Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek

FAQs of Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek

• How difficult is Kanchenjunga Base Camp trekking?

  It is not extremely hard, but sometimes the 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 rugged trek, and during the journey, you will encounter people at lunch spots and overnight stays. At other times, you will follow the banks of the Ghunsa Khola (river) and pass by the Ramdang Glacier, Kanchenjunga North Glacier, Janu Glacier, and Yalung Kang Glacier.

• Is teahouse trekking possible in the Kanchenjunga region?

  Yes, there is teahouse trekking during the Kanchenjunga trek, with basic teahouses and local, organic food.

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

  Yes, Hilllock and Ghunsa villages have health posts. In Taplejung Phungthing Bazaar, there is a district hospital.

• Can we drink natural drinking water during the trek?

  Normally, it is not safe to drink natural Himalayan water. If you want to drink it, you should boil it or use a tablet or water filter.

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

  Depending on the area, if you are in deep gorges and valleys, the chances of cell/mobile phone communication are lower. However, on high ridges and hills, most mobile phones receive signals. In local areas, cell phones generally work in towns and villages. Most lodges and shops/stores on the trekking route have STD/ISTD phones, which can be expensive due to their remoteness. In deep gorges and hidden valleys, internet services can be slow and disrupted. It is advisable to carry your own satellite phone.

• How can one reach the Kanchenjunga Base 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 journey to Ilam, followed by a 7-hour drive to Taplejung, and a final 4-hour drive to the trekking point, known as Rani Pool. Another option is a 1 hour and 15-minute flight from Kathmandu to Suketar, though this is not a daily service and operates twice a week. Upon arrival at Suketar airport, a 4-hour drive to Rani Pool is required. 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 26 days. Nowadays, people are physically and mentally prepared based on their availability, with durations ranging from 16 to 26 days.

• How much does it cost for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek?

  We have varying costs depending on people's budgets. We typically organize different types of packages ranging from $1500 to $5000.

• Can a solo trekker do 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 and trekkers with a double permit. You must pay double the permit price to follow government rules. However, if you comply with the regulations, you can engage in solo trekking with the assistance of a guide and agency.

• Where is Kanchenjunga Base Camp located?

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

• Which is the best season to do this trek?

  Autumn and spring are the best seasons, such as autumn (October, November, December) and spring (March, April, May, June).

• Which route do climbers mostly follow during the climb?

  Climbers follow the Kanchenjunga south route, and the south base camp is called 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 5100 m high.

• How high is 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, 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 a helicopter tour possible for 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 an emergency, what are the possibilities on 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 flowers and plants can 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 passes during both base camp treks?

  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 4500 meters above sea level.

• What is the Kiranti temple called?

  People call the Kiranti temple as "Phung Thung."

• What religion and culture do people in this region follow?

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

• How is the lifestyle of the 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 a 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 tip should 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.