Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Overview

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is a journey into one of the most remote and untouched parts of Nepal. We will traverse up to the Base Camp of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world at 8,586 meters. Located in the eastern part of Nepal, Mt. Kanchenjunga was often confused as the world’s highest mountain until 1852 before the modern measuring equipment was discovered declaring Everest as the world’s highest peak.

Trekking to Kanchenjunga Base Camp offers amazing views of the Himalayas and takes us through different environments varying from green forests to high-altitude glaciers. Unlike popular trekking trails in Nepal such as Everest and Annapurna, the Kanchenjunga area is one of the quieter and least explored trekking paths in Nepal. This means that the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek lets you explore untouched nature while learning about the traditional lifestyles of the locals, especially the Limbu and Rai people.

The name Kanchenjunga, which means “The Five Treasures of the Great Snow,” describes a breathtaking range of five lofty peaks that are more than 8,000 meters high. This contains Yalongkang (8,505M), Kanchenjunga West (8,420M), the Twin Peaks (8,476M), and the main Kanchenjunga (8,586M). This majestic Himalayan range stretches from north to south, forming a natural border between Nepal and Sikkim, a state in India. Here, the Kanchenjunga Glacier flows into the well-known Tamur River in Nepal, which eventually merges with the mighty Koshi River before heading back into India.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is the best choice for trekkers willing to escape the crowds and experience the raw beauty of Nepal. The Kanchenjunga region is well-known for its diverse wildlife, remote communities, and stunning alpine scenery. In contrast to the more developed walking pathways, this route exudes purity and authenticity. Our routes and environment during the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek vary from rhododendron forests, and terraced fields, to alpine meadows and barren pastures that are surrounded by breathtaking peaks. Although the Kanchenjunga Trek itinerary is prolonged and challenging, the rewards are unforgettable. One can experience stunning mountain scenery, rich biodiversity, and warm hospitality from the local villagers within a trip.

While we embark on our journey to Kanchenjunga Base Camp, the trail we walk is bounded by Kanchenjunga National Park. It is one of the world’s unique national parks because it is probably the only national park spanning three countries, making it famous as the Tri-National Park. To be more precise, it stretches across Taplejung in Nepal, Sikkim in India, and Tibet in China. However, trekkers are permitted to explore only the conservation areas within Nepal, which cover an area of 2,035 square kilometers. This region was designated a ‘Gift to the Earth’ as part of a WWF initiative in 2000. We can have the opportunity to spot rare and extinct wildlife like the rare snow leopard or red panda in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area along with different species of flowers and plants depending on the season.

In addition, the Kanchenjunga area is also a restricted area of Nepal. Therefore, to trek to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp, we will be requiring two essential permits: the Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP). Whereas, since the Kanchenjunga region is a restricted area, the trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp must be part of an organized trek with a registered trekking agency like Nepal Mountain Guide and there must be a minimum of 2 person to issue the permit.

Our Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek itinerary actually offers a visit to two base camps of Mt. Kanchenjunga. The north base camp is at Pangpema (5,143 meters) and the south base camp is at Ramche (4,610 meters). Together, they provide panoramic views of Kanchenjunga and its neighboring mountains.

The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is usually of about 20-25 days and commences with an exciting flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and a picturesque drive to Taplejung – the starting point of the trek. Then our actual trekking venture starts by passing through lush forests and terraced farmlands, gradually ascending into more remote and rugged terrain.

En route, we will trek through beautiful villages like Mitlung, Chirwa, and Ghunsa where we can interact with local communities and get a taste of traditional Nepali life. The route takes us to both the North Base Camp (Pangpema) and South Base Camp (Ramche), each offering spectacular views of Mount Kanchenjunga and its surrounding peaks. Along the way, we will cross high mountain passes, walk through alpine meadows, and marvel at glaciers and snowfields. After visiting both base camps, the trek retraces its path back to Taplejung from where we can drive to Bhadrapur for the flight back to Kathmandu. However, the itinerary can be tweaked as per the time frame and other specifications of the trekkers. For instance, a trekker can skip the flight and choose to drive up to Taplejung and vice versa instead, and so on. Contact Nepal Mountain Guide for the tailor-made Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek itinerary. In general, we offer the program with a flight and then drive up to Taplejung.

The finest seasons to trek the Kanchenjunga are spring (March, April, May) and autumn (September, October, November). The temperature and weather are more conducive to trekking during these periods. Thus, your travelling will be comfy. The Kanchenjunga Trekking is possible all year round. However, the regular downpour during the monsoon makes the walk more difficult. The area gets extremely cold in the winter. Trekking the Kanchenjunga in the off-season is therefore possible, although extremely challenging.

Itinerary