How To Get to Kanchenjunga Base Camp?
UPDATED ON 3 March, 2023How To Get To Kanchenjunga Base Camp? There are two base camps for Kanchenjunga Kanchenjunga South Base Camp and North base Camp. Which we will discuss here in this article in detail.
Kanchenjunga is the second-highest mountain in Nepal, standing at 8,586 meters. It is the third-highest mountain in the world and stands proud in Nepal’s far east. This magnificent mountain is bordered by Sikkim, India. The Tibetan name for Kanchenjunga is “Five Treasures of the Great Snow.” This refers to the Kanchenjunga range’s five summits.
The dilemma of how to go to Kanchenjunga arises since it is so high up and rarely accessible.
Kanchenjunga is accessible via Sikkim, India, or Nepal. The most secure trek route is from Nepal due to the dangerous road conditions in Sikkim.
The locals claim that there are legends that make Kanchenjunga a mystifying trekking destination. Kanchenjunga is revered by the people as being spiritually and religiously alive. This is supported by other locals’ stories.
People in this area are from various cultures because of its border location. In most areas, the sherpa and Sikkimese cultures have merged. As a result, the voyage is made much more interesting since you can see how the two civilizations coexist.
Kanchenjunga Region
Rocks and ice make up about 65% of the terrain. 14.1% of the area is forested, followed by complete shrubland at 10.1%, grassland at 9.2%, and agricultural land at 1.6%. It has a snow-covered rocky landscape. Alpine vegetation covers the region. Many endangered creatures can survive thanks to the greenery and the rough terrain.
The Rais, Limbus, and other locals prevent encroachment on the land by working cooperatively with the government to protect it. Even though Kanchenjunga has a lot of rough, steep slopes, the region is rich in culture, nature, and life itself, drawing lots of travelers to the summit.
Kanchenjunga Region Weather
Ice and rocks make up about 65% of the area. 14.1% of the area is covered by forest, 10.1% by fully developed shrubland, 9.2% by grassland, and the remaining 1.6% by agricultural land. Its rugged landscape is coated in snow. Alpine greenery grows all over the place. Numerous endangered creatures are supported by the greenery and the rough terrain.
The territory is restrained by the Rais, Limbus, and other locals who jointly work with the government to defend the area. Although there are many rocky, steep slopes on Kanchenjunga, the area is rich in culture, vegetation, and life itself, drawing many tourists to the summit.
Itineraries to reach Kanchenjunga
For South and North Base Camp
Since Kanchenjunga is located at an altitude of 8586 meters, people frequently question how to get there. The Kanchenjunga walk is one of the greatest methods to go to the magnificent peak. The well-known Everest base camp trek is not the same as the Kanchenjunga climb.
The hike to Kanchenjunga base camp is more exciting than the trek to Everest base camp. How to get to Kanchenjunga depends entirely on the trekkers and the paths they choose. This is also influenced by the climate and the state of the roadways.
Both a north-to-south and a south-to-north route are available for the journey to Kanchenjunga Base Camp in Nepal. Following a 45-minute flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, they both start in Taplejung.
After the flight, there is a jeep ride to Birtamod, and then a bus to Taplejung. The south and north treks are combined to form a circuit trek. Depending on the path they follow, this walk often lasts 13 to 16 days. However, solo treks are not permitted on the trek. The hike is concerned primarily with the trekkers’ safety. Therefore, each group of trekkers receives assistance from a certified trekking guide.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp (South) Itineraries
To reach Kanchenjunga, choose the south trail, which is safer and simpler. It enables trekkers to encounter genuine Nepali culture. This trail demonstrates Nepali hospitality, culture, and way of life.
Depending on the terrain, the trek requires a daily walking distance of about 7-8 hours. The journey will take 13 days. This trail is easier and shorter because it is not as steep and treacherous as the northern trail. The itinerary is listed below.
Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek
Compared to the southern trail, the northern trek trail is more difficult. This trail ascends at a higher altitude and is more raised. Reaching base camp on the north base camp trip involves 5-7 hours of daily walking. The ground is exceedingly rocky and treacherous. The journey becomes arduous and demanding as a result. The descent presents similar difficulties.
The biodiversity and the stunning scenery make the walk worthwhile despite the difficulties. The trek is more adventurous than others due to its slick roads, rich culture, and stunning mountain views.
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
Literally, this hike is an all-around adventure. Trekking is required throughout the entire mountain’s north and south side paths on this trek. The best way to go to Kanchenjunga is with this journey. In order to acquire a feel for Nepali culture, hospitality, and way of life, you can also observe the people from Rai, and Limbus, to Tibetan Buddhist communities.
With views of Nepal Peak, Cross Peak, and eventually Kanchenjunga Base Camp, this hiking package provides a gradual glimpse of the mountain’s full beauty.
Permits Required for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking
The local area’s natural beauty is constantly being protected by the government. As a result, the government has mandated that permission be presented prior to any hiking. This aids in preventing disputes over international borders. The guests must submit an application for a Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit before they arrive.
It will take two to three days. A second permit is necessary after getting the first one in order to enter the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. The primary goal of this is to save the area’s natural riches and attractiveness. Each person must pay NRs 2000 for this permit.
These permits might appear straightforward, but they are crucial for the trek. The people may be required to leave the area right away if they misplace or don’t have these permissions. A qualified trekking guide must be present in order for the permit to be accepted. For online submission to the trekking agency, the application needs the original passport, two pictures, and a visa for Nepal that is now valid.
Best time for Kanchenjunga Trekking
The ideal times to visit this magnificent location are from mid-March to the end of June and from mid-September to mid-November. Trekkers should stay away from the wet season when planning their treks.
Roads become slick from rain. Due to rain and the potential for landslides, they are still shut. Trekking is frequently impossible during the cold months. The weather is quite bad, there is heavy snowfall, and trails are rendered impassable.
Kanchenjunga National Park
Kanchenjunga National Park, which straddles Nepal and India, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Numerous endangered species can be found here, along with unusual plants. The main draws of this location are animals including musk deer, snow leopards, and blue sheep. Visitors must obtain permits to enter the national park.
Many animals and plants benefit from this as a safe haven. This area is surrounded by stunning natural scenery. As a result, it is a location that travelers must stop at.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Cost
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is a popular trek that takes you to the base of the world’s third-highest mountain, Mount Kanchenjunga. This trek offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains and the surrounding landscape, making it a memorable experience for trekkers. The trek can be done from both Nepal and India, and the cost for each of these options will vary.
In Nepal
The cost of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek from Nepal is influenced by several factors, including the cost of permits, guides, and porters, as well as the cost of food, accommodations, and transportation. On average, the cost for this trek from Nepal ranges from $1,500 to $2,500, depending on the level of services you choose and the length of your trek.
Permits for the trek are required and are issued by the Nepal government. The cost of the permit varies but is typically around $30 per person. You will also need to hire a guide and porter, which will add to your costs. The cost of a guide and porter varies but is typically around $35 to $50 per person per day.
Accommodations during the trek are available in teahouses, which are basic lodges that provide food and basic accommodations. The cost of food and accommodations during the trek is typically around $15 to $20 per person per day. Transportation costs to the trek start point and back from the endpoint are typically around $50 to $100.
In India
In contrast, the cost of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek from India is typically lower, as many of the costs associated with the trek from Nepal are not required. Permits are not required for the trek from India, and transportation costs are lower, as the trek starts and ends in India.
On average, the cost for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek from India ranges from $800 to $1,500, depending on the level of services you choose and the length of your trek.
Lastly, the cost for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek from Nepal and India will vary depending on the level of services you choose and the length of your trek.
However, on average, the cost of the trek from Nepal is typically higher due to the cost of permits, guides, and porters, while the cost of the trek from India is typically lower.
Regardless of the cost, the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and snow-capped mountains, making it a worthwhile investment for any adventure-seeking traveler.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Height
At 8,586 meters above sea level, Kanchenjunga is the third-highest mountain in the world (28,169 ft). The mountain’s base camp is located at a height of 5160 meters above sea level. The Kanchenjunga base camp trip is recognized as the best off-the-beaten-path trekking route in the area.
Kanchenjunga, sometimes written Kangchenjunga, is located in Nepal, China, and India in the eastern Himalayas, roughly in the middle of the three nations, and is reachable by hike from either side of the border. Camping is a part of trekking from India, however, tea houses and camping can both be parts of trekking from Nepal.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Solo Possible?
Independent hikers are not permitted to complete the Kanchenjunga journey alone, without a trekking companion, or without a licensed guide. You must have a minimum of two hikers plus a guide in your group to obtain a permit to hike in this national park. Say you want to hire a guide but are traveling alone.
It is important to hire an experienced guide. Although it may seem complex, the Kanchenjunga region is one of the restricted areas of Nepal’s magnificent Himalayas, so you must follow the guidelines for obtaining a trekking permit. But is it possible to trek fully on your own if you don’t want to pay a guide? No, is the response.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Temperature
Traveling to Kanchenjunga Base Camp is a dream for most trekkers in Nepal. As it is the third-highest mountain in the world. Spring and autumn offer the best conditions for trekking to Kanchenjunga Base Camp.
Compared to the mountainous upper section, where temperatures could dip as low as minus 25 degrees, the lower region will be hotter and more comfortable. Below 15 degrees is the typical wintertime temperature.