Overview

A renowned trekking route, the Kanchenjunga base camp trek, is located in the eastern region of Nepal, which takes trekkers to the base camp of the world’s third-highest peak, Kanchenjunga, towering at 8,586m. This trek offers magnificent views of Kanchenjunga and its neighboring peaks, along with the opportunity to witness the unique lifestyle and culture of local inhabitants. The trek involves traversing several high passes, including the daunting Lapsang La, which is at a height of 5,160m, and provides a spectacular panoramic view of the Himalayan range.

The Kanchenjunga base camp trek, journey commences from Suketar, a petite locality at an elevation of 2,420 meters. The path navigates across dense verdant woodlands and stepped farmlands, presenting a 360-degree view of the hills and valleys in the vicinity. The course gradually elevates towards Lalikharka, crossing numerous suspension bridges and river intersections en route. Lalikharka, a minuscule settlement situated at 2,250 meters, marks the entrance to the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.

As you trek from Lalikharka, you will traverse dense forests of rhododendron, bamboo, and oak trees, while crossing multiple streams and rivers. Gradually, you’ll ascend towards the Tamor River and use a suspension bridge to enter Simbu village. The route leads to Tseram village, located at 3,870 meters altitude with basic lodging options, and surrounded by breathtaking vistas of the Yalung Glacier and Kanchenjunga range.

Further, the trail continues uphill from Tseram towards the moraines of the Yalung Glacier. During the trek, you’ll cross two high elevation passes, namely the Sinion La Pass (4,660 meters) and the Mirgin La Pass (4,480 meters), from where you can enjoy awe-inspiring panoramic views of the mountains and valleys.

The Kanchenjunga base camp trek offers an awe-inspiring and diverse landscape. It covers various terrains, starting from subtropical forests, alpine meadows, rocky terrains to icy glaciers. The trek begins from lush green subtropical forests comprising oak, rhododendron, and bamboo trees, which are a natural habitat for various animals like monkeys, birds, and snow leopards.
As the trek progresses to higher elevations, the scenery transforms into alpine meadows filled with wildflowers, yaks, and small huts.

The panoramic views of the surrounding peaks from these meadows are breathtaking. The route traverses through various glacial valleys, including the Yalung Glacier Valley, which is encircled by towering mountains on all sides. The glaciers in this area are enormous and impressive. The trek involves crossing multiple high passes, such as the Lapsang La Pass(5160m) and the Sele La Pass (4290m), which provides an extensive view of the nearby peaks.

The Kanchenjunga base camp trek passes through several isolated villages inhabited by the Limbu and Rai communities, offering an insight into the exceptional culture and lifestyle of the local people residing in this region of Nepal. During the trek, one can witness various small traditional villages where the locals follow the traditional way of living. These villages have maintained their architectural and cultural heritage for centuries, providing insights into the traditional Nepali lifestyle.

The Limbu and Rai communities celebrate various traditional festivals and events throughout the year. Among these festivals, the most popular ones are Sakela and Ubhauli, which involve traditional dances, music, and lavish feasts.The local cuisine along the trek is significantly influenced by the Limbu and Rai communities. The food includes several rice-based dishes, stews, and curries, along with homemade alcoholic beverages like Chyang and Raksi.The Limbu and Rai communities are renowned for their handicrafts, including bamboo baskets, traditional clothing, and handmade jewellery. Trekkers can purchase these crafts as souvenirs and contribute to the local economy.

In a nutshell, Kanchenjunga trek provides an unparalleled experience of trekking in the eastern region of Nepal right beneath the third highest mountain in the world. The trail to the base camp is equally interesting and captivating with numerous finds and discoveries that you can make.