Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek – The Journey to the Foothill of 3rd Highest Peak in the World

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is one of fascinating journey to the remote Himalaya of Nepal that is strictly untainted and unspoiled region. This adventurous trekking takes you to the far-eastern region of Nepal. Kanchenjunga is the third highest peak in the world and is easily accessible from Nepal and Sikkim, India. Kanchenjunga lies in three countries i.e. India, China (Tibet) and Nepal but the most popular trekking route is via India and Nepal.

Due to its relative inaccessibility and remoteness, Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking is one of beaten off trekking in Nepal and you will encounter very less travelers throughout the journey. It is in fact the hidden treasure of Nepal. Many believes that western region is wild and adventurous and it is true to some extent but some aspect of Kanchenjunga trekking (eastern region) is unmatchable to western. If you want to savor the beauty of Kanchenjunga and experience unique geography, Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek would be the great option for you.

Apart from its beauty, colorful villages and unique tribe living in the region highlights the trek. The cross cultural privilege, interaction with locals and witnessing their lifestyle offers deep insight of the region. Those who are keen in exploring secluded region along with exploring pristine nature can go for Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek.

Getting to the Starting Pont

By Road Way:

The starting point is accessible via road way. Board a bus at Kathmandu and drive east-south to Biratnagar. It is long and exhausting journey but landscapes seen during the drive is rewarding. Overnight at Biratnagar and next day, drive 8-10 hours to Taplejung, the starting point of the trek.

By Air way

Skipping a roadway saves your time and energy but it is quite expensive. You can take a mountain flight from Kathmandu to Suketar and begin the trek. But we recommend you to take a short flight to Biratnagar and drive same day to Taplejung to begin the trek next day.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking Mode

Trekking to Kanchenjunga Base Camp can be arranged in Teahouse mode these days. However, we recommend you to go for camping trek for more adventure. Limited resources for accommodation and food may badly affect the pleasure of the trek.

Comfortable sleep every night, 3 hygienic meals per day cooked by expert Sherpa is highly recommended.

Guides and Porters

As Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is restricted area trekking in Nepal, you must accompany the registered guide for entry permit.

Depending on the size of the group, one or two guides will lead the trek. One Sherpa cook with helper, 2-3 porter per guest to carry the necessary logistic will accompany the group of trekkers to Kanchenjunga Base Camp.

Trek Highlights:

The breathtaking view of the Kanchenjunga from the North Base Camp at Pang Pema (5,140m), stunning Kanchenjunga Glacier, sharp ridges of Chang Himal (6,800m) soaring above Kanchenjunga glacier, panoramic Taple Shikhar, The Twin Mountain, Pyramid Peak and Tent Peak are the major highlight of the trek. Likewise, Mt. Kumbhakarna, the vertical white mass soaring above the Mt. Khabur and Mt. Phole offers the rarest view during the trek. Moreover, the enthralling beauty of Rathong and Kabru Dome Peak and the magnificent Yalung Glacier adds more charm to the trek.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek also offers the great trekking in the remote corner of Nepal through the alpine woodlands that comprises bamboo, bright red rhododendron, oak, chestnut, pine and juniper trees. Trekking along the deep valley of rivers formed from the glacier of Himalayas and exploring the torrent flow of these river while walking through the narrow suspension bridges is a sheer adventure. Moreover, beautiful passes like Dhupi Bhanjyang (2540m), Lamite Bhanjyang (3410m), Deurali Bhanjyang (3,800m) and Miring La (4,663m) is one of wonderful experience during the trek. KBC trek also provides ample opportunity to witness alpine wildlife and floral species. Wildlife includes endangered snow leopard, musk deer and blue sheep.

Protected Areas

Kanchenjunga region holds three distinct eco-region: The eastern Himalayan broad-leaved, coniferous forest (the eastern Himalayan alpine shrub and meadows and the Terai-Duar Savanna and grasslands. The whole landscapes is protected under the conservation area of Bhutan, China, India and Nepal and comprised 14 protected areas in 6,032 km2.

1. Nepal- Kanchenjunga Conservation Area
2. Sikkim, India: Kanchendzonga National Park, Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary
3. Dargeeling, India: Jore Pokhri Wildlife Sanctuary, Singalila National Park
4. Bhutan: Torsa Strict Nature Reserve

The protected area of Kanchenjunga is home to numerous rare flora like rhododendron and orchids and endangered faunal species like snow leopard, Asian Black Bear, Red Panda, White-Bellied Musk Deer, Blood Pheasant and Chestnut-breasted patridge

Unique Experience

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is also the great opportunity to experience the culture and lifestyle of highland Nepalese communities like Rai, Limbu, Sherpa, Gurung and Tamang. Exploring the ancient monasteries, hospitality of locals and challenging hike over Yalung Glacier and walking through high mountain passes offers the life-time experience for trekkers.

Everest Three Pass Trek- Trekking Route, Difficulties, Best Seasons and Permits

Transportation Route

There are two mode of transportation for Everest Three Pass Trek i.e. via flight or road way. Majority of trekkers choose to take a small airstrip to Lukla and join a classical route to Everest.

There are numbers of flight in operation on daily basis from Kathmandu to Lukla- the gateway of Mt. Everest. Tara Airways runs maximum numbers of flights to Lukla. The flight cost from Kathmandu to Lukla is USD 280 for foreigners and NPRs 16,280 return for SAARC citizen. In bad weather, the flight often gets delayed and the helicopter charge per person costs around (USD 450-500).

You can also choose to take a bus ride to Jiri and join classical route to Lukla previously used by Edmund Hillary during his Everest Expedition.

Trekking route to Everest Three Pass Trek

Day 01: Kathmandu – Lukla (2,850m) – Phakding (2,640m) – 30 minutes flight/ 4-5 hours trek

Day 02: Phakding – Namche Bazaar (3,440m) – 6/7 hours

Day 03: Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar

Day 04: Namche Bazaar – Tengboche (3,860m) – 5/6 hours

Day 05: Tengboche – Dingboche (4,350m) – 5/6 hours

Day 06: Dingboche – Chukung (4,600m) – 3 hours

Day 07: Acclimatization day at Chukung

Day 08: Cross Kongmala Pass and trek to Lobuche (4,910m) – 9/10 hours

Day 09:  Lobuche – Gorakh Shep (5,170m) – 3 hours

Day 10: Gorakh Shep – Kala Patthar (5,554m) and back to Lobuche

Day 11: Lobuche – Dzongla (4,850m) – 3/4 hours

Day 12: Dzongla – Cho La (5,420m) – Thangnak (4,700m) – 7/8 hours

Day 13: Thangnak – Gokyo (4,750m) – 3/4 hours

Day 14: Acclimatization day at Gokyo

Day 15: Gokyo – Renjo La Pass (5,417m) – Lungden (4,375m) – 6/7 hours

Day 16: Lungden – Thame (3,825m) – 3/4 hours

Day 17: Thame – Namche Bazaar – Monjo (2,825m) – 5/6 hours

Day 18: Monjo – Lukla – 4/5 hours

Day 19: Lukla – Kathmandu

Difficulties of Everest Three Pass Trek

Everest Three Passes Trek covers all the aspect of wilderness trekking in Nepal from extreme altitude trekking to remote trails and crossing some of adventurous passes in Nepal.

Trekkers have to hike for more than 19 days in extreme weather, remote trail and alpine altitude. Trekkers must be physically fit and mentally strong to accomplish to the trek successfully.

At alpine altitude, travelers are likely to get caught by Altitude Threat so it is important to walk slow and make proper acclimatization.

As it is remote trail in Nepal, travelers should not expect world-class accommodation and quality food service with extensive menu.

Another difficulties might be the communication. Everest Three Pass Trekking Trail have poor access of satellite communication and only few popular villages like Namche has internet access. English is well-understood by few educated mass.

ATMs are not available at Everest Three Pass Trail so you need to hold enough cash.

Physical Requirements and Conditions

Everest High Pass Trek is strenuous trek ideal for passionate hikers who can walk at least 5-6 hours a day with light rucksack. Some days, you have to walk for more than 7-8 hours. Hiking at alpine altitude demands physical strength and great determination.

Trekking to Everest Three Pass does not require any technical skills and trekking experience however previous experience might be an asset.

You have to train for at least 2 months prior the trip. Some important training tips:

• Jogging for several hours carrying light rucksack

• Leg Cardio and Cycling

• Running, Swimming and other sports

If you have any pre-exiting medical issues like heart, lungs or blood disease, you must consult doctor prior the trip.

Accommodation at Everest Three Pass Trekking Trail

Everest Three Pass Trek is possible to conduct in fully teahouse mode. Advanced booking is usually not required though it is wise to book at peak season prior the trip. Room costs around USD 3-35 depending on facilities offered like basic rooms or luxury rooms with hot shower. With the increase in altitude, the room price increases and the services available decreases.

Though teahouses and hotels don’t provide wide menu, maximum teahouse offers items like soups, noodles, eggs, toasts, dal-bhaat meals, spaghetti etc. While some teahouses also offers exotica like pizza, steaks, apple pie etc. We suggest you to have Daal-Bhaat meal as it is said Daal-Bhaat Power 24 hour. Food cost per day would range USD 25 – 30.

If you are planning to trek Everest Three Pass at off-season, you must check the availability of teahouse and flight before the beginning of the trek. Basically, at winter, huge settlements from alpine altitude migrates to lowland to escape from cold. Likewise, flights often gets delayed at off-season because of bad weather.

Trekking Permits for Everest Three Pass Trek

Trekkers must obtain Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) card that costs USD 20 for individual trekkers. The best place to buy Everest Three Pass permits is at Tourist Service Center located at Brikuti Mandap, Kathmandu; Phone Number- 01-4256909. You must carry original passport and two passport size photos.

You also need to obtain Sagarmatha National Park permit NPRS 3,000 for foreigners and NPRS 1,500 for SAARC citizens easily available at Tourist Service Center. You can buy Sararmatha National Permit at gate in Jorsale too.  

Best Season for Everest Three Pass Trek

September to November at autumn and March to May at spring are considered as the best season for Everest Three Pass Trek. The weather during these days are moderate suitable for hiking. Days are usually clear with best views.