Kanchenjunga Trek
Trip Overview
Overview
The Kanchenjunga Trek is a breathtaking journey through the remote and pristine landscapes of the eastern Himalayas, offering trekkers an unparalleled adventure into the heart of nature. Located in eastern Nepal, Kanchenjunga is also the third highest mountain in the world and the main attraction of this trek. The journey begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Taplejung, a small town in the eastern hills. From there, the trek commences, taking trekkers through charming villages, lush rhododendron and bamboo forests, and terraced farmlands. The region is also inhabited by diverse ethnic groups like Sherpas, Limbus, and Rais, allowing trekkers to experience local culture and traditions. As the trail ascends, the majestic peaks of Kanchenjunga and its neighboring summits come into view, providing awe-inspiring panoramas. Trekkers pass through quaint settlements like Ghunsa and Khambachen, where yak herders and friendly locals offer warm hospitality. The enchanting landscapes feature glacial valleys, cascading waterfalls, and mesmerizing alpine lakes, such as the sacred Sele La and Pang Pema.Kanchenjunga Trek: A Biodiversity Paradise for Adventurers
The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area is rich in biodiversity and also provides an opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including the elusive snow leopard, red panda, and many bird species. The trek's remote and unspoiled nature makes it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurous souls seeking tranquility. The trail also leads to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp, where trekkers can relish an up-close view of the towering peaks and immerse themselves in the grandeur of the Himalayas. The sight of the sunrise casting its golden rays on the snow-clad summits is an unforgettable moment. Due to its challenging terrain and restricted access, the Kanchenjunga Trek is less crowded than other popular treks in Nepal, adding to its allure for those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path experience. Proper physical fitness and acclimatization are essential to undertake this trek successfully.Conclusion and Summary
In conclusion, the Kanchenjunga Trek is a mesmerizing odyssey that blends natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure. It is an opportunity to connect with the pristine wilderness and immerse oneself in the splendor of the world's third-highest mountain, leaving trekkers with unforgettable memories of a lifetime.Trip Highlight
- Explore the hidden corners of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world
- Trekking on the region of the second-tallest mountain in Nepal
- Opportunity to explore up close the magnificence of the Himalayan peaks like Mera Peak, Khabur, Makalu, Rathong, Twin Peak, Khumbhakarna Peak, and Kabru Dome
- Kanchenjunga Base Camp (5,140 meters) and Kanchenjunga Glacier
- Exploration of the high-Himalayan culture and traditions of diverse ethnic groups like Limbu, Sherpa, Rai, and Gurung
- Breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga massif, including Kanchenjunga South and Kanchenjunga Central, as well as several other snow-capped peaks.
- Trek in a restricted area in Nepal
- Scenic drive through the sloped tea gardens and cardamom forest in Illam
- Tamor, Ghunsa, and Simbuwa river streams nourished by the glacial torrents of the region
- High-Himalayan passes like Tamo La Pass, Sele La Pass, Mirgin La, and Sinon La
- A magical journey that takes you back in time and presents you with an adventurous trip full of the breathtaking mountain panorama
- Walk past the popular glacial lakes in the region which includes the serene and pristine Lampokhari Lake.
- Meditate in Ramtang and Oktang Monasteries after your tiring walks
- The Kanchenjunga region is home to a variety of wildlife including the elusive snow leopard, blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, and red panda.
- Walk in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area abundant in flora & fauna
- Trodden less-crowded trail, lush forests, stunning waterfalls like majestic Jhapre waterfall
- Cross passes, thrilling suspension bridges, and meadows
- Reach the North base camp of Mt. Kanchenjunga
- Come across the Tibetan Buddhist lifestyle of the locals and visit ancient monasteries along the trail
Itinerary
Welcome to the country of the Himalayas; our representative will receive you at the airport terminal. You will be transferred to your respective hotels and assisted with the check-in procedures. If you arrive early, you could rest for a bit and stroll around the capital, checking out some of the tourist highlights.
In the evening, your guide will meet you and provide a short briefing about the upcoming adventure. Overnight stay at the hotel.
The second day of your Kanchenjunga trekking expedition will be a sightseeing day that will explore the religious and cultural sites of the valley, including some major tourist attractions. The UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 7 out of 10 in the country, which are in the Kathmandu valley, will be highlights of today’s excursion.
It will also be the day to get the necessary permits for the upcoming exploration; if you haven’t shopped or rented the necessary trekking equipment, these two days will be suitable for buying and renting them in Kathmandu. You will meet your guide and expedition leader in the evening for further discussion and equipment inspection.
Today, we will fly from Kathmandu (TIA) to Bhadrapur (Chandragadhi Airport on a domestic flight of about 45 to 50 minutes. We will take a local jeep and drive through Kanyam. We drive via Mechi Highway from Kanyam viewing the tea cultivations on the way toward Taplejung or Illam from where the trek to Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek begins.
We will have our breakfast and catch the local jeep and begin our second-day ride to reach our destination for the day, Sekathum. Usually, trekkers prefer to walk up to Sekathum from Taplejung but by making our itinerary short and utilizing the available services in the region, we reach Sekathum two days before other trekkers. The drive will take us through Mitlung, Chirwa, Thapethok, Lelep, and several other villages along the Tamor Nadi. There is the Kanchenjunga National Park entry point on our way, where our permits are checked and allowed to move forward to Sekathum.
OR
Trek time: 5 to 6 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Today we start our trek proper! It’s a long day of mainly downhill but we have a chance to catch our breath at the village of Sinwa on the banks of the Tamor River before continuing on.
After two days of the drive, we will start our hike with breakfast at Sekathum. The Himalayas’ adventurous journey begins with an ascent along the Ghunsa Khola and walking over many bridges along the way, exploring through verdant trees, the little settlements of Jonggim, and Ghaiyabari reaching Amjilosa.
OR
Trek time: 6 to 7 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
This is another long day of 7 hours hiking. But as we pass through Tapethok we enter the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. Here we have our permits checked before heading across a suspension bridge and ascending to Lelep.
We move forward to Gyabla which is also known as Kyapra from Amjilosa after having breakfast. We continue to move in our path through a dense forest and trail without a Human settlement. Today, we can spot Red Pandas during our hike on the Kanchenjunga Trail, if we got lucky. After the uphill climb, we get to view the magnificent sceneries of the mountains and several waterfalls on the way. We slowly make our way and reach Gyabla village.
OR
Trek time: 5 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Waterfalls and suspension bridges are part of today’s trail. Plus we come to the first Sherpa village on our trek where we stay overnight. The village of Amjilosa is mainly used during the time when the yaks and sheep are in the pastures so very few families live here full time.
The walk through the woodlands with a wide range of flora and fauna leads us to the Phale village. Continuing the trek at a pace, we will reach Ghunsa village. Many trekkers stop at Ghunsa for acclimatization, but we have our acclimation day at Khambachen.
OR
Trek time: 4 to 5 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
After breakfast, we head off through different forests of pine, bamboo, rhododendron and oak. We notice the villages and people are becoming more Tibetan like.
We also see yaks, sheep and goats on the trail, not to mention a good variety of birdlife. After lunch the trail takes us up through dense forest cover and over a wooden bridge on to Gyabla where we spend the night.
We will have our breakfast and begin the gradual ascent through an open pine forest and also have the chance to spot blue sheep and snow leopards. The trail passes through landslide-prone areas. We see the spectacular view of Mt. Jannu, encounter the green glacier valleys, and finally reach Khambachen village.
OR
Trek time: 3 to 4 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Today the trail continues on through forests and passed Phale Village which was a Tibetan refugee camp started decades ago when Tibetans started fleeing from the communist regime in China.
Today it is a winter settlement village. We have time to visit the village where there are some handicrafts for sale. We head to Ghunsa, the largest village in the area and one with a police station, health post and a Kanchenjunga Conservation Office. Telephone and internet services are available here.
We rest at Khambachen after several days of walking. For the adjustment of the body to the altitude, we will have a short hike to nearby glaciers, viewpoints, and lakes. We can meet numerous trekkers in Khambachen returning from and traveling to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp.
OR
Trek time: 5 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
This is a crucial day for acclimating to a higher altitude since you must give your body time to adjust to the higher elevations in order to prevent altitude sickness. You have the option of ascending the glacier by foot at Ghunsa Ree or Selele La Pass’s Chherpuk Kharka. Along the route to Lobsang La Pass, you may also climb up to a vantage point that is above the monastery. Amazing views of Phale, Ghunsa, Selele La, Ghunsa Peak, and a number of other unidentified peaks can be had from the summit of Lobsang La Pass.
We move ahead to the trail of the Kanchenjunga glacier. We can meet the trekkers in the main trekking season walking toward and returning from the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp on this track. We move through the Ramdang and come across the Ramdang Monastery. We are on the difficult trail, now at the junction of the Lhonak and Kanchenjunga glaciers. Walking forward, we reach the tiny settlement of Lhonak with a few teahouses.
OR
Trek time: 3 to 4 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
On the eastern side of the Ghunsa River, the trail gradually ascends past meadows filled with wildflowers and lovely pine and rhododendron woods. As you continue further, you will come to Rampuk Kharka, a grassy area with one teahouse where you may rest for a bit. The route continues up and then flattens out after passing the waterfall and a bridge, however you must traverse an active landslide region with extreme caution. You will be able to see Mt. Jannu (Kumbhakarna) in all of its splendour once you have passed over the landslide region. You will soon descend to Khambachen, a tranquil Tibetan town resting in a grassy plain region surrounded by magnificent mountain backgrounds, as the route winds around the slope. Here we may be lucky to spot blue sheep and snow leopards. The trail continues on past a waterfall to a landslide-prone area where we take particular care.
Today, we will hike to the north base camp of Mt. Kanchenjunga, which is also known as Pang Pema. We will climb gradually following the moraines through the trail and reach Kanchenjunga Base Camp. The prayer flags around and the mesmerizing towering third-highest mount Kanchenjunga is the reward after multiple days of trekking. We will return to Lhonak for an overnight stay.
OR
Trek time: 3 to 4 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
It’s a difficult day today since you have to negotiate massive steep rocks and perilous pathways on a mountainside before you cross a waterfall and reach Ramtang, where there is a camp for temporary yak herders. You will be able to see Yalung Kang and the Kangbachen Himal along the route. You will reach Ramtang monastery after crossing a bridge, and then you will have to pass a landslide region where you must be extremely cautious of the falling rocks. You will now descend to the river and continue walking until you reach Lhonak.
Rejoicing the views of the Himalayas and leaving behind the Kanchenjunga Base Camp, retracing the track, we arrive at Ghunsa. The Kanchenjunga trail gives us memories of walking passing the stone huts, soaring mountain peaks, rocky fields nearby the trails, rock-falling zones, etc.
OR
Trek time: 8 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
This is the big day that you have been waiting for; you will finally ascend to the foothills of the glorious Himalayas, right below the third-highest snow-clad peak in the world. On this day’s big adventure, you will follow the glacial moraines and the ridges of the Kanchenjunga Glacier, ascending towards the Kanchenjunga Base Camp (5,140 meters).
From this vantage point, besides the massive Mt. Kanchenjunga, you will be able to immerse in the beauty of other glorious adjacent peaks in the region, like Mera Peak, Tent Peak, Cross Peak, and Twin Peak. After soaking in the tranquility and magnificence of the Himalayas, you will trek back to Lhonak, which will be your resting destination tonight.
We arrive at Sele Le, leaving the trail to Gyabla. There is a chance to see the snow leopards as we pass through the dense forest. There are isolated human settlements with few teahouses which are open only in the main trekking season. When there is heavy snowfall there is no other way connecting the pathway to reach South Base Camp until Sekathum. If the teahouses are closed and still we can cross the passes then, we can even reach Tseram in a day cutting a day off from our planned itinerary.
OR
Trek time: 7 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
After wrapping up the adventure at the Kanchenjunga Base camp, it is time to move to the next part of the expedition. On your Kanchenjunga trekking expedition, you will retrace your steps back to the beautiful high-altitude civilization influenced by Buddhist culture.
Your downhill descent will be relatively easier as you enter the region below 4,000 meters. Passing the Khambachen Village, you will walk back on the trails of Rampuk Kharka and re-enter the Ghunsa region. You will rest here tonight, enjoying the modernity the village has to offer and preparing for the adventure tomorrow.
Leaving Sele Le Pass, we will hike up to the high-altitude passes, Sinion La (4440m.|2758ft.), then Mirgin La (4480m.|2783ft.) and Sinelapche Bhanjyang (4645m.|2886ft.). We will see the spectacular panoramic view of Mt. Jannu, Everest, Makalu, Baruntse, Chamlang, and Kanchenjunga during our ascent. We descend to Tseram and stay overnight over there.
OR
Trek time: 5 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
The track to Gyabla will be left behind as you reach Sele La. As you move through the deep forest, there is a possibility that you may spot snow leopards. There are sparsely populated, remote human communities that only have teahouses open during the peak hiking season. There is no alternative method to link the route to South Base Camp during periods of high snowfall until Sekathum. If the teahouses are closed but you can still get through the passes, you might even be able to go to Tseram in a single day, eliminating one day from your original schedule.
Today, after early morning breakfast, we head forward through the Yalung glacier getting higher and close to the vistas. Passing by the Yalung which provides views of Rathong (6682m) and Kabru (7412m), we will stop for lunch at Ramche. We will hike to Oktang/ Okhordung the viewpoint of Yalung Base Camp or Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. Enjoying the closer view of three summits of Mt. Kanchenjunga 8420m, 8586m, and 8474m, and other towering peaks, exploring this untouched, unexplored by many trekkers, Kanchenjunga Base Camp, we will return to Tseram.
OR
Trek time: 7 to 8 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
You will have to overcome three passes on the path today before you reach Cheram, making it a long and difficult day. After breakfast, you will leave Sele La and hike uphill while enjoying stunning southern views of Mt. Jannu and Mt. Makalu. The distance skirting the mountainside and brief hard climb to the Mirgin La Pass follow the ascent to the first pass, Sinion La.
The route then descends briefly before turning about and ascending steeply one last time to the summit of Sinelapche La Pass. Amazing views of the Himalayan peaks may be seen at the summit of the three passes. After passing through the passes, you will come to a region with yak kharka and roof huts after descending a steep route through a tiny lake. The lovely Cheram village is a little community above the Simbua River.
The elevated snow-capped mountains behind us and the walk through the rhododendron forests give us tranquility. Our trek starts downhill and ends at Tortong passing through Simbuwa Khola with enchanting views of the Himalayas en route. We will stay overnight at Tortong.
OR
Trek time: 6 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Today we trek to Ramche where we stop for lunch before walking on for around 40 minutes to reach Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. The Base Camp is right on the edge of the glacier, and surrounded by Tibetan prayer flags. We return the way we came to overnight at Cheram.
OR
It takes around one and a half hours of moderate ascent to reach Yalung Glacier, also known as Kanchenjunga South Glacier. The second half of the route takes you through grassy meadows till you reach Ramche village, passing through Simbua River and Lapsang Village as well. A lake, a meadow, two stone homes, and yaks and blue sheep occasionally seen grazing on the grassy hills above may all be found in this settlement. The views of Mts. Kokthan, Rathong, and Kabru as you pass pristine streams and a frozen lake are sure to add to your excitement for the hike today.
From Tortong, we persist to descend to the Amji Khola passing through Lasiya/Lamite Bhanjyang (3415m) and Dhupi Bhanjyang (2665m). Walking past the steep slope area, we reach Yamphudin village. There is the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area checkpost in Yamphudin, where our permits are checked if we had begun our trek with Kanchenjunga South Base Camp first.
OR
Trek time: 4 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Today the trail is mostly downhill through a gorge. But the final section is a steep uphill over an area prone to landslides and through forests. There are no settlements until we reach Torongding, where there are a few teahouses.
OR
On this day, the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek will pass by the stunning Oktang Base Camp. You will go across the valley’s natural landscapes. You will traverse a number of lateral moraines in this segment as you follow the Yalung Glacier. You arrive at Oktang Base Camp after a strenuous journey. You may explore the base camp area there and get amazing photos. You will spend the night at the teahouse in Ramche after visiting the area.
After having breakfast in Yamphudin, we start exploring beautiful landscapes through the trails, and trekking alongside the pathway of Kabeli Khola. Leaving the mountain villages, we will take a drive to Kanyam, a beautiful place surrounded by tea gardens. Along the way to Kanyam, we can see the cardamom and tea cultivation through our windows. Keeping the bittersweet memories of the trek at the high altitudes, we are now at the lowlands. You can encounter many local tourists as Kanyam is a popular destination with tea gardens.
OR
Trek time: 7 to 8 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
After breakfast, we head off downhill and then it turns to a steep and long uphill hike. We pass over a landslide-prone area leading to Lasiya Bhanjyang where there is one teashop where we can stop for lunch. Then the trail takes as steep downhill through more forests until we reach the big village of Yamphuding.
OR
The journey for the day starts with a steady descent through shady juniper and rhododendron trees while taking in the stunning vistas of Jannu Himal. You must walk carefully since the route is perilously rocky in some places and has loose dirt in others. You will pass a number of Mani walls and vibrant prayer flags flying in the woods. You will reach Tortong to call it a day after traveling down the Simbua River across the woodland regions.
We will have our breakfast and explore the green tea cultivation area for a while. Then, we will have a 2-3 hour drive to Bhadrapur. We will have a 45 to 50 minutes flight from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu in the late afternoon. We will escort you to your hotel and invite you to a farewell dinner with our management team in the evening.
OR
Trek time: 4 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
The walking is easier now we are back at a lower altitude. We find interesting villages and terraced fields on our route. We continue on to Khebang where we stay the night.
OR
After breakfast today, you will set off on your trip from Tortang toward Sekathum. Peaks like Semethulung Dand and Chanjalung Danda will keep you company as you follow Simbuwa Khola throughout your hiking path. After reaching Hellok, you will continue your journey by passing multiple suspension bridges as you descend toward Sekathum. Sekathum will be your overnight lodging.
Concluding your 20-Days Kanchenjunga expedition, it is time to bid farewell. You will be dropped off at the TIA as per your flight schedules, make sure to prepare to reach the airport 3 hours prior to your flight schedules.
Thank you for choosing us as your venture partner. Have a safe journey back home!
OR
Trek time: 4 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
This is the final day of our hiking for tomorrow we take a vehicle to the airport.
OR
Your trekking phase of the Kanchenjunga Trek comes to a close at Sekathum. If you prefer Illam or Taplejung, you can take a jeep from Sekathum to go there, depending on the distance or other factors. You will pass through a number of towns along the way, including Lelep, Temewa, Chiruwa, Sinwa, Mitlung, and lastly Taplejung. Where you can stop for the night or continue traveling toward Illam after staying there sometimes.
Drive time: 10 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Today we have a long drive in front of us. Time to reflect on the wonderful sights we have seen and rest our tired legs! When we reach Bhadrapur in the evening we can enjoy a hearty dinner with perhaps some beer and relax in a comfortable hotel for the night!
OR
The adventure to complete the Kanchenjunga Trek ends today. You will take a local aircraft from Illam to Bhadrapur and then from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. You will have ample time in Kathmandu to see the Ason and Thamel markets and other unexplored areas. You may buy gifts for your loved ones in your hometown. To commemorate your successful completion of this incredible trek, you will join the Friendship World Trek team for a farewell supper in the evening.
Flight time: 50 minutes
Accommodation: 3 star hotel in Thamel
Now, the time to conclude this beautiful remote exploration of the Himalayas from the Kanchenjunga’s prospects has come forth. Saying bye to the slopped tea gardens of Illam, you will drive towards Bhadrapur. You will board your plane according to the flight schedules and head for the capital valley leaving the alluring mountain region behind.
Enjoying the scenic cross-valley flight that passes over lush hills, soaring rivers, and beautiful civilizations, you will finally land at Kathmandu. After your arrival, you will be transferred to your respective hotel, after resting for a bit, you could use this day to explore the bustling capital and collect souvenirs to remember your journey.
OR
Three hours before the flight’s planned departure time, a drop-off in a private tourist car is provided from the hotel to the airport. You can extend your stay by selecting a different package from Friendship World Trek.
Concluding your 23-Days Kanchenjunga Trek, it is time to bid farewell. You will be dropped off at the TIA as per your flight schedules, make sure to prepare to reach the airport 3 hours prior to your flight schedules.
Thank you for choosing us as your venture partner. Have a safe journey back home!
Departures & Availability
The set departure dates listed are specially quoted and specified for group joining option. Let us know if the set departure dates are not suitable for you- another dates which are suitable for you can certainly be added by us.
Check Available Dates
| Start Date | Price | Availability |
|---|
All trip prices are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to change without notice and do not include airfare. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars.
Price include
- Airport Pickup and drop service during both international and domestic flight
- All necessary trekking permits
- Bhadrapur Taplejung and Khamdime Bhadrapur local bus
- 21 nights accommodation in mountain teahouses
- 3 star Hotel in Kathmandu for 3 nights
- All accommodations during the trek
- Meals (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) during the trek and Tea and Coffee
- Government Licensed and first aid-trained trekking guide
- Porter (One porter between two trekkers)
- Salary, food, equipment, and insurance of the trekking Guide and Porter
- Private Jeep (Bhadrapur – Illam / Taplejung – Sekathum and Yamphudin – Kanyam – Bhadrapur airport)
- Flight From Kathmandu – Bhadrapur, and Bhadrapur – Kathmandu
- First aid kit with basic medication
- Sleeping bag / Down Jacket if needed (it is refundable)
- Oxymeter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms) Which will ensure you trek is in the safest hands possible for all levels of trekker.
- Friendship World Trek T-shirt, Trekking Map, and Water Purifications Drop / Tablet
- Farewell dinner in a fine Restaurant
- Achievement Certificate Rewards at the end of trek
- Souvenir as Company’s T-shirt and Cap
- Official expense, all local and government tax and vat.
Price Excludes
- International flight tickets and Nepal entry visa
- Travel and health Insurance which cover emergency Rescues and evacuations
- During trekking time personal expenses, snacks, Beer, coke, juice, water, WI-FI, etc.
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
- One Porter for 22 days USD 520 (Optional)
- Private Jeep USD 430 (Optional)
- Kathmandu sightseeing tour entrance fee $30 USD per person approximately
- Tips for treks guide and porter (it is expected)
- Any others expenses which are not mentioned in price Includes section.
Gears And Equipment
Trip Information
What to Expect in the Trek?
Kanchenjunga trekking is considered camp trekking, as this trekking adventure takes place in the remote isolated part of the Himalayas with very few numbers of teahouses along the trail. Thus, you will have to stay in the camp where the teahouses aren’t available, but rest assured trekking agencies who chose the isolated trails where camping is necessary, arrange every essential to make your adventure comfortable and enjoyable.
As the Kanchenjunga trekking expedition reaches the highest elevation point, Kanchenjunga Base Camp (5,140 meters) and you need to spend a significant amount of time above the 3,000- 4,000 meter altitude, you need to prepare both mentally and physically for this high-altitude adventure. The routes are rugged, steep, and often difficult and you are expected to cover 6- 8 hours of walking distance every day, so it is important for you to buff your strength and endurance level to make the trekking experience more immersive.
Furthermore, you need to understand this expedition explores the remote and less-populated region of the Himalayas from Kanchejunga’s perspective. So, if you are expecting extensive sets of facilities and perks like its popular mainstream alternative Everest and Annapurna region trek, you might be disappointed. This is a remote exploration that follows the serene path of nature, so prepare yourself to take a break from technology and modern-day affinities. And just enjoy laid back adventure immersing in the high-Himalayan lifestyle and just getting lost in nature (not literally, we will find you, probably).
Best Time for Kanchenjunga Trek
The best time for the Kanchenjunga Trek is during the peak seasons, spring (March-May) and autumn (September- November). As both of these seasons have stable weather and temperature, these are the best time for any high-altitude adventure in the country. The temperature during both of these seasons hovers around mid- 20°C with chilly and coll mornings and nights at the higher altitude, making it the perfect time for outdoor adventures.
However, it’s not like you cannot do this beautiful trek in off seasons like monsoon (June- August) and winter (December- February), Kanchenjunga trek is doable throughout the year. The difficulty level is higher during these off-seasons, i.e., during the monsoon, the trails are slippery and dangerous with the added risk of landslides on the landslide-prone section during the trek.
Similarly, the weather is extremely harsh in the Kanchenjunga region during the winter season as the temperature can drop as low as -30°C. If you are a newbie in high-altitude trekking, it will be best if you stick to the peak seasons when the experience is more comfortable.
Food and Accommodation
Kanchenjunga situated in the remote parts of eastern Himalayas in Nepal unlike the popular trekking alternatives in the country offers pretty much basic accommodating and eatery services. Although the lower regions do have an extensive set of menus to choose from, at the higher altitudes you will have to stick with the basics.
Breakfast in Kanchenjunga Trek
- Toast with jam and butter option
- Corn flakes
- Pancakes
- Porridge
- Eggs (scrambled, boiled, fried, etc)
- Juice
- Coffee/tea
Lunch and Dinner in Kanchenjunga Trek
- Pasta
- Soup
- Pizzas
- Spring rolls
- Sandwiches
- Spaghetti
- Steaks and meat dishes
- Spring roll
- Rice pudding
- Potato dishes (boiled, baked, chips)
Local Food in Kanchenjunga Trek
- Daal Bhaat Tarkari
- Momo
- Tibetan bread
- Parathas
- Khir
- Dhindo and gundruk
- Thupka
- Tingmo, Tibetan momo
- Local rice and apple drinks
Although the teahouses at higher altitudes may not feature listed menus, you could request the cook to prepare the meals, if they served those dishes. Similarly, vegan and vegetarian trekkers could request the teahouses to exclude meat ingredients from their meals. The vegetarian lifestyle is widely practiced throughout the country, so it won’t be much of a big deal to arrange a vegetarian diet for you throughout the experience.
And, as for the accommodation, you can expect great lodge-based teahouses on the lower part of the trail. In general, the teahouses owned by the locals feature 4-5 bedrooms with two or three beds, rooms are cozy and teahouses provide pillows, mattresses, and blankets (but it is recommended that you always carry your sleeping bag).
Similarly, the bathroom is available on a shared basis, teahouses in the lower region have private bathrooms and gas geysers for hot showers, whereas, at higher altitudes, you will have to make do with a bucket of hot water. In case, if your itinerary follows mostly camping outdoors, then your operator will manage all the essential.
Kanchenjunga Trek Difficulty
Kanchenjunga Trek is one of the wild and most strenuous treks in Nepal. It is a relatively long trek with many hurdles like passes, rivers, gorges, glaciers, rocky hills, many steep ascents & descents, etc.
There are multiple days with over 8 hours of walk. The region is very remote, so you cannot get any modern comforts, and the trail is quite empty. The thin air at high altitude exhausts sooner than you may think and add up to the difficulty.
Similarly, acute mountain sickness (AMS) or also referred to as altitude sickness, is something you constantly have to be careful about. One mistake, and you may begin to see the early symptoms of altitude sickness (breathing problem, headache, nausea, loss of appetite).
Physical Fitness & Preparations for the Kanchenjunga Trek
In a single day of walking, there will be many ascends & descends. The trail follows a rugged path with long walking hours. With the increase in elevation, the air gets thinner, and the cold climate may affect you. If you are not physically fit, then Kanchenjunga Trekking can become a nightmare for you.
The trek is no doubt very rewarding, but it comes at the cost of difficult walking and endurance. Not only physical endurance but mental too. It’s a tea house trek with no modern facility at all. The services will be the bare minimum, and you will be finding yourself paying for the little things like hot shower, internet, charging, drinking water, etc.
The best way to prepare for Kanchenjunga Trek Nepal is by doing physical training and if possible, a few small hikes & short treks. For exercise, work on cardio exercises, like jogging, running, long walks, cycling, climbing stairs, and swimming. Likewise, you can focus on building your muscles and core body strength.
Kanchenjunga Trek permit
Kanchenjunga is a controlled area by the government of Nepal. The region is restricted and international travelers are only allowed to enter under certain rules. We will get the permit on your behalf, and our Kanchenjunga Trek package cost involves all the costs of necessary permits.
First, you cannot trek to Kanchenjunga alone or with an independent trekker. The trip must be organized and managed by a local licensed trekking company. Second, there should be two trekkers in the group (not including the guide and porter).
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project Entry Permit (KCAP): Nrs 2,000 per person
Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit (KRAP): USD 20 per person, per week
Kanchenjunga Trek Route Map
Gallery
FAQS
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
Traveler Reviews
These full and frank reviews are from travelers who have traveled with Ace the Himalaya previously. The reviews and experiences shown here are from reputable travel websites like TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trust Pilot, etc.
