Kanchenjunga Basecamp Circuit
Explore the Far East of Nepal with its tea-gardens and cardamom-plantations and the third-highest mountain on earth - the Kanchenjunga (8584m).
The trek leads you through cardamom fields, green jungles, colorful mountain woods and deep gorges, following crooked torrents up the mountain to the wild scenic glaciers.
Length & Duration
Start- and endpoint of the trek is the Taplejung, the last city with 20000 inhabitants before heading north through numerous villages to the gigantic massif of Kanchenjunga and to its two basecamps, Oktang in the south and Pang Pema in the north. The total length and duration depends on whether you want to visit both basecamps, in its full extent the trek requires at least 20 trekking days and extends over 150km.
Highest Point
The highest point on the route is the northern basecamp Pang Pema at 5140m altitude.
Best Travel Time
The optimal trekking season is October to November after the monsun period, which can be longer in the east of Nepal than in the western regions. During this time period, weather conditions are most stable and the temperatures are most moderate. The second trekking season is from March to May. Please consider that especially in the northern basecamp Pang Pema it might become very cold and windy.
Accommodation
Along the route, there are still few touristic accomodations or "tea-houses". Without camping gear, careful planning is required since existing accomodations might be booked up, furthermore, the basecamps are not easily accessible. With tent equipment, one is on the safe side and can spend more time in the basecamp areas.
Requirements
Already getting to Taplejung reveals that great height differences have to be covered in this region. The same applies to the trek profile which is demanding for the trekker. Good physical condition and hiking experience in the mountains are required. A certain level of altitude tolerance is also helpful. Professional preparation and equipment are essential.
Summit Ascent
The trek leads only to the southern and northern basecamp and crosses high passes, but not on any summit. In the northern basecamp Pang Pema there is a possibility to climb on relatively easy terrain uphill to reach viewpoints, one of them is the Dromo Ridge.
Permit
For the Kanchenjunga Basecamp Circuit a special permit and licensed trekking guide are required.