Kanchenjunga Region Treks

Kanchenjunga base camp trek leads you to the both north and south base camp of the world's second and Nepal's third highest peak mount Kanchenjunga. Kanchenjunga means "five great treasure of snow" in local language and height of main peak of Mount Kanchenjunga is 8586m. It is situated in the Kanchenjunga conservation area in the extreme northeast corner of Nepal bordering Tibet to the north and Sikkim (an Indian State) to the east. 

This spectacular trekking to the foot of Mt. Kanchenjunga, also called as Kanchenjunga round trek, is one of the most adventurous and longest of all the hiking routes we offered. Kanchenjunga conservation area comprises the tranquil Tibetan villages higher up at the foot of mountains, pristine forest and high mountain meadows, high altitude wetlands, low land semi tropical green forest, Rai and Limbu villages in the mid hill sides of eastern Nepal, diverse flora and fauna and the most spectacular mountain vistas. 

The high pass Mirgin-la which connects the both side of the mountain, Yalung Glacier, agricultural areas, wide variety of natural vegetation, lifestyle and cultures of various ethnic group inhabitants of this region and obviously the breath-taking Himalayan panorama are the highlights of this featured hike to stunningly beautiful and ecologically diverse conservation area. 

Your trek takes you to the both north and south sides of this vast mountain providing the magnificent views of the Mt. Kanchenjunga, Yalung Kang, Jannu (Kumbhakarna) from Mirgin-La and many others from many places. In addition this awe-some trekking offers opportunities to explore the north base camp (Pangpema), south base camp (Oktang), the model tibetan villages of Ghunsa and Olangchukgola, Sele-La and mirgin-La pass in eastern Himalaya of nepal.

Trek begins at Taplejung (Suketar) which is accessible by air and land and Basantapur accessible by only land transport. 

• Scenic flight to Taplejung providing Magnificent views of Himalayan Panorama including Mt. Everest, Makalu and Kanchenjunga.
• Spectacular trekking to the foot of third highest peak of the world and opportunity to explore the both North and south base camp of Kanchenjunga by crossing Mirgin-la. 
• An adventurous walk into a remote and wilderness area of eastern Himalaya. 
• Experience the rich Limbu Culture and lifestyle in lower valley and Tibetan culture and lifestyle in upper valleys.
• Unspoiled nature and diverse flora and fauna of Kanchenjunga region. 

Trip Facts 

• Mode of Travel: AIR + LAND + TREK
• Program Type: TREKKING
• MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 5160 M.
• TRIP SEASONS: MAR – MAY / SEPT – DEC
• TREK BEGINS: TAPLEJUNG (SUKETAR by  FLIGHT) or  BIRATNAGAR FLIHT & DRIVE TO BASANTAPUR/GUPHA POKHARI then TREKKING START
• TREK ENDS: TAPLEJUNG (SUKETAR)
• TREKKING STYLE: TEA-HOUSE / CAMPING

Trip Grade:

Grade 1 - Easy

• Prior trekking experience is not required and at this level; anyone with good health and basic fitness can enjoy this trip. Days are generally short in duration; walk not more than 5 hours a day on relatively easy mountain trails. Altitude is less than 3000m so acclimatization to altitude is never a concern at this level. However, trekking in Nepal consist reasonable amount of ascents and descents which may demand some efforts.  

Grade 2 – Moderate

• A person with the good health, fit with regular exercise and who enjoy the regular weekend hikes in the hills or mountains at home or who has prior trekking experiences can enjoy at this level. Walking hours are generally longer in duration; 4 to 6 hours of walking is required at this level which may contain considerable amounts of ascents and descents and could have an odd long day. Altitude is around 4000m and acclimatization is not a big concern; proper rest and a good night sleep is enough at this level.  

Grade 3 - Challenging 

• A good level fitness is required for these kinds of trip and strongly advised for regular exercise and training to improve your fitness level before departure of the trip. Previous trekking experience is desirable but not obligatory if you are confident of your physical condition and fitness level.
• Average walking hours at this level is 6 to 9 hours or longer in some days which might cover difficult glaciated terrain and high passes above 5000m where basic mountaineering skills and equipment may require which go wild and remote places completely cut off from civilization and may also require staying at high altitude for long period. 
• Altitude is around 5500m and Acclimatization is always big concern at this level and must plan carefully.

Grade 4 - Strenuous

• At this level we recommend previous experience of trekking, preferably at altitude, and you need complete confidence in your physical condition and your ability to trek for many days without a break and be able to cope with difficult underfoot terrain such as scree, snow or difficult paths on steep mountainsides. Extremes of altitude and weather may also be encountered. This kinds of trip requires basic mountaineering skills and it may be necessary to use ice axe and crampons which includes technical climbing of trekking peaks up to the altitude of 6500 m (approx.).
• Stamina is very important, as walking days can be from 6 to 9 hours in general but you should be prepared for up to 12 hours on some climbs.  

Grade 5 - Very Strenuous  

Carrying first aid kit is a must to prevent oneself from any unpredictable events for which immediate concerns have to be given. This contains the basic ailments as mentioned below. 

Trekking preparation to go in Nepal Himalaya mountains regions:   

First Aid Kit

Carrying first aid kit is a must to prevent oneself from any unpredictable events for which immediate concerns have to be given. This contains the basic ailments as mentioned below. 

• Bandage for sprains
• Plasters/Band-aids
• Iodine or water filter (optional)
• Moleskin/Second skin - for blisters
• Antiseptic ointment for cuts
• Anti-bacterial throat lozenges (with antiseptic)
• Aspirin/Paracetamol - general painkiller
• Oral rehydration salts
• Broad-spectrum antibiotic (norfloxacin or ciprofloxin)
• Anti-diarrhoea medication (antibiotic)
• Diarrhoea stopper (Imodium - optional)
• Antibiotic for Guardia or similar microbe or bacteria.
• Diamox 250/500mg (for altitude sickness)
• Sterile Syringe set (anti-AIDS precaution)
• Gel hand cleaner.

 Visa information:

 A Nepalese visa is required to enter Nepal. You can obtain a visa at Nepalese Embassy/Consulate in your home country or at Tribhuvan international Airport upon your arrival in Kathmandu. 

• Two passport size photo are require for visa application
• No need to pay visa fee for children under 10 years
• Multiple entry visa fee for 15 days is USD 30, 40 days USD 40 and 90 days USD 100
• Tourist visa can be extended up to 150 days.

Equipment Lists

General Equipment

(These general equipments will be provided by Broad adventure which need to be return at the completion of your trek.)

• Duffel or Rucksack bag
• Down jacket
• 4 seasons sleeping bag

(If you have got these things then your own is recommended)

Mandatory Equipment (Which you need to have your own)

• Wind and waterproof jacket and pants
• Fleece pullover or jacket
• Long underwear of polypropylene or wool
• Technical clothing which is light and dries quickly (Long and half sleeves T-shirts )
• Light trekking pants
• Normal t-shirts
• Socks : cotton and woolen
• Underwear and towel
• Warm hat, gloves, sun hat, sun glasses, sunscreen, lip care.
• Rain coat or poncho
• Head lamp with spare batteries
• Water bottle and water purifier
• Proper fitting boots
• Jugging shoes/sandal
• Gaiters
• Day pack
• Handkerchiefs
• Soap and shampoo
• Tooth paste, tooth brush, nail cutter with filer
• Hand washing gel
• Map
• Spare battery for camera
• Safety pad (for women)
• First aid kit
• Toilet paper

Optional Equipment

• Walking poles
• Binocular
• Reading materials
• Swiss army knife or similar
• Super glue and sewing needle
• Pocket music player : iPod or mp3 or mp4
• Ear plugs (for sleeping despite dog barking)
• Bathing suit
• Safety razor and its belonging
• Pocket note books
• GPS and Satellite phone

ABOUT HIGH ALTITUDE SICKNESS

"If you are not feeling well at altitude, it is altitude sickness until proven otherwise."

"Altitude sickness is nothing to worry if you are careful otherwise…………………………."

"Awareness about the altitude sickness is the best medicine for AMS"

Altitude sickness which is also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS) may occur when people gain considerable amount of height with in a short period of time, generally occurring over the altitude of 3000m above the sea level. One will feel some difficulties such as shortness of breathing, light headache, tiredness. The most common symptoms include severe headache, sickness and loss of awareness and in most of the probable cases there are clear symptoms in order to take immediate rescue measures. We have got expert, skilled and trained guides who are entrusted with the job to help you is such probable mishaps and every thing shall be carried out in consent with the recommendations from your physian. Here are some key information giving you enough ideas about altitude sickness, the precautions you have to follow and remedial measures.

1. Normal symptoms

• Normal headache
• Crazy dreams at the altitude of 2500m and above.
• Irregular sleep
• Loss of appetite ( occasional)
• Increased rate of breathing

What to do (Treatment) ?

Don’t worry only with those symptoms. Most of the trekker will feel some or all of those symptoms. Enough rest and drink is the best cure.

2. Mild altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness

Signs and Symptoms

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is common in travelers who ascend rapidly to altitude above 7,000 feet.

• The typical sufferer experiences a headache, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, and nausea.
• Swelling of the face and hands may be an early sign. Children are generally more susceptible than adults.
• Sleep is often fitful, with frequent awakenings and an irregular pattern of breathing characterized by periods of rapid breathing alternating with periods of no breathing.

Treatment

• When mild symptoms develop, it is a signal that one should no to any higher in altitude until the symptoms have completely resolved. Watch the victim closely for progression of illness to more severe forms. Usually, within one or two days, the victim will feel better and can then travel to higher altitudes with caution. Symptoms will improve more rapidly simply by going down a few thousand feet.
• Administer acetaminophen (Tylenol) 650 to 1000 mg. or ibuprofen (Motrin) 400 to 600 mg. for headache.
• Consider administering acetazolamide (Diamox) ,at a treatment dose of 250 mg. twice a day .
• Minimize exertion.
• Avoid sleeping pills.

3. Severe Altitude Illness

High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)

A victim may have one or more of the following:

• Severe headache unrelieved by Tylenol or Motrin;
• Vomiting;
• Loss of coordination;
• Severe lassitude
• Confusion, inappropriate behavior, hallucinations, stupor or coma;
• Transient blindness, partial paralysis of loss of sensation on one side of the body may occur;
• Seizures

Treatment

• IMMEDIATE DESCENT of at least 3,000 feet (1,000 meters) or until the victim shows signs of considerable improvement are the most important treatment. Do not wait to see if the victim gets worse of improves. Waiting could prove to be fatal.
• Administer acetazolamide (Diamox), 250 mg. twice a day.
• Administer dexamethasone (Decadron) 8 mg, followed by 4 mg. every 6 hours if available.
• Administer oxygen if available.
• In case immediate descent is not possible, placing the victim in a portable hyperbaric chamber (Gamow Bag) may be helpful in mitigating the effects of HACE.

High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)

HAPE usually begins within the first two to four days of ascent to higher altitudes, most commonly on the second night.

Signs and symptoms : A victim may have one or more of the following:

• Initially, the victim will notice marked breathlessness with minor exertion and develop a dry, hacking cough.
• As greater amounts of fluid collect in the lungs, the victim develops increasing shortness of breath, even while resting, and a cough than may produce frothy sputum.
• The victim looks anxious, restlessness and has a rapid or bounding pulse.
• Cyanosis (a bluish color of the lips and nails indicating poor oxygenation of the blood) may be present.

Treatment:

• IMMEDIATE DESCENT of at least 3,000 feet (1,000 meters) or until the victim shows signs of considerable improvement are the most important treatment. Do not wait. Waiting could prove to be fatal.
• Administer oxygen four to six liters-per-minute, if available.
• The prescription drug, nifedipine (Procardia) may be helpful for HAPE. The dose is 10 to 20 mg. every 8 hours.
• The use of Gamow bag, as described above, may be beneficial when the victim can not be immediately evacuated to a lower altitude.

How to prevent from Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)? 

• Sufficient time for acclimatization should be allowed esp. above 3000 meters.
• Make gradual ascent.
• Avoid alcohol, smoking and even sleeping pills.
• Drink adequate fluid, about 4 liters which includes water, tea, coffee, juice, soup, etc.
• Climb high and sleep low.
• Follow the guidance from your guide.
• If mild symptoms begin to appear, descent quickly.
• Try to keep yourself warm.