Overview
The Kanchenjunga trek in March is all about clear sky, peaceful trails, and panoramic views. March marks the departure of winter and the arrival of the spring season, so it has a perfect blend of winter’s cold and spring’s warmth. This trek is ideal for people who prefer peaceful walks through remote parts of Nepal.
Early March has mild weather with crisp air, with days getting progressively warmer. Trails are full of wildflowers and green landscapes. The trek takes you through traditional Sherpa and Limbu villages and provides an opportunity to explore their traditions.
As March is the start of the trekking season, the teahouses in Kanchenjunga start reopening. However, they may have limited food options and services, especially in higher regions, due to limited stocks. They will still offer decent rooms and well-balanced, hygienic food.
Kanchenjunga Trek Weather and Temperature Guide in March
March marks the beginning of spring, offering perfectly balanced weather for trekking. As the winter cold starts fading away, days progressively get warmer with clear skies. During early March, there are a few residual snow patches in the higher valleys and passes, making the temperature a bit chilly, especially at night and in the early morning.
The remaining period of March is pretty dry with no expected rainfall. With crisp March sky, the Kanchenjunga trek offers the stunning view of peaks like Mt. Kanchenjunga, Yalung Kang peak, Kanchenjunga South, Kanchenjunga Central, Kumbhakarna, etc.
The temperature varies with altitude in the Kanchenjunga trek. Average daytime temperature in the lowland (below 2,800 meters) ranges from 10°C to 18°C. Likewise, during nighttime it is about 2°C to 6°C.
Daytime temperature in the midlands (2,800 meters to 4,000 meters) is about 5°C to 12°C, and nighttime temperature is about -3 °C to -6°C.
Finally, in the highlands (above 4000 meters), the daytime average temperature is about 0°C to 10°C, and the nighttime is -5°C to -15°C.
How is the Kanchenjunga Trek Route in March?
The trail in March is dry and steady during the day in the lower region of Kanchenjunga, but could be a little damp because of overnight dew in the morning. However, by the day the sun dries the moisture, making it firm and easy to walk on. Meanwhile, in the higher regions, the trails are still a little snowy, which makes the path slippery and difficult to walk on.
The route of the trek is a combination of forest paths, rugged trails, and terraced village paths in the lowlands of the Kanchenjunga Trek. Meanwhile, the highlands have more rocky paths and narrow ridges. Lastly, around the Kanchenjunga Base Camp, the routes consist of rocky ridges left by glaciers, mountain meadows, and steep ascents.
How Difficult is the Kanchenjunga Trek in March?
Trekking to Kanchenjunga in March is moderately difficult. It is because of the altitude (5,000 meters+), rocky trails, and the late winter weather conditions. Even though it does not require advanced trekking skills, it is not beginner-friendly.
Firstly, the maximum elevation goes up to 5,140 meters at Pang Pema. This makes the trek prone to Acute Mountain Sickness.
Secondly, the trail condition in March varies based on the geographical area. The bottomlands have a firm, steady path, while the toplands can still be icy and slippery. This can make footing a little tricky and difficult if you don’t adapt to the change in trail.
Lastly, since it is a winter and spring shoulder season, the weather in March can be a little unpredictable. Days are generally sunny and bright, while the mornings and nights are chilly in the lower geographical areas.
Meanwhile, in the higher geographical land, the days are still chilly with cold (near 0°C) during the morning and night.
In conclusion, the Kanchenjunga trek has tricky weather, varying trails, and seasonal changes, making it moderately strenuous. However, it is achievable with proper acclimatization, slow altitude gain, the right gear, and good stamina.
Food and Accommodation in the Kanchenjunga Trek in March
Food in the Kanchenjunga in March is nutritious and simple, like Dal Bhat Tarkari, soup, and thukpa. As teahouses just start reopening in early March, menus may incorporate fewer and repetitive food options due to fewer supplies.
Even with limited stock, you will be offered nutritionally rich, clean food. Carrying snacks like dried fruits and nuts, chocolate bars, and protein bars can be helpful on the trail.
Most accommodation on the Kanchenjunga trek during March is teahouses and lodges. Teahouses often provide simple rooms with two beds or more. They have a shared dining area where everyone has their meal. Likewise, bathrooms and showers are usually communal and located outside.
Hot showers in the teahouses are limited, especially in areas above 3,000 meters. Meanwhile, lodges offer private rooms with attached bathrooms with hot and cold shower options in the lower regions. As the trek ascends, accommodations are limited to the basic teahouses.
Highlights of the Kanchenjunga Trek in March
Some of the major highlights of the Kanchenjunga Trek in March are:
- Early spring flora: Wildflowers and rhododendron start blooming in the lower and mid-hill regions. Likewise, the valleys and forests become greener as the snow starts to melt. The trails are decorated with red rhododendron in the lower and mid-hill region.
- Peaceful and less crowded trails: As March is just the start of peak trekking season, the trails are less crowded compared to April and May. Therefore, it is perfect for trekkers who want some alone time.
- Clear weather and Panoramic views: After the gloomy sky of winter, March brings clear blue sky, providing an unobstructed vista of the Himalayas and the surrounding scenery. This allows you to behold the sight of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Kumbhakarna, and even the far sight of Mt. Everest and Mt. Makalu
- Cultural diversity: Explore Rai and Limbu villages in the lower region of Kanchenjunga. Likewise, in the upper region, you get an opportunity to get a closer look at the Sherpa community with Tibetan-influenced Buddhist culture. While on trek, you can enjoy their local food and observe their cultural practices.
- Spotting wildlife: With the start of March, the days get warmer and the cold decreases. This causes animals like the Red panda, Snow Leopard, Himalayan musk, etc., to come out of hiding. Being at the right place at the right time allows you to spot them.
- Birdwatching: The Kanchenjunga trek in March is the best time for birdwatching. As the weather starts to shift, migrating birds like blood pheasants, golden eagles and Himalayan monals (danphe) return from the lower valley to the alpine region of Kanchenjunga.
- Cultural festival: The Tibetan New Year can fall from late February to early March, depending on the Lunar calendar. It is celebrated with prayer ceremonies and other monastery rituals in the upper Sherpa villages.
- Ideal for Photography: With unobstructed scenic sights, the possibility of wildlife spotting, wildflower bloom, and various Tibetan monasteries, there are endless opportunities for photographers.
Permits Required for the Kanchenjunga Trek in March
Two permits that are mandatory for the Kanchenjunga Trek are the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project (KCAP). More details and a cost breakdown of these permits are below:
Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
Since Kanchenjunga shares a border with both India and China, a Restricted Area Permit is mandatory for border control and the security of trekkers. RAP cannot be obtained without a registered trekking company and a licensed guide. The travel company plays the role of a safety net for both trekkers and the protected area.
Cost breakdown: Foreign trekkers should pay $20 per week to obtain a Restricted Area Permit. This is valid for only the first four weeks. After that, the cost rises to $25 per person for a week.
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project Permit
As trekkers pass through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, there are chances of the wildlife and vegetation of this area being affected directly or indirectly. Therefore, to preserve the ecosystem of the protected region, the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project Permit is enforced.
Cost breakdown: Foreign trekkers should pay 2,000 Nepali Rupees per person for the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project permit. And the SAARC nationalities should pay 500 Nepali Rupees per person. Unlike the RAP, this permit has no validity limit.
Note: If you try to trek in the Kanchenjunga region without the required permits, you will face serious legal problems. You will be stopped immediately at one of the many checkpoints and won’t be allowed to continue the trek under any circumstances.
Furthermore, you will also have to pay a fine. The amount of the fine varies based on the official rule of that specific region and the duration of the violation of the law. Officials can even deport the trekkers and ban them from returning to Nepal again.
Estimated Cost for the Kanchenjunga Trek in March
It is one of the costliest hikes in Nepal due to its length, remoteness, and difficult trail. Usually, treks around Kanchenjunga are about 20 days long. The standard Kanchenjunga Package costs about $2,000 to $3,000 per person.
One way of making the Kanchenjunga trek more affordable is by sharing the package with more people. With more people in a group, the per-head cost per package goes down significantly.
For your personal expenses, budget about $25 to $40 per day. This includes the cost of boiled drinking water on the trek, charging cell phones and electronic devices, hot showers, snacks, beverages, and other possible variable costs.
Boiled drinking water is priced at about US$1 to US$3 per liter, the cost increases slightly with altitude. The approximate cost for charging electronic devices is US$2 to US$5 per hour.
Likewise, the price for a hot shower ranges from US$5 to US$8. These are the major places for personal indulgence, so budgeting them well is crucial for the Kanchenjunga Trek in March.
Safety Tips for the Kanchenjunga Trek in March
The Kanchenjunga trek is one of the remote and demanding trekking destinations of Nepal, requiring good preparation and proper caution, so here are a few safety tips and tricks for you:
- Select a government- registered trekking company: The Kanchenjunga trek requires a Restricted Area Permit, which can not be obtained without a registered trekking company like Nepal Eco Adventure and a licensed guide.
- Physical training: You can go on regular runs and exercise for at least 3 months before the trek starts to prepare yourself physically. Running improves circulatory health, and exercising builds up stamina to meet the physical demands of the trek.
- Get travel insurance: For high-altitude treks like Kanchenjunga, good travel insurance is very important. Also, while picking the insurance policy, always make sure helicopter evacuation is covered.
- Acclimatize properly: Before opting for the higher altitude, resting low is a necessity. Taking rest days at places like Ghunsa and Khambachen is a must before attempting higher altitudes. Go slow and steady above 3,000 meters to give your body enough time to make physiological adaptations.
- Trek with a licensed guide: Since Nepal’s ban on solo trekking in major trekking areas, foreign trekkers must have a licensed guide to trek to Kanchenjunga. Likewise, it is a restricted area, and according to the restricted area ban, the minimum group size must have two people.
- Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet: Your body loses water twice as fast at higher altitudes, which causes the risk of AMS. Carbohydrate-enriched food keeps your body fueled for long walks, especially in a low-oxygen environment. Therefore, drink enough water and eat carbohydrate-rich food.
- Mental preparation: For long and remote treks, trekkers must prepare themselves mentally. Make up your mind about long walks through rocky terrains and isolation from the city’s luxury.
What To Pack For The Kanchenjunga Trek In March?
As March serves as a transition month between Winter and Spring, packing for the Kanchenjunga trek can get a little tricky. To make things easier for you, we have mentioned things to pack for the Kanchenjunga trek in March below:
- Waterproof and windproof jacket, thermal tops and bottoms, and T-shirts for the lower region. Heavy down jacket, warm trekking pants, and gloves for the higher region.
- Waterproof trekking boots with a sturdy grip and a few pairs of thick socks.
- Trekking sticks or poles to stay stable while walking on steep descents.
- An original copy of your passport and other official documents can come in handy during emergencies.
- Crampons (optional), but do consider them while trekking in higher regions during early March.
- Headlamps to help you walk in the dark.
- High-energy snacks, a water bottle, and water purification tablets.
- First aid kit with band aids, pain relief sprays, Ibuprofen, Paracetamol and medicines that help with altitude sickness like Diamox (Acetazolamide).
- Sunscreen to protect you from harmful UV rays, and lip balm to protect your lips from the cold.
- Power banks to charge your electronic devices on the trail.
- A set of your personal use items, like soap, a hand towel, toothpaste, and other items, per your need.
- Always carry some Nepali rupee cash, as not all the teahouses and stores may accept online payment.
- Navigation devices or even a map can be helpful.
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