Kanchenjunga Trek Difficulty

How difficult is the trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp?

This is one of the most asked questions among trekkers when they are planning for a trek to Kanchenjunga. In short, Kanchenjunga Trek is one of the toughest and challenging treks in Nepal and trekkers require good preparation before heading for this trek.

Today, in this blog, you will learn about the difficulty of the Kanchenjunga Trek. It is necessary for you to know before you head on this journey.

If you're a hard adventure lover and have already done several treks, then this adventure is right for you. It is also known as the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek and the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, which is one of the most remote and longest treks in Nepal.

This trek covers the north and south base camps of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Among them, the north is the base camp of Kanchenjunga Main (the world's 3rd highest peak), and the south is the base camp of Kanchenjunga South.

It is located in the Taplejung District of Koshi Province in the Eastern Development Region of the country, which falls within the boundary of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. During the trek, you will enjoy the beautiful views of Mount Kanchenjunga (main, 8,586 m/28,169 ft) and other neighbouring peaks, such as:

• Yalung Kang (or Kanchenjunga West, 8,505 m/27,903.54 ft)
• Kangchenjunga Central (8,482 m/27828.08 ft)
• Kangchenjunga South (8,494 m/27867.45)
• Kangbachen (7,903 m/25928.48 ft), etc.

Apart from the amazing views of Nepal's Himalayas, you'll also get the opportunity to encounter some endangered species, such as the red panda, snow leopard, etc., along the trail.

How Difficult is the Kanchenjunga Trek?

The difficulty level of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, ie, (North and South Base Camp) is challenging. Its difficulty level is normally determined by the trekking duration and altitudes. It generally takes 22 days to complete and reach the height of 5,143 m (16,873.36 ft), which is the north base camp.

To do this trek, you should be an experienced hiker for sure. However, it does not mean that it is impossible for beginners to experience this trek. Even if you haven't done any treks yet, but want to enjoy nature, and the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is your top priority, then you can go for it with proper preparation and expert guidance.

However, the thing is, it's already a challenging trek, and for an inexperienced individual, it isn't a wise idea to choose such a demanding journey on their first attempt. Also, it's not recommended for first-timers.

If you are a beginner or want to do an easier version of the Kanchenjunga Trek, then you may opt for the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek, where you visit only the North Base Camp of Kanchenjunga. This trek can be completed within 15 days and is manageable with little preparation.

What Are The Factors That Affect The Kanchenjunga Trek Difficulty?

The difficulty level of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek varies depending on various aspects. It is based on an individual's perspective. Not everyone can have the same feeling and experience.

Some might find it extremely demanding, while for some, it is just tough. Nevertheless, there are a few common factors that define the difficulty level of this trek you should be aware of, discussed below:

Duration

It is one of the common factors that determines the trek's difficulty level. As stated earlier, it usually takes 22 days to complete and walking straight for more than three weeks with a heavy backpack on your shoulder is not an easy game.

In terms of average distance, you will cover approximately 200 km during the trek. You'll walk around 6 to 8 hours and cover 15 to 20 km daily in the process.

The daily walking distance and time are the same as the other popular treks in Nepal, such as the Annapurna Circuit Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Everest Base Camp Trek, etc. Nevertheless, its long duration of more than three weeks makes the journey difficult.

Altitudes

It's another common factor here. Even the lowest elevation of this trek is Chiruwa, situated at 1,720 m (5,643.045 ft) above sea level. The mentioned height is normal for locals, but for those who are from the seaside, it is very high.

And beginning your adventure directly from such a height could make you feel tough on the first day. The maximum altitude you'll reach in this trek is the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp at 5,143 m (16,873.36 ft).

Ascending to such a high elevation has a chance of getting sick. Things will get serious all of a sudden once you develop either of the symptoms of altitude sickness, which we discuss in another section below, and if you ignore the symptoms, you might even lose your life.

Remoteness

As you already know that the Kanchenjunga Trek is in a remote section of Nepal.  In addition to this, the trail is also not as commercial as the other treks, such as the Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, etc.

As a result, you cannot expect proper accommodation facilities along the route during trekking. Yes, there's availability of tea houses that you'll find along the way.

However, they aren't luxurious at all if you expect something big. These tea houses are just basic with a simple room and a shared bathroom, and only serve local foods, such as dal bhat, momo, chowmein, etc.

Speaking of other modern facilities, WiFi connection and a hot shower are far from being things. There's not even electricity available in some places.

Weather

The weather always makes things different when it comes to trekking. In fact, the best seasons for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November).

But the weather has always been so unpredictable. Even during these seasons, you can face weather-related problems sometimes.

It's also somehow possible to do this trek even during winter. However, the temperature usually reaches below -10 in this season, especially at night, which is unbearable.

The other season is monsoon (June-August). It'll be so much better for you if you don't plan this adventure during the rainy season, as landslides, floods, leech bites, etc., are very common.

Both winter and monsoon are considered off-season, and we never suggest anyone plan a trek to any destination during this time. Even if your plan falls during spring or autumn, we highly advise that you stay tuned to the weather forecast for the dates of your trip and every day during the trek to stay on the safe side.

Altitude Sickness During The Kanchenjunga Trek

As you already know, the highest elevation you'll make it up to during the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, you should be very focused on your body and the worst-case scenario. However, I don't mean to create fear in you, just wanna make you aware of what the worst could happen to you if you aren't careful during the trek.

There are three types of altitude sickness. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is the most common type. If it gets worse, it'll turn to either High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) or High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE).

HAPE and HACE are both scary and life-threatening. In HAPE, fluid builds up in your lungs while in HACE, the same thing happens but in your brain.

Anyway, they won't happen to you if you act smart, recognise the symptoms of AMS in the meantime, and take quick action. So, I've designed a table below mentioning the symptoms of these three altitude sicknesses.

AMS	HAPE	HACE
Headache (most common and early sign) Nausea or vomiting Dizziness or lightheadedness Tiredness or weakness Loss of hunger Trouble sleeping (insomnia or frequent waking) Shortness of breath with exertion Swelling (edema) of hands, feet, or face (in some cases)	Shortness of breath, even at rest Continuous cough (frequently making frothy or pink sputum) Chest tightness or congestion Fast heartbeat Blue or grey lips/fingertips (cyanosis) Weakness, exhaustion Gurgling sounds in the chest when breathing	Extreme headache Loss of coordination (ataxia) Disorder, disorientation Hallucinations Trouble walking or standing Slurred speech Coma (in advanced stages)

Altitude Sickness Prevention Tips For Kanchenjunga Trek?

Learning about the preventive methods of altitude sickness is always significant. Your slight mistake can cost you a lot more than you deserve. Hence, prevention is always better than a cure.

Below are the best altitude sickness prevention tips for hikers on the Kanchenjunga Circuit/Base Camp Trek:

• Don't rush while ascending. Walk as slowly as you can.
• Take a break of at least 7 to 8 minutes frequently while hiking. Doing so will get your body time to acclimate.
• Spend an extra day once you reach 3,000 m (9,842.52 ft) to acclimate your body, as there is a high chance of developing symptoms of altitude sickness after that.
• Don't compromise with food. Eat as much as you can, especially foods with a high quantity of carbohydrates, such as rice, potatoes, and pasta, because these are heavy foods, meaning they take time to digest and keep you energised for a long period.
• Your body should stay hydrated all the time during the trek. Drink at least 3 to 4 litres of water daily. In addition, consider eating foods that contain a high portion of water, such as apples and cucumbers.
• You can also take a medicine called acetazolamide, which is available in every pharmacy under the brand Diamox and is considered the best drug to prevent altitude sickness. But first, consult your trusted doctor about your body and medicine.
• Prefer garlic soup with a timur (Sichuan pepper) powder in your meal, as garlic and timur are recognised as a natural acetazolamide.
• Start doing daily exercises, such as stretching, running, squatting, swimming, and cycling, for at least an hour a month before your travel date if you aren't a regular workout person.

Tips To Overcome Kanchenjunga Trek Difficulty

I can say that you've now understood the difficulty level of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek very properly. However, in addition to its difficulty, let's learn a few things regarding the tips to overcome it.  These tips that I'm providing you below will assist you in preventing such hardships during this trek.

Follow Your Guide

While trekking, you shouldn't try to outsmart your guide. A licensed guide always has proper knowledge about the trail and destination you're travelling to, or else, why would you hire a guide?

It’s often found that some trekkers don't obey their guide during the trek, and later, they face the consequences. If they ask you to stop or take a break while hiking, you better do it.

Some tourists think that they're paying an amount, so they're the boss now. But at high altitudes, no matter how high the money you're paying, it's your guide who's supposed to be a leader, as they have full responsibility for you. Hence, you should respect their job and let them do their duty sincerely.

Eat Healthily

We've discussed this matter already in the section above. However, let's discuss it a little while again. Learning about what you should eat and what not is important during the trek.

Those who are fitness lovers may prefer protein in their diet to gain muscle in a regular life. But in the case of trekking at high altitudes, it's carbohydrates that you will need to consume more and more, because there's a high level of calories in them, and calories provide you with energy for a long time.

Avoid over fried, oily, and non-veg items, as they're all hard to digest and can cause you food poisoning. Also, you should avoid drinking alcohol and smoking because alcohol dehydrates the body, and smoking makes it difficult to breathe.

Adjust Well To The Altitude

We've also discussed this matter already in the previous section.. The things are simple, not that hard to get. Nevertheless, some hikers are still careless while trekking at high elevations.

Just ascend gradually. You don't need to rush to reach your destination for an overnight stay. If the destination is far and you're afraid of getting dark while you're still traveling to get there, then you'd better begin your journey in the early morning.

Moreover, while hiking, consider taking frequent breaks. It should be at least 7 to 8 minutes.

Carry A Pulse Oximeter

It's a small pocket tool that helps you monitor your oxygen level and heart rate while hiking at high-altitude locations like the Kanchenjunga Region. In recent times, it's been found that most trekkers use it.

It's not necessary to carry. Nevertheless, it'll be very useful if you consider carrying it while you're traveling at high elevations.

Most people check their oxygen saturation (SpO₂) in the morning every day before continuing their journey. While checking SpO₂, if the pulse oximeter displays a reading dropping below 80%, it can be an alarm of altitude sickness, and you should be alert to your situation.