What are the difficulties of Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek?

Kanchenjunga circuit trek is one of challenging high altitude treks in remote corner of eastern Nepal. It is probably the best "well-kept" secret of Himalayas in Nepal. The trekking trial takes you to the foot of Kanchenjunga (8,586m), the third highest mountain in the world which shares its eastern border with India’s Sikkim and northern to husky Tibet. In Tibetan dialects, the Kanchenjunga means "five great treasures of snow" which refers the spectacular Mountain View that awaits.

The trek enters deep into the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, managed by local communities in partnership with WWF, which is one less-settled area in Nepal. The presence of pristine forest, alpine meadows and high altitude wetlands flourishes the rare snow leopard and red panda, the Himalayan Black Bear, Clouded Leopard and Assamese Macaque.

The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking trail is very less explored compared to other region. Trekkers need to access the brief information about the trek before commencing the journey. Here we have tried to point out some difficulties about the trek; so that you can get well-prepared before starting the journey.

1. Altitude

Altitude is the major difficulty of Kanchenjunga Trek. Trekkers need to hike in 4,000m Himalayan terrain averagely for several days. Sometime you may even walk above 5,000m. Kanchenjunga itself is in elevation of 5,143, altitude threat might be the major barrier of the trek. We suggest you acclimatize and rest properly before taking another high step. Also walk in gradual pace and drink sufficient water. Hire a professional guide; he knows well when to start the journey and what to do when someone get victim of altitude sickness.

2. Length

The trek start after your arrival at Taplejunga from Kathmandu. It takes roughly 20 days to Kanchenjunga Base Camp and back to Suketar (a small airstrip in Taplejung). You need to walk for 5 – 6 hours a day which might not be a difficult task for seasonal hikers. But the extremely rough, rocky and steep terrain might challenge you in most part of the trek. Continuous ascend and descend on high ridge and valley might retard even a physically fit trekkers. You also have to cross two high pass. We suggest you to engage on physical training some months prior the journey.

3. Remoteness

As very few trekkers have made their way to Kanchenjunga circuit, it is yet to get flourished by the impact of mass tourism. The area is very remote and there are basic facilities of teahouse along the Kanchenjunga trekking trail. There are no internet connections as you enter in wilder sections. The teahouse serves very basic accommodation and shared toilet. Authentic Nepali cuisine (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) is the major meal offered by the teahouse followed by some common international cuisine. Don’t expect highly luxurious accommodation and great selection of food menu. Bring your sleeping bag with extra liner for more comfort. Also carry your favorite snacks. Don’t forget to carry toilet paper and sanitary stuffs.

If you are an adventure enthusiast; looking for life-long Himalayan experience in Nepal but want to skip the crow and soak up in the quietude