Nomad Saikat
The beautiful state of Sikkim is popular for the panoramic view that the visitors can enjoy here. The breathtaking landscape is by far one of the main reasons why people visit this location to explore. For every traveler or adventure enthusiast one of the best activities to indulge in is trekking. And the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is one such trekking trail that is a popular and a most loved one. The mighty Kanchenjunga anyway needs all the attention and the beauty that it comes with. This trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp will take a visitor through pristine landscape which is extremely enjoyable. It can be an ideal way to escape the hustle of the busy city life and surrender to nature. With the views of snow capped mountains, exciting trails and scenic landscape the journey will be memorable for a really long time.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp
It can be one of the best adventure activities that adventure enthusiasts can try for that much needed adrenaline rush. It is a different trekking experience than other trekking experiences for a lot of reasons. First is the beauty of Kanchenjunga and other major peaks that makes the trek so interesting. Then comes the boundaries of three major countries India, Nepal and Tibet that the mountains span through. Furthermore the pristine height of Kanchenjunga undeniably offers the best backdrop for a memorable trekking experience. If you are interested in the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek then keep on reading this article. This will be a helpful article for you if you are planning a trip to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp soon.
Overview
Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek Sikkim is one of the most interesting trekking trails and one of the most popular too. This is moreover one of the dream treks for the adventure enthusiasts for that adrenaline rush. Kanjenjunga borders three major countries of India, Tibet as well as Nepal and furthermore that makes this trek so different from other trekking trails in the country. Until 1849 Kanchenjunga was also the highest mountain in India before the discovery of K2 and Everest. According to geographical aspects, Kanchenjunga along with the 5 massifs is the third highest peaks in the world. The 5 massifs are Kanchenjunga Main with a height of 8586 meters. Then there is Kanchenjunga West that is 8505 meters, Kanchenjunga Central with a height of 8482 meters, Kanchenjunga South that is 8494 meters and Kangbachen that is 7903 meters.
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp is a popular trekking trail and it has witnessed a huge footfall since 1988. The Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek cost starts from around Rs. 16,000 for adults. On your journey you will get to explore the beautiful landscape along with majestic viewpoints and hidden gems as well. Kanchenjunga Base Camp height is 5200 meters and the trek difficulty level is moderate. The duration of this trek is of 11 days that includes 3 days of travelling and 8 days of trekking. The total trekking distance is about 90 km and the area is Sikkim Himalaya. There is a specific Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek route map that covers the major locations and also offers a beautiful backdrop as well.
From the major snow capped mountain peaks to the verdant greenery to isolated villages and rhododendron forests the trail covers a lot. And for each adventurer it can be one of the most exciting trails that you can enjoy.
How to reach
The trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp starts from Yuksom and ends there as well. To reach there the Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport which is about 160 km away. And if you are travelling by train then the nearest railway station to Yuksom is the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. The base camp of this trek is Yuksom so you will have to reach there first to start your trekking journey.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Itinerary
Day 1
For the first day you will have to reach any of the nearest locations to reach Yuksom which is the starting point of this trek. You can reach the Bagdogra airport or New Jalpaiguri station to reach there. Or else you can travel from locations like Delhi and then travel to Gangtok and opt for an overnight stay there.
Day 2
If you are travelling via Gangtok then on day 2 you should reach Yuksom first and stay there at night before preparing for the journey the next day.
Day 3
Yuksam- Tsokha
You can start your journey after having breakfast to reach the destination for the day, Tsokha. The trek however begins from a local market here. The trekkers need to cross four bridges and also will have to climb towards the north eastern direction in order to reach Bakkhim. This trail will then continue for about 3 km. The trail moreover passes through Magnolia and Rhododendron Forests. And then you will finally reach Tsokha. Here you will therefore get to spend the night so you will have your dinner here and sleep for the night.
Read More : Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Yatra, Trek Route, Distance, Itinerary
Day 4
Tsokha- Dzongri
Day 4 will start early in the morning to reach Dzongri. Three will be a guided trek to Alp of Phedang that is about 3650 meters high. You will have to therefore cross the Alp of Phedang to reach Dzongri. At Dzongri you will have to stay for the night, so have dinner and rest.
Day 5
Dzongri – Laxmi Pokhari
For day 5 the day again starts early in the morning and you will have to trek for the whole day. On your way you will also get to enjoy the pristine view of the mountains. The major attraction is obviously the Kanchenjunga which is 8586 meters high. Furthermore you will get to witness the view of neighbouring peaks like Kabru (7000 meters) and Pandim (6691 meters). Additionally the trek will pass through Rathong Glacier, Rhododendron bushes and extended pastor land until Chamaray. From there the trekkers will again have to climb uphill to reach Laxmi Pokhari. It will be the campsite for the night so you will have to stay here overnight and have dinner here.
Day 6
Dzongri- Bikhbari
On day 6 you will get to explore the left side of the trail and also reach Zamlingang. Here you will have to stay overnight so enjoy camping here.
Day 7
Bikhbari- Chaurikhang and Rathong Glacier/ Kanchenjunga Base Camp – Bikhbari
This is the most interesting day of the long trek as this is what you must be waiting for. It will finally be the day to trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp. So start your journey early in the morning to reach the Kanchenjunga Base Camp earliest. From there you will get to see the majestic view of the Kabur and Rathong Glaciers, Koktang (6146 meters) and Frey’s Peak (5830 meters). Then you can spend some time there before heading back to Bikhbari again. At Bikhbari therefore you will be staying the night. So enjoy dinner and camping there.
Day 8
The day 8 can ideally be a leisure day for you and you can recharge on your energies also. You should enjoy the beautiful landscape here and also explore the areas nearby. It can be a much needed day for relaxation and you can enjoy that on day 8 of the trekking. Moreover it will be interesting to sit on the lap of nature or to enjoy staying at the tents without much activity.
Day 9
Bikhbari- Bakkhim
So day 9 is the day for the start of your return journey. This day therefore you will have to start your journey downhill from Bikhbari. And at the end of the day you will reach Bakkhim, which is your destination for the day. Here you will however have to spend the night so have dinner and rest.
Day 10
Bakkhim – Yuksom
On this day you will have to start your journey early from Bakkhim. From there you will therefore have to trek down to reach Yuksom which was the starting point of this trek. Also after reaching there you can enjoy some local food at Yuksom. Furthermore you can enjoy some nearby locations there too and enjoy the journey well. Finally have dinner and stay overnight here before the journey ends the next day.
Day 11
Yuksom- Bagdogra
On the day 11 of the trekking you will have to start your journey early again to reach the airport. You can however reach the railway station as well. From there you can head back to your respective destinations. And with day 11 it marks the end of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek.
Wrapping Up!
So that was all about the Kanchenjunga Base Camp and for an adventure enthusiast a trek would be immensely interesting here. So in case you are planning a trek there this article will be a helpful one for you. Here I have mentioned all the important details about the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek that you need to know. The unparalleled view, the majestic landscape and the mighty Kanchenjunga are the major highlights of this trekking trail. You will furthermore get to enjoy the other neighboring peaks and some other sightseeing locations here. Additionally you will get to visit the isolated villages, interact with the locals and enjoy the lush greenery along with rhododendron forest. It can ideally be one of the most memorable trails that you can enjoy and you will be able to remember this for a really long time too.
So when are you planning a Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek? And let me know if this article on the Kanchenjunga Base Camp is helpful for you in planning a trip to this location here.
