The queen of the mountains, Kanchenjunga lies in the eastern part of Nepal at an altitude of 8,586 meters standing as the third highest mountain in the world. In the year 1988, Government of Nepal announced Kanchenjunga as a trekking destination which since then is named as Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek. Kanchenjunga located about 125 km east-south-east of Mount Everest consists of total five peaks ‘the Five Treasures of the snow’ where two of them are in Taplejung district of Nepal while the other three lies on the border between North Sikkim and Nepal. The first two people to scale Kanchenjunga were Joe Brown and George Band in May 25, 1955. This trek is basically a 20-23 days classic trek to one of the world’s highest peaks. The trail leads you through an off the beaten path to the valleys and villages in the mountains. Similar to any other treks in Nepal, this one too gives trekkers an opportunity to appreciate the diverse flora and fauna in addition to the astonishing view of striking Kanchenjunga and its counterparts. A special trekking permit is required in order to enter this region of Nepal. The Department of Immigration will issue a permit for international tourists to trek in the restricted areas. However, according to the law no single person is allowed a permit unless they come in a group. There are numerous restricted areas in the region, which is why two or more people should always be together on the trek. rnThe trek has different routes; however Taplejung is where it all officially begins. Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, drive towards the north side to Taplejung and then hike up to Chirwa. The trail goes down through densely multicolored rhododendron forests and terraced farmlands. Culturally and geographically rich, this trek passes through ancient villages crossing rivers of Tamor and Ghunsa. Amjilosa is one of the old villages famous for growing Cardamom, a place to relax for trekkers. Gyabla, Ghunsa village, Kaambachen, Lhonak and Pangpema, are other villages en route to Kanchenjunga Base Camp. As mentioned above, two of the five peaks are accessible from Nepal giving us two options to ascend both North and South base camps. For South base camp, it takes any trekkers a complete two weeks to accomplish the trek. This route from south is said to be way easier than the north base camp. Yamphuding, Mamangkhe and Thorpu are the major villages on the south base camp trail. The region is inhabited by Rai, Limbu and Sherpa communities. They are known to be the bravest and most generous people. Accommodation is not a problem during the trek to the southern base camp. Even at the higher altitudes, one can find stone lodges with enough amenities from clean bed, delicious meal, electricity to charge your gadgets and Wi-Fi network and all this in very reasonable prices. Base camp is not the limit to your trek, go beyond that. Seek for more adventure, continue uphill Simbuwa Khola valley to Oktang. Oktang is the best spot to get an incredible view of Kanchenjunga’s west face, Gapur I to IV. The view is outstanding. It is also the last place before you reach the base camp at the south of Kanchenjunga. North Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek ends at Pangpema, a place which is more than just a base camp. The route to north base camp is a bit strenuous as it requires hike up the steep mountains. Most of the trekkers prefer north base camp even though it is difficult is because it lets you encounter the unique blend of nature and culture of the Himalayas at its best. People have stated to come across the snow leopards at many places in northern side towards Sele Le Pass just below the trail of Ghunsa. Trail above Ghunsa is a risky territory likely to have landslides. There are few other areas with same probabilities in which cases trekkers’ better hurry up and cross the territory with such risks. Always listen to your guides, ask them prior to your daily expedition. In the month of April and May, most trekkers go for climbing the queen itself. Besides that there are few other mountains trekkers might be fascinated to ascend. Jannu or Kumbhakarna Peak is world’s 32nd mountain with the elevation of 7,710 meters and prominence of 1,035 meters. This beautiful mountain as the closest neighbor of Mt. Kanchenjunga has numerous climbing routes. Technically Jannu Peak is known to be one of the hardest peaks to ascend because of its complicated structure and particularly for the steep climbing just near the summit. Peak 5950 is another notable peak to climb. The best part of climbing Peak 5950 is that you will not have to pay anything as it is not listed under Nepalese Mountain Association. The peak is most likely to be 6,000 meters plus. Unlike Jannu Peak, it is an easy trek to the summit of this peak. Person with basic mountaineering skills can make it up to the summit. Accommodation in the south base camp is basic with limited facilities. Camping is always the best alternative and a reasonable choice. While you save yourself some money, you can lie under sky directly looking at the stars at night and it’s worth it. It is best if you cover both north and south base camp of Kanchenjunga. Only in case you are short with time can you trek one of the two. Due to the remoteness at such altitude, Kanchenjunga is categorized as one of the most challenging trek. Trekkers must be physically fit in order to walk uphill for 20-25 days with at least six hours of hike on a daily basis. There are numerous teahouses on the way that helps make your stay cozy and comfortable. Since there are no crowds, you will meet very few trekkers. rnKanchenjunga Base Camp trek is an incredible trek taking you into the five treasures of snow. Witness an extraordinary and surreal moment as you watch the first rays of the sun strikes over Kanchenjunga and slowly spreading above the other highest peaks of the world Mt. Makalu, Mt. Lhotse and the Mt. Everest. There’s nothing that beats this heavenly sight. Make sure you take a good camera; you do not want to miss capturing these mountain majesties. October and November is the best month for trekking on this region, providing that the weather is clearer and temperature is endurable during this season.