“Celebrate this Moderate Adventure into the heart of Mt. Kanchenjunga (28,169 feet) (8,586 metres ), the third Highest mountain peaks of the world”
Though the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp is located at lower elevation than the North Base Camp, the charm of trekking to South Base Camp is still parallel to the North one.
The Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek and Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek are distinct each other. One of its gaps is never fulfilled by the other.
Kanchenjunga South Base Camp is considerably popular for witnessing breathtaking Kanchenjunga’s 5 peaks, Kangbachen (7903m), Yalung Kang (8505m), and Kanchenjunga Main (8586m), Kanchenjunga Central (8482m) and Kanchenjunga South (8476m). These all mountain summits are located at the border between Nepal and India.
The pleasant walk through lush forest, cascading waterfalls, terraced fields, deep woods and local settlements will continuously refresh and astonish you throughout the trek. Similarly, colorful fluttering prayer flags, holy and historical monasteries, mani walls, mighty glaciers, high pastures etc will equally delight the trekkers while venturing to and from Kancjhnjunga South Base Camp Trek.
The Yalung Glacier, Mount Janu, Nyukla Lanchung Peak , the local villages like Mamankhe (1785m. /5856ft.), Tortong (2995 m./9826ft.) Cheram (Tsherm) (3870m./12696ft) and Ramchaur (Ramche) (4580.m/15026ft.) are magnificent to explore during the walk.
Protected by Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trail offers the trekkers to have an insight on some rare and alpine species of wildlife and plants. To name some of them are snow leopard, the Asian black bear, and red panda. The birds like golden-breasted fulvetta, snow cock and blood pheasant can be seen on the trail in Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.
Summing up, the nature lovers who wish to be in absolute wilderness and wish to hit the less spoiled trail during their trek can find Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek a rewarding.
Things to do during Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek -17 days
Yes, Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek is a restricted area trekking in Nepal protected by Kanchenjunga Conservation Area/Kanchenjunga National Park. Like Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpo and Manaslu Circuit Trek and Tsum Valley Trek, it is still in the list of restricted area trekking because the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trekking Trail is located at the border between Nepal and Tibet. Particular area is declared as a restricted area trekking because of the security issue between two countries. Same thing is with Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek. To enter into Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trekking area, one requires to obtain a special/restricted area trekking permit from the government office along with TIMS Card and Protected Area Entry Permit.
Required Permits and How to Obtain Them?
The ones who are planning and booked their Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trekking require obtaining three different trekking permits. These permits are: TIMS Card, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Entry Permit and Special Area/ Restricted Area Permit. TIMS Card cost USD 10, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Entry Permit costs USD.30 and Restricted Area Permit cost USD 100 for the first week and has to pay USD 15 per day. Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit Cost from December to August is low because December to August is off season or a low time for Kanchenjunga Trekking.
The authorized trekking or travel company with whom you are planning your Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek will arrange or help you obtaining these permits. Ask them to get them for you beforehand the trek.
What is the best time of the year for Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trekking? Of course, this question will be very common and mandatory to be raised beforehand venturing on the trail because one must know the best weather/time of the year so that they can make their Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek a memorable and can accomplish comfortably. The best time to travel to Kanchenjunga region is between Sep-Nov. These months in Nepal not only offer best time for Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek but they also are the finest times of the year for trekking and hiking. The temperature is mild, the region and the trail receives no rain and snowfall and the mountain breathtaking during the months September, October and November.
Similarly, people who are willing to travel to Kanchenjunga region can find the months March, April and May equally beautiful as September, October and November. The flowering rhododendron in lower Kanchenjunga region which is protected by Kanchenjunga Conservation Area makes the trail more enchanting during the trek.
Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek is a moderate adventure trekking in a restricted area of Nepal located in Kanchenjunga region. The trail protected by Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. The lowest altitude we begin is Kathmandu (1400m) and the highest is Kanchenjunga South Base Camp which is 4730m high. It means, we nearly climb up to 5000m which, sometimes, turns to be challenging in the extreme weathers but, actually, it is categorized as a moderate adventure trekking. Though it is a moderate trek, you require preparing very well with all packing list and first-aid. You need to walk at least 5-6 hours a day passing the distance of 7-10 km.
Trekkers, sometimes, have altitude sickness while ascending up to the base camp. But, this case is very rare. If you find the best weather of the year and prepare very well, there won’t be any obstacles on the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trail.
It is not required to argue that one must prepare very well before you venture into a particular trekking trip. Exactly the same thing is required for Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek. One must practice shorter hiking/trekking going up and down for at least 5-6 hours in the hills or in the mountains that helps to build up stamina and in order to enable your body to adopt new altitude you get during the trek. Besides, do some regular exercises like jogging, running, walking and so on prior to the trekking. If you have any serious health issues that may trouble you during the trek, please address them on time consulting the doctor.
Carry first-aid kit with some basic medicines you may require on the trek. Be accompanied with all necessary trekking equipment and with a professional trekking crew including an experienced and hospitable guide. Also, most importantly, prepare and carry authentic travel insurance with you so that you may not be hindered if any cases of rescue occur on the trail. Pack up some light snacks like chocolate, candy and biscuits so that you won’t go starved in case you don’t get food on time. Make sure that you have everything you require in the mountain to go up to almost 5000m high into the wild mountains.
Since Bhadrapur is around 500kms from Kathmandu for drive, trekkers who are undertaking their Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek go with domestic flight to Bhadrapur from Kathmandu. The flight lasts for 45 minutes.
People also can go with drive but it takes almost two-three days to get Bhadrapur/Taplejung/Ilam from Kathmandu and the roads will get disturbed due to heavy traffic and accidents. Also, sometimes, the rain and the landslides sweep away the country road. Therefore, it is not recommended to take a drive to Bhadrapur/ Taplejung/Ilam, the trailhead of Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek.
From Bhadrapur, you have to take a drive for 7-8 hours to Taplejung via Ilam and will do the same while returning back to Bhadrapur for another short flight to Kathmandu.
Since Kanchenjunga Trek is one of the remote and less crowded treks specified as a restricted area trekking by the government of Nepal, the trekkers who are undertaking this trek will be having a very basic food and accommodation at local teahouses and lodges. The local lodges and teahouse are run by the local people and they offer only ordinary accommodation because they are very remote from the modern cities. However, the beds you are using will be comfortable and clear enough to spend a single night.
Now, let’s talk about Kanchenjung South Base Camp Trek Foods. Again as accommodation, the food items are presented in the menu by the local teahouses/lodges. Actually, they don’t offer many items of food in their menu and you have to find some of the items from it. They, normally, offer Nepali Daal Bhat, Curries, Noodle Soup, French Fires, Tibetan Bread, Dumpling etc. Some of the local lodge/teahouses offer you Continental, Chinese and Asian foods too. But, don’t expect to enjoy your favorite food item of food like you do in modern restaurants in the cities. In fact, you make one local item favorite during the trek. Can’t you? Or Nepali Daal Bhat can be your favorite.
You are suggested to bring some light snacks for the trek so that you don’t go starved on the trail if you even don’t want to have the food items mentioned in the menu.
Vegetarian? Vegan? No, problem. Yes, vegetarian will have the options of foods. They will offer you only vegetable items if you don’t want to have meat on the trail. You don’t need to panic about it.
You are allowed to have your own item of snacks or food during the trek at teahouse/lodge.
Once you are in Kathmandu (1400m), you are at 1400m and you will be transferred to Bhadrapur via 45 minutes domestic flight from Kathmandu. Then, you will drive to via Ilam (1677m) Taplejung which is located at an elevation of 1820m. /5971fit. Next, you will pass through the local villages like Mamankhe (1785m. /5856ft.),Tortong (2995 m./9826ft.), Cheram (Tsherm) (3870m.), Ramchaur (Ramche) (4580.m/15026ft.) and finally put your footsteps at Okhordung (Oktang South Base Camp) (4730m.) which is the highest elevation of this trek.
So, in Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek, the elevation ranges between 1400m, Kathmandu to Oktang or Kanchenjunga South Base Camp that is 4730m. One who is preparing for it requires to prepare accordingly.
Acclimatization is very important if you are going above 5000m in the mountain. We don’t really need an extra day for acclimatization/rest during our Kanchenjunga South Base camp Trek because we are not going above 5000m; we are climbing only up to 4730m. Some people still want an extra day for acclimatization and they decide it on the trail if they get tired or have some altitude problems. Otherwise, trekkers won’t have a spare day for acclimatization in this trek.
We have designed our Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek Itinerary technically so that the trekkers don’t need any spare day for acclimatization. The itinerary is flexible and if you thing you really require, can decide on the trail talking to your guide.
Also, we get the elevation gradually by ascending with the proper pacing. If you ascend quickly while trekking in the mountain, there is high possibility of getting acute altitude sickness.
If you want to add an extra day for acclimatization, we will set Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek Itinerary accordingly.
Yes, there are some cases of altitude or acute mountain sickness with the trekkers every year. Then, what happen to them? They are evacuated safely or made okay with some first aids taking them to the lower elevation. Acute mountain sickness is sudden so that one has to adopt some important precautions:
You can simply install local Nepali SIM card in your cellphone and take it to the mountain. You can also buy data pack to run internet on the trail. In fact, for some days at higher elevation, it may not work, but, it will help you a lot during the trek. You can buy either NT or NCELL Sim car and install call and internet on your phone. It will take no more than Rs.100 for you to get it.
You can also have the access of internet or Wi Fi on the trail at local lodges/teahouses. They may charge you Rs. 200-500 per password or per device.
You can even talk to your family, relatives and the friends from the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trekking Trail very easily and can share your images and the videos instantly. There wouldn’t be these facilities few years back.
No. Solo traveler cannot do Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek. No solo traveler is permitted to do trekking in restricted area like Kanchenjunga area in Nepal by the government. One has to find at least 2 people or can join the bigger group to do Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek. Also, the group has to be accompanied at least a guide during the trek. It means, without hiring an authorized and licensed guide, the group is not allowed to go in Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trekking trail.
One who is planning for Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek require obtaining there different trekking permits. These permits are: TIMS Card, Kanchnejunga Conservation Area Entry Permit and Special Area/ Restricted Area Permit. TIMS Card cost $ 10, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Entry Permit costs $.30 and Restricted Area Permit cost USD 100 for the first week and has to pay USD 15 per day. Kanchnejunga Restricted Area Permit Cost from December to August is low because December to August is off season or a low time for Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek.
The trekking or travel company with whom you are planning your Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek will arrange or help you obtaining these permits. Ask them to get them for you beforehand the trek.
You have to employ at least one guide/porter to do Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek because one is not allowed to go there without guide/porter as per the rule by the government of Nepal as it is a restricted area trekking in Nepal.
The guide you are hiring will be highly experienced and professional. If you choose to hire porters, they will be helping you throughout the trek in many ways. The porters will speak just a little English but still they can communicate with the foreign tourists.
The guide and the porters will not leave you alone from the beginning to the end of the trek. The will continuously be helping you by carrying your luggage, serving you foods, arranging your accommodation and helping your accommodate in new culture and environment.
You just have to pay their wages and don’t have to worry about their insurance, food and accommodation during the trek. Normally, the cost of a guide ranges between USD 25-30 and the porter costs between USD 15-25 per day.
Estimated Budget for Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek
The expenses goes for different titles like Permits, getting Equipment and Clothing, guide and porter, transportation, food, drinks and tips.
TIMS Card- USD 10
Kanchenjunga Protected Area Permit- $30
Special Area Entry Permit Costs:
September to November (Autumn Season) is US$ 40 for the first week and then US$ 7 for each additional day spent in the restricted area.
December to August (Winter, Spring, and Summer Seasons) is US$ 30 for the first week, then US$ 7 for each additional day spent in the restricted area.
The transportation you will use is the domestic flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur which will last for 45 minutes. The flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur cost ranges from USD 112-120 but the return flight costs double this cost. And next, you will drive to Ilam and to Taplejung and finally to Suketar. The drive cost will be around USD200.
Normally, one accommodation costs between Rs.1000-1500. The accommodation will be on twin sharing basis.
One item of food cost ranges between Rs. 600-1000.
Extra Costs
Donation and Tips
Drinks
Equipment and Clothing
You can arrive in Kathmandu via any international flight that people recommend for you. Optionally, you can take a drive if you are using road to enter Nepal. You can use Indian and Chinese border for this. Whatever way you use for arriving in Kathmandu, our representative will receive you and takes you to the hotel. The representative will let you know about the short orientation meeting regarding your Tsum Valley with Manaslu Circuit Trekking. Since we do not have any scheduled activities to do for today, you just rest and relax at the hotel or take a short walk around the city if time favors you.
Today, largely, you will spend your time with astonishing UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in Kathmandu. You will go to explore them one by one after your breakfast. The private vehicle will come to receive you along with a professional and experienced city guide at the hotel where your stay and transfer you to the historical and religious sites which includes Swyombhunath Stupa( Monkey Temple), Patan Durbar Square, Bouddhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple. You end this trip at around between 3-4 pm and prepare well for your Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek.
Drive to Kathmandu airport from the hotel. Take a short and scenic flight to Bhadrapur. The flight lasts for 45 minutes. As you reach Bhadrapur, you will take drive to Ilam for 5-6 hours. On the way, you will drive through magnificent local villages, rivers, landscapes and terraced farmlands. Ilam is very popular for tea plantation. You can enjoy a stunning sunset from Ilam.
Day 04: Illam to Taplejung (1820m. /5971fit) 5-6hrs drive, to Suketar (2420m. /7939ft.) 2 to 3hrs walk
You will take another drive for 5-6 hours for Suketar. Some people these days also prefer to fly to Suketar directly from Kathmandu and begin their Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek. After you take this drive to Taplejung, you will walk for 2-3 hours to get Suketar. On the trail, you will enjoy magnificent landscapes, local settlements, terraced fields and deep forests.
We work for 6-7 hours today. We have breakfast at Suketar and head for Simbu. First, we head towards east from the airstrip following the rough road which will take you to the place called Deurali. You can stop here for a while for tea and some light snacks. The road, now, offers two options: one leading to Simbu and the other towards holy pilgrimage site, Pathivara Temple (3794m). We skip the trail to Pathivara temple and catch the trail going to Simbu. Before getting to Simbu, we pass the villages like Lali Kharka (2266m) and Tembewa, then we reach Simbu. Stay overnight at local lodge at Simbu.
We begin today’s trek with steep path by crossing the suspension bridge over Phawa Khola (1430m) and ascend up to the village of Kunjari through bananas and bamboos. Passing through a ridge, you will now reach Kande Banjyang. We can witness astonishing view of Kangchenjunga from here. We have another ascent up to Gurung Kande Bhanjyang (2130m, Sinchebu, Sinchewa Bhanjyang) . After passing through the forested area with the stunning view of Mt. Kanchenjunga, you will arrive at Khesewa (2125m). Now, we have descent with a beautiful waterfall down to Kabeli Khola. The further walk offers incredible sceneries of Mt. Ratong and Mt. Kabru and the south face of Mt. Jannu. Passing through the village of Phungphung Danda , we descend to Khesewa Khola and cross the river on a suspension bridge. Again, we walk up through terraced farmlands and finally reach to the village of Mamankhe. Stay overnight at local lodge.
From here the walk to Yamphudin is along a trail which contours the hillside above the Kabeli Khola.
First, we head for Yamphudin where we get our TIMS and KCAP permits checked at the police check post as. The next destination we trek to is Sherpagoan. Next, we have descent to Omje Khola. We cross the river and ascend up to Dhupi Bhanjyang (2620m). Now, we have another descent to Amji Khola’s suspension bridge at 2340m then will walk ascending to Amji Kharka.
We walk through chautara, Sherpagaon, Chitre (2925m) and Lasiya Bhanjyang (3415m). You still have to trek for 2-3 hours for Tortong from Lasiya Bhanjyang. Our further walk takes us to the viewpoint from where one can witness Mt. Jannu (7711m, Kumbakarna) to the northeast. Finally, we cross the Simbuwa Khola and take another short ascent up to Tortong (2980m). Stay overnight at local lodge.
Today’s ascend is easier than usual because you will get the elevation gradually. You won’t have any steep climb today. Today’s trail goes through beautiful pine and rhododendron woods with picturesque pasturelands. You will encounter the yaks delightfully grazing in the pastures. Within an hour’s walk, you will arrive at yak Kharka, where you will take some rest and have some snacks if you like. Next, you will arrive at Anda Phedi after half an hour’s walk. You will also see colorful prayer flags, trident and Buddhist shrine on the trail beforehand you get to Tsheram/Cheran. Walking through a massive flat pasture, we, finally, get to the village of Cheram. Stay overnight at local lodge.
The trail, today, takes you through impressive pine, rhododendron, streams, and monasteries before taking you to Ramche/Ramchaur. You will trek through Yak Kharka ( Yak Pasture), Decherol Monastery and the local settlements like Kabrus, Rathong and Kokthang. Once you arrive at Ramche, you can find some shops with local lodges where you can get the things you want. If you climb a moraine wall, you can see Yalung Glacier and some other alluring mountain peaks. Stay Overnight at Ramche.
Today, you climb to Okhordung/ Oktang which is known as Kanchnejunga South Base Camp. It is actually Yalung Base Camp. Ascending to Yalung Base Camp offers you some magnificent glimpses of all 3 summits of Kanchanjunga at an altitude of ( 8420 m /27624.67 ft, 8586 m / 28169.29 ft, and 8474 m / 27801.84 ft) Yalung Base Camp) In fact, getting up to Okhordung (Oktang) will really be tough for us. After celebrating stunning views of the mountains, we walk down to Ramchur. Stay overnight at local lodge at Ramchur.
Today is a tough day for us because we are crossing a series of high passes on this route to swerve our direction to northern side. On the way, Mt. Makalu and Mt. Everest are visible.
Initially, we climb up to Chhuchung Pokhari, then to Missiay La pass, the Sinelapcha La (4730m), the Mirgin La (4480 m) and continue walking towards, Mirgin La (4645m). Here, M.t Janu, Mt. Makalu, Chamlang and Mt. Everest are breathtaking. Now, you will walk down steeply towards Selele Khola where you find Selele and stay overnight at local lodge.
Walk passing via numerous ridges and cliffs with mesmerizing mountain views for 5-6 hours ascending almost 1300m, you will arrive at the village of Phale. Phale village is a settlement of refugee people of Ghunsa. Stay overnight at local lodge at Selele.
Walk all the way down to Sukethum today. You will drop almost 1600m down to get Sukethum today. But still, you will be enjoying your trek down to Sukethum. Stay overnight at local lodge at Sukethum.
Walk to Taplejung and take a drive to Bhadrapur via Ilam. Stop on the way and enjoy the views of local settlements, tea plantation and landscapes. Arrive at Bhadrapur and wait for the next day’s domestic flight to Kathmandu. Celebrate the victory over Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek with your team.
Take another short and scenic flight to Kathmandu from Bhadrapur. You will land at Kathmandu airport within 45 minutes. As soon as you arrive at Kathmandu airport, you will be transferred to the hotel. Get refreshed and go for farewell dinner in the evening set by our team. You will be informed about it by our representative.
We drop you to the Kathmandu airport on time so that you can catch up your international flight homewards or can begin another trip to other destinations.
All set dates are guaranteed departures. If the following dates are not suitable for your travel plans then contact us for your custom trip dates. The private trips are available on any date of your selection at any time of the year.
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Milan and his team made our trip to Kathmandu unforgettable. My travel partner and I got to the country having no idea what to do and how we would navigate the city until Milan came in and saved the day. His team went above and beyond to make sure we didn’t have to do any logistics and could just enjoy our vacation. With knowledgeable tour guides and the best hospitality in the city, Milan gave us an insider’s view of Nepal with an experience that left us feeling like family.