Kanchenjunga Trekking

Trip Description

Kanchenjunga straddles the border with Sikkim in the remote North East region of Nepal. The third highest mountain in the world is one of the most inaccessible and formidable of the entire Himalayas. The trek is a long and often arduous one. Kanchenjunga’s proximity deters all but the most avid mountain enthusiasts. This trekking takes you through scattered settlements of farmhouses with colorful flower gardens, wild coniferous woodland and on to remote Buddhist settlements where people scratch a living from the barren land. The climax of this trek in both altitude and scenic splendor is undoubtedly the three days hike up the Kanchenjunga glacier where the views are quite simply overwhelming.
Kanchenjunga (8586m), is the third highest peak in the world. It lies in a sensitive restricted area astride the Nepal/ Sikkim border, only a few miles from Tibet. Our trip will avoid the restricted area and head for the Yalung glacier immediately to the south of Kanchenjunga. The journey starts with a trek over the Mahabharat Lekh range with majestic views of both the Mt Everest and Kanchenjunga massifs with the Arun Valley between them. We trek through richly cultivated hillsides, Rhododendron forests and yak pastures that lye below the glacier. The return route heading west passes through some delightful villages of Taplejung. The panoramic views of Everest, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga are magnificent on our descent to the road head.

Overview

The base camp is located at about half the distance (5143m) of mountain Kanchenjunga (8,586m), the third-highest mountain in the world. So, the trekking is quite adventurous. The name Kanchenjunga comes from the Tibetan word Kangchendzonga which means “Five treasures of snow”. This includes:

Kangchenjunga Main: 8,586 meters

Kangchenjunga West: 8,505 meters

Kangchenjunga Central: 27,828 feet

Kangchenjunga South: 8,494 meters

Kangbachen: 7,903 meters

The trek passes through Arun valley into the Pathibhara temple which has religious importance to the Nepalese people. Along the way, you will be able to see the Himalayan flora and fauna in the Kanchenjunga wildlife reserve. It is home to some endangered animals like red panda and snow leopards. Also, the scenery of the sunrise hitting the snow cap mountains in the morning is breath-taking.

Besides this, you will see the beautiful villages and the rich culture of the local inhabitants' community of Sherpas, Rai, Limbus, etc.

In front of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp, the trek is a beautiful view of the world’s third tallest mountain.

Facts About Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking

These are some facts about Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking that you should know :

• Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world
• Kanchenjunga is shared by two countries: Nepal (mostly) and India (partly)
• The highest altitude of Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is 5143m at the Base Camp and the lowest altitude is 2700m at Chauki.

What Is Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek’s Altitude?

Kanchenjunga Base Camp’s altitude is 5143 m at Pang Pema and the lowest altitude during the trek is at Chauki (2700m)

Where Is Kanchenjunga Base Camp?

Mount Kanchenjunga is shared by two countries: Nepal and India. So, technically there are two Kanchenjunga Basecamps. But, mostly Kanchenjunga falls in Nepal and when the name Kanchenjunga Base Camp is brought up, we mostly talk about Nepal. Its geographical coordinates are  27°42′09″N 88°08′48″E.

How Long Does The Trip Last For?

Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is a long strenuous trek. The trek lasts for 3-4 weeks (approx. 26 days).

How Difficult Is Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek?

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is strenuous and requires you to physically active before taking this trip. The trek is quite difficult and challenging compared to other smaller trekking routes. So, if If you are a beginner or you want to start your trekking adventures with this trek, it’s better to take a guide with you or go in a group.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking Route

The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Route is as follows :

Kathmandu – Bhadrapur – Suketar – Kade Banjyang – Phumphe Dada – Sherpagaun – Torongton – Tseram – Ramche – Oktang –  Tseram – Sele La – Ghunsa – Kambachen – Lhonak – Pang Pema – Ghunsa – Gyabla – Amjilosa – Taplethok – Linkhim – Suketar – Bhadrapur – Kathmandu

Frequently Asked Questions About Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Should I Join A Guided Trek / Group?

You should consider taking a guided trek as it is a restricted region containing wildlife reserve. Besides this, the trekking route is quite confusing to cover alone if you are going there for the first time. Taking a guided trek will ensure your safety and that you don’t miss any experience and scenery in the way.

Is It Safe To Trek Kanchenjunga After The Earthquake?

Yes, it is safe to trek Kanchenjunga after the earthquake. The earthquake occurred in 2015 and it’s been 3 years (at the time of writing). The route is safe not because the roads have been reconstructed or something but because the Himalayan regions were not affected as much in the first place.

What's Included ?

What is not included ?