Explore Kanchenjunga Trekking Routes
The Kanchenjunga region offers several fascinating trekking routes. Each route differs in terms of duration, landscape, difficulty, and cultural experiences with a diverse range of adventures. On the other, the trekking routes also vary in terms of duration and cost. Some of the remarkable Kanchenjunga trekking routes are:
Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek
This trekking route is of the shortest duration among all the famous routes in the region. It requires approximately 16 days to finish trekking through this trail. The cost of the Kanchenjunga base camp trek through the southern route is around $1,800. Taking you to an altitude of around 4,610 m (15,124 ft), it is a moderately difficult trail. Some of the major highlights of this trial are:
- The remote and less crowded trail of the southern base camp offers a more remote and authentic experience.
- Witness breathtaking mountain peaks, including Mt. Rathong, Mt. Kothan, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, and Jannu.
- Takes you through diverse landscapes, from subtropical lowlands to alpine forests and glaciers.
- Pass through the Yalung Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in Nepal.
- Explore the southern side of Mt. Kanchenjunga with a comparatively easier trekking route.
Among the three major trekking trails in the Kanchenjunga region, the South Base Camp trekking route is highly recommended. Because of its shorter duration and comparatively easier route, the southern trail is more approachable and is also budget-friendly. Make sure to go through the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp trek itinerary for a detailed overview of the trip.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2: Free day in Kathmandu or self visiting around valley
Day 3: Flight from Kathmandu to Taplejung (or Bhadrapur) trek to Lali Kharak (1880m)
Day 4: Trek from Lali Kharak to Khesewa (1960m)
Day 5: Trek from Khesewa to Phumpe Danda (1780m) 6 hour of walking
Day 6: Trek from Phumpe Danda to Yamphudin (1690m ) 5-6 hour of walking
Day 7: Trek from Yamphudin to Lase Danda (2340m) 5-6 hour of walking
Day 8: Trek from Lase Danda to Tseram (3870m) 6 hour of walking
Day 9: Trek from Tseram to to Ramche (4620m) 5-6 hour of walking
Day 10: Trek from Ramche to Lamite Bhanjyang (3410m) 7-8 hour of walking
Day 11: Trek from Lamite Bhanjyang to Yamphudin 7-8 hour of walking
Day 12: Trek from Yamphudin to Khebang (1740m) 6 hrs of walking
Day 13: Trek from Khebang to Hapu Khola 6-7 hrs of walking
Day 14: Local jeep from Hapu Khola to Ilam Bazaar 5-6hrs drive
Day 15: Ilam to Bhadrapur then flight Kathmandu
Day 16: Departure from Nepal
Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek
This is a more challenging route than the southern trekking trail to Kanchenjunga. The duration of the trip can range from 15 to 20 days in general. The trek takes you higher than the southern base camp route, to the maximum elevation of around 5,143 m (16,873 ft). As the trek is of longer duration than the southern route, this Kanchenjunga base camp trek will cost you around $2,200 to $2,500 or more. Some of the major highlights of the trek are:
- Explore the northern side of Mt. Kanchenjunga with a closer look at the glorious mountain.
- Get glimpses of stunning snow-clad mountains, including Kanchenjunga, Everest, Jannu, Gimmigela, Pathivara, and Drohmo.
- Pass through the glacial basin of the Kanchenjunga Glacier and the sacred Ghunsa Lake.
- Witness rare wildlife and diverse fora, including the Red Panda and various species of orchid.
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
This is the longest and the most challenging route in the Kanchenjunga region. The trek duration spans about 25 days with the trip cost of approximately $2,800 to $3500. This long journey offers an extensive exploration of the region. It takes you through both the southern and northern sides of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Moreover, this is a very demanding trekking route and requires a high level of physical fitness and determination. Some of the major highlights of Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek are:
- Visit the North and South Base Camps of Kanchenjunga and the stunning Yalung Glacier and Yalung Kang Base Camp.
- Get a more holistic trekking experience of the entire Kanchenjunga region.
- Traverse through a wide range of diverse terrain, and explore the unspoiled beauty of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.
- Cross the challenging Lapsang La Pass with a captivating panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga massif.
- Cultural immersion in the remote villages of Ghunsa, Pangpema, and Oktang.
How Much Does Kanchenjunga Trek Permit Cost?
In order to trek through the Kanchenjunga region you will require two types of permits. Both permits are mandatory for the trek and vary in their usability and costs. Below is a detailed look into each permit.
1. Restricted Area Permit: Trekkers must have this permit to enter the restricted areas in Kanchenjunga, including Yamphuding, Olangchun Gola, Paping, and Lelep. This permit is an effort of the government to control tourism in the region and protect its natural state. Also, as the region touches the Tibetan and Indian border, the permit is crucial. As solo trekking is prohibited in Kanchenjunga, this must be obtained through a registered travel operator. The permit cost requirements are:
- $20 per person per week for the first four weeks
- $25 per person per week beyond the first four weeks
2. Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit: This is another mandatory permit required for your entry into the conservation area. It has no time limit and the cost varies as per your nationality.
- Approx $5 per person for SAARC nationals
- Approx $20 per person for other nationals
Accommodation Cost for Kanchenjunga Trek
During your journey, you will be staying in a diverse array of accommodations, from luxurious hotels to cozy tea houses nestled amidst the mountains. And the cost will also vary depending on the type of arrangement. Your stay in Kathmandu will be in a luxury hotel. As you begin your journey and ascend to the higher altitude, your accommodation will be arranged in the finest of the lodges or tea houses available in the region. The potential costs for these accommodations vary as follows:
- Luxury resorts or hotels: Luxury hotels are only available in the major cities at lower altitudes and can cost you around $250 or more per night.
- Standard hotels: In some parts of the lower altitude regions, you will have to stay in standard hotels facilitated with all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay. The cost for a standard hotel can range from $35 to $80 per night.
- Basic lodges and homestay: As you begin your trek and gain elevation, you will find small lodges and homestay options available. These are well-facilitated with basic amenities and comfortable private rooms. The cost can range from $15 to $30 per night.
- Tea houses or guest houses: As you gain further elevation and reach the remote landscapes, the only accommodation options available will be tea houses/guest houses. So, you will stay in this type of accommodation only during the trek. These offer comfortable beds with shared rooms, bathrooms, and dining areas. You will also be facilitated with gadget charging services and hot water availability but will cost you a few extra bucks.
While you are in the major cities, you can find accommodations such as 4 or 5-star luxury hotels and standard hotels. As you reach a slightly higher elevation to smaller rural cities, you will generally spend the nights in basic lodges and homestays. Lastly, in the higher elevation regions, the only available accommodations are small yet comfy tea houses or guest houses. It's important to note that the accommodation availability and costs at the higher altitudes can differ depending upon the trekking season. However, we make sure to arrange the finest option for you beforehand so that you can enjoy the trek to the fullest.
Transportation Cost for Kanchenjunga Trek
The transportation cost for Kanchenjunga Trek mainly depends on the mode of transportation you choose to travel. As per the route of the trek, you will have to travel to the Eastern region of Nepal until you start your trek. For convenience, travelers generally choose to travel from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur via flights which might cost around $115 or more, depending upon the time of the year. Likewise, from Bhadrapur, you will travel to Taplejung via private vehicle. After that, your trek begins. Generally, the cost of transportation is also included in your travel package and you need not worry about it.
Food Cost for Kanchenjunga Trek
Your meal cost also comes under the total package cost. As per our standard package, we provide you with three meals per day, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The cost will mainly depend on your choice of meal. The typical Nepali meal, such as Dal-Vat-Tarkari, can cost you around $5 to $10 per meal, depending on the hotel.
Likewise, you can also find other food of your choice in the lower altitude region which will cost you accordingly. Basically, the approximate cost for meals per day ranges from $25 to $35 or more. As you ascend higher, the meal options will be comparatively limited and may cost more than usual.
What are the Fee Requirements for Guide and Porter?
The cost of a guide and porter varies depending on the length of your trek. This arrangement is mainly done by the travel agency you book your trip through. But, for a general overview, you can expect to pay approximately $30 to $45 per day for a guide and around $25 to $35 for a porter. In order to explore the trek in the best possible way, hiring a guide and porter is a must.
Essential Trekking Gear and Equipment
For a successful journey in the Himalayas, being well-equipped with the right trekking gear is vital. Moreover, the assistance of the travel operator also plays an important role in managing the right equipment for the trek. Let’s explore some of the most crucial packing items for your journey along with their approximate costs:
- Backpack- $50 to $200
- Sleeping bag- $100 to $500
- Hiking boots- $100 to $300
- Hiking poles- $20 to $100
- Waterproof jacket- $50 to $200
- Waterproof pants- $50 to $200
- Sunglasses- $10 to $100
- Sun hat- $10 to $50
- First-aid-kit- $20 to $50
- Map and compass- $10 to $50
- Flashlight or headlamps- $10 to $50
- Water bottles- $5 to $20
These are some of the must-have essentials for the Kanchenjunga trek, along with their costs. If you have any confusion about what to pack for the Kanchenjunga trek, you can contact your travel agent for a detailed packing list.
Group vs. Solo Trekking in Kanchenjunga
As Kanchenjunga is a restricted region, the Nepal government has prohibited solo trekking in the region. You must be in a group of a minimum of 2 people and must be accompanied by a licensed guide or porter. Therefore, if you are planning to trek to Kanchenjunga, you must have one more person to trek with you. This rule implementation is for safety purposes and to minimize the environmental impact due to tourism.
Expert Tips and Recommendations
Planning your trip to the challenging terrain of Kanchenjunga requires consideration of several crucial factors. Depending upon the necessity of the trip, some of the expert tips and recommendations for you are:
- Ensure you are in good physical and mental shape to tackle the high-altitude challenges.
- Acclimatize sufficiently.
- Choose the right season for a comfortable trek experience.
- Pack light and make sure you have all essential trekking gear with you.
- Stay hydrated and eat well during the trek.
- Trek with a licensed travel agency and obtain necessary permits.
- Respect local culture and maintain the serenity of the natural environment.
- Prioritize safety and be prepared for changing weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Kanchenjunga Mountain?
Mount Kanchenjunga is located in the eastern Himalayan region, between the borders of Nepal and the Indian state of Sikkim. As the world’s third highest peak, Kanchenjunga stands tall towering to the altitude of 8,585 m (28,169 ft). Mt. Kanchenjunga is the main peak of the Kanchenjunga massif. It nestles among other major mountains, including Kanchenjunga Central, Kanchenjunga West, Kangbachen, and Yalung Kang.
Has anyone climbed Kanchenjunga?
Yes, Kanchenjunga has been successfully climbed by several mountaineering expeditions over the years. The first ascent of Kanchenjunga took place on May 25, 1955, by a British expedition led by Charles Evans. Ever since over 4,00 people have summited the mountain. However, the ascent rate is relatively lower than other famous mountains in Nepal. Kanchenjunga is a difficult climb and therefore has not been attempted by many.
How difficult is the Kanchenjunga trek?
In comparison to Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek, the Kanchenjunga Trek is difficult. This is one of the most strenuous trekking routes in Nepal because of its challenging terrain. However, with the right preparation and the assistance of a reliable travel operator, it can be a successful and rewarding endeavor.
Besides Kanchenjunga Trek cost, there are many factors to be considered for this journey. As the trek is a journey to one of the remote Himalayan regions in Nepal, safety is of utmost concern. Therefore, proper arrangements and traveling with expert guides are necessary for a hassle-free travel experience. Adventure Himalayan Travels can assist you with all that you need to make this journey a success. We have been successfully organizing treks to Kanchenjunga which is evident through hundreds of positive client testimonials. Our dedicated staff members and our guides with decades of experience will ensure your trip is an unforgettable one. So, without any further ado, contact us for a perfect trip plan.
