Kanchenjunga Trek Cost Details for 2025 & 2026

Trek Duration and Route Options

The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek will usually be between 20 and 24 days. This includes both walking days and time for travel to and from the starting point.

There are two main route options:

• The full Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek– this is the longer route in which one visits both the North and South Base Camps.
• The shorter Kanchenjunga Base Camp (KBC) Trek, in which one visits only one side, usually the North Base Camp.

Another longer trek would mean that it would be more expensive. More days also mean more food to cater for, nights to fill in at tea houses, and charges for the guide or porter. 

Less cost for the shorter trek, but still views of the mountains.

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Permit Costs

Here are the key permits, very important to have because of the area's protection and its proximity to the Indian and Tibetan border:

Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

• This is the main special permit for the Kanchenjunga area.
• It’s required so that you can travel within Nepal through the restricted area.
• You obviously cannot apply for it yourself, but you need to go through a registered trekking agency in Nepal.
• A very important requirement associated with the permit is that you must have a licensed guide with you to undertake this trek.

Cost:

• USD 20 per person per week (for the first 4 weeks)
• Beyond four weeks, it is at the rate of USD 5 per person per day.

For instance, if you are trekking for 21 days, then you will roughly pay USD 20x3=60 for this permit.

Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP)

• This permit is collected for conservation and local development purposes in Kanchenjunga.
• The area is to be a protected National Park, so a must for you.

Cost:

• NPR 2,000 per person (about USD 15-16)
• Can be issued by the Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu.

TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System)

• Usually needed for most expeditions in Nepal.
• But the TIMS card is most often not needed for a restricted area trek like the one in Kanchenjunga if you do have the RAP.
• Some agencies might still want you to have it as an additional safety tracker.

Cost (if required):

• USD 20 per person (for organized treks with a guide)
• Ask your trekking agency for confirmation.

Total Approximate Cost of All Permits
Suppose you are about to do a 21-day Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek; here is the rough estimate:

Total: Roughly USD 75-95 per person

All permits are checked on the trail, so it really is important you carry them along at all times.

Your travel agents will sort out everything when you book with them. The fees for the permits go toward protecting the area and helping local people, so, in essence, this is trekking responsibly in Nepal.

Guide and Porter Costs for the Kanchenjunga Trek

The Kanchenjunga trek is not just a scenic adventure but also a remote, restricted region; thus, there is a need for a licensed guide to be sure. Here is all about the guide and porter costs for the Kanchenjunga trek.

Why a Licensed Guide is a Must

Being a restricted trekking area, the government of Nepal mandates all trekker groups to hire a registered guide when trekking in Kanchenjunga.

The reasons include

• Your safety
• Supporting navigation (the trail may sometimes be very confusing)
• Supporting permit checks (guides assist with this measure)
• Supporting local jobs

If you trek with a reputable company such as Mount Glory Treks, they provide experienced, well-licensed guides familiar with the route who look after you well.

Daily Wages for Guide and Porter

Licensed Guide:

• Approximately USD 30 to 35 a day.
• Includes food, accommodation, and the salary of the guides.

Porter:

• Around USD 20 to 25 a day.
• Porters carry your heavy bags (usually 20–25 kg max).

These prices generally cover the full package of trekking agencies like Mount Glory Treks, or can be hired independently.

Tips and Insurance for Staff

• It is common in Nepal to tip your guide and porter at the end of the trek.
• A good tip would be from USD 200 to USD 250 for guides and USD 150 to USD 200 for porters, according to the length of the trek and the service.

Travel insurance for the staff is usually covered by the trekking company. If you are organizing independently, just make sure that your guide and porter have insurance.

Shared vs. Private Guide Cost

• If alone, you can share the fee with another trekker.
• Private guides cost more but provide more personal care.

Subscribers to Mount Glory Treks can get their service arranged according to their budget and preferences.

Final Cost Estimate (Per Day):

Hence, a complete 20-day trekking period for employing both a guide and a porter would run around USD 1,000–1,200.

Final Tip

Having a good guide and strong porter surely makes your trek a little easier and supports the local community; it certainly makes you more confident and safe while trekking this remote Himalayan region.

Transportation Charges for Kanchenjunga Trek

The procedure to get to the starting point of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek includes a mixture of air and road travel. A rough outline of the main transportation choices and their cost is as follows.

Flight: Kathmandu to Bhadrapur

• This is the quickest and most convenient method of getting close to the Kanchenjunga region.
• The flight lasts for 45 minutes to an hour.

Cost:

• Approximately USD 120 to 150 one way per person
• A round trip then costs around USD 240 to 300.

Jeep: Bhadrapur to Taplejung

• After the Bhadrapur landing, one can enjoy a jeep ride straight to Taplejung, from where the trek starts.
• 8 to 10 hours is all that it takes to get there, sometimes depending a little on the roads.

The options here are:

Public Jeep (shared with locals)

• Cheaper, but less comfortable
• Cost: Around USD 20-25 per person

Private Jeep

• Comfortable and flexible (could stop for photos, maybe lunch)
• Cost: Around USD 250-300, the cost can be shared between 4-6 people

The Return Journey

After the trek finishes, you return, retracing the same route:

• Jeep from Taplejung to Bhadrapur
• Flight from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu

So, be sure that you have double the expenditures saved for the return trip.

Total Approximate Transport Cost (Round Trip):

• Public option: USD 280-350 per person
• Private option: USD 400-600 (which actually might become cheaper if you share the Cost of a private jeep among your fellow trekkers)

Final Tip

Your trekking agency, such as Mount Glory Treks, will be more than happy to arrange all transport, flights, jeeps, and timing, so you don't need to stress about it. Book early, especially during high season.

Accommodation and Food Costs on the Kanchenjunga Trek

Staying in small tea houses, you will be provided with solid food to eat while trekking through Kanchenjunga. It's kept simple and cozy until you go higher, when things start getting slightly expensive.

Tea House Charges per Night

• A tea house is a mountain cottage run by a local family.
• Basic room with two beds, maybe a blanket
• Some shared toilets, no heating

Cost:

• Around USD 5 to 8 per night
• In very remote places, it may go up to USD 10

Meals per Day

You will mostly be served Dal Bhat, which is rice, lentils, and vegetables–a filling and healthy Nepali meal. Other dishes include:

• Noodles, fried rice, soup, pancakes, porridge, and eggs
• Tea, coffee, soft drinks, and sometimes snacks like biscuits or chocolates

Costs:

Prices Increase in Remote Areas

The bigger the elevation, the greater the cost for things like food and water because porters or mules carry them.

• A bottle of water might set you back from 1 to 2 USD in the lowland areas; in high altitudes, it is 3 to 4 USD.
• Meals also might be costlier by a dollar or two! Prepare to pay an additional USD 1–2 per meal in the remote areas.

Daily Budget Estimate (Food + Lodging)

To keep it simple, here’s a rough budget per person per day:

Final Tip

Bringing extra Nepali rupees will be helpful since there are no ATMs once you leave the city. Generally, food is not included in permit fees, so plan accordingly.

Gear and Equipment Costs for Kanchenjunga Trek

For the Kanchenjunga Trek, you will want the bare minimum of things to keep warm, dry, and comfortable while trekking. Bring the things you might already have. Otherwise, Kathmandu offers ample options to buy or rent gear there.

Buying vs. Renting Gear in Kathmandu

There are various shops in Thamel (Kathmandu tourist area) where you can buy or rent trekking items.

• Renting would be cheaper if you trek only once or for a short time.
• Buying would be the way to go if you want to do a lot of trekking there.

For example:

• It is renting a sleeping bag or down jacket for 2-3 weeks at about USD 1-2 per day.
• Buying takes much more money, but then they are yours forever.

Basic Items and Average Price
These are the major things you will require, together with approximate rent or purchase prices:

Exercises to Do

• Rent those big or expensive items, such as sleeping bags or jackets
• Buy boots, socks, thermals, etc., for a better fit and hygiene

Check quality, though. Many of the rented items are quite old, so if possible, test them before the trek.

Final Tip

If you are working with an agency to book your trek, like Mount Glory Treks, they might actually give you some gear for free or at a discounted price. Do ask them before you buy everything!

Travel Insurance for Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

Travel insurance becomes one of the essential factors to keep you safe on a high-altitude trek like Kanchenjunga and avoid huge expenses in case such a situation occurs.

Why You Would Need It

• Kanchenjunga is a remote and high-altitude area.
• Sickness, injury, or altitude sickness brings no big hospitals close by in the area.
• In emergencies, you may necessitate an expensive helicopter rescue if there is no insurance.

Hence, travel insurance is a must, as it can save your actual money.

What to Expect

Make sure your insurance covers:

• High-altitude trekking above 5,000 m
• Emergency helicopter evacuation
• Medical treatment and hospital stays
• Trip cancellations or delays (optional)

Insurance Costs

• Basic travel insurance with high-altitude and helicopter coverage would range around: USD 150 to 200 for 3–4 weeks
• Price can vary depending on your home country and the insurance company

Final Tip

Always check the fine print to make sure Kanchenjunga and high altitudes are included. Some agencies, like Mount Glory Treks, can also advise you on finding trusted insurance.

Conclusion

A variety of things govern the total price for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek-permits, guides, food, lodgings, gear, and transport. Planning one's finances ahead of time allows one to avoid being surprised during the trip. The best option would be to go through a trusted company that will see to things for you-operating permits and ensuring safety.

Mount Glory Treks is one such reputable company in Nepal that markets well-managed and affordable trekking packages. They can assure your trek will remain a safe, comfortable, and memorable experience due to their experienced team. We offer 18 Days of Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek from Kathmandu to Kathmandu with USD 1850 - USD 2250 Per Person based on the number of trekkers in a group. For more info, you can connect our operations team or email [email protected], Whatsapp: +977 9849856378.We can customize the trek with travelers' time, budget, and hiking preferences.