Kanchenjunga Trek has been ranked by many trekkers as the best trekking route in rural Nepal extensive trek going deep into the remote mountain ranges on Nepal’s border with Sikkim and Tibet. The trail explores the area around Kanchenjunga the third highest mountain in the world. You will see a wide range of scenery from lush, tropical jungle through to rhododendron, chestnut and oak forests and then at higher altitudes into the alpine zone. You will see a range of Nepalese culture and life-style from Rai and Limbus to Tibetan Buddhist villages. Kanchenjunga region offers unbelievable trekking, and now in addition to the traditional full camping trek style, it’s possible to do teahouse trek to the region as well. Here is all you need to know!
The trek around Kanchenjunga Base Camp can be done entirely as a basic lodge or tea-house trek in September-October- November and in March-April-May. Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world at 8586m/28,169ft and is on the border between Nepal and Sikkim (India). Wilderness Excursion’s trekking itinerary to Kanchenjunga only covers trekking route in Nepal on this site. The usual trekking destinations are the viewpoint near the climbing base camps on the south and north sides of this massive mountain traversing between north and south base camps is also highly enjoyable, making for a very pleasing and wilderness experience. The Kanchenjunga Trekking trail is not formed tracks of the Everest and Annapurna regions, though tracks are being rapidly improved up the north side. If you are grateful for a stone hut, wooden bed, evening Daal bhat and daily rough country, you will greatly enjoy this remote trek.
Only about 1,000 trekkers a year trek this place compared to over 35,000 in the Everest Region of Khumbu, so it is possible to walk blissfully all day and see nobody else. Most people you will meet will be in camping groups but you may meet some small private groups teahouse trekkers with their guides and porters. Note that there is considerable exposure on many of the tracks, so don’t go if you have vertigo or a fear of heights. This matrilineal Limbu (‘the bearer of bows and arrows’) homeland is not highly populated, particularly on the south side, and the people follow animist, Buddhist and some Hindu beliefs. Phale and Ghunsa on the northern side are uniquely Tibetan in architecture and religious practice but surprisingly by the general lack of outward religious signs that characterize the Khumbu region, for instance. There is a focus on tongba, a local drink; warm millet beer served in brass-decorated wooden pots with a straw. The around Kanchenjunga Trek can be done entirely as a lodge trek in September-October- November and in March-April-May. At the start and end of these periods there may be some lodges closed, particularly at higher altitudes. Always enquire before relying on these notes. There are toilets in nearly all places and phone access, limited on the south side. Wilderness Excursion provides tents just in case the lodges are closed with light meal.
Kanchenjunga range consists of five individual peaks where Kanchenjunga II is the highest among those. People from Kanchenjunga Region believe this mountain as sacred mountain as well as five treasures of snow in the form of gold, silver, gem, grain and holy books in each different summit. Joe Brown and George Band part of British expedition team first conquer the summit of Kanchenjunga in 1955. Entire range generates four different glaciers, which result in couple of famous river for Rafting in Nepal. This is basic Kanchenjunga Information now lets discuss a bit about Kanchenjunga Trekking that is conducted on state of Kanchenjunga Nepal. The first thing foreigner need to know is Trekking in Kanchenjunga is declared as restricted area trekking region in Nepal with strict policy of controlled tourism which clearly state that one need to obtain special restricted area permit as well as need to be accompanied by Nepali citizen before Trekking Kanchenjunga. Since trekkers’ posses special permits there is no necessities of Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Card although conservation area project entry permit card is mandatory to obtain. If Trekking Kanchenjunga were in one’s to do list then it would be fruitful to obtain Information about Kanchenjunga.
A teahouse basis trek to Kanchenjunga is now encouraged and promoted as government of Nepal is emphasizing on development of infrastructure on Kanchenjunga Nepal to support the local economy in Kanchenjunga for involving in tourism sector. Trekking in Kanchenjunga can be one of the most adventurous treks with close interaction to Tibetan refugee whose settlement is all the way during Kanchenjunga Circuit.
I took a 21 days trek Kanchenjunga Base Camp in April 2015 with Wilderness Excursion. Everything was perfect! Pradip Tamang who is the manager and also guide sometimes responded to me quickly for any questions I had via email before the trek. When I arrived in Nepal, we met at Kathmandu with him and my guide Riddi. They had already arranged the trekking permits and also gave me a gift map of the Kanchenjunga area. Riddi was very friendly and helpful guide I could ask for - he has over 14 years of experience in Nepal trekking routes from tea any time I wanted to private room with hot shower - everything was just perfect! I'll definitely book with them again for my next trek in Nepal. I'm sure it will be an unforgettable experience again. I highly recommend this company and their services. You are in good hands!!!
Permits
Foreign Trekkers should have Kanchenjunga restricted Area Permit for visiting the Kanchenjunga region. Also it is mandatory that you are trekking with a registered guide and a party of two or more. The fee is USD10 per person per week up to 4 weeks, thereafter USD 20 per person per week, and your trekking must be organized by a local trekking agency in Kathmandu. In addition you also need a Kangchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA) entry permit which costs NPR 2000 (approx US$20) per person. It is possible to buy this at the Police Checkpoint in Taplethok though much easier to get beforehand in Kathmandu. You will need 4 photos per person for the permits and to show your passport (not a copy). Allow one day in Kathmandu to get the permits sorted. No TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System) require as you have Restricted Area permit.
Fitness and Experience Requirements
The trip is categorized as difficult as we will be travelling in high altitude for a long duration and cross a few Himalayan passes. Therefore, previous trekking experience, physical fitness and positive attitude are essential. It is always best to start jogging and exercising regularly at least a few months before the actual trek. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases are required to consult their doctor before taking the trip. It is also advised that we inform Himalayan Glacier about the medical condition before booking the trek.
Acclimatization
It is very important to acclimatize to the high altitude when trekking on higher elevations. This prevents AMS which could be fatal if we are not careful. During the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, we do a gradual ascent with a separate day set aside solely for acclimatization at Cheram. Crossing Lapsang La pass (5,108m/16,760ft) and Sinion/Mirgin La pass (4,663m/15,300ft) are the challenging sections of our adventure that require long hours of walking in high altitude.
How much does it cost
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Price depends on the group size, season, and the mode of tour. The cost we have offered USD 2599.00 per person is fully supported camping trek on minimum 2 pax group size or double occupancy basis. Single supplement will cost extra USD 475.00. Accommodation in Kathmandu will be twin sharing deluxe bed room basis with buffet breakfast in Samsara Resort. Accommodation on the way to trekking will be in tented accommodation and home stay basis.
Meals
If your trek is fully supported camping trekking with us our support team will serve you freshly and hygienically prepared meal by our chef or cook. If the trip is budget teahouse trek there are an exception of Daal bhat (The traditional Nepali set meal comes with boiled rice, lentil soup, fried vegetable and even pickles sometime), Tsampa, Rice, Potato, Noodles, Egg items, Chapati and Curries at most places, tea and coffee. Wilderness Excursion will manage more meals and menu like Porridge, Pancakes, Muesli, Corn Flakes, Milk, Momos, Spring Rolls, French fries and hot chocolate etc if the trek is like half camping and half home stay or lodged trek. There are very few shops and often stocks are limited to noodles, biscuits, toilet paper, tobacco and alcohol. Water, batteries and soap are not always available.
Kanchenjunga Trek Itinerary
Out of several Kanchenjunga Trekking Itinerary; on basis of time duration, interest, physical stamina, weather condition and budget best itinerary can be select and commence trekking in Kanchenjunga Himalayas. Major selected treks are Kanchenjunga South Trek, Kanchenjunga North Trek as well as Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek covering both Kanchenjunga base camps.
Best Time to Trek
Autumn months (September-November) and spring (March to May) are considered as the best seasons for Kanchenjunga Circuit trekking. There is better visibility of the landscape during these months, the rivers are lower and the temperature is cooler on the first few days of the trek.
Wilderness Excursion (P) Ltd is a government certified fully and licensed best adventure trekking agency based in Kathmandu Nepal and documented by the tourism authority of the government of Nepal to run tours, travel, trekking, mountaineering expeditions, and other travel related activities. Wilderness Excursion is proud member of TAAN (Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal) NTB (Nepal Tourism Board) NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association) KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project) HRA (Himalayan Rescue Association etc. Committed and dedicated. Wilderness Excursion is run by committed and dedicated professionals with decades long experience in trekking and climbing having passion to our work. Our guide and field support staff are highly experienced, helpful and friendly to take care of all your trekking holidays needs in the Himalaya that enhance for your memorable trip. We are specialized for effectively planned trekking tours to Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, India and Pakistan and beside this we arrange Cultural Tours, Village Excursion, Short Adventure Activities like; Bungee Jump, Paragliding, Ultra…
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