Necessary permits for kanchenjunga trek

A special permit is required to trek in Kanchenjunga. The reasons for this were original because the areas were close to international borders but are now more to help protect the environmental and cultural values of the areas. There are numerous police check points throughout Kanchenjunga trek route who check permits and will turn back those who do not have the correct one.

Kanchenjunga restricted area entry permit

Restricted area permit kanchenjunga

Restricted area permit. Few private information are blurred. Permit issued by Magical Nepal Pvt Ltd

Applying for special restricted area permits is complicated and are arranged through a series of applications, guarantees and letters. The process takes about two hours, and can only be applied after the arrival of the group. There is no system of advanced reservation, there must be a minimum of two trekkers per group, and all groups must be accompanied by a government authorized guide (trek guide license holder).

For these reasons trek in Kanchenjunga have to be arranged as a fully organized trek through a registered trekking agency hiring at least a guide.

There are four village development communities in the Kanchenjunga region that are declared restricted. These are:

  • Olangchungola village
  • Lelep village
  • Papung village
  • Yamphuding village.

The fee for Kanchenjunga restricted area entry permit is currently set at USD 10 per person per week.

Kanchenjunga conservation area entry permit

 

The Kanchenjunga conservation area was established in 1997, was Nepal’s third conservation area and covers 2,035 square kilometers. It is bordered to the north by the Qomolangma national nature reserve in Tibet, and to the east by the Kanchenjunga biosphere reserve in Sikkim. It also falls within the sacred himalayan landscape, which is being developed by WWF in Nepal in partnership with the international centre for integrated mountain development.

Mammal species within the conservation area include the snow leopard, spectacled bear, and red panda. Bird species include the golden breasted fulvetta, snow cock, blood pheasant, and red-billed chough. In 2012 a snow cat was photographed at an elevation of 4,500 m.

The fee for Kanchenjunga conservation area entry permit is currently set at Rs. 2000 per person.

Do I need a TIMS card for Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek?

You don’t need a TIMS Card to trek Kanchenjunga. TIMS card is not necessary when you hold the restricted permit in any trekking region in Nepal. If you are planning to continue trek after Kanchenjunga to other destination like Everest, Annapurna TIMS card is required.

Necessary Document to Obtain the permit?

You won’t be able to issue the permit yourself. A locally registered company in Nepal can do it. The following documents are required to obtain the permits

  • Original passport with a valid visa of Nepal.
  • A group of at least two people.
  • Photos (only required for online submission) – You can email it to your trekking agency.

How can I get the permits If I am a solo trekker?

It depends on the company. We can issue the ghost permit, meaning, there will be two permits, and you will only go on the trek. The guide will say that your partner got sick and return, at permit check post, which will not be a problem. If you are planning a solo trekking, let us know. We will help you to arrange the permit.

Can I issue the permit in advance, before arriving in Nepal?

Only a few agencies can do it. An original passport with a valid visa of Nepal is required to issue the permit. We can issue your permit in advance if you can send us your flight details. We can request an immigration officer to give the valid visa after your arrival which has been working so far.

How long does it take to issue the permit?

It normally takes 1 to 2 hours to issue the permit during the peak season.