Kanchenjunga base camp trek - 21 Days

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek - 20 Days
Duration
21 Days
Trip Grade
Strenuous
Country
Nepal
Maximum Altitude
5,140 m
Group Size
1-20 People
Starts/Ends
Kathmandu - Kathmandu
Communication
Phone & Wi-Fi
Activities
Trekking
Best Time
Autumn and Spring

Straddling the border between Nepal and India, the world’s third-highest mountain sits in a region of spectacular beauty, and there are few mountains in the Himalayas with a more fascinating history. Kanchenjunga is known locally as the Five Treasures of Snow, and this name refers to the precious metals and Holy Scriptures which are believed to lie hidden within the mountain’s crags and folds. According to some folklorists, demons or rakshasa can even be found on its slopes. Once thought to be the highest mountain in the world, the peak of Kanchenjunga rises to a breathless height of 8,586 meters. Is it any wonder that it’s inspired such a rich tapestry of legend and history? One thing’s for certain: when you embark upon the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, you’ll come face-to-face with a world of high adventure and stunning natural scenery.

Kanchenjunga has proven an irresistible lure to travelers for nearly two hundred years, and mountaineers have sought to reach its sacred summit since the early 19th century. But when you visit the foothills of the Kanchenjunga Himal today, you’ll still enjoy a more rugged and remote hiking experience than you might find on many of the most popular treks in Nepal. While the world’s third-highest mountain is a world-class trekking destination, it doesn’t quite draw the crowds of the Everest Base Camp Trek or Annapurna Circuit Trek. In these far-flung reaches of the Himalayas, you’ll rarely encounter any other travelers on the trail. This offers an all-too-rare opportunity for serious reflection as you explore the forested valleys and frozen heights of these impossibly beautiful mountains. You’ll even be able to hike at your own pace under the expert guidance of the professionals from Iconic Himalaya Adventure.

So what can you expect to find along the way? The remote eastern Himalayas of Nepal are a region of unspoiled subtropical valleys where rivers tumble from frozen mountains, and your trek will climb from these forested lowlands into real alpine territory well above 5,000 meters in elevation. You’ll also encounter friendly locals with their own rich cultural traditions. The people of the Kanchenjunga Himal belong primarily to the Sherpa, Lepcha, Tamang, Limbu, and Rai ethnicities, and their customs are broadly influenced by the precepts of Tibetan Buddhism. Your experienced and licensed guide from Iconic Himalaya Adventure will help you to understand these traditions, adding a new dimension to your own expedition on the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek.

Highlights

  • Set your sights on the third-highest mountain in the world: the mighty Kanchenjunga
  • Visit both of Kanchenjunga’s base camps to see the mountain from two spectacular sides
  • Climb to the breathtaking mountain pass of Sele La to enjoy remarkable mountain views
  • Enjoy first-rate views of Pyramid Peak, Tent Peak, and other Himalayan giants
  • Trek in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, abundant in flora & fauna in a restricted area of Nepal
  • Be in awe at the unique sights of the rural Nepalese lifestyle and visit ancient monasteries along the trail

Route Overview

Trekking in Nepal consistently rewards intrepid travelers with grand mountain views and authentic cultural insights, but a Kanchenjunga trek is in a class of its own. This region is believed to hide a gateway into a secret beyul: a hidden valley wherein paradise can be found. You may or may not find this hidden valley during your trek in the Kanchenjunga Himal, but the persistence of this legend certainly accounts for the regard that locals hold for this part of the Himalayas. Accordingly, there are really only two approved treks in this sacred landscape, and both of them follow routes that must be followed according to government-issued permits.

The first of these Kanchenjunga treks brings hikers to the mountain’s northern base camp and is usually known as the Kanchenjunga North Trek. The second option approaches the southern base camp instead; as you can probably guess, it’s called the Kanchenjunga South Trek. Here at Iconic Himalaya Adventure, our own trekking itinerary was carefully crafted to deliver the best possible experience, and it combines both routes into one unforgettable adventure in the Himalayas. This trekking package starts and ends in Kathmandu, visits both of Kanchenjunga’s base camps, and even includes an excursion to the high-altitude mountain pass of Sele La. If you’re only going to embark upon one trek in the eastern Himalayas, our Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is easy to recommend.

Major Attractions of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

When you go trekking in Nepal, you’re sure to discover stupendous mountain vistas where some of the tallest peaks on earth crowd the horizon. But when you embark on the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, you’ll also climb to the high-altitude mountain passes of Sele La, Sinion La, and Mirgin La—and the views from these vantage points are second to none. Of course, you’ll also get to visit both Kanchenjunga North Base Camp and Kanchenjunga South Base Camp on our three-week version of this epic trekking itinerary. And because the Kanchenjunga Himal is a unique region of Nepal that’s characterized by centuries of myth and legend, you’ll also have a rich and rewarding cultural experience in these mountains.

How difficult is the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek?

Our Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is a hiking itinerary that doesn’t require any specific mountaineering skills: you won’t be doing any rappelling, abseiling, or climbing on the trails of the Kanchenjunga Himal. This makes the trek accessible to anyone in reasonably good physical condition, but you’ll also be ascending to high elevations of approximately 5,000 meters above sea level, and it’s important to prepare accordingly. We recommend regular cardiovascular exercise in the weeks and months leading up to your trek in Nepal. Running, hiking, and swimming are great ways to build up the endurance that will see you safely through the Himalayas.

Most treks in Nepal also involve another consideration: altitude sickness. Also known as acute mountain sickness, this affliction can affect anyone traveling to high elevations. Stay hydrated, take your time hiking, and follow your guide’s advice in order to avoid the headaches and nausea that come along with ascending too rapidly into the mountains. While our treks are designed to minimize the risks of contracting altitude sickness, you might also consult with your doctor about obtaining prophylactic medication, such as acetazolamide.

Nutshell

  • The trekking duration is 18 to 22 days from Kathmandu.
  • The trek destination is located in the eastern part of Nepal.
  • Starting from Sekathum and ending in Yamphudin.
  • Kanchanjunga trekking walk distance is approximately 150 kilometers.
  • The highest elevation of the trek is 5,143 meters.
  • Trekking takes you to both base camps in an 18-day trek.
  • Accommodation & Facilities: Guesthouses and lodges along the trek route.
  • Food: Local cuisine and Western foods.
  • Safety and Challenges: Risk of altitude sickness and physical challenges.
  • Opportunities to experience the Limbu and Rai communities’ cultures.
  • The best offer to meet the Himalayan soul and find yourself.
  • A breathtaking vista of majestic Himalayas and a sunrise view in the morning.
  • The path throughout green vegetation, forests, and landscapes.
  • Require a special permit and a conservation area entry permit.
  • A less crowded trek destination in Nepal.
  • Home of wildlife animals, and rich in flora & fauna with the Kanchenjunga conservation area.
  • Ensure travel insurance in case of an emergency.
  • Take an accessible flight from Kathmandu and drive to the trek start point.
  • Walking every day during the trek for 5 to 6 hours.
  • The best session is from March to June and from September to November in the year.     
Kanchenjunga base camp trek - 21 Days Itinerary
Kathmandu - KathmanduExpand all
Max Altitude: 1,455 m. Accommodation: 2-3 Star hotelMode of Travel: Pickup from the airport by car/van/jeepDuration: 20 to 30 MinutesDistance: 5/6 Kilometers
Max Altitude: 1,455 m. Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: 2-3 Star hotelMode of Travel: Private car/van with tour guideDuration: 6 to 7 Hours
Max Altitude: 1,820 m.|5,971 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guest house or LodgeMode of Travel: Flight and jeep/vanDuration: 45 minutes flight and 7 to 8 Hours driveDistance: Road distance 244 Kilometers
Max Altitude: 1,650 m.|5,413 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guest house or LodgeMode of Travel: jeep/van/ busDuration: 5 to 6 HoursDistance: 40 Kilometers
Max Altitude: 2,496 m.|8,188 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guest houseMode of Travel: WalkingDuration: 5 to 6 HoursDistance: 9.5 Kilometers
Max Altitude: 2,725 m.|8,940 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guest houseMode of Travel: WalkingDuration: 4 to 5 HoursDistance: 8 Kilometers
Max Altitude: 3,415 m.|11,204 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guest houseMode of Travel: WalkingDuration: 5 to 6 HoursDistance: 11 Kilometers
Max Altitude: 4,145 m.|13599 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guest houseMode of Travel: WalkingDuration: 5 to 6 HoursDistance: 11 Kilometers
Max Altitude: 4,145 m.|13599 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guest house
Max Altitude: 4,792 m.|15721 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guest houseMode of Travel: WalkingDuration: 4 to 5 HoursDistance: 10 Kilometers
Max Altitude: 5,143 m.|16,873 ft. and back to 4,792m. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guest houseMode of Travel: WalkingDuration: 6 to 7 HoursDistance: 9 Kilometers
Max Altitude: 3,415 m.|11,204 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guest houseMode of Travel: WalkingDuration: 7 to 8 HoursDistance: 21 Kilometers
Max Altitude: 4,235 m.|13,894 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guest houseMode of Travel: WalkingDuration: 5 to 6 HoursDistance: 6. 3 Kilometers
Max Altitude: 3,868 m.|12,690 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guest houseMode of Travel: WalkingDuration: 6 to 7 HoursDistance: 9 Kilometers
Max Altitude: 4,740 m.|15,551 ft. oktang view point Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guest houseMode of Travel: WalkingDuration: 7 to 8 HoursDistance: 14 Kilometers
Max Altitude: 2,980 m.|9,776 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guest houseMode of Travel: WalkingDuration: 6 to 7 HoursDistance: 13 Kilometers
Max Altitude: 1,692 m.|3,910 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guest houseMode of Travel: WalkingDuration: 6 to 7 HoursDistance: 9 Kilometers
Max Altitude: Average 1,500 m.|4,921 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guest houseMode of Travel: by jeep/van/busDuration: 7 to 8 HoursDistance: 72.6 Kilometers
Max Altitude: 1,455 m.|4773 ft. Meals: Breakfast and LunchAccommodation: 2-3 Star hotelMode of Travel: Sharing bus/jeep/van and flightDuration: 3 to 4 Hours totalDistance: Road distance 49.8 Kilometers
Max Altitude: 1,455 m Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Check out at hotel before 12: noonMode of Travel: Drop to the airport by car/ van/ jeepDuration: 20 to 30 MinutesDistance: 5/6 Kilometers
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Cost Details
Includes
  • In-country Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle.
  • Standard accommodation at a hotel in Kathmandu, including breakfast.
  • Heritage side or city tourist area tour guided in Kathmandu by private car/van.
  • Internal Surface transfer to the trip destination, Start and End, or Kathmandu to Kathmandu.
  • One professional, experienced, government-licensed, English-speaking Local Guide during the trek.
  • Porters to carry your luggage up to 25 kg (per 2 trekkers, 1 porter).
  • All your standard meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, main courses).
  • The best available accommodations are in lodges (Guest houses) during the trek.
  • Staff salary, insurance, equipment, domestic travel fare, food, and accommodation during the trek.
  • All necessary paperwork, Kanchanjunga Conservation Area entry permit (KACP), Restricted area permit (RAP), and TIMS card.
  • Flight fare (Kathmandu - Bhadrapur- Kathmandu) with domestic airport taxes.
  • Water purification tablets to purify your water during the trek for safe drinking water.
  • Medical first aid kit for all (carried by your guide).
  • All our government local taxes/VAT, and office expenses.
  • Seasonal fresh fruit desserts are available every evening after dinner.
  • Appreciation of ART’s certificate after your successful trek.
  • Sleeping bag, down jackets, and a duffel bag – if Necessary (return after the trek).
  • Complimentary free company T-shirt and trek route map.
  • Emergency rescue operation assistance will be arranged in case of complex health conditions, which is funded by your travel insurance.
Excludes
  • Nepal entry visa fee, you may easily issue the visa upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport.
  • Your travel insurance (compulsory) has to cover emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation.
  • Meals (lunch & dinner in Kathmandu) before and after the trek.
  • Your personal expenses, drink water, hot and cold drinks, bar bills, Laundry, telephone, hot shower & internet charges.
  • Personnel trekking and climbing equipment.
  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
  • Excess baggage charges during a domestic flight.
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
  • Optional trips and sightseeing if extended.
  • Gratitude to the guides, porters, and other staff.
  • Any other services that are not listed in the price “included section” of this package.

Note:

-The schedule of travel itinerary will be changeable if travelers are required before booking confirmation.

-For the trip booking confirmation, travelers should be paid in advance 25% of the total amount 2 months before.

Dates & Availability

We welcome travelers at Iconic Himalaya Adventure from all over the world, offering fixed departure-oriented services and customized private tours and trekking packages as your convenience. Once more, we inform you, individuals, families, friends, students, and adventure-seeking groups that we strive to meet the expectations of everyone to ensure a personalized travel experience.

Essential Information

Food and Accommodations on the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

Not so very long ago, the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek was available only to the most intrepid travelers. Every trekker needed to bring their own tent into the mountains to sleep safely in the lonely, high-altitude environs of the Kanchenjunga Himal. We’re happy to report that things have changed for the better: simple guesthouses are now widely used all throughout this itinerary, with lots of availability during the trekking seasons between October and November and again between March and April. In these comfortable accommodations, you can expect clean beds and a warm stove, not to mention plenty of great food.

When you’re trekking in Nepal, you’ll soon discover one of the staples of Nepali diets: dal bhat. This hearty dish of lentils and rice is a mainstay of our country’s trekking trails, and you’ll find plate after plate of it in nearly limitless quantities. You’ll also want to try local Himalayan delicacies like momos (steamed or fried dumplings stuffed with meat or vegetables), thukpa (noodle soup), and vegetable curries. You’ll also find some dishes which might be more familiar to you: porridge and muesli for breakfast, chow mein noodles for lunch, and pizza for dinner. You’ll be amazed at what the talented chefs of the Himalayas can cook up at high altitude!

Best Time to Embark upon the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

Trekking in Nepal is driven primarily by changes in seasonal weather, as well as the annual patterns of the country’s monsoon rains. While you can go trekking at any time of the year, there are a number of considerations that may impact your experience on the high-altitude trails of the Himalayas. Here’s what you can expect during each of our four seasons:

  • Spring: With comfortable temperatures even at high elevations, spring is one of the most popular seasons to trek in Nepal. Once you reach altitudes of 2,000 meters or more, you’ll discover magnificent rhododendron blossoms on the trekking trails of the Himalayas. Springtime weather in Nepal usually starts between February and March and continues through May of each year.
  • Summer: Trekking in Nepal during the summer is possible, but it also comes with certain challenges. Annual monsoon rains can wash out trekking trails and obscure the best mountain views, and temperatures may reach uncomfortable highs, especially at lower elevations. However, there’s an undeniable charm to hiking on paths with no other tourists, where heavy mists cling to lush vegetation. Summer weather in Nepal usually lasts from June through August. 
  • Autumn: Peak trekking season in Nepal falls between the months of September and November, where you’re sure to find clear skies and cool temperatures. For many travelers, this is the best season for trekking in the Himalayas, but that does mean that you’ll probably find busier trails and fuller guesthouses.
  • Winter: With the highest peaks of the Himalayas cloaked in a blanket of snow, there are few sights more beautiful than Nepal in the winter. Trails are uncrowded, and you’ll enjoy clear, sunny skies all day long. However, heavy snowfall can make certain trails impassable, and you may need to plan your trek carefully to avoid getting stuck at high mountain passes. You’ll also experience colder temperatures during the winter months between December and February.

Conclusion

We’re honored that you’ve chosen to consider Iconic Himalaya Adventure to arrange your own trek in Nepal. For most travelers, this is the experience of a lifetime—and we take our responsibility to deliver an unforgettable trek very seriously. While there are many treks in Nepal to choose from, the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is the perfect choice for intrepid travelers looking to explore the distant eastern Himalayas on a three-week itinerary. If you’d like to learn more, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today.

Kanchenjunga base camp trek - 21 Days FAQs

All of our treks can be tailored specifically to your needs and interests, and our Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is no exception. Because our itinerary combines the Kanchenjunga North Trek with the Kanchenjunga South Trek, you’ll have the unique opportunity to choose how exactly you want to tackle this thrilling trek in Nepal. The experts at Iconic Himalaya Adventure will work closely with you to develop the bespoke trekking itinerary of your dreams.

We can accommodate a variety of dietary requirements concerning both health and lifestyle choices. Vegetarian food is plentiful and delicious in Nepal—and it’s widely available amongst the Hindu and Buddhist communities of the high Himalaya. Likewise, we can accommodate vegan diets and many allergies with a little planning. Gluten-free meals can also generally be arranged, although there is some risk of cross-contamination when your meals are cooked in local teahouses. Reach out to us today with any questions!

With friendly locals and a robust tourist infrastructure, Nepal is one of the safest trekking destinations in the world. Exercise normal precautions while in Kathmandu and other urban environments, and listen to your guide’s advice when it comes to the steep mountain trails of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek—you’re sure to have an unforgettable time.

Tap water is not generally safe for foreign visitors, and we strongly recommend that you stick to bottled water in restaurants and boiled water in the mountains. You might also consider purchasing chlorine or iodine tablets to treat your own bottled water and reduce unnecessary plastic waste. Make sure to drink plenty of water during your long, hot days on the trail!

The first thing to know about altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness, is that it can affect anyone. Symptoms generally appear at elevations of 2,500 meters or more, and they include headaches, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and vomiting. Talk to your doctor about considering preventative medicine which you can take during your trek, such as acetazolamide. But there’s only one cure for altitude sickness: descending from the mountains. For this reason, it’s important to keep your trekking guide informed if you experience any symptoms.

You can expect some challenging, sweaty days when you’re trekking in the Kanchenjunga Himal—even when the weather turns cold. If you’re wondering about shower facilities, you’ll be able to shower at your guesthouses on some nights of the trek. Shower facilities may involve either running water or a bucket of heated water, and they may cost a few Nepali rupees to access. As for toilet facilities, most toilets in the mountains are Asian-style squat toilets, which are comprised of a porcelain fixture set into the floor. Remember to pack your own toilet paper!

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