Kanchenjunga South Base Camp

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)

On the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek, we will start by flying from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and then drive to Ilam. From Ilam, we will take a bus to Taplejung, where we will begin our trek. Our first stop will be Lali Kharka, where we will trek through beautiful landscapes and villages like Khesewa and Mamangkhe. We will pass through forests, rivers, and farmland and enjoy great views of Kanchenjunga in the distance. Following the trek, we will continue our trek and pass through the villages of Yamphudin and Tortong. As we trek through these areas, we will see more stunning views of the Himalayas.

We will also pass by the charming village of Cheram before reaching our highest point at Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. From here, we will have amazing views of Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and Everest. After a day hike to the base camp, we will start our way back, retracing our steps through Tortong and Ranipul. Finally, we will take a jeep back to Phidim Bazar and then drive to Bhadrapur to fly back to Kathmandu. Along the way, we will stop at places like Thamel, where we can explore the tourist market before heading to our hotel. Throughout the trek, we will pass through villages and forests while getting to enjoy the beauty of the mountains and local culture.

For the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek, you will need two permits:

• Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit (KRAP)
• The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP)
• Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) Card

To get a Kanchenjunga restricted area permit, you must plan. It is time-consuming to prepare when your trekking team arrives. You must have at least two trekkers and a government-approved guide. This permit helps conserve natural resources, protect local culture, and ensure the security of the borders. The KCAP can be obtained in Kathmandu or the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) office. The TIMS card is also available through the NTB or a registered trekking agency in Kathmandu. You will need to show these permits at the checkpoints along the trek, including in areas like Taplejung and other entry points to the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. It is essential always to carry both licenses, as they are checked at various points during the trek.

On a typical day of the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek, you will start your day early, around 6:00 AM, with breakfast. By 7:00 AM, you will begin trekking, walking for about 6 to 8 hours, depending on the distance and altitude. The trek will be moderately challenging, with steep ascents and descents. You will pass 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, and after about an hour, you will continue walking for another 3 to 4 hours, reaching your destination by 4:00 PM. By this time, you will be ready to relax and take in the scenic views. After resting, you will have dinner around 6:00 PM. 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 PM, to be ready for the next day’s adventure.

Before you start the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek, it is important to 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. It is also helpful to practice walking with a backpack to get used to carrying weight during the trek. Make sure to get enough rest before the trek and avoid overexerting yourself. You will also need to 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 photos, and any 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.

Travel insurance is a must 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 might be necessary in case of illness or injury. It is 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 certain limit. You should check with your insurance provider to confirm that the coverage is appropriate for this trek and its specific challenges.

Altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness (AMS), happens when you climb to high altitudes too quickly. This makes it hard for your body to get enough oxygen. AMS usually affects people above 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) and is more common at higher elevations, like those on the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek. Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and trouble sleeping. Since this trek reaches over 5,000 meters (16,400 feet), you are at risk, especially if you do not give your body enough time to adjust to the altitude.

Preparation for Altitude Sickness:

• Gradually increase your altitude to allow your body to adjust.
• Plan for the rest of the 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 in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).In spring, the weather is mild, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures. You will see beautiful flowers like rhododendrons in bloom, making the trek not only scenic but also refreshing. The views of Kanchenjunga and other mountain peaks are clear, which makes the trek enjoyable. Autumn offers crisp, cool weather with clear skies, which also provides excellent visibility of the mountains.

This season is perfect for trekking, with comfortable temperatures and low chances of rain. During spring and autumn, the conditions are ideal for trekking as the temperatures are moderate, and there is less risk 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, which can make the trails slippery and challenging. In winter, the temperatures drop significantly, and the trails may be covered in snow, making the trek difficult and dangerous.