cold, especially when you are in the high altitude sections. Usually, the temperature becomes below freezing (avg. -5°C to -15°C), and during winter seasons, it goes as low as -30°C. So, it’s important to dress warmly and have a -20°C-rated sleeping bag to keep you warm during the night.

Of course, it’s definitely possible to rent trekking gear in Kathmandu, no matter which trek you’re opting for. There are plenty of shops in the capital city that we can recommend to you. But since we include most items (that you need to return), like sleeping bags and down jackets, we don’t believe you should worry about this.

To prevent altitude sickness, it is very important to ascend slowly, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol/smoke, and listen to your guide instructions. In addition to that, you should opt for an itinerary with at least 1-2 acclimatization days, like ours include one in Khambachen during the 22-day journey.

Altitude sickness can start at an altitude of 2,500 meters, which is around the region of Gyabla. The farther up you go, the more oxygen levels drop, and thus, it becomes riskier. And especially when you go above 4,000 meters, the chances of altitude sickness sympompts increases significantly when proper acclimatization is not done.

The common symptoms of altitude sickness include headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, loss of appetite, and inability to sleep. In some cases, you may experience body weakness or swelling. And when acute mountain sickness becomes severe, you may face shortness of breath, confusion, inability to coordinate movements, and tightness in the chest. All these are symptoms of HAPE and HACE.

The risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) on the Kanchenjunga Trek is high because the trek reaches altitudes above 5,000m. You even have to sleep in Khambachen (4,050m) and Lhonak (4,870m), which is a great challenge. However, with that one night extra stay in Khambachen, your body acclimates well, and the risk of AMS is reduced.

In case you suffer from altitude sickness, our guides shall come to your rescue immediately. Depending on the severity, you will be escorted to a lower altitude. If the symptoms worsen, you’ll be taken to the nearest health post (in Ghunsa), and if it’s critical, we’ll arrange a helicopter service, which shall be covered by your travel insurance.

Yes, the guides from Adventure Great Himalaya are all professionals, so they know how to deal with someone who shows signs of altitude sickness. They’ll check your health conditions every day and keep you motivated along the Kanchenjunga route. And when you show AMS signs, they’re the ones to make the decision (whether to continue or descend).

The cost of the Kanchenjunga trek can vary from USD 2,000 to USD 3,000+, depending on the number of people, seasons, and services. Your price is influenced by whether it’s a private trip, whether acclimatisation days are added, and whether you’re receiving upgraded service. At Adventure Great Himalaya, you get the offer at just USD 2600 per person!

The Kanchenjunga Trek package from Adventure Great Himalaya comes with a government-licensed trek guide, teahouse lodging, three meals a day, porter, transportation facility, all required trekking permits, two-way flight tickets (Kathmandu-Bhadrapur-Kathmandu), all government taxes, and rented equipment (down jacket, sleeping bag, etc.). Check the ‘What’s Included’ section for more clarity.

The Kanchenjunga Trek package doesn’t include lunch/dinner in the capital city, Nepal air tickets, visa fees, travel insurance, trekking equipment, tips to guides/porters, drinks, hot shower, Wi-Fi, and other personal expenses. So, all trekkers are suggested to bare these in mind and carry extra cash as much as possible.

No, the price of the trek does not cover the porter’s and guide’s tips. Tipping is a common practice in the Himalayas of Nepal. So, when your trek concludes, you can tip your guide and porter around 10% of your total Kanchenjunga budget as a thank you for their diligence and hard work.

Kanchenjunga Trek is going to be safe if you’re well prepared and physically fit. Although a remote trekking trail and difficult challenge to undertake, with right support from reliable agencies like Adventure Great Himalaya, you won’t have to stress much. We include a professional guide on your journey and the itinerary is also slow-paced, so you’ll complete the trek comfortably.

Travel insurance isn’t compulsory, but highly recommended that you take one form your native nation. When insuring yourself, confirm that the insurance covers high-altitude trekking (above 5,000 meters), helicopter evacuation, medical expenses (espeically due to altitude sicknes), trip cancellation due to bad weather, etc.

Yes, basic medical facilities are available in the lower elevation settlements. While there are no medical facilities in the higher and more remote areas (beyond Gunsa), you have to rely on your own and guide’s medicines. And since it’s a remote place, helicopter evacuation would be the only option during medical emergencies.

The best season to go for the Kanchenjunga Trek is Spring (March to May) and Autumn (October to November). During these times, the weather remains stable, clear, and mountain views are also beautiful, with temperature at moderate level. And since Kanchenjunga is like the hidden gem of Nepal, even peak seasons have very low crowd compared to Everest and Annapurna.

The weather in Kanchenjunga region varies depending on altitude and season. At lower elevations, the climate is usually mild and pleasant. As you gain altitude, temperatures become colder and windier. Nights can be freezing at higher elevations. Keep in mind that weather conditions can change quickly, so you should always be prepared for sudden cold and wind blows.

The average temperatures experienced during the day at lower altitudes of Kanchenjunga region are between 10 and 20 degree celsius and at higher altitudes are between 5 and 10 degree celsius. But when it comes to nighttime temperatures, it’s more cold as throughout the year, the temperature go from 0 to -10 degree celsius.

The weather at high altitude regions of Kanchenjunga Trek is usually dry and cold, especially during the nights. It may even drop to -10 degree celsius (sometimes even lower!), depending on the time of the year. Although the days may be sunny and bright, the nights are usually extremely cold (so, be mentally prepared!).

Yes, snow possibility is high during the Kanchenjunga Trek and this is especially true during winter, early spring, and late autumn times. However, predicting snowfall is unpredictable, so we suggest keeping an eye out on the weather condition through reliable online tools. Note that when snow melts, the trek’s difficult can increase as the trail becomes slippery.

Yes, it’s possible to trek in the Kanchenjunga region during the winter season. However, it is very challenging (much more difficult compared to other seasons). And that’s mainly because of the cold weather, heavy snowfall, and accommodation difficulties. But when the winter is at its prime, many teahouses get closed, so assessing situation is necessary before proceeding for the trek.

The monsoon season usually falls from June to September (as per recent trends). During this time, expect heavy rainfall that make the routes of Kanchenjunga region extremely muddy and more challenging to walk on. Along comes the high possibility of landslides on the lower sections and not to forget how badly visibility of mountains is affected during monsoon!