The Kanchenjunga Trek: A 24-Day Guide
You are a dedicated trekker. You have seen the popular regions of Nepal, and now you crave a true wilderness expedition. You want to journey to one of the most remote and powerful corners of the Himalayas, a place of pristine forests, rare wildlife, and giant, icy peaks that few have the privilege to see up close.
Imagine a journey to the far eastern edge of Nepal. You walk for weeks through the vast and protected Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, a land of incredible natural beauty. Your goal is not just one, but two amazing destinations: the North and South Base Camps of the mighty Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain on Earth. You cross high, challenging passes and stay in simple lodges in villages that see very few outsiders.
Our 24-day Kanchenjunga Trek is that ultimate journey. This grand expedition is a challenging and deeply rewarding trek for the true adventurer. It is an exploration of a wild and beautiful world, a chance to stand at the foot of a giant, and an experience you will carry with you for a lifetime.
Best Time for This Trek
This very long and remote high-altitude trek requires the best possible weather. The autumn and spring seasons are the only recommended times.
- Autumn (September - November): This is the ideal season. The skies are very clear, and the weather is at its most stable, which is critical for safely crossing the high passes.
- Spring (March - May): This is the other good season. The weather is warmer, and the huge rhododendron forests in this region are in spectacular bloom.
A Typical Day on Your Trek
- Morning: Your days will often start early. After a good breakfast at the teahouse, you will begin walking with your guide around 7:30 AM.
- Trekking: The pace is always slow and steady. This is very important for acclimatizing to the high altitude. Daily walks are long and can be demanding, often lasting 6-8 hours.
- Lunch: You will stop at a simple teahouse or a scenic spot for a one-hour lunch break.
- Afternoon: You will walk for another 2-4 hours to reach the next village.
- Evening: You can relax, read, and drink tea. Dinner is served around 7:00 PM in the dining hall. Your guide will brief you on the plan for the next challenging day.
Meet Your Guide and Porter Team
You will have a highly experienced team to support you on this difficult trek.
- Your Expert Guide: We only use our most experienced senior guides for this expedition. They are licensed, speak English, and have specific knowledge of the remote Kanchenjunga region. They are expertly trained in first aid and mountain safety.
- Your Strong Porter: We hire friendly local porters who are fit and reliable. One porter will carry the main bags for two trekkers. This lets you walk with just a daypack.
- Our Team's Care: We are committed to the welfare of our team. We make sure all our guides and porters get fair pay, good food, and proper lodging. We also provide them with good insurance coverage.
Safety on this Strenuous Trek
Your safety is our top priority on this challenging journey.
- Excellent Acclimatization: This 24-day itinerary has two full rest days at key high-altitude locations (Ghunsa and Kambachen). This slow ascent is the only way to safely attempt this trek.
- Remote Area Safety: The Kanchenjunga region is extremely remote. Your guide is an expert in this area and will carry a comprehensive first-aid kit and emergency communication devices.
- Permits and Rules: This is a restricted area, and the rules are for your safety. Our guides ensure all regulations are followed.
Trek Difficulty: Is This Trek for You?
This trek is rated as very strenuous. It is suitable only for experienced trekkers with an excellent level of physical fitness and a resilient mindset for a long, remote trip.
You must be prepared for nearly three weeks of continuous walking, high altitudes, basic lodging, and long, demanding days. The day you cross the three passes is particularly tough. This trek is a true expedition that should not be underestimated.
Food and Lodging on the Trek
- Teahouses: You will stay in local teahouses. The lodges in the Kanchenjunga region are among the most basic in all of Nepal. They are simple shelters that provide a bed and meals. Do not expect luxury.
- Meals: We provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day. The food is simple, local, and provides good energy. The main meal is Dal Bhat. The menus will be very limited.
Trek to Kanchenjunga is an adventurous yet spectacular trek that takes you to the third-highest peak in the world,Mt Kanchenjunga. Sharing the border of Nepal and Sikkim (India), it is located at an awe-inspiring height of8,568 m (28,110 ft).
The Trek to Kanchenjunga takes you to the base of the mountain and some of its most beautiful and serene surrounding regions. Trekking through the lush green meadows and alpine terrain of the Kanchenjunga, you will be enchanted with spectacular views of the snow-covered mountain and its sprawling foothills. You will be greeted with dramatic views of the majestic Himalayas as you go through the verdant meadows, deep valleys, and rhododendron forests.
This trek to Kanchenjunga is an ideal destination for those who want to explore the Himalayas’ beauty and experience the thrill of trekking in the high-altitude terrain. Along the way, you will get the chance to witness the local culture and customs, interact with the locals, explore the ancient monasteries and get a glimpse of the stunning Himalayan landscape.
During your journey to the Kanchenjunga Trek, snow-capped peaks will surround you. You can take a moment to enjoy the stunning views of the Himalayas here. As you continue on your trek, you will be delighted by the abundant wildlife spotted along the trail. From the rare Impedance Pheasant to the Red-Billed Blue Magpie and the majestic Himalayan black bear, the Kanchenjunga trek is well known for its common wildlife. We may even spot the rarely-seen Red Panda if we are very lucky. This elusive creature is often seen to be perched atop a tree near the higher altitudes of the mountain. Catching a glimpse of this rare and beautiful creature is always a relief.
The Kanchenjunga trek is a lifetime journey with breathtaking mountain vistas, lush forests, and an incredible array of wildlife. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a first-time hiker, the Kanchenjunga trek is sure to leave you with a sense of wonder and a feeling of accomplishment. Be sure to keep your eyes open during the trek, and you may just be able to spot some of the wildlife along the trail.
At the beginning of the trekking, we hike through the lowlands, admiring the incredible farm fields built into the side of the hills. As we gain altitude, we pass lush oak forests and magnificent rhododendron trees. Soon, we are given breathtaking mountain views – Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga peering into our vision. Seeing these mountains in all their glory is something few people have the privilege of experiencing, and it will surely be a moment saved in your memory forever.
Our adventure does not stop there. After passing through the mesmerizing Yalung Glacier, we climb over some high passes, eventually reaching the highest point of our trek,Pang Pema (5140 meters). We begin our Kanchenjunga summit expeditions here. In addition to crossing another high pass, we descend past picturesque yak grazing pastures, the perfect place for a last glimpse of the iconic mountain.
No matter how remote and difficult the journey may be, the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is definitely worth the effort. The incredible views and life-changing experiences will stay with you forever. So if you’re up for an adventure of a lifetime, join us as we explore the wonders of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek.
If you plan to trek the Kanchenjunga circuit, the best time to do so is between mid-March and June end and mid-September to mid-November. The weather conditions during these months are generally dry and pleasant, making trekking more enjoyable. Trekkers should avoid going trekking during the monsoon season, as the trails get slippery and roads may be blocked due to torrential rains. In the winter, trekking is often impossible as it snows heavily, trails become inaccessible, and the weather is cold.
The trek starts from Taplejung, a small town in the eastern region of Nepal, and is a 24-day trek. The Kanchenjunga trek circuit is a challenging one and involves several ascents and descents, so it is essential that you are physically fit and well-prepared for it. It passes through several villages, where you can learn about the local culture and traditions and visit Kanchenjunga’s sacred sites.
The trek also takes you to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp, where you can get a close view of the Kanchenjunga range. This is one of themost beautiful placesto visit in Nepal, and the view from here is simply mesmerizing. The trek culminates at the Lhonak village, where you can rest for a few days before returning to Taplejung.
The entire trek to Kanchenjunga will take us 21 days from start to finish. Kanchenjunga Trek is one of the most magical experiences in the world. It is situated in the eastern Himalayas, spanning over 8,000 meters, and stands as one of the third highest peaks in the world. Its journey takes you through amazing high passes, ancient forests, and various unique local cultures.
The Kanchenjunga Trek offers something for everyone, the trek begins in the colorful city of Taplejung. From here, the trail leads towards the nearby foothills of the Kanchenjunga mountain range. Along the way, trekkers will experience some of the most stunning scenery in the Himalayas and go through some forests and get the chance to admire many species of birds, wild animals, and colorful flowers in the wilderness.
On the Kanchenjunga Circuit, you can expect to stay in comfortable lodges with excellent services and facilities. The lodges provide you with three meals a day, and the rooms are equipped with a fireplace, comfortable seating, and attached bathrooms with hot water facilities and Wi-Fi. You’ll also be provided with blankets, pillows, and foam complimentary. However, Wi-Fi, hot water, and mobile charging are usually charged separately.
Apart from that, you’ll also get to admire the beauty of Kanchenjunga, which is a sight to behold. Trekkers can also enjoy the local culture and hospitality of the Sherpa people and gain a unique insight into their culture.
