Mt Kanchenjunga (8,586 meters), the third-highest peak of the world is also a major attraction for both mountaineering and trekking adventures like any other major peaks in Nepal. However, compared to the likes of mainstream Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang region, this remote section of the far-eastern Himalayas is more known for its serene experience. Although the trek to the basin of this towering peak is considered an off-beaten experience, the tranquil opportunity to experience untamed Himalayan wilderness, authentic culture, and breathtaking natural prospects away from the mainstream crowd is certainly a fascinating experience. So, if you are curious about this serene route, wondering what the Kanchenjunga Trek difficulty level and curious about whether it is suitable for you or not, you have come to the right place.
This incredible journey of the eastern Himalayas has been labeled as a moderate level of exploration. So, the trekkers don’t have to worry about dealing with strenuous sections like a mountain expedition or technical segments along the route. However, this is still a high-altitude journey that lasts for a long period; it is nothing like multi-day short hikes. Despite having a moderate level of grading, there are several aspects of the Kanchenjunga Trek difficulty that you have to overcome during your journey. Let’s check out some of the major obstacles/challenges of this remote Himalayan endeavor and how you will be able to overcome them.
Major Hurdles of Kanchenjunga Trek Difficulty
Physical Challenges
Long Duration
The Kanchenjunga Trek is one of the most remote explorations in the entire Himalayas. This journey that leads to the far-eastern part of the country is one of the most isolated journeys in the country. More than the journey to the core of the far-eastern region, the overall trekking distance is also a major factor of the Kanchenjunga Trek difficulty. A full-fledged journey to this isolated part of the region takes around 23 to 27 days. Our complete and immersive exploration in this region, Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking, also lasts 27 days. Although this is a long Himalayan journey, the experience away from the mainstream crowd to embrace the tranquility of the Himalayas is certainly worth it.
However, the long duration of the trek, particularly on the remote section can be a bit of a challenge for the trekkers who don’t have prior high-altitude and trekking experience at exploring the region adorned with wilderness. This also means that the trekkers need to have a great endurance level to take such long-haul trips to the Himalayas.
Variable Terrains: Steep Ascend and Descend
Nepal is a beautiful nation nestled in the Himalayas; there are three regions that typically identify the geography of the country: the flat land of Terai, high hills, and the rugged mountain region. So, your journey will require you to follow a varied range of terrains and overcome the steep ascend and descend sections along the trail. During your trek, you will navigate your way across the rocky sections, loose soil, boulder-strewn path, steep ridge of the mountainside, and the glacial moraines beneath the towering peaks. So, to easily follow the varied levels of terrains in this journey, you will need to have a good strength level and core balance.
The high-altitude nature of the trek also means that there are several steep ascending and descending segments. If you have previously done a trek in Nepal, then you may know that the majority part of the Himalayan treks comprise the steep ascend and descends. It is not possible to overcome these sections without proper leg strength and endurance/stamina.
Total Trekking Distance and Trekking Hours
Another significant hurdle in this Kanchenjunga Trek difficulty is the overall trekking distance of this remote adventure. The total trekking distance of the Kanchenjunga Trek has been estimated to be around 220 km (136 miles). So, in around 19 trekking days in the package, you will have to cover an approximate distance of 11.57 km (7.18 miles) per day. The average trekking hour per day comes to be around 5 to 6 hours per day. Compared to other trekking packages in the region, Eco Holidays Nepal’s Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking is more comfortably paced, so the trekkers can truly relish the journey without the need to push their physical limits.
The overall trekking duration may not seem like much of a challenge for experienced trekkers. However, gradually following the ascending route carrying your backpack is not that easy due to the low oxygen saturation level at the higher altitudes. On top of that, trekking for such significant hours can be really draining for people who aren’t that physically active.
Altitude and Acclimatization
High Altitude in Nature
Kanchenjunga Trek is not only one of the longest journeys in the Himalayas but is one of the highest as well. During this trek, you will begin your trek following the starting route at Taplejung (1,820 meters); you will then slowly move across the inclining trail and reach the highest point at the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (Pang Pema), which is situated at an altitude of 5,140 meters (17,749 feet). So, the overall altitude gain in this trek comes around to be about 3,320 meters (10,892 feet), which is quite significant.
Altitude Sickness
As the altitude gain in this trek is quite significant, and you will also briefly cross the trans-Himalayan (above 5,000 meters) point, you will need to be very careful about the risk of altitude sickness. Even if in this eastern Himalayan trekking route, there isn’t a risk of severe forms of altitude sickness; the mild Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can also be really bothersome during a long trip. So, in this incredible wilderness experience, due to significant altitude gain, the risk of altitude sickness is high if proper precautionary methods are not followed appropriately.
Weather Conditions
Unpredictable Weather
The unpredictable high-altitude weather conditions of the Himalayas are another major aspect of the Kanchenjunga Trek difficulty that you will have to be careful about during your journey. If you have surfed the best time to do Kanchenjunga Trek, then you might have been recommended two of the most prominent seasons such as spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). However, even if there are weather patterns that can be followed to estimate the climate of high altitude Himalayas, it can be unpredictable at times.
It doesn’t take much for a sunny and clear day to be covered with dark clouds that are accompanied by cold breezes. The Himalayan region has a climatic zone of its own, so the weather factor can also be irrational even while trekking in the peak seasons. As for the off-seasons like monsoon and winter, the unpredictability scale is even higher.
Variation in Climate
During this far-eastern endeavor, you will actually traverse across six climatic zones which start at tropical (1,000 meters) and cross the trans-Himalayan (above 5,000 meters) zone. So, the temperatures can vary widely depending on the zone you are in. The lower regions are generally warm, and nights are accompanied by pleasant temperatures. However, as you start ascending higher, the temperatures start to drop gradually, and the region near the alpine zone is generally cold and chill regardless of the season you visit. Thus, this off-beaten trekking route demands versatility in clothing and gear to deal with different climatic zones.
Logistic Challenges
Remoteness
As by now you have understood that remoteness is one of the major factors of the Kanchenjunga Trek difficulty, you may already have some ideas about this far-eastern region. The Kanchenjunga region is one of the least developed regions in the country due to its extreme isolation; the infrastructure and technological development here are limited. Thus, accessing the resources and the emergency procedures here can be quite challenging. It will be like cutting off from the urban lifestyle and exploring the most remote part of the country, which doesn’t have adequate access to the different perks of modern life.
Accomodation and Food
The Kanchenjunga Trek is nothing like a mainstream trekking destination. Unlike the services available in the mainstream region, which are almost on par with a regular urban settlement, this journey will be a far-off experience from city life. The food and accommodation facilities offered by the teahouses are basic. There are limited menus for the food; the teahouses generally serve traditional dishes, mostly including some other Asian culture-inspired dishes and a few of the Western menu.
Permits and Regulations
The Himalayan region in Nepal is known as the conservation hub for the rare species of flora and fauna. Regardless of the region you choose to explore, you will have the chance to pass through major conservation areas. For this eastern Himalayan adventure as well, you will need to acquire the necessary permit and follow the strict rules and regulations. There are basically two permits that you will need to do this trek:
- Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit
- Special Restricted Area Permit (SRAP) for Kanchenjunga
The two VDCs in this trail, Yamphuding, Paping, Olangchung Gola, and Lelep are restricted areas in the region, so you will need to get a permit, which costs about US$ 20 per person. Similarly, the conservation area permit is another mandatory requirement for this trek, which costs around US$ 30. If you are new to trekking in Nepal and handling the trip on your own, just acquiring the necessary permit is not the only challenge you will have to face. Keeping up with different rules and regulations and adhering to cultural sensitivity can also be a hurdle.
Health and Safety
Medical Issues
As this is a long Himalayan journey, it is common for the trekkers to deal with general health issues. However, if not careful, the general ailment can also take a major turn in the regions where the health facilities are in a limited number. While traveling across the diverse climatic zones, the common cold, digestive issues, respiratory infections, light fever, etc, are quite common. Similarly, while doing long hours of trekking on rugged trails, there are risks of dehydration, sunstroke, injuries, drop in blood pressure, etc. So, if the trekkers are not careful, even simple issues can create a strong ripple that can affect the overall experience.
Emergency Evacuation
Due to the lack of proper health facilities along the trekking trail, in case of a medical emergency, helicopter evacuation is the only option. This is also one of the major factors of the Kanchenjunga Trek difficulty, as the infrastructural development in the region is quite limited. In any kind of emergency situation, helicopter rescue is the only viable option. So, not only is this the only available option to rely on during your off-beaten trekking experience but it is also quite expensive.
Psychological Challenges
Mental Endurance
Kanchenjunga Trek difficulty will not only test your physical endurance but your mental stenght as well. The long trekking journey of the most remote part of the Himalayas, where the adventurers need to overcome high altitude and demanding sections, can also be mentally exhausting. That’s why trekkers who don’t have some sort of prior trekking experience are generally not recommended for this trek. Besides the physical exhaustion, the mental pressure that comes with remoteness, lack of facilities, and challenging high altitudes do require a strong mental resilience.
Isolation
Trekking on this off-beaten far-eastern Himalayan trek route will mean an isolating journey. Due to the remoteness of the region, you will have limited communication with the outside world while you are doing this trek. In particular, the trekkers who are doing this adventure are looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of modern life. However, for the trekkers who live on social media, it can be a bit of a frustrating situation. The coverage for call and internet is low in the remote parts, and as for electricity, most of the higher regions depend on solar power.
Gain Insights On:
How to Overcome Kanchenjunga Trek Difficulty?
Although, as trekkers, there are several hurdles of the Kanchenjunga Trek difficulty that you need to be careful about, it doesn’t mean that overcoming them is hard. With the right amount of prep time and precautionary methods, you will be able to overcome easily any kind of difficulty in Kanchenjunga Trek.
Physical Preparation
As of now, we have already understood the physical challenges of this remote far-eastern exploration. To counter the physically demanding hurdles of the Kanchenjunga Trek difficulty, adequate physical preparation is the only solution. If you follow a proper preparation schedule, it won’t be hard for you to overcome any kind of physical challenge this trek throws your way. Generally, an agency or trekking guide will tell you to train for around 3 to 6 weeks to move across the demanding trails seamlessly. However, what you need to understand is that it is just a standard recommendation; in actual, how much you have to train will depend on the fitness level you have.
A basic level of fitness accompanied by good health is sufficient for taking part in this remote exploration. However, if you are not that physically active, you should make the preparations to develop your strength and endurance to be able to handle around 5 to 6 hours of walking. During your trek, you will navigate your way across varied terrains for long hours, so you will need to have a good level of endurance and core strength to find balance. Similarly, cardiovascular and stamina exercises are also recommended to make the journey comfortable and make it much easier to acclimatize.
Follow a Proper Acclimatization Schedule
There isn’t any kind of shortcut to deal with the altitude sickness aspect of the Kanchenjunga Trek difficulty. So, it is very important to follow a proper acclimatization schedule to avoid any kind of risks associated with altitude sickness. So, before choosing any kind of package, make sure to check out the walking pace, the overall length of the trip, and the rest days. A fast-paced journey will burn your energy level pretty quickly and will also put you at risk of altitude sickness. Our 27 Days Kanchejunag Base Camp Trekking package is one of the most ideal packages to enjoy this remote exploration comfortably.
Our trekking has been crafted by consulting with trekking veterans and industry experts. If you trek with us, you will be able to enjoy a slow-paced adventure where you can take your time and relish the Himalayan tranquility. You will get enough short breaks along the route, and we have also set enough acclimatization period at the strategic transitioning destination so the trekkers will have it much easier to adapt to rising altitudes.
Moderate Hydration and Nutrition
One of the most common mistakes that trekkers make is that they take the hydration and nutrition factor very lightly. Yes, you are traveling and exploring, but it doesn’t mean that you should overlook one of the most important aspects of overcoming the Kanchenjunga Trek difficulty. During this long and high-altitude journey, you will need to have your physical condition at the most optimum level. It is not possible to keep your energy at a balanced level if you don’t properly fuel yourself after long hours of exhausting journeys. So, you need to be very careful about the weather if you eating food with nutrition or just going for the taste.
A good nutritious meal will also strengthen your immune system, and you will not have to deal with any minor health-related issues. Similarly, while trekking for long hours, you will lose a major level of water from your body, which is why you are recommended to drink at least 3 to 4 liters of water per day. Taking care of your hygiene and sanitation is also very important during the trek to avoid any kind of health hazards. So, if you focus on these factors, not only will you be able to easily avoid altitude sickness, but you can also keep general ailments at bay during your remote exploration.
Select a Pleasant Season
For the most comfortable and immersive experience, which will also reduce the weather-related hurdle from the Kanchenjunga Trek difficulty, you should definitely go for one of the high seasons. Both spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October) are considered the top seasons for trekking in Nepal due to the stable weather, comfortable trails, and stunning views. Contrary to that, monsoon (June to August) and winter (December to February) are considered off-period for high altitude treks. Monsoon season, alongside the continuous downpours, also triggers natural calamities, and as for the winter, it is extremely cold, and the high-altitude trails are blocked by snow.
So, the trekking trails, which are already physically demanding, become more challenging if you mistakenly sign up for them during the off-season. So, to secure a remarkable experience make sure to do this trek during either spring or autumn. Spring is the powerhouse of nature and you will see the magnificence of the pinnacle form of nature during this season. In the case of autumn, it is more known for the stability it brings, pleasant temperatures, dry trails, crisp mountain views, and the most fascinating cultural experience.
Mental Preparation
Besides physically, you will also need to be mentally prepared for the trek. There are several factors that you have to take into consideration for this trek, such as remoteness, isolation, physically demanding trails, unpredictable weather, etc. You will have to stay calm-composed and have strong mental resilience so that you will not panic while facing challenges or unforeseen circumstances. Here are some tips to be mentally prepared for overcoming the mental fortitude testing aspects of Kanchenjunga Trek:
- Always set realistic expectations and break down the parts into smaller-manageable goals
- Build up your mental resilience by practicing visualization techniques and mindfulness
- Surround yourself with positive people and try staying positive consistently
- Practice positive affirmations
- Try leaving your comfort zone and prepare for the discomforts
- Stay connected with a team and build a support system
- Try exercise and techniques to manage anxiety and stress
- Stay motivated and focus on the journey
- Don’t skip the downtime; plan engaging activities so you can take a break and be yourself
Be Medically Prepared
As we have already discussed how, there is a lack of proper medical facilities along the trekking trails in this far-eastern exploration. Thus, you should focus on preparing for the medical aspects of this Kanchenjunga Trek difficulty by yourself as much as possible. If you are doing a guided trip like Eco Holiday Nepal’s Kanchejunag Base Camp Trekking, your agency will provide teh trekking crew with a comprehensive first aid kit. Similarly, guides with proper first and high-altitude training will join the team. Still, it will be wise if you bring a small first aid kit with all the basic medications and sufficient personal medications (if you have any). As for the emergency evacuation, the agency will coordinate with the leading guide to take appropriate measures efficiently without jeopardizing the safety of the trekkers.