There are two types of trek in the Kanchenjunga region: the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek and the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. Both treks are in the restricted portion of Nepal, which is more protected than other trekking regions. Since these treks are restricted, you’ll need a few more permits than usual. You’ll have to pay specific fees to issue both permits, which are included in the additional trek cost.
Kanchenjunga Trek is one of the most underrated treks in Nepal. You will travel through an off-the-beaten-path toward the country’s Eastern region. It is one of the remote and unspoiled trekking destinations in Nepal.
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The Kanchenjunga Trek is a popular excursion to see the world’s third-highest mountain, Mt. Kanchenjunga. It is also Nepal’s second-tallest mountain. Mount Kanchenjunga is divided in the north by the Lhonak River, east by the Teesta River, and west by the Thamur River.
Trekking the Kanchenjunga region is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But you must ensure you have the permits to be eligible for the trek. So, let’s delve more into it.
What Are Permits Required For Kanchenjunga Trekking
You need two permits to trek the Kanchenjunga region, and they are:
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project (KCAP)
The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit, or KCAP, is an important entry permit required to enter the region’s conservation area. It covers an area of 2,035 sq. km. This permit protects and conserves rare and endangered flora and fauna and helps develop the local region. It doesn’t have a time limit.
Cost To Issue KCAP
- NRs 100 per person for Nepalese citizens.
- NRs 500 / $5 per person for members of SAARC nations.
- NRs 1000/ $10 per person for other nationals.
Restricted Area Permit for Kanchenjunga (RAP)
Kanchenjunga Region has four Village Development Committees (VDCs) designated as restricted areas of Nepal. Lelep, Yamphuding, Olangchung Gola of Taplejung, and Paping are four VDCs under restricted areas. Hence, you must have a Restricted Area Permit to enter these places. Any area that touches the foreign border of India and Tibet is considered restricted. This helps control endangered plants and animal species, promote tourism, and monitor illegal activities.
You can obtain the restricted area permit on your own. Only authorized Nepalese travel agencies or government official agencies can apply for this permit.
Restricted Area Permit Cost
- $20 per person/ week for the first four weeks.
- $25 per person/ week for more than four weeks.
Documents needed for Kanchenjunga Trekking Permit
During the application process, you need to submit the following documents to obtain the permit:
- Valid passport photocopy
- Two passport size photograph
- Scanned copy of passport-size photos
- Original valid passport with at least six months of validity
- Travel Insurance, including helicopter rescue
- Nepal Tourist Visa.
Steps to Obtain The Kanchenjunga Trek Permits
- Visit the Nepal Tourism Board Office online or at the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Gate. RAP can only be obtained by an authorized trekking agency in Nepal.
- Submit documents like passports, visas, passport-size photos, and travel insurance area.
- You must pay the necessary fees for both permits. In the case of RAP, you must pay an additional permit fee to the trekking agency.
- Wait from one to one and a half hours to get a permit in your hand if everything is in order.
Write them in bulleting steps.
Are guides mandatory for the Kanchenjunga Trek?
Guides are mandatory for the Kanchenjunga trek. Before the Nepal Tourism Board implemented the new rule, guides were still highly recommended for this secluded trek. Since Kanchenjunga was previously a restricted area, at least two trekkers were required. At that time, the individual trekkers would hire a local guide to trek Kanchenjunga.
Since the rules changed on April 1, 2023, for the Kanchenjunga trek, you must have at least two trekkers and one guide to be eligible. Besides official government rules, we recommend hiring a trained and licensed guide for your Kanchenjunga expedition. There are several benefits of hiring guides, and they are:
Remote Trek
Kanchenjunga Trek is one of the most remote and most minor crowded trails. The trek route is completely off-road and in a secluded area. Hence, you need proper guidance from an experienced guide who is familiar with the logistics and local language. With the help of the local guide, you don’t have to worry about losing track and enjoy the best adventure experience without any worries.
Security Measures
Kanchenjunga Trek is very challenging, and there are many difficulties. There is a high chance of altitude sickness, fatigue, and tiredness. Guides are trained and experts in first aid and medicines. Furthermore, they are also well-connected, so you might have to depend on a guide if you need immediate care. Guides can also help you in case of immediate helicopter rescue.
Learn local culture
Kanchenjunga is inhabited by several Gurungs, Tamangs, Rais, etc. You will also find different villages with Brahmins and Chhetris. Sherpa people live in the region’s upper altitudes. So if you travel with an experienced guide, you will be able to learn about their separate cultures and traditions. Furthermore, you will also meet local Tibetan people who follow Buddhism. You can learn more about their culture and history and how they ended up in Nepal from Tibet.
Help in Tackling Trekking Difficulty
The Kanchenjunga trek is challenging, as the highest point of Kanchenjunga North Base Camp is 5,200m. Additionally, the trek involves several challenging ascents and descents. As you gain altitude, the difficulty level also increases. Hiring a registered guide for the Kanchenjunga trek can make it easier. A local guide helps overcome language barriers, finds the route, and locates tea houses in remote areas. They make the trek less complicated and more comfortable.
Benefits of Hiring a Porter for Kanchenjunga Trek
Hiring porters during your Kanchenjunga Trek can give you several benefits:
Safety and Security
Porters are very experienced in walking and navigating challenging trails and terrains. They are also informed about the weather conditions and can provide different assistance during your trek.
Carry Heavy Loads
Porters can carry a significant portion of your heavy baggage. Furthermore, they have provisions for horses, yaks, and donkeys to carry heavy loads on an entire group. Thus, your trek will be less complicated and more enjoyable since you don’t have to be responsible for the heavy burdens.
Learn Cultural Experience
Generally, porters are the people from the local region. They are more familiar with the culture, history, and tradition than you are. So, with them in your company, you can learn a lot about the local culture and traditions of the Kanchenjunga region.
Logistics Efficiency
Porters are very helpful when moving from one village, camp, or teahouse to another. They can help you set up camps, find and bring hot drinking water, and cook amazing meals in your camp. You can relax, enjoy your trek, and click some stunning photos while they protect your baggage.
Enhances local economy
When we hire porters in remote areas of Nepal, we help provide income to families. This is especially important because there may not be many other ways to make money. In turn, this boosts the local economy.
Outline Itinerary Of Kanchenjunga Trek
- Day 1: Arrival in Bhadrapur and drive to Illam (5 hours)
- Day 2: Drive from Illam to Taplejung (5 hours)
- Day 3: Trek from Taplejung to Chirwa (6 hours)
- Day 4: Chirwa to Lelep (7 hours)
- Day 5: Trek from Lelep to Amjilosa (5 hours)
- Day 6: Amjilosa to Gyabla (4 hours)
- Day 7: Trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa (4 hours)
- Day8: Acclimatization day in Ghunsa
- Day9: Trek from Ghunsa to Kambachen (4 hours)
- Day 10: Acclimatization day in Kambachen
- Day 11: Trek from Kambachen to Lhonak (4 hours)
- Day 12: Day trip to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (8 hours)
- Day 13: Trek from Lhonak to Ghunsa (7 hours)
- Day 14: 5 hours trek from Ghunsa to Sele La
- Day 15: Trek from Sele La to Cheram (8 hours)
- Day 16: Day trip to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp (6 hours)
- Day 17: Trek from Cheram to Torongding (4 hours)
- Day 18: Trek from Torongding to Yamphuding (8 hours)
- Day 19: Trek from Yamphuding to Khebang (4 hours)
- Day 20: Trek from Khebang to Khamdime (4 hours)
- Day 21: Drive from Khamdime to Bhadrapur (10 hours)
- Day 22: Departure from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu
Frequently Asked Questions By Travellers
1. Can I go to the Kanchenjunga trek solo?
No. Since the Kanchenjunga trek is restricted, at least two trekkers and a guide are mandatory. Furthermore, this is one of the more challenging treks in Nepal, so we don’t recommend going solo.
2. How much does a restricted area permit cost for Kanchenjunga Trekking?
RACP for the Kanchenjunga trek costs $20 per person for stays up to 4 weeks and $25 per person for stays beyond that.
3. Can I issue a permit for the Kanchenjunga restricted area trek?
Not only licensed and government-authorized travel agencies can issue. Restricted area permits for you to trek in Kanchenjunga.
4. Can you still trek in Nepal without a guide?
Before April 1, 2023, everyone could trek without a guide in Nepal. However, after the new rules change on April 1, 2023, every trekker must hire a licensed guide through only authorized trekking agencies in Nepal. Consider Hillary Steps Treks for an experienced and friendly guide who will keep you company during your excursion.
5. Can I extend my permit if I need more time for the trek?
Yes, you can extend your permit, but concerned authorities must first approve it and pay certain additional fees.
