Last Updated on March 31, 2024 by Treks Planner Nepal
Ten Things you should know before trekking to the Kanchenjunga. Kanchanjunga Circuit Trek is an amazing off-the-beaten-path trip traversing Nepal’s eastern portion. You may witness the pristine grandeur of the Himalayas on this high-altitude trek. The Kanchenjunga Trek passes through Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world (8,586m). You will visit both the north and south base camps of Mount Kanchenjunga as part of our Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is also known as Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. It is a difficult trek that requires prior trekking expertise. The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is not something that can be done solo.
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is considerably more challenging and isolated than the well-known Annapurna and Manaslu Circuit Treks. The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Nepal is the ideal adventure for those seeking something unique and enchanting in the Himalayas. The path passes through meadows, rivers, waterfalls, thick woodlands, and picturesque villages. However, there are many things you need to know before organizing a trip to Kanchanjunga, like packing lists, trekking routes, permits, fees, and difficulty levels. To enhance the adventure, safety, and success of your Kanchenjunga trek, check the top 10 things you should know about the trail.
Table of Contents
1. Permit required for Trekking in Kanchenjunga
Trekking to Kanchenjunga requires two permits, each costing USD 65.
The cost of a permit to enter the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area is $25 per person. This permission is available in Ghunsa. There is no need for prior application.
The cost of a restricted area entry permit is $20 per week or $40 for two weeks. This permission must be obtained in Kathmandu before the trek. You must submit a prior application for this permission.
Note: A restricted area pass, which costs USD 20 per person, is required for a week to access Kanchenjunga North Base Camp and Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. Kanchenjunga Trekking takes two weeks on the other hand, will cost USD 40 per person.
2. How to Get There for Trekking on Kanchenjunga?
A trek to Kanchenjunga begins at Taplejung, near Suketar airport. Due to the high altitude of this airport, bad weather frequently causes flight cancellations or delays. We recommend that you fly into Bhadrapur and then drive to villages like Sukethum Mitlung, or Taplejung, from where you may begin the journey.
Similarly, following the trek, if you have enough time, you might drive from Kathmandu to Taplejung and back. A private jeep or a local bus can take you there. However, it takes a couple more days to go in this way. However, it’s a great choice for anyone who wants to take a lengthy road trip. If you go in a group, it will help you to save extra money.
3. Costs of Trekking Kanchenjunga
The cost of this trip is higher than that of other treks in Nepal since it requires a guide, trekking permits, expensive domestic flights, and lengthy trekking days in remote regions of the Himalayas.
Additionally, the cost of trekking the Kanchenjunga will vary depending on the services, lodging, number of trekking days, route, etc. Therefore, taking into account everything, the price per person ought to range from at least USD 2000–$3500. The trek is worthwhile because of the serene path, breathtaking landscape, and interesting cultures you’ll come across.
4. Ideal Time to Trek the Kanchenjunga
Spring, monsoon, autumn, and winter are the four seasons of Nepal. October and November in the fall and April and May in the spring are the ideal times for trekking the Kanchenjunga Circuit.
Additionally, the trek begins at Bhadrapur, which is around sea level and ends at 5,143 meters at Pangpema, the highest point covered in snow. Thus, striking a balance between temperature, climate, weather, and mountain vistas is difficult. But for the following reasons, we suggest the trek in the fall and spring:
- The captivating mountain views include those of Mt. Kumbhakarna/Jannu Peak (7,710m), Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m), and Kangbachen (7,902m).
- Since there is little chance of rain, there are no slick or damp trails or landslide risks.
- Steady temperatures and pleasant weather conditions.
- The trip is enhanced by the vibrant atmosphere of spring, which is filled with verdant greenery, lush forests, vibrant flowers, etc.
- Even during the busiest trekking season, there aren’t many people on the path because this hiking route is remote.
Similarly, trekking during the winter or monsoon is not recommended for the following reasons:
- The routes are muddy and slick during the monsoon, and there are several places between Ghunsa and Pangpema where there is a considerable risk of landslides.
- Heavy snowfall during winter, which lasts from mid-December to mid-March, will obstruct the high Sele Le Pass.
- Moreover, in the winter teahouses situated higher up than Ghunsa are closed.
5. Accommodation And Food For Trekking Up the Kanchenjunga
Keep your expectations low, since the Kanchenjunga route in Nepal is still emerging as a teahouse trek. Along the trail, you’ll stay in decent lodging with minimal facilities. There’s just a place or two to stay, even in some isolated communities at higher elevations, such as Pang Pema and Ramche. You may have to use a bucket of water to take a shower if there is a restroom.
In comparison to other well-known trekking destinations like Everest or Annapurna, food is expensive. On the other hand, you will find plenty of nutritious meals along the walk. The meal menu at most teahouses is the same. Thus, you may eventually become tired of the same old menu. Along the road, there aren’t many hotels or shops. Keeping snacks, energy bars, and chocolates on hand will help you stay full.
6. Trekking Difficulties
Given that the Kanchenjunga Trek is one of Nepal’s longer, more isolated, and higher-altitude treks, its difficulty level is rated as hard. It begins in Bhadrapur at a height of 91 meters and ascends to 5,143 meters at Pang Pema (North Base Camp). As a result, weather conditions including humidity, air pressure, and temperature are erratic and unpredictable.
In the same way, the Kanchenjunga trek departs from the usual route. The path is rather isolated, with much of the trekking being done on uneven terrain. Thus, there are physically draining days. To maintain in good physical shape, you can engage in outdoor activities such as cycling, swimming, hiking, and jogging.
Additionally, there is a chance of altitude sickness, often known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), while walking above 3,000 meters. Thus, pay attention to your body, walk at your own pace, and drink enough of water. It’s a good idea to follow your physician’s advice regarding fitness and health.
The Kanchenjunga Circuit treks do not require prior trekking expertise, despite its severe difficulty rating. Given sufficient time and effort, everyone who is physically fit can complete this trek.
7. Packing List for Trekking the Kanchenjunga
You have to prepare for every season on the Kanchenjunga trip. The height of the Kanchenjunga walking route begins at 91 meters and rises to about 5,000 meters. You must thus balance your clothing choices to account for these altitude fluctuations. Check Out the Packing List for Your Nepal Trek
The Kanchenjunga trek experiences a range of climates, from subtropical to alpine. You won’t need warm clothing up till Ghunsa on the circular route. You may even wear shorts and t-shirts for a day trek because the average temperature is higher than 25 degrees Celsius. However, until you go to Ghunsa and beyond, you’ll need to wear a down jacket since the nights and mornings will bring the temperature down to even below zero.
8. The People and Culture of Kanchenjunga
trekking the Kanchenjunga is a special kind of trekking in Nepal’s remote Himalayan area, combining cultural discovery with an off-beaten path experience. Numerous ethnic groups, including Sherpas, Tamangs, Rai, Limbu, and Lepchas, are housed there. The majority of people practiced Buddhism, however, there are several other religions. The way of life and culture originates from Tibet.
The majority of people living in this area work as farmers. You will see stunning terraced fields with potatoes, buckwheat, barley, and wheat as you go to Ghunsa. On the mountainside, you may witness the enticing practice of terrace farming. Similarly, many make their living in the service sector.
9. Trekking the Kanchenjunga: Alone or with a guide
You are not permitted to hike Kanchenjunga on your own, in contrast to other trekking routes in Nepal. Traveling with a professional guide is required. In addition, the regulations stipulate that there must be a minimum of two hikers. The following are great justifications for using a guide or porter:
Along the way, a guide will arrange for you to stay at teahouses as well as transportation.
Expert guides who are familiar with the area will share fascinating details about the trekking area.
So that you can relax and relish the trip, a porter will help you carry your bag and other necessary items for the expedition.
10. Different Trekking Route for the Kanchenjunga Trek
To reach either Kanchenjunga South Base Camp, Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, or both base camps, there are three different trekking routes. Trekking the Kanchenjunga includes both base camps.
Trekking the Kanchenjunga or the Kanchenjunga Circuit
Out of the three alternatives, this Kanchenjunga trekking is the toughest and longest. It will need twenty-four days to finish from Kathmandu. The route may be completed both clockwise and counter-clockwise. Nonetheless, it is believed that a clockwise itinerary is preferable to an anti-clockwise one. Because of acclimatization, the North Base Camp (5,143m) offers a better view than the South Base Camp (4,610m).
Trekking to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp
Of the three trekking route options, the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek is the second longest. You can only reach Mt. Kanchenjunga’s North Base Camp on this trip. The trip from Kathmandu will take fifteen days to finish. This trekking path avoids the difficult Selele La Pass and the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp
Trekking to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp
This is the shortest route out of the three; starting in Kathmandu, you can complete the entire trip in 14 days. This route skips the difficult Selele La, Margin La, and Sinon La Pass to Tseram and North Base Camp, taking you directly to the South Base Camp.
In summary
The most popular high-altitude off-beaten trek in Nepal is the Kanchenjunga Circuit. There are some of the greatest mountain vistas in the region and a rewarding journey to both of Mt. Kanchenjunga’s base camps. Schedule this trip if you’re looking to push yourself. Before you go on an expedition, read these 10 things about trekking the Kanchenjunga that you should know.