Mount Kanchenjunga and It’s base camp trek means widely known, Nepal and Taplejung. But how to get there? If you are wondering “Where Does Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Starts” this article is perfect to read. The only convenient way to reach the trekking starting point for Kanchenjunga Base Camp is to take the 45-minute flight to Bhadrapur and ride a local bus or jeep again to Taplejung for about 6-7 hour.
For someone who is willing to take a long drive from Kathmandu, (11-12 hour) there is also night but to Jhapa, Birtamod and retake another ride to Taplejung for about 6-7 hour. Traveling to Kanchenjunga trek starting point on a local bus might be a cheaper option but not convenient. It is very important to understand how transportation to trailhead works while planning a Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek itinerary. A lot of companies didn’t have the right information, as mostly they like to re-write the old story or copy from others. Here I am offering you my first-hand information.
Things You Should Know Before You Get There
Suketnar Airport: Do not rely on Suketar airport. Only two flights in a week available which is very uncertain due to the weather. No major flight companies are available in the Kathmandu Suketar Kathmandu sector. Nepal airlines have the service, but it is well known, their service is the worst of all.
Kathmandu Bhadrapur Kathmandu Flight: The earliest flight to Bhadrapur is only after 10:00 am from Kathmandu. Which means you will arrive Bhadrapur in the midday If you managed to catch the earliest flight.
Private jeep vs Local Jeep: As soon as you arrive in Bhadrapur, a private jeep is available at the airport. or if you wish to travel by a local bus/share jeep, you are required to drive to the Birthamood bus station and catch the local Jeep to Taplejung.
First Day Itinerary: From Bhadrapur to Taplejung, it is roughly 10-11 hours of drive through the windy mountain road. A lot of Kanchenjunga hikers were upset for a long journey on the road. Especially when you start driving in the middle of the day, you will reach Taplejung in the middle of the night which is not a pleasant experience. If you may have done some research about the itinerary, you will quickly notice some startup company would create a plan from Kathmandu to Taplejung in one day. Or even Kathmandu to Birthamod. But from our client’s feedback, we would highly recommend you to make this journey in two days. It will allow you to be in comfort and driving during daylight means safe, enjoyable and panoramic drive.
If you wish to make yourself comfortable, you should follow, day 01 from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and 4-5 hour drive to Ilam. Instead of spending a night in Bhadrapur city Ilam is much more beautiful and one of the most popular destinations in Nepal due to the tea garden. The last jeep to Ilam from Bhadrapur is available until 3:30 pm.
Available Local Transportation and Cost
| Transportation cost for Kanchenjunga Trek | |
|---|---|
| One way flight cost to Bhadrapur | USD 141×2 = 282 per person |
| Bhadrapur to Taplejung local bus or local jeep cost | USD 15×2 = 30 per person |
| Bhadrapur to Taplejung on a private jeep cost | USD 250 – 300 per Jeep |
| Kathmandu to Birtamod distance | 440 km Travelling time – 11- 12 hour |
| Birtamod to Taplejung | 114 km Travelling time 6-7 hour |
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