Why Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek?
- A change to trek through the remote and off beaten paths of Nepal.
- Trekking within the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and witnessing the wild flora and fauna of the region.
- Exploring the unique landscapes and walking through some of the great valleys with the sceneries of Mera, Peak, Wedge Peak, Twin Peak, Mount Kanchenjunga and surrounding peaks.
- Exploring some of the beautiful places of the region such as Ghunsa, Khambachen, Yamphuding, etc.
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Cost of Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Permit
Certain permits will be necessary in order to trek to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp. Kanchenjunga is a protected conservation area that holds different environmental and cultural values. You will come across different checkpoints along the routes to check the trekking permit.
Some of the trekking permits required for Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek are as follows:
Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit
Obtaining Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit is quite a lengthy process that involves a series of letters, guarantees, and applications. So, as soon as you arrive in Kathmandu, you will have to apply for the Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit.
In order to get the restricted area permit, you will have to wait for about two hours. It is usually referred to hire a guide when you trek to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp. currently, solo trekking to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp may not be possible.
Four village development communities in the Kanchenjunga region falls into restricted category. They are Olangchung Gola village, Papung village, Yamphuding village, and Lelep village. The cost of Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit is Rs.1000 or USD 10 per person per week.
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek lies within the Kanchenjunga Conservation area, established in 1997. It covers an area of 2035 sq. kilometres. The area lies within the Himalayan landscape and includes rare species of birds and animals such as red panda, snow leopard, peasant, snow cock, etc.
The cost of Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Entry permit is Rs. 2000 or USD 20 per person per week.
TIMS Card
TIMS stands for Trekkers Information Management System. This card is not a requirement if you want to trek to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek or when you hold any of the restricted area permits. However, if you have plans on trekking to the Everest and Annapurna region after the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, you may require a TIMS Card.
Travel Packages Cost for Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
You can find several travel companies providing you services for your Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek. The cost of travel packages are quite expensive and differs from one travel company to another.
Most of the travel packages include your accommodation facility during your trek, three meals per day (Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner), private transportation facility, food and your stay at Kathmandu, entry permit for conservation area fees, cost of experience guide and many more. The cost of the travel packages for Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek ranges between UDS 1950 per person to USD 2350 Per person. However, this cost may not include your personal transportation fees, international airfare, activities during your stay and your personal expenses.
It would be better to choose an appropriate travel package when you go for Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek. Trekking through travel packages are a lot comfortable and assures your safety and security as well. So, if you would like to trek through a reliable travel company, Marvel Adventure would be the best for you.
Cost of Guides and Porters during Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
Guides and porters play a major role in making your trek to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp easy and comfortable. Hiring a guide means you will have someone who will help you throughout your trek. You can always rely on your guide as they have years of experience in trekking and knows what will be best for you.
Having a guide with your means, you will not have to face the challenges by your self. They will encourage you to move further in the most demanding route when you think of quitting. So, in this case, the guide also acts as a role model. Similarly, a porter will help you to carry your heavy luggage. They can carry up to 10-15 kgs of your load which automatically lessens the pressure on your back.
For the services the guide and porter provide, they will charge you some fee. Generally, the guide charges $20-$25per day including the food, accommodation, and insurance of the guide. Similarly, the cost of hiring a porter ranges between $18-$22 per day including the food, accommodation, and insurance of the porter.
Cost of Food and Drinks during Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
During your journey to Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, it is very much important to keep your body active and energized. Eating balanced diet food plays a significant role in keeping you healthy throughout your trek. You can also refer to it as a healthy mind and body results to a successful trek.
Along the way to your Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, you can find several teahouses, hotels and restaurants. These teahouses will serve you with proper food and accommodation. You can find variety in food items from Traditional Nepal food to international cuisines. The most common food that you will get during your trek is Dal Bhat and seasonal vegetables, bread, egg, porridge, noodles, sandwich, pizza, burger, and many more. You will have some varieties in beverages as well, such as tea, coffee, hot lemon, mineral water, cold drinks along with alcoholic beverages.
The cost of the meals that you will take during your trek is quite reasonable. You will see a variation in the cost of food as you move to a higher elevation. In the higher areas, the cost of foods is quite expensive than in the lower areas.
The cost of breakfast during your Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek ranges between $3-$6. For a decent lunch and dinner, it will cost you around $5- $9 per meal. Warm tea or coffee will cost you around $2- $4 and if you wish you take a beer, it will cost you around $5 to $10. I would suggest you not to take any alcoholic beverages during your trek as it will only dehydrate your body.
Cost of Accommodation during Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
The accommodation facilities during your stay at Kathmandu will be very comfortable with proper services. Accordingly, the cost might also be quite expensive. The cost of a normal hotel room in Kathmandu ranges between $30- $50.
During your trekking journey, you will be staying in a teahouse accommodation. After a tiring day trekking all the way, you will need a decent lodge or a teahouse to take some rest. You will have various options to choose for your accommodation during the trek. Their prices range according to the facilities they provide.
Normal accommodation during your stay at a teahouse range between $5 to $40 per night and even more. You will have facilities of hot showers but it will cost you extra. Similarly, for charging your batteries, you will have to pay fees.
The cost of accommodation also differs according to the time of the year you will be trekking. The cost of accommodation during peak seasons is comparatively higher. Whereas, during offseason treks, Monsoon and Winter seasons, the cost might be lower.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Transportation Cost
You will officially start your trekking journey from a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur which will cost you around USD 140- USD 200. From Bhadrapur, you will hire a local bust to Ilam or directly to Taplejung. The bus fare ranges between Rs. 700- 800 that adds up to 8 dollars.
However, if you wish to fire a private jeep from Ilam to Taplejung, it will cost you around 200- 250 dollars. Hiring a private jeep to Taplejung would be a wise decision over hiring a local bus. It is much faster and convenient too.
Miscellaneous Expenses
The extra personal expenses that you spend during your Kanchenjunga Base Camp fall under the miscellaneous expenses. Miscellaneous expenses mostly include the extra things you buy such as mineral water, batteries, charging your gadgets, souvenirs, extra hot water for showering, etc. You will have to pay around 3 dollars for a hot shower and 2 dollars for charging your electronic devices.
Likewise, alcohol consumption during your trek to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp can increase your cost. The alcoholic beverages are not only costly but also disadvantageous to your health. It dehydrates your body. Therefore, it is better to avoid drinking alcohol during your trek.
The miscellaneous expenses also include the extra cost you have to pay if you wish to stay at a luxury hotel. A luxury hotel is very expensive but provides you with great services and facilities. If you wish to stay at a luxury hotel, you will have to prepare your budget for Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek accordingly.
Conclusion
Planing an appropriate budget for your trek is very important. The cost of Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is reasonable as you will get a lot of opportunities to explore the restricted region in Nepal. And also witness the third highest peak in the world.
The cost of Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is minimizable by spending your money wisely. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is one of the most affordable treks to do in Nepal. It provides you with a full package of thrilling adventure.
If you have decided to trek to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp, you can join us at Marvel Adventure. Contact us to know more about your incredible trip to Kanchenjunga region.
