Trekking in the Kanchenjunga region is one of the most expensive due to the difficulty level, remoteness, restricted territory, and longer trekking duration. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is more expensive than Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, and even Everest Base Camp Trek. Still, it is well worth the cost as one of the finest treks in Nepal. The cost can vary depending on the season, trek route, group size, mode of transportation, agency, and other factors. Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek can cost from $2500 to $4000 on average.
Cost Categories for the Kanchenjunga Trek
International Flight Cost
It depends on the place you’re coming from and the time of the year.
Visa Cost
The following rates apply to on-arrival visas in Nepal:
15 Days – $30
30 Days – $50
90 Days – $125
Both the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek and the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek take more than 20 days. As a result, you need to issue at least 30 days of visa.
Insurance Cost
Because it is a challenging trek, you must obtain trekking insurance. When acquiring one, make certain that your insurance policy covers elevations up to 6000 meters. Get your insurance from your home country, as there are no such policies available in Nepal. Thirty-day insurance coverage for up to 6,000 meters of elevation generally costs between $150 and $250.
Permit Fees
Kanchenjunga Trek requires two permits.
- Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit: It will cost $10 per person per week for both SAARC and foreign nationals during the Kanchenjunga Trek. According to government regulations, trekkers need to obtain this permit through a licensed trekking agency.
- Kanchenjunga Conversation Area Permit: NPR 100 for Nepalis, NPR 500 for SAARC citizens (around $5), and NPR 2,000 (around $20) for foreign nationalities per person per entry. It is free for children under the age of ten.
Accommodation Cost in Kathmandu
A room can cost between $10 and $250 per night, depending on the level of hotel you stay in.
Transportation Cost
All Kanchenjunga treks begin at Taplejung. You can fly directly to Suketar (Taplejung), however, there are only weekly flights between Kathmandu and Suketar. Another option is to fly to Bhadrapur and then drive to Taplejung. Hence, the transportation cost during the Kanchenjunga Trek is determined by the option you select.
Flight to Bhadrapur on average costs $150-$350 for foreign nationals, NPR 5,000 for Nepalese, and slightly more for Indians. To get to Taplejung from Bhadrapur, you can hire a private jeep for roughly $200-$250. Alternatively, you can get on a local bus for about $10. That is, however, not advised.
Accommodation Cost
A basic twin-sharing room costs $5 to $10 a night. Because of the remoteness and limited number of teahouses in the upper regions, accommodation prices can rise. Lodging can be less expensive during the off-season.
Services like internet, charging, and hot shower are not included in your lodging price. If available, Wi-Fi will cost roughly $3. You can purchase a SIM card and use mobile data. A hot shower costs $2 to $4 while charging electronics might cost roughly $2 per device.
Food and Beverage Costs
Depending on your location, a meal can cost anywhere from $5 to $9 during the Kanchenjunga Trek. Likewise, a bottle of water costs $1-$2, a cup of tea costs $1.5-$2, and a cup of coffee costs $2-$4. You can save money on water by bringing a reusable bottle and an electric water purifier on your trek. You can budget $30 to $40 for food and beverages.
Guide and Porter Costs
Kanchenjunga is a restricted region, so you must hire a licensed trekking guide. A guide generally charges $25 to $30 per day. Similarly, a porter may charge between $20 and $25 per day. You and your partner trekker (if any) can split the expense of a guide and a porter.
Tipping Cost
Tipping the teahouse owners is entirely up to you. Though not required, it is expected of guides and porters. As a general guideline, you can tip your guide and porter 10% of their salaries. But, it is all up to you.
Clothing and Gear Costs
You can budget between $200 and $500 for trekking equipment and apparel. If you don’t go trekking very often, renting trekking equipment is preferable to purchasing a brand-new set. At Thamel, you can rent practically any item for $1 to $3 per item per day from rental stores.
Miscellaneous Expenses
This includes the cost of snacks, souvenirs, and all personal and miscellaneous expenses during your Kanchenjunga Trek. This cost is difficult to estimate because it is entirely dependent on the individual. In general, $500-$1000 for the trek is safe.
