Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Our group sizes are small. The minimum is 2, and the maximum is 10. We focus on safety and giving a good experience.

During the low season of Kanchenjunga, we still run trips with fewer people. We never cancel trips from our side because we value all our clients' trekking holiday plans.

• Our booking process is simple. First, review the 22-day Kanchenjunga Base Camp itinerary on our website.
• Select your preferred date from the departure section, click "Book This Date,".
• Fill out the booking form with all your details (Full Name, Email Address, DOB, Flight details, and others).
• You can either pay a 20% deposit online or choose the "book now, pay later" option.
• After booking, we will email you payment details and request a copy of your passport; it should be valid for at least 6 months. It is necessary to arrange trekking permits for Kanchenjunga.

The remaining balance can be paid by cash, card, or wire transfer upon arrival in Kathmandu. Once we receive your deposit, we'll confirm your booking and provide all trip details.

Yes, you can cancel your trip if you're unable to travel. Let us know by sending an email with your cancellation request. We'll process it promptly. Please note that the 20% deposit is non-refundable.

However, your deposit will remain as credit for a future trip that you can use later. We recommend checking our booking and cancellation manual before confirming your trip to avoid any confusion.

The best time to trek to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), as these trekking seasons offer the most stable weather with clear skies, mild temperatures, and excellent visibility of the surrounding peaks; making for the most enjoyable trekking experience.

Spring is a magical time to join the KBC trek. Spring (March - May) is an excellent time for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek. The trekking route comes alive after the heavy snowfall and harsh time of winter with spectacular blooming rhododendron forests of various species, as well as colorful wildflowers.

Trekkers can walk through luscious forests of bamboo, fir, and pine with a melodic murmuring sound of birds and watch the startling views of Kanchenjunga peak, Yalung Kang (also known as Kanchenjunga West (8,505)), Jaanu Himal, and Kangbachen nearby. The beauty doesn't end there; the roaring rivers and cascading waterfalls that come directly after melting snow add charm as well.

On the other hand, autumn offers trekkers crystal clear skies and breathtaking panoramic views of Jaanu, Makalu (5th highest mountain), and other towering peaks in sharp detail.

During these time, teahouses and guesthouses are reopned.

Avoid other seasons:

• Summer (June to August): Monsoon season with heavy rain, muddy trails, and potential landslides.
• Winter (December to February): Very cold temperatures, heavy snowfall, and closed tea houses at higher altitudes.

• Safety is our top priority above everything else.
• From airport pickup to departure, we take care of everything—from first-aid kits, trekking permits, and government taxes to arranging accommodations in the best way possible and hiring experienced English-speaking guides.
• We provide local trekking experts with deep knowledge of the Kanchenjunga region, including its culture, traditions, weather, and alternative routes.
• For a more personalized experience, we arrange small group sizes and include an assistant guide if the group has more than four people.
• We also allow you to customize the itinerary according to your preferences.
• With over 15 years of experience and excellent Kanchenjunga trek reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor, Google, and Facebook, we are a trusted and professional choice for your trek and tour in Nepal, including the trek to Kanchenjunga base camp.

Yes, all our guides can speak English. Some are fluent, while others communicate well enough to assist effectively.

Our local guides know the Kanchenjunga routes, local villages, traditions, and culture. They also help you communicate with local teahouse owners and villagers and share your information with them.

Yes, on-arrival visa services are available for most countries in Nepal. You need a passport with at least 6 months of validity (a blank page) 2 passport photos.

Fill out the online form in advance and pay the visa fee in USD or other major currencies at the immigration counter. Processing time depends on the number of travelers.

Visit our Visa Information page to learn more.

No, we don't book any international flights. All the trekkers need to arrange their flights to and from Nepal independently.

Travel insurance is mandatory for all Himalayan expeditions, including the Kanchenjunga trek. Given the remote terrain and high-altitude challenges, having a comprehensive policy ensures your safety and financial protection in case of emergencies.

Why You Need Travel Insurance

• Medical Emergencies: High-altitude trekking poses risks such as altitude sickness, frostbite, and hypothermia, which may require immediate medical attention.
• Trip Cancellations: Unexpected events like illness, natural disasters, or family emergencies may force you to cancel or return home early.
• Lost or Stolen Gear: Trekking equipment, cameras, or other valuables can go missing, leading to additional expenses.
• Emergency Rescue: Helicopter evacuation and emergency medical rescues are expensive but essential for severe altitude sickness or injuries.
• Trip Delays: Flight cancellations or missed connections can disrupt your schedule, leading to extra costs.

What to Look for in a Policy

• Altitude Coverage: Some policies exclude trekking above a certain altitude. Ensure your policy covers altitudes above 5,000 meters.
• Emergency Medical Evacuation: Look for coverage that includes helicopter evacuation, hospitalization, and medical treatment costs.
• Trip Cancellations & Interruptions: Choose a policy that reimburses costs due to unexpected trip cancellations.
• Lost or Stolen Gear: A good policy should cover the replacement of lost or stolen equipment.
• Check Exclusions: Some policies void coverage if ropes or mountaineering equipment are used. Read the fine print carefully.

For a list of recommended travel insurance providers, refer to our Travel Insurance Manual.

While there are no mandatory vaccinations required to trek in the Kanchenjunga or Pangpema Base Camp regions of Nepal, it is highly recommended to consult your doctor and ensure your routine vaccinations like Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Polio, and Diphtheria are up-to-date before embarking on the trek; this is especially important if you are coming from a region with different disease prevalence. 

A local SIM card can work in the lower regions of the Kanchenjunga trek, but due to the remote location, most parts of the Kanchenjunga mountain range have very limited or no mobile network coverage, so a local SIM card will not be reliable for most of the trek; for better connectivity in remote areas, a satellite phone is recommended.

Key points about using a local SIM on Kanchenjunga:

Limited coverage: While you can purchase a local SIM card in Kathmandu (from providers like NTC or Ncell), most of the higher altitudes on the Kanchenjunga trek will have very weak or no signal.  

Best in lower regions: You may get decent mobile reception in the lower parts of the trek, around Ghunsa village. 

For more reliable communication, satellite phones or devices are the best option. While we don't provide these directly, we can arrange them for you at an extra cost.

No, you can't trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp alone because it's a restricted area. You must join a group of at least two people and have a registered guide. 

This is done for your safety as the trek is challenging and involves risks like altitude sickness, avalanches, and harsh weather.

More than that you need a Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP) and a Restricted Area Permit. The Restricted Area Permit requires trekking with at least one other person. This permit will be arranged by us.

No, there is no age restriction for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek in Nepal, but you must be physically fit. We recommend that all participants be in good physical condition, mentally prepared, and capable of handling long walks for 6-7 hours daily and in high-altitude conditions.

Fitness is important because the trek is strenuous and challenging; it's a long trek with long walking days at high altitudes. The terrain is rugged, with steep ascents and descents. And lastly, the weather conditions can be unpredictable.

While technically possible to complete the Kanchenjunga trek in Nepal with no prior trekking experience, it is strongly discouraged due to the challenging terrain, high altitude, and remote location; most experts recommend having at least some trekking experience before attempting this trek, and thorough preparation is crucial even for moderately fit individuals.

Even though trekking experience isn't mandatory—focus on your health, physical fitness, packing essentials, understanding weather conditions, and mental readiness.

Alternatives for beginners:

16 days Everest Base Camp Trek: A popular choice for first-time trekkers with less extreme altitude and terrain.

14 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek: Another relatively accessible option with stunning scenery.

10 day Langtang Valley Trek: A shorter trek with moderate difficulty.

The Kanchenjunga Trek in Nepal is one of the most challenging high-altitude treks in the country. It's a long-distance trek that requires physical and mental strength.

Kanchenjunga Trek difficulty level is rated as a strenuous trip type due to its route condition and duration of time to complete. This trek consists of trekking to visits both the north and south base camps of Kanchenjunga. The trail takes trekkers through zigzag routes, steep stone staircases, and ice paths, often crossing glacial sections like the Yalung and Kanchenjunga Glaciers. 

It also includes high-altitude passes such as Sele La pass, Mirgin La, and Sinelapche Bhanjyang over 3,500m, which demand stamina and acclimatization. On average, trekkers walk 5-7 hours daily for 17-19 days, navigating landslide-prone areas and rugged, off-the-beaten paths.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Difficulty Overview

Altitude: The trek requires crossing high mountain passes ranging from 4,000 to 5,000 meters. Trekkers must be well-acclimatized to handle the reduced oxygen levels and potential altitude sickness.

Terrain: The route consists of steep ascents and descents, river crossings, and winding mountain paths. Some sections are rugged and require careful footing.

Weather: Conditions vary significantly, with potential snowfall at higher elevations. Trekkers must be prepared for sudden weather changes, including cold temperatures and strong winds.

Distance: Expect to cover 6–11 km per day. The terrain and altitude can make even shorter distances challenging.

Duration: The trek typically takes 18–24 days, excluding time spent in Kathmandu for preparation and acclimatization. Proper planning and a steady pace are essential for a successful journey.

To prepare for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, you should build your stamina and strength through cardio, leg exercises, and hiking. Cardio workouts such as running, cycling, swimming, and jogging will help improve endurance. Leg strength exercises like squats, lunges, leg press, deadlifts, leg extensions, wall sits, and leg curls will strengthen your muscles for the steep ascents and descents. Hiking practice is essential—start with shorter hikes carrying a backpack and gradually increase to longer hikes to get used to carrying weight.

Acclimatization is key to preventing altitude sickness, so spending a few days at a higher altitude before starting the trek is recommended. Managing your pace and energy levels will help prevent exhaustion. Packing appropriate layers ensures comfort in both warm days and cold nights. Investing in high-quality hiking boots, sturdy trekking poles, and a comfortable backpack will enhance your trekking experience.

Mental preparation is equally important. Staying positive, adaptable, and focused on your goal will help you navigate challenges along the way. Practicing controlled breathing and staying calm can improve endurance at high altitudes. Visualizing the trip and acknowledging any fears will allow you to mentally prepare for the journey.

For more details on how to prepare for trekking in Nepal, click here.

Yes, you need a guide to trek to Kanchenjunga. The government of Nepal requires a guide for the Kanchenjunga trek to ensure the safety of tourists. Regulations require all trekkers to be accompanied by a licensed guide from a registered trekking company.

At Nepal Hiking Team, our priority is the safety of our clients, guide, and porter. Our NHT guides are experienced locals with broad knowledge of the Kanchenjunga area; they know the culture of Rai and Limbu and the weather around there.

They are trained in first aid and equipped with oximeters to monitor oxygen levels and heartbeat rates at higher elevations. Skilled in handling altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness) and adapting to unexpected situations that may arise en route, our travel experts can also quickly plan alternative trekking routes if needed.

They also manage logistics, secure accommodations in areas with limited teahouses, and provide valuable info about local traditions. With their expertise, guidance, and support, your Kanchenjunga North and South Base Camp journey will be safe, smooth, and truly memorable for the rest of your life.

For your Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Nepal, we will provide a 4-season sleeping bag, a Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek map, a duffle bag to pack your clothing, and a down jacket that can withstand cold Kanchenjunga temperatures up to -15°C.

These items must be returned after your trip is complete. As a special gift, we will provide a company t-shirt (available sizes: S, M, L, XL), a cap, and a trip completion certificate with maximum height of Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek mentioned.

Yes, our guides are equipped with a basic first-aid kit. This includes essential medicines for common trekking issues and minor injuries. However, we don’t provide personal medications, so please bring your own if needed.

Additionally, our guides carry an oximeter to regularly monitor your oxygen levels at high altitudes for safety.

Yes, you should bring trekking poles for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek. Trekking poles can help you balance and reduce strain on your joints. They're especially useful on uneven terrain and steep parts of the trail.

Why you need trekking poles

• Stability: Trekking poles help you balance your body weight and keep you stable on uneven terrain.
• Joint strain: Trekking poles can reduce strain on your joints.
• Steep parts: Trekking poles are especially useful on steep parts of the trail.

Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek is graded as a strenuous trek in difficulty level, with rugged, challenging terrains, including steep ascents, sharp descents, rocky stone stairs and paths, and river crossings.  We highly recommend all trekkers bring trekking sticks.

Moreover, the trail passes through landslide-prone sections in Ghunsa and Lhonak, high passes like Sele La Pass, Sinjon La Pass, and Mirgin La Pass, Glaciers like Kanchenjunga and Yalung, as well as slippery icy trails over stone paths where you will probably need a trekking stick for better stability.

Taking these can conserve your energy and give stability, particularly when climbing and descending tricky sections from uphill and downhill with a heavy backpack.

To trek to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp, you need the following permits:

• Restricted Area Permit (RAP): A permit to trek in the restricted Kanchenjunga region
• Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project (KCAP) Permit: A permit to trek in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area

Kanchenjunga (Pangpema) Base Camp is a restricted region designated by Nepal authority. Entering this zone requires two types of special trekking permits. And keep in mind solo trekking is not allowed. The cost of the RAP varies depending on the time of year and the length of your trek

We, the Nepal Hiking Team, will arrange both permits beforehand so that one can trek to this off-the-beaten trail flawlessly.

You will stay in a 3-star hotel (such as WoodApple and Spa or a similar category) with clean, comfortable rooms and modern amenities. In Kathmandu, only breakfast is included, and you will need to manage lunch and dinner on your own.

If you wish to upgrade to a 4 or 5-star hotel, it is possible at an additional cost. Let us know in advance so we can arrange it for you.

Accommodation options along the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek include teahouses, lodges, homestays, and campsites. Small, family-run establishments that offer basic lodging and meals.

Accommodation options in the Kanchenjunga region are basic, with no luxury lodges, and limited in comparison to other famous trekking areas of Nepal, like Annapurna and Everest.

There are small teahouses with simple rooms, small beds, blankets, and basic facilities, which are shared amongst trekkers. Meals are often basic, like dal–bhat, noodles, dhido, and soups.

In some remote villages of Kanchenjunga like Ghunsa, Kambachen, and Lhonak, there are only 2 or 3 teahouses, so we NHT recommend all trekkers to pre-book the trip, mainly during peak season (spring and autumn).

Yes, you can expect to find toilet facilities along the route, primarily in the form of basic squat toilets at teahouses and lodges, especially in lower altitudes; however, they might be less readily available at higher elevations and in more remote areas, so it's best to be prepared with your own toilet paper and hygiene supplies.

On sections of the trail without teahouses, you may need to go behind a large plant/bush, large stones, or tree away from the trail.

Toiletries like toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and other essentials are recommended, as they may not be available or could be expensive along the route.

During a Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek, the primary meal option is typically "Dal Bhat," a staple Nepali dish consisting of lentil soup (dal), rice (bhat), vegetable curry, and pickle; other common food choices include Tibetan bread, various soups, Sherpa stew, dumplings, noodles, thukpa, pasta, and vegetable salads, depending on the availability at tea houses along the route.

Meals are chosen from a set menu provided by the local teahouses. However, soft drinks, hard drinks, and snacks are not included, and you’ll need to pay for those separately. Don’t expect international cuisines, as options may be limited due to the remoteness of the region.

You can find drinking water along the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, but it must be purified before consumption to avoid contamination.

How to Find Water: Water is available from several sources along the trail. Taps can be found outside guesthouses, at lunch stops, and at common areas used by locals. Streams are another option, but purification is necessary. In teahouses and villages, you can purchase boiled or filtered water for drinking.

How to Purify Water: To ensure safe drinking water, carry water purifying pills or a filtration system to treat water from taps or streams. Alternatively, you can buy bottled water, though this is not an eco-friendly option and may not always be available in remote areas.

Other Considerations: In isolated regions, food and clean drinking water may be scarce, so plan ahead. At higher altitudes, water sources may freeze overnight, so it’s best to fill up your bottles before bed. Additionally, packing energy bars, high-energy snacks, and your favorite foods can help supplement your diet during the trek.

For Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek expect to budget an additional cost of around NRS 30,000 - 35,000 on top of the base package price to cover personal expenses like shopping, tips, showers, and any unforeseen situations, depending on your travel style and desired level of comfort.

This is for personal expenses such as WiFi services, hot water, snacks, charging facilities, and beverages, as well as any optional items or services you may need.

Absolutely! You can customize your K3 trek itinerary based on your preferences, time, and needs. You may choose from our scheduled departure dates or create your own plan. If you face any difficulties while planning your itinerary, we are here to assist you.

After completing your Mount Kanchenjunga route Trek, you can further enhance your journey by exploring the renowned tea gardens of Illam. It is a beautiful destination famous for tea production and is celebrated for its tea bushes and peaceful surroundings.

Yes, we have carefully planned our 22-day Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek itinerary with time-to-time acclimatization days in villages like Ghunsa and Kambachen, with a side trip to a local monastery like Lo and exploration around Nuphchu River valley. These side trips will help you adapt to the altitude. 

Despite the challenges, this K3 trip rewards trekkers with stunning views of mountain ranges, clean and clear glaciers, and alpine wilderness.

Our Kanchenjunga Trek package stands out because we prioritize an authentic trekking experience by avoiding long road-walking sections.

Unlike many other service providers, our 22-day itinerary is carefully designed to follow rugged, off-the-beaten paths so that the trekkers can experience the pure wilderness and raw beauty around the eastern Himalayas.

We emphasize engaging you in the untouched nature, steering clear of motorable roads that often disrupt the serenity of the trek.

We do accept last-minute bookings! But it depends on availability and getting all the permits done on time. For treks like Kanchenjunga Base Camp, it’s better to book a few days early so we can arrange everything smoothly.

Still, if it’s last minute, just contact us, and we’ll try our best to make it work for you!

No, Mt. Kanchenjunga was not known as the 3rd highest peak in the world at first. Until 1852, it was supposed to be the highest mountain in the world. However, after 1849, the calculation took place, which was held by the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India. It was found out Mount Everest (accessible via Everest Base camp route) was actually higher than Mount Kanchenjunga Massif.

Then, finally, in 1856, it was on the record and confirmed as the 3rd highest mountain publicly.

Two English mountaineers named George Christopher Band and Joseph Brown were the first to summit the peak of Kanchenjunga (by taking the track of Southwest Face). As per the record, it was on May 25, 1955. But they stopped 5 feet down in respect of locals.

The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, also known as KCA shortly, was established in 1997, and in April 1977, the region was declared a Gift to the Earth as part of WWF by the authority of Nepal. The KCA was officially designated as Nepal's 3rd protected/conservation area, which starts from 1000m in height and ends above 8,500 m, showcasing a diverse ecosystem.

It covers a total area of 2,035 sq. km (about 786 sq. miles) in the District named Taplejung, which includes two peaks.

The north base camp of Mount Kanchenjunga, also known as Pangpema, is 5,142 meters (16,873 ft) above sea level. Pangpema, or the Kanchenjunga Base Camp itself, is the highest point on the trek.

Kanchenjunga, also called Kanchenjunga or Khangchendzonga by the locals, is ranked the world's third-highest mountain. It stands at a height of 8,586 meters (28,169 feet) and lists under eight thousanders.

Kanchenjunga in the map, lies in the part of the eastern Himalayas and lies in the border region between East Nepal's Koshi Province and Sikkim, the northeastern part of India. Two of its peaks, West and Kangbachen, are entirely in Nepal's Taplejung District.

Before Everest was known, people believed Kangchenjunga Mountain Peak was the highest mountain in the world. For years, explorers and locals alike stood in awe of its towering, snow-covered peaks, thinking nothing could rise higher.

Then, in 1849, surveyors from the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India took their measurements. They worked tirelessly, using simple tools, precise angles, and endless calculations. Three years later, in 1852, a young mathematician named Radhanath Sikdar made a discovery that changed history—there was another peak, even taller. They called it Peak XV.

It took years before the world accepted this new giant. But in 1865, the mountain received its official name: Mount Everest. And just like that, Kangchenjunga stepped back, making room for the highest mountain on Earth.

The KCA is well-known for its rich plant life, which includes 810 species of non-flowering plants, 250 flowering ones, 23 species of rhododendrons, and over 15 plants that are only found in this region.

As you enter this region, you are welcomed by the evergreen trees such as Schima, Wallachia, and Castanopsis indica. As you hike above 1200m, you can notice tall trees like oak, rhododendron (23 species), and laurel family, which fall off at certain seasons and regrow.

Further on, a mix of cone-bearing seed plants, like Himalayan larches and the national flower of Nepal, dominate the area. However, in the alpine zone, which is above 4000, only short, hardy shrubs and grasses are found.

You can see Himalayan black bears, snow leopards, red pandas, and many birds on the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. These animals can be seen in dense forests near Gyab;a and Ghunsa in lower forested areas, as well as shy musk deer grazing.

The Kanchenjunga Base Camp, or Pangpema, offers a matchless chance to encounter diverse and rare wildlife in their natural habitats.

In high altitudes, there is the habitat of blue sheep (Bharal or mountain goat) near Ramche and Yalung Glacier on high uphills. If you are lucky, you can even witness elusive snow leopards sometimes on rocky terrains near Kambachen and Pangpema.

The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area helps preserve the area's biodiversity and protect rare species.

Kanchenjunga area is home to around 5000 people, among which half are Limbu and others are Buddhists, Sherpa (settle mainly in Ghunsa), Rai, Bhotia, and Tibetian refugees (in remote villages like Gyabla and Phale). Small groups of Gurung, Tamang, Chettri, and some Brahmins are settled in the lower region.

Each ethnic group has its own unique culture, language, and even different lifestyles that will surely enrich the cultural fabric of this region.

Trekkers can explore the ancient monasteries such as La Monastery in Ghunsa, Ramtang in Lonak, and Oktang. These monasteries (gompa) provide insight into local Buddhist practices and serve as centers for community gatherings.

Ethnic groups like the Rai community are well-known for vibrant dances, which they perform mainly during the Sakela festive. They wear traditional attire by large groups of kirnats (Rai) to honor natural beauty and ancestors. Sakela festival is celebrated twice a year; one is during the full moon in the month of Baisakh, and another in Sakela Udhauli during the full moon of Mangsir. Likewise, Limbu people use drums to showcase their traditional Chyabrung (kya/ke) dance.

Itinerants can taste local delicacies such as freshly made churpi (hardened cheese made from buttermilk), dhido (made from buckwheat or millet), dal-bhat (rice, lentils, and curry), and Gundruk (fermented spinach).

Moreover, people have the opportunity to engage with local communities in villages such as Ghunsa, Kambachen, and Amjilosa, where they can experience the warm hospital of Limbu and Rai people.