Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek – 30 Days

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek – 30 Days

  • Duration31 Days
  • Trip DifficultyStrenuous
  • Best SeasonSpring / Autumn
  • Arrival CityKathmandu
  • Departure CityKathmandu
  • Altitude maximum5140m (Pang Pema)
  • TransportVehicle / Flight
  • AccomodationCamping
  • MealsFull Board

Overview

Kachenjunga Base Camp Trek leads you to the third highest mountain in the world, the Kanchenjunga, with an elevation of 8,586 m, lies between Nepal and Sikkim, India. Its three of the five peaks soar up directly on the border, while the other two in Nepal’s Taplejung District. In fact, the literal meaning of Kanchenjunga is ‘five great treasures of snow’.

This remote but wondrous region is not much explored, which is the reason why you are suggested to discover the pure and pristine treasure trove of picturesque delights and rocky terrain. Its trekking duration is designed in such a way that you can profusely absorb every bit of its beauty. What makes it all the more tempting to adventure seeker is its permission to trekking—only since 1988, due to which the ambiance of freshness will appeal to your senses of sight and smell.

The Kanchenjunga  Base Camp Trek, which commences from Taplejung, takes you from tropical lowlands to the high glaciers and the majestic peaks of the Kanchenjunga, the Kambachen, the Yalung Kang and the Jannu. The highest point of the trek will be the Pang Pema (5,140 m). Standing atop it to view the whitish landscapes will be quite an ethereal experience. To get to that point you will pass through verdant terraced fields and lush green forests. On the way, the quaint traditional villages will be the best of the things with expansive people.

The trail, going northwards to Ghunsa followed by an ascent to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp, and continuing to the Yalung Base Camp, go through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area—one of the least densely populated areas in Nepal—is home to the endangered snow leopard and red panda, vulnerable Himalayan Black bear, clouded leopard, and Assamese macaque. There are more than enough to entice you.
Justifiably, one of the most exotic aspects is ethnicity—predominantly the Rai and the Limbu. They are culturally rich and sufficient.

All in all, this one-month trek is so for all the right reasons. It has so much to offer that you wouldn’t want to miss. And we are here to make it happen in the best way possible. Please, do contact us.

Detailed Itinerary

You will be transferred to the hotel by one of our representatives. Welcome dinner at one of the traditional Nepali restaurants in Kathmandu.
Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m

Start our tour visiting a magnificent Buddhist stupa called Swoyambhunath which is 10 minutes drive from Thamel. Then a short drive to one of the oldest cities of Kathmandu valley which is called Patan; to witness its incredible architecture from medieval period.

Swoyambhunath is one of the oldest stupas of the Kathmandu Valley. It is situated on one of the highest hills in the valley. It watches over the Valley from the top of a hillock on its western side just three kilometers west of the city center. The stupa is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation of the Kathmandu Valley out of a primordial lake. Swayambhu is also known as Samhengu and is recognized as a World Heritage Site. It is also one of the oldest and most glorious Buddhist shrines in the world which is said to be two thousand years. The four sides of the stupa are painted with the eyes of Lord Buddha.

Patan – the second largest town in the valley is situated to the south of Kathmandu. Patan’s great building boom took place under the Mallas in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Numerous temples of widely diverse styles, as well as many Buddhist monasteries, are scattered around the fascinating town. Patan is famous for its crafts and metal works which are wonderful souvenirs.
Overnight: Hotel

A short and scenic flight to southern town of Biratnagar. We will explore the border town in the afternoon.
Overnight: Hotel

Another scenic flight from Biratnagar to Taplejung which takes about 35 minutes. The trekking crew will be waiting for you at Taplejung airport. Our actual adventure starts from this point as we start our trek towards Kachenjunga. It is relatively short hike for today to provide some time for our body to adjust the new surroundings.
Overnight: Lodge
Flight Time: 25 minutes
Walking Time: 3 hours

We start our second day’s trek to Khesawa enjoying the view of changing landscapes as we go through Simbu, Kande Bhanjyang and Sincheburi Bhanjyang.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: -300m

The day starts with a climb through terraced fields high above the Kabeli Khola and continue towards Yangpang followed by a descend to Khaksuwa khola then a short climb takes us to the village called Mamankhe.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 5 to 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: – 335m

The trek from Mamankhe to Yamphudin is fairly easy with gradual climb. Yamphudin is a traditional village of Rai and Sherpa community. This is the last settlement of this part of the valley; the next settlement is Ghunsa after crossing the Sele La pass.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: +160m

An enjoyable walk through the forest which is quite peaceful and pleasant, takes us to Chitre.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 4 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 885m

The day starts with steep climb to Deurali Danda (Lasiya Bhanjyang) which takes about three hours crossing mostly dense forest. After Deurali Danda, we descend through stunning forest and continue down into the Simjhua Valley and finally to Tortong.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 7 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 30m

Following the river through the stunning forest of rhododendron, we climb steeply towards Tseram. The view of the Yalung Glacier and some of the peaks Kabru and Rathong peak can be seen in fair distance.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 875m

Spending more time in this altitude allow you to become adjusted to thinning air and lessening pressure for your approach to higher altitudes.
Overnight: Lodge

It is fairly short walking day. The scenery is magnificent as we ascend south of the Yalung Glaciers into a series of ablation valleys.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 4 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 710m

Leaving Ramche, we set off very early for our first close encounter with Kanchenjunga. Following the valley around its sweeping curve, we suddenly be confronted with the vast southern wall of the mountain. The ridge forms a cirque which is over 15 km long and not less than 7500 m high. Along this ridge lie three main summits of Mt Kanchenjunga at 8420m, 8586m, and 8474m. The sight is truly breathtaking. Today, we get wonderful mountain views especially Jannu (Kumbhakarna) while observing the glaciers flowing from its east face. Then, we retrace our steps back to Ramche and continue to Tseram for the overnight.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 7 hours
Difference in Elevation: – 710

Reasonably tough day as we have to cross multiple (3) passes today; it is fairly enjoyable day though as we get the spectacular view of the several mountain peaks. Apart from the magnificent Jannu, on the horizon are Makalu, Everest, Gyakung Kang, Lhotse and Chamalang. To the south it is possible to see down to the Terai, a panoramic view well worth the effort.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 9 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 420

Enjoying the stunning view of the southwest face of Mt. Jannu (Kumbhakarna) we trek to Kharka, and the trail gets pleasant and more enjoyable through the forest all the way down to Ghunsa. Ghunsa is a Tibetan influenced village with a tiny Monastery (Gompa) and prayer flags fluttering from the wooden houses. It comes as a welcome sight after the rigorous walking of the previous days. This is an excellent opportunity to observe local people, their culture, monastery etc.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: – 695m

The trail gradually ascends following Ghunsa Khola through beautiful pine and rhododendron forests, passing many mani walls and chortens. It is decently uphill trek all the way to Kambachen. The clear and excellent mountain views of Mt. Jannu, Kanchenjunga and some other peaks can be seen from this place.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 5 – 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 455m

Few hours hike to the view point to enjoy the view of Mt. Jannu (Kumbhakarna) and surrounding mountain peaks. Spending another night here allows you to become adjusted to thinning air and lessening pressure for your approach to Kanchenjunga Base Camp.
Overnight: Lodge

Gradual climb through rocky fields gets you to Ramtang (4370m) and then crosses northwest of the Kanchenjunga Glacier to reach Lhonak. Lohnak is a cold and a sandy plain located high above Kanchenjunga glacier opposite Wedge peak. We set our camp between the boulders here to stay out of the wind.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 5 – 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 730m

A short trek takes us to Pang Pema which can be used as an expedition base camp for Kanchenjunga. The trail from Lhonak to Pang Pema gradually ascends across the plain but soon gets steeper as it follows the moraine. Pang Pema (5140m) is highest point of this trek.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 4 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 360m

A short hike to a ridge, north of Pang Pema which provides a great vantage point with views of Kanchenjunga, Wedge Peak, the Twins and Tent Peak and other peaks. Then we retrace our steps back to Pang Pema and continue to Kambachen.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 8 hours
Difference in Elevation: – 1090m

Retracing our steps back to Ghunsa passing through the Rampuk kharka.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 4 – 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: – 455m

Following a river valley through a beautiful forest passing through Phale we trek to Gyapla.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 4 hours
Difference in Elevation: – 865m

Another short and easy day through the stunning forest which opens out to a steep, grassy hillsides of Amjilosa.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 4 hours
Difference in Elevation: – 422m

The day starts with a long steep descent towards Ghunsa Khola. Then we follow Ghunsa Khola all the way to Sukathum.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: – 732m

As we continue our trek, we pass the confluence of two rivers, Ghunsa Khola and Simbua Khola. Simbua Khola originates from Kanchenjunga’s south base camp and is the river that we followed up from Tortong. We can enjoy the magnificent view of these two rivers uniting in Tamur Koshi. Following the trail along Tamur Koshi and many other small tributary streams we enter into the pristine village of Chirwa.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: – 306m

The route further leads to cultivated land and rich pastures. Then the trail zigzags through the path of steep stones. After climbing for about 4 hours we come to the valley of Phurumbu where we stay overnight.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 272m

This is our last trekking day. We start our day ascending along the ridge towards Taplejung village passing through Gadidanda, Bungkuleng and Deurali Bhanjyang.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 878m

Eearly morning flight takes us to Biratnagar to connect with our flight to Kathmandu.
Overnight: Hotel
Flight Time: 25 minutes (TPJ – BIR)
Flight Time: 40 minutes (BIR – KTM)
Difference in Elevation: – 1086m

Overnight: Hotel

Transfer to the airport and departure.

Tour Price Includes

  • Transfers airport/hotel/airport
  • Hotel in Kathmandu (Based on double occupancy. If you would like a single room, or plan to travel alone, this can be arranged for an additional fee.)
  • Accommodation in Lodges/Tea Houses during the trek (Based on double occupancy. Single rooms are often not available at the lodges. If you are traveling alone, your guide can try to arrange a single room for you, but this is not guaranteed.)
  • Transport, guided visits & entry of the monuments in Kathmandu
  • Domestic flight ticket Kathmandu – Biratnagar – Kathmandu
  • Domestic flight tickets Biratnagar – Suketar – Biratnagar
  • Trekking permits: TIMS, and Conservation Area Entry Fee
  • Special Permit for Kanchenjunga
  • Professional English Speaking Tour / Trekking Guide Assist. Guides, Cooks and porters
  • Meals Full board during trek
  • All necessary documents and government tax
  • Insurance for all staff (including Guides, Cooks, Assistant guides, porters as applicable)

Tour Price Does Not Include:

  • International Flights to and from Kathmandu
  • Nepal Tourist Visa ($50 for 30 Days, obtained upon arrival)
  • Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu (except for the welcome dinner)
  • Personal expenses such as snacks, cold drinks, water, alcoholic drinks, telephone, WiFi/internet access, charging of personal devices, hot showers, laundry service, medications or medical care, etc.
  • Travel Insurance (This is required. We strongly advise that your coverage include accidents, repatriation, helicopter evacuation and medical care.)
  • Alternative/additional transportation (flights/vehicles), food and accommodation in case of bad weather, flood, landslide, heavy rain, strike, road blockade, political unrest, flight cancellation etc.
  • Emergency evacuation rescue charge, if needed
  • Tips for Tour, trekking staff and drivers

Climate

Climate:
From the eternal snow of the high peaks to the extensive tropical lowlands, Nepal has a wide variety of climates.

Spring: March to late May: In this season, Kathmandu is in full bloom, lots of different types of flowers can be seen at this time of the year.  Temperature is mild, end of the cold winter and approaching warm and hot summer.  Temperatures vary between 10 ° C to 28 ° C but can rise up to 30 ° C.  Between 2000 and 3000m, temperature rarely drop below 0 ° C. However, few frosts or snowfalls are possible in March above 4000 m.

The summer/monsoon period – It interrupts the majority of trekking from late June to late August. Some of the trekking regions “trans-Himalayan”, Dolpo and Mustang, however, remain protected from monsoon prevailing rest of the country. They are the only channels available in Nepal in the summer.

Autumn: mid September – mid December – Perfect temperature and weather for trekking. Brings cooler days, but clear skies. Above 3000 m altitude, temperatures can drop to -10 ° C at night.

In winter: mid-December – mid-February – Nights are generally cold, dry climate, Above 3000m, temperature drop down to 0 ° C to – 15 ° C at night, the days are often sunny.

Equipments

  • Day back-pack
  • Gore-Tex Jacket
  • Down Jacket
  • Fleece Jacket
  • Micro Fleece
  • Trekking Trousers
  • Hiking shoes (Boots)
  • Runners (sport shoes)
  • Trekking Socks
  • Rain poncho
  • Sun-glasses
  • Water bottles
  • Thermal underwear(long)
  • T- shirts
  • Sunscreen/lotion
  • Flip flop (sandal)
  • Towel
  • Hat(Baseball cap)
  • Pristine drops (Water purifier)
  • Head light / flash light
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Gloves
  • Wind Proof Trouser(s)
  • Personal medical kid
  • Toiletries