Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, Kanchenjunga Base Camp(KBC) Trek

Kanchenjunga Trek covers both north and south base camp of Mount Kanchenjunga(8,586 m, the third highest mountain in the world.A good level of fitness and some trekking experience is helpful since Kanchenjunga is a remote trek areas of Nepal.You will walk past rivers; waterfalls; green meadows; rhododendron, birch and pine forests; Glacier, and of course villages with the majestic mountains of Kanchenjunga.

Kanchenjunga known as Kanchenjunga Circuit is a beautiful tea house and home stay trek in the eastern Nepal.The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek begins from Taplejung after a long flight or drive from Kathmandu. This is a less traveled trekking trail where you will experience a rural Nepali lifestyle and culture. The Kanchenjunga region is an unexplored and unspoiled trekking routes of Nepal.There are many ways to get to the starting point of Kanchenjunga Base Camp(KBC) trek.

Kanchenjunga Trek Difficulty
Kanchenjunga Trek is challenging difficult trek.It is a good trek for experienced trekkers.You may feel exhausted in the middle of the trek. So, be mentally prepared before you go trekking Kanchenjunga.The trek isn’t easy as there is frequent ups and downs with some very steep and risky.You will have to walk for 6 to 9 hours each day. Be careful while ascending or descending over the glaciers, and other rugged sections. You might get injured in these sections.The physical effort required, it clearly helps to be as fit as possible. Saying that, you don’t have to be an athlete.The key point to remember is to hike at your own pace. Over the course of the trek, you ascend in altitude from 900 m to 5800 m.

Prepare for Kanchenjunga Trek
It is good idea to involve yourself in doing physical exercises before trekking. An average level of physical fitness will make the journey less stressful. Ending up with sore muscles, blisters, joint pain, and back pain can be very discomforting while trekking. This is unlikely to happen if you exercise beforehand.Start exercising at least a month before the trek like running, jogging, long walks, cycling and swimming. Carry a light backpack along with you to get used to it. Gym work out can be a good option too. 

Kanchenjunga Trek Permit
The three permits-TIMS card, the Trekkers information management card and the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (KCAP) and restricted area permit are necessary for the Kanchenjunga trek, it costs around USD 100. We will take care of your trek permits on your behalf once you book the trek with us-The Mission Eco Trek & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. For this, we need your scanned passport copy and two passport size photos.TIMS card and permits are valid only for one entry.

Kanchenjunga Trek Accommodation
Accommodation is pretty basic across the whole trek and consists of a basic room with two separate beds or dorm room of 3 to 4 beds and shared toilet and bathroom outside.WiFi and hot showers are not widely available, if available, you need to pay extra cost. We recommend to take your own sleeping bag. Overall, you will have a nice experience to stay in a local’s home stay, and it is an opportunity to support them in a meaningful way. For big group, we have to take camping tent for sleeping.

Food on Kanchenjunga Trek
The food is often quite good.Your meal options will basically consist of: Dal Bhat rice, pasta, lentils, potatoes, rice, dumplings, Chowmein, Rösti, Soups, Tea, coffee, coke, beer and bottle water.You have to eat dinner and breakfast at the tea houses you stay. Lunch will generally be at a different place somewhere along the trail.Think carefully before ordering meat. Refrigeration, storage and kitchen standards mean that eating veggie is the safest option.

Dal Bhat
Dal Bhat is a combination of dal (lentils), veg curry, pickle, rice and vegetables, this staple of the Nepali diet is a great option. It comes with a guaranteed refill of rice and curry, and usually some extra dal too. The vegetable component varies depending on what or if there’s anything growing in the garden (and it pretty much disappears the last few days before the Pass). Dal Bhat is what all guides and porters eat so it’s constantly being prepared, unlike more western style dishes which always have to be made to order. And as the whole cooking process requires less energy, this means that it’s better for the environment too.

Breakfast
Breakfast consists of porridge, pancakes, omelettes, boiled eggs, pancake and various breads (Tibetan bread, buckwheat bread, chapatis, and so on.

Lunch and Dinner
Lunch and Dinner consists of soups, pasta dishes, various fried rice dishes, momos, a kind of dumpling, pizzas, and of course, Dal Bhat. Some dishes have meat options but this is something to be wary of. Lots of dishes have egg and some tuna from a can. 

Drinks
Hot drinks consists of regular black tea and coffee to masala tea, lemon ginger honey tea and hot chocolate, bottle of water, beer, whisky for an extra cost. 

Kanchenjunga Trek Cost
Kanchenjunga Trek package costs ranges from USD 1890 to USD 2500 and includes all transfers, accommodation, meals and permits. You could order any meal off the menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner; and at breakfast you will get one hot beverage (tea or coffee). If we want additional snacks or drinks, like a bowl of soup or a tea or coffee at lunch and dinner, you to pay for it yourselves.

Electricity
There are electricity available on some places along the trail to charge your power banks, cameras, and phones. The key is to get a fat power bank. Pay to charge that then charge everything from your power bank.Your power bank lets you charge your phone and camera batteries. Most of the places you stay let you charge your gear for 
an extra cost.

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu.
Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, we will receive you and transfer to Hotel.
Day 02: Guided Kathmandu Sightseeing tour.
On this day, you can do a half day tour in the city's most important sights. The afternoon is free for further independent sightseeing or to purchase last minute items of equipment from the array of outdoor shops in Thamel. Overnight at the group hotel.
Day 03: Kathmandu to Phidim.
We start our journey with an internal flight eastwards to Bhadrapur, where we meet our vehicle for the 5 - 6 hour drive to Phidim where we stay in a simple lodge.
Day 04: Trek to Lali Kharka (2227m)
We continue our drive through the Himalayan foothills to Taplejung arriving there after 5 - 6 hours. Here, we meet our trek crew and set off on the short trek to our camp at Lali Kharka (2276m). Good views of Kangchenjunga. 3 hours walking.
Day 05: Trek to Kande Banjyang (2120m)
Contour around to Tambawa, with views of the day's walk ahead of us. Descend to a river, then climb via Kunjuri to our camp on the Kande Banjyang ridge (2120m).
Day 06: Trek to Phonphe (1845m, 5/6 hours)
Negotiating terraced field systems high above the Kabeli Khola, we pass through many small hamlets and cross low ridges. Beyond the Khesewa Khola, we climb to Phonphe Danda (1845m).
Day 07: Trek to Yamphudin (1700m, 5 hours)
More ups and downs and more spectacular views. We cross ridges and river valleys to the most remote settlement in this area at Yamphudin (1700m). There are good swimming pools in the river next to our
Day 08: Trek to Omje Khola (2380m, 4/5 hours)
Crossing a spur, we descend to a stream and follow a meandering trail to Darachuk, before climbing to the Dubi Bhanjyang (2540m). We descend to camp beside the Omje Khola (2380m). Free time in the afternoon.
Day 09: Trek to Torontan (2995m, 6/7 hours)
Straight from camp, we make a steep ascent through dense forest to the crest of the Deorali Danda (3230m), then trek down to Torontan (2995m) in the valley of the Simbua Khola.
Day 10: Trek to Tseram (3870m, 5/6 hours)
Following a riverside trail, we trek through pine and rhododendron forest to Tseram (3870m). There are great views of the Yalung Glacier and of Kabru and Rathong.
Day 11: At Tseram.
Today we have the option to trek up to the south side basecamp for Kangchenjunga at Ramze (4580m) This area beside the Yalung glacier has superb mountain views. Afterwards, we return to camp at Tseram.
Day 12: Trek to Selele Base Camp (4200m, 7/8 hours)
A superb day of trekking today, as we cross three passes, including the Sinelapcha La (4640m) and the Mirgin La (4480m) en route for the north side of the mountain. Superb views, then a descent to camp at Selele (4200m).
Day 13: Trek to Ghunsa (3475m, 4/5 hours)
Contouring the hillside with more fantastic views, we cross a further two low passes and then descend through rhododendron forest to the Tibetan village of Ghunsa (3475m).
Day 14: Rest day at Ghunsa.
This is an important contingency day in case of delays to our trekking programme. The day will be used either as a rest day or to split the trek into different stages at the leaders' discretion.
Day 15: Trek to Kambachen (4096m, 5/6 hours)
Stunning trekking, through pine forest and then open country, with a steep climb and descent to reach the summer village of Kambachen (4096m). Jannu looms above our camp.
Day 16: Trek to Lhonak (4757m, 5/6 hours)
Easy angle trekking, with incredible views of Wedge Peak, Nepal Peak and many others. Camp at Lhonak (4757m) on a grassy site above the Kangchenjunga Glacier.
Day 17: Trek to Kanchenjung Base Camp/Pang Pema (5150m, 3/4 hours)
A short, but slow-paced walk up to our highest camp at Pang Pema (5150m). This is one of the most spectacular places in the world, directly opposite Kangchenjunga's north face.
Day 18: Trek down to Kambachen (4096m, 6/7 hours)
Time to head down from this remote and beautiful place. We retrace the route of our approach as far as the camp at Kambachen (4096m).
Day 19: Trek to Ghunsa (3/4 hours)
There is the option this morning to visit Jannu Base Camp - a 4 hour return walk - for a sensational close-up of one of the world's largest rock faces. In the afternoon we descend to Ghunsa.
Day 20: Trek to Thyangyam (2450m, 6/7 hours)
We cross the Ghunsa Khola and follow it downstream through a forest of rhododendron, conifer birch and oak. We pass the Tibetan refugee villages of Phale and Gyabla and follow an undulating trail to Thyangyam (2405m) where we make camp.
Day 21: Trek to Sekathum (1650m, 5/6 hours)
Contouring high above the river we have fine views today. The trail passes through the village of Amjilasa (2510m) and there are several ups and downs to negotiate landslides as we descend to Sekathum (1650m) at the confluence of the Ghunsa Khola and Tamor River.
Day 22: Trek to Chirwa (1270m, 5/6 hours)
Now following the Tamur River in a much warmer climate our walk today takes us through forest and villages to a riverside camp at Chirwa (1270m).
Day 23: Trek to Phurumba (1790m, 5/6 hours)
Climbing across several ridges with descents through villages and cultivated fields to deep river valleys, we make our way down the Tamor River to Phurumba (1790m).
Day 24: Trek to Taplejung (3 hours) and then drive to Ilam (5/6 hours)
It is just a short morning's hike to Taplejung where we meet our vehicle for the return drive to Ilam where we check into the lodge.
Day 25: Ilam to Bhadrapur and then Kathmandu.
We continue our drive to Bhadrapur where we catch a flight to Kathmandu. After checking in at the group hotel and resting.
Day 26: Kathmandu Airport
Final complementary transfer to Kathmandu airport to get flight back to home.

Cost Included:

• Airport Pick up & drop by private tourist vehicle.
• 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
• Teahouse accommodation during the Kanchenjunga circuit trek
• All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
• All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
• Domestic flights (Kathmandu- Suketar -Kathmandu)
• An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek leader and assistant trek leader
• Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
• Trekking Guide salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food and accommodation
• All necessary trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS)
• All government and local taxes

Cost Not Included:

• Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
• Travel insurance which covers emergency Rescue and Evacuation.
• Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks.
• Personal trekking Equipment
• Tips for trekking staff  (Tipping is expected).
• Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Cost Includes.

Best Seasons Trekking Kanchenjunga Circuit 
The best time to go trekking Kanchenjunga is Spring and Autumn.March/April and October/November is the peak hiking season in Nepal due to best weather conditions as the result all trekking routes get very busy.The highest elevation you’ll reach on this trek is 5800 meters. 

Autumn-Trekking
September, October and November are the most popular months for trekking to Kanchenjunga. Autumn brings clear blue skies and mild temperatures before the cold sets in in December.The weather is generally dry and clear, with warm sunny days and excellent visibility. Autumn is slightly like winter. Colder than Summer, although you won’t find patches of snow.Nights in Autumn get chilly. In October the temperature dips to 0° C.During the day, you will experience temperatures around 15° C. But any rain or slight drizzle brings down the temperature by a few degrees. So keep a jacket handy with you always.Temperature day time between 15 °C and 18 °C and night time will drop to temperatures between 5 °C and -5 °C.

Spring-Trekking
The spring season from March to May is considered to be the next best option. The weather is generally clear although a little colder. Mornings are sunny and flowers are in bloom. In Spring, although you will find patches of hard snow at higher altitudes, the temperature during the day will be slightly warmer than that in Autumn, when there won’t be any snow on the trek.In Spring, expect pleasant daytime temperatures around 20 °C. But at night it dips to almost zero levels.During the day if the sun goes behind the clouds and there is about of rain, then the temperature can fall to around 15 °C.Temperature day time: between 20 °C and 24 °C and night time will drop to temperatures between 10 °C and -5 °C.

Solo Trekkers
Solo Trekking in the restricted area is completely forbidden. You will have to trek in a group.A lot of people trek solo in Nepal and have thoroughly enjoyed. Trekking solo has its own benefits. You will not have to adjust your schedule according to anyone. You can also follow your own route as you wish to. Also, finding your way, especially in the non-restricted regions, is very easy. The routes are well marked and pretty straight.Nepal is completely safe for solo trekkers. But you will also have to be a little more careful while travelling alone.

Weather and Temperature
The weather on this trek will vary season to season and day to day as you ascend to higher elevations. At the start of the trek you will experience hot conditions with temperatures up to 25 Celsius. You experience the coldest temperatures in an altitude of 5000 m. Overnight lows here will be down to around -15 Celsius.

Insurance for Kanchenjunga Trek
Travel insurance is highly recommended for Khopra Danda Trek because the high altitude can lead to many illnesses, weakness in trekkers, and misjudgments. There is also a risk on trails for falls, avalanches and other mishaps. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.

Kanchenjunga Trek Packing List
This is the mandatory kit list for the safety of everyone in the group and to ensure a successful trek. You must have the following items tailored for the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek. The guide will check your gear in Kathmandu before departure for the trek. Each porter will be carrying for 2 people’s belongings which they carry from a strap on their head), so be mindful and considerate as you pack. Also, bear in mind that it’s very common to leave excess baggage at hotels and guesthouses in Kathmandu. The weight limit for your duffel bag/big rucsack/backpack is 15 kg.The weight limit of your day rucksack or backpack is 5 kg.

Footwear
Walking Boots. 
Trail shoes. 
Sandals. 
Walking socks.

Clothing
Waterproof and Windproof jacket (with hood) and trousers (goretex or similar)
Trekking trousers. 
Soft Shell Trousers.
Long sleeve tops or shirts (not cotton).
Micro fleece.
Mid to heavyweight fleece or synthetic/ primaloft top.
Sleeveless/ gilet or body warmer type fleece / synthetic top. 
Thermals or base layer for top and bottom (merino wool or synthetic).
Fleece or synthetic leggings.
Medium weight down jacket.

Heads and Gloves
Fleece gloves.
Warms mittens and/or gloves.
Wool or fleece hat.
Sun hat.
Bandana or scarf.
Head torch. Bring extra batteries.
Sunglasses. 

For Crossing the passes
Trekking poles 
A pair of Gaiters. 

Personal equipment
Sleeping bag. Overnight lows down to -15 Celsius. 
Fleece or silk liner for your sleeping bag. 
Sleeping mat 
Day pack. 
Two water bottles
Pee bottle. 
Sunscreen and Lipbalm with a high SPF.
Water purification tablets (Pristine, Biox Aqua or Aqua Mira).
Favorite snack food.
Books and cards etc.
Camera with spare batteries and memory cards.
Earplugs (optional).
Baby wipes (optional).
Duffel bag/Big rucksack/backpack
Travel clothes. 
Toiletry bag with soap, travel towel, toothbrush etc. 
Personal first aid kit
Blister treatment (Compeed patches are the best)
Re hydration powder (eg Dioralyte).
Analgesics (paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin).
Plasters and zinc oxide tape.
Throat lozenges.
Diamox (helps with acclimatization).
Water filter
Power bank
Poncho/rain coat

Documents:
Flight info(required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
Insurance certificate(required) (With photocopies)
Passport (required) (With photocopies)
Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)

Essentials:
Binoculars (optional)
Cash, credit and debit cards
Money belt
Outlet adapter
Watch and alarm clock
Waterproof backpack cove

Health and Safety:
Face masks (required)
Hand sanitizer (required)
Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
Rubber glove
Whistle

Drinking Water
Drinking plenty of water is a must.Please drink at least three litres of water while trekking each day.Bottled water and hot water is available to buy throughout the trek. You have to purchase your water throughout the trek. It is typically around 100 to 200 rupees. That’s why packing a Steripen is a fantastic idea — you can fill up at the taps, and you won’t have to buy any water or waste unnecessary plastic!

Kanchenjunga Guided Trek
Guided trek is the best option if you want a stress-free hiking holiday. The guide manages all of the logistics, distances, directions, and tea houses. The directions are not always very clear like on the Everest Base Camp trek and having the guide manages all of the logistics. Kanchenjunga Trek is not possible independently as well.

Money Matter
You’ll need cash to pay for extra food and beverages, water, and showers along the way. You’ll also need to budget for tips for your guides and porters as well. Since there are no ATM along the way, we’d suggest to be over-prepared so you don’t run out of money. We suggest to bring 25,000 rupees (around $250 USD) with you for the trek. The amount of money you need to take Mohare danda trek will depend on whether you’re on an inclusive tour or not. If you are on an inclusive tour then you’ll only need money for any snacks or drinks over and above what’s included in your package. If you are paying as you go, then you’ll need to have enough cash to cover all costs: accommodation, food, drink, etc.

Nepal Visa
Tourist visas are available on arrival at Kathmandu-Tribhuvan International Airport and at all land border crossings that are open to foreign travellers. While this is available for most foreigners, citizens of some countries are required to get a visa prior to arrival, while those from SAARC countries can get their visa free of charge.There are three different visa options and prices: Multiple Entry 15 Days – 30 USD, 30 Days – 50 USD and 90 Days – 125 USD. In order to get a visa on arrival you’ll need four things:
One passport size photo
A passport valid for at least six months
At least one blank page in your passport
The visa fee in cash (US Dollars is best)

Tipping
We recommend tipping for guide: $10-$20 USD per day per person and porter: $10-$15 USD per day per person. If you want to give more you can it depends on their services to you.There is no limit tipping guide and porter.

Passports
As a general rule, your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Please ensure the passport details you provide are accurate. Any errors provided may result in extra fees for making corrections in bookings. We recommend taking copies of the main passport pages and other important documents with you as well as leave copies at home with family or friends.

Altitude Sickness
Travellers to altitudes higher than 2,500m are at risk of altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS). This can be life-threatening and affect anyone, even people who are very physically fit. There is a higher risk for those who have had altitude sickness before, who exercise or drink alcohol before adjusting to the altitude, or who have health problems that affect breathing. If your tour travels to high altitude, see your doctor for advice specific to you and your situation before you depart. It is important to be aware of the normal altitude symptoms that you may encounter BUT NOT worry about:
1.Periods of sleeplessness
2.Occasional loss of appetite
3.Vivid, wild dreams at around 2500-3800m in altitude
4.Unexpected momentary shortness of breath, day and night
5.Periodic breathing that wakes you occasionally
6.Blocked nose
7.Dry cough
8.Mild headache
If you are feeling nauseous, dizzy, or experience other symptoms, please be sure to let your guide know immediately so that we can monitor your condition. Please be aware that should your guide deem it unsafe for you to continue trekking at any time, they will arrange for you to descend to a lower altitude.

Medical Facilities and Treatment:
Medical facilities in Nepal are very limited, particularly outside Kathmandu. In Kathmandu, treatment at international-standard clinics is expensive and up-front payment for services is generally required. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment, including evacuation by helicopter.

Alcohol and Caffeine
Alcohol and trekking don't mix. We highly recommend that you limit your alcohol consumption in Kathmandu prior to your trip. Celebrate your achievements after your trek. Both alcohol and caffeine increase dehydration. Limit your intake of both when hiking at high altitudes.