The Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is a hidden gem in the remote region of eastern Nepal that takes you through stunning alpine forests, quaint villages, and lush valleys with snow-capped peaks towering above. The trek offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the unspoiled natural beauty and rich culture of the region, with fewer crowds than the more popular treks in Nepal. The route leads you to the base of the world's third-highest mountain, Kanchenjunga, providing breathtaking views and an unforgettable sense of awe. The trek is a perfect balance of adventure and culture, with the chance to interact with the friendly locals and learn about their way of life. For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is a must-do that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Prepare for an adventure treking Kanchenjunga Base Camp. This overview provides essential details on routes, difficulty, costs, and the best times to go, helping you plan a successful trek.
Distances
18 - 20 days, 177 km, +7,400 m, 5,388 m high point
daily: 4 - 7 hours, 7 - 18 km, +200 - 1,000 m gain
These are pictures taken while trekking Kanchenjunga Base Camp. They're shown here to give you an idea of what the route is like. You're welcome to share your own pictures of hiking Kanchenjunga Base Camp, to help the community of hikers. Picture here are either uploaded by members (their own, or creative commons pictures), or guides.
These guides offer organised treks for Kanchenjunga Base Camp. Compare each trip - pricing, reviews, and key details to help you choose the right guide. To explore more options / routes, check out our full Guides Directory.
We've carefully selected these independent guides based on their expertise with Kanchenjunga Base Camp. Compare their offerings, from group sizes and equipment inclusion to trip duration and support services. Each guide brings their own unique approach, so you can find the perfect match for your adventure. Click through to see full details and connect directly with any guide that interests you.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking is one another the most popular and thrilling trekking destinations lying in the eastern part of Mt. Kanchenjunga, in the border of Nepal and Sikkim (India). Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586m) is the world’s third highest mountains in the world. Kanchenjunga Trekking was opened for trekking only in 1988 and therefore, it is one of the unspoiled trekking trails. Kanchenjunga Trekking offers a variety of landscapes, cultures and panoramic views of four highest peaks of the world including, Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, along with Mt. Kanchenjunga.
In our offer package, you will get at least a 10% discount for the holiday package. offering the most popular trekking package on the occasion of survival year.
The trek around Kanchenjunga takes place in one of the most picturesque regions of Nepal, around Kanchenjunga – a peak that is among the top 5 most dangerous mountains in the world.
👥 Group size: 15
🧑🤝🧑 Guide ratio: 1 guide to 15 client(s)
⏳ Trip length 19 day(s)
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek - why choose Himalayan Exploration Treks?
If you're considering an adventure to the stunning Kanchenjunga Base Camp, there are several compelling reasons to choose Himalayan Exploration Treks.
1. **Experienced Guides**: Their team consists of knowledgeable and experienced local guides who are well-versed in the region's landscape, culture, and safety protocols, ensuring a rich and secure trekking experience.
2. **Tailored Itineraries**: Himalayan Exploration Treks offers customizable itineraries tailored to different trekking experiences and preferences. You can choose a pace and itinerary that suits your adventure style.
3. **Cultural Immersion**: They provide opportunities for cultural exchange, allowing trekkers to interact with local communities and immerse themselves in the region's unique traditions.
4. **Sustainable Practices**: Committed to eco-friendly trekking, they prioritize sustainability and work to minimize their environmental impact, ensuring that the beauty of Kanchenjunga is preserved for future generations.
5. **Comprehensive Support**: From pre-trek briefings to assistance throughout the trek, they offer thorough support, catering to trekkers' needs and ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.
6. **Safety First**: To ensure safety, they incorporate strict protocols to address health and altitude-related issues, giving trekkers peace of mind during their adventure.
If you want a memorable adventure filled with natural beauty and cultural experiences, Himalayan Exploration Treks is an excellent choice for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek.
🚶 Includes Porters
🎒 Includes All Gear / Equipment
👥 Group size: - 10
🧑🤝🧑 Guide ratio: 1 guide to 2 client(s)
⏳ Trip length 18 day(s)
More info on Himalayan Exploration Treks :
Rating
Rated 4.75 on independent review sites. View reviews
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is a spectacular and remote trek that takes you to the base camp of the world's third highest mountain, Kanchenjunga. This itinerary covers the route from Taplejung to Kanchenjunga Base Camp, offering breathtaking mountain views, diverse landscapes, and cultural encounters with local communities.
Day 1
Fly to Suketar, Trek to Mitlung (920 m)
Take a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Suketar and start the trek. Descend through terraced fields and forests to reach the village of Mitlung.
Continue the trek along the Kanchenjunga Glacier, surrounded by towering peaks. Arrive at Lhonak, a high-altitude campsite near the base of Kanchenjunga.
Day 10
Trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp (Pangpema) (5,140 m)
Embark on an adventurous trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp (Pangpema). Enjoy the awe-inspiring views of the Kanchenjunga massif and glaciers. Return to Lhonak for overnight stay.
Treks that involve rugged or uneven terrain, such as rocky paths, scree slopes, or dense forests, may require more technical skills or physical effort.
Altitude / Elevation 10 / 10
Considering the maximum altitude reached during the trek. Higher altitudes can present challenges like thin air, low oxygen levels, and potential altitude sickness.
Distance 8 / 10
The total distance of the trek. Longer treks generally require more endurance and physical fitness.
Elevation gain 9 / 10
Total elevation gain throughout the trek. Treks with significant altitude changes can be more challenging, especially if they involve steep ascents or descents.
Technical difficulty 7 / 10
Some treks may require basic technical skills like river crossings, using ropes, or scrambling over rocks.
Access to facilities / Remoteness 5 / 10
Based on the availability of support facilities such as accommodation, food, water sources, and emergency services. Treks with limited infrastructure or remote areas can be more challenging due to self-sufficiency requirements. The less support facilities there are the harder the trek.
Climate & weather 8 / 10
How tough are the prevailing weather and climate conditions during the trek. Harsh weather, extreme temperatures, or unpredictable conditions can add to the difficulty.
How is the weather on Kanchenjunga Base Camp, and when is the best time to go.
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek offers a diverse range of weather conditions throughout the year. The best months to do the trek are March, April, October, and November when the weather is generally milder and more stable.
The best time to trek Kanchenjunga Base Camp is in these months:
Mar
Apr
Oct
Nov
unpredictable and changeable weather outside of the best months.
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp route offers a range of services to cater to trekkers' needs. Here's an overview of the available services and facilities along the route.
Accommodation
Accommodation options on the Kanchenjunga Base Camp route include teahouses and camping. Teahouses are commonly used by trekkers and provide basic lodging facilities with shared rooms and common areas. Camping is also an option for those who prefer a more immersive outdoor experience.
Food
Food is available along the route at teahouses and local eateries. You can expect a variety of meals, including local Nepali dishes and international cuisine. It's advisable to carry some energy snacks for longer stretches.
Guides
Experienced guides are available for hire on the Kanchenjunga Base Camp route. Hiring a guide can provide valuable local knowledge, assistance with navigation, and insights into the culture and environment. The cost of hiring a guide may vary depending on the duration and services provided.
Porters
Porters are available for hire to assist with carrying heavy loads during the trek. They can help alleviate the burden and make your trek more comfortable. The cost of hiring a porter depends on the duration and the weight they need to carry.
Medical facilities
Limited medical facilities such as basic clinics and pharmacies are available at some settlements along the route.
Gear rental
Gear services on the Kanchenjunga Base Camp route primarily include renting or purchasing trekking equipment. While some teahouses may provide basic rental gear like sleeping bags or trekking poles, it's advisable to bring your own gear for comfort and reliability.
Transport
To reach the starting point of the trek, you can opt for a combination of flights and road transportation from Kathmandu to Taplejung or Suketar. Local buses or private jeeps are available for transport between towns and villages along the route.
Internet / Phone
Connectivity along the Kanchenjunga Base Camp route is limited. While some teahouses may offer intermittent Wi-Fi or have satellite phones for emergencies.
ATMs
ATMs are not commonly available along the Kanchenjunga Base Camp route.
Shops
There are small shops or local markets in some settlements along the route where you can find basic supplies such as snacks, bottled water, toiletries, and trekking essentials.
What is the accommodation like treking Kanchenjunga Base Camp
During the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek, you'll find a variety of accommodation options that cater to trekkers' needs. The available accommodations range from teahouses ($10-20 per night, includes meals) to basic lodges (Price: $15-30 per night, includes meals) and guesthouses (Price: $20-40 per night, includes meals). Prices for accommodation usually include meals, and the options vary in terms of facilities, services, and availability.
Flight to Taplejung Airport: You can take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Taplejung Airport, which is the closest airport to the start of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek.
Overland Journey: Another option is to travel overland from Kathmandu to Taplejung by bus or private vehicle. This journey takes several days and involves scenic drives through mountainous terrain.
Local Transportation: From nearby towns or cities, such as Bhadrapur or Biratnagar, you can take local buses or hire private jeeps to reach the start of the trek in Taplejung.
Return Journey: At the end of the trek, you can retrace your steps and use the same transportation options to return to your starting point.
Flight from Taplejung Airport: You have the option to take a domestic flight from Taplejung Airport back to Kathmandu, providing a convenient and faster way to return.
Overland Journey: Alternatively, you can choose to travel overland from Taplejung back to Kathmandu by bus or private vehicle.
Get inspired by these incredible videos capturing the experience of climbing Kanchenjunga Base Camp. From route highlights to summittrail views, these clips showcase the treks beauty and the challenges it presents. Have your own Kanchenjunga Base Camp video? We'd love for you to share it with the community to inspire future trekkers.
What to know about trekking Kanchenjunga Base Camp
Common questions people have about this trek, if yours isn’t here - add it to get an answer.
Yes, the trek involves high altitudes, and it's important to acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness. It's recommended to include rest days and ascend gradually.
On the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek, toilet facilities are basic and mostly consist of squat toilets. It's advisable to carry your own toilet paper and practice proper hygiene.
It's not recommended to drink water directly from natural sources. It's safer to use water purification tablets or carry a water filter to ensure drinking water is safe and free from contaminants.