KANCHENJUNGA TREK IN NEPAL

INTRODUCTION

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. 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 they 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 boots 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 types of equipment such as Sanitary Napkins, Sunglasses, torchlight, water bottles, and entertainment material are also needed.