Overview
Kanchenjunga base camp and selele pass are in the range of Kumbhakaran Himal. However, the trek is designed for those who love to enjoy long wilderness trekking. Our trek starts from Lali Kharka and reaches the Kanchenjunga base camp from the selele pass. Therefore, you will enjoy different bio-diversity and old Buddhist cultures and traditions of the Limbu, rais, and Sherpa people.
The Kanchenjunga base camp trekking route comes under the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. Kanchenjunga base camp trek has two base camps. Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Yalung Glacier (5,143m) and Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Pangpema trek are not much explored by the trekker. First, we visited the south base camp once over this pass oktang, ramche to base camp, and cross selele pass. And then hike to Ghunsa to the north base camp. This trek around Mount Kanchenjunga visits both the North and South Base Camps. It has retained much of its original purity and beauty.
This trek approaches Eastern one of the world’s most challenging peaks to climb. Geographically lies on the Nepal-Sikkim border. the route begins by approaching the route through lalikharka and Oktang. where there are impressive views of the South West face of Kanchenjunga. Then you follow the route on the Northside of Kanchenjunga where you will have great views of Tent Peak, Nepal Peak, and Cross Peak before the bulk of Kanchenjunga itself becomes visible.
Itinerary
Expand AllUpon your arrival in Kathmandu, our local team warmly welcomes you at the airport. You will then be escorted to the hotel, where you can enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. The itinerary includes a briefing about the trek's progress and presentation, followed by leisure time. If you arrive in the morning, you'll have the entire day at your disposal. This can be used for rest or for those interested, to explore the surroundings freely. It's an ideal chance to deeply experience Nepalese culture and indulge in the local culinary delights.
Transfer to hotel
Final altitude: approximately 1,350m
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: night in the hotel
Have breakfast and then you have the whole day to explore the best Kathmandu Sightseeing spots with your guide. You can visit and explore one of the most famous Shiva temples, Pashupatinath, recognized as the monkey temple; Swyambhunath, the largest Stupa in the world, also called Boudhanath Stupa; and finally the Royal Palace, Kathmandu Durbar Square. The next day, you will begin your Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek so you have to check your equipment to make sure that you are ready for your adventure and climb. Have dinner and stay overnight in the same hotel in Kathmandu
Day tour
Final altitude: approximately 1,350 m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: night in the hotel
Flight to Bhadrapur, near the Indian border. Road transfer towards Sukhetar. Overnight in Phidim.
NB: in case of a flight delay, step in Ilam.
flight
Final altitude:1,300m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
End of the road trip to reach Sukhetar. Beginning of the trek. Upon arrival, we begin a short climb that leads us on a croup. Flat crossing of a forest part, then descent to Lali Kharka.
7 hrs Drive in a private vehicle
Final altitude: 2,100m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
The day begins with a descent in the middle of terraced crops, before crossing the river by a suspension bridge. Long climb towards the hamlet of Kunjar. The climb is more gentle, then we arrive at our first pass, where Kangchenjunga appears.
7 hrs of walking
Final altitude: 2,050m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
Descent to join the course of the Nandeva Khola, which we cross (1,500m), before going up to the village of Phun Phun, admirably located on a ridge. A sometimes narrow path meanders between the rice fields overlooking the Kabeli Khola. After Anpan, the path climbs gently, then becomes steeper, to reach the hamlet of Phumphe. In the distance, we can see the peak of Jannu, called here Kumbhakarna. Winding descent to cross the Khaksewa Khola on a suspension bridge. Last climb of the day to reach our camp, in the village of Mamankhe
7 hrs of walking
Final altitude: 1,700m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
Magnificent balcony path, crossing the river, then climbing up to Bhote Gaon. Quite a long stage given the succession of climbs and descents and the distance.
6 hours of walking
Final altitude:2,100m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
From Bhote Gaon, the path is a roller coaster for 1 hour 30 minutes to cross the two tributaries of the Omje Khola. Crossing in the forest until reaching the bed of Amil Khola then a long climb towards the Lamite Bhanjyang pass. The path is surrounded by magnolias and then bamboo. At the pass, the Jannu seems very close. The descent on the opposite side is too steep; we have to climb the ridge for another 150 meters before we can descend to the Simbuwa Khola through a thick forest of rhododendrons. Between the branches, we guess the mass of Kangchenjunga. New bridge to reach Tortong, on the banks of the Simbua Khola.
7 hours of walking
Final altitude: 2,850m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
Relatively easy day along the Simbua Khola, fed by the Yalung Glacier. Few “roller coasters”, but rather a regular path in the middle of a dense forest of pines and rhododendrons. Stop near a small sanctuary highly respected by the Sherpas. Coming out of the wood, we are in sight of the frontal moraine of the Yalung glacier, dominated by Kabru (7,353 m) and Talung Peak (7,349m).
7 hours of walking
Final altitude: 3,700m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
Relatively easy day along the Simbua Khola, fed by the Yalung Glacier. Few “roller coasters”, but rather a regular path in the middle of a dense forest of pines and rhododendrons. Stop near a small sanctuary highly respected by the Sherpas. Coming out of the wood, we are in sight of the frontal moraine of the Yalung glacier, dominated by Kabru (7,353 m) and Talung Peak (7349 m).
7 hrs of walking
Final altitude: 3,700m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
7 hrs of walking
Final altitude: 3,700m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
Go and return to the southern base camp of Kangchenjunga. Rough climb to reach the pasture of Yalung Bara, which marks the upper limit of the forest. We reach the Ablation Valley on the right bank of the Yalung Glacier. The walk is regular and we reach the pastures of Lapsang and then Ramche. We are at the foot of the sparkling peaks of South Kabru (7,317m), Rathong (6,678m), and Kokthan (6,147m). After a walk on the moraine, we reach Oktang (4,730m), from where the view of the south faces of Kangchenjunga and Jannu is striking. Return to Tseram.
7 hours of walking
Final altitude: 2,100m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
It is today that we change the slope by crossing a sort of high plateau. The climb is steep in the Sinelapche La (4,640m). A series of passes then leads us to Mirgin La. Spectacular views of Jannu and, to the west, of Makalu. Camp at Selele Mountain Pastures.
7 hours of walking
Final altitude:2,100m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
From the camp, a crossing takes us to the Sele La pass. The path continues downhill towards Tamo La (3,940m), before plunging sharply into a thick forest of rhododendrons towards the upper course of the Ghunsa Khola, originating from the glacier of the Kangchenjunga. The arrival among the larches at the “Tibetan” village of Ghunsa is splendid. The afternoon is devoted to visiting the village and its gompa.
4 hours of walking
Final altitude: 2,100m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
For two hours, we follow the left bank of the torrent, an easy path in a beautiful larch forest. Crossing the torrent on a wooden bridge (3,780m). The trail then begins to climb. Around 4000 meters, you have to cross an exposed section (possible rock falls). Soon the Jannu reappears. Arrival at the village of Khambachen inhabited only part of the year. Sunset on the vertiginous north face of Jannu (7,710m), the mysterious peak of Terror, a central pillar of the cosmological world of the Limbus of eastern Nepal. Superb camp.
6 hours of walking
Final altitude:4,000m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
Easy walk through the lawns, then approach the frontal moraine of the Kangchenjunga glacier, passages marked by stone cairns erected by nomadic yak herders. Large waterfalls, sometimes with snow bridges, to cross. We take a break at Ramtang, a Tibetan alpine camp. A short walk takes us to the beautiful pastures of Lhonak, on the edge of a huge glacier
6 hours of walking
Final altitude:4,750m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
An easy trail along the right bank of the Kangchenjunga Glacier. It takes about 3.5 hours of walking to reach Pang Pema, the base camp for expeditions attempting to climb the third summit of the Earth. At the end of the immense northern glacial cirque of Kangchenjunga, we enter the sacred universe of the gigantic northern wall, with its stepped glaciers. Return in the afternoon to Lhonak camp.
7 hours of walking
Final altitude:4,750m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
Descent on the path that we have already taken on the way up – but the atmosphere is different – and we find our camp at Ghunsa.
7 hours of walking
Final altitude: 3,450m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
Crossing the Ghunsa Khola, then the forest route towards the village of Phere, an important crossroads for caravans of yaks towards Nango La and Tibet. We then reach the village of Kyapra. After the terraced crops, the path enters very deep gorges, at the bottom of which the river runs in an impetuous torrent. We are on a balcony above the waves for the rest of the course.
7 hours of walking
Final altitude:2,450m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
We continue in the gorges all morning until Sekathum (1,660m), at the confluence of the Tamur, one of the great rivers of Nepal. We cross the Ghunsa Khola, and then a transfer on a winding track leads us to Taplejung.
4 hours of walking / Transfer: 3 hours by jeep.
Final altitude:
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
Early in the morning, we leave the district of Taplejung towards the south of the country and the border with India. Renowned for its tea, the Ilam region is booming in tourism. We visited a farm in the afternoon and enjoyed the sunset over the tea crops.
Transfer: 4 hours by jeep.
Final altitude:
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
Transfer by bus to Bhadrapur, then flight back to Kathmandu in the afternoon. Free evening.
Transfer: 3 hours by jeep/45 minutes by flight.
Final altitude: 1,350m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
The free day in Kathmandu also serves as a safety day in case something goes wrong while trekking. During the monsoon, which lasts from the end of June to the end of August, it is possible that domestic flights are delayed or canceled due to bad weather conditions. Vehicle transport from Jomosom to Kathmandu can be arranged. Or you have a rest day to relax or you can also go shopping in Kathmandu or you can do whatever you want by yourself.
Free time depending on the departure time of your flight and our representative will drop you at the airport, ending your journey in Nepal. We hope to be of service to you again. Thank you and safe travels.
Included & Excluded
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AIRPORT PICK-UP & DROP :
Airport - Hotel transfer – Airport (Pick Up and Drop).
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ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU :
3 nights sharing a twin bedroom at the hotel (3 Star category) in Kathmandu on a bed & breakfast basis.
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WELCOME DINNER :
One Welcome Dinner in a tourist standard restaurant in Kathmandu with Office Staff.
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PERMITS :
All necessary paperwork: Trekking Permit including KCAP and special permit, TIMS Card & conservation entry fee.
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SPECIAL PERMIT :
Kanchenjunga restricted permit.
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STAFF INSURANCE :
Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek.
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MAP :
Manaslu Region Trekking map.
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MEMBER TRANSPORTATION :
(Domestic Flight) Fly from Kathmandu – to Bhadrapur - and while returning from Bhadrapur - to Kathmandu, and land transportation as per itinerary.
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MEMBER LUGGAGE :
Up to 15 Kg per member for personal baggage during the trek carried by porters.
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FOODS & LODGING :
3 meals a day (BLD; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation sharing basis in tea house/camp during the trek.
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GUIDE :
Government licensed Guide (English speaking) during the trek and sightseeing in Kathmandu valley.
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PORTER :
Porters (2 trekkers: 1 porter) during the trek.
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STAFF SALARY & ALLOWANCE :
All Nepalese staff & porter’s daily wages, salary, equipment, food & clothing.
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| MEDICAL KIT : Comprehensive Medical kit |
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AIRFARE :
International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu).
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NEPAL ENTRY VISA FEE :
The Nepalese Visa fee is USD 50 for 30 Days.
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LUNCH & DINNER :
Lunch & dinner during the stay in Kathmandu (also in case of early return from Trekking / Expedition than the scheduled itinerary).
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EXTRA NIGHTS IN KATHMANDU :
Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking / Expedition, or domestic flight cancellation (for any other reason) other than the scheduled itinerary.
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INSURANCE POLICY :
Insurance covering both medical and high-altitude evacuation costs (for the trip cancellation, interruption, high altitude rescue & air evacuation, medical treatment, repatriation, etc.) *Mandatory
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PERSONAL EXPENSES :
Telephone Calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beers, and any Alcoholic beverages (during the trek and in Kathmandu but we will have soft drinks for members at base camp).
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PERSONAL CLIMBING EQUIPMENT :
Clothing, Packing Items, Bags, Personal Medical Kit, and all kinds of Personal Trekking / Climbing Gear.
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TOILETRIES :
Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other items used to keep yourself clean.
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FILMING :
Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee.
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INTERNET SERVICE :
Not included during the trek and the expedition.
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TIPS :
Tips for the staff
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EXTRA :
Any other services or activities not mentioned in the itinerary and other items not listed in the “Cost Includes” section. Note saftey Measures: safety is our top priority. Our expert guides ensure a fun and successful Trekking and climbing while keeping safety first. We carefully plan each trip, monitor weather, and bring medical kits, rescue gear, and reliable communication tools for the journey Note: For unforeseeable reasons at this stage of climatic hazards, form or deformity of the participants or others (state of the roads, traffic, case of unforeseeable, your guide or guide may have to adapt the program, if necessary for the smooth running of your trip. He remains the sole judge and guarantor of your safety. Walking times are given as an indication and may vary from participant to participant. |
Trip Organization
Kanchenjunga Base camp trek Details guide
Your guide, from your arrival in Kathmandu until your departure, is responsible for the success of your trip and oversees your team. Do not hesitate to ask him questions, respect his position as the team leader, and above all follow his advice! Often your guide is the only English-speaking member of the team. In the mountains and, especially when during high-altitude travels, your guide is responsible for the safety of the group. The instructions he gives and the remarks he makes to all participants must be carefully followed. The interest and safety of the trekking group must be preserved, even when it may be to the detriment of an individual member of the group.
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Your Nepalese team may consist of several people, each with different responsibilities. They are:
The Guide Leader (Sirdar): is responsible for and leader of the whole team and is treated with respect by all. Often he has earned his position by starting as a porter and rising through the ranks.
The Assistant Guide: is actively helping clients under the leader’s direction and set camp.
The Porter: is the load carrier for the trekking group. As Nepal is a mountain country with few roads, porters are employed to carry loads. Compliance with regulations and common courtesy dictates the maximum weight carried and the minimum wage paid. Porters are provided with gear based on the routes they follow and with insurance for alpine treks.
( from 4 people of the group of trekkers: we will provide 1 Leader Guide, 1 Assistant Guide, And 2 porters ) . Nepalese teams depend on the Number of Clients and Area of trekking
Each trekker is allotted the following maximum weights per person:
For Lodge (tea house) Accommodations trek:15 kg maximum;
Additionally, the Alpinist Club ensures that insurance is provided for the guide and porters. They are also equipped with specific gear for crossing high-altitude passe.
Accommodation and Meals in Kathmandu
In Kathmandu, you will be accommodated in a hotel. We use different hotels depending on availability. The two preferred hotels are:
- Hotel Himalayan Suit: Located in the heart of Thamel, this hotel is ideal for walking the bustling streets of Kathmandu. The spacious rooms all have a bathroom, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. A fully equipped and active dining room is available for all meals, and the breakfast buffet offers a wide choice of foods. The hotel offers currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
- Sampada Garden: Located just 20 minutes on foot from Thamel and Durbar Square, this hotel is convenient for exploring Kathmandu. The rooms have all the comforts for your stay: air conditioning, bathroom, and Wi-Fi. Breakfasts are served as a generous buffet. The hotel provides currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
Meal in Kathmandu: Upon arrival in Kathmandu, a welcome dinner is provided on the first evening. Similarly, upon return from the expedition, a farewell meal is provided. Many small (or large) restaurants in the cities allow us to discover the typical local cuisine.
Accommodation And Meals during the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
- For lodge accommodation: during the Kanchenjunga Base camp, you will stay in the lodge. Lodges in kanchanjunga are very random in terms of comfort. Lodges can look like a refuge or sometimes a homestay. They are mostly family homes with double, triple, or dormitory rooms. Toilets and showers are always separate. However, Upper Mustang and Annapurna regions have the good lodge
- Meal in Kanchenjunga Base camp Trek : for this trek Meals are prepared by the Lodge's cook and Served in the dining room.
Here is a typical one-day menu:
- Breakfast: eggs, toast or chapati, or Tibetan bread or pancakes, or pancakes, butter/jam, ginger honey, tea or coffee
- Lunch: a main course, tea or coffee
- Dinner: soup, main course, fruit (fresh or canned), tea or coffee. During the trek, tea or coffee is served with meals. Two cups per person are included. Apart from these included menus, other drinks and foodstuffs will be at your expense.
- Water: We provide water purification tablets. and Recommended to bring refilling bottles with purified water. Avoid buying mineral water due to its environmental impact.
Kanchenjunga base camp Physical level
This program is designed for those who exercise regularly, especially in endurance activities. You only need to carry a daypack with essentials. The trek lasts 19 days, with daily hikes of 6 to 7 hours and altitude changes between 400 m and 1,350 m. The Everest Base camp (5,360 m) often has snow later in the season.
Preparation for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
Preparing for the trek requires several months of preparation with 4 to 6-hour walks every weekend for stamina and participating in a sport that requires short periods of high exertion.
Medical check-up before going to Kanchenjung Base camp trek
Being in good health is essential to fully enjoy your Alpinist Club trip. If your last medical visit was more than four years ago, please get another general physical exam and tell your doctor the nature of your trip (climate, altitude, difficulty, etc.). The altitude also has the effect of reviving dental problems or other chronic pain, so getting a dental checkup is also prudent. If you are undertaking a high-altitude expedition, we advise you to consult a mountain medicine specialist.
Acute Mountain Sickness
This trip takes place at high altitudes, so some people may experience altitude-related discomforts like headaches, loss of appetite, and swelling of limbs. Most of these symptoms usually go away within a few days, but sometimes they can develop into a serious illness: pulmonary or cerebral edema. There are no preventive drugs for AMS. Diamox diuretic is often effective for symptomatic relief, but you should first check with your doctor to verify that it is not contraindicated for you. Think about it before you go.
Group size for the Kanchenjung Base Camp Trek
The group is composed of 1 to 10 participants maximum. The number of participants is voluntarily limited to allow a better immersion, to not embarrass our hosts, to develop spaces of freedom and to allow a great flexibility of operation. However, the maximum number can be exceeded in the case where the last person who registers wishes to travel with another or several other people. The services will not be modified and the conditions of the trip will be identical as a result.
Personal Equipment for Trekking
Personal equipment is not provided, but a complete list will be shared later. We will refine the list with you during the preparation days and up until departure based on your questions.
High-altitude sleeping bags and quality down jackets are costly items you may not use often. We offer these specific items for rent during the trekking. You must return the equipment clean and in good condition, with a deposit required.
Safety During The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
Safety has always been our top priority at Alpinist. Our team of expert guides is dedicated to leading a fun and successful climb while ensuring safety remains uncompromised. We plan carefully, considering daily weather forecasts and paying diligent attention as we venture into high altitudes. Throughout the journey, we carry comprehensive medical kits, rescue equipment, and reliable radio and satellite communication gear.
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Gears List
Trip Map
FAQ's
Expand AllThe ideal times to begin the Kanchenjunga Trek are in the spring, from March to May, and in the fall, from September to November. The trek is more enjoyable and comfortable during these periods because of the perfect weather, which consists of clear skies and pleasant temperatures.
The Kanchenjunga Trek's duration may vary depending on the precise route followed and the pace of individual trekkers. However, the entire circuit walk typically takes three to four weeks i.e. 16 to 20 days. Along the approximately 200–250 kilometer trek, which travels through high mountain passes, verdant woods, and isolated communities, enough time is allotted for sightseeing and acclimatization.
You need to acquire two permits for this trek. The appropriate authorities must issue a Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP) to trekkers. Additionally, sections of the route require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), or special area permit. Trekkers can obtain these permits through the help of a government-certified trekking agency.
The Kanchenjunga Trek is regarded as a difficult trek that is best suited for seasoned hikers who are physically healthy. Trekking across difficult terrain, climbing steep mountain passes, and experiencing significant elevation gains and losses are all part of the adventure.
The cost of the trek depends upon various factors such as the size of the group, the trekking agency, and the level of services and help required. The average cost of a fully-supported trek, which includes porters, guides, and all necessary permits, is between $2,000 and $4,000 per person.
The trail is lined with several health posts that offer basic medical services. However, it is advised that you bring your first aid kit and standard medical supplies that can be used in case of any emergency
The weather on the Kanchenjunga Trek may be very unpredictable, especially at higher elevations. Trekkers should be ready for various weather conditions, from warm, bright days to windy, cold ones that could bring rain and snow. Properly layering clothing and waterproof gear is essential.
In the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, you can find cultivated lands, forests, pastures, rivers, high-altitude lakes, and glaciers. The mammals that live there are the Red Panda, Asian Black Bear, and Snow Leopard, while the birds that can be seen there are the Golden-breasted Fulvetta, Snowcock, Blood Pheasant, and Red-billed Chough.
The majority of people in the Kanchenjunga region practice the Bon religion.
Although insurance is not required, as we well know, "prevention is better than cure." You can travel in peace and enjoy your trip worry-free if you have insurance.
