Trip Introduction: A 27 Days Trek Towards Kanchenjunga Base Camp.
Kanchenjunga Massif is the mountain range that straddles the eastern Himalayan region at the border between Nepal and Sikkim (India). It is the third-highest mountain range after Mount Everest and Mount K2. The Massif consists of several peaks, including the third-highest mountain in the world, Mount Kanchenjunga, to the east. Besides Kanchenjunga, the Mahalangur Himal to the north, the Singalila Himal to the south, and the Zemu Glacier are located on the western side of Massif Peak. Furthermore, the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area surrounds the Kanchenjunga Massif, which is the home of wildlife. This conservation area contains a huge portion of unspoiled landscapes, including Alpine grasslands at high altitudes, woods, glaciers, and rivers.
The elevation of Kanchenjunga is 8586 meters, while Kanchenjunga Base Camp is at an altitude of 5160 meters. It is a popular destination for trekkers and mountaineers. The word "Kanchenjunga" means "Five Treasures of the Snow," according to Tibetan. The five snow treasures are said to be gold, silver, gems, grain, and religious text.
Route of Kanchenjunga Base Camp.
The 27 Days Trek towards Kanchenjunga Base Camp has two routes: the northern route and the southern route.
The northern route is a challenging trek that starts from Taplejung and crosses the Sele La Pass. It then descends to Ghunsa, the highest village in the Kanchenjunga Region, and then ascends to Kanchenjunga Base Camp. It offers a scenic view of Kanchenjunga and requires good physical condition.
The southern route is easier and more popular in comparison to the northern route. The trial also starts in the town of Taplejung. It then ascends towards the forest and rhododendrons of the subtropical foothills. The route passes through the picturesque view of Kanchenjunga Himal and enters alpine vegetation. The final section of the route leads to Kanchenjunga Base Camp.
Is a Solo Trek Toward Kanchenjunga Base Camp a Wise Idea?
Since Kanchenjunga is the third-highest mountain in the world and is located in a remote area with a high altitude, it will be challenging for any trekkers who are trying to trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp.
Here are some of the reasons it is generally not recommended to trek solo toward Kanchenjunga Base Camp:
- Remote and Difficult Topography: The Kanchenjunga Trek is well-known for its remote and challenging terrain. Crossing high-altitude passes, traveling through difficult landscapes, and dealing with unpredictable weather conditions are all part of the trek. It requires experience, physical fitness, and understanding. Trekking alone in such situations raises risks and difficulty.
- Trekking Permit: The Nepal Tourism Board has just implemented a new rule of taking a government-verified, licensed guide while trekking to any place. So it will be difficult to get a trekking permit if you trek alone without a guide.
- Hard to Find an Easy Route: There are many routes towards Kanchenjunga Base Camp, but only a few of them are easy ones. Traveling alone may not be beneficial for choosing an easy and suitable route.
- Safety and Emergency Situation: Trekking alone means you won't have anyone to support you in the event of an emergency or unforeseen incident. Access to medical facilities and rescue services can be limited in distant places. Having a trekking guide can provide extra support, assist with navigation, for example, and help with recusal or CPR in the event of an accident or health problem.
The Best Season for a 27 Days Trek towards Kanchenjunga Base Camp.
The pre-monsoon (spring) and post-monsoon (fall) seasons are considered the finest times for a 27 Days trip to Kanchenjunga Base Camp. These times of year provide the region's best weather and trekking conditions.
One of the best seasons to hike to Kanchenjunga Base Camp is in the Spring (March to May). Generally, consistent weather with pleasant temperatures and clear skies characterizes this time of year. The days are longer, making trekking more pleasant and providing stunning vistas of the peaks and surroundings. The rhododendrons and other wildflowers are in full bloom and give the trail bright colors. The weather can get more erratic around the end of May, and places at higher elevations may still have some leftover snow.
Autumn (September to November) is another great time to push to Kanchenjunga Base Camp. This time of year is often dry, with clear skies and steady conditions. The temperate temperatures make for pleasant daytime trekking conditions. Excellent vision allows for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and the snow-capped mountains. Compared to spring, the trails are often less congested. However, it's crucial to keep in mind that as you climb to higher heights, the autumn season can become colder, necessitating the use of appropriate cold-weather clothing.
It's important to remember that the Kanchenjunga Region has a monsoon season from June to September, which brings heavy rain and makes the routes muddy and hazardous. Due to safety concerns and restricted visibility, trekking during the monsoon season is generally not recommended.
How Challenging is the Kanchenjunga Base Camp?
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is challenging. Travelers who are well-experienced, physically fit, and can tolerate high altitude are able to trek toward Kanchenjunga Base Camp. Since trekking towards Kanchenjunga Base Camp is a long trek, you need a well-experienced guide and porter, which will be provided by Trekking Planner Inc.
The following reasons make the trek more challenging:
- Unpredictable Weather: The weather in the Kanchenjunga Region can be unpredictable and harsh, particularly during the winter and monsoon seasons. The trek may be made more difficult by cold temperatures, high winds, rain, and precipitation.
- Remote Area: The Kanchenjunga Region is not as well developed as Kathmandu city. This region has limited facilities and infrastructure. Accommodation and food options may be limited, as may access to medical facilities and communication services.
- Topography: The topography of the Kanchenjunga Region varies throughout the journey, including a wide variety of landscapes and environments. At the beginning of trekking, there is subtropical vegetation, and it ascends through a variety of climatic zones, including temperate woodlands, alpine meadows, and finally the base camp's high-altitude glacier environment. The landscape is frequently harsh and rocky, with slippery climbs and descents. There are also several river crossings, which might be challenging during the rainy season. At the beginning, the trek is easy, but when you ascend slowly towards high altitude, the difficulty starts to increase. It will be difficult to cross the rocky, snowy, and slippery terrain due to the diverse topography.
How to Face and Surpass the Challenges while Trekking to Kanchenjunga Base Camp.
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is a long and difficult expedition that requires both physical and mental preparation. Trekkers should be in good physical condition and have previous experience hiking at high altitudes. They should also be prepared for shifting weather and the possibility of altitude sickness.
Here are some of the important tips to face and surpass challenges while trekking toward Kanchenjunga Base Camp:
- The walk is long and demanding, so you should be in good shape and have prior experience climbing at high altitudes. Trekkers should also be prepared for unpredictable weather and the possibility of altitude sickness.
- Make sure you pack everything you need for the trek. Though blankets are available in that region, we highly recommend you carry an extra blanket or hire a sleeping bag. Trekking Planner Inc. will help you manage a sleeping bag, if required.
- If you suffer from altitude sickness, start descending at lower altitude villages, have some rest, and immediately consult your group, especially your guide, so that he can help you in such a situation.
- Don’t forget to carry a thermos.
- Don’t drink alcohol after 3200 meters, it may cause dehydration.
- Be careful while walking on the trail, sometimes there will be pebbles, rocks, and snow along the way.
- Respect the local culture and tradition, and try to be honest with your guide.
- While trekking, be positive and bring a good attitude so that you can overcome the difficulties that come with trekking.
Local Tradition and Culture in the Kanchenjunga Region.
The Kanchenjunga Region, which includes sections of both the Indian state of Sikkim and eastern Nepal, is well-known for its rich indigenous heritage and culture. Several ethnic groups live in this region, including the Bhutia, Lepcha, Limbu, Rai, Sherpa, Tamang, and Gurung. Every group has its own dialect, customs, and cultural practices. The majority of people in the Kanchenjunga Region are Buddhists or Hindus.
Monasteries and Buddhist stupas mark the surroundings, indicating Tibetan Buddhism's considerable impact. Hindu temples and ceremonies are popular. Throughout the year, the Kanchenjunga region hosts a number of festivities. Losar (Tibetan New Year), Saga Dawa (Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death anniversary), Dashain (a major Hindu festival), and Tihar (a festival of lights) are some of the major events. Religious rites and cultural events are held during these festivals.
The Kanchenjunga region's food reflects the region's agricultural techniques and availability of resources. Rice, maize, barley, and millet are staple foods. Traditional foods frequently include fresh produce, dairy products, and spices, resulting in pleasant and nutritious meals.
Is travel insurance required for Trekking towards Kanchenjunga Base Camp?
As Kanchenjunga is located at a high altitude with unstable weather conditions, the trek towards Kanchenjunga Base Camp will be more challenging. So travelers are highly recommended to purchase travel insurance so that they can get financial protection.
There are several pros to travel insurance, they are as follows:
- If you have any health issues or have an accident while trekking, travel insurance can pay for your medical care and transportation expenses. It is essential to have insurance because high-altitude trekking and helicopter rescue might be expensive.
- Travel insurance will compensate you for non-refundable expenses like flights, hotels, and permit fees if you have to cancel or shorten your trip due to personal emergencies, illness, or unforeseen circumstances.
- Travel insurance can provide compensation for misplaced, stolen, or delayed baggage, ensuring that you have enough cash to replace essentials throughout your trip.
- Travel insurance can cover legal costs or liability claims if you unintentionally cause damage to property or injury to another person while on the road.
Toilets, showers, and lodging availability at Kanchenjunga Base Camp.
Kanchenjunga is a rural area, so there are basic facilities like toilets, showers, and lodging facilities. Due to a lack of development, these facilities are limited.
- Toilet and Sanitation Facilities: Basic bathroom facilities are available at teahouses or lodges along the trekking path. Squat toilets or simple pit toilets are typically used. However, when you climb higher towards the base camp, the supply of toilets may become restricted, forcing you to rely on more primitive options.
- Showers: Hot showers may be difficult to get by at higher altitudes, particularly in the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Region. Basic shower facilities with cold water may be available in teahouses or lodges. If you want a hot shower, it is necessary to pay an additional charge.
- Lodging Facilities: Teahouses and lodges are the most common types of lodging along the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Route. These are simple guesthouses that offer a bed, meals, and some common services. There will be quite a few teahouses with varied levels of comfort throughout the more popular sections of the journey. However, when you approach higher altitudes and more rural locations, the number of hotels may reduce, forcing you to rely on more modest lodging or camping.
Trekking Planner Inc. suggests you carry your personal hygiene and sanitation items like toilet paper, hand sanitizer, personal towel, face wipers, and bio-degradable soap by yourself; it will be more reliable for you because these things are barely available in the Kanchenjunga region. Women should consider period tracking and, if possible, keep sanitary pads with them, as at high altitudes, health posts and pharmacies are barely available.
Electricity, Batteries, and Charging facilities at Kanchenjunga Base Camp.
There is electricity in Kanchenjunga Base Camp, however, it is solar power from local hydropower plants and is limited. Most lodges have solar panels that run for a few hours every day. Solar panels offer electricity to certain hotels during the day. The availability of electricity decreases as you rise towards Kanchenjunga Base Camp. Solar panels may offer electricity at lower-altitude teahouses or hotels.
However, when you travel to higher altitudes, teahouses may rely on different power sources, such as generators. Battery charging services may be accessible in common areas, but it is essential to bring extra batteries or power banks to guarantee that your electronic gadgets have enough power. Carrying a portable solar charger might be a convenient way to power your gadgets while on the trail.
Solar chargers generate power from sunlight and can be useful, particularly in locations with limited or no access to electricity. It is recommended that you invest in a high-quality solar charger with enough capacity to satisfy your charging requirements.
Advantage of Booking a trip with Trekking Planner Inc.
Trekking Planner Inc. is a trusted, well-authorized, and one of the safest trekking companies in Nepal. This company is regarded as highly experienced, with over two decades of experience. The company has well-experienced, humble, hospitable, and dedicated guides and potters who can help you complete your trek safely and on time. They are familiar and try to make you more comfortable during trekking.
Here are some of the benefits of trekking with Trekking Planner, Inc.:
- Arrangement of private vehicles for arrival and departure at the airport.
- Welcome and farewell dinner, especially provided by Trekking Planner Inc.
- SIM cards are provided by Trekking Planner Inc. officials (an additional charge is taken for data packages and SIM activations).
- A T-shirt, sleeping bag, down jacket, etc. are provided by Trekking Planner Inc. if required.
- Arrangement of first-aid kits.