Kanchenjunga Base camp Trek

For a true adventure, trek with us to majestic Kanchenjunga the world's third highest mountain. Kanchenjunga is located in remote Eastern Nepal, bordering both India and Tibet. Experience the natural beauty of the 8586meter Kanchenjunga massif. Along the way, you will have amazing views of the mountains Jannu, Kangbachen, Nepal Peak, Chang Himal and Kanchenjunga.

This trek takes you to 5280 meter Pang Pema, the northern base camp of Kanchenjunga, famous for its stunning mountain scenery. After Pang Pema, we will cross the 4663 Mirgin La pass en route to Kanchenjunga's south base camp to the moraine of the Yalung Glacier. On the way, you will pass through a pristine wilderness full of cascading waterfalls, deep river gorges, and thick forests of bamboo and rhododendron. You will pass through isolated Limbu and Tibetan villages, ancient monasteries, and awe-inspiring icefalls. This area of Nepal is abundant in wildlife, at higher elevations you will undoubtedly view herds ofBharal, the famous Himalayan blue sheep, and if you are extremely lucky, you may even glimpse the elusive snow leopard. Our guides have many years experience in exploring this region and established contacts amongst the local people. Therefore, our trekkers will have unique opportunities for home stays and interaction with the local population. Because relatively few trekkers visit this area,  locals are exceptionally friendly and accommodating towards trekkers. This trek offers travelers a rare opportunity to experience traditional life and local culture.We rate this trek as moderate to strenuous. The trek begins at Taplejung at 1820 meters and goes as high as Pang Pema at 5280 meters. This trek is very physically challenging, as there are many long trekking days of 6-7 hours, many ups, and downs. And 3 pass crossings of over 4000 meters. In addition, the weather in this region is unpredictable, and the temperature at higher elevations can be quite cold. However, there are no technical or route finding difficulties, and this trek, although difficult, is a perfect choice for fit and acclimatized trekkers who are looking for an exciting, off the beaten path adventure. This route offers some of the most stunning mountain views in the entire Himalayas, abundant flora and fauna, and fascinating local culture far away from the crowds of Everest or Annapurna.Although this trek is great in both the spring and fall trekking season, spring is the best time to visit when wildflowers such as daffodils, orchids, and rhododendrons are in full bloom. In late spring the rhododendron bloom is so spectacular that it often rivals the mountain views!

Highlights of Kanchenjunga trek

One of the 3rd highest mountain on the planet, towering into the sky with great places to visit like Rai, Limbus.

 

01 DAY

Fly from Kathmandu to Taplejung [Suketar Airport] (2320 meters) trek to Mitlung. 

Half hour flight to Taplejung at Suketar Airport. The porters and crew will wait for your arrival. After landing we take an early lunch, while the crew arranges our gear. Your hike starts along the bank of Tamur Koshi through paddy fields. From time to time you cross through small jungles of cardamom plants and other natural vegetation. You can see some small villages stretching at afar distance. The inhabited area of this part is occupied by the Brahmin, Chhetri and Limbu communities. Stay overnight at camp in Mitlung

02 DAY

Trek from Mitlung to Chirwa (1171m.)

This seven hours day, treks its way along a narrow path through jungle mainly covered with cardamom plants and other vegetation. You can also see small gardens of oranges on your way. You cross through some small streams while walking on ascending and descending paths. Chirwa is a small town where you will find small lodges and camping site with local shops. The local folks here are mainly engaged in agricultural activities. Stay. overnight at camp in Chirwa.

03 DAY

Trek from Chirwa to Sekathum (1635m.)

The 6 hours trek passes through a small jungle along the bank of a river. The trail normally ascends and descends as well. You cross a small hanging bridge before you reach Sekhathum. Stay overnight at camp in Sekathum.

04 DAY

Trek from Sekathum to Amjilosa (2510m.)     

5 hours. The first one and half-hour you trek through normally flat land. Then your trail goes steeply ascending up to Amjilassa. Amjilassa is a small village with a few houses and yak herds with local shops where you find minimal supplies. These shops are also colled Bhattis (local bar) and teashops. Stay overnight at camp in Amjilosa.

05 DAY

Trek from Amjilosa to Gyable

which takes about seven hours. The trail is quite flat in the beginning and gently ascends to Gyable passing through the jungle. Human settlements are visible at Gyable. The local people here follow Buddhist culture. Stay overnight at a camp in Gyable.

06 DAY

Trek from Gyable to Ghunsa (3468m.)

Your 6 hours trail passes through a dense green jungle. You can see Gunsa River down the volley. The trail passes through a few human settlements and it is clearly visible that their lifestyle and culture has been inherited from Tibet. You pass through terraced fields of potatoes, wheat, barley, buckwheat and so on. The local traders are involved in export-import business in Tibet. The traders go to India for trade activities during the winter season. Stay overnight at camp in Ghunsa.

07 DAY

Rest day at Ghunsa for acclimatization.

This is a day to rest in order to acclimatize and do some excursions in and around Ghunsa. Gunsa is also rich of Tibetan and Buddhist culture. Ghunsa is a relatively large town and inhabited by Tibetan people. The women are mainly involved in the carpet weaving profession. The carpet weaving industry is practically run in their homes on a small scale and most of the local people are involved in this trade. The trekkers come across a few checkpoints at Ghunsa. There are also local shops where you can buy goods to take along with you to the higher altitudes. Stay overnight at camp.

08 DAY

Trek from Ghunsa to Kambachen (4124m.)

which takes about seven hours. The trail makes a gradual ascent along the south bank of the Gunsa Khola, then crosses a boulder-strewn floodplain and crosses back to Rambuk Kharka on the north side of the river. Once on the opposite side, the trail passes a waterfall and makes o short, steep ascent to a very unstable scree slope. It's a passage across the slide, with loose footing, a steep fall to the river and lots of tumbling football-sized rocks. Beyond the slide, the trail drops to the single locked hut at Lakep, then traverses to Khambachen, a Tibetan settlement of about a dozen houses at 4040m, Stay overnight at camp in Kambachen.

09 DAY

Trek from Kambachen to Lhonak (4780m.)

7 hours The trail climbs gradually through open rocky fields to Ramtang at 4240m, then across moraines north-west of the Konchenjunga Glacier. Lhonak, at 4790m, is close to a dry lake bed on on open, sandy plain^water is scarce here. There ore no houses, but you can camp among the large boulders to get out of the wind. Terrific mountain views abound in all directions. Stay overnight at camp in Lhonak.

10DAY

Trek from Lhonak to Pangpema (5152m.)

Which takes about four hours. From Lhonak, the trail ascends gradually across the plain, and then becomes steeper as it follows the moraine. You can drop off the moraine and follow the bottom of the volley to avoid the steep section. The views are dramatic, but you cannot see Kanchenjunga or Wedge Peak until you are near Peng Pema. The spectacular main peak of Kanchenjunga and a panorama of other peaks make up one of the largest mountain masses in the world, towering over     the single roofless hut at Pang Pema. Stay overnight at camp in Pangpema.

11 DAY

Trek from Pangpema to Kanchanjunga (North) Base Camp (5280m.)

To Lhonak and it takes approximately six hours. Here you con enjoy the snow copped mountains and the Konchenjunga glacier. There are gorges of mountain glaciers from water flows oil the time. During the middle of the day, the scene of falling avalanches captivates your imagination completely. Stay overnight at camp in Lhonok.

12 DAY

Trek from Lhonak to Ghunsa

Which takes about seven hour. Now you trek to a descending path crossing the jungle along the Kambachen River, Somewhere you can see the prayer flags hanging over the trees. At o point, you hove to cross a wooden bridge. Stay overnight at camp in Ghunsa,

13 DAY

Trek from Ghunsa to Mirgin La l4S8im.)

Which takes about seven hours. By ascending, you pass through a less thick jungle. Here also you can see mani walls and prayer flags hanging over the trees. While trekking you get views of various beautiful mountains. You can also observe different animals like mountain goats and yaks grazing over the green hills. Stay overnight at camp in Mirgin La.

14 DAY

Trek from Mirgin La to Tseram (3725m.)

Which takes about seven hours. You trek through desert like areas and in some places the trail is almost stony. The path ascends from Mirgin La to Tseram. On the way you con see Lapsang La glacier, Mirgin La glacier and snow-capped mountains. There are some stone roof houses at Tseram and also some yak huts. Stay overnight at camp in Tseram.

15 DAY

Trek from Tseram to Oktang (5225m.)

Which takes about eight hours You trek through moraines. On the trail, you can see the Yalung glacier and Lapsang glacier. You can also see mountain goats as you cross through a desert like area. The view of snow-covered mountains and Kanchenjunga is absolutely magnificent. Walking through this trail is full of adventure. Stay overnight at camp in Oktang.

16DAY

Excursion to Kanchanjunga Base Camp (South)

Which takes about six hours. Trekkers have to walk through moraines and a strenuous rocky path. Trekking this day is pretty adventurous as you have to walk along the glaciers including the Oktang glacier. The panoramic views of Kanchenjunga, Mount Jannu and other peaks are completely captivating. Some parts of the area touch neighboring India. Stay overnight at camp in Oktang.

17 DAY

Trek from Oktang to Tseram (3725m.)

This takes approximately seven hours where trek allowing a stream alongside the moraines of Yalung Glacier. Trekking through a jungle of juniper is required. The path is quite loose and rocky. Along the way, you will see the difficult route of Lapsang La pass at a distance. There are a few stone roof houses at Tseram and some yak huts. Stay overnight at camp in Tseram

18 DAY

Trek from Tserom to Yamphudin (2090m.)

Which takes about nine hours. The first part of the trail goes along the bank of the river Simbua Khola. You have to walk through a dense jungle. On the way, you can see the effects of landslides at some places. The trail normally ascends up to Lomite Bhanjyang and then descends to Yamphudin crossing a small river. Yamphudin is a mixed community of Sherpas, Limbus, Rais and Gurungs. Among the corn and rice fields of the village there is a school and some shops with minimal supplies. Stay overnight at camp in Yamphudin.

19DAY

Trek from Yamphudin to Khesewa (2120.m)

Which takes about seven hours. In the beginning, you descend crossing the Omje Khola up to halfway. Now you ascend through a jungle of cardamom and orchid plants. You pass a small village where you can find different human settlements.

20 DAY

Trek from Khesewa to Taplejung (Suketar Airport)

We pass through a succession of picturesque villages on our way to Suketar, reaching around late afternoon. Overnight at tented camp.

21 DAY

Fly back to Kathmandu

Enjoy your last glimpse of the mountains on the 35 minute Scenic flight back to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.

Your safety is of paramount concern whilst traveling with Himalayan Trailfinder. Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; However, as thisĀ  is adventure travel in remote mountain regions, we cannot guarantee it! Weather conditions, health condition of a member, unexpected natural disasters etc, can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

Enquiry About This Trip

Trip Facts

  • Duration21days
  • Tour GradeTechnical
  • Trip Cost2500
  • Trip Discount 10%
  • Max Elevation 5280 m
  • Best Month:Oct - Nov / Mar - May
  • Trip start/End:Taplejung /Taplejung

Trip Maps

  • Experienced guide and porter one for two guests
  • All ground transportation during the trip.
  • Three meals a day (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) and accommodation in local family house/lodge
  • Emergency rescue arrangement
  • First aid kit.
  • Water resistant kit bag.
  • Walking poles.
  • High quality Italian camping equipment (Ferino, La Sportiva, Salewa)
  • Down sleeping bag, Down jacket air mat on request
  • Drink Beverage and water.
  • Donation, Tips.
  • Personal Expenses
  • Visa fee on arrival