How Long Does it Take to Trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp?
If you want to enjoy trekking and challenge yourself, you should do the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek. This is one of the most rewarding and one of the most difficult treks in Nepal. Kanchenjunga is the third-highest mountain in the world.
From sea level, the Kanchenjunga Base Camp height reaches 8,586 meters (28,169 feet). It is in the extreme east of Nepal. The base camp of the trek takes one through isolated mountains, green forests, and old settlements. It is good for both nature and culture.
But, if you’re wondering, how long does it take to trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp? It depends on a few factors. They are your pace, acclimatization needs, and the route you choose. The Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is a matter of 20 to 26 days. It depends on whether you make your way to the North, South, or both Base Camps.
In this article, we will get to the nitty-gritty of this adventure travel. In particular, we will consider the timeline of the trek, which routes may be selected, and other facets of the climb. That’s all, more or less, makes the journey to Kanchenjunga Base Camp a journey worth doing in a lifetime.
The Two Routes: North and South Base Camps
Mount Everest offers a single base camp, while Kanchenjunga offers the unique opportunity to visit two base camps: North Base Camp and South Base Camp. Some trekkers choose to visit one, while others prefer to go with a trekking combination that encompasses both.
North Base Camp (Pangpema): These routes are a bit more favorable to trekkers as they offer stunning views from the north face of Kanchenjunga. This trek is long and comparatively more difficult.
If you decide to combine North Base Camp Peak Climbing with Mount Kanchenjunga climbing, you won’t regret going on this route. Although this route is longer and more difficult, it takes you right below the majestic Kanchenjunga peak.
South Base Camp (Ramche): The route to the South Base Camp is less touristy, but the sights encountered are no less impressive. This route features gorgeous views of Yalung Glacier, and the trek is comparatively easier and takes less time than the North Base Camp trek. A full Kanchenjunga Circuit trek includes both base camps. It gives you the best experience in the region but takes more time.
Average Trek Duration
The duration of the trek varies depending on the route you choose:
- North Base Camp Only: 20-23 days
- South Base Camp Only: 18-20 days
- Kanchenjunga Circuit to both North and South Base Camps: 24-26 days
These timelines include acclimatization days, which are important when trekking at great heights above sea level. Patience, stamina, and even attention to the high altitude are the requirements for this trek. The trail ascends to over 5,100 meters, which is equal to 16,732 feet at the North Base Camp.
Sample Itinerary for Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
A brief itinerary explains a trek around Kanchenjunga in full outline. It shows you a good understanding of what the trek involves. The number of days can vary. Your speed of walking and the ability to adapt to changes is influenced by the weather.
Arrival in Kathmandu and briefing
Are you going to Kathmandu? Kathmandu is the Nepalese capital. This journey begins on the first day of exploring the old architecture and cultural landmarks. You can visit UNESCO landmarks like Durbar Square and the Swayambhunath Stupa. On the second day, prepare yourself for the trekking adventures. You will get the permits and familiarize yourself with the staff of Nepal Trekking Routes Pvt. Ltd.
Fly to Bhadrapur and land at Taplejung (1,820 meters)
On the eastern part of Nepal, take a wonderful flight over the hilly regions of Nepal from Kathmandu to the eastern airstrip of Bhadrapur. After that, from the starting point of the trek, enjoy a long but beautiful drive to Taplejung.
Trek from Taplejung to Amjilosa (2,395 meters)
The first few days of trekking will be accompanied by green forests, terraced hill slopes, and beautiful villages. You will pass Mitlung, Chirwa, and Sukethum on your way to Amjilosa. They are the starting points at the lowermost elevations for the trek during the initial days. This will help you get ready for the higher elevations later.
Amjilosa to Ghunsa (3,427 meters)
On this trail, you will gain a little out of the tree line as you begin to rise into the alpine zone of the mountains. It is from here that you will see magnificent waterfalls and snow-clad mountains standing proudly. You will attain Ghunsa—a Tibetan Buddhist village, where you will spend a day visiting its surroundings.
Ghunsa to Kambachen (4,080 meters) to Lhonak (4,780 meters)
From the base of the mountain to the head, the road begins simply. But as you begin to gain altitude, the trail rewards you with more severe enabling tasks. Glacial valleys, high pasture lands, and natural waterfalls await. Kambachen is a tiny village with great views of Jannu Himal.
Following acclimatization in Kambachen, you will make a forward movement toward Lhonak, which is a high-altitude place for camping.
Lhonak to North Base Camp (Pangpema) and Return to Lhonak
It feels really exciting when you touch the Kanchenjunga Base Camp height of 5143 m at the North Base Camp. This place is breathtaking as you get spectacular views of the unbelievably large Kanchenjunga range. After taking in the scenery, it’s time to trek back to Lhonak for the night.
Return to Ghunsa and Cross Sele La Pass
Having returned to the earlier destination of Ghunsa, you will rest and get ready for the passage of the Sele La Pass (4480m). It joins the two routes for the North and South Base Camps. The majestic angles of the curve capture impressive views of other mountains like Makalu Base Camp and Everest.
Trek to Tseram (3,870 meters) via Sinion La (4,640 meters)
Some high passes stand on the way to Tseram. You cross Tamo La (3900m), Sinion La (4660m), and Sinelepche La (4724m). This goes through high yaks pastureland and glacier views. To reach the South Base Camp, you need to go over the Lapsang La pass (5160m).
Trek to Tseram (3,870 meters) via Sinion La (4,640 meters)
So some of these high passes stand on the way to Tseram. You cross Tamo La (3900m), Sinion La (4660m) and Sinelepche La (4724m). This goes through high yaks pasture land and views of glaciers. To reach the south base camp you need to go over the Lapsang la pass (5160m). One can also go for a walk up to the Yalung Glacier. It has an awesome view of the south face of Kanchenjunga.
Return to Taplejung and Drive Back to Bhadrapur
When you visit the two base camps, the next step will be the descent. So, you will have to go back on the trail to Taplejung. The descent will be swifter but trekker has to be careful as well as has to use steep trails. When you are at Taplejung, you will return by road towards Bhadrapur and take a flight to Kathmandu.
Extra Days for Emergency or So, or Such
Add two or three additional days to your journey. It addresses surprising direct impacts due to ‘forces’ Out or anything like the weather, which just won’t allow fast adjustment. But if things work out well, you can go around the city of Kathmandu further or relax more after your trek.
Factors That Make It Take Longer to Finish a Trek
In general, the estimated time spent on the treks to Kanchenjunga Base Camp and back is 20-26 days. There are a few factors that can hragani the time taken for the trek:
Acclimatization Needs: Proper acclimatization is a must when a hike is being attempted at a great altitude. Some trekkers may require more rest days than other holders as their bodies have not adapted to the altitude. It purely depends on how their bodies perform and stamina to survive at high altitudes.
Weather Conditions: More so departing from modern civilization, the Kanchenjunga region is more remote and less traveled to. The weather is highly changeable and unstable. That is why, you can slow down the pace of your massively crowded trek. There is heavy snow, rain or even fog which will delay your activities, especially on the higher grounds.
The pace and Physical Condition: The total time it will take for the trek will also be determined by your pace and physical condition. Some trekkers would wish to make long days and cover longer distances every day. Still, others would prefer to take it easy and go slow.
Route Choices: If you intend to visit only the North or South Base Camp then the trek would be shorter compared to when you want to visit both. The North base camp is around 20-23 days. While the south base camp is a bit shorter at 18-20 days.
How Hard Is the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek?
From my perspective, the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is very challenging for some trekkers. It involves a high altitude and long duration. It is not suitable for those who are trying their first attempts at trekking. But it is ideal for people who have already been trekking in the Himalayan region before.
The paths are less developed as compared to other treks like EBC and Annapurna circuits. Further, they will face more physical challenges in the wilderness without so many supplies.
It is very fulfilling for people who are sufficiently prepared and ready for the trek. There are no words to describe the peace and beauty one finds in the Kanchenjunga region. You can appreciate nature at the peak level that you never imagined before. You will cross knotted fells, past ice flows and high passes.
What Is the Most Propitious Period for Mountaineering to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp?
Kanchenjunga Base Camp can be trekked during the Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September – November). These seasons have the best weather. They are characterized by clear skies, not-too-cold temperatures and magnificent views of the mountains.
Spring: In spring there is blooming of the forests of rhododendrons. The path is green and bright. The temperature is comfortable making the trekking experience full of fun.
Autumn: Post-monsoon brings only the glory of blue skies and pleasant cold temperatures. Without any doubt, the picturesque views of Kanchenjunga and surrounding peaks are breathtaking and mesmerize the trekkers.
Winter (December-February): These are the months when high altitudes remain extremely cold. Nonstop snowstorms may occur, causing the trails perfidious.
Summer monsoon (June-August): There are also heavy downpours in other months. Floods may trigger landslides while leech infested trails are not welcoming to even hearty hikers. That’s why, it is best to avoid these months.
Conclusion:
For most people trekking to the Kanchenjunga base camp is not a mere trek rather it is a profound migration to the second most isolated region in the world. Even though it takes around 20 to 26 days depending on route selection, all along the way will be worth it.
Some of the most spectacular views of mountains have ever been observed here. You will encounter an experience with people and how they spend their lives. Then, there is also a sense of achievement similar to that of every explorer.
Thus, pack your bag and prepare yourself for the most delightful adventure of Kanchenjunga!
