The magnificence of the third highest peak in the world, Mt. Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is the perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful and calm walk throughout their journey. It is an off-the-beaten trail full of challenging sections in it and thus adrenaline pumping. The trails to Kanchenjunga Base Camp traverse through rugged terrains, alpine forests, and terraced farmlands revealing its beauty in its undisturbed natural settings. The vegetation and landscapes change dramatically as you ascend higher to stand at the base of Kanchenjunga sanctuary. 

Mt. Kanchanjunga lies in the easternmost part of Nepal near the border of Sikkim and Tibet. The Base Camp of this mountain is situated at an altitude of 5160m and the mountain itself is 8586 meters high from sea level. This region is relatively untouched and less crowded than other popular trekking trails in Nepal. It offers you breathtaking scenery, diverse culture, and the chance to experience the authentic lifestyle of the local people.

The Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is an arduous trek that takes around 20-25 days to complete. The trek starts from the small town of Taplejung and follows the trail through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, which is home to many rare and endangered wildlife species, including the snow leopard and red panda. The trail is well-marked and is not frequented by many tourists, which adds to the trek's charm. 

This region is also full of cultural diversity as you can meet different community people such as Rai, Limbu, Sherpa, Gurung, and Tamang people throughout the trail. These people are so friendly and welcoming having their own distinct cultures, traditions, and lifestyles that have been passed down from generation to generation. Mostly these people follow Kirats and Buddism, so you can see several monasteries, chortens(stupas), and prayer flags on the way. These factors create and make way to Kanchenjunga Base Camp peaceful and spiritual.

Besides all these appealing aspects to go on this trek, it could be challenging for a beginner and solo trekker. This trek is ideal for experienced trekkers who are physically fit and have some previous trekking experience. The trek involves a lot of steep ascents and descents, which can be physically demanding. 

Thus, the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is a challenging yet rewarding trek that takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Himalayas. With stunning views of the Kanchenjunga massif and the opportunity to interact with local communities, this trek is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

 

Highlights

  • Exploring the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, a protected area with diverse flora and fauna
  • Trekking through the picturesque village having unique culture and traditions
  • Capturing stunning mountain views, including the world's third-highest peak, Mt. Kanchenjunga
  • Visiting remote monasteries and getting some Buddhist insights.
  • Trekking through lush forests and crossing high mountain passes, such as the Lapsang La Pass at 5160m
  • Exploring Yalung Glacier with magnificent views of the Kanchenjunga region.

Itinerary

Detail Itinerary Outline Itinerary

Day

You arrive in Kathmandu today. You will be received at the airport and then transferred to the hotel. Try to manage your arrival time by the afternoon so that we can meet for an important trip briefing session in the evening. We will leave you with information about the trip briefing timing upon your arrival. The briefing will be at the hotel itself. Until the briefing, take your time to refresh and relax.

  • Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
  • Place: Kathmandu
  • Altitude: 1350m

Kathmandu being the capital city of Nepal is a hub of cultural, historical, and spiritual significance that should not be missed before embarking on trekking to the Himalayas. The city offers a wealth of captivating sights and experiences, from the timeless charm of its ancient monuments, temples, durbars, and palaces to vibrant street life and bustling markets.

A visit to the most sacred and iconic temple of Hindu, Pashupatinath, will give you an insight into the rich spiritual heritage of the region, whilst a stroll through the historic streets of Durbar Square will take you back in time to the days of the Nepalese monarchy. In addition, the tour of Syambhunath and the biggest Stupa in the world, Bouddhanath, will transport spiritual energy and the essence of Buddhism, spreading peace and love to humanity.

 You will also have the time to do last-minute preparation on this day if you need to.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Place: Kathmandu
  • Altitude: 1350m

 The third day of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek involves a flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and a long drive to Taplejung. The drive from Bhadrapur to Taplejung takes around 7-8 hours, passing through small towns and villages, lush forests, and picturesque landscapes. This day is mostly spent in transit but offers beautiful views of the region's landscapes and an introduction to the local culture and way of life.

After having an early morning breakfast at the lodge in Taplejung, we start our first day trekking heading north. We will be trekking from Taplejung to Mitlung, a small village located at an altitude of 921m. The trail will lead us through lush green forests, beautiful rivers, and numerous small settlements where we can experience the traditional lifestyle of the locals. We may encounter various species of birds and wildlife on the way, including langur monkeys, Himalayan black bears, and the endangered red panda. It will take us around 5-6 hours to reach Mitlung where we stay overnight. As we reach Mitlung, we will be greeted by stunning views of the surrounding hills and mountains, making for a perfect end to the day.

  • Meals: B, L, D
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Mitlung
  • Altitude: 921

On the 5th day of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, we will begin our trek from Mitlung to Chirwa, which takes about 5-6 hours. The trail passes through lush forests and terraced fields, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Along the way, we will also come across several small villages inhabited by the Limbu community, known for their unique culture and tradition. We will have the opportunity to interact with the locals and learn more about their way of life. As we continue our trek, we will cross the Simbuwa Khola river and ascend towards Tawa village, where we will stop for lunch. After a short break, we will make our way towards Chirwa, passing through beautiful forests of rhododendron, magnolia, and oak trees. Upon arrival in Chirwa, we will spend the night at a local teahouse, enjoying a well-deserved rest after a long day of trekking.

  • Meals: B,L,D
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Chiruwa
  • Altitude: 1270m

Today, we will be trekking to Sukathum which takes approximately 5-6 hours. The walk today will mostly follow flat trail and descends through a forested area. We will walk alongside the Tamor River, which originates from Kanchenjunga region, providing picturesque views of the surrounding landscapes. On reaching Sukhathum, we can explore the village and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding mountains. 

  • Meals: B,L,D
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Sukathum
  • Altitude: 1576m

After having breakfast in Sukathum, we'll leave this charming little village behind and continue our trek to Amjilosa. The trail takes us through dense forests, crossing several streams and waterfalls along the way. The natural beauty of the region is truly breathtaking, with lush green vegetation and towering mountains in the backdrop. The highlight of the day is undoubtedly the stunning view of the Tamor River Gorge, which we'll be able to see from a suspension bridge that we'll cross during the trek. The trek from Sukathum to Amjilosa takes around 6-7 hours, depending on the pace of the group. Finally, we'll reach Amjilosa, a small village located at an altitude of 2,308 meters, where we'll spend the night.

  • Meals: B,L,D
  • Accommodation: teahouse
  • Place: Amjilosa
  • Altitude: 2308m

Leaving Amjilosa after breakfast, the trail leads us through beautiful forests of rhododendrons and bamboo with occasional waterfalls and river crossings. The stunning views of the mountains and the sound of the river make the journey even more enchanting. On reaching the charming village of Gyabla, surrounded by lush green hills and a beautiful river valley, it will be worth the walk today. The trek duration is around 5-6 hours, and upon reaching Gyabla, we can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

  • Meals: B,L,D
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Gyabla
  • Altitude: 2730m

Starting the day with an energizing breakfast at Gyabala, we embark on a beautiful trek towards Ghunsa. The trail takes us through lush forests of rhododendron, pine, and bamboo trees, with occasional sightings of rare wildlife species such as musk deer and Himalayan black bear. The stunning landscape of snow-capped peaks, raging rivers, and cascading waterfalls never ceases to amaze us. After trekking for several hours, we finally reach the charming village of Ghunsa, where we can enjoy the hospitality of the friendly locals and rest for the night. The trek duration for this day is approximately 6-7 hours, depending on the pace of the group. Overall, this is a day filled with natural beauty, cultural experiences, and physical challenges.

  • Meals: B,L,D
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Ghunsa
  • Altitude: 3595

Today, we take a rest day and explore around Ghunsa. It will allow the body to recover from previous days of trekking and altitude gain, preparing for the upcoming challenges of the trek. We can also attend  a traditional cultural program organized by the locals, or simply relax and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

  • Meals: B,L,D
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Ghunsa
  • Altitude: 3595

We resume our trek along the river bank toward north, which take us even more closer with the mountain scenery.  We will pass through several small settlements and enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including the Jannu and Kumbachen peaks. The walk today will take us approximately 5-6 hours untill we reach Kambachen to spend the night.

  • Meals: B,L,D
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Kambachen
  • Altitude: 4050

Being at Kambachen, we are at an altitude above 4000 meters so we take another rest day and prepare ourselves for the rest of the journey. On this day, you can explore the Nuphchu Khola Valley area and have some cultural talks with the locals.

On day 13, the trek continues to be challenging and requires an early start. The trail consists of rocky terrain and large boulders on the hillside near the riverbank, with a waterfall as a point of interest. After crossing a bridge to reach Ramtang monastery, the route takes us through a landslide area that needs to be traversed at a moderate pace. Finally, we descend to the river and reach Lhonak, where we will spend the night at a guesthouse. 

  • Meals: B,L,D
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Lhonak
  • Altitude: 4780

Today is a long and challenging day as we trek to Pangpema, also known as Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, which stands at an altitude of 5,388 meters. We start early in the morning and make our way through rocky terrain, crossing several glacial streams along the way. The trail winds its way up through the valley, passing through stunning alpine scenery and offering breathtaking views of towering peaks. We will trek for around 6-7 hours to reach Pangpema, where we can witness the magnificent views of Kanchenjunga North and other surrounding peaks.  As we approach Pangpema, we catch our first glimpse of the majestic Kanchenjunga North face, a truly awe-inspiring sight. We spend some time taking in the views before heading back down to our teahouse in Lhonak for the night.

  • Meals: B,L,D
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Pangpema
  • Altitude: 5388

After enjoying the magnificent view of the Kanchenjunga range, we will begin our trek back to Kambachen. The trail descends through the rhododendron forest and crosses several streams. We will also pass by the Lhonak Glacier and the Ramtang Monastery. The trek is relatively easy, and we will have enough time to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. We will spend the night at a guesthouse in Kambachen. The trek back to Kambachen should take around 5-6 hours.

  • Meals: B,L,D
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Kambachen
  • Altitude: 4050

After breakfast, we begin our trek back to Ghunsa. We follow the trail through beautiful rhododendron and pine forests, with stunning views of the Himalayan range along the way. We pass through several small settlements and cross a few suspension bridges before reaching the village of Phale, where we stop for lunch. After lunch, we continue our descent and eventually arrive back in Ghunsa, where we spend the night at a guesthouse. The trek takes approximately 5-6 hours.

  • Meals: B,L,D
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Ghunsa
  • Altitude: 3595

On day 17, we leave Ghunsa behind and head to Sele Le. It's a challenging day as we will be ascending a steep hill right after crossing the bridge. We then cross four more bridges before reaching Rambuk Kharka, which is the perfect place to stop for lunch. After lunch, we'll continue our climb toward the Sele La Pass. The last section of the climb is particularly steep, but the view of the surrounding mountains is worth it. After reaching the top of the pass, we descend through a rocky trail to Sele Le, where we'll spend the night. The Trek duration will be around 7-8 hours.

  • Meals: B,L,D
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Sele Le
  • Altitude: 4290

We continue our trek towards Cheram after breakfast. The trail takes us through a beautiful forest of rhododendrons and junipers. We will have to cross several small streams and a bridge over the Simbuwa Khola. The trail then ascends towards the snout of the Yalung Glacier, from where we climb up to Cheram. The view of the glacial valley and the surrounding snow-capped mountains is stunning. We will spend the night in Cheram, where we can rest and recharge for the next day's trek. The duration of the trek from Sele Le to Cheram is about 6-7 hours, depending on the pace.

  • Meals: B,L,D
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Cheram
  • Altitude: 3870

We will hike up to the Yalung Glacier's snout and trek along the Simbuwa Khola, passing through Lapsang village, until we reach Ramche. During this trek, we can walk further up the valley or ascend a ridge for a stunning view of blue sheep. Following the stream, we will climb the moraine top until we come across the southern face of Kanchenjunga. Continuing further ahead will offer a glimpse of the Jannu Himal, and we could even consider visiting the Oktang Monastery. After descending, we will spend the night at Cheram. The entire journey will take approximately 6-7 hours.

  • Meals: B,L,D
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Ramche
  • Altitude: 4580

After a good night's rest in Cheram, we begin our descent towards Tortong. Along the way, we come across two trails, and we take the one that leads to the Simbuwa Khola. The trail winds its way through lush forests and picturesque landscapes. We cross several streams and suspension bridges before reaching the Tamur River. The trail then follows the river, and we arrive at the small settlement of Tortong, where we'll spend the night. This is a relatively easy day of trekking compared to the previous days, and we'll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the scenic beauty around us. The trek journey will be of approximately 5-6 hours today.

  • Meals: B,L,D
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Tortong
  • Altitude: 2995

We'll resume our trek from Tortong first by crossing the suspension bridge over the Tortong Khola and trekking downhill to Yamphudin. The trail passes through dense forest and provides stunning views of the Himalayas. Along the way, we'll cross several small streams and waterfalls, and the landscape gradually changes from lush forests to terraced fields. We'll also encounter several traditional Limbu villages, where we can learn about their unique culture and traditions. The trek to Yamphudin takes approximately 6-7 hours.

  • Meals: B,L,D
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Yamphudin
  • Altitude: 2080

From Yamphudin, the trail descends to cross the Kabeli Khola and then climbs steeply to Mamankhe. The trail passes through several small villages and terraced fields, providing a glimpse into the rural lifestyle of the people living in this region. The trail follows the Kabeli Khola, offering breathtaking views of the river and the surrounding hills. The trek takes around 6-7 hours, and we will spend the night at a guesthouse in Mamankhe.

  • Meals: B,L,D
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Mamanka
  • Altitude: 1800

The trek from Mamanka to Lalikharka is a moderate downhill trek that takes around 5-6 hours to complete. It is a well-marked path that follows the Kabeli Khola river. The descent is steep in places, so it is important to watch your step. Overall, it is a beautiful and rewarding trek that provides a glimpse into the culture and lifestyle of the local people.

  • Meals: B,L,D
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Lalikharka
  • Altitude: 2265

After breakfast, we begin our last day of trekking. The trek ends at Suketar from where we started, and we take a scenic drive to Bhadrapur. The trek duration is around 4-5 hours and drive duration is 5-6 hours. Overnight at a hotel in Bhadrapur.

  • Meals: B,L,D
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Place: Bhadrapur
  • Altitude: 91

The final day of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek involves a scenic flight from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel, marking the end of an unforgettable journey through the remote wilderness of eastern Nepal.

  • Meals: B,L,D
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Place: Kathmandu
  • Altitude: 1350

Day 26 of the trip is a well-deserved rest day in Kathmandu. It's the perfect opportunity to explore the local markets and buy some souvenirs to take home. It's also a chance to relax and recover from the trek before departing for home or continuing on to another adventure in Nepal.

  • Meals: B,L,D
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Place: Kathamandu
  • Altitude: 1350

All the services on the trip conclude today unless extended. If you are departing home or other destinations, we will transfer you to airport.

What to Expect

  • Airport pickup and drop off service on your arrival and departure
  • 3-star level hotel accommodation on twin sharing basis in Kathmandu
  • Simple lodge accommodation on the trekking
  • All breakfasts for the trip; all meals during the trek
  • All overland transportation
  • All necessary permits for trekking
  • A professional trekking guide for the trip
  • Necessary number of porters for the trek
  • First aid kit
  • Guided Kathmandu sightseeing tour
  • International flight ticket and travel insurance
  • Nepal visa fees
  • Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu; any kind of drinks
  • Entry fees to the heritage sites in Kathmandu
  • Gratuities
  • All other expenses of personal nature and not mentioned in the “Includes” section

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