Trek Introduction
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is graded as the best area for trekking in Nepal. It is a 21-day journey during which you will traverse dense forests and many remote settlements at high altitudes while approaching Mt. Kanchenjunga. It is the third-highest mountain in the world. The Kanchenjunga base camp height is 5160 meters above sea level. It is not only famous for its great beauty, but it attracts many adventurous trekkers. The trek is tough but promises an unforgettable experience.
Moreover, the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is also called Kanchenjunga Trek or Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek. This trekking will take you to both the southern and northern base camps of Mount Kanchenjunga. The path opened in 1988 and is also called one of Nepal’s toughest and least-visited paths. The Kanchenjunga circuit trek distance is 220 Km. Difficulty in accessing this trail from Kathmandu and a lack of good tourist facilities discourage many from visiting this part of the Himalayas.
This naturally conserves the regional beauty of the area and its cultural heritage. The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area safeguards all wild flora and fauna; this region is, therefore, always visited by tourists. It provides shelter to some of the rarest species like the snow leopard, the Himalayan black bear, the musk deer, the red panda, and several bird varieties.
We suggest the Kanchenjunga circuit trek for only those trekkers who have prior Nepal trekking experience or excellent fitness and will. This trek is not suitable for all beginners; you cannot do the Kanchenjunga circuit trek independently solo or without a local travel company like Alliance Trek. It must be done in a group of at least two trekkers, not including guides or porters, as per regulations.
Highlights of the Kanchenjunga circuit trek
- Experience one of the shortest trek for the Kanchenjunga Circuit.
- Trek to Kanchenjunga, the world’s 3rd highest mountain at 8,586 meters.
- Explore a less frequented trekking route.
- Enjoy a newly developed tea house trek in the Himalayas.
- Traverse a part of the Great Himalayan Trail.
- Encounter rare species like the Red Panda and Snow Leopard.
- Admire stunning mountain scenery and landscapes.
- Discover the unique culture and traditions of the well-known Sherpas.
- Visit both North and South Base Camps via Sele La Pass (4,240m).
- A journey from 58m in Kenchena (Jhapa) to the top of Kanchenjunga at 8,586m.
- Stop at the famous Jannu View Point (4,400m) and the sacred site of the Kirati people (Phaktanglung).
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Route
Convenience, accessibility, and reliability of the journey determine the manifold routes of the Kanchenjunga circuit trek route.
The Kanchenjunga base camp trek starts from Sinhuwa and involves a drive of 15-16 hours from Kathmandu to Birtamode via microbus. You will have a 7 to 8-hour drive to Taplejung on the second day of your trip. You will be reaching Suketham with a 5 to 6-hour trek on the third day. The next 4 days of continuation to the journey is to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp at 5,143 meters, followed again by 4 more days to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp at 4,730 meters. From here, it takes another 2 days to reach Gopetar, then a drive of 7-8 hours to the overnight stay at Birtamode. From Birtamode, another drive of 15-16 hours will bring you back to Kathmandu.
We have different packages available for this Kanchenjunga Circuit trek: 18, 20, or 21 days. Any one among them will be the most popular according to your desire, physical fitness, and walking speed. Among them, the 21-day Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek itinerary is the most popular. One can add/subtract 1 to 5 days. Please check our Kanchenjunga circuit trek map. You can contact us via email, social media, or by calling us for a personalized tailor-made Kanchenjunga Circuit trek itinerary.
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Cost
The difference in the Kanchenjunga circuit trek price is based on factors that include group size, itinerary, accommodation level, type of transportation, duration of the trek, and the involved services. It typically lies within USD 1850, as explained in our price section. This estimation will surely differ as per your preference, private transportation, higher accommodation level add-on programs, and extending the trek. We’re flexible and can customize the package to fit your needs.
On the other hand, besides this trek, you can check out the Everest Base Camp 12-day trek, the Manaslu Circuit trek 17 days, the Annapurna Base Camp trek 10 days, the Annapurna Base Camp trek 6 days, or the Annapurna Circuit trek 13 days.
Kanchenjunga Circuit trek difficulty
The Kanchenjunga circuit trek difficulty ranges from an altitude of 200 meters to 5,143 meters (16,873 ft). Again, this is a high altitude, but the trek is safe if the guidelines are followed. It involves long days of trekking and includes mountain passes, rivers, gorges, glaciers, rocky hills, and steep climbs. Some days require over 8 hours of walking, so trekkers need to be physically strong.
The two major problems that one faces during the Kanchenjunga trek are acute mountain sickness and unpredictable weather conditions. Our Kanchenjunga circuit trek itinerary has ample acclimatization days to help avert altitude sickness.
Altitude Sickness During Trek
Traveling above 2,500 meters can result in altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness. Altitude sickness may be experienced by anyone regardless of their physical fitness.
Those who have had altitude sickness before, who exercise or drink alcohol before acclimatizing, and those with preexisting respiratory problems are more prone. We recommend that you consult your doctor before the trek to seek advice specific to your medical requirements.
Some symptoms of altitude sickness can be:
- headache
- loss of appetite
- feeling or being sick
- feeling tired
- dizziness
- difficulty sleeping
If you experience any symptoms or discomfort, please inform the guides. We’ll adjust by adding extra acclimatization days or slowing the trek pace based on your condition.
Altitude sickness is a genuine risk during Himalayan treks. However, it’s preventable. You can avoid altitude sickness by:
- Ascend slowly
- Don’t drink alcohol during the trek
- Stay hydrated
- Use medications
- Eat a healthy diet, especially plenty of carbs
Preparations for the Kanchenjunga base camp trek
The Kanchenjunga Circuit trek route comprises many steep ascents and descents. The rugged trail demands long hours of walking. Higher elevations mean thinner air and colder temperatures, which can be tough on the body. This trek then becomes a nightmare if one is not physically fit.
This Kanchenjunga base camp short trek offers alluring rewards but tough and strenuous walking. It’s demanding in terms of physical strength as well as mental endurance. Most of the tea houses on this trek have minimal facilities, so one should be prepared to pay extra for facilities like hot showers, internet, charging, and even drinking water.
This will require much preparation on your part with physical training and smaller hikes. Yes, it includes some Aerobics like jogging, running, long walks, cycling, stair climbing, and swimming to build up stamina. Most importantly, one needs to develop muscle strength and core fitness to negotiate difficult landscapes.
Best Time For Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
Spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, are the two best trekking seasons in Nepal. Autumn has the most congenial weather and is considered the best time for the Kanchenjunga circuit trek since it falls with festivals like Dashain and Tihar. Therefore, in this regard, it attracts many trekkers. Spring offers ideal weather for diverse vegetation and flowers viewed against the Himalayas, so it is perfect for this trek. Many expeditions also take place in spring, so you might see expedition groups at Kanchenjunga Base Camp.
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is not best during the monsoon and winter seasons. During winter, high elevations become very cold while during the monsoon season, there can be a risk of landslides or road blocking because of the rains. However, if you still want to try trekking in these seasons, we are here to have your back.
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Permit
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek requires a couple of permits, which you must get before the commencement of the journey. There are basically two: Restricted Area Permit and Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit. RAP costs 10 USD per person per week and KCAP 20 USD per week. You also have to hire one licensed guide and a porter, and this will cost you, on average, about $25-30 per day. Note that these fees are subject to change, so it’s always best to check with a local trekking agency such as Alliance Trek for the most up-to-date information.
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