Kanchenjunga Treks packages

Are you interested in a less crowded trek in the Himalayas? Then the Kanchenjunga region will fit your criteria. Find raw natural beauty and cultural richness on the off-the-beaten path of Kanchenjunga. Explore the towering peaks, dense rhododendron forests, and Tibetan-influenced villages. 

Like most Himalayan regions, a different group of people lives together. Buddhist, Kirati, and Hindu traditions coexist in the Kanchenjunga region. The landscape reflects the same diversity found among the people. Find forests, rice paddy, alpine tundra, glacial rivers, and snowfields.

The Kanchenjunga region is nestled in far eastern Nepal. The hidden gem rests in Koshi Province. The West Peak of Kanchenjunga and Kangbachen lies in Taplejung district. The elevation ranges from 1,200 meters to 8,586 meters. The region’s main attraction is the World’s third-highest mountain, Kanchenjunga. 

• Coordinate: 27.7025° N, 88.1475° E

Why Trek in the Kanchenjunga Region?

Do you seek a journey through the Himalayas that’s untouched by time? Then that’s one of the reasons to trek in the Kanchenjunga region. Kanchenjunga offers Nepal’s most pristine and secluded trekking trails. Here’s why you should trek in the Kanchenjunga region:

• The chance to travel through an off-the-beaten-path. It’s far less crowded than the Everest and Annapurna trails. 

• Explore the nature in the remote areas of the Kanchenjunga region. It’s a place where the sense of wilderness is tangible. Your journey feels deeply personal.

• You gain front row experience with misty lowland to high-altitude glaciers. The landscapes in the region evolve with each day’s trek. 

• Detach from the modern world and travel through rugged trails. You traverse through a rhododendron forest, rivers, and icy hills. 

• You can have a close-up view of Mount Kanchenjunga and other peaks. 

• Find a deep spiritual culture on your journey through the region. You will find Tibetan Buddhism and Kirati traditions.

• Witness rituals unique to the region. You may spot the indigenous people's offerings to forest spirits or mountain gods.

• Admire the lush biodiversity within Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. The area spans over 2,000 square kilometres.

• The Kanchenjunga region is home to some of the endangered species. Red pandas, snow leopards, and Himalayan black bears call the area home.

• The place is a must-visit for bird watchers. You’ll find over 250 species of birds in the Kanchenjunga region.

• Authentic experience with the indigenous people of Kanchenjunga. Know about the culture of the Limbu and Rai families. Listen to Kirati lore near the fireplace.

• In the higher places, you find the Ghunsa settlement. Tibetan Buddhism influences the Ghunsa community. 

• Apart from the culture and communities, you find jaw-dropping scenery. Every trail in the region brings you a new view.

• Experience a breathtaking golden sunrise in the region. Travel through the serpentine paths past the gorge. 

How to Reach the Kanchenjunga Region? A step-by-step guide:

Finding an adventure in the Himalayas isn’t difficult. Sometimes, reaching the trailhead itself can be an adventure. The Kanchenjunga region is in the far eastern corner of Nepal. There are two ways to reach Kanchenjunga: one is to take a flight, followed by a short drive. The other is to embark on an immersive road journey through the eastern hills.

Here’s how you can do them:

Option 1: By Flight and Road combo!

Step 1. Take a flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur:

• Duration: Approx. 45-50 minutes.

• Airlines: Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, Shree Airlines

• Airport Code: BDP (Bhadrapur Airport)

• Price: Approx. $110 – 150 for a one-way trip.

• Details:

  • This short flight takes you away from the hustle of Kathmandu

  • You will reach the eastern flatlands of Nepal

  • Bhadrapur is in Jhapa District 

  • It is the gateway to hill travels in Eastern Nepal.

Step 2. Drive to Taplejung or Suketar from Bhadrapur:

• Duration: 

  • 7 to 9 hours in a private jeep

  • Longer on a local bus

• Price: 

  • Approx. USD 15 – 20 Per person in local bus and van

  • Approx. USD 250 – 300 for a private jeep (Split among the passengers)

• Route:

  • Bhadrapur – Birtamod – Ilam – Phidim – Taplejung – Suketar 

• Details: 

  • The journey takes you through scenic tea gardens in Ilam

  • Drive past the misty hilltop towns in Phidim

  • Try out the local cuisine on your way to Taplejung or Suketar

  • Start your trekking journey from Taplejung or Suketar

Step 3. Begin your trek according to the itinerary

• You can take a rest day at the trailhead.

• Start your journey the following day

• Trailhead options: 

  • Suketar

  • Taplejung

  • Mitlung

Option 2. A long, scenic ride through the Eastern Hills:

Step 1. Take a bus or hire a private jeep to Jhapa:

• Duration: 12 – 14 hours by Tourist bus or private jeep

• Transport option:

  • Local Bus

  • Tourist Bus

  • Local Van

  • Hired Private Jeep

• Prices:

  • Local Bus: NRP 1,800 – 2,000 (approx. $20 – 25)

  • Tourist Bus: NRP 2,200 – 3,000 (approx. $26 – 30)

  • Local Van: NRP 1,500 – 2,000 (approx. $17 – 25)

  • Hired Private Jeep: NRP 20,000 – 30,000 (approx. $145 – 220) 

    • Note: Passengers of a private jeep split the fare.

• Route:

  • Kathmandu – Narayanghat – Hetauda – Lahan – Birtamod/Bhadrapur

• Details:

  • A long highway journey through Nepal’s central plains and inner Terai

  • An immersive and budget-friendly way to reach eastern Nepal

  • Takes longer than a flight to Bhadrapur

Step 2. Continue the road trip to Taplejung or Suketar

• Duration: 

  • 7 to 9 hours by jeep

  • 10 – 12 hours by local bus

• Prices: 

  • USD 15 – 20 Per person in local bus and van

  • USD 250 – 300 for a private jeep (Split among the passengers) 

• Route:

  • Birtamod – Ilam – Phidim – Taplejung – Suketar 

• Details:

  • Travel through the eastern highlands and steep ridges

  • Visit the tea capital of Nepal, Ilam

  • Try out the local cuisine on your way to Taplejung or Suketar

What to expect on the journey to the Kanchenjunga region?

• Fluctuating Road Quality:

  • Much of the road to Jhapa is paved. There are some parts under construction. Due to the road expansion project, you can see construction work in Koshi Province.

• Weather Impact:

  • Landslides are common during the monsoon. Likewise, weather dictates the flight schedule. Flights can get cancelled or delayed due to bad weather.

• Vehicle Type:

  • 4WD jeeps are preferred on your way to the Kanchenjunga region. A bus can take you to Taplejung. You will need to switch vehicles after Taplejung.

Culture and Community in the Kanchenjunga Region

You will find more than just soaring peaks and glacial valleys in Kanchenjunga. The region is home to cultures and communities shaped by the elevation. What’s more, settlements in Kanchenjunga thrive despite the isolation. 

You can find rituals not seen in most other parts of Nepal. You’ll experience many ancient heritages in Taplejung and the upper regions. Discover a spiritual journey in the hidden corner of this remote part of Nepal. Experience diverse spiritual beliefs, customs, and centuries-old traditions flourishing in this region.

Experience a unique blend of Tibetan Buddhism, Kirati, and Hindu traditions. What’s more, Kirati shares many similarities with Hinduism and Buddhism. The culture in the Kanchenjunga region isn’t just for display. People live by it, breathe it, and deeply respect their own and their neighbours’ cultures.

You will find different ethnic groups living in harmony in the region. In the lower elevation of Kanchenjunga, you’ll meet Chhetri and Brahim people. These people can often be seen in temples, schools, and government offices. They are found in administrative positions.

In the middle and at times higher elevations, the Kirati people call their home. The Rai and Limbu families fall under the Kirati section. Kirats are the indigenous people of Eastern Nepal. They have their languages and practice animist rituals. The Kirat celebrate festivals like Chasok Tangnam and Sakela.

Higher up the trails, you will find Sherpas and Tibetan-influenced communities. These people are mostly found in the alpine hamlets like Ghunsa and Pangpema. Their way of life is deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism. You’ll find many local monasteries with butter-lamp-lit altars. Walk through prayer flags on your way upwards. 

The Diverse Landscapes mirrors the people.

Kanchenjunga territory came to fame as the world’s third-highest peak. And as we stated, it houses a diverse ethnic group. Likewise, culture in the region is shaped by the landscape. The land mirrors the people and their diverse culture. The area houses lowlands, hills, and frighteningly high Himalayas. 

• Lowlands:

  • These fertile valleys range from 1,200 meters to 2,000 meters. 

  • Home to Brahmins and Chhetris.

  • Find rice fields, millet farms, and cardamom plantations.

  • In the lowlands, life follows a rhythm of agriculture.

  • Communities often trade goods with nearby towns.

• Mid-Hills:

  • These lush zones sit at elevations of 2,000 meters and 3,500 meters.

  • Kirati people live in this region.

  • The area is covered by rhododendron, pine, and oak forests.

•  Air becomes cooler.

• Houses are built from wood and stone.

• Villages are often tucked into folds of forested ridges.

• High Himalayas:

  • The High Himalayas start from an altitude of 4,000 meters. 

  • The landscape is a wide alpine valley, snowfields, and glacial rivers.

  • Life up in the high elevation is stark but sacred.

  • Homes are few and far between

  • The houses are built for survival and spiritual in design and practice.

Every village, forest, and prayer flags tell a story in Kanchenjunga. The mountains may lure you with their might. It’s the warm welcome of the people in the cold Himalayas that will stay in your heart. Yes, even after a long time, you will remember the hospitality.

Popular Packages in the Kanchenjunga Region

Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek

Experience the journey in the remote places. Visit the lap of the world’s third-highest peak. Experience the untouched mountain culture from modernity. Walk through alpine meadows and high wetlands of the Kanchenjunga region. Here’s what you can expect from the package:

• Duration:                      21 Days

• Max Altitude: 5,143 Meters Kanchenjunga North Base Camp

• Coordinates:         27.7302° N, 88.1241° E (North Base Camp)

• Difficulty:               Hard Trekking

• Trip Start:               Kathmandu

• Trip End:                Kathmandu

• Accommodation:  Teahouses & Hotels

• Meals:                    Included in the package

• Day Temperature:       0°C to 8°C 

• Night Temperature: -10°C to -5°C

• Group Size:           2-15

• Best Season:        Spring/Autumn

Kanchenjunga & Makalu Base Camp Trek GHT

Trek around the world’s third and fifth highest peaks. Travel through isolated and off-the-beaten-path trails. Enjoy a journey through charming forests of pine, oak, rhododendron, and juniper. Here’s what you can expect from the Kanchenjunga & Makalu Base Camp Trek GHT package:

• Duration:                      43 Days

• Max Altitude: 5,143 Meters Kanchenjunga North Base Camp

• Coordinates:         27.7302° N, 88.1241° E (North Base Camp)

• Difficulty:               Hard Trekking

• Trip Start:               Kathmandu

• Trip End:                Kathmandu

• Accommodation:  Tented Camps & Hotels

• Meals:                    Included in the package

• Day Temperature:        0°C to 8°C 

• Night Temperature: -10°C to -5°C

• Group Size:           2-15

• Best Season:        Spring/Autumn

Kanchenjunga Expedition

Chance to summit Kanchenjunga. It is an extremely challenging trek and climb. The thrill of traveling to the hidden and unspoiled land with pristine beauty. Journey through the rugged and long trekking hours in the Kanchenjunga expedition. Here’s what you can expect from the package:

• Duration:                      61 Days

• Max Altitude: 8,586 Meters 

• Coordinates:         27.7025° N, 88.1475° E

• Difficulty:               Extreme Climbing & Trekking

• Trip Start:               Kathmandu

• Trip End:                Kathmandu

• Accommodation:  Tented Camp/Teahouses/lodges/Hotels

• Equipment: Included’

• Meals:                    Included in the package

• Day Temperature:        -12°C to -20°C (High Camp)

• Night Temperature: -20°C to -30°C (High Camp)

• Group Size:           2-10

• Best Season:        Spring/Autumn

Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek

Trek through one of Nepal’s most isolated trails. Find solitude in the lesser-known trails in Eastern Nepal. Watch the mesmerizing views of mountains and landscapes. A chance to encounter rare wildlife in the Himalayan region. Here’s what you can get from the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek:

• Duration:                      15 Days

• Max Altitude: 4,610 Meters Kanchenjunga South Base Camp 

• Coordinates:         27.7302° N, 88.1241° E (North Base Camp)

• Difficulty:               Intermediate Trekking

• Trip Start:               Kathmandu

• Trip End:                Kathmandu

• Accommodation:  Teahouses/lodges/Hotels/Resorts

• Meals:                    Included in the package

• Day Temperature:        0°C to 8°C 

• Night Temperature: -10°C to -5°C

• Group Size:           2-10

• Best Season:        Spring/Autumn

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

Explore the less-crowded Kanchenjunga region. Trek both Kanchenjunga North and South Base Camp. Find varying flora and fauna unique to the Himalayas. Experience the warmth and hospitality of the Kirati people. Things you can expect from the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek package:

• Duration:                      26 Days

• Max Altitude: 5,143 Meters Kanchenjunga North Base Camp

• Coordinates:         27.7302° N, 88.1241° E (North Base Camp)

• Difficulty:               Hard Trekking

• Trip Start:               Kathmandu

• Trip End:                Kathmandu

• Accommodation:  Teahouses/Hotels/Guesthouses

• Meals:                    Included in the package

• Day Temperature:        0°C to 8°C 

• Night Temperature: -10°C to -5°C

• Group Size:           2-16

• Best Season:        Spring/Autumn

Kanchenjunga Makalu BC & Lumba Sumba Pass Trek

Trek through the Kanchenjunga & Makalu Base Camps to the Lumba Sumba Pass. Watch the alluring view from both base camps and the Lumba Sumba Pass. Experience the Great Himalayan Trail with untouched nature. Here’s what you can expect from our package:

• Duration:                      43 Days

• Max Altitude: 5,136 Meters Lumba Sumba Pass

• Coordinates:         27.7697° N, 87.9145° E (Lumba Sumba Pass)

• Difficulty:               Hard Trekking

• Trip Start:               Kathmandu

• Trip End:                Kathmandu

• Accommodation:  Teahouses/Hotels/Guesthouses

• Meals:                    Included in the package

• Day Temperature:        -2°C to 6°C

• Night Temperature: -8°C to -15°C

• Group Size:           2-10

• Best Season:        Spring/Autumn

Difficulty Levels in the Kanchenjunga Region: Here’s what you signed up for!

The Kanchenjunga region is not for first-timers. But the trails in Kanchenjunga are perfect for experienced trekkers. Treks in the area are far more remote, wild, and raw. The journey through this territory is one of isolation. Travelers mostly find shelter in tented camps in higher elevations. 

To travel in such areas, a trekker depends on a high fitness level. Trekkers can only trust their experience and tolerance for rugged terrains. The level of difficulty in the Kanchenjunga region begins with:

Moderate to Intermediate Treks:

Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek:

• Elevation: 4,610 Meters 

• Trail Profile: 

  • Slow altitude gain 

  • Well-paced itinerary

• Highlights:

  • Lush forests

  • Yak pasture

  • Clear view of Kanchenjunga’s south face

• Challenges: 

  • Basic facilities

  • Long trek hours: 5 – 7 hours per day

• Difficulty Level: Moderate to Intermediate

Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek:

• Elevation: 5,143 Meters 

• Trail Profile:

  • Sustained Climbs

  • Colder temperature

  • Windier weather

• Highlights:

  • View of glaciers

  • Alpine Tundra

  • Mesmerizing view of Kanchenjunga’s north face

• Challenges:

  • Fewer rest stops

  • Thinner Air

  • Remote villages

• Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Hard Treks 

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek:

• Elevation: 5,143 Meters

• Trail Profile: 

  • Crossing high passes

  • Long detours

  • Glacial hills

• Highlights:

  • Complete Kanchenjunga experience

  • Views of both North and South face

• Challenges:

  • 26 Days to complete the trek

  • Steep sections

  • Unpredictable weather

  • Logistical demands

• Difficulty Level: Hard trek and climb

Extreme Trek and Climb

Kanchenjunga Expedition:

• Elevation: 8,586 Meters

• Durations: 61 Days

• Requirements:

  • Advanced mountaineering experience

  • Use of fixed ropes, ice axes, and crampons

  • Sherpa and guide support

  • Restricted area permits and climbing permits

• Risk and Challenges:

  • High altitude sickness

  • Avalanches 

  • Crevasses

  • Unpredictable weather

• Difficulty Level: Extreme 

  • Note: Only for expert mountaineers and climbers

Best Time to be in the Kanchenjunga region: Seasons and Temperatures:

Spring: The Season of Blooming Flowers in the Himalayas

Spring is one of the two best seasons to trek in Nepal’s Himalayas. It is a favourite among the trekkers for a reason. The trails are fresh and bursting with colours. The weather in Spring is pleasantly mild at most elevations.

The sky during the spring season remains clear. It brings forth the best view of the towering peaks. Expect the days to be warm and the nights to be chilly during the season. The temperatures in the region can range from 5°C to 20°C.

Summer and Monsoon: The Season of Rain and Risk

The temperatures rise, so does the risk in the region. With summer comes monsoon and rain. The trails become slippery and landslide-prone. Moreover, the most annoying part about monsoon is the path filled with leeches. Treks in the mountains become difficult and dangerous. 

Cloud covers the skies, obscuring the view of Kanchenjunga. Considering the risk and blocked views, trekking in summer isn’t popular. Moreover, Kanchenjunga’s temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C during summer/monsoon.

Autumn: The Golden Window of Trekking in the Himalayas

Besides spring, Autumn is the second-best season to trek in Nepal. The trails are pristine, and the sky is crystal clear during Autumn. You will find unparalleled mountain views in the Kanchenjunga region in this season. Likewise, Nepal’s biggest festival is in the Autumn.

The air in the mountains becomes crisp and clear. Similarly, the weather remains stable and comfy. Moreover, during autumn, the temperature ranges from 5°C to 18°C.

Winter: The Frozen Frontier

While you can trek in Kanchenjunga in Winter, it’ll be significantly harder. A journey in winter offers absolute solitude and alpine challenges. The trails above 3,500 meters become blanketed by snow. Often, the high passes become impossible to cross. Yet the lower regions remain accessible. The view from below is surreal on a clear winter morning.

Winter in the Kanchenjunga region is bitter and cold. Kanchenjunga’s cold days become hard to endure. Moreover, the nights become freezing. The area’s temperature during winter ranges from -10 to -5 degrees Celsius. 

Cuisine of the Kanchenjunga Region: A Culinary Trek Through the Eastern Himalayas

The Kanchenjunga region doesn’t reward you with the mountain views. It tingles your taste buds. You’ll find unique and diverse flavours like the terrains. Enjoy the view and food in comfortable accommodations. Here are a few food items you must try while trekking in the region:

Local Delicacies You Must Try:

• Phapar ko Roti (Buckwheat Flatbread):

A chewy, nutty bread made from locally grown buckwheat. Phapar ko roti is served with spicy pickles or warm vegetable curry. It’s a perfect fuel for trekkers.

• Kinema Curry (Fermented Soybean Stew):

Kinema curry is funky and flavourful! This is a Limbu specialty. The dish uses fermented soybeans cooked into a hearty curry. It’s a true taste of eastern Nepalese home cooking.

• Wachipa:

A dish of rice mixed with minced chicken and a secret ingredient. It's powdered burnt chicken feathers. It is believed to cure body aches. This Rai delicacy is rich, spicy, and unforgettable.

• Sargemba: 

It’s a blood sausage made with:

• pork meat

• internal organs: heart and liver

• wild edible lichen (Yangben)

• spices (ginger, garlic, onion, pepper)

• Fresh pig blood

• Rice

The ingredients are mixed and encased in pork intestine. It’s served during festivals. People enjoy Sargemba with local alcohol. 

• Yak Meat Dishes:

It's found in higher-altitude villages such as Ghunsa or Pangpema. Yak meat is dried, stewed, or stir-fried. It turns into robust meals that warm you from the inside out.

• Thukpa & Tsampa:

Thukpa is a Tibetan noodle soup, and Tsampa is made from roasted barley flour. These are staples in Himalayan homes. The food is filling and warming.

Unique Regional Drinks to Warm the Soul:

• Tongba:

A traditional hot alcoholic drink made from fermented millet. Tongba is served in a wooden container with a bamboo straw. It’s the ultimate trekker’s reward after a long day.

• Butter Tea (Po Cha):

A salty, buttery concoction made from tea leaves and yak butter. Po Cha is an acquired taste. It’s perfect for staying hydrated and warm in cold, high-altitude settlements.

• Wild Herbal Teas

Infusions of alpine herbs such as gurguchya and timur. It's believed to help with altitude and digestion. Most homestays will brew you a cup straight from their backyard.

What Permits Are Required for Trekking in the Kanchenjunga Region?

You can’t really start trekking in the region with just a backpack. You need to get a couple of permits. Its proximity to the Tibetan border, the upper region holds a restricted status. Here are the permits required for trekking in the Kanchenjunga region:

Restricted Area Permit (RAP):

• Purpose: 

  • Mandatory for all foreign trekkers in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area

• Cost: USD 20 per person per week

• Where to Get: 

  • Only through a registered trekking agency in Kathmandu.

  • You must trek with a licensed guide.

  • Be in a group of at least two.

Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP):

• Purpose: 

  • Entry to the protected Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.

  • KCA preserves the region’s rich biodiversity.

• Cost: NPR 2,000 (approx. USD 15–20)

• Where to Get:

  • Available at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu

  • Arranged by a trekking agency

If obtaining all the permits is a hassle, book a trek with us. Pristine Himalayan Trekkers offers comprehensive treks and tours at the best prices. We will arrange all the required permits, flight tickets, and accommodations. So, you can trek without a worry!