Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek – 31 Days
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Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek – 31 Days

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

Overview

The Kanchenjunga trek takes place in one of the most beautiful and remote areas in Nepal on the border with Sikkim (India). Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586m) is the third highest mountain in the world and the second highest mountain in Nepal. This area has been open to trekkers since 1988 but this route is still relatively un-trekked. Unspoiled villages and a natural environment are yours to explore without the distractions of other trekkers. The area provides a chance to experience remoteness, spectacular mountain scenery, diverse flora and fauna, fascinating old monasteries and exotic cultural lifestyles.

We begin our journey to Kanchenjunga with flights from Kathmandu to Taplejung (Suketar) via Biratnagar / Bhadrapur. From Taplejung, our trek takes us from the tropical lowlands to the high glaciers and the surrounding peaks of Kanchenjunga, Kambachen, Yalung kang and Jannu. Starting with a descent through terraced fields and forests to the Tamur River, the trail passes through many villages before gaining altitude to alpine terrain around Ghunsa, Kanchenjunga Glacier, Lhonak and Pang Pema (5140 m), the highest point of this trek.

You don’t need any previous mountaineering training or technical experience for this trek. However, some vigorous hiking experience and good physical condition is very useful.

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: Camping
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: Camping
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: Camping
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: Camping
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: Camping
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: Camping
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: Camping
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: Camping

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: Camping
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: Camping
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: Camping
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: Camping
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: Camping
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: Camping

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: Camping
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: Camping
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: Camping
Walking Time: 8 hours
Difference in Elevation: – 1090m

Retracing our steps back to Ghunsa passing through the Rampuk kharka.
Overnight: Camping
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: Camping
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: Camping
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: Camping
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: Camping
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: Camping
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: Camping
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

Overnight: Hotel

Tour Price Includes

  • Transfers airport/hotel/airport
  • Hotel in Kathmandu on twin sharing BB basis
  • Transport, guided visits & entry of the monuments in Kathmandu
  • Domestic flight ticket Kathmandu – Biratnagar – Kathmandu
  • Domestic flight tickets Biratnagar – Suketar – Biratnagar
  • Domestic airport taxes
  • Trekking permit / TIMS, and conservation entry fee
  • Professional Tour / Trekking Guide Assist. Guides, Cooks and porters
  • Meals Full board during trek
  • Accommodation in tent/camping during the trek
  • Your international flight re-confirmation
  • All necessary documents and government tax
  • Insurance for all staff (including guide, Cook, porters, assistant guide)

Tour Price Does Not Include:

  • International Flights
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Travel Insurance (compulsory and we strongly advise you to take out to cover accident/repatriation helicopter/medical care)
  • Alternative / Additional transportation (flights / vehicles), accommodation in case of bad weather, flood, landslide, heavy rain, strike, road blockade, scheduled flights cancelled by airlines etc.
  • Personal expenses such as snacks, cold drinks, mineral water, alcoholic drinks, telephone, hot shower, etc
  • Emergency evacuation rescue charge, if needed
  • Tips for trekking staff or bus driver

Special Note: This Itinerary can be customized according to the duration of your holiday. The Trek can be operated only by Camping accommodation. We have many options for shorter visits based on your interests and budget.

NOTE: The price of the tour will be adjusted according to the group size.

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

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek – 31 Days Gallery

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