What are flora and fauna like in the Kanchenjunga region?

Kanchenjunga is rich in its ecosystem with the presence of diverse flora and fauna. Experts have found twenty-three unique species of rhododendrons in this area. Dense forests grow in these hidden valleys, where more than 158 species of birds, 10 species of reptiles, over 800 flowering plants, and over 30 species of mammals are found. As you ascend the height, you will be accompanied by yak, and blue sheep, and find yourself in the deciduous forest of maple, britches, oaks, and laurels. Some rare species like snow leopard, red panda, Ghoral, and serow are also found here.

What ethnic groups can I see during the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek?

The charm of Kanchenjunga lies in the isolation of the region, still little touched by tourism, with villages and populations still firm in their rhythms and habits of life, elsewhere now disappeared. The main ethnic groups inhabiting the Kanchenjunga region are the Limbu, Gurung, Magar, Thakali, Brahmin, and Rai. As the altitude gains, mostly Sherpa people occupy the region. The primary occupation of these people is agriculture, forestry and trekking, and tourism. People mainly rely on Yak for milk, meat, shed, and clothes. Despite the strenuous life, people here distance themselves from modernity, delighting in traditional ways of life.

Can beginners try the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek as well?

Trek to Kanchenjunga base camp is not that difficult, as explained above. All you need is a strong will, desire to be flexible, adjust and adapt, and physical well-being. The risk associated with the trek is Altitude sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), for which you need to be prepared. Avoiding too high and too fast climb periodic acclimatization, drinking lots of water, light meals, avoiding alcohol, and smoking can help you avoid AMS. If you feel shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, vomiting: all these can be signs of AMS, so simple medicine such as paracetamol and ibuprofen can help. In severe conditions, you can discontinue your trek anytime. Apart from the condition, trekking in Kanchenjunga base camp is relatively easy, so moderate training to walk and climb in early preparation can help the beginner go on the trek.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

OVERVIEW OF KANCHENJUNGA BASE CAMP TREK

The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is a breathtaking experience in the eastern part of Nepal. Named after the majestic Mount Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak, this trek takes you to the base camps on both its north and south sides, offering mesmerizing views of some of the most magnificent and untouched landscapes in the Himalayas. The Kanchenjunga base camp trek is an epic adventure right at the foot of the third-highest mountain through Nepal’s scenic Kanchenjunga Conservation Park.
The base camp is situated at an elevation of approximately 5,143 meters (16,873 feet). From here, you’ll be treated to stunning vistas of the towering Kanchenjunga Peak and its neighboring peaks, creating a surreal and unforgettable experience for adventurers.

Those who have set foot on this fantastic journey have realized that the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is more than just a journey; it’s a quest for inspiration, answers, and truth. It is an attempt to touch the heights so sublime that they exclude the very fact of human life next to them.

EXPLORING ROAD TO KANCHENJUNGA BASE CAMP TREK

The trip begins with a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur in eastern Nepal. From here, you drive via serpentine roads to the starting point of the trekking tour to Taplejung. The hike starts through lush rice terraces and colorful villages through dense mountain rainforests. followed by a scenic drive to Taplejung, the trek’s starting point. As you trek through lush rice terraces and vibrant villages, you’ll be immersed in the beauty of dense mountain rainforests.
You will slowly gain altitude with each passing days drawing closer to the majestic ice giants. The path leads past Mani walls and over suspension bridges. Shaggy yaks with their bells around their necks are constant companions. The landscape grows increasingly grandiose; the mighty icebergs appear everywhere.

Through the Ghunsa valley with Khambachen and Lhonak camp, you take a trip to Pang Pema (Kanchenjunga North Base Camp), located at an altitude of 5143m. Through the trail of Ghunsa and the detour over three high passes, you get to the south base camp of the Kanchenjunga, which again allows you to marvel at the fascinating jungle and mystic beauty of the giant Himalayas.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL OF KANCHENJUNGA BASE CAMP TREK

The Kanchenjunga base camp trek is moderately difficult. These are demanding trekking trips with daily stages of up to 8 hours in length and a maximum of around 1,400 meters in altitude. The focus of these trips is trekking, which requires physical and mental strength.
Some of the stages are long, steep, and lead through rough terrain. Sure footedness is necessary. In addition, team spirit, camaraderie, and sacrifice of comfort contribute to the success of the trek.
In preparation, more intensive training at least 2-3 times a week can definitely be an added advantage. Climbing the mountains, the height increases, and with this, the air becomes thinner, making it difficult to breathe. The oxygen amount decreases at very high altitudes. A person who suffers from any respiratory disease should think before choosing the path to Kanchenjunga Base Camp.
However, the trek can be made easy and pleasant with a good mindset, strong physical fitness, planned itineraries, and enough rest.

BEST SEASON FOR KANCHENJUNGA BASE CAMP TREK

The best time to visit the Kanchenjunga base camp is the autumn season, from mid-September to early November. The monsoon season subsides, and quite warm weather sets in the Himalayas. With the monsoon season in early June, trekking in the Himalayas comes to a halt as rainfall and intensity increase exponentially. You will be wet to the skin; the dirt roads will turn into impenetrable water and mud barriers.

There is a period of active snowmelt from March to May. Although there are often thunderstorms during this period, in the morning, the sky is always clear and cloudless, which makes it possible for travelers to enjoy the view of the beautiful mountain peaks fully. With the advent of the winter season from January to early March, most tourists leave the highlands, where snow is already beginning to fall. Most of the passes become difficult to pass - this period, like the summer one, is unfavorable for trekking.

A wide range of climatic conditions awaits you on the trek to Kanchenjunga. They range from the subtropical climate (warm, high humidity) on the approach to high mountain conditions in the base camp area. At night it can cool down to below zero at altitudes above 3500 m; snowfall is generally possible at these altitudes.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek cost

The trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp is affordable for all adventure-seeking trekkers. The total cost for the journey depends on various factors such as the number of days you are planning to stay in the city, number of days you are planning to spare for the trek, accommodation, number of people on the trek, mode of transportation( Air or road) and the agency you have chosen your trek with. You will also have to pay charges for the permits.