Sikkim Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek: A Comprehensive Guide
Since Kanchenjunga is located at the Indian border, different trekking routes to Kanchenjunga Base Camp are available. Two of them are in Nepal itself. Kanchenjunga North Base Camp takes you to Pangpema (5143 m), and Kanchenjunga South Base Camp takes you up to Yalung Base Camp (4500 m). It turns out that even the base camps are different, as Kanchenjunga is a vast massif with many peaks.
In addition to the main routes, various trip extensions are also available, which allows the trekkers to explore the area even further. One such trek is the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek. But all this is on Nepal’s side. There is an entirely different Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek route on India’s flank, which we will discuss in this blog.
Itinerary Of Sikkim Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
The Sikkim Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is a seven-day trek at its core. It starts and ends at Yuksom (1780 m). During the trek, you can enjoy fantastic views of peaks such as Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586 m), Mt. Siniolchu (6888 m), Mt. Kabru (7412 m), Mt. Pandim (6691 m), Mt. Talung (7348 m), and so on.
The trekkers cover villages such as Tsokha (2700 m), Bakkhim (2744 m), Phedang (3483 m), Dzongri (4030 m), Bikhbari, Chaurikhang (4450 m), and so on. Trekkers rest and acclimatize at Dzongri for one day. One of the attractions around Dzongri is Laxmi Pokhari, so a side trip is conducted up to the lake and back. The main attraction of the trek is Rathong Glacier (4380 m), which supposedly is the Sikkim Kanchenjunga Base Camp. From Bikhbari, trekkers take a side trip up to Chaurikhang, Rathong Glacier, and back.
The Sikkim Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek route develops through one of the most beautiful parts of Sikkim. As mentioned above, you’ll come across amazing sceneries composed of lush green hills, rivers, waterfalls, and mountains. Apart from the natural element, there is also a socio-cultural aspect of the tour. You’ll find primarily Buddhist influences in the villages covered in the trek. You will come across many gompas, chortens, and monasteries on the way. You’ll also interact with the friendly locals and understand their way of life.
Possible Side Trips And Extensions
A very popular side trip leads the trekkers to the top of Frey Peak (5889 m). The route details start from Bikhbari. In the original itinerary, the trekkers spend only one day at Bikhbari and then return to Bakkhim. To climb Frey Peak, the trekkers need to spend four more days in the area, and instead of camping at Bikhbari, they need to camp at Chaurikhang. After descending the peak, the trekkers take the same route back to Yoksom, where the trek finally ends.
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