Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek

FAQs of Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek

• How difficult is the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek?

  The trek is not particularly hard, but weather conditions can be challenging, especially from Lhonak to North Base Camp, and at Shey La Pass, Mirgin La Pass, and Shey Lapcha Pass due to snow. This is a remote trek where you’ll encounter people at lunch spots and overnight stays. At other times, you’ll follow the banks of Ghunsa Khola (river) and pass by Ramdan Glacier, Kanchenjunga North Glacier, Janu Glacier, and Yalung Khola Glacier.

• Is teahouse trekking possible in the Kanchenjunga region?

  Yes, teahouse trekking is possible during the Kanchenjunga trek. You will generally find basic tea houses offering local and organic foods.

• Are there any health care facilities or hospitals along the trekking route?

  Yes, there are health posts in Hilllock and Ghunsa villages. In Taplejung, Phungthing Bazaar has a district hospital.

• Can we drink natural drinking water during the trek?

  Normally, Himalayan water is not safe to drink directly. It’s advisable to use boiling, water purification tablets, or a water filter to make it safe for drinking.

• Do all cell/mobile phones work during the trek?

  Communication via cell or mobile phones can be limited in deep gorges and valleys, but most phones receive signals in higher ridges and hills. Cell phones generally work in towns and villages, and many lodges and shops along the trek offer STD/ISD phones, though they can be expensive due to the remoteness. Internet services may be slow and unreliable in deep gorges and hidden valleys. It’s advisable to carry your own satellite phone for reliable communication.

• How do you reach the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trekking point?

  We offer various transportation options for the journey from Kathmandu to different destinations. Travelers can choose from local buses, private transport, regular flights, or helicopter flights. For the local bus option, the journey from Kathmandu to Birtamod takes approximately 10 hours, followed by a 10-hour drive from Ilam to Taplejung, and another 4 hours from Taplejung to Rani Pool. Alternatively, a regular flight from Kathmandu to Birtamod (Bhadrapur) takes around 50 minutes. From there, travelers can hire a private jeep for a 3-hour drive to Ilam, followed by a 7-hour drive to Taplejung and a final 4-hour drive to Rani Pool. Another option is a 1 hour and 15-minute flight from Kathmandu to Suketar, though this service operates twice a week. Upon arrival at Suketar Airport, a 4-hour drive is required to reach Rani Pool. For those opting for a helicopter, the journey from Kathmandu to Suketar takes approximately 2 hours. After reaching Suketar, a 4-hour drive is needed to reach Rani Pool.

• How long does it take to complete both base camp treks?

  Normally, the trek takes about 26 days. However, with proper physical and mental preparation, people can complete it in as few as 16 days, depending on their availability.

• How much does the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek cost?

  We offer varying costs depending on individual budgets. Typically, we organize different types of packages ranging from $1,500 to $5,000.

• Can a solo trekker undertake the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek?

  Normally, solo trekking is not allowed in restricted areas. A minimum of two trekkers is required, and the agency arranges the permits with a double permit. You must pay double the permit price to comply with government rules. However, if you adhere to the regulations, you can engage in solo trekking with the assistance of a guide and agency.

• Where are the Kanchenjunga North and South Base Camps located?

  Kanchenjunga is located in the eastern part of Nepal, south of Tibet, and north of Sikkim (India). It is situated to the north of the Taplejung district.

• What is the best season to undertake this trek?

  Autumn and spring are the best seasons for this trek. Specifically, autumn (October, November, December) and spring (March, April, May) are ideal.

• Which route do climbers mostly follow during the climb?

  Climbers typically follow the Kanchenjunga South route, with the South Base Camp known as Yalung Base Camp.

• How high is Kanchenjunga Peak?

  The height of Mount Kanchenjunga is 8,586 meters above sea level, making it the third-highest mountain in the world.

• How high is Kanchenjunga North Base Camp?

  Kanchenjunga North Base Camp is 5,100 meters high.

• How high Kanchenjunga South Base Camp?

  Kanchenjunga South Base camp is 4700 m high.

• Do you know the original name of Kanchenjunga north base camp?

  Kanchenjunga North base camp is called Pang Pemba base camp.

• Do you know the original name of Kanchenjunga south base camp?

  Kanchenjunga South base camp is called Yalung (bar) base camp.

• How wild is this trek?

  Trekking to Kanchenjunga North and South Base Camps is known as a wild trek, as it involves navigating through dense jungle throughout the journey.

• What types of animals can be found during the trek?

  In the region, you can encounter various animals such as cows, pigs, goats, yaks, naks, monkeys, red pandas, snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, brown bears, musk deer, blue sheep, sheep, and other mammalian species.

• Which river and lake can be found during the trek?

  When we begin the trek, we follow the Tamor River. After crossing the Olangchung Khola, we then follow the Ghunsa Khola.

• Is helicopter tour possible to do this trek?

  Yes, it is possible, but it depends on the weather. You need to obtain a special permit, present it during immigration, and seek permission from civil aviation before you can fly.

• In case of the emergency what possibility have in this trek?

  In emergency cases, primary treatment is typically administered first. Subsequently, an assessment of the condition is made, and depending on the severity, the individual may be transported via helicopter rescue or carried to a hospital in Taplejung, Birtamod or Kathmandu.

• What types of flower and plant we see during the trek?

  During the Kanchenjunga trek, you may encounter a rich variety of flora. Alpine and sub-alpine regions feature rhododendrons, orchids, primulas, and gentians. Lower elevations showcase lush forests with birch, oak, and bamboo. The diverse landscape hosts a myriad of wildflowers, adding vibrant colors to the breathtaking scenery.

• Do we cross the passes during both base camp trek?

  Yes, we cross a challenging pass, Lumbasumba. Nowadays, we use alternative passes like She Le Le Pass (4200m), Mirgi la Pass (4700m), and Shey Lapcha Pass (4900m).

• What documents are required for the trek?

  We require a valid visa copy, original passport, 4 passport-size photos, Kanchenjunga Special Permit, Kanchenjunga Conservation Permit, and guide insurance from a government-licensed trekking agency.

• Is Ghunsa a big village and do they have a school?

  Yes, it is a large village with 100 houses, inhabited by Sherpa people. The village has one secondary school, which is operated jointly by the Nepal government and an NGO.

• How high is Janu (Kumbakarna) Base Camp?

  Janu Base Camp is 4500m above the sea level.

• What it is called the Kiranti temple?

  People called Kiranti temple as “Phung Thung”.

• What religious and culture do people follow of this region?

  People in this region follow various religions, including Animism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Kiranti, and Christianity.

• How is the lifestyle of local people?

  The local people lead a simple and basic lifestyle, lacking extensive education. They rely on subsistence farming, cultivating cardamom as a primary cash crop. Additionally, they engage in animal husbandry, raising cows, yaks, and naks. The cultivation of Himalayan herbs is also part of their agricultural practices.

• Is it busy trekking route?

  No, it is not very busy, making it ideal for those who wish to undertake a nature and wildlife trek on their own.

• Do wild animals attack the trekker during the trek?

  Yes, sometimes Himalayan black bears may attack trekkers and local people as well.

• Do trekkers lost their way during the trek?

  Yes, sometimes trekkers and guides may struggle to find the proper way, resorting to following animal paths in the vast and unfriendly jungle.

• Why RP Adventures Different then others?

  RP Adventures offers an exclusive and high-end trekking experience with its expensive packages. The allure lies in the luxurious accommodations, highly qualified and experienced guides with excellent educational and medical training, ensuring a safe and enriching journey. Private ground transportation adds to the comfort, while the option of helicopter sharing for aerial transport, especially in remote areas, enhances the adventure. The commitment to quality services and safety justifies the elevated cost, providing clients with a truly premium and unforgettable trekking and tour experience.

• How much tips need to be given to the guide and porter?

  Normally, different organizations have different rules. In our organization, we advise allocating 10% of your full package for the guide and 5% for the porter.