Introduction:
It is said that art can only be felt and not truly expressed. In the same way, far away in the Himalayas, there exists a hidden land that seems like a folk role, where ancient villages are frozen in time, a place that signifies how life used to be back in the 90's era. Imagine yourself in the most remote area, where the soothing chants of monks wind in the air coming out of 500 old-century monasteries, blending with the yak bells jiggling and the colorful Tibetan prayer flags flagging with their tone.
YES! Such a gem resides here in Nepal, this is the North Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, which takes you to the lap of the third world's highest peak- Mount Kanchenjunga where the rich tapestry of Tibetan culture and high snowy mountains befriend you in every stride! The good news is! this trip is budget-friendly yet being crafted by our pro expert team.
Trip Overview:
Located in the Eastern Himalayas bordered by Sikkim in India, This North Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek takes you on a fascinating adventurous journey that not only touches the base camp of Mt. Kanchenjunga but also lets you immerse in the most isolated, less crowded, and off-beaten adventure in Nepal with a diverse culture of the untamed locals. Even though, this trek doesn't include the southern part of the almighty peak, but covers almost 99% of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek ensuring that it explores every corner and aspect of the Kanchenjunga region without burning your buckets and time.
It is said by every hiker, "You journey here for the stunning mountains, but you find yourself coming back for the heartwarming connections with the locals" just like that, while we usually opt for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek to get the surreal views of glaciers, the communities of Lebcha and Rai will fascinate us even more deeply. As, it is a tea house trek, the whole Kanchenjunga trekking goes around witnessing the lively cultures connecting with high spiritual beliefs, traditions, and simple lifestyles which are highly influenced by 1980's Tibetan Buddhism. Do not miss out on hearing some amazing folk roles about "YETI, THE SNOWMAN" said to be seen here by a British researcher back in 1925, These Indigenous people have surely interesting to tell you about making you forget about long day 5-7 hours hiking.
Starting the trail from Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, which stretches to 2036 sq. km, this trekking shows you the untouched flora such as blooming rhododendrons, orchids, bamboos, and the rare wildlife such as elusive Red Panda, Himalaya tahr along the trail. From dense forests to pristine lakes, from highly towering landscapes to alpine meadows, and navigating through magnificent monasteries to ancient villages in the replication of six zones not far from Kanchenjunga massif itself, trekking in Kanchenjunga means discovering the wilderness day by day. That is why, the Kanchenjunga region of Nepal was also declared a “Gift to the Earth” by the WWF Living Planet campaign in the year 1997 making it a top-notch destination.
Our 16-day Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek itinerary begins from Kathmandu with a short flight to Bhadrapur and goes by the drive to Taplejung via Ilam. The walking trail begins from Taplejunga and bypasses many ancestral settlements such as Sekathum, Amjilosa, Gyabla, Ghunsa, Khambachen, and Lhonak and ascends to the base camp (Pang Pema)- 5140 meters following the moraine of Kanchenjunga Glacier.
Retracing the step traversing through Ghunsa, Sekathum, and Kanyam- "The Queen of Eastern Nepal" famous for large tea cultivation, our trip concludes after flying back to Kathmandu. In between, taking a glance at yak grazing in the terraced fields, Himalayan mules carrying the loads which is the only means of transporting goods here, and the farmers engaging in agriculture farms, wood carvings, thangka paintings shows us the unique insight of the Himalayan lifestyle.
To sum up, this trek to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity letting you know "what the real authenticity of any trekking expedition holds". While many people crave to seek high infrastructure trips, spending thousands of buckets, if you are someone who looks forward to walking along the unblemished trails in the Himalayas.
If you are worried about safety, Then do not, hesitate back as this 16-day package is a well-tailored itinerary that you adopt the rising elevation as 2 acclimatization days are set at Lhonak and Khambachen. On top of that, our trekking guides medically equipped are always there to assist you ensuring that you get back to your homeland, with a smile on your face!
Major Highlights of Kanchenjunga Trek
- Walk along the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and witness the wide range of Himalayan flora and fauna
- Get a lively experience and warm hospitality of diverse communities such as Rai, Bhutia, Lepcha, Sherpa, Rai and many other
- Reach the southern base camp of the world's 3rd highest peak- Mt. Kanchenjunga
- Pass through terraced fields, lush green valleys of rhododendrons, pines, Himalayan poppy berries, pristine water streams to glacial lakes, alpine meadows
- Visit the most isolated and remote trails of the Himalayas
- Insight of Himalayan mules, yaks, and blue sheep along the trail
- Mark your footprint in the off-beaten trails and relish in the unique lifestyle of the isolated locals
- Relish yourself in the ancient monasteries, gompas, chortens, and mani walls dated back hundreds of years that transport you back to their ancient era
What makes North Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek a must-do adventure?
There's no question how this trek to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp tends to hold a meaningful odyssey that not only takes you to the lap of one of the top 3 highest mountains but also makes the journey a roller coaster ride. While big-name famous trails come in the spotlight like Everest Base Camp or Langtang Valley Trek this isolated region tends to hold its authenticity, aura, and of course! it's culture and tradition.
This trip is solely not about high mountains, but we believe it's all about the experiences that you gain which don't beat any luxury dining and any other relaxed hikes. While this trek might sound a bit challenging, every moment spent within the Kanchenjunga region of Nepal stays with you forever. Here are some of the major highlights of what makes this trip so special that it becomes one of the no. 1 bucket lists to conquer for every enthusiastic hiker:
Tea House Trek- Explore the remote, authentic, and off-beaten adventure
"Kanchenjunga" is a hidden adventure far away in the Himalayas of Eastern Nepal with zero modern influenced life and relatively less tea house in between. In fact, in some places, it goes by dense forests and through landscapes with 0 signs of lodges, and shops making us feel like we are somewhere out of modernization.
Not only that, but The Kanchenjunga Trek also navigates through the most rugged, remote, less facilitated trails of the Himalayas which remains out of the insight of the mass-populated hikers unlike many other hot trending expeditions and that's what makes it raw and real. While many other expedition routes are slowly being developed, this territory remains still the same as in the 1980s period, putting you in the wilderness and showcasing self-reflection and undoubtedly, the real life of the Himalayan locals.
Going a little forward in time, camping was the only option here to settle in, however, after a few years locals opened its home to visitors so adventure seekers like you can have a comfortable and safe sleepover. YES! The tea houses aren't like 5-star luxury hotels and top-notch culinary services but you know what the soothing air coming out of Himalayan peaks, the sound of flowing rivers, and the local delicacies prepared foods by homegrown crops make us forget about long strenuous hikes and busy city life.
Iconic Mountain Views at every step during the trek
What adventurous journey would be complete without frosty snowy peaks surroundings, right? This Kanchenjunga North Base Camp shows you the preeminent Himalayan peaks in every step, not 1 not 2 but 16 legendary mountains. Starting our trail from the forested area passing through the cascading waterfalls, river streams, and long suspension bridges the diverse landscapes start to open up. Along with the spectacular backdrop views of several mountains such as Kirat Chuli (7364 m.), Pathibhara (6827 m.), Drohmo (6540 m.), Jannu Himal (7720 m.), Kabru (7414 m.), Rathong and many more throughout the trail. You'll be amazed to hear but we can even catch a glimpse of the world's highest peaks Mt. Everest (8848.86 m.) and Makalu (8486 m.).
Bypassing the sparkling Kanchenjunga Glacier and reaching the north base camp of Kanchenjunga (Pang Pema), the panorama 360-degree views of Mt. Kanchenjunga with other mountains such as Tent Peak, and Mera Peak reward us with beautiful dominating the blue sky.
Diverse Culture of Kanchenjunga: Myths, Beliefs and Traditions
If you ever had the urge to witness the diverse communities, and culture of the Himalayas then, Kanchenjunga Trekking is for you. Having said that, "A truly enthusiastic hiker is captivated by the celebrations, untamed culture, traditions, and language", if this phrase matches you then you will love every second of wandering around the Kanchenjunga region.
The area is densely populated by the Mongolian communities, Gurung, Limbu, Sherpa, Lepcha and Bhutia. While the warm hospitality of Sherpas and Gurung fascinates you, the spiritual belief that holds the Rai, Lepcha, and Bhutia will surely amaze you. Do you know that Lepcha and Rai communities worship rivers, waters, and mountains, as adobes of Gods? It is said by locals that, "if you visit any of the base camps whether it's Kanchenjunga South Base camp or the north base camp, with a pure heart, every wish will be granted".
Mount Kanchenjunga is highly believed to be the protector of Lepcha communities, they always do some sort of community gathering every year, to worship the mountain by offering flowers, and garlands, traditional dance, playing songs, and even storytelling connecting the peak with their folk role passed by their ancestors to ancestors.
A wander around the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area
While undertaking any trek in the Kanchenjunga region whether it's the whole circuit or just the base camp, the Himalayan flora and fauna befriend us in every step. Throughout the trek, we'll traverse through the thriving colors of rhododendrons, pines, and orchids adding beautiful shade to the boring dry landscapes and greenery. Moving to the upper sections, the insight of Himalayan Blue Poppy and Snow Lotus adorned just right in front of the mountains seems unreal to look over.
The best moment would be encountering langur monkeys playfully jumping by trees back and forth, yaks grazing in the terraced fields, and the rare insights into Himalayan wildlife such as Himalayan tahr, elusive red pandas, black bears, and snow leopards in the distance making our 16 days Kanchenjunga North Base camp Trek filled with joy at the same time.
Benefits of Booking with Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition
- Experienced and medically equipped guides and porters who have assisted hundreds of trekkers to the Kanchenjunga region to date
- Pro Expert Guidance before the booking via Viber, Whats App, Skype, Instagram, Mail, or any media and Person Briefing upon your arrival
- Free Airport Shuttle (Pick Up and Drop Off)
- 1-2 days free staycation on our own "Hotel Bihani" if you are staying for more days here in Kathmandu after the trek
- Customizing itinerary as per your budget and holiday duration
- Free UNESCO 7 world heritage site tour in Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur
- Easy and Safe Payment system, 24-hour communication via Whats App, Mail at info(a)destinationhimalayatreks.com, or even calls +977 9851016814
- DHT company T-shirts, Cap, Duffle Bag, Sleeping Bag (must be returned after the trip), Oximeter, Trip Map, Water Purification Tablet
- 5% extra off for family tour(must be over 4)
- Free and safe excess luggage at our office and 100% Fixed Departure
