Kanchenjunga Trek
✅This Complete Kanchenjunga Circuit package includes the full trek, 3 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu, airport transfers, and a guided Kathmandu city tour.
Kanchenjunga trek, the journey to the foothills of the third-tallest mountain in the world at an altitude of 8,586 meters (28,169 feet) is a unique and immersive adventure that explores the remote virgin terrains of the Himalayas. Unlike other mainstream trekking expeditions this scenic experience follows the natural off-beaten pristine trails across rugged landscapes, soaring mountain rivers, lush forests to high-Himalayan kharkas, and glacial moraines.
Not only this beautiful expedition lets you explore the Himalayan flora and fauna under the protection of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area but also offers unprecedented views of the glorious Himalayan gems like Mera Peak, Twin Peak, Khumbhakarna Peak, Khabur, Makalu, Rathong, Kabru Dome including Kanchenjunga.
If you are looking to add more adventure of the Himalayas to your trophy list, away from the mainstream crowded route and opting for something more serene and immersive, this Kanchenjunga trekking expedition that explores the region of the second-tallest mountain in Nepal is something you don’t want to miss.
Highlights of Kanchenjunga Trek
- Expedition on the region of the second-tallest mountain in Nepal
- Opportunity to explore up close the magnificence of the Himalayan peaks like Mera Peak, Khabur, Makalu, Rathong, Twin Peak, Khumbhakarna Peak, and Kabru Dome
- Kanchenjunga Base Camp (5,140 meters) and Kanchenjunga Glacier
- Exploration of the high-Himalayan culture and traditions of diverse ethnic groups like Limbu, Sherpa, Rai, and Gurung
- Quite and serene trails that pass through diverse landscapes
- Widely diversified flora and fauna in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (Asian black bear, snow leopard, red panda, golden-breasted fulvetta, red-billed chough, and blood pheasant)
- High-Himalayan passes like Tamo La Pass, Sele La Pass, Mirgin La, and Sinon La
- Scenic drive through the sloped tea gardens and cardamom forest in Illam
- Tamor, Ghunsa, and Simbuwa river streams nourished by the glacial torrents of the region
Kanchenjunga Trek Altitude Chart
Detailed Itinerary
Kathmandu Altitude: 1,345 meters
Welcome to the country of the Himalayas; our representative will receive you at the airport terminal. You will be transferred to your respective hotels and assisted with the check-in procedures. If you arrive early, you could rest for a bit and stroll around the capital, checking out some of the tourist highlights.
In the evening, your guide will meet you and provide a short briefing about the upcoming adventure. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Kathmandu Altitude: 1,345 meters
The second day of your Kanchenjunga trekking expedition will be a sightseeing day that will explore the religious and cultural sites of the valley, including some major tourist attractions. The UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 7 out of 10 in the country, which are in the Kathmandu valley, will be highlights of today’s excursion.
It will also be the day to get the necessary permits for the upcoming exploration; if you haven’t shopped or rented the necessary trekking equipment, these two days will be suitable for buying and renting them in Kathmandu. You will meet your guide and expedition leader in the evening for further discussion and equipment inspection.
Kathmandu Altitude: 1,345 meters
Bhadrapur Altitude: 87 meters
Taplejung Altitude: 1,820 meters
Altitude Gain: 475 meters
Duration: 7- 8 hours
Your expedition to the foothills of the third-tallest mountain will officially commence on the third day of your Kanchenjunga trekking. It’s a long journey up ahead; you will take a morning flight to Bhadrapur from Kathmandu, and from there, you will switch to a convenient jeep driving towards Taplejung.
This day’s scenic drive will take you through the terraced fields, beautiful, diversified landscapes, and fresh green tea fields that the Illam is famous for. In your high hills, low valley adventure today, you will pass the fascinating gardens of Fikkal and Kanyan along the route.
Taplejung Altitude: 1,820 meters
Sekathum Altitude: 1,575 meters
Altitude Loss: 245 meters
Duration: 5- 6 hours
Today’s adventure involves another day of scenic driving of the region famous as a tea powerhouse and mass spice producer in Nepal. Driving following the trail along the powerful rapids of the Tamor River, you will cross several terraced tea fields and cardamom jungle; the Taplejung region is the mass producer of cardamom in Nepal.
The majority part of today’s drive will cover the downhill terrace as you slowly leave behind the high slopes of the mountains, moving towards Sekathum.
Sekathum Altitude: 1,575 meters
Amjilosa Altitude: 2,310 meters
Altitude Gain: 735 meters
Duration: 6- 7 hours
On Day 5 of your Kanchenjunga trekking expedition, you will finally start your trek; after breakfast, in the first section, you will follow flat easy trails on the route following the rushing Tamor River and lush green forests. However, the trek starts to get little challenging during the second segment as you begin ascending steep sections.
Leaving the Kirati settlements in the lower region, you will climb uphill toward the small village with Sherpa inhabitants. Following the uphill path to Jabari, you will have lunch at the river banks at Lamat and continue the rest of the uphill ascend, passing through the yak pastures and finally reaching Amjilosa. This beautiful rural Sherpa village features the local tea shops known as ‘Bhattis.’
Amjilosa Altitude: 2,310 meters
Gyable Altitude: 2,730 meters
Altitude Gain: 420 meters
Duration: 7- 8 hours
This day’s trekking trail passes alongside the scenic routes of the Ghunsa Khola; you will trek alongside the beautiful landscapes and lush pine, rhododendron, bamboo, and oak forests. Walking across the pasture terrains of the region, you will also see yaks, sheep, and goats scattered across grazing ground.
In the last stretch of today’s trekking adventure, you will come across a large cascade segment of Ghunsa Khola; from here, it is an uphill ascend to Gyable, which is also known as ‘Chapla’ or ‘Kyapra.’
Gyable Altitude: 2,730 meters
Gunsa Altitude: 3,595 meters
Altitude Gain: 865 meters
Duration: 7- 8 hours
Today’s trek starts with the steep drop to the banks of the Ghunsa Khola as the path takes you through a narrow valley above the elevation of 2,700 meters. The onward route passes through the dense fir and rhododendron forest and takes you to the Phale Village. This high-altitude village was initially a refugee camp where the Tibetans fleeing from the communist regime of China resided, and today it is a popular winter settlement where people of Gunsa migrate to during the winter season.
As you move along the trail, you will cross Phale, which is known for its potato fields, then you will start an uphill mountain trail alongside Ghunsa Khola and finally arrive at Gunsa. This beautiful village is deeply engraved in Buddhist culture and traditions; you will find the Buddhist praying flags fluttering widely across the whole civilization. Gunsa is home to the Kanchenjunga Conservation Office; you will find medical, telephone, and internet facilities in this high-altitude Sherpa civilization.
Gunsa Altitude: 3,595 meters
As it is recommended, you should include an acclimatization day in a high-altitude adventure after reaching an altitude over 2,500- 3,000 meters; the Day 8 of your Kanchenjunga Trek expedition will be a rest day. You will take this day to let your body rest and properly adapt to the high-altitude environment.
However, it doesn’t mean that you have to sit idly; you can explore the monastery, chortens, and mani walls of the region that reflects the great significance of Tibetan culture. Or, just stroll around the region admiring the lifestyle and day-to-day activity of the high-altitude Sherpa civilization and collecting the local souvenirs. There is also a hiking option to Lapsang La across the Yamtari Khola or to the ridges of Ghunsa, which offers a magnificent view of the Khumbhakarna Peak, also known as ‘Jannu Peak’ at an elevation of 7,711 meters.
Gunsa Altitude: 3,595 meters
Khambachen Altitude: 4,050 meters
Altitude Gain: 455 meters
Duration: 7- 8 hours
Heading towards the north, leaving Ghunsa behind, you will follow a gradually ascending path through the rockfalls areas during the first section of the day’s adventure. You will pass through lush, gorgeous pine, rhododendron, birch, and pine forest as you move along the south bank of the Ghunsa Khola. You will cross wooden and stone bridges along the trail that leads to Rampuk Kharka; from there onwards, you will follow the scenic path of streams, waterfalls, and glacial moraines passing the barren landslide-prone areas pushing for Khambachen.
If you are lucky, you might also get a chance to witness snow leopards and blue sheep (Bharal) along the route. Today’s adventure will conclude at the beautiful Khambachen Village, which follows Tibetan culture and traditions, and offers spectacular views of the Himalayan gems like Khumbhakarna Peak (7,711 meters), Khabur (6,332 meters), Phole Peak (6,645 meters), Sobithongie (6,670 meters).
Khambachen Altitude: 4,050 meters
Lhonak Altitude: 4,780 meters
Altitude Gain: 730 meters
Duration: 3- 4 hours
The Day 10 of your Kanchenjunga trekking expedition will majorly cover the moraine over the Kanchenjunga Glacier. After leaving the scenic trails of Khambachen behind, you will follow the deserted landscapes along the rocky terrains and massive boulders on the sidelines. After crossing the bridge to Ramtang (4,240 meters), the trail follows the moraines of the Kanchenjunga glacier, so you are advised to wear your warm wearing gear to protect yourself from the chill and cold environment on the base of the third-tallest mountain in the world.
Then you will follow the north bank of the glacier, moving across the wooden bridge on the Lhonak Glacier, and finally reach the Lhonak Village besieged the lakebed. Lohank, the last high-Himalayan civilization en route to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek. This beautiful Himalayan civilization offers 360° panoramic views of the mountain peaks in the Himalayas like Mera Peak (6,344 meters), Twin Peak (6,750 meters), Nepal Peak (6,910 meters) and Wedge Peak (6,750 meters).
Lhonak Altitude: 4,780 meters
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Altitude: 5,140 meters
Altitude Gain: 360 meters
Duration: 6- 7 hours
This is the big day that you have been waiting for; you will finally ascend to the foothills of the glorious Himalayas, right below the third-highest snow-clad peak in the world. On this day’s big adventure, you will follow the glacial moraines and the ridges of the Kanchenjunga Glacier, ascending towards the Kanchenjunga Base Camp (5,140 meters).
From this vantage point, besides the massive Mt. Kanchenjunga, you will be able to immerse in the beauty of other glorious adjacent peaks in the region, like Mera Peak, Tent Peak, Cross Peak, and Twin Peak. After soaking in the tranquility and magnificence of the Himalayas, you will trek back to Lhonak, which will be your resting destination tonight.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Altitude: 5,140 meters
Ghunsa Altitude: 3,595 meters
Altitude Loss: 1,545 meters
Duration: 7- 8 hours
After wrapping up the adventure at the Kanchenjunga Base camp, it is time to move to the next part of the expedition. On the Day 12 of your Kanchenjunga trekking expedition, you will retrace your steps back to the beautiful high-altitude civilization influenced by Buddhist culture.
Your downhill descent will be relatively easier as you enter the region below 4,000 meters. Passing the Khambachen Village, you will walk back on the trails of Rampuk Kharka and re-enter the Ghunsa region. You will rest here tonight, enjoying the modernity the village has to offer and preparing for the adventure tomorrow.
Ghunsa Altitude: 3,595 meters
Sele La Kharka Altitude: 4,200 meters
Altitude Gain: 605 meters
Duration: 7- 8 hours
Unlike other traditional Kanchenjunga trekking expeditions that follow a straight descending route to Taplejung, Nepal Eco Adventure adds more exhilarating factors to this beautiful experience, including other highlights of the Kanchenjunga region. In today’s trek, you will pass through lush rhododendron and juniper forests and grassy ridges from where you will be able to enjoy the entire region, including Ghunsa Village and Phole Village.
You will reach Tamo La Pass (3,900 meters), decorated with praying flags during the first ascent of the ridge as you move along the trail toward Sele La Kharka, which offers clear views of Mt. Makalu in the distance and Kanchenjunga west. This part of the trekking route is not inhabited by locals, so it is recommended that you shouldn’t trek far from your group as snow leopards are spotted in this region. After arriving at Sele Le, you will find small teahouses made with stones like Lhonak, which will be your resting destination tonight.
Sele La Kharka Altitude: 4,200 meters
Tseram Altitude: 3,870 meters
Altitude Loss: 330 meters
Duration: 7- 8 hours
It’s a long day’s trek up ahead after an early morning breakfast, you will make your ascend crossing a stream towards Tamo La. Continuing your trek towards Sele La, you will further push for the Sinon La (4,660 meters), Mirgin La (4,663 meters), and finally reach Sinelapche La (4,724 meters). After trekking through all these high passes in the Kanchenjunga region, you will descend down via the south trail and arrive at the Tseram Village.
This beautiful day’s demanding trekking experience through the high passes settles on the serene and warm village of Tseram. Enjoying the magnificence of the Simbhu Khola Valley, you will get your much-deserved rest here tonight.
Tseram Altitude: 3,870 meters
Oktang Base Camp Altitude: 4,730 meters
Ramche Altitude: 4,580 meters
Altitude Gain: 860 meters
Duration: 7- 8 hours
Today’s scenic trekking route will lead you to the alpine village Ramche, following the trail towards the south face of Kanchenjunga; you will start your adventure early in the morning. You will follow a rocky loose path alongside a stream and ascend the route with mani walls on the first section of the trek. As you witness the Rathong (6,678 meters) and Kabru Dome (6,700 meters) looming over the valley, you will move along the moraines of the Yalung Glacier.
In the last stretch of today’s adventure, as you make your way through the Kanchenjunga South Glacier, you will follow the path along the Simbuwa River and Lapsang Village, finally arriving at Ramche. The spectacular views of Rathong, Kanchenjunga South Peak, and Jannu Peak will pull the curtain on this day’s trekking experience.
Ramche Altitude: 4,580 meters
Tseram Altitude: 3,870 meters
Altitude Loss: 710 meters
Duration: 7- 8 hours
After conquering the high passes of the Kanchenjunga region, on this day’s adventure, you will descend down to Tseram. Descending down to the Simbhu Khola Valley, you will trek across the Simbhu Khola Valley and follow back the beautiful trails of the Simbuwa Khola. It’s a scenic day’s trek today, as you will slowly leave behind the magnificence of the up-close Himalayas behind and slowly descend down the trail enjoying the views of the wide vistas and meadows.
During the last stretch of today’s trek, you will climb down the rock trail following the mani walls and finally arrive at Tseram Village. You will rest here tonight, the trail will gradually descend to the lower altitudes from tomorrow.
Tseram Altitude: 3,870 meters
Tortong Altitude: 2,995 meters
Altitude Loss: 875 meters
Duration: 6- 7 hours
Day 17 of your Kanchenjunga trekking expedition will be an easy day’s walk. As you gradually descend down to the lower altitude from Tseram, you will reach a junction point that split the route in two directions. You will follow the right split of the trail as the left one leads you back to Sele La Pass, then the colorful rhododendron forest will lighten up your path after you cross Simbuwa Khola.
This day’s isolated trails will offer a serene magnificent exploration of the remote part of the Himalayas. Tortong is a beautiful high a beautiful high-altitude settlement with few teahouses that offer unspoiled and spectacular beauty of the quiet and less trekked route in the country.
Tortong Altitude: 2,995 meters
Yamphudin Altitude: 1,690 meters
Altitude Loss: 1,305 meters
Duration: 7- 8 hours
It’s a steep and long day’s hike today, after an early breakfast you will descend down from Tortong, and you will pass through a beautiful dense forest, and a landslide-prone section that leads to Lasiya Bhanjyang. Although it is a challenging day’s trek, the scenic beauty this route offers is simply outstanding, traversing across the pasture lands, you will cross the Ghunsa River over a wooden bridge making your way to Rampuk Kharak.
The route passes through a steep downhill section on the last stretch of the trek, as you make your way towards the big high-altitude settlement Yamphuding. It is the biggest civilization on the south side of Kanchenjunga, Yamphuding is home to diverse ethnic groups like Limbu, Sherpa, Rai, and Gurung. You will also find several shops here where you can re-stock your supply and enjoy some basic technological amenities back to modernity.
Yamphudin Altitude: 1,690 meters
Illam Altitude: 1,206 meters
Altitude Loss: 484 meters
Duration: 6- 7 hours
Day 19 of your Kanchenjunga trek will draw the curtain on your trekking expedition, from this day onward you will enjoy a scenic drive passing over hills and valleys. Following back the trails alongside the Tamor River, you will enter the fascinating terraced tea field of the Illam as you ascend downhills. Drive through the massive cardamon jungle, and pass the fascinating Fikkal and Kanyan gardens, you will finally arrive at Illam.
This is your resting destination tonight, besides its pristine sloped tea gardens, this piece of paradise is also known for its unprecedented beauty that features dense natural forests, fresh mountain streams, and fascinating unique culture/traditions.
Illam Altitude: 1,206 meters
Bhadrapur Altitude: 87 meters
Kathmandu Altitude: 1,345 meters
Altitude Gain: 139 meters
Duration: 6- 7 hours
Now, the time to conclude this beautiful remote exploration of the Himalayas from the Kanchenjunga’s prospects has come forth. Saying bye to the slopped tea gardens of Illam, you will drive towards Bhadrapur. You will board your plane according to the flight schedules and head for the capital valley leaving the alluring mountain region behind.
Enjoying the scenic cross-valley flight that passes over lush hills, soaring rivers, and beautiful civilizations, you will finally land at Kathmandu. After your arrival, you will be transferred to your respective hotel, after resting for a bit, you could use this day to explore the bustling capital and collect souvenirs to remember your journey.
Kathmandu Altitude: 1,345 meters
Concluding your 21-Days Kanchenjunga expedition, it is time to bid farewell. You will be dropped off at the TIA as per your flight schedules, make sure to prepare to reach the airport 3 hours prior to your flight schedules.
Thank you for choosing us as your venture partner. Have a safe journey back home!
What is Included
- Airport pickup and drop by private vehicle.
- Three nights Kathmandu hotel including Breakfast.
- Trekking lodge (Tea House) and home stay accommodations during the trek.
- Three meals a day(breakfast, Lunch and dinner) during the trek including a cup of hot drink(Tea/ Coffee) each meal.
- Fresh fruit every evening after the dinner.
- Special Trekking permits, Conservation permits and other required paper documents.
- Shared Jeep transport Birtomood -Taplejung-Sekathum and Yamphudin-Ilam -Birtamood.
- Round trip flight fare Kathmandu-Bhadrapur-Kathmandu) with airport tax and pickup and drop.
- A highly experience, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, English speaking well trained, Government license holder guide with all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance.
- Strong, helpful porters with proper safety equipment and walking equipment his salary, foods, accommodation and insurance (one porter for two people).
- Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
- Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid by your Travel Insurance Company.
- Nepal Eco Adventure T-shirt, cap and Duffel bag.
- Guided city tour as per above itinerary with private vehicle.
- Government taxes and official expenses.
- Oxymeter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms) Which will ensure you trek is in the safest hands possible for all levels of trekker.
- Luggage storage available for items not needed during the trek.
- Assistant guide group size above 6+ person.
What is Excluded
- Meals whilst you are in Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee $50 USD for 30 days visa on arrival.
- Your Travel Mountain Rescue Insurance
- International airfare.
- Your personal expenses.
- Use of sleeping bag, down Jacket and walking Poles (if you don’t have your own, To be return after trip completed). Using these 3 items you pay $10 USD each as maintenance and washing charge.
- For this trek micro spikes and gaiters are required year round and can be rented for $15 USD.
- Soft drinks, bottle of water, any alcoholic drinks, extra tea/coffee.
- Desserts and snacks between the meals.
- Hot shower, battery charging and use of WIFI on the tea houses.
- Tips for guide, porter and driver (tipping is expected).
- Kathmandu sightseeing tour entrance fee $30 USD per person approximately.
- Satellite phone $15 USD per day + Use of the credit if you make any call.
- Private Jeep Birtamod-Teplejung-Sekathum $300 USD(Add on available on booking page)
- Private Jeep Yamphudin -Ilam -Birtamod $300 USD(Add on available on booking page)
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Packing List for Kanchenjunga Trek
FAQs About Kanchenjunga Trek(20)
The best season for Kanchenjunga trekking is spring (March-May) and autumn (September- November). Although the trek is doable throughout the year, you need to use specific equipment and follow precautionary methods for this high-altitude adventure during winter and monsoon.
Typically, you need to allote yourself around USD 15 to US$ 20 additional expenses during the trek. These expenses generally go toward water purchases, snacks, hot showers at the teahouses, charging, and even the use of wifi.
No, besides Kathmandu and other city areas in the country, during this expedition that explores the remote part of Kanchenjunga, you cannot use a credit card. It is advised you should carry cash and convert them to Nepali currency with general expenses forecasting.
Yes, but you need to pay a certain percentage of the cost for the confirmation of the package, i.e. with most tour operators in Nepal, you will have to pay approximately 30% of the total package cost to secure the deal.
Prior trekking experience isn’t mandatory for the Kanchenjunga trek if you are in good physical condition and follow a proper training regime to prepare for the, this remote exploration won’t be a big deal for you. It is recommended that you start your training at least 8- 12 weeks prior to your expedition.
There isn’t exactly an age limit for the mountain trekking expedition in Nepal, as long as you are physically capable and healthy, you can do this trek. Even in the Everest Base Camp trekking, the highest trekking expedition in the world, children as young as 8 years old and elders in their 70s have successfully completed the adventure.
The Kanchenjunga trekking has been labeled as a ‘moderate to difficult’ trekking expedition. Unlike the mainstream trekking adventures in Nepal, like Everest and Annapurna, Kanchenjunga trekking is considered slightly difficult due to its remoteness.
The remote and rugged trails of the Kanchenjunga expedition tests your strength and endurance level, so it would be best if you involve exercises to bugg these factors about your physical status. Jogging, swimming, cycling, push-ups, bicep curls, bench press, squats, etc are some exercises you could include in your training regime, furthermore, stair training helps a lot to prepare for the steep section of the trekking route.
During your stay in Kathmandu, you will be accommodated at a three-star hotel in the heart of the capital; you will also stay at a similarly graded hotel on your return trip after completing the trek. We also offer our guests the best available accommodation facilities during the entire experience.
As the Kanchenjunga region features very few number of teahouses along the route compared to other mainstream trekking expeditions, it might be hard to get private rooms during the peak seasons. You can certainly opt for private rooms on the lower trails which have plenty of teahouses, however, at higher altitudes with limited infrastructures, private rooms may not be a possibility.
In case if have to face any kind of delays due to unforeseen circumstances, we will take arrange your food and accommodation services depending upon the number of extension days. You will just have to pay supplemental charges for those number of extended days and we will arrange everything else for you.
Although it is possible to buy toilet paper along the trail, the price can be significantly high at higher altitudes, so we suggest that you bring some toilet paper along with you including other toiletries essentials.
Yes, you will find plenty of restrooms along the trail; all of the teahouses en route have restrooms that you can use. And for emergencies, you can take a break in the isolated parts of the route during the trek.
Yes, it is possible to extend extra days to your trekking expedition, but of course, it will come at an additional price. However, this is only applicable for solo or private trekking adventures, as group expeditions move according to a set of itineraries, it will be hard to fit the additional days, depending on the time duration or the trek and number of trekkers in favor of the idea.
In general, you will have one guide for an expedition team of eight members, if the number of members exceeds the allocated numbers, an assistant guide is provided for the team. As for the porters, one porter is assigned to two trekkers.
The teahouses along the trail will let you charge your electronics, mostly, the lower region of the trail is powered with hydropower meanwhile, the higher regions have to depend on solar power. Thus, the cost for charging may differ from US$ 1 to US$ 5 depending on the region.
Although natural springs and tap water can be found along the route during the trek, you should purify it before drinking it, and carry a water purifying solution or tablets to make the naturally sourced water drinkable.
Almost every eatery facilities in Nepal offer a vegetarian menu, the vegetarian culture is still well practiced in the country, so it won’t be a problem to switch to a vegetarian diet. Just request the cook to provide you with a vegetarian variant.
Yes, our guides carry cellphones throughout the expedition and you can use their phone to communicate or you can use the local sim card to make communications more efficient. Furthermore, you will have internet access at most teahouses in the lower regions, thus you will easily be able to communicate and manage your social handles during trekking.
Solo traveling necessarily doesn’t mean you will be charged extra, if you book the services within the published date, you will have to bear the same expenses as other individuals in the expedition team. You will only have to pay extra if you want to do a private trek or change your trip date farther from the booked period.
What to Expect in the Trek?
Kanchenjunga trekking is considered camp trekking, as this trekking adventure takes place in the remote isolated part of the Himalayas with very few numbers of teahouses along the trail. Thus, you will have to stay in the camp where the teahouses aren’t available, but rest assured trekking agencies who chose the isolated trails where camping is necessary, arrange every essential to make your adventure comfortable and enjoyable.
As the Kanchenjunga trekking expedition reaches the highest elevation point, Kanchenjunga Base Camp (5,140 meters) and you need to spend a significant amount of time above the 3,000- 4,000 meter altitude, you need to prepare both mentally and physically for this high-altitude adventure. The routes are rugged, steep, and often difficult and you are expected to cover 6- 8 hours of walking distance every day, so it is important for you to buff your strength and endurance level to make the trekking experience more immersive.
Furthermore, you need to understand this expedition explores the remote and less-populated region of the Himalayas from Kanchejunga’s perspective. So, if you are expecting extensive sets of facilities and perks like its popular mainstream alternative Everest and Annapurna region trek, you might be disappointed. This is a remote exploration that follows the serene path of nature, so prepare yourself to take a break from technology and modern-day affinities. And just enjoy laid back adventure immersing in the high-Himalayan lifestyle and just getting lost in nature (not literally, we will find you, probably).
Best Time for Kanchenjunga Trek
The best time for the Kanchenjunga Trek is during the peak seasons, spring (March-May) and autumn (September- November). As both of these seasons have stable weather and temperature, these are the best time for any high-altitude adventure in the country. The temperature during both of these seasons hovers around mid- 20°C with chilly and coll mornings and nights at the higher altitude, making it the perfect time for outdoor adventures.
However, it’s not like you cannot do this beautiful trek in off seasons like monsoon (June- August) and winter (December- February), Kanchenjunga trek is doable throughout the year. The difficulty level is higher during these off-seasons, i.e., during the monsoon, the trails are slippery and dangerous with the added risk of landslides on the landslide-prone section during the trek.
Similarly, the weather is extremely harsh in the Kanchenjunga region during the winter season as the temperature can drop as low as -30°C. If you are a newbie in high-altitude trekking, it will be best if you stick to the peak seasons when the experience is more comfortable.
Food and Accommodation
Kanchenjunga situated in the remote parts of eastern Himalayas in Nepal unlike the popular trekking alternatives in the country offers pretty much basic accommodating and eatery services. Although the lower regions do have an extensive set of menus to choose from, at the higher altitudes you will have to stick with the basics.
Breakfast in Kanchenjunga Trek
- Toast with jam and butter option
- Corn flakes
- Pancakes
- Porridge
- Eggs (scrambled, boiled, fried, etc)
- Juice
- Coffee/tea
Lunch and Dinner in Kanchenjunga Trek
- Pasta
- Soup
- Pizzas
- Spring rolls
- Sandwiches
- Spaghetti
- Steaks and meat dishes
- Spring roll
- Rice pudding
- Potato dishes (boiled, baked, chips)
Local Food in Kanchenjunga Trek
- Daal Bhaat Tarkari
- Momo
- Tibetan bread
- Parathas
- Khir
- Dhindo and gundruk
- Thupka
- Tingmo, Tibetan momo
- Local rice and apple drinks
Although the teahouses at higher altitudes may not feature listed menus, you could request the cook to prepare the meals, if they served those dishes. Similarly, vegan and vegetarian trekkers could request the teahouses to exclude meat ingredients from their meals. The vegetarian lifestyle is widely practiced throughout the country, so it won’t be much of a big deal to arrange a vegetarian diet for you throughout the experience.
And, as for the accommodation, you can expect great lodge-based teahouses on the lower part of the trail. In general, the teahouses owned by the locals feature 4-5 bedrooms with two or three beds, rooms are cozy and teahouses provide pillows, mattresses, and blankets (but it is recommended that you always carry your sleeping bag).
Similarly, the bathroom is available on a shared basis, teahouses in the lower region have private bathrooms and gas geysers for hot showers, whereas, at higher altitudes, you will have to make do with a bucket of hot water. In case, if your itinerary follows mostly camping outdoors, then your operator will manage all the essential.
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