based on The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is a high-altitude wilderness adventure in one of the most unspoiled trekking regions in the Nepalese Himalayas. The Kanchenjunga hiking route is in the east of Nepal on the borders of Nepal and Sikkim (India).
The Kanchenjunga trail takes you to the north and south base camp of the third-highest mountain peak, Mt. Kanchenjunga, at 8586 meters. The area offers various never-ending landscapes, cultures, and panoramic views of the Himalayas. Nepal Government has recently opened the Kanchenjunga trekking trail to hikers in 1988 AD. So, only a limited number of trekkers prefer to step on this wild, rugged path.
This is an extensive and strenuous trek in a region with little to no infrastructure. You won't find a lot of amenities like in the popular trekking destinations of Nepal, such as Annapurna and Everest. You can also call it a virgin territory of the Nepalese Himalayas, as most other Himalayas are well-explored.
Trekking in The Kanchenjunga region tests your emotions & taxes your body to the limit, but the rewards are phenomenal. The trails are rugged and surging, at times exposed, and there are landslides to deal with on the way. As a result, you need to be a pretty experienced high-altitude hiker & mentally pre-conditioned for uninterrupted days of grueling trekking in some extremely remote parts of the Himalayas.
Our experts at Outfitter Nepal Treks and Expedition have come up with a 26-day itinerary to complete the whole Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. The itinerary includes arrival and departure days to and from Nepal. The Kanchenjunga trek begins from Suketar, Taplejung, & is accessible by air or road; you retrace your route to Taplejung and turn to Kathmandu. Keep reading to find out more.
Best Features of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
- Trekking through the untouched and less traveled mountainous terrain of East Nepal
- Reaching the base camp of the world's 3rd highest mountain peak
- Crossing the high-altitude passes of the Kanchenjunga region: Sinion La (4,480m), Mirgin La (4,480m), and Sinelapche La (4,724m)
- Witnessing the unmatched beauty of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Makalu mountain range, and other neighboring peaks like Jannu
- Passing by the ethnic villages of Rai, Limbu, Tamang, Gurung, Bhote, and Sherpa community
- Reaching the source of the Tamar and Ghunsa rivers at the northwestern face of the Kanchenjunga Himal
- Traverse through the rich flora and fauna (red panda, musk dear, etc.) of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area
The relatively new and off-the-beaten trekking route
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal's newest high-altitude hiking routes; it was only made accessible for exploration in 1988. The amenities on the walking trail might not be the nicest, but you'll still have decent food and lodging facilities. You might have to spend the night in a tent on some days. It is one of the restricted trekking routes that need special trekking permits.
In the challenging terrain of the Kanchenjunga Region, the hiking trail includes several steep climbs, loose grounds, landslides, and so on. Your physical stamina will be tested as you traverse the rugged, rocky path of the Himalayas on the 26 days Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek. Prior high-altitude trekking experience is always a plus, or at the very least, being in good physical condition before setting off on a journey is good enough.
Explore the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area
The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area is spread over an area of 2,035 square Kilometers. More than 250 birds and other endangered creatures inhabit the highly lush forests of this protected region.
You can spot snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, musk deer, red pandas, and other exciting animals in its rich wildlife diversity. Bird species, including the Amphibian pheasant, and the red-billed blue robin, make up some of the beautiful birds in this region.
Only a few days of hiking take you to high-elevation pastures where yaks graze and vibrant alpine flowers bloom.
Hike through luscious forests and picturesque Himalayan villages
It's given that you'd pass by lush green forests decorated with enchanting wildflower blooms when you're trekking in the Nepalese Himalayas, especially in spring. If you're in the right time, you'd have the fortune to witness the whole forest covered in crimson from Rhododendron, the national flower of Nepal.
You'd also pass by picture-perfect villages in the foothill of the giant Himalayas. The houses are built in a typical Nepali style with some twists depending on the ethnicity. It's surprising that, being a small nation, Nepal is a house to more than 100 different ethnic groups. Seeing these people living in harmony in Nepal's remote villages reflects a sense of unity in diversity.
Get to know the locals and their unique culture
What makes this trek different from others is the locals that live in the region. Except for the Gurung, Magar, and Sherpa people you typically find while trekking in the western or central part of Nepal, you'd also come across Tamang, Rai, Limbu, and Bhote communities that are original to East Nepal. They have their own culture, cuisine, custom, and tradition.
Most of the local inhabitants in these villages of the Kanchenjunga region are involved in agriculture and animal husbandry. Some women of the communities are also engaged in the weaving business to support their families.
The breathtaking journey to the North and South Base Camp of Mt. Kanchenjunga
The journey around the Kanchenjunga Region and to the base camps is unique as you pass through tropical lowlands to the great Rhododendron forests, chocolate box villages, glaciers, and overwhelming views of the Himalayas. We usually climb to a single base camp while trekking to other destinations. However, during Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, you'd reach both the North and South Base Camp of Mt. Kanchenjunga.
The region's beauty, emphasized by some of the tallest mountain peaks in the world, mesmerizes you with so much joy that you can't get anywhere else. While witnessing the mountains up close ignites your mind, eating locally-produced meals and staying in local lodges and tents makes you humble.
What can you expect from our Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek package?
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is intricately designed that approaches the North Base Camp first. We trek through deep ravines and forests of bamboo, Rhododendrons, and larch pine to the Tibetan village of Ghunsa. You acclimatize at Ghunsa and go further into the high mountains.
You continue the hike along the Kangchenjunga Glacier to spend a night at Pangpema, the base camp of Mt. Kanchenjunga on the north side. The stunning views of Jannu, Kangchenjunga, and Chang Himal from Pangpema would take your breath away.
The Kanchenjunga trekking adventure further includes crossing the Mirgin La at 4,550m to Tseram to get to the south base camp of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Crossing the pass from north to south is more practical as this trek route is simply superb, with incredible views. By now, you are well acclimatized, and you hike at your pace up to Ramchaur with the fantastic views of Ratong, the Kabru Peaks, and the South Face of Kanchenjunga, giving you wonderful company all the way.
As you pass through villages in the Kanchenjunga region, you'd encounter the surprised faces of the locals as they don't see much of tourists. Enjoy the warm greetings from the hospitable people of Nepal as you hike up or down from the base camp.
