Kanchenjunga (8586 m), the highest mountain in India, the second highest in Nepal and third highest in the world. Since this spectacular mountain range is on the border of India and Nepal. Both the countries share its pride and boasts its beauty.
This wild mystical beauty is amongst the less trekked destinations. The challenging trek routes and the myth of being a sacred mountain has to be accredited for its pristine beauty.
Only 125 km east-south-east of Mount Everest, stands this glorious mountain. The central south and the main peak lies in between Sikkim and Nepal while the other two of the five lies in Taplejung, Nepal. The five peaks of this range are also known as the Five Treasures of the high snow.
It wasn’t until 1865, Kanchenjunga was listed as the third highest mountain in the world. Before that, it was assumed to be the highest in the world.
Kanchenjunga Trek Nepal is possible from three different routes, from the southwest, northwest and northeast sides. And this 28 days long trek will allow you to explore the border regions of Nepal, Tibet, and Sikkim.
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is one of the finest trekking routes of Nepal. Our trek starts after a flight to Bhadrapur and a drive to Illam. The next day we will drive to Taplejung, from here we start our trek.
Taplejung lies at the east most part of the country and is quite peaceful. You can expect friendly and hospitable people on your way. The traditional houses, landscape and the socio-cultural lifestyle of the people are unique and interesting.
The Sherpas, Rai, Limbu, and Gurung people are the local ethnic group in the area. They are mostly of the Mongol race.
We will pass through Taplethok, Sekathum, and Amjilosa exploring the local culture and enjoying the beauty of the countryside. From Amjilosa, which is a Tibetan village we gradually start to ascend. The rhododendron and bamboo forests, picturesque waterfalls, and the enchanting greenery adds to the beauty of the place.
At Ghunsa, you will be at an altitude of 3595 m above sea level. This village is a great place to acclimatize and get around the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.
You can find the Kanchenjunga base camp trek itinerary, here. And if you plan on exploring this place on your own, learn on how to reach Kanchenjunga Base Camp. You could also look into the Kanchenjunga trek route so that you have a general idea to which route your group will be taking. With or without a guide, knowledge on the route is definitely a plus point.
Further, from Khambachen to Lonak and then finally, you reach the Kanchenjunga base camp at 5140 m.a.s.l.
From Kanchenjunga base camp, you can witness the spectacular peaks of the world. The mountain vistas that forms the border with Sikkim and Tibet is no less than 6100 m.
Kanchenjunga base camp trek, Nepal is a fascinating and luring trekking destination, all credit to its amazing landscape. The dense rhododendron, Pine, and Oak forests add to the aesthetic value of the place. The high-passes invite you to witness the amazing views of Kanchenjunga Range, Rathong, Jannu and Kabru range.
This challenging trek is one of a kind. The culture and the social life that you will encounter and share are a lot different from the lifestyle you see in the capital or at Taplejung. April- May, and Sept-Oct is the best time of the year to trek to this unique trek.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Nepal Highlights
Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is one of the most adventurous treks you can do in Nepal. It is a great way to test your mettle. It is sparsely populated and the trekkers you meet will mostly be at tea houses or rest places. No wonder it is considered to be a refreshing trekking destination. Less crowd and more time for yourself.
Digging into the highlights of this trek.
- The area is rich in biodiversity, this makes it a great place if you are into nature and botany. It is popular for the variety of butterflies and insects.
- This is one of the richest rhododendron forest areas and you will see around 200 different species of flowering plants in this area. A colorful terrain for the spring.
- A section of the Himalayas lies in Nepal as well as in India. 16 peaks are over 7000 meters.
- The local Rai, Limbu, and Lhomi communities are warm and friendly people. Their hospitality adds to making your trip a comfortable one.
- Since the eastern part of the country is more developed than the western part, the community is quite prosperous. This makes the availability of the basic needs much easier.
- The protected areas are the habitats of rhododendron, orchids and a lot of endangered species like the snow leopard, red panda, blood pheasant, Asian black bear and a lot more.
- Crossing the Mirgin La Pass at an altitude of 4500 m is an amazing experience.
- Trekking to the serene base camp of this untouched natural beauty allows you to gather along the richness of the place. The cultural, spiritual and the ethnic beauty along with the environmental natural beauty.
- The lower trails or the terai is a plain region. With each day you will ascend, the topography varies so will the ethnic groups. You will get to witness a variety of culture and festivals.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Weather and Temperature
Spring and autumn is definitely the best weather to trek the Kanchenjunga Base Camp, like a lot of other trekking destinations. But for an adventurous trekker, there is no barrier.
However, the temperature and climate at higher altitude can be a bit challenging. The first few days of the trek could be quite hot in summer, it could reach 25-degree Celsius. This will definitely go colder as you ascend. In winter it goes below -15 degrees.
The temperature at the base camp will be extremely cold in winter, it would be pretty challenging if you plan on spending the night there.
The weather of July and August overrules January. It is a lot more challenging and time consuming during the monsoons.
The Sele Le Pass in winter is usually be covered with snow and could be very difficult to pass. But if you are careful packing for Kanchenjunga Base Camp, then this time of the year could be a lot rewarding.
Kanchenjunga base camp weather is just as any other base camp, only quieter. Because of its remote location and challenging route, the numbers of trekkers attempting to climb this mountain is quite low. This, however, has helped in sustaining its pristine beauty.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Accommodations
After leaving Kathmandu, you will be sleeping in Illam and Taplejung. These places are check-in points so, there is absolutely no chance that you will come across problems of any kind. As you begin to trek, there are a lot of villages where you will be staying for the night. Homestay or hotels are a common way to accommodate.
Due to the growing popularity of Kanchenjunga tea house trek, you will come across a lot of tea houses where you will find yourself comfortable. Yes, as you ascend, you will definitely have to compromise and give-in to cutting down on a lot of luxury. This is obviously due to the difficulty in the accessibility of the roads.
But, the facilities in the tea houses will be basic. You can be quite optimistic to get wifi and snuggle around a common fireplace in the kitchen.
Kanchenjunga base camp trek cost automatically increases as you refuse to cut down on luxury. Well, the places you stay and the food you order adds to the primary costs.
When you begin the trek, the Restricted Area Entry Permit $10 per head, per week and Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit charge Rs. 2000 NPR per head. Above all the necessary costs, these are the two cost are two permit costs you should be aware of. This will be briefed in the very beginning.
Also, Kanchenjunga base camp trek is only possible with a guide, a minimum of two trekkers and a registered trekking agency.
Last thoughts,
Exploring the wilder and unexplored corners of the Himalayas makes exploring a lot adventurous and worth the energy put in. The Tibetan lifestyle and the influence of Buddhism in the socio-cultural life magnifies the beauty of the place. This will touch your spiritual side.
The untouched beauty and serenity of the place will linger back home with you. Yes, the close view of the snow-capped mountain vistas and the sense of achievement standing on the same base of this impeccable mountain is priceless.
May 25, 1955, is definitely the day when this mountain was ascended but there have been many attempts before that. The beauty of this mountain has drawn thousands of trekkers and climbers.
The mysticism and magnanimous sense of adventure has inspired and encouraged a lot of trekkers to conquer this glorious mountain. And for those who are contented with being closest to it, adore the base camp more than anything.