Kanchenjunga Trek Overview
Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586m) is the 2nd-highest mountain in Nepal and the 3rd-highest in the world. Kanchenjunga Trek is one of the best treks around Mt. Kanchenjunga. The region has been open for trekking since 1988 and provides a variety of landscapes, including Mt. Everest, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Kanchenjunga, and Mt. Lhotse. Four of the five highest mountains make the Kanchenjunga Trek very worthwhile.
Kanchenjunga Trek is an adventurous trekking trail. The area is protected as the Kanchanjunga Conservation Area, which spreads 2035 sq. km. and provides the exploration of different wildlife and vegetation. Rare animals like the snow leopard, the Himalayan black bear, red panda, musk deer, and birds like the impeyan pheasant, the red-billed blue magpie, the shy drongo, etc. can be seen there in the conservation area. The region has been recognised as one of the 200 global Eco regions by the World Wildlife Fund.
Kanchenjunga Trek provides the opportunity of exploring Nepal’s eastern life, people, and culture. As the trail leads to the high mountains, the exploration of the grassy lands, rocky outgrowths, and subtropical forests makes you feel as if charmed by the magic of nature. The superb scenery of the flowery forest of rhododendron, lilies, primula, and orchards is unforgettable.
Kanchenjunga Trek starts in Suketar and leads through a lush rhododendron forest. It continues climbing into the high alpine area. The exploration of Gunsa village, crossing the Lapsang-La Pass, and Sele la Pass is accomplished before crossing the Yalung Glacier.
Kanchenjunga Trek stretches around and through the Arun River. The Arun Valley is one of the most beautiful regions to trek in Nepal, which allows experiencing and enjoying the traditional and unspoiled culture of Rai and Limbu, the native locals of this area. Trekking in the Kanchenjunga region is an unforgettable life experience full of enthusiasm, excitement, and adventure, as it is a favourite trekking destination among visitors who want more adventure in their lives.
Please click the route map video https://www.relive.cc/view/r10003980959
Highlights
- Trek through terraced fields, pristine pine and bamboo forests, lush grazing pastures, and the prominent snow-clad massif of Kanchenjunga
- Amazing time hiking through the diverse flora and fauna, Wonderful scenery of the flowery forest of Rhododendron, Lilies, Primula, and Orchards
- Ethnic Culture and lifestyle of Rai and Limbu communities, warmth and hospitality
- Exploration of Gunsa village, crossing the Lapsang-La Pass, and Sele la Pass
- Recognised as one of the 200 global eco-regions by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
- Excursion to Kanchenjunga Base Camp
- Relish the panoramic view of– Frey Peak, Koktang, Kabru Peak, Chandra Peak, and the Kabru Dome, Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Jannu, Mera Peak, Rathong
Short Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m)
Day 02: Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur Airport (91m)
Day 03: Jeep drive from Bhadrapur to Suketar (2,420m)
Day 04: Suketar to Lalikharka (2,265m)
Day 05: Lalikharka to Kheswa (2,120m)
Day 06: Kheswa to Mamankhe (1,785m)
Day 07: Mamankhe to Yamphudin (2,080m)
Day 08: Yamphudin to Tortong (2,995m)
Day 09: Tortong to Cheram (3,870m)
Day 10: Cheram: Acclimatisation and Rest
Day 11: Cheram to Ramchaur (Ramche) (4,580m)
Day 12: Ramchaur (Ramche) to Yalung Base Camp (4.500m), back to Cheram
Day 13: Cheram to Sele La (4,290m)
Day 14: Sele La to Ghunsa (3,595m)
Day 15: Ghunsa to Kambachen (4,050m)
Day 16: Kambachen to Lhonak (4,780m)
Day 17: Excursion Kanchenjunga base camp(5,143m), back to Lhonak
Day 18: Lhonak to Ghunsa (3,475m)
Day 19: Ghunsa to Amjilosa (2,308m)
Day 20: Amjilosa to Chirwa (1,270m)
Day 21: Chirwa to Phurumbu (1,549)
Day 22: Phurumbu to Suketar (2,420m)
Day 23: Jeep drive from Suketar to Bhadrapur (91m)
Day 24: Fly from Bhadrapur Airport to Kathmandu (1,300m)
Kanchenjunga Trek Information
Accommodation and Duration
Accommodations in the Kanchenjunga Treks are in teahouses/lodges and tented camps at high altitudes. The trek duration is 24 days, and Suketar is the starting and ending point. The Kanchenjunga region is remote, and the number of trekkers is lower compared to other trek regions of Nepal. Therefore, the number of teahouses/lodges is fewer, and at far distances from each other. In some places, accommodation is at tented camps. The teahouses/lodges have basic but comfortable facilities. Since there are fewer teahouses in the Kanchenjunga region, sharing of rooms and toilets must be done. The toilets are of the eastern style and outside the teahouse. Since this is trekking in the mountains, some adjustments must be made.
What major Meals available during the Kanchenjunga Trek?
3-course meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) are provided during the trek. The meals are healthy and hygienic. The meals are simple, and the main dish is Nepali Dal Bhat with vegetables and pickles. There won’t be varieties of dishes, but foods with high nutritional values to keep the body energetic and fit are served. Besides Dal-Bhat, noodles, soups, eggs, bread, hot tea, ginger tea, coffee, porridge, fresh seasonal fruits, and vegetables, etc. are served. The professional chef accompanies the trek and prepares food in the camps.
Drinking water
In the mountains, natural spring water is the source of drinking water. The fresh and clean water directly from the Himalayas tastes great. Carry a durable water bottle to fill water from the taps or at teahouses. The boiled water paying extra charges can be obtained from teahouses as well. It is always good to carry water purification tablets or Steripen to purify the water.
Is the Kanchenjunga Trail facilitated with Internet and mobile phone access?
Kanchenjunga is a remote region, and as the altitude rises, it’s hard to get communication signals. The communication signal works at lower altitudes, and at higher altitudes, it may work sometimes and may not most of the time. The internet facility and phone communications can be used where the signal is strong. Electricity is available in most places. In some places, there are solar panels as well. For charging electronic gadgets, in some places, one must pay an additional charge. Thus, bring essential accessories such as solar power banks, charging cables, and extra batteries. No communication for some days is also good to stay away from a busy life peacefully.
Starting and Ending points
The Kanchenjunga Trek starts from Suketar and ends in Suketar. From Suketar, take a flight to Bhadrapur and from Bhadrapur return to Kathmandu via plane.
What permits are required for the Kanchenjunga trekking?
1- Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
2- Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Park permit (KCAP)
3- Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) permit
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is essential while travelling. Travel insurance is most needed for the Kanchenjunga Trek as the trek duration is longer. Only a few trekkers trek to this region, which makes this region less crowded. It acts as a safety net while traveling/trekking far from home. Get travel insurance from a trusted insurance company. The travel insurance must cover all medical emergencies, helicopter rescue, air ambulance, flight cancellations, loss/theft of luggage, personal expenses, repatriation, evacuations, and altitude sickness. Do carry a copy of your travel insurance, and also send a copy to us. So that it would be easy to make the necessary arrangements in case of emergencies.
What is the best time to trek in the Kanchenjunga area?
The suitable time to trek to Kanchenjunga is during the summer and autumn seasons. The weather and sky are clear. The blossoming rhododendrons and awesome views make these seasons the best. Thus, early March to mid-May and October to late November are considered the best times to trek. Off-season trekking in Monsoon and Winter is available for professional trekkers. But these seasons of trekking are very tough, and at your risk, you can go for it. The winter season is extremely cold,d and camping is the only option, making it very hard for the trekkers. The monsoon season is slippery and muddy, and risk of accidents and injuries. We recommend you avoid these seasons, but it is your personal choice to continue or avoid them.
Kanchenjunga Trekking Difficulty
Kanchenjunga Trek is one of the longest treks having a duration of 24 days. The trek is difficult due to its duration, as many ascend and descend rugged terrains and high altitudes. Pang Pema (5,143m) is the highest elevation during the trek. Since the region is remote, access to all sorts of facilities is difficult to find. Hence, trekking should commence with proper training and preparations and consulting the doctor. The trekkers must take some physical exercises for months of the Kanchenjunga Trek and be physically fit and in good health condition to accomplish the trek successfully. Some examples of physical exercises are swimming, cycling, running, and day hiking, etc. The trek is tricky, but the planned itinerary with proper rest day schedules helps to complete the trek on time and without worries.
Acclimatisation and Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness is common at higher altitudes in the mountains of Nepal. The Kanchenjunga trek consists of several high altitudes. The acclimatisation rest day is properly scheduled at Cheram (3870m) to adjust to the higher altitudes and prevent altitude sickness during the trek.
Symptoms
Primary: Headache, nausea, gasping, appetite & sleep loss, dizziness, fatigue, vomiting
Extreme: primary symptoms and hallucinations & unconsciousness
Preventive Guidelines
- Immediately inform the guide
- Warm up and body stretch before the trekking journey
- Drink water and hydrate yourself at regular intervals
- Frequent urination throughout the journey
- Ascend slowly and gradually
- Take plenty of rest and sleep
- Avoid salty foods, alcohol, and smoking
- Descend immediately when it’s difficult/uneasy
- Take medicine, consulting a guide
Luggage limitation for Porter
The luggage limitation of the porter is an average of 30kg. One porter carries the luggage of two trekkers. Hence, the luggage limitation per person is a maximum of 15 kg. The camping pack is up to 40 kg, as a few days are spent in a tented camp. The health of the porters is our highest priority, and all the arrangements are made on this basis.
Equipment
Essential Documents: Passport, Travel Permits
Shoes: Pair of hiking boots, Rubber sandals, and Camp shoes
Clothes: Windcheater jacket, Thermals, Insulating Down Jacket, Fleece, Long sleeve shirts, Gloves, Towels, Inner garments, Trekking pants, Trousers, Shorts, Socks, Gaiters
Accessories: Sunglasses, Hats/Caps, Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Water bottles, Pocket Knife, Solar chargers, Batteries, Torch, Sewing kit, Water Purifying solution/Steripen
Equipment: Warm Sleeping bags, Map, Trekking poles, Duffel bag, Carabiners, Crampons, Tapes/Slings, Ice Screws, Ice Ax, Harness, Rope
Medicine: First-Aid Kit, Altitude sickness medicines, Insect repellents
Rainy season: Waterproof clothes, boots, a raincoat, Anti-leech socks
Winter Season: Woollen clothing items (light)
Personal Hygiene Kit: Hand sanitiser, wet wipes, napkins, sachet shampoo, moisturiser, hand wash/soaps, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb/brush, and for ladies (tampons/sanitary pads/menstrual cups)
It is best to bring the clothes and essential equipment from your home from the provided checklist. Also, you can buy or rent equipment and clothes in Kathmandu. Don’t forget to carry extra 2-4 reusable bags to separate used/dirty and clean clothes.
