Kanchenjunga Trek is remote hiking in the foothills of the Himalayas. It’s one of the most adventurous yet discreet hikes, with many hidden multi-day treks that are yet to be discovered. So, even though it seems daunting, Kanchenjunga trekking is still fun and amusing.
Our Kanchenjunga Trek package Cost starts from US$ 1800 to $2100, depending upon the size of the group.
The trek is ideal for those willing to go into the wilderness and explore its untouched regions and landscapes. It provides them a chance to explore its awe-inspiring natural wonders and scenic places. However, trekking Kanchenjunga isn’t as easy as it seems.
You have to consider several things to make the trek happen. This includes making choices on food and accommodation, transportation, trekking gear, and other basic necessities. You’ll have to bear the cost of each item to be brought on the trek.
You’ll have to face several challenges and discomforts to make it to the acme. Therefore,
don’t underestimate your travel cost, as it can make or break your expedition. The trekking cost of Kanchenjunga entirely depends on the length of your stay in the region.
As the daily expenses can vary based on your style and where you visit, you must plan a budget of US$2000 to US$2,500. Prepare to pay higher if you want extra facilities with well-furnished rooms for accommodation.
Several other factors, including transportation, also determine your cost for Kanchenjunga Trekkingrtation, clothing essentials, transportation, and food. Anytime you head out on the trail, you must be fully prepared with all supplies and equipment.
It means you need to bring your own trekking essentials as it can cost you a lot on the trail. Apart from that, you’ll also have to have enough money for food & drinks, or you can ask us to arrange the accommodation for you.
Cost of Accommodation
A wide variety of accommodation options are available during the Kanchenjunga Trek. You can find lodges, guesthouses, and hotels on your way, which are pretty convenient and cheap. They are many best places to stay on the trail, but they vary in cost and amenities.
The prices to book a room is quite reasonable in the lower elevation. But, as you go higher, it costs a fortune to reserve one partly because of the remoteness and lack of full accessibility. Limited options and availability of accommodation cause a dramatic increase in the rise of accommodation in Kanchenjunga.
In this case, you’ll find teahouses to be the best alternative as it’s budget-friendly and suitable for backpackers. They have better access, and the facilities are up to standard. You can lease a single or shared room with an en-suite, which costs about US$6 to US$8 per night. You can also find yourself many well-facilitated hotels and guesthouses on the trek, but they will be slightly expensive.
Guides & Porters
It’s common for trekkers to hire a guide and porter in Kanchenjunga as the trails are not so easy to navigate. They are mainly rugged with many twists and turns, making it hard to crack down without proper knowledge or guidance for the routes.
It’s nice to have a local tour guide or a professional who can navigate the way while introducing you to the native people and their culture. They can provide you with information on the major landmarks and take you to the best spot for spectacular views.
Having a porter alongside all is always a perk when trekking Kanchenjunga. They’ll presumably ease your journey by helping you with the backpack. The porter will carry your luggage and other stuff so that you can beat the grueling trail and safely make it to the intended site.
It can cost you anywhere from US$25 to US$30 to hire a porter in Kanchenjunga, whereas the price for leasing a guide can go up to US$35 per day. It covers the cost of their food, accommodation, and travel insurance.
Food & Drinks
Food & Drinks in Kanchenjunga are not cheap, especially when compared to big cities like Kathmandu. They have limited stocks and supply of goods with massive travel fares, which sees an increase in price.
Locals running lodges and guesthouses rely predominantly on the agricultural products on the farm. They have to transport most of the ingredients from nearby cities and towns, which costs a lot.
The typical Nepali dish served to the guest can cost US$6 to US$9, depending on where you’re. They are generally more expensive at higher altitudes as only a few settlements exist. Breakfast in Kanchanjunga can cost about US$4 to US$6, while a cup of coffee can be US1.5 to US$2. Ultimately, the cost sums up and makes anywhere from US$25 to US$30, which is a decent amount of Kanchenjunga Trekking cost.
Permit
Kanchenjunga is a restricted area, so you’ll require a permit before trekking the region. It’s issued by Nepal Tourism Board, allowing hikers to travel the forbidden area. The prime reason for doing so is to limit the number of visitors for convenience.
You’ll need a special permit to enter the region, including Restricted Area Permit and Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project. You’ll have to pay US$10 per person per week for the local permit of restricted zones. Similarly, trekkers pay about US$2 per person for the conservation area entry permit. It has no time limit, so you can use it until your stay in the region. Since the permit is issued in a group, you’ll need a minimum of two trekkers to receive it.
Clothing & Equipment
Trails in Kanchenjunga are somewhat rough and challenging, with many hurdles to overcome. Most of its routes are inaccessible, given steep hills and mountain ridges that are tiring to walk. Hence, it’s improbable for trekkers to finish the hike without the necessary supplies and gear.
You might have inconveniences trekking in the absence of enough trekking essentials. Therefore, it’s worth spending US$200 to US$500 on the trekking gears for a better hiking experience. It’ll ensure your safety and make trekking easier.
Some of the essentials that are a must on Kanchenjunga trekking consist of sturdy hiking boots, trekking poles, mittens, and a sleeping bag. It’ll be wise to spend a few bucks on a high-quality down jacket that can resist water.
Transportation cost
The transportation cost for Kanchenjunga Trekking depends on the mode of transportation you pick. Taking a flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur can cost you about US$375. Similarly, a private jeep ride from Illam to Taplejung and Tapethok can cost anywhere from US$90 to US$100.
Itinerary:
Day 01: Flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur to Illam
We’ll take our flight to Bhadrapur early in the morning. Flying over the valley and plains, we’ll head off to this town in Jhapa. On arrival, we’ll take a short break for lunch and continue our journey to Illam, with 6 hours of a scenic drive. The ride will provide us with a spectacular view of lush green farms and terrace fields. You’ll see many beautiful villages and towns which are vibrant and full of life. We’ll spend the night in the town.
Day 02: Drive to Taplejung and Taplejung to Tapethok
After breakfast, we’ll set on a trip to Taplejung, which is 151km and takes about 7 hours. Leaving Illam, we drive ake the blacktopped road that runs through mountains and terraced hills, which is quite smooth. The road to Tapethok is dusty and subject to seasonal weather conditions, so we’ll go slow and steady.
Driving out on the road, you’ll see many Buddhist gompas and butter lamps, providing a great view. After about three hours of a scenic drive, we’ll arrive at Taplejung, a remote village in the eastern Himalayas. It’s surrounded by Tibet, Sankhuwasaba, Terathum, and Panchthar and provides a spectacular view.
Day 04: Trek to Sekathum
Sekathum Altitude: 1,660m / 5,446ft
Walking Hours: 5 hrs
Overnight at: the teahouse
The trek on the third day begins with a long and strenuous hike to Sekathum. After breakfast, we’ll follow the trail to Tamor River and continue hiking to Tapethok. We’ll make a quick stop here for what’s the first of many checkpoints.
Following the verification of our trekking permits, we’ll continue uphill walk, which provides the first view of Kumbhakarna mountain. It takes almost 6 hours to finish the trek and arrive at this small hamlet.
Day 05: Trek to Amjilossa
Amjilossa Altitude: 2,521m /
Walking Hours:
Overnight at:
The trek to Amjilossa takes almost 6 hours, so we’ll leave the village early and start our journey. Taking the narrow, steep route, we’ll bridge the gap to the village. After lunch in a teahouse at Jaubari, we’ll trek uphill to Amjilosa.
On the way, we’ll cross Ghunsa Khola and weave through the narrow path, which takes almost 4 hours. This is the most difficult section of the trek as you have to walk the steep hill for several hours. It has no level ground, so you will likely wear out faster on the trail.
Upon reaching the village, you’ll see beautiful glimpses of towering mountains and undulating landscapes, which are moving. You can discover many small tea houses in this rural settlement, where trekkers can find shelter.
Day 06: Trek to Gyabla
Gybala Altitude: 2,730m / 8,956ft
Walking Hours: 4-5 hrs
Overnight at: the teahouse
The trek to Gybala is somehow relaxing with just four hours of trekking. We begin the walk late morning and pave our way through the valley and tropical forests. You can see Bamboo, oak, and rhododendron all along the way, making a beautiful backdrop.
As we go higher, the trail starts to show us a hidden southwestern face of Mt Kanchenjunga and other surrounding peaks. After gaining 400 meters elevation, the trail ends at Gyabla. Although it appears small, the actual village on the main trail is quite big.
The ridge covers it to the west of a lodge, providing a never-before-seen view. Upon arrival at the village, you can witness beautiful valleys, streaming waterfalls, and lush green forests. Overnight at teahouse.
Day 07: Trek to Ghunsa
Ghunsa Altitude: 3,595m
Walking Hours: 8 hrs
Overnight at: the Guesthouse
The trek to Ghunsa is extremely challenging and strenuous as compared to any other hike. We’ll spend more than 8 hours on the trail, climbing hills and crossing bridges. The trail will also take us through the villages. The trail will take us to local hydro plants and small winter settlements.
It’s the highest populated rural settlement in the northern part of Kanchenjunga. Unlike other villages, it has many well-facilitated teahouses for trekkers to stay in. Locals in Ghunsa are self-employed, engaging in local handmade souvenirs.
Day 08: Acclimatisation day
After a never-ending walk to Ghunsa, it’s pretty risky to go on another hike that’s equally challenging and strenuous elevation-wise. Therefore, we’ll stay in the village today and take this time to relax and acclimatize as well.
After breakfast, we’ll trek the viewpoint west of Ghunsa at 4,000 meters. The entire trek will take about 4 to 5 hours, providing a great view of Ghunsa and Phole.
Ghunsa is a typical Tibetan settlement with wooden houses and potato fields. You can see herds of yaks pasturing in the open field.
Day 09: Trek to Kambachen
Kambachen Altitude: 4,100m / 13,451ft
Walking Hours: 5-6 hours
Overnight at: the teahouse
Today’s a relatively easy day. The trek to Kambachen takes just about five hours, so we can go easy on the trail. After breakfast, we’ll follow the path north to the edge of the river and head towards the mountain ridge. The trail on this part of Kanchenjunga is risky, so we’ll
have to be careful, especially when it runs through landslide-prone areas, which increases the challenges.
Day 10: Acclimatisation day
Today’s our second acclimatization of the Kanchenjunga Trek. It’s planned to let you adapt to the atmosphere at higher altitudes. We’ll spend the day exploring Lhonak and its beautiful landmark. After our morning routine and breakfast, we’ll leave for our day trip to Janu Peak Base Camp.
Nestled at the foot of the mountain, Janu Peak Base Camp is a popular trek destination, especially among beginners. It’s picturesque with a drop-dead gorgeous view of the surrounding hills and rugged mountains. We won’t stay too long at the camp and return to Lhonak before afternoon.
Day 11: Trek to Lhonak
Lhonak Altitude: 4,785m / 15,698ft
Walking Hours: 3-4 hrs
Overnight at: the Guesthouse
The trek to Lhonak kicks off with a gentle walk up the hill and to the river. Following the trail along the bank of the river and crossing the waterfalls, we head towards Ramtang. After passing the village and walking over a bridge, we’ll trek steep hills that last for an hour or so.
Upon arriving at Lhonak, You’ll see many lush fields pastured by yak and sheep. It has many tiny teahouses that offer guests nice and cozy rooms with excellent service. There are lots of amazing things to do here, such as exploring the village or discovering its historical landmarks.
Day 12: Trek from Lhonak to Ghunsa
Ghunsa Altitude:
Walking Hours: 7-8 hrs
Overnight at: the Guesthouse
After an early morning rise-up and delicious breakfast, we’ll head to the trail that weaves through Kangbachen without any stop. After almost two hours of climbing along Tengkoma, we’ll stop for lunch and continue trekking hillsides before crossing the bridge.
Following the trail over the landslide and through the forest, we’ll push for Rambu Kharka. From here, we make our final ascent to Ghunsa by walking along the glacial moraine of Kanchenjunga. As we get closer to the village, the trail provides us an alpine scenery.
Day 13: Trek from Ghunsa to Sele Le Pass Camp
Sele Pass Camp Altitude: 4,480m / 14,698ft
Walking Hours: 5 hrs
Overnight at: the teahouse
After breakfast, we’ll leave the village and continue our journey to Sele. It takes five hours of an uphill climb from Ghunsa to arrive at the Pass Camp. We’ll spend most of our day ascending the grueling, strenuous trail that winds through a tropical forest full of pine and birch. As the paths in these areas are covered in snow and ice, we have to be careful. Finally, after arriving at the village, you can relax at the one and only teahouse of Ghunsa.
Day 14: Trek from Sele Le Pass Camp to Cheram
Cheram Altitude: 3,870m / 12,696ft
Walking Hours: 6-7 hrs
Overnight at: the
The 14th day of Kanchenjunga trekking involves a painful 6 hours climb to Cheram. We’ll get there Cheram crossing the Mirgin La Pass and Sinion La Pass. The trek with a two-hours ascent to Sinion La followed by Mirgin, which is rough and tricky.
From here, the trail heads to Sinelapche Bhanjyang and continues to run along the ridge of Chamlang. The trail will provide us with a breathtaking view of Kanchenjunga, Kyabru, and Januu Himal.
Day 15: Day trip to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Altitude: 5,160m / 16,929ft
Walking Hours: 7 hrs
Overnight at: the
It’s another difficult and never-ending hike on Kanchenjunga trekking, but it’s more exhilarating and adventurous this time. The hike to Kanchenjunga Base Camp is full of challenges. We’ll have to climb the rugged terrains and icy slopes before walking over the steep ridge.
After trekking for solid few hours, we’ll reach the base camp at 5,160 meters. The base camp makes a great vantage point to watch the stunning mountain ranges and beautiful valleys. After exploring the camp, we’ll descend the trail, returning to Cheram.
Day 16: Trek from Cheram to Torongding
Torongding Altitude: 2,995m / 9,826ft
Walking Hours: 3-4 hrs
Overnight at: the teahouse
The day begins with a gentle slope down from Cheram, which plunges 1000 meters elevation below. The trail then descends into the gorge before working its way through the forest. After trekking the landslide-prone area, the trail rises and finally ends at Torongding. This shall take us 3 to 4 hours, with mostly a downhill trek. Overnight stay in a teahouse at Torongding.
Day 17: Trek from Torongding to Yampghuding
Yamphuding Altitude: 2,080m / 6,824ft
Walking Hours: 6-7 hrs
Overnight at: the guesthouse
Trek from Torongding to Yampghuding is relatively easy, with a downhill trek for the most part. It does incline at the beginning, especially while walking over a landslide area. Soon. we’ll make a long descent to Yampghuding that passes through Lasiya Bhanjyang. The trail walks down the green valleys and into the forest before finishing at the village.
Day 18: Trek from Yamphuding to Khamdime
Khmadime Altitude: 1,500m / 4,921ft
Walking Hours: 10 hrs
Overnight at: the guesthouse
The trail from Yamphuding to Khamdime is of mixed terrains. In the first section, we’ll climb steep hills and then take a walk along the landslide-prone areas, which makes a quick descent to Khamdime.
You’ll only find a few human settlements in this part of the trail. However, it does provide you with a panoramic mountain view that keeps you going. The unpaved route Khamdime has many ups and downs, which are quite tiring.
We’ll pave the way through terrace fields and local villages such as Khebang. After amost 8 hours of trekking, we’ll arrive at Khamdime. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.
Day 19: Drive from Khamdime to Bhadrapur
The second last day of Kanchenjunga Trekking features a scenic drive to Bhadrapur that lasts 10 hours. We’ll start driving at dawn and spend the whole day roving while watching picturesque views outside the window. We’ll arrive at Bhadrapur late in the evening, so there won’t be much time to explore the town. However, you can enjoy the tour of Bhadrpur the very next day.
Day 20: Fly from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu
A direct flight from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu is available every day. So, after breakfast, we’ll drive to the airport and take the earliest flight to the city. The journey will last half an hour and comes with an aerial view of this scenic town. Our staff will pick you up at the airport and transfer you back to the hotel.