The trekking route to Kanchenjunga base camps trek
The trek begins from Taplejung (1,820m) and continues to Mitlung(920m) and to Chirwa(1,270m) on the first and second night of the trek. next, followed by four days of trekking via Sekathum (1640m), Amilosa (2,510m), and Gyabla (2,730) we reach Ghunsa Village(3,595m) where we spend one extra night for acclimatization.
Leaving Ghunsa the trail leads up to Khambachen (4,100m) where we stop for another acclimatization day before heading to higher ground. hereafter the trek goes to Lhonak (4,785m) which is the last and highest settlement in the region.
The next morning, we detour to Pangpema (north base camp) which is at an elevation of 5143 meters above sea level from where you can see the view of majestic Kanchenjunga Massifs(8586m), Kanchenjunga glacier, and other surrounding mountains. After getting to Pang Pema we retrace back to Khambachen for the night and get back to Ghunsa on the following day.
On our next adventure to the south base camp, the path branches off from Ghunsa and climbs over Tamo-La (3900m) to Selena camp(4100m) for a night. The next day the trek goes through high passes such as Selena(4200m), Mirgin-La (4,663m), and SineLaptse-La (4700m) to reach Tseram (3900m) for the night.
Then we reach Ramche(4,580m) on the following day. The next day we detour to Oktang(4750m) to view the Kanchenjunga south face and Kanchenjunga south base camp and Yalung glacier.
Spending a night at Ramche, our journey treks down to Tortong(2995m) and to Yambhudin(2080m) for another two nights. Trek continues down to the lower region of Khebang(1915m) for a night and to Happu Khola(1350m) for the last night in the mountain.
The next morning, we caught a jeep and drive back to Bhadrapur for the night. And next day we fly back to Kathmandu.
Kanchenjunga trekking permits, fees, and regulations
The permits for the Kanchenjunga trek require two types of permits. The first one is called the "Kanchenjunga conservation area entrance fee" which costs 2000 Nepali rupees per person.
The second one is a " special trekking permit" as Kanchenjunga is listed among the restricted areas of Nepal that cost $10 USD per day per person and need to be issued for at least a week.
To trek to the Kanchenjunga region, you need to have a special permit issued by an authorized trekking company. You should be accompanied by a government-licensed guide during trekking.
You need to acquire special permits for filming and documentation as well as for flying drones in this region.
Buying antique-valued stuff and endangered animal parts are illegal in this region.
Altitude sickness and safety for Kanchenjunga trekking
Like other parts of higher Himalayan regions, the Kanchenjunga area also falls in a similar region. Trekking in Kanchenjunga also bears the risk of altitude sickness. Gaining elevation rapidly is one of the main causes of altitude sickness. So, walking slowly, and drinking plenty is the best way to tackle it.
Although our itinerary is well designed for acclimatization, however, coming with a flexible schedule is the best way to trek if someone needed extra days to acclimatize better. As well as this region is one remote part of Nepal and if a problem arises related to trekking, there are not any medical facilities nearby so, it is mandatory to have medical and trekking insurance so that you can be evacuated in an emergency.
For safety's sake, You always need to keep to the mountainside (not to Cliffside) while animals pass by you and you need to watch out for landslides and rockfall areas while trekking. You also should stop before it gets too dark as this region is full of wildlife and also maximize the chance of twisting your ankles.
Accommodation and mobile connectivity in the Kanchenjunga trek
Regarding the accommodation in the Kanchenjunga region, there are less developed tea houses along the trails compared to other commercial trekking regions of Nepal.
Now it is possible to do a traditional teahouse trek along the way in pick season but you need to keep in mind that it's very basic. Moreover, grabbing lunch in between can be difficult as there are not many places.
Regarding the mobile connectivity in the Kanchenjunga trek the NTC (Nepal Telecommunication) mobile works on and off along the trail till Ghunsa.
Hereafter in the higher region of Khambachen and Lhonak and all the south base camp side of the region, there are not any cell phone receptions, however, there is a satellite phone available for emergencies. To get phone reception you have to come down all the way to Yamphudin.
