Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek- 22 Days Itinerary

Kanchenjunga Trek Difficulty

The Kanchenjunga trek is difficult and demands a certain level of physical and mental endurance. You will hike at an altitude of more than 5000m, with low oxygen concentrations and an always-changing climate.

There are steep inclines and declines, prolonged climbs and declines, crossing rivers, and zigzag trails. You will also spend many hours at Kanchenjunga base camp trekking in terrains that are comparatively more deserted.

Despite the challenges presented by Kanchenjunga Trek Nepal, one need not worry because it is conquerable. It would help if you were in good health and mentally prepared for the challenges ahead to do it.

Trip Grade: Medical and Health, Fitness level

This particular trek to the Kanchenjunga base camp is relatively strenuous but very fulfilling. Depending on the destination, you will be hiking for approximately 5 to 7 hours on each day we are hiking. The Kanchenjunga Base Camp is a high-altitude trek that lasts for about three weeks and covers around 185 km. We will pause the hike from time to time in order to take a closer look at the surrounding mountains.

Kanchenjunga Circuit trekking routes consist of several ascends, declines, and rocky terrains passing through forests. Trekking to Kanchenjunga base camp is more enjoyable for those who are more fitted. If you have ever been involved in trekking, that may be advantageous to you. However, if you have some health complications such as heart or lung diseases, there are far much better suggestions than this trek.

Altitude Sickness in Kanchenjunga Base Camp 

Day by day, heading towards the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, you find that air pressure becomes lower due to the height level. This will cause altitude sickness, which is a phenomenon noticed in almost every trekker who ventures to the Himalayas. If conditions themselves have worsened, it is possible to either go down in the altitude or turn to the doctor.

I personally advise you to drink at least 4 litres of water a day and not rush when taking subsequent courses. This condition can only be controlled by descending acutely, which means that this condition is life-threatening. Hopefully, it is your group leader who will decide if you may proceed based on your sicknesses. Just a reminder that the human body is not uniform – some people are sicker than others.

Emergency and Evacuation at Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

In case of an emergency at Kanchenjunga trek difficulty, immediate action is crucial. Contacting local authorities or emergency services is essential. Due to the remote and challenging terrain, evacuation can be difficult and may require specialized assistance. It’s better to have travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and mountaineering to ensure you are prepared for any emergency.

The travel insurance is a must for the evacuation process. Our team will ensure your safety and hire a helicopter for the rescue evacuation, but you need to pay the evacuation charges from the insurance. You need to pay back the insurance charges to the company.

Kit and Equipment for Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

When preparing for the Kanchenjunga trek packing list, having the right gear is essential for safety and success. Here’s a comprehensive list of the equipment you’ll need:

Clothing:

• Insulated jacket
• Waterproof shell jacket and pants
• Base layers (tops and bottoms)
• Fleece or softshell jacket
• Insulated pants or trousers
• Warm hat and gloves
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Gaiters to keep snow out of boots

Footwear:

• Mountaineering boots with crampon compatibility
• Gaiters to keep snow out of boots
• Warm socks (wool or synthetic)

Camping Equipment (if one wants a camping):

• Four-season tent
• Sleeping bag suitable for sub-zero temperatures
• Sleeping pad or mattress for insulation
• Stove and fuel for cooking

Personal Items:

• Sunscreen with high SPF
• Lip balm with UV protection
• Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
• First aid kit with medication for altitude sickness and other common ailments
• Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
• Trekking poles for stability

Navigation and Communication:

• Map and compass/GPS device
• Satellite phone or communication device for emergencies

Miscellaneous:

• Lightweight backpack for day trips
• Durable duffel bag for transporting gear
• Water bottles or hydration system
• Energy snacks and high-calorie foods for fuel

Special Training for Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

Before starting the Kanchenjunga Base Camp, the climbers should work on fitness, altitude exposure, technical, navigation, first aid skills, safety, equipment familiarization, emotional Preparedness, team building, and stewardship.

Himalayan Masters will equip you with the necessary preparation to get to the base camp. It trains trekkers for high altitude, trekking procedures, use of gear, safety measures, first aid, and conservational measures during a trek.

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Physical Fitness Requirements

It is always an amazing experience every time of the year to trek to Kanchenjunga, which is one of the most beautiful and isolated areas of Nepal. It is, therefore, very important to physically prepare for the Kanchenjunga base camp trek because of the strenuous nature of this activity. Walking, running, cycling, or hiking should be done for endurance activities that work the cardiovascular system. Legs, abdomen, and upper body strength training will also be of great importance.

Also, it is recommended to train with backpacks with the added load to mimic the conditions they face while trekking. Warm-up exercises like Yoga or Stretching exercises help in increasing the flexibility of muscles and minimize the chances of strains. It is therefore important that you start your training early enough to develop the stamina you require for the training.

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek best time

The best time for the Kanchenjunga trek is in spring which is during March and April and also in autumn during September to October. As for the weather conditions, the months are rather good since the precipitation is low and temperatures are moderate for trekking. This place also has viewing of the mountains and you will also find some of the rhododendrons in the flowery season.

On the other hand, the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek during winter is not favorable as it will be very cold particularly at night from January to February. The best time to encounter the orchids and the worst time to attempt a trek on the trails is during the monsoons from July to August.

Kanchenjunga Circuit Weather

The climatic conditions can be quite harsh and unpredictable and thus the best time to tour Kanchenjunga Mountain is during the spring and autumn seasons. The weather of the Kanchenjunga region is pleasant in spring season with slightly warm climate and in autumn season, the sky remains clear with best climatic conditions.

Kanchenjunga temperatures in summer, between March and May, are 10 degrees Celsius to 28 degrees Celsius – the warmest is the month of May. It is also advisable to pack clothing appropriate for winter to wear since evenings can be great.

For July to September, there is the monsoon rain but the particular gets a little rainy after June with October indicating the onset of the tourist season. Specifically, during the winter season, it is cold for the three months of December, January, and February with the lowest temperature being -5 degrees Celsius while the highest temperatures do not go beyond 16 degrees Celsius.

Kanchenjunga Circuit trek permit

In Nepal, specific areas, known as ‘Restricted Areas,’ are closely managed by the government. Solo trekkers, called FITs (Free Individual Trekkers), are prohibited from entering these places. You will need a Kanchenjunga trek permit.

To trek around the Kanchenjunga base camp elevation, you need a Special Restricted Area Permit (SRAP) and a Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project permit (KCAP). The SRAP is required for restricted areas like Thapethok and Yamphuding, and a registered Nepali trekking company must obtain it.

General Information for Kanchenjunga Trek Permit

Location: Kanchenjunga Conservation Area

Required Permits:

– Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP)

– Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

Permit Details for Different Nationals

Nepali Citizens

– Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP): Not required.

– Restricted Area Permit (RAP): Not required.

SAARC Nationals

– Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP): NPR 1,500 per person.

– Restricted Area Permit (RAP): USD 10 per week.

Foreign Nationals (Non-SAARC)

– Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP): USD 30 per person.

– Restricted Area Permit (RAP): USD 20 per week.

Additional Information about the Kanchenjunga Trek Permit

Permit Issuance:

Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP): Issued by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) in Kathmandu or directly at the entry points.

Restricted Area Permit (RAP): Must be obtained through a registered trekking agency in Nepal.

The KCAP permit is needed to enter the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and can be obtained at the National Park checkpost during your trek without a validation date. When trekking to Kanchenjunga in these restricted areas, you must be in a group of at least two people and accompanied by a licensed trekking guide for safety and environmental protection. You cannot request the permit independently; you must use a licensed trekking agency.

Accommodation and food in Kanchenjunga Trek

The 22-day Kanchenjunga circuit trek accommodation includes nights in basic mountain teahouses with twin-sharing beds, mattresses, blankets, and pillows. Hot showers are available for an extra cost. In Kathmandu, you’ll stay two nights in hotels of your choice before and after as a tea house trek Kanchenjunga. The teahouses in the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek might not be like a five-star hotel, but they will make sure you are comfortable, warm, and safe.

Foods on the Kanchenjunga trek are convenient and include fresh, hygienic, and nutritious food selected from lodge menus. The menu offers a mix of local, Asian, and Western dishes. Hot drinks like green tea, lemon tea, ginger tea, and garlic soup are recommended for health benefits at high altitudes.

Meals in Kathmandu are not included, but you’ll find a range of Nepalese and international cuisine to suit your taste. The Kanchenjunga circuit trek is an opportunity to connect with nature and immerse oneself in the peaceful serenity of the Himalayas.

Electricity and battery recharge, water during the trek

During the Kanchenjunga circuit trek, lodges offer electricity for recharging cameras and mobile batteries for a fee. Most lodges have hydroelectricity, while some use solar panels. However, the electricity is not reliable because of the trek’s remote location. You can buy packed mineral water from local lodges and shops along the route or fill your bottles with boiled water for an additional cost. It’s advisable to use a water purification pill to treat drinking water.

Roads on the Kanchenjunga circuit trek and how to avoid them

While trekking to Kanchenjunga, you may encounter some roads, particularly in the lower parts of the trek. To avoid these roads and enjoy a more traditional trekking experience, it’s recommended to choose routes that take you through remote and less frequented trails. Opting for side trails and off-the-beaten-path routes can help you steer clear of roads and engage yourself in the natural beauty and wilderness of the region.

With Himalayan Masters

Booking and Airport Pickup

In the ease of booking your trek with us Himalayan Masters, our service does not stop once you are in Nepal. Their team organizes pickup from the airport and sees you through to the hotel in Kathmandu or the starting point of the trek if you are not going directly to the trek.

Support Team

Himalayan Masters boasts of the professional and professional support team – guides, porters, and other staff that will be instrumental in ensuring the Kanchenjunga circuit trek to be safe and enigmatic. They guide you throughout in terms of the trails, culture or anything as well as people help with making sure that you are comfortable for the entire trip.

Begin and End point of Kanchenjunga Trek

Itineraries on the Kanchenjunga circuit trek may start and end at different locations according to the selected trekking plan. As it has been indicated, Himalayan Masters have different treks in the Himalayas with different start and end points. Common beginning points are Kathmandu or other entry point towns, while most treks are either loop treks that circle back to the starting point or point-to-point treks that terminate at a specific destination often identified in advance.

A typical day on the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek

We, therefore, encourage you to embark on a day of trekking with us and give you ample time to admire beautiful scenes, take as many photos and interact with members of the local communities. They offer porter services, and though you will be carrying your own personal belongings in a small day sack, an experienced guide and lovely porters will carry your heavy luggage. Food is taken early, about 7-8 am in the morning after tea, and this is the time when each of the day’s walking commences.

Depending on the terrain and elevation, there could be breaks for lunch which is after walking for 3-4 hours and another 2-3 hours to the night’s accommodation lodge. Night is also used in eating more, taking a stroll around the place or other places, and having supper together. Every evening the child and the adult review the day experiences and describe a plan for the following day.

Kanchenjunga base camp trek cost

The Kanchenjunga circuit trek cost $1900 per person. Kanchenjunga trek cost vary based on factors like accommodation, transport, and gear, with a recommended budget of $1900 to $2500. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Accommodation options range from budget-friendly teahouses at $6 to $8 per night to pricier hotels.

Guides and porters, essential for navigating rugged trails, cost $25 to $30 for porters and up to $35 for guides per day. Food and drinks can be expensive, averaging $20 to $25 daily. Trekking in this restricted area requires a $10 local permit and a $2 conservation area permit per person per week.

Insurance for Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

It is always advisable to be prepared for an actual trek as well as to have Preparedness that can counteract a sickness or any other distress in the Kanchenjunga region. Some necessities include medical insurance, and any travel insurance must include coverage to cover medical expenses as well as evacuation by helicopter in high-altitude regions. Due to the remote location of the Kanchenjunga region, insurance is strongly recommended and costs between $100 and $300 for a good travel insurance policy. Insurance advisory is something that, although we can suggest insurance companies with, we ourselves are not in the business of selling insurance policies. In order to participate in the trekking excursions, trekkers must have appropriate insurance coverage.

Additional expenses of Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

Additional expenses not included in the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek package may include meals and accommodations in Kathmandu, visa fees, travel insurance, beverages, snacks, trekking crew tips, and souvenirs. It’s recommended that cash be brought in dollars, which can be exchanged for Nepalese rupees in Kathmandu. This additional cost for the Kanchenjunga circuit trek can differ depending on the group of people or even the individual.

ATM in Kanchenjunga Trek

ATMs are scarce along the Kanchenjunga base camp trek in Nepal, with the last ones typically found in Bhadrapur and Taplejung. Once you leave these areas, carrying enough cash for your trek is advisable as you won’t find ATMs in the remote regions.

Lodges along the trek do not accept card payments, so cash in Nepalese rupees is essential. While dollars and euros are not accepted, you can exchange them for Nepalese currency in Bhadrapur or Taplejung before starting your trek. It’s crucial to plan the money accordingly to ensure you have enough cash for your entire journey.