Kanchenjunga North and South Base Camp Trek
Mount Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest mountain, lies on Nepal's eastern fringe with Sikkim. Kanchenjunga North and South Base Camp Trek is a wonderful journey in the Himalayas, which gloats some the most astonishing mountain view on the Earth. The name Kanchenjunga implies 'five unimaginable fortune spots of snow' in Tibetan, which demonstrates the visual abundance of this region.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking is likewise a standout amongst the most cherished goals among the voyagers. Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), the third most astounding mountain on the planet is as yet less visited trekking trails of Nepal. It was opened in 1988 for trekkers. The Trek to the North & South Base Camps of Kanchenjunga offers amazing sceneries, societies, and all-encompassing views of the Himalayas including four other the most astounding mountains on the planet, to be specific; Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, and Mt. Kanchenjunga itself.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Route
We will fly from Kathmandu to Taplejung and begin our trek towards Lali Kharka (2,276 m) our first stop for the night. Further, we will trek through the hillside crossing suspension bridges, terraced fields, forested trail, and small villages like Kheswa, Pakora, Mamankhe, Yamphudin, Ghunsa and reach Chitre located at 2,965 meters. On the way, we will get to see beautiful sceneries. From here, we will continue our trek towards Tortongn (3,010 m) village.
You will ascend steeply to the crest of the Deurali Danda through dense forest along with the amazing view of Mt. Jannu (7,710 m). Further, you will descend down to Simjua Khola and walk for a bit to reach Tortongn. You will stay overnight here and begin your trek towards Ramche next morning.
Trekking through a lovely forest of juniper and rhododendron, you will ascend steeply on a hill. You will get to see a glimpse of snow-capped mountains and massive snout of Yalung Glacier. You will reach Tseram (3,870 m) and ascend past the snout of Yalung Glaciers into a series of ablation valleys. The next stop is Ramche village from where you can see stunning view of South Face of Kanchenjunga and Mt. Jannu (7,710 m). Crossing the Yalung Ri Glacier, you will trek towards Oktang (4,730 m) village. You will then trek to Yalung Ri Base Camp (5,400 m) and descend back to Ramche to move towards Sallerle via Mirgin La Pass (4,480 m).
The trail from here takes you to Pang Pema (5,140 m), which is the base camp for expeditions on Kanchenjunga crossing Ghunsa, Kambachen, Lhonak. You will get to see a spectacular view of Makalu (8,481 m), Gyachung Kang (7,952 m), Everest (8,848 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), Wedge Peak (6,750 m), Twin Peak (7,350 m), and Tent Peak (7,365 m). After spending some time at the base camp, you will trek back to Kambachen and begin descending towards Taplejung where our adventurous trip comes to an end.
Cultures and Lifestyle in Kanchenjunga North and South Base Camp Trek
Even though Kanchenjunga is one of the most isolated regions of Nepal, the area does get some of the unique and diverse culture as well as tradition. The trail includes a variety of ethnic groups that will offer you an opportunity to see several norms and values at one trek.
You will come across Hindu communities in the lower parts and Buddhists communities in the upper part. However, the Buddhist settlement dominates the region with relatively fewer Hindus.
Most of the region is influenced by Tibet so the locals do follow Tibetan Buddhism. The lifestyle of the people is the same as the Tibetans with almost same food as well. The entire region is filled with stupas, chhortens, colorful prayer flags, and mani walls. The main occupation of the people living here is animal husbandry, agriculture, and tourism.
You will also find Lumbu people who practice their own rituals. They have a really unique culture like women inherit her mother's god, and after she gets married, she brings her deities with herself who later recognized as the household deities. Likewise, the celebrate Chasok Tangnam, which is one of the most important festivals for them celebrated on a full moon day of the month of Senchengla or the Mangsir month of the Nepali calendar.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Difficulty
Kanchenjunga North and South Base Camp Trek takes you at a high elevation along with off-the-beaten trail. The trek is said to be difficult in comparison with other treks. The isolation of the region also plays an important role to make the trail tough.
The trail is both challenging and adventurous; includes narrow, unstable paths, landslide sections, rock falls, avalanches, crevasses, thrilling unsteady bridge, and dangerous river crossings. You will face numerous ascends and descends throughout the trail that requires strong physical fitness, passion, determination, and will power.
You don’t necessarily need prior trekking experience, but if you have got one it will assist you a lot. Make sure to prepare yourself thoroughly before commencing the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek. We also advise to go on a small hike and run to make your body ready for the adventure.
Things to carry on the Kanchenjunga North and South Base Camp Trek
Proper packing does play an important role in the success of any journey. It is very crucial to pack wisely for off-the-beaten tracks.
Here are the things you should keep in your mind while preparing for your gears;
General
- Down Sleeping Bag
- Duffel or Rucksack Bag
- Day Pack
- Down Jacket
- 2 large waterproof rucksack covers (optional)
- Flush Liner
- Trekking Poles
- Water Purification Tablets
- Sunscreen/Lip balm/Wipes/Hand Sanitizer/Toiletries
- Reusable Water Bottle or Hydration Bladder
Head
- Sunglass with UV protection
- Head Torch
- Headband or Beanie
- Neck Gaiter or Balaclava
- Hat for Sun Protection
Upper Body
- Base Layer
- Trekking Shirts/T-Shirt
- Fleece Jacket or Pullover
- Insulated Jacket
- Hard Shell Jacket and Rain Gear
- Down Vest and Jacket
- Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable
Lower Body
- Non-cotton underwear briefs
- Base Layer
- Hiking Trousers
- Hiking Pants
- Rain and Windproof Trousers
- Fleece or Wool trousers
- Waterproof Shell Pants with breathable fabric
Hands
- Lightweight poly-liner gloves.
- Lightweight wool or fleece gloves
Feet
- Cotton socks (optional)
- Hiking Boots
- Trainers (Trekking shoes/sandals)
- Hiking/Thermal Socks
- Gaiters
Practical Items
- Small roll of repair tape and Sewing-repair kit
- Cigarette lighter and Small box of matches
- Compass or GPS(optional)
- Alarm clock/watch
- Large Ziplocs
- Small folding knife
- Binoculars (optional)
- Large, waterproof, disposable rubbish sacks
- Small Locks
- Trekking Towel
Toiletries/ Medical Items
- Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
- Multi-purpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
- Deodorants
- Nail clippers
- Face and body moisturizer
- Female hygiene products
- Small mirror
- Wet wipes (baby wipes)
- Tissue /toilet roll
- Anti-bacterial hand wash
- Isotonic Powder
- Diamox
- General Medications (Including Anti-diarrhea pills, Anti-headache pills, Cough and/or cold medicine, Stomach antibiotic)
- Basic First Aid Kit
- Blister Plasters
- Oximeter
Miscellaneous
- Camera/Video Camera/Extra Batteries/ Extra Chargers
- Notebook/Journal and Pen (optional)
- Playing Cards/Book/Kindle (optional)
- Voltage converter (from 220 to 110)
- Plug adapter (2 round pegs to 2 flat pegs)
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