Kanchenjunga, standing proudly at 8,586 meters (28,169 feet), is the third-highest mountain in the world and the second-highest in Nepal. Nestled in the country’s far eastern region, near the border with Sikkim, India, this magnificent Himalayan peak is revered not just for its towering height but for its deep spiritual and ecological significance. The name “Kanchenjunga” is derived from the Tibetan words “Kang-chen-dzo-nga,” meaning “The Five Treasures of the Snow,” referring to its five prominent summits, each believed to represent a treasure of God, gold, silver, gems, grain, and holy scriptures.
Unlike the more commercialized peaks of the Himalayas, Kanchenjunga remains one of the least explored and most pristine high-altitude destinations in the world. The remote location and strict conservation efforts have preserved the mountain’s raw wilderness, making it a paradise for trekkers, climbers, and nature enthusiasts seeking solitude and unspoiled beauty. The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area is rich in biodiversity and is home to endangered species like the snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan black bear, and over 250 species of birds. The region is also culturally rich, inhabited by ethnic communities such as the Limbu, Rai, and Sherpa, who maintain centuries-old traditions and spiritual beliefs.
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is considered one of Nepal’s most rewarding yet challenging trekking routes. It leads through lush rhododendron forests, high alpine meadows, glacial moraines, and traditional mountain villages. Unlike the more crowded Everest or Annapurna trails, trekking in the Kanchenjunga region offers a serene and immersive experience into the heart of Himalayan culture and nature.
Location
- Province:Province 1
- Mountain Range:Kanchenjunga
- District:Taplejung/NI
- Municipality/Rural Municipality:Phaktanglung/NI
Nearest help center
( from the basecamp along
the caravan route )
- Police post: Tapethok 43.3KM
- Armed police post Taplejung-Yamphudin-Ramachaur-BC
- Army post: Taplejung 67.2KM Taplejung 67.8KM
- Health centre/post: Tellok 44.1KM Siwa 53.6KM
- Nearest settlement : Yamphudin 25.6KM Ghunsa 13.3KM
Royalty Fees
- Nepalese (NRs):Sp 10000, Au 5000, Wi/Su 2500
- Foreigners (USD):Sp 1800, Au 900, Wi/Su 450
How to get there
- From Kathmandu:Fly to Biratnagar or Bhadrapur and then by vehicle to Taplejung or by vehicle to Taplejung
- Caravan route:Taplejung-Yamphudin-Ramachaur-BC
- Caravan route
length: 67.2KM through Yamphudin, 67.8KM through Ghunsa - Climbing route
length: 20.1KM - Duration:75 Days
Explore Kanchenjunga, a hidden Himalayan gem where nature, culture, and spirituality unite in spectacular harmony.
Map
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