What to Expect from Kanchenjunga Trekking?
Before you head out to buy your trekking gear or join the gym for physical training, you need a Kanchenjunga trek preparation guide. The first thing to note is that you will be trekking to a largely untouched route in Nepal. Your trek is part of Taplejung district of eastern Nepal, which is near the border with India’s Sikkim.
Once you arrive in Kathmandu, you fly to Bhadrapur in eastern Nepal. Then drive to Sekhathum, from where the trek begins.
Our 21-day itinerary comprises a trek to both the North Base Camp (5,143m) and South Base Camp (4,610m). Nonetheless, there are options to customize the trek, and choose to hike to only one of the base camps, too.
The trail passes through a diverse landscape that comprises forests, rhododendron groves, meadows and glacial valleys. The route terrains vary from stone staircases to muddy paths, rocky trails and high mountain passes. Every day, you will be walking 6 to 8 hours along these paths.
As you climb uphill daily, you experience elevation changes. You reach as high as 5,413 m, increasing the risk of altitude sickness. Therefore, proper acclimatization and rest days are significant aspects of this trek.
Also, this is a trek to one of remotest landscapes of Nepal. Unlike the popular trek regions of Annapurna or Everest, villages are sparse here. The teahouses have limited resources, making you compromise on your lodging and food. You need to be self-reliant both mentally and physically to face the challenges en route.
Expect to meet the unexpected during this trek. This is why having a complete Kanchenjunga trek preparation guide is important.
How hard is Kanchenjunga Trekking?
In my experience, the Kanchenjunga trekking route is moderate-difficult. What's the main reason Kanchenjunga hard? elevation-gain, spend on rugged and remote terrain, daily hiking at least 5 to 8 hours except acclimatization day. Kanchenjunga trekking covers a distance of around 220 km and takes about three weeks to complete.
Preparation tips for trekking to Kanchenjunga Base Camp include proper physical training for to reduce the risk of injuries, altitude sickness, and ensure a better success.
While this trek is not for a first-time trekker, even experienced ones should train themselves physically. One should train for at least 3 to 6 weeks before embarking on the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek. The training, with a focus on the high-altitude treks, aims to make your cardiovascular system as well as your muscles strong.
Still not sure about how to prepare for Kanchenjunga trek? Start your training focusing on the following factors:
Cardiovascular Endurance
You should focus on aerobic exercises that improve your heart rate and breathing for a longer period. The goal is to strengthen your heart and lungs so that they can sustain prolonged effort while at high altitudes.
To attain cardiovascular fitness, focus on the following activities:
- Jogging
- Cycling
- Swimming
- Brisk walking
Strength Training
During the Kanchenjunga trek, you will climb uneven terrain, requiring your legs and muscles to exert pressure. Even your muscles might give up, and your legs might be unable to move forward. To address these issues, focus on trainings that make your legs, glutes and core muscles strong. The following exercises help in that:
- Squats
- Lunges
- Step-upsessential
- Planks
Walking with a backpack
Practice hiking with a loaded backpack. The weight should be similar to what you will bring along during your trek. Doing so, your body becomes trained to handle an extra load, an essential fitness requirement for the trek.
Other Preparations
You must hike on trails with varied elevation as part of the training for the Kanchenjunga trek. So, this is how to prepare for Kanchenjunga trek — simulating actual trek conditions to get ready to face the real-life challenges. One of the ways to do so could be stair climbing. Or you can also climb hills. Meanwhile, adding stretching and mobility exercises helps reduce the stiffness of your body.
Remember, getting your body used to lower oxygen levels, prolonged exposure to heat, and other weather conditions while walking along difficult terrains is the ultimate goal of the training.
What are Building Mental Resilience?
The Kanchenjunga trek preparation guide will not be complete without addressing mental preparedness. The trek is not about technical climbing; rather, it is about how prepared you are mentally to deal with the odds. There are no luxury lodges en route, nor can you look forward to your favourite cup of coffee at high altitudes. It is remote, long and a difficult trek. You need to learn to be comfortable with the discomfort. And mental preparedness is a must for this.
Hence, if you are someone who loves the off-beaten trails and nature along with peace, be mentally prepared to give up luxury, at least for three weeks. Prepare yourself mentally to live without Wif-Fi. Learn to live in basic conditions.
Most importantly, prepare for the unexpected. Train your mind to deal with unexpected circumstances without getting overwhelmed. To address this, you can practice controlled breathing.
Practice gratitude and learn to be happy in small things. Also, you must have a positive mindset to accept the challenging circumstances.
Finally, remember that a healthy mindset is possible only if you have a healthy body. So, eat a nutritious diet, exercise, and take care of your health.
What are the health and safety Preparations?
You should always keep health and safety as the top priority when preparing for the Kanchenjunga trek. For that, add a health aspect to your Kanchenjunga trek preparation guide. It should begin by understanding the risks of altitude sickness. Learn about its symptoms, and talk to your trekking agency to make sure there are rest days for acclimatization. Also, train yourself to build your strength and endurance. Do not forget ot carry appropriate medication to deal with it. You can consult your physician before you embark on this journey.
Well-stocked first aid kit is another component of the trek preparation. It should contain personal prescriptions, basic antibiotics and blister care provisions.
Water purification tablets and a filter bottle can protect you from drinking contaminated water. So, carry them too.
Do not forget to get the required vaccinations, too.
What to pack for Kanchenjunga trekking?
Being physically fit is not sufficient to ensure a successful trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp. You need the right gear and equipment, too. From clothes to footwear, sleeping basics and backpacks to trail tools, you must have everything handy to ensure a comfortable and safe trek.
Check out this list while making sure that you pack smart:
Clothing with layers
You must have heard that the weather in high altitudes is not predictable. It can change in minutes. As such, you have to hike through weather patterns that range from humid and low temperatures to sub-zero temperatures in high altitudes. Therefore, opt for appropriate layers of clothes to keep yourself warm and comfortable. Pack base layer, mid layer and outer layer clothes that keep you warm and dry. Avoid cotton as it retains moisture.
Sturdy Footwear
You must pack a pair of sturdy, waterproof trekking boots for this journey. Your footwear needs to provide a good grip, even if you tread on rocky and muddy trails. Bring along light shoes or sandals for teahouses and camps.
Quality Sleeping Bag
To deal with the brutal cold weather at night above 4,000m, get yourself a warm, winter-rated sleeping bag. It should be able to handle temperatures below freezing. So, get the one that is rated to at least -10°C (14°F). You can add a sleeping bag liner, too, for extra warmth and hygiene.
Backpack
For this trek, you will need two different types of backpacks. One is the main trekking backpack of around 50- 65L for your gear. Then you should carry a small 20- 30L daypack for the hikes.
Other Essentials
As a preparation for your upcoming Kanchenjunga trek, you need to arrange for trekking poles. Collapsible poles are recommended for steep terrain. Carry a headlamp with extra batteries, useful during power cuts and when you are starting the trek early. A hydration system is another must-have: It includes reusable water bottles and water purification tablets.
Do not forget the products for personal care and sanitization. Electronics like powerbank, adapters, and camera’ first-aid and health items are other things you need to carry.
Is Kanchenjunga Required Trekking Permits? Understanding the Basics
In Nepal, trekking agencies handle permits and other logistics. Yet it is always good to know about the basics of these things, as a part of your preparation tips for trekking to Kanchenjunga Base Camp.
Permits
For Kanchenjunga trekking, you must deal with registered trekking agency. That is because you are trekking to a restricted area in Nepal. And, trekking in such areas requires permits that issued through licensed Nepali trekking company. Ace Vision Treks obtain following permits: Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit and Restricted Area Permit.
Guides and Porters
One of the most important reasons for hiring guide is the mandatory provision of the Nepal government to hire licensed guide for trekking in the restricted areas. Also, there is a provision that requires you to travel in a minimum group of two persons. Nepal government has not mandated the porters. But you want them as they ease your trek by carrying luggage. Be aware of these things before you book a package from trekking company.
Domestic Flights and Ground Transport
Ace Vision Treks company arrange the transportation part within Nepal. Travelling via domestic airplane from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, and take jeep ride (most of the time) from Bhadrapur to Taplejung. So, prepared to travel via Nepal's domestic planes and drive bumpy and blacktop roads.
Lodging and Food
The Kanchenjunga trekking trail comes with basic facilities as it is not a popular trekking region in country. The teahouses and lodges are available in some villages. They are basic wooden lodges. You need to share bathrooms. Be mentally prepared to live in conditions with no heating, limited electricity, and almost no internet facilities. You may need to camp in the remote sections.
In the case of food, you won’t go hungry. Expect limited options like Dal Bhat, noodles, soups, egg, and potatoes. Sometimes you may savour Nepal’s favorite momo as well as pasta.
Therefore, inform your trekking agency if you have any dietary restrictions. It is a good idea to bring your snacks and supplements like electrolytes and instant tea/coffee.
Does Travel Insurance Mandatory for Kanchenjunga Trekking?
One of the things you must get ready before setting off for Kanchenjunga trek is the travel insurance. It is mandatory as you trekking in remote and high-altitude location. You should get the insurance policy that covers high-altitude treks, includes emergency evacuation by helicopter, hospitalization, and medical treatment. You should also ensure your policy compensates for non-refundable costs of airline tickets, lodgings, as well as permits. It should include coverage of trip delays and cancellations as well.
Without insurance, you might have to incur thousands of dollars to cover the cost of required expenses. Also, always carry a printed copy of your travel insurance policy during the trek.
When is Best Time to Trek Kanchenjunga?
Knowing the best time to trek Kanchenjunga is important for this journey. If you do not know how to prepare for the Kanchenjunga trek in terms of trek time, then it can negatively affect your overall experience.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal trekking seasons in this region. Spring offers clear skies and stable weather. The days are pleasant, and you can expect to get the best views of the mountains and the surroundings.
Crisp air, excellent visibility, and dry trails of autumn add to the trekking experience. Despite cold mornings and nights of autumn, you can expect comfortable daytimes that are ideal for trekking. The trail conditions are safe with reduced risk of landslides.
But the monsoon months are known for heavy rains, landslides, leeches and trail closures. Extreme cold, snow-blocked passes are features of winter months.
With a proper idea of the trek trail weather, you know what to pack for your journey, and when exactly to head for it.
Which Cultural and Environmental see on Kanchenjunga?
Do a thorough research on internet about local culture and environment, and understand. Remember that Kanchenjunga region is considered sacred place inhabited by Rai, Limbu, Tamang and Sherpa communities of Nepal. They follow Buddhism as well as animist traditions. You should respect their traditions, cultural values and beliefs.
Do not get engaged in activities that harm the natural environment. The region is home to endangered species like snow leopards, red pandas, and musk deer. Do not disturb the wildlife, and camp only in designated areas. Follow the principles of ‘leave no trace’ to keep the trail clean and sustainable.
Knowing the preparation tips for trekking to Kanchenjunga Base Camp ultimately ensures you a safe and enriching trek experience.
