Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Restricted Region and less trodden trek to Kanchenjunga
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Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
Trip Photos
At a Glance
Duration26 Days
Trip GradeStrenuous
i
Maximum Altitude5,400 m
Best TimeOct-Nov/Mar-May

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek - Tranquil and Picturesque Journey

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is a challenging route in the east of Nepal. This Kanchenjunga Trek best suits those with time and desire to venture into remote and less-trodden areas. It is a natural paradise that offers a tranquil and picturesque trekking experience. Mount Kanchenjunga, at 8586 meters, is the third-highest mountain in the world. This vast and massive mountain borders between Nepal and India.

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek - Natural Diversity and Ethic Culture

The Kanchenjunga circuit trek explores the less-trodden and unspoiled region of the eastern part of Nepal. We encounter ethnic groups with their unique culture and traditions. We hike through tropical to subtropical rhododendron, oak, and chestnut forests. Furthermore, the high Alpine zone is dominated by enchanting views of the snow-capped peaks. Thus, the Kanchenjunga base camp trek fascinates you with the glacial plateau and beautiful landscape.

Additionally, the traditional village settlements of Rai, Limbu, Gurung, and Sherpa have their solitary culture and lifestyle. This region is well known as the home of the Red Panda, snow leopard, and other snow animals. This Kanchenjunga trek area in Nepal is protected and controlled by the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project (KCAP). There are two North and South Base Camps at 5400 meters.

Remote Journey to the Himalayan Gaint of Kanchenjunga

This Kanchenjunga base camp trek begins along the Tamur River. The leading ethnic group of this region is Lumbu. They are the mainstays in the British Gurkha Regiments. Their ancestor has ruled Nepal for many centuries. You hike through some of the most pristine oak and rhododendron forests. Ultimately, this less trodden route brings you to harsher high terrain. The Mirgin-La pass at 4725 meters exhibits Makalu, Chamlang, and Everest. You will pass the glacier on your way to Pang Pema base camp. It rewards the close-up and stunning view of the Kanchenjunga peak. Parades of peaks like Wedge Peak, The Twins, Pyramid Peak, and Tent Peak to capture in the Kanchenjunga circuit trek.

Itinerary

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Itinerary:

Details of the trek itinerary of the Kanchenjunga circuit trek in the Himalayas.

Tour PlanExpand All
Day 01
  • On your arrival at Kathmandu airport, your trek leader or MMA staff will be there to receive you with the MMA board.
  • You will be transferred to the hotel by a private car at Thamel. You will be staying at the hotel on a B/B basis.
  • You will have a welcome dinner with a typical Nepalese dish with a Nepalese cultural program.
Day 02
  • After breakfast, you will go for a half-day sightseeing tour in the City.
  • You will go to visit two prominent historical and architectural World Heritage sites.
  • First, visit Pashupatinath Temple, a famous Hindu temple worldwide. The 2nd is the Boudhanath Stupa at Boudha, the largest Buddhist Stupa in the World.
  • Afternoon, there will be a trek briefing and trek pack.
  • Last-minute shopping for the trek.
Day 3-4
  • It takes an almost 45-minute flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur. The flight offers astonishing views of the entire trek of the Kanchenjunga region.
  • The drive from Bhadrapur to Taplejung is 359 km through different hillsides, villages, and tea gardens. Spectacular views and eye-catching landscapes eventually take us to the District Headquarters, Taplejung. We stay at the hotel at Taplejung (8-9 hrs).
  • We trekked for three days in the Tamur River Valley. The hike started at a low point of 921m and reached an elevation of 1650m in Sekathum.
  • We will walk along the river and rainforest with rich birdlife.
  • The valley is incredible, with a deep Tamur gorge, beautiful cliffs, waterfalls, and the gosling sound of glacial water flowing through it.
  • Our walk begins in the subtropical forest and continues through the narrow valley and the local villages. As the valley opens, we pass villages of traditional Limbu people. These people have been growing rice, millet, barley, wheat, and corn for 2000 years.
Day 5-10
  • Our trek follows through the Tamur River valley and later turns into the Ghunsa River Valley. Finally, we cross Simbuwa Khola just before Sekathum, which originates from the Yalung glacier.
  • The narrow trail follows the Ghunsa River Valley and starts climbing towards Amjilosha. As we ascend higher elevations, go through the traditional Sherpa cum Tibetan Settlement.
  • Some easy days are walking through a dense forest in a remote area.
  • As we cross 3,000 m elevation, we keep our pace slow, giving us enough time to maintain a comfortable pace and avoid acute mountain sickness (AMS).
  • When we walk from Gyabla to Ghunsa, after a long climb through a dense forest of pine, fir, and rhododendron trees, we arrive in a traditional Tibetan village called Phole. We rest, eat lunch here, and visit an old Buddhist monastery in the village.
  • After a six-day hike, we arrive in Ghunsa village(3,400 m), the last permanent settlement on the way to North Kanchanjunga Base Camp.
Day 11-13
  • We will be exploring Kanchenjunga North Base Camp from Ghunsa. It is a magnificent glacial valley; walk through the moraine and enjoy the stunning view of the Kanchenjunga massif.
  • This is a very isolated high-altitude glacial terrain with no villages or houses. Our trail climbs gradually through the moraine debris. We have an excellent opportunity to see wildlife like blue sheep and mountain goats, smaller animals like pikka and marmots, and birds of prey like falcons, kites, and eagles.
  • The glacier starts from around Ramtangat, 4,240 m. The trail continues on its north side with Lhonak, located at the junction of Lhonak and Kanchenjunga glaciers. It is surrounded by stunning mountains flourishing in all directions.
  • Eventually, we will explore Kanchenjunga north base camp, Pang Pema. We will explore the glacier as much as possible and enjoy the views of magnificent Kanchenjunga and other snow peaks mountains.
Day 14-15
  • We return to Ghunsa after exploring the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. Then, we prepare to go further up to Selele Base Camp and cross all three passes.
  • We ascend from Ghunsa along the trail used by local people, walking through a thick forest of birch trees, pine, and rhododendrons.
  • We also spend the night at the Selele base camp called Selele Kharka. There is a basic lodge for us, and we spend one night here.
Day 16-17
  • It will be a Challenging trek today with a steep 400 m climb to Mirgin La Pass. It offers an incredible Jannu Himal and Makalu, Baruntse, Chamlang, Kanchenjunga, Kyabru, the Himalayan range, and the Sikkim border.
  • We follow the walk along the ridges and make the final descent to Tseram. We halt the night at a tea house at Tseram at 4,730 m.
Day 18
  • Today, we start early from Ramche to reach Oktang (4,730 m), 7 km.
  • Enjoy the stunning view of Kanchenjunga Himal. There are five different peaks of Kanchenjunga, also called the 5 Jewels of Kanchenjunga. The other impressive peaks of Rothang and Kyabru on the Nepal-Sikkim border are breathtaking. After enjoying all the beauty of Kanchenjunga Himal, Yalung glacier, and other beautiful mountains and hills, we returned to Ramche, walked down to Tserum, and halted the night here.
Day 19-23
  • We follow an easy trail along with Simbua Khola through varieties of pine and rhododendron forests descending to Yamphuding.
  • This is a rugged section of this trek as it is difficult to hike due to the landslides and climb 600 m to the Lamite pass(3,500 m).
  • We walk through the beautiful villages of Chhetri and Brahmins and cross two passes.
  • On the last day, we hiked around 1200 m and climbed to Tharpu Village. From here, we enjoyed the last glimpses of the Kanchenjunga Himalayan range and the sunset view from the village.
  • You will enjoy driving through the different scenic landscapes and picturesque valleys up to Bhadrapur.
Day 23-26
  • While flying to Kathmandu, you will enjoy the beautiful view of the most impressive Himalayan ranges. Then, as you arrive in Kathmandu, the afternoon is free to explore the Thamel, a famous tourist hub in Kathmandu, and do your last-minute shopping.
  • We customize the airport transfer per your onward light timing.
Cost Details
Included
  • All domestic and international airport transportation
  • Hotel accommodation on Twin shares BB plans as on the itinerary.
  • Stay at a tea house while on the Kanchenjunga trek
  • Group welcome diner/ local Nepali food
  • Guided cultural tour in Kathmandu
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner on trek
  • Experienced and medical-trained guide and porter with wages and insurance
  • Proper safety backup: Oxygen cylinder and medical kit on trek
  • Warm trek gear for use, like a sleeping bag and warm jacket
  • Company complimentary trek gear like a trek duffle bag and T-shirt
  • Kanchenjunga region special trekking permits and government taxes
  • TIMS / Trekking permit, National park / Conservation entry fees.
Excluded
  • Nepal Visa fees
  • Your travel insurance of any kind
  • International Airfare and Airport Tax
  • All drinks and main meals in cities.
  • Beverage drinks on trek
  • Tips to Trek crew
  • Personal nature expenses like a hot shower, battery charge, Wi-Fi, etc.
Route Map
trek map Kanchenjunga base camp
Altitude Chart
elevation chart of Kanchenjunga base camp trail
Trip Gallery
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Kanchenjunga Peak
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Kanchenjunga Trek