blog

For Something Different, Try Trekking to Kanchenjunga in Eastern Nepal

Kanchenjunga, Sikkim
Kanchenjunga, Sikkim

Want to trek around one of the highest mountains on earth? Want to be blown away by fantastic Himalayan landscapes and cultures? Want to challenge yourself on a multi-week odyssey through an ancient world? And all this without the crowds and congestion of typical Nepal treks?

Then consider trekking to Kanchenjunga at the eastern end of the Himalaya. Straddling the Nepal–India border and rising to a stunning 8,568 m (28,110 ft), Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain on Earth.

The eastern Himalaya is quite different from the central and western portions of the range, where the bulk of Nepal trekkers go. For starters, the jungle-filled valleys we trek through are more lush—a result of the greater rainfall in the east. You’ll wander past verdant grazing pastures and magnificent rhododendron forests, the striking snow-clad massif of Kanchenjunga as a backdrop to all you see.

Cheram to Tortong, Kanchenjunga region. |  <i>Michelle Landry</i>

Eastern Nepal also has several of ethnic groups that are quite different to the inhabitants of central and western Nepal, notably the Rai and Limbu people. Both of these subsistence agricultural groups have complex social systems and death rituals. They have their own religions that worship local dieties and ancestors, although their beliefs are influenced by Buddhism and Hinduism. Interestingly, experts have identified 28 independent Rai languages.

The people living along our trekking routes rely on a variety of agricultural activities for income. Most are subsistence farmers and stock growers. They often terrace the sides of valleys to grow rice. Some raise yaks and sell the milk and butter, or the yaks themselves. Some rely on weaving, and the Rai are known for their expert carpet weaving.

Our trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is a three-week odyssey in the eastern end of the Himalaya, following the glacial torrent of the Tamur and Ghunsa Rivers to their source on the north west side of the Kanchenjunga Himal. Dwarfed by an alpine grandeur in almost every direction, peaks such as Pyramid Peak, Jannu, the Twins and of course Kanchenjunga dominate the setting. It is no less dramatic on our southern traverse of the mountain on the return journey by way of the Mirgin La Pass (4500m). This is a challenging trek through a region that is rarely visited.

Trekking near Kanchenjunga |  <i>Michelle Landry</i>

The Kanchenjunga Exploratory trek—also a three-week trek—is the first stage of our inaugural Great Himalaya Trail and passes through stunning mountain scenery under the immense north face of Kanchenjunga before turning towards the west where we cross the Nango La, before looping back to our starting point at Suketar.

Our Kanchenjunga treks are somewhat harder and longer than the classic Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek and the classic Annapurna circuit in terms of difficulty, but they are fully achievable by any trekker who’s interested and willing to put in the prep work.

Basking in the sun in Lhonak |  <i>Michelle Landry</i>

All our Kanchenjunga treks include three complete meals per day made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and cooked by a private cook, fully serviced wilderness camps, porters who carry all your personal and group gear, a bilingual guide, and a medical kit.

One thing you’ll notice on these Kanchenjunga treks is the low number of trekkers. Very few westerners visit the eastern Himalaya, so trekking here feels like trekking the Everest region in the 1970s. Join us soon to explore this spectacular and little-visited region of Nepal.

Nepal trekking, Kanchenjunga trekking, Kanchenjunga tour, Kanchenjunga trip, Rai people, Limbu people

Comment (0)

Your comment will be visible after the administrator's approval.







b i u quote


Save Comment
Join Newsletter
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ADS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Adventures South"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Adventure South</div>
Adventure South NZ is unrivalled in their geographic coverage, originality and overall quality of adventures holidays in New Zealand. Choose from walking, cycling, winter or multi-activity holidays, on either the North or South Island.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/AWH.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Walking Holidays"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Walking Holidays</div>
Australian Walking Holidays specialises in small group guided walking adventures. Since 1982 we have been guiding small groups of travellers on Australia's finest walks across our tropical, coastal or red centre landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GCT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Canadian Trails"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Canadian Trails</div>
Great Canadian Trails specialises in active holidays in Canada. With both guided and supported self-guided options available, our unique itineraries draw upon some of Canada's most inspiring parks, trails and landscapes from coast to coast.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/HUM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Humac Challenge"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Huma Charity Challenge</div>
Huma enables those with adventurous spirits to challenge themselves and make a difference for a cause close to their heart. Travel, fundraise and meet life-long friends on one of Huma's meaningful and unique challenges around the world.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TAS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Tasmania Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Tasmanian Expeditions</div>
Tasmanian Expeditions is the most experienced operator of treks and adventure travel holidays in Tasmania. We own and operate the most comprehensive range of adventure holidays available across Tasmania's varied landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/UTX-new.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Utracks"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>UTracks</div>
UTracks are the active European holiday specialists. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2-star or 4-star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea – UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WYA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions Schools"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions Schools</div>
World Expeditions Schools is our specialist division dedicated to organising tailor made overseas school group adventures. Specialists in Service Learning projects, choose from more destinations than any other school group provider.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/YOM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Yomads"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Yomads</div>
Yomads offers adventures for the 20s and 30s on six continents. Designed as a way to bring young and likeminded travellers together, Yomads caters to those interested in lightly structured and active trips that allow freedom to roam and explore.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ACT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Cycle Tours"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Cycle Tours</div>
Australian Cycle Tours specialises in high quality self guided and guided cycling experiences in a selection of the most beautiful regions in Australia.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WEX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions</div>
The pioneers of original, worldwide adventure travel holidays since 1975
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TJX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Trail Journeys"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Trail Journeys</div>
Self-guided cycling experts on New Zealand's Otago Rail Trail and more
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/BMAC.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Blue Mountains Adventure Company"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Blue Mountains Adventure Company</div>
The original Blue Mountains canyoning, hiking, climbing and abseiling experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GWNZ.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Walks of New Zealand"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Walks of New Zealand</div>
Explore New Zealand's most spectacular wilderness regions with the self-guided hiking experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/NAA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="North America Active"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>North America Active</div>
USA Canada hiking & cycling tour specialists, choose from self-guided or guided trips