Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Kanchenjunga base camp trek is a truly remote trekking in the eastern region of Nepal. Mount Kanchenjunga (8586m) is the third highest mountain in the world.

Kanchenjunga is situated in far Eastern Nepal and lies within the 2,035 square kilometers Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. This part of Nepal has never been densely populated and neither has it ever received many trekking tourists. The area is therefore an absolute haven for many rare Himalayan species, including snow leopards, red pandas, and blue sheep. This trek delivers true pristine landscapes.

Via the 5,160 m Lapsang La pass the 4 week trek will take you through both the northern and southern base camp of Kanchenjunga. On the entire trail there will be stunning and remote mountain terrain because in addition to the Kanchenjunga peak, four subsidiary summits exceed 8000m and more than some twenty peaks exceed 7,000 m.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp – Safety considerations

Kanchenjunga is adventurous trekking, so safety for successful trek is taken carefuly. They will therefore go through safety procedures with you during your pre-trek meeting about the Kanchenjunga trek:

• This is a high altitude trek and therefore careful acclimatization is needed.
• Most of the Kanchenjunga trekking is done in +4,000 m and without guest houses nearby. Please therefore be sure to bring enough warm clothes, especially during winter season (mid-Nov –mid Feb). Your selected trekking agency will brief you in greater detail about this.

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu international Airport then transfer to the Hotel.

Day 2: Kathmandu Valley sightseeing and trek preparations for next day.

Day 3: Fly from Kathmandu to Biratnagar

Day 4: Fly to Taplejung and trek to Mitlung (921m)

Day 5: Mitlung to Chirwa (1,270m)

Day 6: Chirwa to Sekathum (1,660m)

Day 7: Sekathum to Amjilossa (2,510m)

Day 8: Gybala to Gybala (2,730m)

Day 9: Gybala to Ghunsa (3,595m)

Day 10: Acclimatisation day at Ghunsa (3,595m)

Day 11: Ghunsa to Kambachen (4,100m)

Day 12: Acclimatisation and rest day at Kambachen (4,100m)

Day 13: Kambachen to Lhonak (4,785m)

Day 14: Lhonak to Pangpema (5,143m) and return to Lhonak

Day 15: Return to Ghunsa

Day 16: Ghunsa to high camp before Mirgin La

Day 17: Cross Mirgin La (4,663m) to trek to Tseram (3,870m)

Day 18: Tseram to Oktang (4,700m) and then return to Ramche (4,580m)

Day 19: Ramche to Lamite Bhanjyang (3,310m)

Day 20: Lamite Bhanjyang to Yamphudin (2,080m)

Day 21: Rest day at Yamphudin

Day 22: Yamphudin to Phonphe (1,900m)

Day 23: To Phonphe to Khunjari (1,928m)

Day 24: Khunjari to airstrip at Suketar

Day 25: Fly to Biratnagar and Kathmandu

When to Trek

Mid September to November (autumn season) is considered as the best time to go trekking in Nepal. March to May is second best season for Nepal Trekking. Dec- January offers you the best views of Himalayas in clear sky but temperatures is very low in these months and there is a risk of high passes being closed due to snow.
May – June is pre monsoon season in Nepal. In these months, days are hotter but still considered as good time to trek.
June – Mid September is monsoon season. This season is considered least famous for trekking. In this season there is a risk of leeches and heavy rainfall which may make your trek quite miserable experience.

Travel Documents

While trekking to Kanchenjunga you should be very careful regarding your documents. The basic documents required for the trek are;  The tourism Visa sanctioned by Government of Nepal, Passport, the photocopy of introductory page of the passport should always be carried. All the receipts should be kept handy.

Permits and Regulations

The Treks to Kanchenjunga pass through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area so you must have KCAP for which you should pay Rs. 1000. You can get the permit in KCAP entry fee office in Kathmandu at Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation. Another permit you must have for this trek is TIMS – Trekkers Information Management System Permits. We should have eco friendly trek and the loud noise in Conservation area is not allowed.

Trekking Gears

Trekking Gears depends upon the season, when you travel. Some of the basic gears are light weight hiking boots, waterproof boots, hiking socks, sandals, waterproof jackets, sunglasses, gloves, sleeping bag, headlamp, trekking poles etc.

Personal Checklist

For a comfortable Kanchenjunga trekking, you need to make your personal checklist in good form. Please remember that you should always try to keep the weight of your clothing equipment down to a minimum. Your packed trek bag, should weigh no more than 15 kilograms (33 pounds.) Use your own experience and judgment to make your packing list. Clothes should be warm enough and walking comfortable, trekking boots are wise selection for footwear. Personal hygiene goods and clothes are compulsory, camera, charger, hat, trekking poles are add-ons for your journey.

Accommodations

We offer you best accommodation in Kathmandu which ranges from tourist standard to star category hotels. It depends on your choice which is based on your budget and interest. During the trekking, we use best tea-houses/lodge available in the area. All accommodations are on twin-shared basis. Single supplement will be served on request and will cost an additional cost. We will arrange rooms with attached bathrooms; however, teahouses in some places only have shared bathroom and toilet facilities. Single rooms are available in developed area such as Kathmandu city and lower part of the trekking route.

Food

We offer only breakfast in Kathmandu; you choose your own meal while in Kathmandu. During the Kanchenjunga trek, you will be served by authentic Nepalese food. Breakfast and dinner will be served from the teahouse or from a lodge menu where we spend the night whereas lunch will be served on the way to the next destination. All meals (BLD) will be provided during trekking.

Guides and Porters

we have well experienced guide who can speak English fluently and is a License Holder from Nepal Government. Porters will be on 2:1 ratio that means one porter for every two trekkers. All the fees for Guide and Porters are included in our cost but you may give some Tips to them. This is not mandatory but expected.

Acclimatization and Hydration

For the best trekking experience you should go uphill slowly. To prevent yourself from dehydration you should drink 4-5 liters of water every day. Our guide will help you lead through the most used trekking route which helps you with the climb in high steep grounds as well.

Safety

You should bring First Aid Kit with you or you can also hire a trekking guide or porter to carry a medical kit with necessary medicines in case of emergency. In the high altitudes, you may feel altitude sickness or most common health problem is Intestinal Complication. So, you must consult your doctor before this trek so that you could complete this trek easily and happily.

Group Size

We can operate the trek of any size but maximum 12 people in a group would be the perfect size for a successful trip. It ensures personalized care. However, if you’d like to book the trip for a larger group then we can arrange it.

Physical Condition and Experience Required

Trekking to Kanchenjunga needs physically fit and passion of walking. Trekkers who have the ability to walk at least 6-7 hours a day with a light rucksack can do this trek easily. Trekking in the high altitude is difficult and may cause the altitude sickness. So, personal fitness is necessary to do this trek. Mentally and physically you need to ready to walk about 7 to 8 hours a day. Exercising and jogging regularly is good idea to enhance our strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. Participants without pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases are good. We also recommend that you consult your doctor(s) before the trip.

Travel Insurance

It is compulsory to have travel insurance before you start your trek. Ask yourself one question "Will my Travel Insurance cover me? “In case of any emergency which includes Helicopter/Air Ambulance rescue charges if necessary on medical grounds. One point to note is that when you arrive in Nepal, register your insurance with our company, and give a copy of the Insurance Certificate and point out the Emergency Telephone numbers. Then, if you get into trouble, your guides will know exactly who to contact for authorization for an evacuation.

Banks and ATMs

There are no any Banks and ATMs on the way. You must Bring Cash with you from the city area like Kathmandu.

Flight Delays and Cancellation

Because of Nepal’s geographical condition and climatic variations, domestic flights in Nepal are prone to delays and cancellation. Due to the lack of technology to deal with adverse weather condition sometimes the international flights are also delayed. The flight may be delayed or even cancelled in the winter and monsoon season due to poor visibility and high rainfall.

Ready to go?

If you are interested to take next step towards achieving your tour to Kanchenjunga and experience the best mountain vistas, get in touch with us now, just fill out the form by clicking the inquiry, we will provide you detail information and necessary steps to make your trip confirm. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have by email, phone or Skype, so contact us today!

01: When is the best time to go for Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek?
Autumn (Mid – November to Mid – December)
Autumn is the perfect season for trekking in Kanchenjunga region. The climate is perfect with clear sky and stunning views. A large number of tourist flock Kanchenjunga region during this season. October is also best for Kanchenjunga Trekking.

02: Do I need to be fit to do this trek?
Not that fit. If you don’t bother walking up-stairs and can walk for a few hours at a time, this trek is for you.
That’s not to say, it will be easy each day – you can be exhausted and your legs might get hurt. But if you take slow pace and take some day with acclimatization, drink enough water and listen to your body, you can make it with no major issues.
Engaging yourself in cardiovascular exercise, leg training, aerobic exercise and short hiking few weeks prior the trek would be the wise decision. It boosts up your strength and stamina.
Note: Because of some steep uphill and downhill trail route, rocky paths and rock steps, Kanchenjunga trekking would not be appropriate for anyone with knee problems or weak ankles. Anyone with the problem of heart or lungs must consult the doctor prior the trek. Be noted that the medical facilities are very basic on the trail.

3: Do I find ATMs on the way to Kanchenjunga?
The answer is No!
You will not find any ATMs on the way to trek. ATMs are available in big cities like Kathmandu.
Note: Everything you buy must be paid in Nepali currency. So, it is wise to exchange money before the trek.

04: How is the tea house and lodge along the route to Kanchenjunga?
As the trail is less busy, there is limited number of teahouses on the way. The lodges and teahouses provide the good hospitality with clean room and hygienic meals.

05: Where to say during the night?
We will stay in Teahouses, lodges or home stay. This trail is less known and it sees very few trekkers as compared to other trekking trails on Himalayas. So there are few guest houses on the trail.

06: What to eat during the trek?
In the cities like Kathmandu you will have many options and ranges of cuisines but in the higher altitudes you will be served typical Nepalese food.

07: Do I have to carry a backpack?
No, we have porters who carry your heavy gear but you have to carry light day-pack containing water bottle, camera, sunglasses, extra layer of clothing, rain coat or wind breaker and snacks.

08: What if the guide or porters leaves me alone in the trail?
Don’t worry, we provide only experienced and reliable guides and porters. We guarantee that your guides and porters won’t disappear throughout your trip. In case they did, we will immediately send you new guide or porter to help you.

09: Do I need travel insurance?
Yes you must have travel insurance which can cover the helicopter rescue and medical fee coverage in case of any kinds of emergency. Sometime altitude sickness makes you in difficult situation and need to airlift to Kathmandu. So the insurance need to cover these expenses.