Kanchenjunga or Everest Base Camp: Which Trek Is Best for You?
- rockykauffmanmarke
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Planning a big trek in Nepal? Two famous choices are the Kanchenjunga trek and the Everest Base Camp trek. Both give you amazing views, big mountains, and a chance to explore remote villages. But they’re very different in experience, difficulty, and cost.
In this guide, we’ll compare these two treks side-by-side, so you can decide which one fits your adventure style.
Where Are These Treks?
Mt. Kanchenjunga is located in the far east of Nepal, near the border with India and Sikkim. It's the third highest mountain in the world, and the trail around it is known as the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. This trek is remote and takes more time to complete.
Everest Base Camp is in eastern Nepal, in the Khumbu region. Trekkers fly to Lukla and walk to the base of Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world. It’s Nepal’s most popular trek.
Mt Kanchenjunga location: Taplejung District, Province No. 1
Everest Base Camp location: Solukhumbu District, Koshi Province
Tip: The Kanchenjunga trek is harder to reach and more remote. Everest is easier to access with daily flights from Kathmandu to Lukla.
Scenery and Experience
The Everest Base Camp trek is filled with beautiful mountain views like Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. You’ll also pass famous villages like Namche Bazaar and Tengboche. There are many trekkers on this route, and lots of tea houses to stay in.
The Kanchenjunga trek is much quieter. The trail passes through forests, rivers, and glaciers. You get to see the majestic Kanchenjunga mountain peak, as well as explore remote villages with Tibetan, Limbu, and Rai culture. It’s wild, peaceful, and great for people who love nature and solitude.
Which One Is Harder?
If you’re a beginner, the Everest Base Camp trek is easier. It usually takes 12 to 14 days, has many places to rest, and offers more help if needed. Most people can do it with good preparation.
The Kanchenjunga trek is long about 20+ days and much harder. It goes higher than 5,000 meters, has fewer lodges, and the trails are more rugged. You’ll need to be fit and ready for longer days of walking.
Cost and Permits
Everest Base Camp:
Flight to Lukla (around $180–$200 one way)
Permits: TIMS card + Sagarmatha National Park entry
Lodges cost $5–$15 per night
Meals: $5–$10 per meal
Total trek cost (guided): $1,200–$1,600 USD
Kanchenjunga:
No flights: long jeep drive to Taplejung
Restricted Area Permit required (must hire a guide)
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit
Fewer lodges = more need for camping in some parts
Total trek cost (guided): $1,800–$2,300 USD
Best Time to Go
The best time to trek both routes is:
Spring (March to May): Wildflowers, clear skies
Autumn (September to November): Great views, cool temperatures
Avoid June–August (monsoon) and December–February (too cold and snowy in high passes).
6. Quick Comparison Table
Feature | Everest Base Camp | Kanchenjunga Circuit |
Duration | 12–14 days | 20+ days |
Difficulty | Moderate | Hard |
Lodging | Tea houses available | Few lodges, remote camping |
Views | Everest, Ama Dablam | Mt Kanchenjunga, glaciers |
Popularity | Very High | Very Low |
Permits Needed | Yes | Yes + Guide required |
Remote & Quiet? | No | Yes |
Kanchenjunga vs Manaslu Trek Comparison
So Kanchenjunga or Everest Base Camp?
Choose Everest Base Camp if you want:
A popular and well-supported trek
Shorter time and lower costs
More people and social trail life
Choose Kanchenjunga if you want:
A peaceful, off-the-beaten-path adventure
Longer challenge and fewer crowds
To see one of the world’s least-visited big peaks
Final Thoughts
Both the Everest Base Camp trek and the Kanchenjunga trek are amazing in their own way. If this is your first trek, Everest might be the better choice. But if you’ve trekked before and want something wild, quiet, and truly unique Kanchenjunga is waiting.
Whatever you choose, train well, get the right gear, and enjoy every step.
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