Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Duration: 22 Days
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About Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is the ultimate remote trekking experience in the eastern Himalayas of Nepal. Named after the world's third-highest peak, Kanchenjunga (8586 M), in the Taplejung district, this region is also renowned for its three picturesque valleys- the Simbua Khola Valley, the Ghunsa Valley, and the Tamor Valley. The fascinating fact about this region is that in 1997, the Government of Nepal in support of WWF  declared the main area of the Kanchenjunga region a " Gift to the Earth". You will see marvelous views of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586 M), beautiful rivers, diverse landscapes, glaciers, and dense forests of rhododendrons.

Spread over an area of 2035 sq. km., Kanchenjunga Conservation Area is another attraction of this trek where you'll find rare and unique flora and fauna such as Rhododendrons, Orchids, Asiatic Black Bear, Red Panda, Musk Deer, Blue Sheep, Snow Leopard, etc. Additionally, it's a global center for plant diversity, and as many as 23 species of rhododendrons and over 2000 flowering plants are known here. 

The 22-day Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek allows you to discover the unique culture and lifestyle of the indigenous people who live in peaceful villages that stretch to the far side of the border between Tibet and Sikkim. The region is abundant in ethnic diversity and culture with over 11 ethnic communities including Sherpa, Rai, Limbus, Chhetri, and Brahmins.

This region includes many monasteries, temples, prayer walls, and chortens, making the region rich in cultural heritage. The path gradually ascends from 1,200 meters to 5,180 meters high. You'll also cross over many passes, including Mirgin La pass and two base camps; North and South, which offer majestic views of the Kanchenjunga range.

The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is a difficult one like most of the high-altitude treks in Nepal. However, the sheer beauty one can explore and experience during the trek is immeasurable. The best time to do the trek is during the Autumn and Spring season. 

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Itinerary

Our Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Itinerary is a total of 22 days. This includes 4 days of transfers from Kathmandu and 14 days of walking. However, our itinerary can be modified according to your time frame, physical fitness, trekking experience, and budget. 

Note: If you would like to make the trek short by 2 days, you can trek from Tortong to Ranipul instead of trekking to Yamphudim. And the next morning, drive to Ilam.  

Highlights

  • Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, home to some rare animals like Red Pandas and Snow Leopards
  • One of the best remote treks to the base of the world's 3rd-highest peak,' Kanchenjunga (8586 M) '
  • Spectacular views of Kanchenjunga ranges, Kabru ranges, Pathibhara ranges, and many others
  • Quiet and peaceful trails that pass through beautiful forests mainly, Rhododendron and Pine
  • A newly opened trekking route with fewer tourists and untouched natural beauty 
  • Diverse and rich culture, land topography, wildlife, and vegetation

Itinerary

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Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1350 M) and transfer to hotel

One of the members of our company will welcome you at the international airport terminal gate and take you to the hotel. You will have a few hours to rest. Later, in the evening, you will meet with the tour guide in your hotel lobby. He will brief you on day 2 tour program.

  • 3 star category hotel
  • Kathmandu
  • 1350 M

We will go on a guided sightseeing tour to several UNESCO World Heritage We will visit one of the holiest temples of Hindus, the Pashupatinath temple. Nearby this temple is located the largest in Nepal, Boudhanath stupa. After visiting these places, we will head to Swayambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square. In the evening, you can explore the vibrant streets of Thamel by yourself and prepare for the trek. Your trek guide will also meet you in the evening time and brief you about the trek. 

  • B&B
  • 3 star category hotel
  • Kathmandu
  • 1350 M

After having breakfast, you will drive to the airport and take a 50-minute flight with your guide to Bhadrapur, situated in the lowlands of Terai. During the flight, you can observe the spectacular eye-catching panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga region. From there you will drive to Phidim in a jeep where you can see one of the most famous and beautiful tea gardens in Nepal.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Phidim
  • 1150 M
  • 6-7 hours

Early in the morning, you will drive to Taplejung in a jeep and have lunch at Taplejung. From there you will continue to Sekathum via Chiruwa. You will pass through the many beautiful ethnic community villages. Once you arrive at Sekathum, you can observe the view of Jannu (7711 M). The rest of the Nepalese staff will be waiting for you there. 

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Sekathum
  • 1660 M
  • 8 hours

After having breakfast in the morning, you will start the trek to Amjilasa. The trail is a bit rocky and passes along Ghunsa Khola crossing several suspension bridges. After crossing the last suspension bridge above Ghunsa Khola you will climb a steep uphill terrain for about 1 hour before reaching Amjilosa. It’s a small settlement with 2 small lodges situated on a steep hill.

Elevation: +1092m/ -170m

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Amjilosa
  • 2495 M
  • 7 hours

Today you will be trekking mostly through the forest of rhododendrons, brown oaks, and thick bamboo, pasture, and waterfalls till you reach Ghyabla. After having lunch at a small teashop near Ghyabla at the riverside you will climb a terraced hill for approximately 1 hour. After the climb, you will arrive at a small Sherpa village called Ghyabla.

Elevation: +722m/ -422m
Distance: 9.1km

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Ghyabla
  • 2730 M
  • 5 hours

Today the trekking will be a little bit short and easy compared to the other days. The trail comprises both the ascent and descent. The trail towards Ghunsa passes through a broad meadow pasture land and the dense pine and rhododendron forest. You will stop at a small traditional village called Phale to have lunch where you can visit an old monastery also. From here you will walk for around 1:30 hour before reaching Ghunsa which is the last and the biggest village in the Kanchenjunga region.

Elevation: +951m/ -238m
Distance: 11.41km

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Ghunsa
  • 3425 M
  • 5 hours

For acclimatization, you will take a short hike to the nearby places. After returning from the hike, you can spend the rest of the day exploring the ancient village of Ghunsa visiting monasteries, and learning about their Buddhist culture and tradition.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Ghunsa
  • 3425 M

Today, you will walk through the pine and larch forest uphill to the south bank of Ghunsa Khola passing several Mani walls and Chortens along the way. And then the trail passes through a big and long landslide area. And after crossing a bridge, you will reach Khambachen. On the way, magnificent views of peaks like White Wave Peak (6950 M), Kumbhakarna (7711 M), Mera Peak (6334 M), Sharphu Massif, and many others can be seen.

Elevation: +807m/ -98m
Distance: 11.10km

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Khambachen
  • 4145 M
  • 5 hours

Following the trail on the northwest side of Kanchenjunga Glacier, you will hike along a high plateau by stepping up gradually through the rocky trail to reach Lhonak. You will have to cross a landslide area near a waterfall as well. From Lhonak, you can see the panoramic views of massive mountain peaks like Wegde Peak (6802 M), Mera Peak (6334 M), Nepal Peak (7177 M), Twins (7350 M), and many others.

Elevation: +692m/ -11m
Distance: 9.69km

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Lhonak
  • 4792 M
  • 5 hours

Today you will hike up to Pangpema Base Camp but will have to take our breakfast early in the morning because some parts of the routes have been damaged by an avalanche recently. So, the hike will take 2 hours more than it used to take before. Due to the slippery trail, rocky way, landslide, and moraine glacier, you will need to be very careful while walking. On the way, Blue Sheep are often encountered. You will have lunch at Pangpema Base Camp. The stunning 360-degree view of the world’s third-highest peak, Mt.Kanchenjunga (8586 M) with other surrounding peaks can be seen from here. After exploring around for some time, you will return to Lhonak.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Lhonak
  • 4792 M
  • 8 hours

You will return the same way down to Ghunsa via Khambachen and have lunch at Khambachen.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Ghunsa
  • 3425 M
  • 7-8 hours

You will cross micro-hydropower and a rivulet before entering the forest. Then you will gradually ascend a steep trail that passes through the alluring forests filled with birch, pine, and colorful rhododendrons until a small pass which will take around 2 to 2:30 hours. From this pass, beautiful views of surrounding peaks and Ghunsa Valley can be seen. From here, the trail is mostly straight and easy till Selele.

Elevation: +881m/ -71m
Distance: 6.33km

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Selele
  • 4200 M
  • 5 hours

Today will be one of the most challenging days of our trek, as we are crossing 3 passes above 4000 M (Mirgin La, Sinelapcha Pass, and another pass between Mirgin La and Sinelapche Pass). The trail is mostly a steep uphill climb till Mirgin La (4645 M). From here the trail is quite rocky mixed with both ascent and descent till Sinelapche Pass. After reaching Sinelapche Pass, you will descend down to Tseram through a small pine and juniper forest which takes around 1-2 hours. The views of the surrounding peaks from all these passes are wonderful.

Elevation: +658m/ -707m

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Tseram
  • 3870 M
  • 8-9 hours

After our breakfast early in the morning, we will start our hike to the Oktang viewpoint. We gradually ascend through the juniper forest and cross the small stream by the wooden bridge. From here, the trail is mostly straight where we can see many Yaks and pastureland. After walking for 4-5 hours you will reach Oktang viewpoint via Ramche. From here, you can enjoy the stunning views of different nearby peaks including the 3rd highest peak in the world Mt.Kanchenjunga (8586 M). After spending some time here, you will descend the same way. You will have our lunch at Ramche.

Elevation: +1055m 

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Tseram
  • 3870 M
  • 8-9 hours

Today you will walk for around 3-4 hours. You will descend through the rhododendrons and pine forests and pass through Anda Phedi before arriving at Tortong. 

Elevation: +245m/ -1075m

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Tortong
  • 2980 M
  • 4 hours

After breakfast, you will head towards Yamphudim via Lamite Bhanjyang where you will have lunch. Then, the trail descends to a river through thick Rhododendron and Bamboo forest. Then after crossing a wooden bridge and walking for about an hour, you will reach Yamphudim. It is a small beautiful village inhabited by Sherpa, Gurung, and Rai.

Elevation: +985m/- 1735 m. 

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Yamphudim
  • 2080 M
  • 7-8 hours

Leaving Yamphudim behind, you will check out our Kanchenjunga Conservation Area permits and restricted permits. You will cross several suspension bridges and small villages before reaching Khebang. Today is your last day of trekking. After breakfast, you will hike through the beautiful villages of Limbu and Brahmin through the farmland and pastures.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Khebang
  • 1915 M
  • 5-6 hours

Today you will drive off-road to Tharpu in a jeep and then to Ilam where you can see one of the famous tea gardens in Nepal and the beautiful Himalayas.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Ilam
  • 1208
  • 6-7 hours

After having breakfast with the beautiful sunrise view, you will drive to the lowlands of Bhadrapur from where you will catch our flight to Kathmandu. Later in the evening, our company will organize a farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant for you to complete this wonderful trek.

  • B&D
  • 3 star category hotel
  • Kathmandu
  • 1350 M
  • 6-7 hours

In the case of flight cancelation or delay due to various unexpected circumstances like bad weather, political strikes, or natural calamities, we always keep one extra day as a security/reserve day.

  • B&D
  • 3 star category hotel
  • Kathmandu
  • 1350 M

After having breakfast, one of the members of the company will escort you to the airport for your flight back to your home.

  • B&B
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What’s Included

  • One porter for two people (maximum weight: 12 kg per client) and an assistant guide for group sizes above 4 people.
  • All the staff salaries, insurance, equipment, transportation, meals, and accommodation.
  • Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with hot drinks) during the trek.
  • 4 nights of accommodation in the 3-star category in Kathmandu on a BB basis.
  • Rescue and evacuation arrangements in case of emergency. 
  • Government taxes, service charges, and official expenses.
  • Round flight Kathmandu-Bhadrapur- Kathmandu.
  • Kathmandu valley sightseeing with a tour guide.
  • All necessary permits and paperwork.
  • Professional English-speaking guide.
  • All airport and hotel transfers.
  • Excess baggage charges during domestic flights (only 15kg altogether).
  • Tips for the guide, porter, and driver (Tipping is expected).
  • Meals while you are in Kathmandu, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Laundry, telephone, and personal trekking equipment.
  • Medical evacuation cost(In case of emergency).
  • Sightseeing/Monument entrance fees.
  • Your Travel Insurance (Compulsory).
  • Your personal expenses.
  • Nepal entry visa fee.
  • International airfare.
Departure Note

If the departure dates do not match your time frame, leave us a message. And we will customize the trip according to your desire and availability of time.

Useful Information

INSURANCE

Travel insurance is mandatory for undertaking any kind of trip with us, whether it is a tour, trekking, peak climbing, or mountain biking. A comprehensive travel insurance policy should cover general medical bills, rescue, evacuation, accidents, death, trip cancellations, baggage loss or theft, extended accommodations, and other expenses due to canceled or delayed flights.