Kanchenjunga South and North Base Camp Trek: The eastern parts of Nepal
The Kanchenjunga, or the five great treasures of the snow. Reaching the climax points of Kanchenjunga south and north base camps!
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is one of the best treks of the eastern part of Nepal that traverses through the foothills of the eastern Himalayan giants of Kanchenjunga group, complemented by Makalu and Everest. The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking area is home to a diverse range of tribal people living the continuation of centuries-old life and culture incomparable with the other part of Nepal.
Highlights:
- Visit both base camps of the World’s third-highest mountain, Mount Kanchenjunga.
- Enjoy a unique panorama with scenic walks through serene, misty forests.
- Visit the far end of the Nepal Himalayan ranges and capture its beauty.
- Enjoy walking on and off the beaten trails few trekkers visit.
- Enjoy the wilderness, tranquillity, and nature’s luxuries in the shade of Kanchenjunga.
- Explore hidden hill villages rich in culture and tradition.
- Admire the grandeur of deep river valleys, massive glaciers, and high mountains.
Introduction:
The Kanchenjunga region, at the country’s eastern end, first opened to organized trekking in 1988. Organized trekking is a tented-camping trekking service managed by a Travel Agency in Nepal. Before that, the only Westerners exploring the area were members of mountaineering expeditions. These days, you can do the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek by staying in comfortable Teahouse Lodges throughout the circuit, but you still need to book through a Travel Agency in Nepal.
Kanchenjunga means “Five Great Treasuries of the Snow,” though it has seven major summits. Everest and K2 are the only two peaks taller than Kanchenjunga in the World. To locals, Kanchenjunga, 8585m, the third-highest mountain in the World, is the abode of gods who bestow prosperity on their lands. Since locals revere the mountain, mountaineers have a tradition of not standing on the actual summit. Therefore, all successful climbers stop short of the top to honor the promise the British Expedition Team Leader made to the Maharaja of Sikkim during the first successful attempt in 1955. However, Aleister Crowley first attempted to climb this mighty mountain in 1905.
The major ethnic groups inhabiting the Kanchenjunga region are the Limbu, who, along with Rai, belong to the broader Kiranti group. Limbu and Rai people have earned respect as fearless infantrymen in the British and Indian Gorkha regiments. In fact, until a few years ago, a Limbu was the only Victoria Cross recipient in the British Army. The Limbus speak a language related to Tibetan and follow Buddhism, Hinduism, and animism. You can recognize the Limbus by their caps (topi), which resemble Nepal’s national cap, but the Limbu cap is taller and more colorful. If you pass through Limbu villages during the first Nepali month, you may witness celebrations that mainly give the younger generation an excuse to go courting. Community fun time offers great photo opportunities.
The lowland areas are culturally rich but have few mountain views. Limbu culture’s most notable contribution is the millet drink Tongba, served in a unique wooden Tongba Jar. First, they put fermented millet seeds in a tall wooden jar and add boiling water. After 8-10 minutes of rinsing, the local brew is ready to drink through a straw-like bamboo pipe with tiny holes that act as a filter. Add hot water repeatedly until you reach your preferred taste.
This epic journey starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, then a long day drive to Yamphudin, the trekking starting point. Then, this great three-week walking trip takes you through Chauki, Ghunsa, Khambachen, Lhonak, and to Pangpema (5140m), on the north side of Kanchenjunga Base Camp, the climax point of the first or second part of the trek, depending on the itinerary you choose. The Kanchenjunga South Base Camp trek starts in Yamphudin and takes two weeks to reach the Yalung Glacier and return.
An extended or combined itinerary lets us visit the Kanchenjunga South and North base camps. This route takes us over high passes: Selele La (4800 meters), Mirgin La (4663 meters), and Lapsang La (5160 meters) (but this pass is closed due to inaccessibility/trail conditions), adding a bit of adventure.
