Kanchenjunga means ‘Five Treasures of the Great Snow’ in the Tibetan language which means five summits that make up Kanchenjunga. As we know, Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world with a height of 8,586 m.

1. http://asthanepal.com/kanchenjunga-trek/
KANCHENJUNGA TREK IN NEPAL
INTRODUCTION
Kanchenjunga means ‘Five Treasures of the Great Snow’ in the Tibetan language
which means five summits that makeup Kanchenjunga. As we know,
Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world with a height of 8,586 m.
Kanchenjunga trek is the chance to reach the base camp of Kanchenjunga
Mountain. Kanchenjunga is also pronounced as Kangchenjunga.
The trek to Kanchenjunga is said to be one of the best mountain treks in Nepal. It
is not only appreciated by the people of the country but also tourists who had
trekked this site before. This trek is a long and challenging walk which is a
restricted trekking zone. To trek to the base camp of Kanchenjunga, a local guide
and at least two trekkers are required as this was the set of rules implemented by
the Government of Nepal.
Kanchenjunga Trekking
MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS OF KANCHENJUNGA TREK
1. Trekkers will be able to observe the astonishing views of mountain peaks such
as Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mera Peak, Mt. Jannu, and many others.
2. Trekkers will be able to explore the base camps of Kanchenjunga.
3. On the way to Kanchenjunga, trekkers will be able to observe the beautiful
remote villages with stone homes.
4. Trekkers will be able to observe the Wildlife species in the region of
Kanchenjunga such as snow leopard, musk deer, blue sheep, and many more.

2. 5. Trekkers will also be able to see the settlements of the Tibetan refugees in the
Kanchenjunga region.
6. Not only snow or glaciers, but trekkers will also be able to observe the pristine
rhododendron forest (rhododendron: Nepal’s National Flower) and the high alpine
passes.
7. Trekkers will be able to experience walking over the glaciers.
BEST TIME FOR KANCHENJUNGA TREK
As for the trekking, it is doable throughout the year, but in some seasons and
months, it is difficult. The best time for Kanchenjunga trek is in spring which is
from March to April and in autumn which is from September to November. In this
period, trekking to the base camp of the Kanchenjunga is easiest because of the
favorable environment and temperature. So, trekkers will have a good time for
trekking and comfortable as well.
Trekking over Kanchenjunga
Even the trekking is doable for an entire year; it will be quite difficult in Monsoon
and winter. During the time of monsoon, there occurs frequent rainfall, which will
make roads slippery as well as uncomfortable for trekking. Trekkers wouldn’t be
able to get shelter quickly as they wanted because only a few houses are
constructed.
And during winter, the weather is too cold that even a trekker is heavily clothed,
he/she will still feel cold and makes complexities in breathing. So, if a trekker can

3. hold the cold and slippery roads, it is also doable in this season but it best to try it
during spring and autumn.
ROUTE OF KANCHENJUNGA TREK
There are different routes for the trek as there are two base camps of the
Kanchenjunga Mountain. One is Kanchenjunga South Base Camp, whereas
another is Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. The starting point of the
Kanchenjunga trek is Taplejung. From Kathmandu, people can take a plane to the
Suketar and hike down to Taplejung or you can also take Kathmandu to Bhadrapur
flight and ride to Taplejung which is about nine to ten-hour drive.
The route starts from the north side of Kanchenjunga from where trekkers will be
able to observe different mountain peaks as well as Kanchenjunga base itself. From
Taplejung, it will take some time to reach the Amjilosa for about 11 to 12 hours.
Trekkers can rest in the middle of these places. From Amjilosa, it will take 12 to
13 hours to reach Lhonak and after the long trek, the trekker will finally be able to
reach Pang Pema and Kanchenjunga base camp. This trek will take about a
minimum of 16 days and a maximum of 23 days.
DIFFICULTIES DURING KANCHENJUNGA TREK
Since Kanchenjunga trek is the long duration trek, there will be some difficulties
during this trek even for the professionals. Trekkers will feel exhausted and
uncomfortable in the middle of the trek because of mental suffering. So, for this
trek, trekkers should be mentally prepared so that even they feel exhausted they
will keep moving on. Since this is the mountain trek, it has many difficulties and
isn’t easy because of the frequent ups and downs. The road for this trek is very
steep and risky.
Kanchenjunga Ice River

4. As Kanchenjunga is the long duration trek, sometimes trekkers might need to walk
straight for about 8 to 9 hours which is probably the most difficult challenge for the
trekkers. So, trekkers must be in good health and the best mental state so that they
won’t crumble from this trek.
People who won’t be able to walk for about 7 to 8 hours shouldn’t go on this trek
because it will make them feel as if they are going to die. Not only that, but it will
be there worst memory rather than beautiful and adventurous memory. Various
sites are prone to landslides. It will be fearsome in winter and monsoon because of
the natural calamities such as landslides and avalanches. It is also why this trek is
risky and adventurous.
Trekkers might feel low in energy due to long walks, so chocolates or energy bars
should be carried in this trek as energy bars and chocolates help to refill the
energy, not fully but to some degree. It is better to be careful during the walk over
the glaciers and tough and rugged sections because it might cost trekkers life or
lead to heavy injuries which will make this trek incomplete.
SPECIAL RESTRICTED AREA PERMIT FOR
KANCHENJUNGA TREK
For the restricted area, trekkers need two permits, which might cost 10 to 50 USD.
Sometimes it also depends on the time of the year when trekker visits. The first
permit is a Special Area Permit issued for a weekly basis while the second permit
is for a monthly basis which is Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project Entry
Permit. The restricted region covers different villages such as Papung Village,
Lelep Village and many others.
There is no reservation system for collecting special permits for the restricted zone
so trekker will be able to get the permits after their arrival. That’s why at least two
trekkers and a guide are needed who have usually authorized guides by the
government.
NECESSARY EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS
Since trekking is in the remote area, trekkers must prepare all necessities in
advance to make the trek more comfortable and easy. Clothes which are thick and
favorable for the cold environment should be worn or packed such as Fleece
Jacket, Waterproof Jacket, Trousers and T-shirts. And footwear should be packed
such as Trekking boots, Warm Slippers, Pairs of Socks, Pairs of inner wear, etc.

5. Kanchenjunga Base Camp
Fleece jackets are the most important clothes which help trekkers to keep their
body warm and protect them from different sickness such as a cold or severe
headache caused by cold weather. Waterproof Jacket is also important for the trek
because it will protect trekkers from the cold breezes as well as from unexpected
rainfall. Trousers and T-shirts are needed during this trek as it will be helpful and
protect trekkers from forest insects and the heat.
Trekking boots are life savior boots. It is the must-have item for trekking. It will
be really difficult for trekking without trekking boots. The road to the trek is the
rough, snowy landscape and steep. The altitude is also difficult as there are many
ups and downs. A strong pair of trekking boot is necessary so that it will prevent
trekkers from bruises or injuries. Warm slippers are also necessary equipment. It
will make trekkers feel easy and comfortable from wearing boots all day long.
Along with slippers, a pair of socks is also necessary for keeping feet warm.
Warm gloves are also essential equipment for trekking. First Aid Kit is also needed
to treat light injuries. Other different basic equipment such as Sanitary Napkins,
Sunglasses, torchlight, water bottle and entertainment material are also needed.