Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

The Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek is situated in eastern Nepal, between the borders of Sikkim and India, and within the conservation area. The Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek is relatively complex, as it will pass through the forest meadows, cross several glacial rivers, and several Limbu, Rai, and Sherpa villages. The trek usually starts at Taplejung, which can be reached by flight from Kathmandu or by jeep from Bhadrapur. From here, the trek passes through the rhododendron forests, past the beautiful fields of the terrace, and then through the stunning terrains until it reaches the base camp of 4730 meters ( 1518 feet).

Key Facts:

Elevation: The trek arrives at the south base camp at 4730 meters above sea level.

Duration: Standard trekking time takes between 18 and 21 days, with the likelihood of having acclimatization days entrenched to the specific trail.

Remote Location: One of the trek’s surprises was the lack of modern tourism attractions like lodges, making the experience much more serene than the EBC trek offers.

Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek is a challenging trek that requires moderate physical fitness and proper acclimatization because it takes you to an altitude of over 5000 meters. Located in the eastern region of Nepal, near the Tibetan border, it takes you to the base of Kanchenjunga, the third tallest mountain in the world at 8,586 meters/28,169 feet. You have to be well equipped; it is essential because you will travel through the countryside and mountains and have few hospitals.

Key Facts:

Elevation: The trek reaches North Base Camp (Pangpema), 5,143 meters (16,873 feet) high.

Duration: It usually lasts 15 to 25 days, though it may be longer based on the necessity of acclimatization.

Best Seasons: The best months that are favorable for trekking are the spring season, which is from March up to May, and the autumn season, which starts from September up to November. Spring is characterized by the bright red blossom of the rhododendron, while autumn is characterized by a more transparent atmosphere and a better mountain view.

Based on the itinerary, a standard Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek covers approximately 220 to 260 kilometers (137 to 161 miles). The trekking involves various ecosystems, from lowland tropical rainforests to temperate pastures and ice fields.

Lowlands: In the early stages, you hike across slopes of terraced farmland through forests and valleys of rivers. Most trails are easy to follow, but the paths may become slippery or muddy during the monsoon season.

Mid-Altitude: The higher you go, the higher the elevation of the land, and it becomes more rocky. You will discover beautiful areas of rhododendron and bamboo forests, as well as suspension bridges over rivers and streams. The formations have easy slopes as well as inclined slopes in between.

High Altitude: Above 4,000 meters of altitude, more complicated and harsh conditions prevail. You hike on rocks, moraines, and valleys of glaciers. Some have steep slopes where landslides are possible and should be carefully crossed. The trails become steeper and less well-defined after a certain altitude.

Accommodations along the Kanchenjunga Trek range from basic tea houses to camping. Here’s what you can expect:

Tea Houses and Lodges

Tea houses offer fundamental accommodation. They typically consist of simple rooms with twin beds. Rooms can be cold, and we recommend you bring your sleeping bag. Most tea houses have shared bathroom facilities. The availability of hot water is limited, especially at higher altitudes. There is usually a communal dining area where you can gather, eat, and warm up by the fire in the evening. In simple terms, they focus on providing basic shelter and meals.

Camping

Camping may be necessary in more remote trek sections, particularly near the higher base camps. If you are camping, your trekking agency usually provides tents, sleeping bags, and mats. They will also handle meal preparation. A team of porters, guides, and cooks will accompany you to set up camp, cook meals, and assist with navigation.

Acclimatization

Acclimatization is crucial when trekking to higher altitudes. It prevents Acute Mountain Sickness and ensures your trek is safe and enjoyable. Proper acclimatization is vital during the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, which reaches around 5,000 meters. You should be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness, including headache, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Acclimatization helps your body adjust to lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. It reduces the risk of symptoms and lets you trek more comfortably. Here are some measures you can follow to prevent altitude sickness:

• Ascent gradually to allow your body time to adjust.
• Climb to a higher altitude during the day and descend to sleep at a lower elevation.
• Stay well-hydrated and maintain a balanced diet rich in carbohydrates.
• Incorporating rest days into your itinerary is essential.
• Pay attention to how you feel and communicate any symptoms to your guide.

Along the trek, tea houses and lodges serve simple and hearty meals. You will find staple Nepali dishes like dal bhat (rice with lentils), vegetable curry, and fried rice on the menu. These staples are sources of carbohydrates and essential for energy during the long days of trekking. As you ascend higher, the variety of food decreases. Some places may offer basic international options, like pasta, noodles, and pancakes. But those are costly and scarce.

These meals are typically made using local ingredients. Tea houses do their best to accommodate dietary needs, but options might be limited. The atmosphere in tea houses is welcoming, and they provide a comfortable place to rest and refuel during your trek.

Breakfast: Tibetan bread, chapati, porridge, eggs (boiled, scrambled, or omelets), and pancakes with honey or jam.

Lunch and Dinner: Dal Bhat, momo (Nepali dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), fried noodles, and sometimes yak meat dishes.

Snacks: Biscuits, chocolates, boiled potatoes, and seasonal fruits.

The best time for the Kanchenjunga trek is during the Pre-monsoon(Spring) and Post-monsoon (Autumn) seasons. During these seasons, the weather is more transparent, offering the best views of snow-capped mountains and surrounding areas.

Spring

Spring starts in March and ends in May. This Season is ideal for trekking if you want to experience the blooming rhododendrons and other wildflowers. This adds vibrant colors to your trekking experience. Also, the weather is clear, and the temperature is mild. You will also have a slight chance of encountering rainfall. Trekking this Season is perfect, but the chance of altitude sickness is a little high because of the blooming rhododendrons.

Autumn

Autumn lasts from September to November. Like spring, this Season is mild and straightforward, but you have a massive chance of encountering mild rainfall, which increases the difficulty of the trek. Also, significant festivals fall during this Season. Trekking in autumn will give you a huge chance to experience Nepal’s rich culture and traditions. But make sure you book your accommodation beforehand, as the trail is full of crowds.

Besides that, we recommend you refrain from trekking during winter ( December to February) and summer (June to August). These are the most unfavorable seasons for trekking. You will encounter massive rainfall in summer, making the trail slippery and risky. Similarly, in winter, snow fills the trails, making them slippery.

The Kanchenjunga Trek is one of the more challenging treks in Nepal, with daily hikes lasting 5 to 7 hours. You must pass varied terrain, including steep ascents and descents, rocky paths, moraines, and glaciers. The trek reaches around 5,000 meters at the North Base Camp (Pang Pema). The high altitude poses a risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), so proper acclimatization is essential.

Weather is another difficulty when trekking towards the Kanchenjunga Trek. The weather in the Himalayas is unpredictable, and you can see sudden changes. The temperature during the day can be mild, but it can go beyond 0 degrees at night. You must prepare for cold temperatures, especially at night, when they can drop below freezing.

When you trek in Kanchenjunga, accommodations are basic. Tea houses and lodges provide necessary services without many luxuries. Because the trek is in a remote area, fewer amenities are available. You will need to be more self-sufficient during your journey. Hiring experienced guides and porters is strongly advised. They know the area, offer support, and can help in emergencies. Overall, the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is challenging. It is best suited for trekkers who have prior experience with high-altitude trekking.

When trekking to Kanchenjunga, you will need several permits. Each permit serves a specific purpose, ensures your safety, and contributes to the area’s conservation. Here’s a detailed explanation:

Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit (RAP):

This permit is mandatory, as the Nepalese government has restricted Kanchenjunga to protect its fragile environment and local cultures. You can get this permit from a registered trekking agency in Kathmandu or the Department of Immigration there.

Price: USD 20 per person per week for the first four weeks, USD 25 per week after four weeks.

Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project (KCAP) Permit:

This permit is necessary for entry into the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. The fees collected contribute to conservation efforts, infrastructure development, and local community support. Where to Get: You can obtain this permit at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or directly at the entry point of the conservation area.

Price: NPR 2,000 per person (approximately USD 20).

TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card:

The TIMS card helps track trekkers in the Himalayas, ensuring their safety and security. It helps during emergencies such as rescue if you need it. You can get the TIMS card at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Pokhara, or through your trekking agency.
Price: NPR 2,000 per person for individual trekkers. If you are trekking with an agency, it costs NPR 1,000 per person

Endurance and Stamina

The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is a remarkable trek involving long days of hiking or walking for 5 to 7 hours on average. It should be noted that enduring ability is necessary. In preparation, one is advised to undergo endurance activities, including hiking, jogging, cycling, or swimming, at least 3-4 times a week, 3-6 months before the trekking exercise. Building up the amount of exercise time and the level of exertion is the thing that will enable one to accomplish the amount of effort required on rugged terrains.

Leg Strength and Core Fitness

The terrain of the Kanchenjunga Circuit features steep climbs and descents, which require significant leg strength. Many sections involve walking up and down steep trails with sharp rocks and stones. To prepare your legs for the workout, incorporate strength exercises such as squats and running up the stairs. Various planks and sit-ups would improve core strength and make the respondent stable and balanced in certain terrains during the trek.

Acclimatization and Altitude Training

Crossing 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) posed the problem of thin air, in which the danger of acute mountain sickness is always lurking. To prepare for high altitudes, it is advisable to undergo high-altitude training or use a fake altitude exercise mask. Frequent hikes to elevations above 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) can help your body adapt, allowing you to handle the high altitudes experienced in trekking.

Mental Preparation

The Kanchenjunga Circuit is a tough one, and most of the time, it leads the trekkers to areas with few facilities. It requires mental strength to maintain energy and enthusiasm throughout the trek. Perhaps one could consider doing more extended hikes or even multi-day backpacking trials to strengthen one’s character. Introducing the visualization method and preparing psychologically for the work can help people remain optimistic when confronted with trek requirements.

Cardiovascular Fitness

During your day-to-day activities, you will physically rise and establish yourself at higher altitudes, putting a lot of pressure on your cardiovascular system because of the lower oxygen levels. However, to ensure your heart can exert the required amount of effort, it is necessary to include cardiovascular exercises in your fitness program, such as jogging, cycling, or aerobic dancing. All these exercises will increase your heart and lung capacity to help you do better in the physical aspects of the trek.

In the case of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, there are various mode of transportation available, which has their advantages and disadvantages:

Flight: The journey starts with a 40-50 minute flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur in southern Nepal. This flying trip provides excellent views of the Himalayan range and valleys, which makes it very interesting and exciting to start trekking.

Bus: Local buses are available from Bhadrapur. From there, one can move to Ilam and Taplejung. This is the most economical option, but it can sometimes be longer because it may have to stop very often, and the state of the roads can also play a part.

Jeep: If you wish to travel more comfortably and quickly, you can hire a private or shared jeep from Bhadrapur to Ilam and then to Taplejung. The jeep offers a comfortable and picturesque mode of transportation, and the time taken is shorter than that of the bus.

Travel insurance is essential for the Kanchenjunga Trek. The trek involves high-altitude climbing and medical emergencies. Therefore, having insurance is vital to cover those uncertainties. Furthermore, you might also need emergency evacuations, including helicopter rescues. Sometimes, trips may be canceled or interrupted. Personal belongings may be lost or stolen. Thus, getting travel insurance before going to any of the Himalayas in Nepal is best. This ensures safety and provides peace of mind.

When selecting a policy, you should look for high-altitude trekking coverage up to 5,500 meters. The insurance should also cover emergency medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and interruption. You can choose popular insurers like World Nomads, IMG Global, and Allianz. The cost of such policies typically ranges between $100 and $200. Reading the policy details and carrying the required documents for a safe, enjoyable trek is vital.

Kanchenjunga is in the eastern part of the great Himalayas. It lies between Nepal’s Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and India’s Khangchendzonga National Park. Both are protected areas. They have rich, diverse biospheres and are home to endangered species, like the snow leopard and red panda.

Geographically, the mountain is located in Nepal, with its main base camps located in the remote Taplejung District of Nepal’s far east. The northern and southern base camps can be reached from Nepal, making it a beautiful trekking area for mountain adventures. As in Sikkim, it is called a sacred mountain, and climbing has been forbidden since ancient times because of cultural and religious beliefs.

Still, it is possible to approach the mountain via the Goecha La trek in Sikkim, but it does not provide direct access to the base camps. The hill’s location makes it a cultural and environmental bridge between Nepal and Sikkim. Therefore, it is a site of great religious and ecological importance.

By 2018, according to the available records, 312 climbers had succeeded in climbing Mt Kanchenjunga, and the success rate was about 21%, which was the climbers to the fatal deaths. This high fatality rate proves the mountain is difficult due to its rugged topography, unfavorable climate, and technical climbing. It is climbed less frequently than other 8,000-meter peaks because of the rugged terrain and lack of accessibility.