Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek

You embark on the much awaited Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek. You will start your journey by flying from Kathmandu to Biratnagar. Biratnagar is one of the largest and most prominent industrial cities in Nepal. You will experience aerial views of the lush hills, river valleys, snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, and the vast plains of eastern Nepal along the 45 minutes flight.

Upon arrival in Biratnagar, you will begin a long and scenic drive to Taplejung, the starting point for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp region. You will drive along the East-West Highway, which will begin to ascend. Once started, you will drive along winding roads through the villages with terraced farmlands and forests in the green hills. Along the drive, the climate will go from a warm tropical to a cool mountain climate.

By evening, you will arrive in the Taplejung district, which is a peaceful hill town with stunning landscapes and traditional mountain culture. You will spend the night in Taplejung.

Duration

7-8 hours

Max Altitude

1,440 M

Activity

Flight/drive

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

Your Kanchenjunga trek starts today. The Tamor River runs alongside your trail, and the hiking is easy through the many remote villages and farms. The hills and farms are only a short distance from the villages. The villages along the way include Dobhan, Bojhe, Mahadevtar, and Panisar.

Your path will include many ups and downs, across wild and fun terrain the included crossings. The forests and valleys will be along the passage for the traditional mountain settlements, Mitlung, Sinwa, and Tawa. Within this cultural landscape, this day will be both distinct and enjoyable.

Your first night in the Limbu village of Chhirwa, with its warm and cultural hospitality.

Duration

4-5 Hours walk

Max Altitude

1,185 M

Activity

Trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

While trekking today, you’ll pass through the wild and untamed beauty of Kanchenjunga Base Camp, following the Tamor River. This path winds through tiered rice paddies, fields of cardamom and small farms. Occasional villages will dot your way, including Taplethok, Tamewa and Margen. Horse-drawn carts will transport goods through the bright verdant hills and peaceful rivers and through the rural, eastern areas of Nepal.

The path is not devoid of vertical sections. However, the sections that take you through canyons and require crossing suspension bridges can be exciting. The path will take you past the Ghunsa River and Sekathum, the settlement that lies within the steep walls of cliffs and thick, heavy woodlands. You will be able to venture farther into the remoteness of the Himalayas and the terrain will change to rugged and steep. You will be well prepared for the high-altitude trekking of the coming days. You will spend the night at Sekathum.

Duration

5-6 Hours walk

Max Altitude

1,650 M

Activity

Trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

This day is one of the most fulfilling days of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek as the trail takes you deeper into the wild parts of the Himalayas. Following the beautiful Ghunsa River, the route takes you through woods and valleys covered in all variations of trees.

The trek includes many steep ascents and descends across narrow suspension bridges, rocky mountain paths and waterfalls. Trekkers along this path can watch for glimpses of some rare Himalayan wildlife. Higher along the trek, one can observe stunning and dramatic landscapes.

After all the trekking for the day through the untamed and wild forests and valleys, you will reach Gyabla, a traditional Tibetan-influenced village. Gyabla has stunning and unique mountain culture, as well as an all encompassing peaceful aura. Gyabla will be your overnight hibernation for the day.

Duration

6-7 Hours walk

Max Altitude

2,727 M

Activity

Trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

Today’s trek takes you further into the stunning alpine areas towards the Kanchenjunga Base Camp. This variety of ecosystems includes crossing many mountain rivers and dense forests of different types of trees. The higher you go, the more you are rewarded with beautiful mountain landscapes and fresh air.

You will arrive at the Tibetan refugee settlement of Phale along the way. You will have time to experience the local community and buy beautiful Tibetan souvenirs and handicrafts. The remainder of the path will be lined with prayer wheels, Mani stones, and other symbols of Tibetan Buddhism.

The trek’s final reward is the lovely Sherpa village of Ghunsa. Ghunsa is the Kanchenjunga region’s largest settlement. The location is surrounded by mountains. Construction is one of the best examples of mountain architectural features. The mountains and a variety of other things make Ghunsa the perfect spot to slow down for a while and adjust the body for the biggest challenge, high altitude. You will have an overnight stay at Ghunsa.

Duration

6-7 Hours walk

Max Altitude

3,415 M

Activity

Trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

An acclimatization and rest day occurs at Ghunsa, and with good reason. Your body needs time to adjust to the 4,000 meters trekking challenges that lie ahead. A rest day can be boring, but at Ghunsa, you can explore what this site has to offer.

Ghunsa is a small Sherpa village. Sherpas are well known and praised for their culture. Sherpa houses are made from stone and their culture encompasses ancient Buddhist beliefs. The houses often include a place of worship either for a religion or the practice of Buddhism. These houses often have prayer flags lining their walls and are called Mani walls. In Ghunsa, you can learn about these walls through a local. Ghunsa takes pride in its hospitality. After exploring the village, one can continue briefly to Lapsang La Monastery where the views are interesting and the acclimatization is beneficial.

After a long day, it is good to rest and build on the day’s experience. Ghunsa has gracious hospitality and will welcome you to stay in their teahouse for the night.

Max Altitude

3,415 M

Activity

Rest/acclimatization

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

Today’s trek takes you through the untouched wilderness above the tree line into the beautiful landscapes of the high alps as you undertake the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek. As you set out from the beautiful village of Ghunsa, you will be following the trail that leads you to the Ghunsa River, and continuing onward to the rocky paths and glacial valleys that are lined with some of the tallest peaks in the region.

Altitude causes the terrain to change to stunning cliffs and glacial rivers. The mountains in this region are covered in snow and steep. The trail is somewhat gradual, however, because of the higher altitude, trekkers are required to take the trail at a steady pace. The customs of the region and the height of the trail mean that trekkers are likely to see many of the local wildlife, including the famous blue sheep.

After trekking for some time, Kambachen will finally be within sight. Kambachen will be the final stop, a rustic Tibetan village that rests within the shadow of some stunning peaks. The afternoon will be left open, so that you may rest and acclimatize to prepare for the mountain ahead. The night in this village will be completed with a stay in a local teahouse.

Duration

3-4 Hours walk

Max Altitude

4100 m / 13451 ft

Activity

Trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

Our route today takes us further to the most secluded sections of the Kanchejunga Base Camp Trek in the high altitudes. With Kambachen behind, the trek heads along the rocky glacial, still bleeding terrain along the Kanchenjunga Glacier, providing breathtaking vistas of the spine of the earth along with the rugged mountain terrain, with earth’s highest peaks piercing the sky.

From here onwards into the higher terrain, the magnificent greenery along the valleys disappears, being replaced by steep rugged alpine, moraines and valleys, icy valleys; there are wandering pastures of yaks, almost isolated remote Himalayan terrain. This is the region of remote Nepal; it is one of the most untouched regions of Nepal, and technically the most challenging trip.

After a steep toiling climb, you will settle with the shelter of one of the most memorable along the journey, Lhonak, surrounded by earth’s most magnificent peaks and steep rugged terrain.

You will spend the night in a teahouse in Lhonak.

Duration

4 hours

Max Altitude

4,785 m/ 15,698 ft

Activity

Trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

The highlight of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek definitely comes at the point when we trek to the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (Pangpema). We will have to start walking early in the morning from Lhonak across the glacial moraines’ rugged tracks to reach our destination, located within the high altitude wilderness region of the Kanchenjunga Region.

In our trek, we will have the opportunity to see the majestic mountains such as Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m), the third highest peak in the world and some other tall mountains including Tent Peak, Chang Himal and others. This walk is unique with glacier landscapes, ice falls and cliffs.

Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (Pangpema) is undoubtedly the best place to observe and take pictures of Mt. Kanchenjunga. This place is very remote and there is no teahouse near Pangpema Base Camp. We can enjoy the amazing scenery and click beautiful pictures and then return to Lhonak in the evening.

Definitely, this trek is very challenging but it will be extremely rewarding for us and will turn out to be the best amongst all the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek.

Duration

8 Hours

Max Altitude

5,143 M / 16,873 ft

Activity

Trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

In today’s hike, you start a downhill trek from the pristine wilderness of Lhonak down to the scenic Sherpa village of Ghunsa, representing a significant difference in terms of terrain and altitude within the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek itinerary.

The hike retraces your route, passing through tough glacial valleys and rocky terrains, while en route to Ramtang and Kambachen. The hike also rewards you with the best scenery of the north face of Mt. Kanchenjunga and other majestic peaks of the Himalayas. Even though you have an easy time descending, some parts are rocky and need careful attention.

As you descend lower and lower, the environment changes from icy moraines and rocky slopes to green vegetation and rhododendrons, as well as a beautiful valley with rivers flowing. In this area, you might be lucky to encounter some rare species such as the blue sheep and snow leopards in their habitat.

Eventually, you reach Ghunsa, a breathtaking Sherpa village with prayer flags scattered everywhere, wooden houses and a Buddhist monastery. There are numerous days spent in the mountains, among which is the ideal spot to refresh and recuperate. Night halt at Ghunsa.

Duration

6-7 Hours walk

Max Altitude

3,415

Activity

Trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

On today’s hike, you will be moving out of the valley and heading for the challenging and high mountain route that leads to the south face of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek route. On your way, you will hike up through picturesque forests of rhododendrons, pines, and junipers while enjoying the scenic beauty of the mountains.

The terrain gets rougher and wilder, and you get more open spaces along with some impressive views of the snowcapped mountains and the majestic Himalayas.

Today walking path is comparatively quiet, offering hikers an adventurous experience in this remote part of Nepal.

You will hike up through this high altitude route for a few hours until you reach the campsite named Sele Le, which lies beneath the mountain ridges. Overnight stay at the teahouse in Sele Le.

Duration

5 Hours walk

Max Altitude

4,390 M / 14,402 ft

Activity

Trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

This is one of the most exciting days on the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek as you will be passing through a series of mountain passes en route to the southern area of Kanchenjunga. You will be starting your journey early in the morning from Sele Le as the trail will lead you to Sinion La Pass (4,450m) followed by an exciting walk through an amazing ridge leading to Sinelapche La Pass (4,830m).

The views from here are absolutely amazing where you can have breathtaking panoramas of Mt. Kanchenjunga along with the surrounding Himalayas, deep valleys and other spectacular alpine sceneries. This is an incredible trekking adventure at high altitudes passing through rugged mountain terrains and wilderness areas.

Once you get done with the amazing experience of this wonderful mountain environment, the trail will continue downhill through the narrow mountain trails towards the tranquil area of Cheram. Cheram is the only inhabited area during your entire journey till here as you walk through the rugged mountain terrains and wilderness. Night halt at Cheram.

Duration

8 Hours walk

Max Altitude

3,870 M / 12,696 ft

Activity

Trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

It marks the next noteworthy stage of the journey in the context of the Base Camp Trek of Kanchenjunga. The climb will take place through Cheram, and the trek itself will take place on a steep slope across the alpine meadow, rock and glacier landscape, with magnificent views of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas.

Several hours later, at the end of the trail, tourists will reach the famous highland village named Ramche. Having enjoyed lunch there, tourists move on for about 40 minutes to reach the South Base Camp of Mt. Kanchenjunga located close to Yalung Glacier.

Here, travelers can admire the whole southern side of the peak, as well as glaciers, ice falls and vibrant Tibetan prayer flags fluttering in the mountain air.

Having explored the base camp and enjoyed the nature here, participants of the tour head back to the settlement of Cheram where the night stay takes place.

Duration

5-6 Hours walk

Max Altitude

4,580 M / 15,026 ft

Activity

Trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

Trek begins from the harsh alpine terrain and reverts to the milder low valley regions connected to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek. After leaving the highlands, the trail traverses Cheram and subsequently descends into the thick forests of rhododendrons, pine, and bamboo in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.

The path is made up of sharp staircases in rocks, forested switchbacks, and rocky sections that demand care while descending. During the journey, the visitors may come across Himalayan wildlife like monals, barking deer, and rare red pandas living in the forest.

Lower elevation means more warm weather and full vegetation, quite different from the previous days spent in the high Himalayas. The walk finishes in the quiet little village of Torongding towards the end of the afternoon and is set in an ideal forest landscape. The night is spent in a local teahouse at Torongding.

Duration

4 Hours walk

Max Altitude

2,080 M / 6,824 ft

Activity

Trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

The current part of the trek is associated with a steep descent within the area characterized by a subtropical climate which dominates the lower part of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek trail. The way winds through bamboo forests, cardamom plantations, terraced lands, and beautiful slopes full of nature and local villages.

The route passes by some small villages occupied by people of Chhetri and Limbu ethnicity who traditionally cultivate their land using primitive methods. The quiet villages, earth houses, livestock, and cultivated lands can be considered a cultural experience that gives an opportunity to understand rural eastern Nepal.

Since there is a decline in elevation, the weather becomes warmer and more humid. After several hours of moving down through the woods and villages, visitors reach the tiny village located on the road named Rani Pul, which is the end of another great day in the Himalayas.

Overnight stay in Rani Pul village.

Duration

6-7 Hours walk

Max Altitude

1,430 M / 4,690 ft

Activity

Trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

This leg involves abandoning the trekking trails and taking a scenic ride back to Taplejung by way of a local Four Wheel Drive car. The trip winds along the Kabeli River and passes green hills, terraced farm fields, village settings, and cardamom farms which are famed across eastern Nepal.

This stretch provides ample opportunity for the observer to learn about rural life in the mountains as the trip takes place through tranquil ridge areas and rural scenery. After spending several days in the distant Himalayan villages, the return trip to Taplejung proves to be a relatively easy one.

Once reaching Taplejung, more facilities will be found, such as comfortable rooms, warm showers, power, Wi-Fi access, local shops, and food outlets. Being the central administrative town of the area, Taplejung is also where the trip experience concludes. It marks the formal end of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek adventure.

Accommodation at Taplejung.

Duration

4 hours short walk

Max Altitude

1,820 M / 5,971 ft

Activity

trek/drive

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

On this day, you will make a flight from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu and view amazing aerial scenery along the eastern hills, valleys, and Himalayas for one last time. After landing at Kathmandu airport, you will be escorted to your hotel.

After such an exciting experience in the far-off Himalayas, you will have the leisure to spend the day as per your convenience either by exploring various tourist spots around Kathmandu city or by doing some shopping in the bustling city.

It’s a great way to wind up your trip with Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek and experience the local culture of the Nepalese capital city.

Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Duration

50 Minutes flight

Max Altitude

1,300 M / 4,265 ft

Activity

Flight

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

3-Star Hotel