Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Duration: 23 Days
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About Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is one of the most adventurous trekking trails of Nepal that will take you to one of the isolated regions of Nepal. The trek is named after the world's third-highest peak, Kanchenjunga Peak (8586 M), which is located in the Taplejung District in the northeastern part of Nepal on the borders of Sikkim and Tibet. This region is also renowned for its three picturesque valleys- the Simbua Khola Valley, the Ghunsa Valley, and the Tamur Valley. The fascinating fact of this region is that  in 1997, the Government of Nepal in support of WWF  declared the main area of the Kanchenjunga region as a " Gift to the Earth". You will get to see marvelous views of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586 M), beautiful rivers, diverse landscapes, glaciers, and dense forests of rhododendrons.

The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek allows you to discover the unique native culture and lifestyle of the indigenous people who live in peaceful villages that stretch to the far side of the border to 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 conjointly includes numbers of monasteries, temples, prayer-walls, chortens, which makes the region rich in cultural heritage.

Spread in 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. Kanchenjunga area is additionally a global center for plant diverseness and as many as 23 species of rhododendrons and over 2000 flowering plants are known here.

The path gradually ascends from 1,200 meters to 5,180 meters higher than the sea level. You'll also cross over many passes including Mirgin La pass and two base camp; North and South, that offers majestic views of Kanchenjunga massif (8586 M). 

Highlights

  • One of the best remote trek to the base of the world's 3rd-highest peak,'Kanchenjunga (8586 M) '
  • Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, home to some of the rare animals like Red Panda and Snow Leopard
  • Spectacular views of Kanchenjunga ranges, Kabru ranges, Pathibhara ranges, and many others
  • Quiet and peaceful trails that pass through beautiful forest mainly, Rhododendron and Pine
  • Newly opened trekking route with less tourist and untouched natural beauty 
  • Diverse and rich culture, land topography, wildlife and vegetations

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 guide in your hotel lobby. He will brief you on further programs.

  • 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, Pashupatinath temple. Nearby this temple is located the largest of Nepal, Boudhanath stupa. After visiting these places, we will head to Swayambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square. In the evening, if you would like, you can explore the vibrant streets of Thamel by yourself and prepare for the trek.

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

After taking breakfast, we will drive to the airport and take a 50 minutes flight to Bhadrapur, situated in the lowlands of Terai. During the flight, we can observe the spectacular eye-catching panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga region. And from there we will drive to Phidim in a jeep where we can see one of the most famous and beautiful tea gardens in Nepal.

  • B&B
  • Hotel
  • Phidim
  • 6-7 hours

Early in the morning, we will drive to Taplejung in a jeep and have lunch at Taplejung. From there we will continue to Chiruwa which is 2 hours off-road drive from Taplejung. We will pass through the many beautiful ethnic community villages.  

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Chiruwa
  • 1270 M
  • 6-7 hours

From here, the actual trek starts. Today the trail will be mostly on off-road until Tapethok because of the road construction work which is still going on. From Thapethok, we will continue walking on a trekking trail for around 1 hour and around 30 minutes on offroad until Simbu Khola. And after crossing several suspension bridges and walking through the beautiful cardamom and rice field we will arrive at Sekathum from where you can observe the view of Jannu (7711 M)

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Sekathum
  • 1660 M
  • 6- 7 hours

After taking breakfast in the morning, we will start the trek to Amjilasa. The trail is bit rocky which passes along Ghunsa Khola crossing several suspension bridges. After crossing the last suspension bridge above Ghunsa Khola we 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.

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

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

  • 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. We will stop at a small traditional village called Phale to take lunch where we can visit an old monastery also. From here we will walk for around 1:30 hour before reaching Ghunsa. Ghunsa is the last and the biggest village in the Kanchenjunga region.  

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

For the acclimatization, we will take a short hike to the near places. After returning from the hike, we 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, we will be walking 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 trail passes through the big and long landslide area. And after crossing a bridge, we will reach Khambachen. On the way, magnificent views of peaks like White wave peak (6950 M), Kumbhakarna (7711 M), Mera peak (6334 M), Sharphu massive and many others. 

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

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

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

Today we 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, moraine glacier, we will need to be very careful while walking. On the way, Blue Sheep are often encountered. We will take 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, we will return back to Lhonak.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Lhonak
  • 5140 M
  • 8 hours

We will return the same way down to Ghunsa via Khambachen. We will have our lunch at Khambachen.

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

We will cross micro-hydropower and a rivulet before entering the forest. Then we will gradually ascend a steep trail that passes through the alluring forests filled with birch, pine, and colorful rhododendrons until we reach 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 we reach Selele. 

  • 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 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, we will descent down to Tseram through small pine and juniper forest which takes around 1-2 hours. The views of the surrounding peaks from all these passes are wonderful.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Tseram
  • 3870 M
  • 7 hours

After our breakfast early in the morning, we will start our hike to Oktang viewpoint which is also known as Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. We gradually ascend through the juniper forest and cross the small a 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 we will reach Oktang viewpoint via Ramche. From here, we will enjoy the stunning views of different nearby peaks including the 3rd highest peak of the world Mt.Kanchenjunga (8586 M). After spending some time here, we will descent down the same way. We will take our lunch at Ramche.

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

Today we will walk around 3-4 hours. We will descent down through the rhododendrons and pine forests and pass through Anda Phedi before arriving at Tortong.

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

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

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

Leaving Yamphudim behind, we will check out our Kanchenjunga Conservation Area permits and restricted permits. We will cross several suspension bridges and small villages before reaching Khebang.

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

Today is our last day of trekking. After breakfast, we hike through the beautiful villages of Limbu and Brahmin through the farmland and pastures. 

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Hapu Khola
  • 5-6 hours

Today we will drive on off-road till Tharpu in a jeep and then to Ilam. In Ilam, we can see one of the famous tea gardens in Nepal and the beautiful Himalayas as well. 

  • B,L&D
  • Hotel
  • Ilam Bazar
  • 5 hours

After taking our breakfast with the beautiful sunrise view, we will drive to the lowlands of Bhadrapur from where we will catch our flight to Kathmandu. Later in the evening, our company will organize a farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant for you for completing 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 strike, 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

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