Kanchanjunga Trek Itinerary
Duration
24
Group Size
Max Elevation
4,780m
Difficulty
Difficulty
Start & End Point
Bhadrapur- Kathmandu
Accomodation
Tea houses and lodge
Permit
Discount
Best Time
Mar-Apr-May Sep-Oct-Nov
Trip Overview
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal's most beautiful treks. This hike takes you to the base of Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. Mt. Kanchenjunga is in the northeastern part of Nepal, right next to the Indian state of Sikkim. It is partly in Nepal and partly in India. This walk takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of the Himalayas. You can see Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Makalu, and Jahnu Himal, as well as Mt. Rothang and the Kabru group of peaks in Sikkim.
This trekking path goes through the Kanchenjunga Conservation area. This area is home to a variety of plants and animals, such as the Himalayan black bear, musk deer, snow leopard, red panda, wild boar, and many others. This hike goes through low river valleys, glacial moraine, and over rocks and boulders. The scenery changes from alpine grasslands to subtropical forests. Along the way, you will also come across mixed cultures, ethnic groups, and tribes where you can learn about their way of life and culture.
Experience needed
Embarking on the Kanchenjunga Trek requires a certain level of experience and preparation due to its challenging nature. It is recommended that trekkers have prior experience in high-altitude trekking and are familiar with multi-day hiking in rugged terrains. The trek involves steep ascents and descents, rocky paths, and potentially adverse weather conditions, so having a good level of physical fitness is essential.
Being mentally prepared for the demands of the trek is equally important. The Kanchenjunga region is remote and less developed compared to other popular trekking areas in Nepal, which means limited infrastructure and facilities along the trail. Trekkers should be prepared to embrace basic accommodations, rustic teahouses, and long hours of walking each day.
Moreover, as the trek reaches high altitudes, it is crucial to understand the risks associated with altitude sickness. Acclimatization days are built into the itinerary to allow the body to adjust to the thin air, but it's important to be aware of symptoms and know how to respond to them. Prior experience with altitude trekking and knowledge of acclimatization techniques can greatly enhance safety and enjoyment during the journey.
Typical Itinerary
Today, our Kanchenjunga trek commenced with a 45-minute flight to Bhadrapur, where we were instantly captivated by the sight of the mighty Himalayas from above. Greeted by our knowledgeable guide and a like-minded group, we set off on a scenic 4-5 hour drive to Ilam.
The journey unfolded amidst breathtaking vistas of verdant valleys and dense forests, leaving us filled with excitement and anticipation for the incredible adventure that lies ahead. Overnight in Ilam
Today you drive to Taplejung via Phidim. The drive goes across beautiful countryside view along the Mechi Higway to Taplejung.
Today you begin your trek. The trail passes through lush hills and several villages across terraced rice fields and thick Cardamom garden along the way and reach Mitlung for overnight. Overnight in Mitlung.
The trail goes through scenic pastures, small villages and farmlands along the Tamor river. The trail descends and ascends at several stretches and cross over the Chiruwa Khola and continue along the bank and reach Chiruwa. Chiruwa is a small village mostly inhabited by the Limbu tribe.
Overnight in Chiruwa.
Today the trail goes through several villages like Taplethok, Tamewa, Hellok and Lelep and continue alongside Tamor River and descend towards Simbu Khola. Then you continue through the steep and narrow valley of Ghunsa Khola and arrive at Sukathum.
Overnight in Sukathum.
Following the Ghunsa Khola we continue towards Amjilosa. The trail is a steep uphill climb on exposed terrain enjoying the beautiful landscape view, we reach the Tibetan village of Amjilosa.
Overnight in Amjilosa.
Today’s trail goes through forest filled with rhododendrons oak and bamboo and finally ascend to Gyabla village.
Overnight in Gyabla
Leaving behind the beautiful Gyabla village, you trek towards Ghunsa through beautiful yak pastures, green fields and larch forests and then descend down to the riverbed of Ghunsa Khola. Here you crossover the Ghunsa Khola and arrive at Ghunsa village. Ghunsa village is the last permanent settlement that you encounter on this route.
Overnight in Ghunsa.
As you reached the altitude above 3000 meters, it is imperative to spend a day without strenuous activities to adjust your body to the surrounding. That is why today is reserved as acclimatization day. You shall take a short hike around the ridges and hike and visit the Lpasan La Monastery. After spending some time there, you will descend back to Ghunsa.
Leaving Ghunsa, you trek through forests of larch and juniper along the bank of the Ghunsa Khola and cross over to Rambuk Kharka. From here the trail passes through the waterfall and the landslide area and proceed towards Khambachen with the beautiful views of Mt. Jannu and the Jannu glacier. Khangbachen is a temporary settlement with small stone tea houses serving the needs of the trekkers.
Overnight in Khambachen.
The trail now enters a desolate landscape. There are no villages or houses on the trail. You will make your way above the terrains along the left side of the Kanchenjunga glacier to Lhonak campsite.
Overnight in Lhonak.
Today, you head towards Kanchenjunga Base Camp following the trail along the glaciers on the northern ridges. The camp is also known as Pang Pema from where you get the mesmerizing and spectacular view of Mt Kanchenjunga (8586m) along with the skyline filled with snow-capped mountain ranges bordering Nepal, Sikkim and Tibet. After exploring the area for some time you return back to Lhonak.
Overnight in Lhonak.
You retrace our step back to Ghunsa descending past Khambachen while walking over the moraines of Kanchenjunga Glacier.
Overnight in Ghunsa.
Today we trek to reach Sele Le Camp, you trek along a steep rocky trail to the right side leaving the trail to Gyabla. Most of the trail passes through the dense forest of Rhododendron and Juniper.
Overnight in Sele Le camp.
Today might be the most challenging day as you cross over two passes on our way to Tseram. The Sinion La (4600m) and the Mirgin La(4620), marked by many prayer flags. Followed by a steep descent to the bottom of the valley to Tseram where we settle for the night.
Overnight in Tseram
Passing the moraines of Yalung Glacier into an ablation valley, you ascend towards Ramche. You also come across a lake and a meadow where you can spot the blue sheep grazing on the grassy hills. In the evening you will visit the small monastery at Ramche.
Overnight in Ramche.
Today, you explore Yalung and the Oktang Base Camp area. You will start early through the glacial moraines and challenging rocky path to Yalung glacier. After exploring for some time, you hike further and reach the Oktang Base Camp, from the base camp you can have the magnificent views of the Kanchenjunga south face and views of Kokthang, Rathong, and Kabru in the back ground.
Overnight in Ramche.
Retracing the same trail, you trek towards Anda Phedi enjoying the view of the snowcapped mountain peaks. Descending down the moraines of Yalung glacier, you trek past Lipsan and Tseram and arrive at Anda Phedi.
Overnight in Anda Phedi.
You descend towards Tortong through the densely forested path filled with rhododendrons and bushes.
Overnight in Tortong.
Today the trail includes some difficult sections. You cross tow passes, the Lamite Bhanjyang and Dhupi Bhanjyang and descend down to Yamphudin. Yamphudin is a village inhabited by a mixed community of Sherpa, Rai, Limbu, and Gurung.
Overnight in Yamphudin.
Leaving Yamphudin behind, you descend towards Khebang passing through valleys, waterfalls, and forest area. Crossing suspension bridges over several streams, you walk past small settlements alongside Kabeli Khola to arrive in Khebang.
Overnight in Khebang.
You continue through forested trail across several waterfalls with the views of the Kanchenjunga and the Kumbakarna himal to Khandembe.
Overnight in Khandembe.
Today you shall take a long drive to Birtamod. You descend down from the hills to the warm and flat land of the Plains.
Overnight in Birtamod.
After breakfast drive for an hour to Chandragadi airport and fly to Kathmandu. Upon arrival check into the hotel and rest of the afternoon is free to rest and relax.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Inclusion
• All ground transport in a private vehicle including airport transfers
• Accommodation in 3-4* category hotel while in Kathmandu.
• Round trip domestic flight tickets to and from Bhadrapur
• One-day sightseeing with entrance fee accompanied by a local tour guide as per itinerary.
• Accommodation in trekkers lodge/tea house during the trek.
• Only breakfast during the stay in Kathmandu and all meals along with coffee/tea during the trek.
• English speaking local trekking guide along with porter (one porter for every two members) during the trek.
• All necessary paperwork and permits (TIMS/ Restricted area permit/ Kanchenjunga Conservation area permit)
• All Government taxes and service charges
Exclusion
• Nepal entry visa.
• International flight to and from Kathmandu.
• Lunch and dinner or any other meal not specified above.
• Personal Travel Medical Insurance.
• Personal expenses such as bar, beverages, tips and gratuities, laundry, telephone, battery recharge, etc.
• Personal belongings (shoes/clothes) and trekking equipment’s.
• Hot showers during the trek.
• Any extra cost incurred due to changing the itinerary, like early return from the trek.
• All other personal expenses not listed in the included section
Map
