Colloquially, Kanchanjanga is pronounced “Kang-chen-zod-nga”, which means Five Treasures of Snow. It is a system of seven different summits. Lying out of the usual trekkers’ zone, Kanchanjanga Base Camp is visited by only a handful of trekkers each year. There are those who wish to stay at the limits of regular routes such as Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp. And there are still those who wish to take the experience further and explore the beauty of eastern Nepal! At 8,586 meters, Kanchanjanga is the third highest peak in the world further accompanied by beautiful rivers and landscapes.
Trekking in Kanchanjanga region is a challenging task. On a difficulty scale, it can be measured as strenuous, however, the rich experience it provides is unlike anything you’ll experience in Nepal. People started being engaged in trekking and climbing expeditions from the second half of the twentieth century. Nevertheless, the government of Nepal opened this peak officially in 1988 for the foreign trekkers to let them experience something new!
The trek will take you across unspoiled vegetation and ethnic villages of Rai and Limbus as well as other communities. Historically, the people of this remote region travelled to Tibet and bartered essentials such as salt, food and clothing. Today, the people flock to eastern towns of Nepal such as Jhapa and Ilam for collecting daily goods and services.
As the eastern starting point of the Great Himalayan Trail (GHT) Nepal, the region is rich in flora and fauna. Along the trek, you might encounter blue sheep, musk deer, and mountain bears in addition to other less common fauna. The notable peaks you will see en route are Mt. Everest, Mt. Chamlang, Mt. Makalu and of course, Mt. Kanchenjunga. On higher altitudes, this trekking trail is lined by alpine pastures, dense sub-tropical forests, and shallow gorges.
To begin this trek, you will take a flight from Kathmandu to Biratnagar (or Bhadrapur) and then drive to Basantapur (or Suketar). The ecological regions are varied, making you realize the geographical of diversity of this route. Taking around three weeks, the trail passes through amazing landscapes and terrains before you reach the northern base camp. After exploration of this region, you will trek ahead to Taplejung and take a flight to Kathmandu. If you wish to reach the south base camp (and visit the mighty Yalung Glacier), you need to arrange with us before leaving.
A visit to Kanchanjanga is a formidable trek into the grandeur of an eight-thousander of Nepal. The best time to visit Kanchanjanga is from spring to midsummer and in autumn. Orbit Alpine Adventure has proposed 17 days’ itinerary for an epic trek to Kanchanjanga Base Camp. The other popular trekking packages in Kanchenjunga region are Kanchenjunga Selele Pass Trekking, Kanchenjunga Base Camp trekking Bokta Peak Climbing and Kanchenjunga Milke Danda Trekking. For more details and appropriate itinerary, contact us via email, phone call, WhatsApp or online booking services.
FAQs:
1. Where is Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek?
Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek lies in Province No 1 of Nepal in the eastern part bordering with Sikkim, India. It is next to Makalu region trekking that it is the easternmost beginning point of the 1,700 km long Great Himalayan Trail. This trek takes you around the third highest peak of the world, Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m) rewarding you with unexplored valleys of the Kanchenjunga region. Although you have to go across some high Himalayan passes, the rewards are lifelong memories! You can delve into the wilderness in the remote region of Nepalese Himalayan far away from the hustling and bustling city life.
2. How far is Kanchenjunga Base Camp from Kathmandu?
Kanchenjunga Base Camp lies in the starting point of the Great Himalayan Trail in the eastern Nepal. To reach the base camp of Kanchenjunga from Kathmandu, it takes from 18 days to 27 days. The duration depends upon the trekking hours every day, the route you follow and the time you have, to spend in Nepal.
3. Can I do Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek?
Yes, you can do Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek if you are physically fit and mentally ready. However, you cannot do this trek solo because this is a restricted area trekking in the Himalayas. There must be at least two members in your group and a registered guide and a porter. You need to buy a special trekking permit from the Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan, Kathmandu. If you have previous trekking experience, it will be a plus point. You may suffer from altitude sickness, so you have to walk slowly but steadily. You should follow the suggestions of the trekking guide to avoid such unwanted circumstances.
4. Why should I do Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek?
Kanchenjunga Base Camp trekking is an off the beaten path journey towards the third highest peak in the world. To enjoy the mesmerizing view of the snowcapped peaks, lush forests and high altitude villages, you must do this trek. This trek also rewards you with the authentic pastoral lifestyle, Tibetan Buddhist villages and their typical culture. If you want to avoid the crowded trekking trails in the Nepalese Himalayas, this is the best remote treks you should enjoy.
5. What type of food and accommodation facilities is found during Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek?
In the previous years, Kanchenjunga Base Camp trekking used to be a complete camping trekking. But nowadays, there are teahouses developed in all the stopovers en route. The teahouses provide basic facilities of food and accommodation in your services. As the stopovers are in remote area having no roadway access, you cannot find luxurious facilities.
6. Do I need to hire a guide and a porter for trekking to Kanchenjunga Base Camp?
Yes, of course, you need to hire a professional guide and a porter for trekking to Kanchenjunga Base Camp. As this is a restricted area trekking in Nepal, you must be in a group of two members supported by a registered trekking guide and a porter. In case of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) or missing of the right trail, they can help you. Next, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project has large varieties of animals protected and they may also be a danger to you.
7. What are the permits required for Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek?
For Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek, you need the following permits:
- TIMS Card
- Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project (KCAP) Entry Permit
- Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Entry Permit