Kanchenjunga South Base camp Trek – 16 Days

The Kanchenjunga Base Camp was first opened, in Nepal in 1950, but only became a commercial trekking destination after 1988. But still remains one of the least visited areas of the country. Remote and absolutely beautiful the trek takes you across splendid landscapes keeping you enchanted throughout the trek. A region having complex ecozones from savanna and grasslands, broad-leaved and coniferous forests, alpine shrubs, and meadows. Home to a wide variety of biodiversity and microclimates.

Kanchenjunga the “Five Treasures of Snow” is a hidden gem. Where stories of a destination come out at every corner. Taking you to some of the most beautiful locations on earth. The Kanchenjunga South Base camp Trek captures your imagination.

Overview:

The Kanchenjunga South Base camp Trek takes you traversing across small hillside villages, wild rain forests, remote alpine grounds, chasing river networks, glaciers, and moraines, and finally to the base of the 3rd highest mountain in the world. Where destinations come to life and the trekking experience is honest as it gets. In this trek, you will not be struck by the splendid views of the mountain, but by the people you meet.

The adventure starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur. From Bhadrapur head on a long drive towards Suketar, taking you from the southern flat lands to the youngest hill section of the country. From Suketar you will start your trek. Traversing across the lush deep wilderness of sub-tropical woodlands reach the village of Lali Kharka, pasture land of the region. Next, walk through the old-growth forest and reach Kande Bhanjyang Village. Then move towards Phumphe Danda Village following various river networks and traversing across sub-tropical woodlands.

From Phumphe Danda Village witness the ravishing beauty of the region and move to the settlement of Yamphudin. Next, cross the Lassiya Bhanjyang Pass and reach the tiny village of Tortong. The following day gaining altitude following the tracks of the Yalung Glacier reach Ramche. Witness magnificent views of Koktang, Rathong, Kabru peaks, alpine lakes, and crystal clear rivers along the trail. The trail then takes you following another glacier trail of Yalung Ri Glacier to the tiny settlement of Oktang.

Following the tracks of mountain country traversing across moraines, loose rocks and arid landscape reach the South Base Camp. From the base camp witness astonishing views of the landscapes. Grand views of the Yalung Glacier and several Lakes. Mountain peaks of Rathong at 6682 meters, Kabru range at 7412 meters, the south face of Kanchenjunga at 8598 meters, and Jannu at 7710 meters. After exploring the base camp head to the tiny hamlet of Tortong. The next day trekking across dense pine woodlands to reach the settlement of Yamphudin.

Traversing across sub-tropical woodlands of rhododendron, a mixture of confers, oaks with moss, and orchid-draped trees with miles of undergrowth reach the settlements of Phumphe, Kunjari, and eventually to Suketar a tiny village in Taplejung. The following day head on a long drive to Bhadrapur taking you to the southern flatlands of the country. Next, catch a flight back to Kathmandu.

The Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek is a perfect blend of nature and culture. Where you will be bringing back memories and sharing the experience with people you care about. Head on to this thrilling adventure of the Himalayas with the Alpine Club of Himalaya.

Entry fee and Permits:

The following permits are required for trekking to Kanchenjunga Region.

Kanchenjunga Trek Permit Cost 

1. Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project Entry Permit (KCAP) NRS 2,000 per person. There is no time limitation for the permit.
2. Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit (RAP) USD 10 per person, per week.

Kanchenjunga Trek RAP Requirements 

This permit must be processed through a valid local travel agency registered in Nepal. You will need a minimum of two trekkers in a group to obtain the permit.

You will need:

1. Valid passport with at least six months remaining validity and a valid Nepal visa extending past the expiry date of your RAP.
2. On the agency’s headed paper you need to supply details of
   • Application
   • Itinerary
   • Insurance details for guide
   • Online submission id (as provided by agency)
   • Details of dollars
3. E-copy of passport-sized photo

Note: All the trekking permits are handled by the Alpine Club of Himalaya.

Accommodation:

You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu. During the trek, we will be staying at lodges/ teahouses providing basic facilities. At some locations, you will be staying in makeshift camps.

Meals and drinking water:

Along the Kanchenjunga Trek, you will be provided with various Nepali and Tibetan ethnic cuisines. The region has several tea-house along the trail run by local inhabitants providing basic and minimal facilities.

However, drinking water taps are accessible with natural water supplies all along the trekking trail that are untreated. So direct use of the water is not recommended. You may refill boiling water or cold filter water from any of the teahouses along the trail.

If you buy a water purification tablet, chlorine drops or utilize SODIS (sunlight assisted) filtration procedures for further assurance, saving money, and reducing plastic pollution.

Best Time to Visit?

The best season for trekking in Kanchenjunga Region is during autumn and spring.

The months of September, October, November, March, April, and May are the best time to visit. These months are better in terms of visibility and climate conditions.

During the autumn season, the months of September, October, and November are one of the best times for trekking in this region. The clear weather brings great visibility of the endless mountain ranges and lush green forest with warm temperatures. The nights are clear and are a perfect opportunity for stargazing.

The spring season of March, April, and May is also the best time to visit the Annapurna Region, the end of the winter season brings a change in the region, varieties of colorful blooming trees of the sub-alpine forest, high green pasture lands covered with wildflowers, mild temperatures, and clear weather. In this season you will witness herds of sheep and yaks grazing in the green high lands.

Monsoon season is not favorable as the weather gets harsh and it’s hard to get around the country, with frequent rainstorms and landslides. So, monsoon season is mostly avoided by trekkers.

In the winter season. Manaslu Region receives high snowfall covering most of the trails and making it impossible to travel for this reason.

Travel Insurance:

All clients participating in any activity must have travel insurance. Personal injury, death, hospital expenditures, repatriation fees, helicopter rescue. Any other disease covered by the insurance plan will be given. We highly advise you to acquire a comprehensive insurance plan from a trustworthy insurance company.

 Passport and Visa:

Every client must have a valid passport from the return date with a 6 months prior validity by the Nepalese consulate in your country or immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

Important note: 

Your safety is of paramount importance to us at the Alpine Club of Himalaya. We have the absolute authority to cancel the trip or change the itinerary, when deemed necessary or when we have reason to believe your safety is at stake. Weather conditions, the health condition of a group member, natural disasters, and such, can contribute to changes in the itinerary when traveling in remote mountainous regions. In these extreme situations, we kindly request that you offer your full co-operation to the trusted leader of the group appointed by the Alpine Club of Himalaya. However, we assure you that we will make every effort to keep to the above itinerary.