Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek

The Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek is a beautiful journey in Nepal that takes you close to the world’s third-highest mountain, Kanchenjunga (8,586m). During the trek, you will see many stunning mountains like Mount Jannu (7,710m), which appears early in the trek. As you reach the base camp, you will see Kanchenjunga right in front of you, to the north.

Other mountains like Kabru (7,412m), Talung (7,349m), and Mount Pandim (6,691m) can also be visible from the base camp. While leaving the base camp, you will once again glimpse Mount Kanchenjunga. The trek is ideal for trekkers who love adventure in the mountains and for those who love taking amazing photos of the highest peaks in the world.

Here is a list of mountains you will witness during this trek:

• Kanchenjunga (8,586m)
• Mount Jannu (7,710m)
• Kabru (7,412m)
• Talung (7,349m)
• Siniolchu (6,888m)
• Mount Pandim (6,691m)
• Rathong (6,678m)
• Koktang (6,147m)
• Narsingh (5,825m)
• Frey Peak (5,830m)

The Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek begins with a short flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, followed by a drive to Ilam. From Ilam, we continue by local bus to Taplejung, where the trekking adventure officially starts. Our first stop will be Lali Kharka, and then we will move to Khesewa and Mamangkhe. Along the way, we will pass through forests, rivers, and terrace farmland while enjoying early views of Kanchenjunga in the distance.

As we continue trekking, we pass through Yamphudin, Tortong, and Cheram, slowly gaining altitude and getting closer to the mountains. Eventually, we reach Ramche, which is our last overnight stop before Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. A short hike from Ramche takes us to the base camp. The bae camp offers breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks.

After soaking in the mountain scenery, we begin our return journey, retracing the same trail back through Tortong and down to Ranipul. From there, we take a jeep to Phidim and return to Bhadrapur for our flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival, we spend time in Thamel. You can either explore its lively tourist market or relax after completing one of Nepal’s most rewarding and less-traveled treks.

For the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek, you will need two permits: the Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit and the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit.

The restricted area permit is required because part of the trek passes through a protected zone near the border. To get this permit, you must trek in a group of at least two people with a licensed guide. Plus, it must be arranged through a government-registered trekking agency. This permit helps conserve natural resources, protect local culture, and ensure the security of the borders.

Likewise, the KCAP is a regular conservation area permit that supports the protection of the area’s wildlife, forests, and culture. You can get both permits in Kathmandu from the Nepal Tourism Board or through your trekking agency. These permits are checked along the trail, so you should always carry them with you.

PermitForeign NationalsSAARC NationalsKanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit$20 per person per week for the first 4 weeks, $25 per person per week after 4 weeks$20 per person per week for the first 4 weeks, $25 per person per week after 4 weeksKanchenjunga Conservation Area PermitNPR 2000 per person ($20)NPR 500 per person ($5)TIMS CardNPR 2000 per personNPR 1000 per person

On a typical day of the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek, you will start your day early, around 6:00 a.m., and have breakfast. By 7:00 a.m., you will begin trekking, walking for about 5 to 7 hours, depending on the distance and altitude. The trek will be moderately challenging, with steep ascents and descents. The path passes through forests, rivers, and villages, experiencing a mix of uphill and downhill sections.

Along the way, you will enjoy views of stunning peaks like Kanchenjunga and Makalu, as well as beautiful landscapes. You will take a break for lunch around noon for about an hour, and then continue walking for another 3 to 4 hours. You will reach your day’s destination by 4:00 p.m. You will have dinner around 6:00 p.m. The day will be physically demanding, but the beautiful surroundings will make it all worth it. You will get a good night’s rest, usually around 8:00 p.m., to be ready for the next day’s adventure. Note that there is no specific day set aside as an acclimatization day; however, our expertly crafted itinerary allows enough time for your body to adjust to the altitude gradually.

Before you start the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek, you must prepare physically and mentally. You should be in good physical shape as the trek can be challenging, especially with steep climbs and high altitudes. Regular walking, hiking, or cardio exercises can help you build stamina. Walking with a backpack is also helpful for getting used to carrying weight during the trek. Make sure to get enough rest before the trek and avoid overexerting yourself.

You must also prepare for the trek by packing the right gear. Essentials include warm clothing, sturdy trekking shoes, a good sleeping bag, a hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle. Do not forget to carry your permits, a camera for taking photos, and any necessary personal medications. Packaging snacks for energy during the long trekking days is also a good idea. By getting physically ready and packing the right gear, you will be prepared to enjoy the beauty of Kanchenjunga and make the most of your trek within the Kanchenjunga conservation area.

Travel insurance is necessary for the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek to ensure your safety and well-being throughout the journey. The insurance should cover medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, and loss of personal belongings. Since the trek takes place in remote areas, emergency evacuation by helicopter or other means must also be included in case of illness or injury.

Similarly, it is also essential to have insurance that includes coverage for high-altitude trekking and medical emergencies, as some insurance policies may not cover activities at altitudes above a specific limit. You should check with your insurance provider to confirm the coverage is appropriate for this trek and its particular challenges.

Altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness (AMS), happens when you climb to high altitudes too quickly. Your body needs time to adjust to the thin air and lower oxygen levels. AMS usually starts to affect people above 2,500 meters (8,200 feet), and the risk gets higher as you go up. It is more common at higher elevations, like those on the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek.

Common symptoms of AMS include headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and trouble sleeping. Since this trek reaches over 4,700 meters (16,864 feet), you are at risk, especially if you do not give your body enough time to adjust to the altitude.

Here’s what you can do to prepare for Altitude Sickness:

• Gradually increase your altitude to allow your body to adjust.
• Plan for rest days at higher elevations to help your body adapt.
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, which can worsen AMS symptoms.
• Ensure you are consuming enough food to maintain energy levels.
• Avoid Alcohol and Smoking, as they can exacerbate altitude sickness.
• Be aware of the signs of AMS and descend if necessary.
• Before the trek, consult your doctor about taking Diamox or other altitude sickness medications.
• If you feel unwell, rest and consult your guide or a healthcare professional immediately.

The best times to trek to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp are Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). The weather is mild in spring, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures. You will see beautiful flowers like rhododendrons in bloom, making the trek scenic and refreshing. The views of Kanchenjunga and other mountain peaks are also clear, which makes the trek enjoyable.

Autumn brings calm, crisp weather and clear skies, making it easy to see the mountains. This season is great for trekking because the temperature is mild and there’s little chance of rain. Spring and Autumn are the best times for trekking since the temperatures are moderate and there’s a lower chance of snow or heavy rain.

However, it is not recommended to trek during the monsoon (June to August) or winter (December to February). The monsoon season brings heavy rainfall, making the trails slippery and challenging. The temperatures drop significantly in winter, and the trails may be covered in snow, making the trek difficult and dangerous.

When it comes to conquering the mighty Kanchenjunga, two legendary trails call out. One is Kanchenjunga South Base Camp trek and other is Kanchenjunga North Base Camp trek. Both north and south base camp treks give you stunning views of Kanchenjunga. However, each offers a different kind of adventure. Let’s find out differences between them:

So, now the main question arises: who should choose which:

Choose South Base Camp if:

• You want a slightly easier trek that still challenges you.
• You like seeing a mix of forests, farms, and mountains.
• You want to experience the culture of Limbu and Rai villages.
• You want to see the beautiful Yalung Glacier and south side of Mt Kanchenjunga.

Choose North Base Camp if:

• You are very fit and want a tough, high-altitude trek.
• You want the most dramatic, close-up views of north Kanchenjunga.
• You want a raw wilderness experience far from crowds.
• You are interested in Sherpa and Tibetan Buddhist culture.

But, If you have extra days and are very fit, the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek (20-25+ days) is perfect for you. This trek links both North and South Base Camps. It is the ultimate Kanchenjunga adventure, but only for experienced trekkers who want a serious challenge and a full experience.