Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek: Treasure of Eastern Nepal

• HB Kham

The world’s third highest peak popularly known as”Kanchenjunga” situated at an elevation of 8586 meters from sea level, is one of the invaluable treasures of eastern Nepal and poses for one of the great Himalayan tourist trails.

In Nepali terms, “Kanchenjunga” refers to any thing which is very clear and transparent. The other name for this peak is “Five Treasures of the Great Snow” which epitomizes, Gold, Silver, Valuable stones, Grain and holy text.

The peak located at the Kanchenjunga Conservation area (2035 Square km) partly lies in the Nepali border and another half in India and is bordered by the Sikkim state of India.

The best view of the Kanchenjunga peak can be seen from Bhutan, Tibet, and India. The tourists would not ever miss a sunrise and sunset scenes created by rising and setting sun across this region.

The trekkers across this landscape can see the astounding view of snow capped peaks of Everest (8848m), Kanchenjung 8586m, Lhotse (8516 m) and Makalu(8481 m) among others.

The Arun valley is the main route to trek to Kanchenjunga base camp which abounds in exotic landscapes, vibrant flora and fauna and wild animals like red panda, wild boar, black bear, musk deer, and snow leopard among others.

Pristine cultures of indigenous Sherpa, Gurung, Limbu and Rai tribes here is refreshing to observe and internalize during trekking as these gullible people with their smiling hospitality will leave no stone upturned to make your trekking a memorable one by rendering any kind of service you seek out of them.

How to get there?

You may have to chalk out your trekking schedule for at least 21-26 days to relish the panoramic glimpse of the captivating beautiful peaks and landscape

To reach there, trekkers should take either one route from Sikkim or take any of the three available routes from Nepal. That is North East-North West and South West.

If you plan to trek from Nepal side then the trekking begins from Taplejung for which you may take a flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur airport and then take a jeep via road to Taplejung. Then begin your trekking trail from here to Kanchenjunga base camp.

What is a good season to trek to Kanchenjunga base camp?

Usually, the months of September, October, and November in Autumn, March, April, and May in Spring season are considered favorable months to trek to this region.