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Destination
Nepal
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Region
Kanchenjunga Region
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Trip Grade
Grade 2: Moderate
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Accommodation
Tea House
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Total Distance
205 km
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Start / End Point
Kathmandu/Kathmandu
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Durations
19 Days
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Max. Altitude
4730m/15518ft.
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Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
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Group Size
above 1 pax
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Best Season
March to May/sept to Nove
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Activity per day
8 hr
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Transportation
Hiking/Drive/flight
Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek is an extreme wilderness and off-the-beaten trek in Nepal that takes you amidst the teeming flora and fauna of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. Glaciers, isolated mountains, lakes, cascading waterfalls, pristine forests, picturesque villages, and the tranquility of the trekking route will accompany you on this 14-day lifetime trek.
Usually, it takes three weeks or more to do the Kanchenjunga base camp trek. But we have designed this special two-week Kanchenjunga trek program that leads you to the south base camp of Mount Kanchenjunga at 4,730 meters (15,518 ft). This itinerary is perfect for most travelers who have two weeks in hand to do something daring and adventurous in the Himalayas.
Untouched and unbothered by the crowd, the Kanchenjunga south base camp trekking is for those who love to get lost in their thoughts. The trek is no doubt demanding and requires your focus all the time, but you still get to de-stress and challenge your comfort zone. The landscapes and mountain views along the trail are out of this world. Our words will not do justice.
On this trek, you will be exploring the world’s third-highest mountain in the world, Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586m.|28,169ft.). The region is quite famous for exotic snow leopards, and if lucky, you may get to see one. If we consider the local point of view, Kanchenjunga means Five Treasures of the Great Snow in the Tibetan language, which represents the five peaks of the Kanchenjunga range.
Mountain views during the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek
Some of the best views of Mount Kanchenjunga are seen during the trek. We cannot even count on our fingers the number of different breathtaking landscapes one gets to witness on the Kanchenjunga south base camp trek.
Mt. Jannu (7,710m.|25,300ft.), Mt. Makalu (8,481m.|27,825ft.), Mt. Rohtang (3,978m.|13,051ft.), Ramtang Peak (6,601m.|21,657ft.), Taple Sikhar (6,341m.|20,804ft.), Nepal Chuli (6,910m.|22,671ft.), Kirat Chuli (7365m.|24,163ft.), Mt. Kabru (7,412m.|24,318ft.), and many other Himalayan peaks are seen along the trekking route.
Kanchenjunga south base camp trek route
Our Kanchenjunga south base camp trek begins with a short flight to Bhadrapur from Kathmandu. From here, we drive for 8 to 9 hours to reach the starting point of the trek, Khebang. Following lush forests and verdant river valleys, we trek within the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. The plethora of flora & fauna along the trail, with streams, waterfalls, rivers, ridges, meadows, mountain passes, moraines, etc makes the trail very adventurous.
We will go on exciting side hikes to the Yalung Glacier at 4,580 meters (15,026ft). You will gain great heights before descending back from Kanchenjunga south base camp to Tortong via Ramche. From Tortong, we will be following the same route to descend to Khebang, where the trek ends. From here, drive to Illam and take back-to-back flights to Bhadrapur and Kathmandu.
Outline Itinerary
- Day1: Arrive in Kathmandu
- Day2: Trek permits preparation and late afternoon, flight to Bhadrapur Overnight hotel.
- Day3: Bhadrapur to Khebang 98 km 10-hour drive
- Day4: Trek from Khebang to Yamphudin (2080m), 5 hours
- Day5: Trek from Yamphudin to Tortong (2995m), 7-8 hours
- Day6: Trek from Tortong to Tseram (Cheram)6-7 hours
- Day7: Trek from Tseram to Ramche and explore Yalung Glacier (4580m), 7-8 hours
- Day8: Trek from Tseram to Tortong
- Day9: Trek from Tortong to Yamphudin, (1550m) 9km 6-7 hours.
- Day10: Yamphudin to Khebang 1915mt/6282ft 10km 5-6hrs
- Day11: Drive from Khebang to Kanyam, Ilam 5-6 drive (1150m).
- Day12: Drive from Ilam to Bhadrapur late afternoon flight back to Kathmandu
- Day13: Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Day14: Fly back home
Cost Includes
- Airport Transport International and Domestic Flight
- Three temple Day Tour (Tour Guide and Transport included in trip cost)
- Accommodations during the treks
- Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) with Tea/Coffee.
- Available Seasonal Fresh fruit
- Government licensed trekking guide
- One porter between two trekkers
- Guide and porter salary, food, equipment, and insurance
- Bhadrapur - Khebang (Private Jeep)
- Khebang - Illam - Bhadrapur (Private Jeep)
- All applicable National park and Kanchenjunga Special permits
- Flight Kathmandu - Bhadrapur - Kathmandu
- Sleeping bag if needed (it is refundable)
- Nepal Nirvana Duffle, T-shirt, Trekking map, and Water purification tablet
- Official expenses and government tax/vat.
Cost does not Include
- Travel and health Insurance which cover emergency Rescues and evacuations
- Hotel and Food in Kathmandu
- Monuments entry fee
- Personal expenses, snacks, drinks, WI-FI, etc.
- Tips for treks guide, porter
- What is not mentioned above
People and Culture
Kanchenjunga area takes you to the magical Buddhist and Hindu cultural communities. The region is also highly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. The locals along the Kanchenjunga south base camp trail will amaze you with their customs and beliefs. From the start to the ending point of the trek, you will meet with people from different communities like Rais, Limbus, Gurungs, Mahars, Chhetris, Brahmins, Newars, Sunwars, etc.
The Kanchenjunga south base camp trek route is rich in both bio and cultural diversity. The scattered stupas, chortens, and prayer flags around the trail reflect the alluring cultural richness of the region. You will be visiting ancient gompas (monasteries) on the way. As the trekking route is untouched and unbothered, you will get a lot of opportunities to unwind and meditate.
The silent forests, gushing sounds of rivers, thrilling hanging bridges, chirping of birds, fresh air, and the scent of nature will let you heal and rejuvenate.
Transportation on the Kanchenjunga south base camp trek
We use domestic flights and private jeep to commute between the starting/ending points of the trail. Expenses of all the transportation are covered in our package cost and provided as per the itinerary. Likewise, we also offer airport pick-up and drop service during international as well as domestic flights.
Kanchenjunga south base camp trek required permits
Kanchenjunga south base camp trek permits include a Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project (KCAP) entry permit and a restricted area entry permit. Both permit costs are covered in our Kanchenjunga south base camp trek cost, so you do not have to pay any extra fee.
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project (KCAP) entry permit cost: USD 20 per person
Kanchenjunga restricted area entry permit cost: USD 10 per person per week
Trek preparation & fitness level
Unlike other trails, the Kanchenjunga south base camp demands strong fitness, previous trekking experience, and mental wellness. It is not a trek for new trekkers and involves lots of challenging sections. Therefore, participants have to be well prepared before joining the Kanchenjunga south base camp trek for 14 days.
Even though the trek is demanding, you will benefit a lot from the journey, from getting your body toned to unwinding, digital detox, and improving your overall lifestyle. You can do the following things to prepare for Kanchenjunga south base camp trekking:
Have at least four weeks on hand to get your body physically fit for the trek Go on hikes and regular long walks (if possible on hilly roads) Join the gym to strengthen your leg muscles, core, and stamina You can swim, cycle, and run to improve your stamina. Limit your alcohol and cigarette intake. Buy your trekking boots early and get used to them.
Government rules for Kanchenjunga south base camp trek
Kanchenjunga south base camp is a restricted area in Nepal. Other than Nepali citizens, anyone else has to get a special permit from the Nepal government to travel in this country. Not only the expensive permit but there are specific strict rules that all foreign travelers have to comply with and that are mentioned below:
You must trek in at least a group of two people. Guides and porters are not counted as participants in the group. The trek must be organized by a registered Nepali trekking company. No independent guide can help you obtain the restricted area permit.
Optional trekking packages
We have many other adventurous and challenging packages like this one in Nepal. Some of our favorites are Everest Three Passes Trek, Gokyo Renjo La Pass Trek, EBC Trek with Island Peak Climbing, Nar Phu Valley Trek, Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Trek, Annapurna Circuit with ABC Trek, and Limi Valley Trek.
Similarly, Tsum Valley with Manaslu Circuit Trek and Makalu Base Camp Trek are two other famous offbeat treks in Nepal. We also have many short treks and tours in Nepal that you can check on our site.
For more information, contact us at npvillage@gmaail.com or give us a call at +977 9849294984 (WhatsApp/Viber)
Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek Challenges
Compared to Kanchenjunga north base camp trek, the south base camp trekking route sees a lower elevation gain. But this doesn't mean that the Kanchenjunga south base camp trek is any less challenging. It is one of the most strenuous treks in Nepal. Known for its wilderness and offbeat trails, the Kanchenjunga south base camp trekking is for trekkers who dare to challenge themselves.
The trail winds at high altitudes. There are many long, steep ascents and descents throughout the Kanchenjunga south base camp trail. You will be crossing mountain passes and moraines. Likewise, there is a handful of landslide areas too on the way. The trail is very misleading, so you have to be with the guide all the time. The limited infrastructure for trekkers and bare minimum facilities also makes Kanchenjunga south base camp trek 14 days very demanding.
With that being said, you can do this trek if you are well-prepared and have proper support. The trekkers joining Kanchenjunga south base camp trekking have to be physically strong and determined to complete the trek.
As you will be traveling in a harsh remote environment, there may not be any network to connect to the outer world for multiple days. Similarly, you have to give up on many other modern comforts on this trek. So mental fitness and endurance are also very important.
Altitude Sickness
Kanchenjunga south base camp trek has the potential risk of altitude sickness. Also known as acute mountain sickness, it is common to suffer from it during high-altitude journeys like this, and you do not have to worry about it. Our trained and experienced guide will give you first aid in the rare case you get symptoms of altitude sickness during Kanchenjunga south base camp trekking.
The Kanchenjunga south base camp trek itinerary we follow has a gentle pace. There is no drastic altitude gain in the itinerary and has ample acclimatization days. It is a tested itinerary that assures you of a safe Kanchenjunga south base camp trek in Nepal. On top of that, the care and attention of our crew will make sure you are trekking freely.
These are the symptoms of altitude sickness that you have to be careful of while trekking, and let your guide know immediately if you get any of them- headache, breathing problem, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, etc.
You can do the below things to avoid altitude sickness during the Kanchenjunga south base camp trek for 14 days:
keep up with your stamina and energy, maintain your pace, and have enough nutritious food take your time, and do not push unnecessarily if your body can't drink plenty of water and do not consume anything that will dehydrate your body, like cigarettes, alcohol drinks, etc do not ascend more than 500 meters a day, and sleep low inform your guide immediately if you see any symptoms of altitude sickness or if you feel uncomfortable during the trek
Best Time to do Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek
In Nepal, we have four seasons- spring (March to April), summer/monsoon (May to September), autumn (October to November), and winter (December to February). Spring and autumn are the transitional periods and the best time for the two weeks Kanchenjunga south base camp trek.
Spring & Autumn
Spring is the season of flowers and the Kanchenjunga trekking route will amaze you with its beauty. Trekking in March means you can see snow on the trail, and the mountains are freshly covered with thick blankets of snow, making them surreal. The weather remains stable, letting you be on your itinerary, and the mild climate makes walking fantastic.
With the progress of days in March and starting in April, the trail gets covered with seasonal vegetation and colorful flowers. You will come across a wide range of plants, several species of birds, and maybe some rare wildlife like red pandas while trekking. The mountain views are crystal clear, and there is this very fine hint of warmth in the air.
Autumn, on the other hand, makes the venture more special as you can feel the festivity in the air. For Nepalese, autumn is the season of the biggest festivals. Locals are all busy preparing for the festivals, and trekking routes are equally enchanted with the festivities. Again the weather, climate, and perfect landscapes make the Kanchenjunga south base camp trek in autumn fabulous.
Off-season Kanchenjunga South Base Camp trek
Trekking to Kanchenjunga south base camp in the off season means low permit and accommodation costs, but it brings added challenges. Off season means it is not a good time to trek regarding weather and climate. Summer/monsoon and winter are off time for Kanchenjunga south base camp trekking. There is no stable weather or mild climate, which makes the trek furthermore challenging than it already is.
You may come across landslides and avalanches. The trail is in the worst condition in these two seasons. Tea houses in some villages at higher elevations may get close in winter as the locals drop down to lower altitudes. So you have to be self-sufficient to bypass the worst possibilities.
Accommodation & Food during the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trekking
Kanchenjunga south base camp trek is a tea house trek, but you can also do this trek in a camping style. Tea houses are very basic accommodations available along the trekking route. You get shared rooms with separate beds and a table. The dining area is more like a common space where you can mingle with other trekkers. Likewise, the washrooms are shared. There are not many services available in the tea houses, and most of them require small additional money.
If you are expecting a single room, please let us know at the time of booking. In some places, you may have to pay for double beds to get a single room because of the no availability of single rooms. You will get a clean blanket and mattress with a pillow to have a good night's sleep. If you wish to have a hot shower, then you can pay a few extra bucks to the owner of the tea house for the service.
Mainly Nepali and Tibetan dishes are available on the menu of the tea houses, like dal bhat, thukpa, thenduk, Tibetan bread, Nepali khana sets, curries, roti, boiled potato, etc. You may get other things like porridge, soups, oats, muesli, sandwiches, eggs, toast, noodles, etc. Boiled drinking water is available to refill your water bottles. Use water purification tablets for more safety.
Detail Itinerary
Day1: Arrive in Kathmandu
Day2: Trek permits preparation and late afternoon, flight to Bhadrapur Overnight hotel.
Day3: Bhadrapur to Khebang 98 km 10-hour drive
Day4: Trek from Khebang to Yamphudin (2080m), 5 hours
Day5: Trek from Yamphudin to Tortong (2995m), 7-8 hours
Day6: Trek from Tortong to Tseram (Cheram)6-7 hours
Day7: Trek from Tseram to Ramche and explore Yalung Glacier (4580m), 7-8 hours
Day8: Trek from Tseram to Tortong
Day9: Trek from Tortong to Yamphudin, (1550m) 9km 6-7 hours.
Day10: Yamphudin to Khebang 1915mt/6282ft 10km 5-6hrs
Day11: Drive from Khebang to Kanyam, Ilam 5-6 drive (1150m).
Day12: Drive from Ilam to Bhadrapur late afternoon flight back to Kathmandu
Day13: Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Day14: Fly back home
Most Common FAQs
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