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Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek – 22 Days
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Quick Information
|
Weather |
Weather | -10°C to 15°C | View Weather Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Duration |
Duration | 22 Days | |
|
Difficulty |
Difficulty | Difficult | View Difficulty Detail |
|
Accommodation |
Accommodation | Lodges | |
|
Meals Included |
Meals Included | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | |
|
Best Season |
Best Season | Sept, Oct, Nov, March, April, May | |
|
Transportation |
Transportation | Overland + Flight | |
|
Daily Activity |
Daily Activity | Approx. 5 – 6 hours | |
|
Religion |
Religion | Buddhist, Bon | |
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Ethnic People |
Ethnic People | Rai, Limbu, Sherpa | |
|
Geographic Terrain |
Geographic Terrain | Mountain, Forest, Village, Glacier | |
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Region of Nepal |
Region of Nepal | Kanchanjunga, Taplejung | |
|
Max. Altitude |
Max. Altitude | 5142m./16968ft. |
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Overview
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek lets you explore the Gurung, Rai, Limbu, and Sherpa cultures and traditions. You can also try their local cuisines during the trek. To visit the Kanchenjunga region, you need special permits: the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project Entry Permit (KCAP) and the Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit (RAP).
The best time to trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp is in autumn (September-November). During this season, the skies are clear, and the temperatures are mild. Spring (March-May) is also a good time because the rhododendrons are in full bloom, and there is little chance of rain. Trekking in winter or the rainy season is more difficult due to slippery paths and cold temperatures.
Why Kanchenjunga Base Camp Is Good For Trekkers With More Than 20 Days?
- Trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp, where you can view the world’s third-highest mountain, Mt. Kanchenjunga.
- Explore the flora and fauna of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.
- Explore the culture and tradition of the Rai and Limbu people and try their local cuisine in 22 Days
- Get a panoramic view of Nepal’s famous mountains, such as Lhotse (8516m), Everest (8848m), Kanchenjunga (8586m), Makalu (8481m), and many others.
- Trek to Yalung Base Camp, where you can see the famous Yalung glacier and Jannu Himal.
- Cross the Mirgin La Pass at 4500 meters.
Difficulty Level Of Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
The Kanchenjunga base camp trekking is one of the most challenging treks in Nepal and one of the least explored trekking trails in Nepal. Hiking up to 5000 meters is always a difficult feat. You must deal with several challenges while hiking to this region. Altitude sickness is a common concern for trekkers. There’s a high chance of altitude sickness as this region’s oxygen level is very low. Weather is another factor that troubles you in the trek. The weather in the Himalayas is unpredictable. It can rain or receive snowfall at any time. Trekking toward this region is almost impossible because of its weather conditions.
Moreover, it is a long trek, which makes the trekkers feel monotonous. You should be physically fit for this trek. You should focus on your stamina, as hiking for 6-8 hours daily won’t be easy. Your mentality plays an important role in this trek. You should be mentally prepared for this trek. You should constantly push yourself ahead, no matter whatever challenges the trek presents you. Acclimatization is very necessary for trekkers to adapt themselves to this condition.
If you’re planning to trek the trails of Annapurna Circuit, you should be well prepared for it. You should focus on your food and diet, work on your stamina, and perform regular exercises to prepare for this trek. Prior hiking/trekking experience will ease your hiking as you will be familiar with the conditions.
January
-5°C to 5°C
February
-5°C to 5°C
March
-3°C to 7°C
April
0°C to 9°C
May
3°C to 12°C
June
5°C to 14°C
July
7°C to 15°C
August
5°C to 13°C
September
5°C to 13°C
October
2°C to 10°C
November
-2°C to 7°C
December
-4°C to 6°C
Best Time To Trek Kanchenjunga Base Camp
Spring and Autumn are the best seasons to tour the Kanchenjunga Base Camp. These seasons offer the best conditions to trek in this region. The weather is favorable for trekking. These seasons are also the peak season, during which numerous trekkers trek in this region. During Spring, the forest blooms with wildflowers, making the trails colorful. The weather is clear, and it offers the best views of the mountains of the Kanchenjunga ranges.
Autumn offers another perfect season to trek in this region. The post-monsoon season makes the surroundings fresh and clear as the rain clears the Landscapes. It offers the best views of the Himalayan Landscapes in the Kanchenjunga area. Moreover, you can also enjoy the different Hindu and Buddhist festivals during this time, as it is the festive season in Nepal.
22 Days Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Itinerary
Day 1
Fly to Bhadrapur from Kathmandu – drive to Taplejung
|
Trekking Time Average |
30 minutes flight /180km/06 hours drive |
|---|---|
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Accommodation |
The Hotel Mountain or Similar category |
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Altitude |
(1441m./4755ft.) |
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Included meals |
Lunch, Dinner |
We take an early morning flight to Taplejung, where you can glimpse eastern Nepal’s beautiful landscapes and terrains. After landing in Bhadrapur, we will begin our drive to the Limbu village of Taplejung. On the way to Taplejung, we will pass through Illam, Nepal’s largest tea plantation area. This is an almost 7-hour drive, and you will reach Taplejung by evening. Overnight stay at Taplejung.
Day 2
Drive to Ranipul
|
Trekking Time Average |
60km/ 04 hours drive |
|---|---|
|
Accommodation |
Hotel Dream & Lodge or Similar category |
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Altitude |
(2265m./7474ft.) |
|
Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
After breakfast, we drive towards Ranipul by local sharing jeep. This is a straightforward drive, where we drive past grasslands and can see farmers with herds of sheep and cattle grazing along the way. You can reach Ranipul in the afternoon and spend the rest of the day exploring the region or taking some rest. Overnight stay at Ranipul.
Day 3
Trek to Kengsra
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Trekking Time Average |
15km./05 hours walk |
|---|---|
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Accommodation |
Kengsra Hotel & Lodge or Similar category |
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Altitude |
(2120m./6996ft.) |
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Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
After breakfast, we make our way to the village of Kengsra. This trail will take us downhill along the river of Phawa, where we cross a massive suspension bridge that brings us to the village of Kunjuri. We will stop for lunch, rest somewhere near Kunjuri, and begin our trek across ridges and some rocky paths before reaching Kengsra. You can start to see a distant image of Kanchenjunga from here.
Day 4
Trek to Torangden
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Trekking Time Average |
14km./05 hours walk |
|---|---|
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Accommodation |
Green View Hotel or Similar category |
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Altitude |
(1785m./5890ft.) |
|
Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Today, we begin our trek to the beautiful Limbu settlement of Torangdan. The trail that we will travel today is also called Limbu Cultural Trail. Today’s trek takes us across hillsides above the Kabeli Khola, and likewise, past a small village called Anpan, before crossing the Kashawa Khola to reach Torangdan. En route, you can explore the culture, traditions, and local cuisine of the Limbu people.
Day 5
Trek to Cheram
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Trekking Time Average |
14km./05 hours walk |
|---|---|
|
Accommodation |
Hotel Blue Ship or Similar category |
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Altitude |
(3870m./12771ft.) |
|
Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
After breakfast, we begin our ascent to Cheram. This trail takes us mainly along the Simbuwa Khola. The sounds of the river and mild sunshine along the way feel tranquil. We will also pass forests of rhododendrons, massive pines, juniper, and oaks to reach Lalung Valley. You can get a beautiful view of the Yalung Glacier from here, as well as a glimpse of the magnificent Tuplung Peak. A short walk from here takes you to Cheram.
Day 6
Acclimatization / Exploring around Cheram.
|
Trekking Time Average |
5km./02 hours excursion |
|---|---|
|
Accommodation |
Hotel Blue Ship or Similar category |
|
Altitude |
(3870m./12771ft.) |
|
Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Today, we rested one day at Cheram since we had reached a considerable height. We will spend the day acclimatizing ourselves to the environment and take some well-needed rest. You can spend the day exploring the village and watch how rural people survive and thrive in these conditions. Explore the culture and traditions of the Limbu and Rai (collectively known as Kirat) people living in these remote regions.
Day 7
Trek to Ramchaur/ Ramjer
|
Trekking Time Average |
05 hours/12km. |
|---|---|
|
Accommodation |
Snow Home Hotel or Similar category |
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Altitude |
(4580m./15114ft._ |
|
Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
After breakfast, we begin our trek to Ramchaur or Ramche. Trekkers going to the Yalung Base Camp take this same trail. As you climb uphill, you again come across beautiful forages of rhododendrons, junipers, and pines. Enjoy the fantastic view of mountains like Kabru (7412m), Rathong (6682m), and Kokthang (6148m). Ramchaur is also known as the “hidden stone lodge” because of its beautiful stone houses. Overnight stay at Ramchaur/ Ramjer.
Day 8
Visit Yalung Base Camp – Retrace to Cheram
|
Trekking Time Average |
19km/ 06 hours walk |
|---|---|
|
Accommodation |
Snow Home Hotel or Similar Category |
|
Altitude |
(3870m./12771ft.) |
|
Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
After breakfast, we will trek to the famous Yalung Base Camp. Along this trail, you may notice a lot of frozen streams, so you may have to be a bit careful as it can get slippery. After a short walk, we can also visit the Oktang Monastery before finally reaching the Yalung Base Camp. You can glimpse renowned peaks such as Jannu Himal (7710m), Nyukla Lachung, and other mountain vistas. After lunch and resting here, we retrace our steps to Cheram.
Day 9
Trek to Sele La
|
Trekking Time Average |
14km./ 06 hours walk |
|---|---|
|
Accommodation |
Hill Side Lodge or Similar category |
|
Altitude |
(4290m./14157ft.) |
|
Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
After breakfast, we begin our trek to Sele La. This is a longer trail than other days as we make our way through four passes today. The first pass we will cross through is Sinelapche Bhanjyang (4645m), after which we make our way to the second pass, the Mirgin La pass (4480m). After a couple of hours of walking through ridges, we reach the third pass, the Sinion La pass. Finally, we ascend to our final pass, the Sele La pass. The total trek lasts for 6 hours today.
Day 10
Trek to Ghunsa
|
Trekking Time Average |
14km./ 05 hours walk |
|---|---|
|
Accommodation |
Zonga Family Guest House or Similar category |
|
Altitude |
(3595m./11863ft.) |
|
Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
After breakfast, we begin our trek to Ghunsa. This is a more natural trek day compared to yesterday. Today, we pass through small forests of rhododendrons and pines. We can also see several Buddhist Chortens and prayer flags along the way. Once you reach Ghunsa, you can spend the rest of the day exploring the area. The houses in Ghunsa are unique as they are made of rocks, and the inner walls are made of pines. It is one of the famous towns, where trekkers rest on their way to Kanchenjunga Base Camp. Overnight stay at Ghunsa.
Day 11
Trek to Kambachen
|
Trekking Time Average |
05 hours/12km |
|---|---|
|
Accommodation |
Kanchanjunga White House or Hotel Shingi Namjong |
|
Altitude |
(4050m./13365ft.) |
|
Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Today, we begin our trek towards Kambachen. This trek takes us further up to the northern side as we make our way through beautiful wildflowers and forages of rhododendrons and wild oaks. After walking for a couple of hours, you will come across a suspension bridge over a river at Rampuk Kharkha, where we view waterfalls and landslide sections. Enjoy an alluring view of Jannu Himal from here. Overnight stay at Kambachen.
Day 12
Excursion to Janu ( Mt. Kumbakarna) View Point
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Trekking Time Average |
05 hours round trip |
|---|---|
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Accommodation |
Kanchanjunga White House or Hotel Shingi Namjong |
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Altitude |
(4050m./13365ft.) |
|
Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
You will have wonderful day excursion to Mt. Kumbakarna ( Mt. Janu). Overnight in Kambachen
Day 13
Trek to Lhonak
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Trekking Time Average |
14km./ 06 hours walk |
|---|---|
|
Accommodation |
Lonak Guest House or Similar category |
|
Altitude |
(4780m./15774ft.) |
|
Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
After breakfast, we begin our trek to Lhonak. The path in this trail slowly starts getting icy and covered with snow as we make our way uphill. We also make our way past rocky terrains and across riverbanks before we cross a suspension bridge over a river. We can then see the small village of Lhonak. Lhonak is not as developed as the other villages but provides a comfortable stay for the night.
Day 14
Excursion to Kanchenjunga Base Camp – Retrace to Lhonak
|
Trekking Time Average |
10km./ 04 hours walk |
|---|---|
|
Accommodation |
Lonak Guest House or Similar category |
|
Altitude |
(5143m./16971ft.) |
|
Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Today, we finally make our way to the famous Kanchenjunga Base Camp. Most of the path in this trail is generally grassy, but the strong winds remain the main challenge. As you reach Kanchenjunga Base Camp, you may notice a lot of tents belonging to mountaineers who are starting their expedition to the Kanchenjunga summit. From the base camp, you get a magnanimous view of the third-highest peak of the world, Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586m). We make our way upwards to Pangpema, where you can get a beautiful view of the north face of Kanchenjunga. Overnight stay at Lhonak.
Day 15
Trek to Ghunsa
|
Trekking Time Average |
15km. / 06 hours walk |
|---|---|
|
Accommodation |
Zonga Family Guest House or Similar category |
|
Altitude |
(3595m./11863ft.) |
|
Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Today, we retrace our steps to make our way back to where we started. We walk past rocky trails and cross suspension bridges and stop at Kambachen for lunch. We rest for a while here and then continue our way downhill to the village of Ghunsa. Walking past thick forests of rhododendrons and pines, we arrive at Ghunsa. Overnight stay at Ghunsa.
Day 16
Trek to Gyapla
|
Trekking Time Average |
13km./ 05 hours walk |
|---|---|
|
Accommodation |
Hotel Shingi Namjong or Similar category |
|
Altitude |
(2800m./9240ft.) |
|
Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Today, you will walk downhill to Gyapla. It’s a short walk but it’s wonderful walk through small streams and limbu settlements. Overnight in Gyapla .
Day 17
Trek to Amjilosa
|
Trekking Time Average |
05 hours/14km |
|---|---|
|
Accommodation |
Chiring Kpa Hotel or similar category |
|
Altitude |
(2308m./7616ft.) |
|
Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
After breakfast, we make our way to Amjilosa. Since we are going downhill, the temperature starts getting warmer, and no strong winds are blowing our way. On the way, you can notice a lot of monasteries and small streams before we reach the village of Phale, where we stop for lunch. We cross a suspension bridge over Chhundarangka Khola and pass through little waterfalls and Chortens before reaching Amjilosa.
Day 18
Trek to Sekthum
|
Trekking Time Average |
14km./ 06 hours walk |
|---|---|
|
Accommodation |
Lodge in Sekthum |
|
Altitude |
(1270m./4191ft.) |
|
Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
After breakfast, we make our way to Sekathum. This trail takes us through Ghunsa river and Solima village, where we can also see lush meadows and pasture areas for yaks. On the way, you can also see farms of paddy, millet, barley, and cardamom plantations. Take a last glimpse at the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area as you near its exit as you reach Sekthum. Overnight stay at Sekthum.
Day 19
Trek to Tapethok
|
Trekking Time Average |
14km./05 hours walk |
|---|---|
|
Accommodation |
Lodge in Tapethok |
|
Altitude |
(1322m./4362ft.) |
|
Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
After breakfast, you will walk downhill to Tapethok . Overnight in Tapethok.
Day 20
Drive to Taplejung
|
Trekking Time Average |
40km. / 04 hours drive |
|---|---|
|
Accommodation |
The Hotel Mountain or similar category |
|
Altitude |
(2420m./7986ft.) |
|
Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
After breakfast, we drive local sharing jeep our way back to Taplejung. Today is the final day of the trek. We make your drive way through grazing areas and alpine grasslands. The number of villages increases as you continue on this road. You will come across well-made roads as you descend. You will reach Taplejung by early afternoon, where you can take some rest. Overnight stay at Taplejung.
Day 21
Drive to Bhadrapur/Birtamod
|
Trekking Time Average |
180km./ 07 hours drive |
|---|---|
|
Accommodation |
Hotel Chandrama Inn or Similar category |
|
Altitude |
(91m./300ft.) |
|
Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
After breakfast, you begin your drive back to Bhadrapur. On the way, you can stop at Ilam. You get to observe a variety of tea leaves that are famous all over Nepal. You will reach Bhadrapur by late afternoon. After resting for a while at the hotel, you can then head out to visit the local market area of the place, overnight in Bhadrapur/Birtamod.
Day 22
Fly to Kathmandu – 01 hour flight
|
Trekking Time Average |
01 hour flight to Kathmandu |
|---|---|
|
Altitude |
(1295m./4273ft.) |
|
Included meals |
Breakfast |
After breakfast, you will catch your flight back to Kathmandu. On the flight, catch a final glimpse of the beautiful landscape and hillsides of the eastern region for the last time. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you head to the hotel and relax.
What’s Included
- Tribhuwan International Airport transfer ( Airport – Hotel – Airport) in Kathmandu .
- All meals during the trekking (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
- Lodge accommodation ( Twin share basis) during the trekking.
- One highly experienced, first aid trained, fluent English speaking, friendly and government authorized trekking guide
- 1 Porter per 2 Trekkers and keep luggage weight under 10kg per person.
- Guide/ Porter’s food, accommodation, salary, insurance, transportation and equipments.
- Kanchenjunga special permit and Kanchenjunga Conservation.
- Oxygen saturation check up everyday, water purification, A trekking map, first aid medical, company t-shirt, trekking completion certificate etc.
- Overland transportation as per mentioned in itinerary.
- Kathmandu- Bhadrapur – Kathmandu by flight.
- Assistance for emergency rescue evacuation.
- Government tax and service charge.
- Public Liability Insurance.
What’s Not Included
- Hotel accommodation and meals in Kathmandu
- Hard and soft table drinks such as tea/coffee, coke, fanta, mineral water, alchoholic drinks, laundry, phone bill, boilled water, battery charge, desert, hot shower etc.
- Personal Travel insurance.
- International Flight Ticket.
- Nepal Tourist Visa
- Tips for guide and porters.( Highly suggested).
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Route Map
Trail
Return Trail
Join our group departures
Our scheduled group tours offer fixed departure dates, providing an excellent opportunity for travelers to join our small group trips.
Note : Our fixed group departure dates, services and price is guaranteed even if the group numbers are 1 person to maximum 18 persons. We will provide a guide cum porter if there is only 1 person to operate the trek and one more assistant guide if group size is above 10 persons.And of course , guide cum porter will carry 10 kg luggage
Book a private trip on your own date.
Every journey we create is uniquely tailored to you. Share your interests and passions, and our travel experts will design an unforgettable adventure filled with extraordinary, one-of-a-kind experiences crafted just for you.
Travel and insurance During Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking
Travel Insurance is almost compulsory for trekking in Nepal. You should have your insurance before you book for your trek. There are very few trekking agencies that accept your trek without travel insurance. While booking your travel insurance, ensure that your travel insurance covers injuries, medical expenses, repatriation, rescue missions, and property loss. Most importantly, make sure it doesn’t expire. Hiking above 5000 meters is always risky. You cannot simply leave for a trek without any planning. Therefore, we recommend you get good insurance that covers everything during the trek. Having insurance will let you trek freely with peace inside your head, as you don’t need to worry about anything.
Meals and Accommodation During Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
Your stay in Kathmandu will be in a star hotel, and your room will have all the amenities. All three meals for the day will be at the same hotel in Kathmandu. Similarly, tea houses and lodges are the standard accommodation options once you leave for the trek. The locals often run these Guest houses or Tea houses. They provide you with basic amenities in your rooms. We try to provide the most comfortable tea houses with hot showers, toilets, western food, and private rooms. It depends on the tourist flow in this region. You will have the options for a hot shower, charging, etc., but they will charge you a few extra dollars.
You will have three meals per day. Your breakfast will be at the place where you will be staying. As you will be hiking in the remote areas of Nepal, you won’t have multiple options for food. Generally, the tea houses will serve you local food items for your meal. Your breakfast items include Tibetan Bread, Tea, cornflakes, varieties of eggs, etc. Your lunch will be in the middle of your hike, whereas your dinner will be at the place where you are staying. The food items for lunch and dinner are almost similar. Daal Bhaat will be your staple meal during the trek. Other food items include noodles, potato wedges, soup, pasta, Thukpa, Dhindo, Momo, Pizza,
Required Permits for Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
You need three permits for this trek. A trekker’s Information Management System(TIMS) card is mandatory for trekking in Nepal. It holds your data and information for security and safety purposes. You can get it from the Nepal Tourism Board Office or any Trekking Agency in Nepal. The price of a TIMS card is Rs 2000.
The other two permits you need for this trek are the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and the Kanchenjunga Special Permit. The conservation area permit costs Rs 3000 for foreigners and Rs 1000 for visitors from SAARC nations. The price for the Kanchenjunga special permit is USD 20 for 4 weeks and USD 25 per 1 week for extra days. You can get the area permit at the entrance point of the Conservation Area or contact your trekking agencies in Nepal.
A typical day in Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
Generally, your day begins at the place where you stay. You will have breakfast before leaving for your daily hike. After breakfast, our guides will give you a short briefing session about today’s hike. You will not waste any time and start your hiking for the day. Our guides will explain to you about different places or any unique things you will encounter. You will stop at several scenic spots to click pictures or soak yourself in the region’s beauty. Your lunch for the day will be at a tea house or a local restaurant between your hike. It will generally be around 12-1 pm.
You might get some rest after your lunch, but it depends on the remaining distance that must be covered. However, you will have a short rest of about 10-15 minutes after your lunch. Your hike resumes after your lunch, and you’ll head towards your final destination for the day. After hiking, you will be at your accommodation for about 6-8 hours. You will have your dinner here. Your dinner will be around 6-8 pm. You can rest after dinner as you need proper rest for tomorrow’s hike.
What People Ask About
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
What are the physical fitness and other criteria required for this trek ?
How can drinking water be managed in the mountain ?
How long will we have to hike each day ?
What are the documents that we need to bring for this trek ?
What kind of toilet facilities are there? Will we be able to take a shower in Mountain ?
Is it possible to recharge batteries and electronics during the trek ?
Is it possible to communicate with friends and family back home while on trek ?
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