Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Kanchenjunga signifies 'The Five Treasuries of the Great Snow', and holds a significant place in the mythology and religious beliefs of the local inhabitants. They believe the mountain is the abode of The Gods, who bestow prosperity and well-being.

This daunting peak is located approximately 125 km south east of Mt. Everest, and was considered to be the highest peak in world. This distinction it lost in 1849, when Mt. Everest, formerly Peak XV, was recognized as the highest. K2 came second, with Kanchenjunga taking Bronze. Yet, in size and complexity the Kanchenjunga massive reigns supreme.

The mountain lies in far eastern Nepal, straddling the border with Sikkim and Tibet. The approach to the Base Camp provides one the most spectacular treks in the country. It is both wild and isolated, offering a pallet from lowland forest to high altitude tundra, and as you approach the Base Camp peaks and glaciers appear one after the other.

The region is sparsely populated and the tea houses offer the very basic of facilities. Therefor, camping is necessary.

Once we pass Gjunsa we share our camping places with Yak herders, who live in small stone huts, tending their animals. Each morning you can hear their calling the nak's (female) to the stone compounds to milk their calf's. Here they trick the nak, and milk them for the making of cheese and rancid butter. It is here you should sample Tibetan Tea, a bubbling concoction of nak-milk/butter, salt and dried dark tea-leaves, mixed with the aroma of the wood fire.

The dramatic vistas and mountain landscapes are a magnificent back-cloth to their hardy way of life, that you may share.

Approach is complex, as is getting back to Kathmandu. We take two flights in, or a long jeep drive. The trail itself follows the bank of the Tamur River and continues through forests and small village communities where traditional life is intact. The area is inhabited by the Limbu people, who are shy yet friendly. They are known for the production of a potent homemade brew, known as Tongba. This is produced from fermented millet, and drunk, warm, through a bamboo straw. It looks foul, yet tastes sweet and pleasant. This may fool you, for it can cause symptoms similar to 'altitude-sickness' the next day. You have been warned. 

The Limbu, like the Gurung cast, are renowned from their bravery in the British Gurkha Regiments. In addition, in the northern area there are Tibetan refugees, who will be thankful if you have a doctor or nurse in the group to offer a short medical camp. Any thought you may have of helping people, like medicine or money, could be left here, at the local school.

Snow Dragons offer two alternative routes - as well as the opportunity to continue towards Makalu. Write to us if you wish for a detailed itinerary. 

I have to do these two routes later - ie when i come to nepal. check spelling of gunsa

Cost Includes

• Airport pick up/transfer to hotel.
• Tourist class hotel, twin sharing. Buffet breakfast.
• Welcome dinner, and trek planning meeting.
• Sightseeing - half day, with own transport and guide.
• Flight Ktm/Lukla/Ktm. Incl. Airport tax. TIM’s (trekking) permit, National Park entry fee. (with changing regulations, there may be a new local district tax, if enforced expect an extra approx. $20).
• Lodge or simple hotel accommodation.
• Three meals a day, with tea/coffee, while trekking Twin sharing.
• Qualified guide, staff, with suitable equipment - all insured.
• Group medical kit. End of trek dinner, with guide/staff.

Cost Excludes

• Nepal entry visa Personal travel insurance,
• to include trekking and helicopter evacuation/hospitalisation and repatriation
• Single room supplement, in Hotel or under trek.
• Lunch/dinner in Kathmandu.
• Allowing you to make your own choices, at your own tempo.
• Bar bills and laundry.
• Drinks/personal snacks on route.
• Tips to hotel staff, tourist guide, trek guide/staff.