27-Days Trip Cost Details

• The trip cost always depends on group size, hotel accommodation category and client’s desire budget
• The included itinerary is a guideline and standard pattern which AlpineTrav you. This trip itinerary can be modified according to your time and requirements
• The itinerary shall be changed after an understanding between both AlpineTrav and the client. Additional activities could be either added or reduced as per client’s request before the trip confirmation
• Price shall be adjusted in our mutual understanding, if the client intends to add some services we shall charge him/ her for those additional services and if he/she intends to lessen some services, we shall wave the charges accordingly
• The Kanchenjunga North and South Trek itinerary has been published in 3-star hotel and tea house/lodge services for better understanding of the customers.

Please contact us on WhatsApp: +9779860751012 for any information about in your selected package.

Useful Info

Please take care to note: Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails traveling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather, the health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The trek guide will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

Accommodation at Kanchenjunga North & South Base Camp Trek

In Kathmandu: Comfortable Stays in Cities and on the Trail Your comfort is our priority, whether in the bustling city or the serene mountains: In Kathmandu: Stay at Hotel Moonlight or a similar hotel, offering modern amenities for a relaxing experience, (Room Arrangement: are on a twin-sharing basis. During the trek stay in tent Camping).

During the trek your accommodation will be fully tented camping. A tent will be provided for every 2 travellers with a foam mattress. There will also be a kitchen tent, dining tent, toilet tent, table, chairs, and more for your comfort. Our trekking team will carry all of the tent equipment for your worry-free and easy journey.

Meals at Kanchenjumga North & South Base Camp Trek

In Trek: All meals are included during the trekking period. We will provide three meals a day during the trek. Our kitchen crew will served freshly prepared meals during the trek. We consider hearty and delicious meals as a key component to the overall success of our trip, Since this is a full camping trek, meals are prepared by the trekking cook and typically include warm, nutritious options like soups, rice, pasta, and vegetable curries.

Length and terrain of Kanchenjunga Base Camp

The Kanchenjunga North & South Base Camp Trek, is approximately 220km round trip. Likewise, the trek generally takes 27 days, with 21-22 days of actual trekking, depending on the route, itinerary, and pace. Similarly, trekkers must walk for 10 to 15km per day.

The trek leads to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (Pangpema) first and then Kanchenjunga South Base Camp (Oktang), offering a full immersive experience. Known for its challenging journey, Kanchenjunga North & South Base Camp’s terrain is varied, ranging from lush lowland forests to open meadows and glaciers at high altitudes.

The trek begins through dense subtropical forests and terraced fields. Rivers, waterfalls, and suspension bridges cover most of the lower region. As the trek ascends, the terrain changes to rhododendrons, pine, and oak forests, and the trail starts to become steep with narrow ridges. Above 3500m, the terrain consists of rugged, rocky, and glacial paths with high passes. The landscape in the area is barren and consists of moraine fields.

How difficult is the Kanchenjunga North & South Base Camp trek?

The Kanchenjunga North & South Base Camp trek is one of the most challenging and strenuous treks in Nepal. It takes trekkers to some of the country’s most unreliable landmarks in remote locations, making navigation more demanding than other popular treks. Thus, the trek requires careful planning and proper preparation to complete. Here are the factors that make the Kanchenjunga North & South Base Camp trek challenging:

High Altitude – The journey to Kanchenjunga North & South Base Camp takes trekkers to a higher elevation up to 5,143m, with a high risk of altitude-related issues. Thus, the high altitude is the primary factor that makes the trek to Kanchenjunga demanding. So, trekkers on this excursion should be aware of the risk of altitude sickness and acclimate themselves properly to cope with the changed surroundings and minimize the risk.

Remote Location – The Kanchenjunga region is one of Nepal’s remote locations. Trekkers should be prepared for minimal and basic facilities and infrastructure throughout the trip. The limited facilities and infrastructure mean trekkers must pack everything they need by themselves, adding to the backpack load. Likewise, the poor network and limited medical access add to the trek’s challenges due to its remote location. Additionally, due to the lack of accommodation facilities, trekkers must stay in a camp, which is dangerous due to the harsh weather and temperature, adding to the difficulty of the trip.

Rugged Terrain – The rugged terrain is another significant factor making the trek to Kanchenjunga North & South Base Camp strenuous. The trek involves steep ascent and descent sections through rough, hilly terrain, which is physically exhausting. Likewise, the terrain at Kanchenjunga North & South Base Camp consists of uneven, rocky, slippery, and landslide-prone paths, adding to the challenge of the trek.

Unpredictable Weather – The weather in the Himalayas is known for its unpredictability. Yet, this factor has a huge impact on the difficulty of the Kanchenjunga Trek. The weather generally changes from snowfall to winds and sometimes rainfall, causing trouble among trekkers. Likewise, the weather changes per season. Thus, we always recommend that trekkers check the weather forecast before starting the trek.

Longer Duration – The trek to Kanchenjunga North & South Base Camp lasts 25-27 days; during the trek, trekkers must walk for 20-22 days. Thus, the longer duration of each day, 5-6 hours of walking in rugged terrain, demands a trekker’s physical and mental resilience, making the trek physically and mentally demanding. Therefore, trekkers must be prepared physically and mentally to begin the trek and complete it successfully.

Major attractions of Kanchenjunga on the way

The Kanchenjunga North & South Base Camp Trek is a fascinating journey through Nepal’s Himalayas. One of the reasons why many travelers choose the destination, even though it is restricted and remote, is the attractions it offers along the route. Here are the major attractions of Kanchenjunga North & South Base Camp along the route:

Views of Mountains – The vista of mountain peaks is a major attraction along the trek to Kanchenjunga North & South Base Camp. The panorama of mountain peaks, especially Mount Jaanu, will accompany trekkers throughout the trip. Besides, the view of the world’s third-highest peak, Mount Kanchenjunga, is a prominent allure along the Kanchenjunga North & South Base Camp Trek. Additionally, the view of Mount Yalung Kang, Kabru, Kambachen, Jongsong, the Twins, and other surrounding peaks will attract trekkers en route to Kanchenjunga North & South Base Camp.

Diverse Biodiversity – Another major attraction of the trek to Kanchenjunga North & South Base Camp is the rich and diverse biodiversity, which is unique to this trekking destination.

The trek is an ideal location for nature lovers who love to explore varied biodiversity. As the trek takes place within the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, trekkers can expect to witness a varied landscape at every turn.

The trek features stunning rhododendron forests, bamboo and oak forests in the lower region, and alpine meadows and glacial terrain in the higher region. Likewise, the trek offers a chance to glimpse rare fauna and birds.

Kanchenjunga South and North Base Camps

The trek to Kanchenjunga North & South Base Camp, which is undoubtedly the major attraction. The south base camp (Oktang) offers astonishing views of Mount Kanchenjunga’s south face, and the north base camp (Pangpema) offers mesmerizing views of the peak’s north side, showcasing the mountain in its majesty. Additionally, the base camps offer other spectacular scenery of alpine pastures, glacial valleys, and eye-catching sunrise and sunset views.

Sele La Pass – La Pass, at 4,290m above sea level, is another attraction along the Kanchenjunga trek. After achieving North Base Camp, trekkers navigate the pass towards South Base Camp.

Indeed, the pass is challenging, but it rewards trekkers with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and rugged landscapes. The chance to witness the majesty of Mount Kanchenjunga, Yalung Kang, and Jannu, as well as deep valleys, makes the pass a key attraction along the Kanchenjunga North & South Base Camp Trek.

Yalung Glacier – Yalung Glacier (4,717m) is the key attraction along the Kanchenjunga North & South Base Camp trek. The glaciers stretch across a wide area and have seracs, crevasses, and icefalls, which attract trekkers’ attention. Ramcha, Oktang, near Tseram, and Pangpema are the best locations offering the closest and ideal views of the Yalung Glacier. Ramche and Oktang are the closest ones to the glacier’s view.

Can the Kanchenjunga North & South Base Camp Trek be done independently?

No, the Kanchenjunga North & South Base Camp Trek can’t be done independently due to the region’s restrictions. As the Kanchenjunga falls within the restricted region, solo or independent trekking is not possible.

The government has strictly implemented a requirement that trekkers must have a licensed guide and a minimum of two trekkers to trek in Kanchenjunga. Similarly, per the rule, the trip must be organized by a local trekking company.

The Nepal government implemented the rule restricting independent trekking in the Kanchenjunga region in collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board, and it became effective on April 1, 2023. The primary reason for this rule is to ensure the safety of trekkers in the challenging and remote terrain of Kanchenjunga.

Do I need a permit for the Kanchenjunga North & South Base Camp Trek?

Yes, you need permits for the Kanchenjunga North & South Base Camp Trek, as it is one of the mandatory paperwork required for the trip. A restricted area permit (RAP) and the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project permit (KCAP) are necessary for the Kanchenjunga North & South Base Camp Trek.

Restricted area permit (RAP) – The Kanchenjunga region lies within the restricted area, so obtaining the special restricted area permit before starting the trip is necessary. The Nepal government declared the region a restricted area to protect the ecosystem and unique culture and control tourism, as it touches the border with Tibet and India. The cost of a Restricted area permit is as follows:

• USD 20 per person per week for the first four weeks.
• USD 25 per person per week thereafter.

Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project permit (KCAP):

As the Kanchenjunga region falls within the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project, obtaining KCAP is mandatory for the Kanchenjunga Trek. The permit helps to support and protect the area’s biodiversity and the cultural heritage of local communities. The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project permit is as follows:

• NPR 500 per person for SAARC nationals
• NPR 2000 per person for other foreigners.

Why is the trekking route in a restricted area in Nepal?

One of the primary reasons the Trek is in the restricted area is border security concerns, as the region lies close to the borders of Tibet and India. The region is declared restricted to prevent forbidden border crossings while maintaining security.

The region is a restricted area for the conservation efforts of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, with remote and undeveloped infrastructure, and tourism control.

The Kanchenjunga Trek is in a restricted area of Nepal, which is meant to prevent a heavy flow of tourists and the arbitrary control of the local culture. Nepal’s government declared the region a restricted trekking area in the late 1980s.

Nepal has about 15 restricted areas, and Kanchenjunga is one of them. The restricted areas aim to preserve the region’s untouched beauty, ecosystem, and unique cultural charm.

Preparing for the Kanchenjunga North & South Base Camp Trek

Kanchenjunga North & South Base Camp Trek is a demanding trip in far eastern Nepal, requiring proper preparation. The trek requires adequate mental and physical preparation for a safe and enjoyable trip. Here are the preparation ways for the Kanchenjunga North & South Base Camp trek:

Physical Fitness and Preparation:

• Engage in a cardio workout like running, cycling, and stair climbing.
• Strengthen legs, core, and upper body with squats, lunges, and push-ups.
• Practice hiking with a backpack to build endurance.
• Get familiar with high-altitude trekking.

Altitude Sickness Preparation:

• Include an acclimatization day at the key location or wherever needed.
• Drink at least 3-4 liters of water daily.
• Carry Diamox (Acetazolamide).

Mental Preparation:

• Prepare for a remote location and basic facilities.
• Train patience and resilience, and prepare for long trekking days in unpredictable weather.
• Stay motivated and be positive.
• Prepared to adapt to challenges and unpredictable changes.

Tips for Kanchenjunga North & South Base Camp Trek

• Choose the best season, including Autumn and Spring, for a safe and enjoyable trip.
• Obtain necessary permits: Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP).
• Train 2-3 months before the trek with cardio, strength, and other fitness training.
• Pack smartly, including all necessary gear, from layered clothing to sturdy footwear and other essentials.
• Acclimatize properly by taking rest days at a higher elevation.
• Walk steadily and don’t climb rapidly; instead, provide your body time to adjust to the changed temperature and gain.
• Carry required cash as ATMs are unavailable on the trail to Kanchenjunga Base Camp.
• Carry a solar charger or power bank to charge your electronics.
• Follow Leave No Trace principles to practice sustainable and responsible tourism.
• Carry a first aid box with altitude sickness medicine, painkillers, and other essentials.

How much does the North, South Base Camp Trekking Cost?

The Trek Cost USD 3,499 per person. It is a standard cost is all-include. The cost may differ if you choose to amend the itinerary and services of the package. Similarly, if you have a larger group, then we can provide group discounts.
If you wish to upgrade the facilities and add more support etc on the Kanchenjunga north and south base camp Tek, then we can tailor your trip accordingly by getting a touch of luxury where possible.