Kanchenjunga Trek in October

October is the best time of the year if you are looking to walk into the base of the world’s third-highest mountain, Mt Kanchenjunga (8,586m). You heard it right. Trekking to Kanchenjunga Base Camp in October is the perfect time to experience the mountain’s glory at its best.

The weather in October, the second month of the autumn season in Nepal, is ideal for trekking. And it is considered even better for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek. You can explore the quiet, remote and wild trails when the weather is stable and pleasant.

The daytime temperatures are comfortable for trekking. There is a lower chance of heavy rain or snow, creating trek-suitable weather. The longer daylight hours of October are always a perk for this trek.

This adventurous trek, which can last 18-26 days, is part of the famous Great Himalayan Trail. We offer a 19-day Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. You will trek along restricted areas and traverse the North and South Base Camps. It is easier to tackle such a challenging landscape and terrain because of the favorable October weather.

You will also pass through the settlements that are a mix of Sherpa, Limbu, Rai, and Gurung villages, and October brings the festivals like Dashain and Tihar adding cultural value to your journey.

Unlike the Everest Base Camp trek, this trek allows you to enjoy the mountain’s grandeur in tranquility and solitude, thanks to the lesser-known trail. If you are an experienced trekker, looking to traverse some of the difficult terrains amidst the remotest trails, you could trek to this destination in October.

Kanchenjunga in October: Highlights

• • October regarded as the best time of year to trek due to trek-perfect weather conditions like skies, mild temperatures and a low chance of rain

• • Trek in a restricted area, which is a less trodden and remote region in Eastern Nepal

• • Treks range from 18 to 26 days, depending on the route-specific itinerary

• • Rhododendrons, terraced fields, yak-pastures and mountain ranges reflect diverse landscapes

• • Trek to the foothills of the world’s third-tallest and Nepal’s second-tallest peak, Mt Kanchenjunga

• • Visual retreat possible with a chance to witness the spectacular Mt Kanchenjunga, Everest, Lhotse and Jannu peaks

• • Cultural insight into Sherpa, Gurung, Limbu and Rai communities

• • Festive atmosphere with festivals like Dashain and Tihar celebrated in October

October Kanchenjunga Trek Route Explained

You will be heading to eastern Nepal to accomplish the Kanchenjunga trek. Mt Kanchenjunga, which rests in the Taplejung district, is in northeastern Nepal, on the borders of Sikkim, India. The trekking trail falls in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, which has been named after this mountain, also the second-highest mountain in Nepal.

Depending on the kind of treks and companies you choose, the treks can range from as short as 18 days to as long as 26 days. The sequence of the places you will walk along the route will also differ depending on the specific trek itinerary you choose. But some of the places you will pass through include Taplejung (1,820m) which is the trek’s start point, Tibetan-style village Amjilosa (2,510m) and Ghunsa (3,595 m), one of the major villages for acclimatization.

You will also pass via Kambachen (4,050m), Jannu Himal Base Camp (4,500m), Lhonak (4,785m), Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (Pangpema, 5,143m) and Oktang Viewpoint (4,730m) on the south face of Kanchenjunga.

The Sele La Pass (4,290m) connects the north and the south faces. Ghunsa Lake, Sherpa Gaun and Khebang are other places worth mentioning in this route.

You walk through everything — from rhododendron and orchid tropical forests to terraced fields, villages, steep ups and downs, to river crossings during the trek.

In the trek, which stretches up to over 200 kilometers, you will travel in the restricted zone, enjoying nature’s wilderness.

This area is known as a plant diversity hotspot and features as many as 23 species of rhododendrons. Walking at a higher altitude will lead you to yak pastures, will witness the traditional subsistence lifestyle of Gurung, Rai, Limbu and Sherpa people.

October Weather: Perfect for Kanchenjunga Trek

Is October the right time of the year to trek to the Kanchenjunga region? Yes, this month is regarded as the best time of the year. It falls in the autumn season, which comes after the monsoon in Nepal. The post-monsoon weather is stable, dry, crisp and clear.

In this region, daytime temperatures in October tend to be between 10 °C and 20°C. It makes the trekking experience enjoyable. Temperatures can get as low as -5 °C in the mornings and at night. You should prepare for this challenge with warm clothes and other necessities accordingly.

As the monsoon is over in October, there is a very low chance of rain or snow, perfect weather for potential trekkers. The arrival of the monsoon means the risk of flooding in Nepal. So, October proves to be an easier month for crossing the rivers that you encounter along the trail.

This month is better even as compared to winter months (November-February) for trekking in the Kanchenjunga region. All thanks to the balanced weather conditions like longer daylight hours, warmer and pleasant temperatures for walking during the day and less snow.

Nonetheless, the clear skies and atmosphere allow for good visibility of the surrounding landscapes. Walking the trails, you get to witness the glaciers of the Tamur and Ghunsa Rivers, Miring La Pass, Malaku range and Jannu peak, the spellbinding Mt Everest, Mt Lhotse and Mt Kanchenjunga. Enjoy the bounty of nature that comes in the form of red rhododendrons, green bamboos and pines as as well as other vegetation that the area is known for.

Kanchenjunga Trek: Difficulty Level

The Kanchenjunga trek is considered one of the most challenging treks in Nepal. Its difficulty level is regarded as moderate. But if you are thinking of this trek, you must be prepared to walk along the rough and remote trails. And you must be both mentally and physically fit for the same. Whether you are planning an October trek or other months of the year, you must understand the difficulties.

The trek requires you to walk through steep and rocky paths. The air gets thinner with the rise in altitude, adding to the challenge. Every day, the hikes range between some six to nine hours over this rough and tough terrain. The body has to be well-trained, fit and experienced to traverse through such trails, that too for almost a month. Also, the risk of altitude sickness is real at higher elevations including Lohank and North Base Camp.

Add to that the troubles specific to the terrain — narrow trails, difficult river crossings and unpredictable weather in the Himalayan region.

Also, remember that you are going to the remotest part of Nepal. Plus, this is a less-trodden path. Therefore, you will get basic facilities at the teahouses available along the way. Lack of a reliable way to communicate, limited availability of basic accommodation facilities pose another challenge. You must be self-reliant and manage with as little as possible in such circumstances.

Mental strength is also important, as you will be trekking along the route for as many as 26 days, away from the rest of the world. Trekking in isolation amidst remoteness is never an easy job for such a long time.

Therefore, prior experience of trekking and maintaining a level of fitness is very necessary for addressing the difficulties. Beginner trekkers need to prepare themselves properly before embarking on this trek.

Is a Training Must for the October Kanchejunga Trek?

If you start training today for this trek, you will be ready for it in the next three to four months. This says all about the difficulty and preparedness needed for the Kanchenjunga Trek. Despite its favorable weather conditions, October trekking does not spare you from the training required. You need to train yourself to be strong enough in the following aspects:

• • Cardiovascular fitness: Running, cycling, swimming, jogging, weekend hikes carrying a loaded daypack

• • Strength training and flexibility: Squats, lunges, step-ups, push-ups, planks

• • Mental Endurance: Realistic expectations, positive mindset, practicing mindfulness

Therefore, training is mandatory if you wish to participate in the Kanchenjunga Trek in October. Training with different physical activities for cardiovascular fitness will improve your cardio capacity, helping you adapt to high altitudes with low oxygen levels. Strength training ultimately helps in ascents and descents along the rugged trail while maintaining balance and flexibility. And the mental endurance keeps you going amidst all odds during the trek.

Why Trek to Kanchenjunga in October?

The month of October offers ideal trekking conditions for trekking enthusiasts in Kanchenjunga with its temperate weather, comparatively stable trails and vibrant vistas. It is the perfect time to ensure a memorable journey in the Himalayas.

Favorable autumn weather: People are attracted to this region in October because of the pleasant autumn weather. The second month of autumn is known for mild temperatures that are easy on you as you trek.

Humidity is low, cloud cover is negligible, offering clear views of the surroundings, especially the mountain ranges. The longer daylight hours provide you with ample time for trekking, and you can start your treks comfortably in the mornings. Weather-induced delays are less because of possibility of sudden storms is also not there. All these facts let you stick to your itinerary and complete the trek on time.

Colour and vibrancy: Clear views of white mountains, red rhododendrons and lush green forests are enough to make you feel like you’re in paradise. And trek to Kanchenjunga boasts that quality. In addition to that, the area has glaciers, hills, and blue skies above the towering mountains. A piece of heaven rests on Earth in October, indeed.

Comfortable treading on trails: The post-monsoon month sees a low chance of rainfall, reducing the risk of muddy paths, slippery trails and landslides. It means the trails remain mostly dry and stable during this time. Also, the well-defined trails provide secure ascent and descent in October.

Festive vibes: October sees the celebration of Dashain and Tihar in Nepal. It is your opportunity to get a closer experience of the local festivals and be drenched in cultural hues. Along with an exploration of natural resources, you can delve into the cultural facets, too, in October.

October Kanchenjunga Trail: Food and Accommodation

The Kanchenjunga trekking route is one of the remotest trekking trails of Nepal, creating a limit on the food and accommodation services you find there. You cannot expect them to be on the level of the popular Everest and Annapurna treks. Expect basic, limited, but manageable services along the way. But you need to keep a check on your expectations, too.

Accommodation: You will be staying in teahouses or homestays available on the route of your trek. These facilities during the trekking season like October feature rooms with twin beds, mattresses, blankets and pillows. Higher altitude accommodation facilities are more rudimentary with shared bathroom facilities most of the time. Therefore, carry a good quality sleeping bag along with other essentials that you need.

As October is the peak trekking season, there is an increase in the number of trekkers in this region. This leads to packed teahouses and other accommodation facilities. Consequently, you might not be able to get even a bed if you decide not to pre-book for this. So, you should opt for advanced bookings in October.

Food: The limited yet freshly prepared Nepali Dal Bhat, a platter of rice, lentils, vegetable curry and pickle among others, is filling and nutritious. You can also savour a warm bowl of noodles and soup, Tibetan breads, potatoes, eggs among other dishes. The food choice gets limited as you get to higher altitudes. Here, you need to understand that everything is carried by yaks and porters. So neither are they in abundance nor are they reasonable as compared to the lower altitudes.

What to Pack for the October Trek?

You need to pack smart for the Kanchenjunga trek in October. As you will be heading to your destination in the peak season of trekking, you can buy certain things along the trail. Yet it is a long trek that requires you to climb above 5,000 meters, you need to be well prepared with the basics. After all, self-reliance is one of the secrets to the success of this trek.

Check out this brief list of packing for the October trek to the Kanchejunga Base Camp or the Kanchejunga Circuit:

Suitable clothing

• • Base layers like thermal tops and bottoms

• • Hiking pants that dry quickly

• • Fleece, waterproof and windproof jackets

• • Down jacket and vest

• • Hiking shirts with longer sleeves

• • Scarf, sunhat, beanie, gloves, balaclava

• • Undergarments

Right footwear

• • Waterproof trekking boots

• • Pairs of warm socks

• • Sandals and slippers

Trekking gear

• • Backback

• • Sleeping bag

• • Trekking poles

• • Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries

• • Routemap

Other essentials

• • Moisturizer, sunscreen, lip balm

• • Sunglasses

• • Water bottles

• • Water purification tablets

• • Towel, soap and shampoo

• • Personal medication kit

• • First aid kit

• • Oral rehydration solutions, snacks

• • Power bank and extra batteries for the camera

• • Cash

• • Trekking permits

• • Passport and other related documents

Permits and Guides for October Trek

Permits: You need to acquire two different permits to be able to trek in the area that is part of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. You must obtain the following trekking permits that can add to you trek cost : Restricted Area Permit as well as the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit. You need to rely on your trekking agency to get the Restricted Area Permit, you are not allowed to take it on your own, individually. The permit is necessary to access restricted villages, Olangchung Gola, Yamphuding, Lelep and Paping.

You can obtain the Kanchejunga Conservation Area Permit on your own. These permits are essential to help this conservation area maintain its fragile ecosystem, culture and border location among other factors.

Guide and porters: You cannot enter the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area freely on your own. You are not allowed to do solo trekking here. As per the provisions of the government, you must be in a group of at least two individuals to be able to do this trek. Also, you need to hire a local guide or else you will be denied entry for trekking. Ensure you hire a guide with a license and experience to ease your trekking experience. You can be dependent on your guide during difficult situations and emergencies in this remote trek. Hiring a porter, though not mandatory, is recommended to make the trekking experience easier.

Logistical Needs

Transportation: The trek begins from Taplejung. So, you can reach there either by an overnight bus ride or a day-long road journey or via a short flight to Bhadrapur Airport. From there you need to take a bus or a jeep ride to Taplegunj along the bumpy and rough roads. You should plan early and make pre-bookings for the trip, including the transportation so that your logistics part remains strong.

Communication: The higher altitudes have poor or no internet connections and mobile networks. So, you need to be prepared to travel in isolation. Likewise, you need to carry your extra batteries and portable chargers as you will not have charging facilities everywhere.

Early booking: As October is the peak trekking season in Nepal, book the accommodations on time, or early to avoid mix-ups and other hassles. It will help you be safe from overpacked teahouses. And you will be able to trek without worrying about such factors.