Kanchenjunga trek is one of the most interesting trekking routes in Nepal. This trek is ideal for those trekkers who like to trek in less crowded areas as it is one of the least visited trekking trails of Nepal. Only about a thousand trekkers a year trek this area compared to the over 35,000 trekkers that trek the Everest region. Kanchenjunga trek is also the exhilarating first stage of the Great Himalaya Trail, the world’s longest and highest alpine trekking trail.
For many years Kanchenjunga was considered the highest mountain in the world, until 1856, when Peak XV, (Mount Everest) was discovered. The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area is a restricted area which lies in the Taplejung District of eastern Nepal bordering with Sikkim (India) and Tibet. It was established in 1997 and covers an area of 2,035 square km. A restricted area permit from a government registered company must be obtained to trek in this region.
Overview
Known for its pristine wilderness, this trek takes you to the foot of the world’s third highest mountain Mt. Kanchenjunga which rises to an elevation of 8,586m. The meaning of Kanchenjunga in Tibetan language is ‘Five Treasures of the Great Snow’ in the form of gold, silver, valuable stones, grain and holy books, referring to the five peaks that make up the Kanchenjunga massif. Along with Kanchenjunga, you can see many other towering peaks like Makalu (8481m), Kambachen (7,903m), Chamalang (7319 m), Baruntse (7129 m), Jannu (7710m), Jongsong (7,483m), Kabru (7412m), Tent Peak (7,365m) and the Twins (7,350m) and many more peaks above 6000 m.
Five major glacial systems are found in this huge cluster of peaks and of these Zumu, Talung and Rathong flow into Sikkim while to the west, the Kanchenjunga and Yalung glaciers descned into the Tamor River of Nepal.
With an altitude variation from 900m above sea level to over 5000, one can witness a slow change in the landscapes and vegetation ranging from subtropical and temperate to coniferous forests and to high alpine meadows and glaciers. Various species of wildlife are found in this region, such as musk deer, snow leopard, Assamese Macaque, blue sheep, red panda, pheasant and many more during the trek.
The best time for Kanchenjunga circuit trek is during Spring (March, April, May) to witness the Rhododendron covered forests, and Autumn (September, October, November) seasons as the weather and temperature is exceptionally favorable during this time.
What makes this trip special
- Magnificent views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, 3rd highest peak in the world.
- Exploration of both North and South Kanchenjunga Base Camps.
- Spectacular glaciers
- The beautiful remote villages in the Kanchenjunga region with its amazing people and their intriguing culture.
- Pristine landscape and vegetation with Rhododendron forest and the high alpine passes.
- Tibetan refugees settlements
- Rich wildlife including Red Panda and Snow Leopard.
