Complete Gear Check List For Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Packing is what travelers must take account carefully before heading for any expedition or adventure alike. Proper Packing assures safety and somehow reduces your overall touring cost. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek takes you to the remote area and extreme altitude where you need proper and perfect gears. There are no trekking gears shops available in other region of Nepal except in Pokhara and Kathmandu. We suggest you to pack all the gear from your home except buying expensive trekking gears or let us manage your all trekking gear. Trekking gears are expensive and they have no use once you complete your mountain trekking expedition. For Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek or other extreme altitude trekking, there are many shops at Kathmandu and Pokhara that rents expensive trekking gears at affordable price.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is high-altitude and moderately difficult trek that does not need technical climbing skills or previous trekking experience. What you pack and take on the trip depends hugely on how you enjoy the trek. If you choose Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek as your next trekking trip, we have prepared the full packing list for you that has been useful for many successful trekkers with us before.

Following are the most important gear list for Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek:

Necessary Documents for Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Passport

Passport is the main source of identity that allows safe and secure passage to the country you are travelling to. Make sure you have more than 6 months of passport validity date. Obtain not less than 1 month of Nepal visa for Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek.

Permits

Some part of region is restricted area and needs special permits to enter the area. KBC trek is restricted area in Nepal that requires permits for entrance.

Cash

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trail lies at remote far-eastern part of Nepal. You will not find ATMs in KBC trail except at Kathmandu and Biratnagar. We suggest you to carry enough cash that you can exchange in many exchange at Kathmandu. You can bring $2,000 without having costume declared upon arrival.

Travel Insurance

Travelling is not always safe. Some unforeseen accidents and emergencies are inevitable. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is high altitude and extreme trekking with huge altitude sickness risk and other hazards.

We suggest you to get insured that covers stolen items, trip flight cancellation, medical emergency and others. For KBC trek you must need a plan that covers emergency evacuation and rescue service.

Wearing For Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Clothes are important packing list which you can either pack from home or buy easily in Kathmandu. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking trail traverses from lowland Terai to alpine pasture land, so layering is the most things to concern.

Clothes

• 2 short sleeved T-shirts and 2 long-sleeved T-shirts
• Pair of trekking-pants
• 4-6 pair of Wool-blended trekking socks and 4 pair of light socks
• 4-6 pair of underwear- sweat absorbent is preferable
• Fleece Jacket
• Windbreakers
• Raincoats
• Pair of hiking boots
• Light-weight gloves and warm, waterproof gloves
• Bandana
• Hat
• Buff/Balaclavas/Headband
• Slipper

Rucksack for Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

We suggest you to bring a bag that have enough space and can hold everything you need for the trek. Bring 80-100 L duffel bags made of waterproof materials with sturdy zippers and shoulder straps.

If you duffel is carried by porter, you will carry a daypack that consists pair of cloths, medicines, documents, water, cash and other items.

If you are solo traveler, it is easy to carry 45-65 L rucksack. If you are traveling at monsoon, don’t forget to bring rain-cover.

Sleeping Bags

As Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is an extreme and alpine trekking, you must ensure a warm and good night sleep for proper rest. You can rather rent sleeping bag at Thamel than buying it.

We also suggest you to get sleeping bag liner for more comfort and cleanliness inside the rented bag. Also bring light-weight pillow for extra-comfort.

Other Gear for Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

• Trekking Poles
• Headlamps
• Sunglasses (UV protection)
• Water Bottle and water purifier
• Trekking Towel
• Camera
• Bag locks
• Waterproof zip lock bags
• Books
• Power Bank and extra batteries
• Chargers

Medicine for Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

• Diamox for altitude sickness
• Water purifier
• Isotonic powder for enhancing the taster and increasing energy level
• Paracetamol for headache and cold
• Neosporin/Imodium for diarrhea
• Painkiller

Personal Stuffs

• Deodorants
• Sunscreen for UV radiation
• Hand sanitizer
• First aid kits
• Wet-wipes
• Toiletries including toilet paper
• Blister plaster
• Oximeters
• Maps
• Duct Tape
• Head Phone
• Solar Charger
• Nail Chipper

Snacks

You cannot buy deluxe and luxurious snacks along the route of Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking Trail. You can bring your favorite chocolates, protein bars and other favorite stuffs from home. This gives you a better feeling at exhausting days when you don’t like the served foods. Also carry tea or coffee bag, as it gets expensive at KBC trekking trail.

These gear lists will ensure safe, comfortable and enjoyable trekking experience. Don’t carry the stuff that is over-weighted or covers more space. You can carry some extra stuffs to donate to the bypassed community along Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking Trail.

You can contact us, Visit Himalaya Treks Pvt. Ltd. for the Best Trip to Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek HERE.

Complete Guideline for Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Nepal

Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of most classical and busiest trekking route in Nepal. To the central-north Nepal lies 55 km long compact group of mountains, which is commonly known as Annapurna massif. These massif are protected by one of the largest conservation area of the country, Annapurna Conservation Area (7,629km2). Among them Annapurna I (8,091m) is the largest mountain and ranks at the 10th position in the world. This area is home to numerous trekking and hiking routes. Annapurna Base Camp is nestled at amidst of Annapurna I (8,097m) sharing province Annapurna south (7,219m), Hiuchuli (6,441m) and Machhapuchhre (6,993m).

Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) is dream for every trekkers around the world. Annapurna Base Camp trail takes 7 to 12 days depending upon your itinerary and walking lengths. Annapurna Base Camp trek is relatively easy in comparison to other trekking trail in Nepal but still incorporates diverse terrain, colorful culture, wildlife and panorama of alpine landscapes and mountain range which every Himalaya trekking in Nepal has to offer.  

You need to collect enough information related to trekking before launching your Annapurna Base Camp trail, here I have tried to give snapshot information about the guideline of the trail. This might be helpful for you, if you wish to go for trekking in Annapurna Base camp.

Best Season to go for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Base Camp trekking is possible to conduct throughout the year. The best season depends on how you wish to see and trek along the trail. If you are content with traffic route, we suggest you to go for trail in autumn (September-November) and spring (March-May). Weather is clam and moderate and so are the sky and views. In spring, the sweeping of rhododendron all over the surrounding hill is breath-taking.

Monsoon is good time for trekking. It is good for botanist when the surrounding is covered with lust vegetation and floral species. Rains are likely to come down during the evening or night and the dark cloud over the mountain may obscure the viewing. Moreover, there is high risk of mosquito, leeches, landslides and floods during the monsoon season. Monsoon season starts from June and last till August in Nepal.

Winter (December-February) is also not recommended for trekking in Annapurna region. Although days are mild, nights get freezing cold during winter. This season is good for travelling in lower region of Nepal. The foggy cloud grooving all over disturbs the view of mountain and surrounding landscapes. If you wish to trek Annapurna Base Camp during winter, you must check the availability of accommodation in higher region because people often migrate to lower place during winter.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost

Costs for Annapurna Base Camp Trek actually depends on the transportation you used, food you eat, teahouse you accommodate and guide and porter you accompany.

Lodges cost around $2 per night per person. The room is small but cozy and tidy. If you wish, you can stay overnight at luxury hotel but the price is much more expensive than normal teahouse.

You are supposed to eat where you stay. Teahouse makes money by food you eat rather than accommodation money you pay. On average $25 will cover the normal three times meals that includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. For breakfast- eggs are made in different ways like chapatti, cereals with milk, sandwiches and different varieties of potatoes. Lunch and Dinner includes typical Nepali Khana- Daal, Bhaat and Tarkari. You can however change the menu and order different foods that worth the same.

What to Pack for Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

You will need several equipment and gears to complete the trek comfortably. Below we have managed to order all the necessities for your trail and you can include or avoid the gears according to your need.

Trekking Gears

• Heavyweight gloves or mittens with waterproof outer shell
• Down Jacket
• Woolen trousers and pants
• Hiking boots
• Warm woolen socks
• Running shoes and sandals
• Gaiters

Other Gears

• Thermal Tops
• Fleece jacket
• Waterproof jacket
• Underwear and Shorts
• Cotton trouser and pants
• Thermal bottoms
• Sun hat/ scarf or light balaclava
• T-shirts
• Sunglass with UV protection
• Sleeping bag
• Head lamp and spare bulb with extra batteries
• Backpack
• Plastic bag
• Water bottles
• Wash towel
• Toiletries
• First Aid Kit

Difficulties of Annapurna Base Camp Trekking

Trekking to the foothill of massif Annapurna is itself a challenging task. The trail however is trekking friendly and concerns fair walk which makes it one of easiest trail in Himalaya of Nepal. You do not have to walk long for several days to accomplish the Annapurna Base Camp -trail. It only takes around 7-12 days for the trek depending upon your itinerary, starting point and walking length. So, Annapurna Base Camp trekking can be graded as moderate trail even for unseasoned trekkers.

Trekking usually starts from Nayapul (2,070), 1.5 km drive from Pokhara. Daily altitude gain is slow and you have to walk for 5-6 hours a day in fair route.

Altitude related sickness might be the major problems in course of trekking in Annapurna. It is wise to ascend slow and acclimatize properly.

Teahouse and food costs increases as the altitude increases. You have to be conscious at spending over there. Teahouse are basic with limited facilities at higher altitude.

Some Trekking Tips for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Here are lists of important tips that might help you out during the trek

• Dal Bhaat Power- 24 hour. We recommend you to order Dal Bhaat Tarkari that is more energetic. If you order it, you can take second and third for free except for meat. Eat as much as you want
• Hold enough cash as there are ATMs in ABC trail
• Separate some amount for transportation and entry fee to monasteries and museums. $150 is enough for that
• Don’t forget to acclimatize properly before heading to higher elevation.
• Don’t buy an expensive gear if you don’t want to. You can rent it instead of buying at rental shop of Kathmandu and Pokhara
• Don’t forget to carry First-Aid medical kit
• If you are novice trekker, you must accompany an experienced guide

Best Season for Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal

Trekking in Nepal is possible to conduct throughout the year- we have slogan “Nepal for all season”. Short and easy trekking in Nepal such as Ghorepani-Poon Hill Trek, Chisapani Nagarkot Trek, Everest View Trek, Sirubari Village Trek etc. can be done all round the year. Everest Base Camp Trek is doable all around the year except at monsoon i.e. July and August.  

Mount-Everest is the highest mountain peak in the world dominating the skyline at 8,848m. It lies approximately 28 degree north of the equatorial line and follow the seasonal pattern pretty much similar to North Hemisphere experience.  

Below is the complete seasonal guideline for Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal that helps you to determine the best and perfect season for trekking in Everest Base Camp.

Everest Base Camp Trek in Winter

Winter season starting from December and ending to March is largely dominated by the migration from alpine northern zone to south. If you are willing to trek Everest at winter, you must check the availability of teahouse at alpine place like Lobuche and Gorakhshep.

Winter brings plenty of changes in Everest Base Camp like the drastic fall in temperature, hymn snowy winds and heavy snowfalls. It gets chilling cold at night however day temperature can be dealt with. It is not the best season for trekking in Everest Base Camp but the clear blue sky at day time serves the best views.   

If you want to avoid the traffic route and is content with the extreme temperature at high altitude, winter might be the perfect season for trekking in Everest.

Pros

• Less-crowded route
• Relatively cheap food and accommodation during EBC trail
• Clear blue sky and stunning view

Cons

• Obstruction of trekking route due to heavy snowfall and snowy hymn
• Unavailability of teahouse at alpine altitude
• Cancellation of Kathmandu-Lukla Flight
• Chilling nights

Temperature

Month	Max	Min
December	40C	-150C
January	40C	-170C
February	40C	-150C
March	70C	-120C
Wind Speed	40km/hr

Everest Base Camp Trek in Spring

Starting from April and ending to June before Monsoon is probably the best season for Everest Base Camp trek and climb in Nepal. Many climbers embark at Everest Expedition summit in this season. Temperature during spring is moderate making it perfect season for trekking and climbing. In fact, lots of trekkers are out in their T-shirts and weather is warm and sunny with stunning mountain and surrounding views.

Spring is the time when the flowers are in state of bloom. The sweeping view of rhododendron flower all over the hills are stunning during spring. It is one the peak season for trekking in Everest or any Himalayan section of Nepal, you need to check the availability of flight and hotel prior the starting of journey.

Pros

• Stunning rhododendron flower view
• Moderate temperature for trekking
• Best views of Everest and multiple 8,000+ peaks
• Deep insight of great festivals of ethnic tribe of Khumbu region

Cons

• Traffic route
• Rise in price of food and accommodation on EBC trail

Temperature

Month	Max	Min
April	100C	-50C
May	150C	00C
Jun	170C	50C
Wind Speed	14km/hr.

Everest Base Camp Trek in Monsoon

Trekking Everest Base Camp during monsoon or summer (June-August) is affected by rain and not recommended season for trekking in Nepal. Monsoon is dominated by cloudy days followed by heavy rainfall every day. Trekking routes are slippery and there is high risk of landslides, flood and avalanches. Kathmandu-Lukla flight often gets delayed or cancelled due to bad weather in monsoon.

Trekkers who wish to trek Everest at Monsoon generally starts their trail form Phaplu or joins classical EBC trail from Jiri.

Trail like Upper Mustang Trek, Dolpo Trek and Lo Manthang Trek that lies on rain shadow areas are highly recommended destinations for monsoon trekking in Nepal.

Pros

• Less Traffic Route
• Exceptional and unique view
• Cheap food and accommodation during the EBC trail

Cons

• Slippery trekking route and peaks
• Risk of avalanches, landslide and floods
• Heavy rain fall and cancellation of flight & trail
• Cloudy days and obscure view of mountains

Temperature

Month	Max	Min
June	170C	50C
July	160C	80C
August	160C	60C
Wind Speed	16km/hr.

Everest Base Camp Trek in Autumn

Extending from Sept to November, autumn in Nepal is the post monsoon season of the year. Until the winter kicks in during December, fall makes the perfect season for climbing, trekking or any sort of trail in EBC. It is the peak and best season for trekking in Everest Base Camp. Weather are good and so are the mountain views.

Since it is the peak season for EBC trail, you must book the flight and teahouse prior the starting of the journey. Highly recommended season for EBC trail in autumn is between mid-Septembers to end November.

Pros

• Warm and sunny days with beautiful trekking environment
• Best view of mountains and surroundings landscapes
• Participation on different festivals of ethnic tribe

Cons

• Traffic trekking route
• Expensive food and accommodation during the trail

Temperature

Month	Max	Min
September	190C	50C
October	120C	40C
November	100C	-100C
Wind Speed	14km/hr.

Conclusion

Spring (March/April to May/June) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons for Everest Base Camp Trek.

It important to collect information about the pros and cons of the seasons and some essential tips of EBC trail prior the journey. Basic knowledge about the altitude, its problem and solution is important to know, if you don’t want to face any complication

Check the weather forecast frequently and know the meaning of the chart before you decide to take on the mountains.

Everest Precipitation Patterns

Everest Base Camp is usually dry with only an average, precipitation of 18 inch at base camp. Most of the precipitation (80%) falls at monsoon from June to September and the rest of the year is fairly dry. Everest Base Camp experiences the rain shadow effect with most precipitation falling on the south section of the mountain and raining out before the cloud reach to base camp.  Lukla experiences 80 inch precipitation every year.