The Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek, located in the eastern region of Nepal, takes you around Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world. The Kanchenjunga trekking route is rich in natural and cultural diversity, with varied flora, fauna, and wildlife found in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. As one of Nepal’s popular off-the-beaten-path treks, it offers a true wilderness experience and remoteness. The long-standing isolation of the Kanchenjunga region also makes it one of the most physically challenging treks in Nepal. Therefore, embarking on the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek with a guide is the best way to explore the entire region without any hassle.
Things to Remember before Trekking Kanchenjunga Base Camp
- A trekking group must include at least two people, excluding a guide and porter.
- Solo trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp is impossible so it is mandatory to hire a local guide and a porter to trek in Kanchenjunga region.
- Trekking permits required for Kanchenjunga Base Camp can be obtained only with the help of authorized local trekking agency in Nepal.
Since the trekking route of Kanchenjunga Base Camp was opened only in 1988 for the trekkers, you get to enjoy the pristine, authentic, and unexplored beauty in this region. Being a restricted region in Nepal, this trekking trail is not trekked as much as popular classic treks in Nepal like Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp etc. However, with the growing number of teahouses, its popularity has been increasing since a couple of years back. Also, the demand rate of local guides for Kanchenjunga Circuit trek is rising as every trekker wants to get the best experience by hiring the guide.
Here we have listed major 10 reasons behind the necessity of an expert guide for Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek.
1. Local Cultural Experience
One of the best parts of trekking in Nepal is to experience the rich local culture and traditions. In the same way to experience the cultural journey in Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, it is mandatory to hire a guide as they will share the myths and stories related to each ethnicity, historical sites etc. Kanchenjunga region is home to diverse cultures and religions. From Hinduism to the Tibetan influenced Buddhist religion, trekkers can experience all of them at once.
You can find numerous Monasteries, flapping prayer flags, Mani walls, chortens etc. in this region having great cultural significance. So, you will never get to know about those local shrines if you don’t hire a licensed guide having knowledge about the areas.
In the lower altitude of this region, one can interact with the people from the ethnicities of Rai, Brahmin, Limbu, Gurung, Chettri, who follow the mixture of Buddhist and Hindu. Likewise, in the higher latitude, one can find the Tibetan influenced villages, which are home to the Sherpa. Most of the locals speak their own Tibetan Sherpa language. So, Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek guide will help you in interacting with the locals, monks etc. by helping you in conversations.
2. Deal with the Kanchenjunga Trek difficulties
Kanchenjunga Circuit trek is categorized as moderately difficult treks in Nepal. This trek takes you above 5,000m and keeps you there for a longer period. As a result, there are high chances of getting problems from the freezing cold, altitude sickness etc. Also, the rocky, uneven, and rough trekking trail add to the Kanchenjunga Trek difficulties. Crossing the high passes like Sele La (4,200m), Mir-gin La (4,026m) and Sinon La (4,663m) put extra threat in the journey. So, without a guide it is very hard to tackle all these difficulties in a strange region with fewer fellow trekkers.
Guide for Kanchenjunga Circuit trek have the fine knowledge about the Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) as they are provided training about how to deal with it. So, they will be there to rescue you in case of danger. Besides this, they also have the idea about the fluctuating weather and climate of Kanchenjunga trek. Other difficulties like finding better accommodation, route, language barriers etc. can also be solved by travelling with a guide.
3. Advanced booking of Logistics
Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is a remote trekking area, where the facilities are very low. If you are solo trekkers, then you can’t manage the accommodation, equipment, permits etc. on your own. There are a smaller number of teahouses in this region as a result all of them remain packed. So, you might be forced to spend your night in the dining room if you don’t have the reservations. However, travelling with a guide will help you in finding the exact accommodation you are looking for as they have good contact with the owner of the teahouses.
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is also popularly known as teahouse trek and camping trek in Nepal.
Besides the accommodation, Kanchenjunga Base Camp guide also helps in obtaining the permits, making the proper packing list for Kanchenjunga trek etc., to provide hassle-free trekking to the trekkers. So, a guide makes it easy for you to get access to all the facilities available in this region and ensure a satisfactory journey.
4. Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Permits
One can’t trek Kanchenjunga region without obtaining the required permits. There are two permits, which need to be acquired before heading towards the trekking trail – Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit and Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project permit. As per the rules of the Government in Nepal, to obtain the permit for a restricted region, one must plan their trip through the authorized trekking agency in Nepal. Likewise, you also need the experienced guide for Kanchenjunga Trek to take a route permit.
Independent trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp is possible by obtaining the ‘Ghost Permit’ (trekking alone with the real person’s name); however, you need to pay double to acquire this permit. So, it will only increase your Kanchenjunga Trek cost and Kanchenjunga Base Camp without a guide is dull, boring, and stressful.
Being a restricted trekking region, Kanchenjunga trek cost can be slightly higher than other classic treks in Nepal like Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek etc. because of the requirement for the restricted area permit. This permit is mandatory to pass through the four restricted villages of this region – Olangchung Gola, Papung, Yamphuding, and Lelap.
5. Jaw-Dropping Views of the Himalayas
You will get the close-up views of the four highest mountains in the world – Mt. Everest (8,848m), Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m), Lhotse (8,516m), and Makalu (8,481m) throughout the Kanchenjunga Trekking route. However, not every person will be able to get the nearest views of these peaks. You need to get access to the best viewpoints to get the jaw-dropping views of the mystic Himalayas in Nepal. So, the only choice is to hire a registered guide for Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek as they are the one having great knowledge about the viewpoints.
As said, the panorama of the stunning snow-capped peaks on this trek is heavenly. There are several beautiful viewpoints on this trekking region such as Mirgin La Pass, Pang Pema (North Base Camp), Oktang (South Base Camp), Sele Le Pass etc. Thus, embark to this journey with an experienced guide and approach to the best viewpoints with their guidance. Remember, photography and videography are better only if you step on the best spots.
6. Kanchenjunga Conservation Area
Kanchenjunga region is surrounded by the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, which is home to numerous endangered species like the Red Panda. One of the memorable moments in this trek is while you get the glimpse of those animals and birds. However, it is not easy to get their live sight as they hide in the corner of the forest. Thus, if you are someone having the passion of tracking the animals and birds, then hiring a local guide for Kanchenjunga trek will be beneficial as they can lead through the trail where wildlife is found most.
Remember it is dangerous to trek solo amid the lush green forest on your own as sometimes you might also be attacked by the animals. So, hiring a guide is best for personal safety.
You can find the varied animals and birds in Kanchenjunga Trekking trail like Snow Cock, Blue Sheep, Himalayan White Wolf, Blood Pheasant etc. Besides these, you will also be passing through the subtropical forests filled with Rhododendron, Junipers, Firs, Deciduous Oaks etc. To perform activities like bird watching, flora and fauna exploration, Kanchenjunga Trek with a guide is a better and safer option.
7. Remote and Restricted Area
Kanchenjunga region is a less explored region, which is one of the best off-the-beaten-treks in Nepal. It lies in the shadow of Everest and Annapurna and has remained rural since history. No matter if you are experienced trekker or beginner, getting into the Kanchenjunga trekking route is not easy. Finding accommodation facilities and better trekking trails is totally difficult. So, in a trail like this, the guide is not only a friend but also God. Thus, just hire a guide for Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek and make the impossible journey possible.
Being a restricted region, Kanchenjunga Trek without a guide is banned by the government of Nepal.
According to the research, it has been found that strolling alone in remote regions is full of danger. Less settlement of people along the trekking trail means the route is wild and possible attacks may come from the animals. Also, the growing vegetation makes it hard to identify the actual route. So, hiring the experienced guide who has travelled this region beforehand might come handy in dealing with the extreme ruralness of this region.
8. Passing Valleys and Glaciers
Because of the long isolation, the Kanchenjunga region is full of wilderness. Due to its remoteness, even the beautiful things are hard to view. You will be passing through the stunning valleys bounded by the hills and peaks such as Tamor Valley, Ramche, Khambachen, Lhonak, Ghunsa etc. However, without the proper guidance, it is difficult to cross these valleys because of rocky, slippery, and steepy paths.
Success rate of Kanchenjunga Trek highly depends upon the guide as they make the process of passing through valleys and glaciers fun and exciting rather than strenuous.
Likewise, trekking in Nepal is very popular to get the panoramic visibility of the charming glaciers like Yalung, Nyukla, Ramdung, Tso etc. But the glaciers are equally difficult, too, as if you don’t walk properly then you might get injuries, blisters, pain etc. So, if you want to avoid the possible bad consequences, then travelling with a guide is a must as they make sure that you are enjoying the picturesque valleys and glaciers in a comfortable manner.
9. Itineraries and Navigating Route
Kanchenjunga region is pristine and remote because of which finding the correct path is difficult. Many diversions and narrow paths make it hard to identify the easy trail. Also, if you find the trail, you might not know how good or bad it is. Moreover, depending upon the seasons, the trails are sometimes full of snow and sometimes too slippery. So, considering all these things, Kanchenjunga trekking trail is easy to walk on only with the guide as they help you to avoid the straying away from the trails and choose the alternative route for Kanchenjunga trek in case of any difficulties.
Kanchenjunga Trek guide provides you stress-free trekking by reducing the chances of getting lost in the trail and preparing the best-fit itinerary for you.
Kanchenjunga trek takes you to the high-altitude region, which passes through the flat and steep uphills. So, it is necessary to put the number of acclimatization days on your itinerary. Likewise, the bad weather may affect the journey and you might need to adjust your plans. In times like these, only a guide can help you by preparing the standard itinerary for Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek by predicting about the unforeseen circumstances in advance.
10. Reduce Language Barriers
Kanchenjunga trekking takes you to the mountainous regions where most of the people have low access to the proper education. As a result, locals there hardly speak English language. Also, the owners of the teahouses only know to say welcome and thank you. Moreover, if you’re trekking alone, then while asking for directions or while wanting to interact with the locals, it will be totally impossible. So, hiring an expert guide for Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek will help you by translating your thoughts into Nepalese language.
Remember to confirm the English-speaking abilities of the guide with the trekking agency and check their accent to determine if it’s understandable or not.
Thus, if you are looking for an adventurous journey and don’t mind a lot about the difficulties, then Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is the best trek in Nepal for you. Also, when you are with the guide on the Kanchenjunga Trekking route, you will be able to experience hassle-free trekking with less stress and trouble. However, hiring a guide is not an easy task as there are many guides who are fake and cunning. Checking the credibility of the guide before embarking towards the journey is most.
We, Prime Himalayas, are home to the standard, qualified, experienced, and licensed guide. We ensure that with the help of our expert guide, you will be able to enjoy every destination on your journey with full safety and security. So, if you have decided to trek Kanchenjunga region, then join us. We guarantee to make your trip beautiful by assisting you from the first day to the very last day of this trek. You can either contact or WhatsApp us at +977-9851057582 to know more about this incredible trip.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where is Kanchenjunga Mountain Located?
Kanchenjunga Mountain, the third highest mountain in the world, lies partially in Nepal and partially in India. Situated at 8,586m above the sea level, it is located in the eastern mountainous region between the border of Sikkim state (north-eastern India) and eastern Nepal. To be more precise, among the five Kanchenjunga peaks – Main, central and South peaks are located on the border of Nepal and India. Other remaining two peaks – West and Mt. Kangbachen lies totally in Nepal, Taplejung district.
How to reach Kanchenjunga Base Camp?
Kanchenjunga Base Camp is accessible from both Nepal and India, Sikkim. However, the rough and uneven trekking trails from Sikkim reduce the success rate of trekking. So, Nepal is the safest way from where Kanchenjunga Base camp can be easily reached. While trekking from Nepal, you can follow either north to south or south to north route. Both of these trekking routes start from Taplejung.
Firstly, you will take the 45 minutes short and scenic flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur. From Bhadrapur, you will enjoy the jeep ride to Birtamod. From Birtamod, take the bus ride towards Taplejung. The overall condition of the road is good, and you can enjoy a safe drive. We recommend you take a jeep ride rather than a local bus if you are passionate towards overland transportation.
Is Kanchenjunga Trek without a guide possible?
No, Kanchenjunga Trek without a guide is not possible because the Government of Nepal has banned the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek solo. It is mandatory to hire a guide for Kanchenjunga trek in order to obtain the permits for the restricted region. Besides this, a group also must include at least two people. However, there is the option of ‘Ghost Permit’ for those who are passionate about exploring this region on their own, but it only increases the cost of the trek and may also result in accidents and injuries.