Kanchenjunga Trek is situated in Nepal’s far eastern part of the country. It shares the border with Sikkim (India). It is one of the best remote and off-the-beaten-path lodge-based treks in Nepal, taking you to Mt. Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest peak (8585m). As for the cost of Kanchenjunga Trek, there is no fixed price. The trip would cost anywhere from USD 2090 to USD 3500, depending on the route, tour operator and their services.
It is one of the challenging and remote trekking destinations in Nepal, offering the opportunity to explore both the southern and northern base camps of Mount Kanchenjunga. Your adventure to Kanchenjunga Trek will take you through high passes and through remote regions. You will have stunning views of Pyramid Peak, Wedge Peak, and Twin Peak.
Some of the top attractions of Kanchenjunga Trek are Yalung Glacier, alpine forest, walking through fascinating village, Pangpema and spectacular views of Mount Kanchenjunga and other peaks
Trekking in Nepal is comparatively cheaper than trekking in other parts of the world. Kanchenjunga Trekking might be a little more expensive than Annapurna and Langtang treks, and it is similar to the cost of Everest Base Camp Trek. The cost of the Kanchenjunga Trek depends on trip package, airfare, transportation, trekking gear, guides, food and lodging.
Things to know – Why you Should Consider Kanchenjunga Trek?
- A unique opportunity to trek through Nepal’s remote and off-the-beaten-path regions.
- Trekking through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and seeing the region’s wild flora and fauna.
- Exploring the amazing landscapes and walking through some of the incredible valleys with views of Mera, Peak, Wedge Peak, Twin Peak, Mount Kanchenjunga, and surrounding peaks.
- Discovering some of the region’s most amazing places, such as Ghunsa, Khambachen, and Yamphuding.
Kanchenjunga Trek Permit Costs
Getting Kanchenjunga restricted area permit is a bit long process that involves a bunch of letters, guarantees, and applications. As a result, once you arrive in Kathmandu, you will have to apply for the permits.
The Kanchenjunga restricted area’s permit cost is USD 10 per person, per week. The cost of Kanchenjunga conservation area permit is USD 20 per person, per week.
You will have to wait about 2 to 3 hours to get the restricted area’s permit. When trekking to Kanchenjunga, it is compulsory to hire a guide. Currently, solo or independent trek to the Kanchenjunga area is not allowed.
Costs of Guides and Porters during Kanchenjunga Trek
Guides and porters play an important role in making your trek to Kanchenjunga as easy and comfortable as possible. Hiring a guide ensures that you will have someone to assist you throughout your journey. You can always rely on your guide because they have years of trekking experience and know what is best for you.
You will not have to face the challenges alone if you have a guide with you. When you consider quitting, they will encourage you to continue on the most difficult phase. In this case, the guide also serves as a role model. Similarly, a porter will assist you in carrying your heavy luggage. They can carry up to 20 kg of your load, reducing the pressure on the back.
The guide and porter will charge you a fee for their services. Generally, the guide charges USD 30 to USD 35 per day, which includes the guide’s food, accommodation, and insurance. Similarly, the cost of hiring a porter ranges between USD 20 to USD 25 per day, which includes the porter’s food, accommodation, and insurance.
Costs of Food and Drinks during Kanchenjunga Trek
It is important to keep your body active and energized throughout your journey to Kanchenjunga Trek. Eating a well-balanced diet will help you stay healthy throughout your trip. A healthy mind and body leads to a successful trek.
There are several teahouses, hotels, and restaurants along the way to your Kanchenjunga Trek. These tea houses will provide you with proper food and lodging. Food items range from traditional Nepalese cuisine to international cuisines.
During your trek, the most common meals are Dal Bhat and seasonal vegetables, bread, egg, porridge, noodles, sandwich, pizza, burger, and many more. There are also some beverage options, such as tea, coffee, hot lemon, mineral water, cold drinks, and alcoholic beverages.
The cost of the meals you will consume during your trek is quite reasonable. As you ascend in elevation, the cost of food will change. Food is more expensive in higher elevations than in the lower areas.
The cost of breakfast during your Kanchenjunga Trek ranges from USD 4 to USD 6. A decent lunch or dinner will cost you between USD 5 and USD 9 per meal. Warm tea or coffee will cost you between USD 2 and USD 4, and a beer will cost you somewhere around USD 5 to USD 8.
Accommodation costs during Kanchenjunga Trek
You will be staying in a guesthouse during your trekking adventure. After a long day of trekking, you will need to rest in a decent lodge. During the trek, you will have several options for accommodation. Their prices vary depending on the services they provide.
Generally, accommodation at a teahouse ranges from USD 5 to USD 30 per night, and even more. You will have facilities of hot showers, but it will be at an additional cost. Similarly, you will have to pay fees to charge your batteries.
The cost of accommodation varies depending on the time of year you will be trekking. During peak seasons, the cost of accommodation is comparatively higher. Low season treks, such as during the monsoon and winter seasons, are far less expensive.
Kanchenjunga Trek Transportation Costs
You will begin your trekking adventure with a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, which will cost you between USD 150 to USD 200. You can take a local Jeep/bus to Ilam or directly to Taplejung from Bhadrapur. The local bus fare is about 8 USD.
However, if you want to hire a private jeep from Ilam to Taplejung, it will cost you between USD 200 to USD 250. Hiring a private jeep to Taplejung is a better option than taking a local bus. It is also much faster and more convenient.
Miscellaneous Expenses
Miscellaneous expenses include any additional personal expenses incurred while at Kanchenjunga Trek. Miscellaneous expenses generally include items such as travel insurance, mineral water, batteries, charging your devices, souvenirs, extra hot water for showering, and so on. A hot shower will cost you about 3 USD, and charging your electronic devices will cost you about 2 USD.
Conclusion
It is important to plan an appropriate budget for your trek. The cost of the Kanchenjunga Trek is reasonable because you will have many opportunities to discover Nepal’s restricted region. In addition, you will be able to observe the world’s third highest peak.
The cost of the Kanchenjunga Trek can be minimized by spending your money wisely. Kanchenjunga Trek is one of the most affordable treks in Nepal. It offers a complete package of thrilling adventure.
If you’ve decided to trek to Kanchenjunga, we invite you to join us at Himalaya Discovery. Please contact us if you would like to know more about this incredible trip to Kanchenjunga region.
