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Are you looking to go on an adventurous trek to the base camp of Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world? If so, you may be wondering about the estimated cost of this trek.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular and beautiful treks in the Himalayan region of Nepal. It takes you through the remote and rugged terrain in the eastern part of Nepal, with breathtaking views of Mount Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain.
The trek has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its spectacular views and diverse landscapes and can be done in 15-20 days, depending on your fitness level and the route you choose.
The estimated cost of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek depends on various factors such as the length of the trek, the time of the year and the facilities you choose.
The cost of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek includes the cost of accommodation, food, trekking equipment, transportation, guide and porter fees, entry fees and permits. Generally, the average cost of the trek can range from USD 1500 to USD 2500 per person, depending on the number of days and the services you require.
Let’s take a look at the estimated cost of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek in detail:
Permits cost
There are some places in the Kanchenjunga region that are restricted by the Nepal government. We need 2 permits for this trek which are the Kanchenjunga conservation area permit and Kanchenjunga area special trekking permit.
To obtain the permits for Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, at least two foreign trekkers are required and a qualified guide is recommended by a licensed travel agency. Solo trekking is not allowed in this region.
There are some police checkpoints along the Kanchenjunga trekking route to verify the trekker’s permits. Travelers must get their permits from Kathmandu before the trek.
Currently, an entry permit for the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area costs NPR. 2000 per person which is equal to $20. And the cost of a special trekking permit is USD 20 per person for each week.
Accommodation cost:
Compared to other places, a typical twin bedroom at Illam and Bhadrapur will cost from $15 to $45 according to the hotel standard. In general, a twin room will cost between $5 and $10 per night for two people to share in the mountain region.
Meals cost:
You can get meals at the tea houses and lodges along the trek. The cost of meals will depend on the type of food you choose. The average cost of meals is around USD 3-7 per meal.
The typical approximate cost of local food for each item in Nepal, which includes Dal (lentils), Bhat (rice), and Tarkari (vegetables), is about $5. A cup of tea or coffee can cost from USD 1.5 to USD 2 or USD 2 to USD 4, depending on where you are.
In general, your expenses for food are between $20 and 25 per day on this trek.
The price of the food and other amenities is varying according to the altitude. At higher altitudes, food prices are generally more expensive than the lower altitudes.
Transportation cost:
The trek will begin with a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, which will cost between USD 175 and USD 200 per person.
After Bhadrapur flight, you will need to take a bus or jeep drive from Birtamod to Taplejung via Illam. Nowadays, the local bus fare from Birtamod to Taplejung is approximately NRs.1000 -1200, which is approximately USD 10.
However, it costs between $250 and $300 to book a private jeep for your comfortable drive from Bhadrapur to Taplejung. It takes far less effort and time.
Guide and Porter cost:
A professional and authorized guide is mandatory for the Kanchenjunga base camp hike. And a competent, government-certified guide will cost you between $25 and $35 per day, including his/her meals, accommodations, and insurance.
A porter will cost between USD 20 and USD 25 per day, including food, lodging, and porter insurance. Each porter will carry up to 20 kg of weight, plus his personal 4-to-5-kilogram packs. Normally, one porter will carry two trekkers’ belongings. As a result, each person should keep their items 10kgs; otherwise, you will require an additional porter.
Equipment:
The price of the new trekking equipment are depending on the quality you choose. And the cost of renting the necessary trekking equipment for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is around USD 2-5 per day.
Miscellaneous Expenses
Miscellaneous expenses include additional amenities for your personal luxury. This includes such as drinking water, using of internet, hot showers, and charging your electronic devices.
To take a hot bucket shower, it will cost an extra $2-4 at the teahouses. And another extra 2-4 dollars for each device charge cost. Accordingly, mineral bottled water costs $1- 3 per liter and $3-5 per bottle for local beer.
Eventually, you can also add some tips for the guide and porters if you are satisfied with their service. It is not compulsory but an excellent way to cheer them after the trek.
Conclusion
It is a quite more challenging trek than the other commercial routes in Nepal. Therefore, it demands proper planning and training beforehand. To embark on such an adventure, you must be physically and mentally fit. A portion of your trek permit payments will go to preserve and promotion of the Kanchenjunga conservation area.
