The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek takes you to the base of the world’s third-highest peak, Mount Kanchenjunga. This majestic mountain stands at 8,586 meters and is revered by both trekkers and locals. The trek offers an incredible journey through remote villages, lush forests, and high-altitude landscapes, providing an authentic Himalayan experience.
Best time to visit Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is best experienced during the months of March and May and September and November. These periods provide temperate temperatures, bright skies, and decent visibility. These times of year see less traffic on the trails.
It is not advisable to embark on the hike during the rainy season (June to August), as the routes are frequently muddy and slick and there is a possibility of landslides. The winter season, which lasts from December to February, is especially unfavorable due to the possibility of ice routes and extremely low temperatures.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek itinerary
Here is a possible itinerary for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek:
- Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel.
- Day 2: Fly to Bagdogra and drive to Gangtok.
- Day 3: Drive to Yuksom.
- Day 4: Trek from Yuksom to Tshoka (3,800 meters).
- Day 5: Trek from Tshoka to Dzongri (4,300 meters).
- Day 6: Acclimatization day at Dzongri.
- Day 7: Trek from Dzongri to Laxmi Pokhari (4,570 meters).
- Day 8: Trek from Laxmi Pokhari to Bikhbari (4,000 meters).
- Day 9: Trek from Bikhbari to Chaurikhang (4,200 meters).
- Day 10: Trek from Chaurikhang to Kanchenjunga (4,800 meters).
- Day 11: Trek from Kanchenjunga to Bikhbari.
- Day 12: Trek from Bikhbari to Yuksom.
- Day 13: Drive from Yuksom to Bagdogra and fly back to Kathmandu.
Pricing and Package for Trek
The price and package for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek will vary according to the tour operator you choose, the level of service you choose, and the time of year you visit. The average expense of a 10-day trek is between US$2,000 and US$3,000.
The following table breaks out the typical expenditures related to a trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp:
- $100 to USD 150 a day as a guide
- $50 to $75 USD per day for porters
- $20 to $30 USD per night for accommodation
- Food costs $20 to $30 each day.
- Permits: $50 USD
- Transport costs range from $100 to $150 USD.
How to Reach Kanchenjunga Base Camp
Kanchenjunga Base Camp may be reached in two ways:
From Nepal: Taplejung, a tiny town in eastern Nepal, serves as the trek’s beginning point. You may take a flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, then a bus or a vehicle to Taplejung.
From Sikkim, India: Yuksom, a tiny town in western Sikkim, serves as the beginning point for the journey. You may take a flight from Kolkata to Bagdogra, then a bus or cab to Yuksom.
You will need to hire a guide and porters once you get to Taplejung or Yuksom to assist you with the journey. Being in good physical shape is essential because the hike is moderate to strenuous. Spending a few days in Gangtok or Kathmandu before beginning the journey is advised since you will also need to acclimatize to the altitude.
It takes roughly ten days to hike from Taplejung to Kanchenjunga Base Camp. The route is clear and well-maintained. There are some steep slopes, though, and the altitude may be difficult.
Eight days are needed to complete the hike from Yuksom to Kanchenjunga Base Camp. Despite being more difficult than the trek from Taplejung, the trail affords breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga Base Camp.
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