Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek - 14 Days

Know before you go
  • Duration 14 Days
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • Trip Start and End Kathmandu - Kathmandu
  • Best Season Mar-May and Sept-Nov
  • Trip Area Kanchenjunga Region
  • Maximum Altitude 4730m.|15518ft.

Highlights

  • Embark on an extreme wilderness and off-the-beaten trek in Nepal
  • Trek amidst the teeming flora and fauna of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area
  • Explore glaciers, isolated mountains, lakes, cascading waterfalls, pristine forests, and picturesque villages
  • Trek to the south base camp of Mount Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world
  • Untouched and unbothered by the crowd, enjoy a peaceful trekking
  • De-stress and challenge your comfort zone
  • Witness surreal mountain panoramas and diverse landscapes
  • Come across rich Buddhist and Hindu cultural communities
  • Friendly and kind locals and their unbelievable customs and ideas
  • Visit ancient monasteries and go on side hikes to an alpine lake & Yalung Glacier
  • 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

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. 

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 sharing jeeps 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 info@nepalnirvanatrails.com or give us a call at +977 9841380469 (WhatsApp/Viber)

Itinerary

Day to Day Details

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                              Route Map

                              Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek - 14 Days map

                              What's Included

                              • 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 (No porter for solo 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.

                              What's Excluded

                              • 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

                              Useful Info

                              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

                              Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek Private/Group

                              Join us on our fixed Kanchenjunga south base camp trek 2024|2025 spring or autumn departure, or book a private trek through our package page. Trek in a group at a relatively low cost with other fellow trekkers from around the globe and make new friends for a lifetime. If not, go for our private trekking option and trek at your own pace and customize the Kanchenjunga south base camp trek itinerary as per your needs. 

                              Our groups are pretty small (6 to 10 people), and we give assisting guides in groups above 8 people. And one porter carries the luggage of two trekkers. If you are a solo trekker, then you cannot trek alone with a guide and porter, as there have to be two trekkers in the group. In a situation like this, we will arrange a partner for you. 

                              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 offseason means low permit and accommodation costs, but it brings added challenges. Offseason 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. 

                              Travel Insurance

                              It is better to trek to Kanchenjunga south base camp with travel insurance as a backup. Given the isolation of the region and poor means of transportation, we have to ask our guests to buy travel insurance that covers emergency air evacuation. 

                              As you will be trekking with a group of very professional guides and porters, there is a rare chance of any mishap during the trek. However, we cannot predict a 100% safe journey, therefore advise travel insurance to give rescue to you on time.  

                              Please read the clauses on travel insurance before purchasing one. Carry the documents with you while traveling to Nepal. We will need it on hand to arrange air evacuation if needed. 

                              Travel Tips (electricity, internet, ATM, luggage, tipping, personal expenses)

                              • Charging: Charging in the tea houses along the Kanchenjunga south base camp trekking route is paid. For the best experience, we highly recommend you carry spare batteries or a power bank. You can also get a solar charger. 
                              • Internet: There may be WiFi available in the villages at the start of the journey at an additional cost. Kanchenjunga is an untouched part of Nepal, so you cannot even hope for a good cellular network all the time, but it's the best way to use the internet now and then during the trek. There is a reason why Kanchenjunga south base camp trek is called the true wilderness trek in the Himalayas, and this is also one of them. 
                              • ATMs: You will need extra Nepali cash to buy services that are not included in the Kanchenjunga south base camp trek cost. The trekking route has no ATM. So, withdraw ample money in Kathmandu to use while trekking. 
                              • Tipping: Tips for guides, porters, and drivers are not covered in our Kanchenjunga south base camp trek package cost. We let our guests decide how much they want to tip. If you are impressed by the service of our on-field team members, then feel free to tip them on whatever you can. 
                              • Luggage: We use two types of baggage during the Kanchenjunga south base camp trek- duffel bags and backpacks. Trekkers carry backpacks on them with essentials, whereas all the trekking clothes and other gear go into duffel bags carried by porters. If you have any extra suitcases or luggage, store them in your hotel's locker room free of cost.

                              FAQs

                              • Kanchenjunga south base camp trek is one the most challenging treks in Nepal. Located far away from the bustle of the cities, Kanchenjunga is a remote isolated part of Nepal. The trekking route is off-the-beaten, and scarce facilities along the way make the journey quite strenuous. Plus, the trekkers have to be physically fit.

                              • Our Kanchenjunga south base camp trek itinerary is two weeks long. It includes your arrival in Kathmandu and also the commute between the starting & ending points of the trail. You can customize the itinerary as per your time availability with us. 

                              • There are two base camps of Mount Kanchenjunga that trekkers usually traverse. The north base camp is at 5,143 meters (16,873 ft) and is known as Pangpema in Nepali. The Kanchenjunga south base camp is at 4,730 meters (15,518 ft).

                              • You cannot use a four-wheeler all the way to Kanchenjunga south base camp because there is no road accessibility. If you follow our Kanchenjunga south base camp trek itinerary, then you have to take a short flight to Bhadrapur and drive to Khebang, from where the trek ends. Or there is another alternative route that involves a jeep ride to Taplejung from Bhadrapur. 

                                From the starting point of the trail, it takes five walking days to reach the south base camp. If you wish to quickly reach the base camp of Kanchenjunga, then you can opt for a helicopter flight. For more information, get in touch with us.

                              • Once you do Kanchenjunga south base camp trek booking with us, our team will give you a personalized packing list for the journey. For now, you can understand that you'll need base layers, proper trekking clothes, trekking boots, a sleeping bag, a backpack, trekking poles, toiletries, and other miscellaneous things to be well-equipped for Kanchenjunga south base camp trekking.

                              • No, Kanchenjunga south base camp trek is not ideal for beginner trekkers. This trek better suits individuals who have previous trekking experience and have the strong physical fitness to withstand the offbeat route.

                              • Yes, the Kanchenjunga region is a restricted area in Nepal and so is the Kanchenjunga south base camp. The trekkers have to get a special permit from the government of Nepal to do this trek, and only a registered trekking company like us can help you get that permit.

                              • No, you cannot do the Kanchenjunga south base camp trek 14 days without a guide. As per the regulations for trekking in the Kanchenjunga region, you mandatory have to trek with a licensed guide in collaboration with a registered Nepali trekking company.

                              • There are tea shops on the Kanchenjunga south base camp trek route, but not as many as in the famous trekking routes in Nepal. There are limited tea shops on the trail, and the snacks, bars, and water bottles will cost you an absurd amount of money. 

                                You can expect 5 to 8 times more than the usual price. It is better to be self-sufficient on Kanchenjunga south base camp trek. Pack your favorite snacks and bars to munch. And you can refill water bottles at the tea houses free of cost.

                              • The Kanchenjunga south base camp trek cost goes anywhere from USD 2200 to USD 3200. The cost can go above USD 3200, depending upon the itinerary you are following and the company you are trekking with. At Nepal Nirvana Trails, you will get the best Kanchenjunga south base camp trek price along with a comprehensive service and no hidden cost.

                              • Because the Kanchenjunga south base camp trekking route is very isolated and far along with the expensive permits, the overall cost of the package goes a little bit higher than other treks in Nepal. But we'll do our best to offer you something close to your budget, so kindly get in touch with us for more information.

                              • Yes, you have to carry a sleeping bag for Kanchenjunga south base camp trek. You can buy or rent one in Thamel, Kathmandu. 

                              Price fromUS $1299(All-inclusive price)
                              Group Price
                                
                              1 - 1 PaxUS $1800
                              2 - 2 PaxUS $1560
                              3 - 3 PaxUS $1499
                              4 - 4 PaxUS $1450
                              5 - 5 PaxUS $1399
                              6 - 10 PaxUS $1299
                              Total Price:US $1800

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