• info@nepalinfotreks.com
  • +977-9841856761

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Overview

Overviews:

Mt. Kanchenjunga base camp trekking is one of the longest and most exciting adventures from local various cultures to scenic views.

An amazing feature of Mt. Kanchenjunga base camp trekking is visiting both base camps in one single journey. With options of two routes, either follow the clockwise direction visiting first North Base Camp at Pang-Pema. Then head towards Southern Base Camp at Oakthang, our standard itinerary leads first to South Base Camp.

After visiting the South Base Camp and then walking to the North Base Camp of the massive Mt. Kanchenjunga range of peaks. The south is the original base camp for all majoring mountaineering expeditions to the summit of Mt. Kanchenjunga.

Mt. Kanchenjunga is called Kanchendzonga of Tibetan origin language means a mountain with five jewels. Referring to its five main peaks of Mt. Kanchenjunga or Kanchendzonga straddles the border between Nepal and Sikkim. A small North-Eastern state of India close to the famous town of Darjeeling. But the main bulk of Kanchenjunga is located within Nepal, where most trekking and mountaineering expedition runs from Nepal.

Mt. Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest and Nepal 2nd highest peak rise to 8,586 m and 28, 169 feet high. First ascent on May 25th, 1955 by British Expeditions led by the late Sir George Band and his team of mountaineers.

Mt. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking, is a unique adventure visiting both sides of the mountain, the south and north base camps. Begins with an exciting panoramic flight to the low land of Eastern Nepal, and then a scenic drive leads to cooler hills. Around vast Tea-Garden of Ilam area and then towards Taplejung at Sukhetar town the start, and end of the trek.

Walk follows ups and down through several lovely farm villages, then entering into a river gorge covered in dense forest. As the trail leads higher on leaving the farm and villages reaching near towards Kanchenjunga south base camp at Tseram. Spending a day for an excursion to Oakthang, located close to Yarlung glaciers and the south base camp of Mt. Kanchenjunga. An amazing landscape where tree lines fade for remorseless fields of ice and glaciers.

After visiting the south side base camp, adventure follows high crossing Tsele-La within lovely woods of rhododendron and pines. Then walk leads to cross upper Tamur River reaching a nice valley at Ghunsa.

A lovely village inhabited by the Sherpa the mountain tribes of Eastern Himalayas adorned with fascinating Buddhist culture.

From Ghunsa head towards Lhonak into a high country, situated on route North Kanchenjunga Base Camp. Reaching Lhonak our highest overnight camp at 4,780 m, staying here for two overnights for a hike to North Base Camp.

A marvelous and adventurous hike to Pang-Pema and at Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, enjoy the dramatic scenery of arctic landscapes.

Overlooking Mt. Kanchenjunga massive wall of ice and snow with tremendous scenery of moraine and glaciers. After an incredible moment at the highest point of the adventure, return journey down to Lhonak. From here the route leads further down and ups back into the farmland of Ghunsa and Gyapla Phedi.

Walking back into a forested trail through lovely farm villages, heading low warmer hills to Taplejung at Sukhetar town. Where our marvelous trek ends, then taking a jeep ride to Ilam town with its famous Tea Garden. After Ilam back on the road downhill to the low flatland of the Terai belt reaching Bhadrapur airport.

A scenic short flight brings you to Kathmandu, after a memorable adventure and experience on Mt. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking.

Outline Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

Day 02: At Kathmandu for trek preparation and sightseeing tour.

Day 03: Fly Kathmandu / Bhadrapur and drive to Phidim 1,340 m -06 hrs.

Day 04: Drive to Suketar 2,440 m and trek to Lali Kharka 1,900 m -04 hrs. 7 hours journey with drive and trek.

Day 05: Trek from Kande Bhanjyang 2,100 m -06 hrs.

Day 06: Trek to Phompe Danda 1,850 m -06 hrs.

Day 07: Trek to Yangphudin 2,150 m at Sherpa Gaon - 06 hrs.

Day 08: Trek to Doronding 2,880 m via Lashe Tham Pass 3,800 m-06 hrs.

Day 09: Trek to Tseram 3,770 m - 05 hrs.

Day 10: Rest day at Tseram for hike to Oktang near Kanchenjunga South BC.

Day 11: Cross Sele-La Pass 4,250 m and camp at Sele-Le 3,700 m - 08 hrs.

Day 12: Trek to Ghunsa 3,480 m - 04 hrs.

Day 13: Trek to Khambachen 4,000 m-06 hrs.

Day 14: Trek to Lhonak 4,780 m - 06 hrs.

Day 15: At Lhonak hike to Pang Pema 5,150 m / 16, 896 feet around Kanchenjunga North Base Camp- 07 hours both ways.

Day 16: Trek to Ghunsa 3,480 m - 08 hours.

Day 17: Trek to Gyapla Phedi 2,300 m - 07 hours.

Day 18: Trek to Sekathum / Japantar 1,350 m - 07 hrs.

Day 19: Trek to Chirwa 1,250 m - 06 hrs.

Day 20: Trek to Phurumbu School 1,500 m -07 hours.

Day 21: Trek to Sukhetar 2,440 m -04 hrs.

Day 22: Drive to Ilam drive with overnight in local Lodge -06 hrs.

Day 23: Drive to Bhadrapur airport and fly back to Kathmandu.

Day 24: At Kathmandu free day at leisure.

Day 25: Depart for International Departure.

Please Note:

The flight to Sukhetar airport at Taplejung and back to Kathmandu, where flight can be delayed or might get postponed for several days. Due to unfavorable weather conditions and lack of passengers, as well the flight are unpredictable.

So, we have used flight to Bhadrapur airport where flight operates all seasons of the year, as well two days drive each ways to Sukhetar the start and ending point of the trek.

Trip Highlights

    MT. KANCHENJUNGA BASE CAMP TREKKING

    ‘an adventure of three weeks around world’s 3rd highest mountains’

    Highlights:

    “Adventure of great combination from scenic trails to cultural villages Explore the high country of Khumbu and its beautiful picturesque valleys. Within world highest Sagarmatha National Park listed in world heritage sites Visit the traditional Sherpa villages adorned with age-old Buddhist heritage From green lovely forest to arid and windswept mountainous wilderness”

    Trip Brief Summary:

    Trekking Mode: Staying in best available Lodges with tented camping.

    Trekking Grade: Moderate to Adventurous with touch of altitude.

    Highest Spot: 5,150 m / 16, 896 feet high at Pang-Pema Kanchenjunga North Base Camp.

    Activities: Cultural tour, exciting flights, interesting drive and scenic trekking.

    Trekking duration: 20 Nights and 21 Days with drives and flights both ways.

    Total Trip: 24 Nights and 25 Days from arrival to final departure.

    Best Seasons:

    Mt. Kanchenjunga base camp trekking, the best seasons are in spring and autumn/fall, where days are crystal clear for views and pleasant walks.

    The spring times begin from March till May, the high seasons for trekking to Kanchenjunga base camp and around the Himalayas.

    Most days are clear fine and bright with sunshine, which can get overcast in the late afternoon. Chances of snowfall sometimes on higher terrain, cold in the morning late afternoon, and nighttime. The mid-hills are lively with wildflowers in seasonal bloom, especially the rhododendron of various species from trees to a bush.

    The next best time is in autumn/fall, one of the peak seasons. For trekking around the Himalayas and to Kanchenjunga base camp, where days are mostly crystal

    clear for views and scenic walks. However, the days are shorter due to fewer sun-light hours, much colder morning and late afternoon till night time.

    Chances of snowfall sometimes during the walk around higher areas above 3,000 m high, but with a bright starry night sky.

    Religion, Culture of Kanchenjunga Region:

    Kanchenjunga area from Ilam and Phidim onwards to Taplejung and Sukhetar towns and villages and on lower mid hills. Populated by mixed people of hill ethnic tribes, mostly Kirat Rai and Limbu main natives of eastern mid-hills of Nepal. Includes other minority tribes of Magar, Gurung, Tamang and Sherpa with some Hindu Brahmin, Chettries and Dalits. The lower hills people of both Hindu and Buddhism religion, on the higher sides of Kanchenjunga from Pompe Danda. Inhabited by the mountain tribes Sherpa and Bhotia people of far north Kanchenjunga follows Tibetan Buddhism.

    The culture, tradition, and heritage are similar to its Tibetan predecessors, the Sherpa and Bhotia migrated from eastern part of Tibet.

    Interesting villages of Sherpa to explore around Sherpa Gaon and Ghunsa adorned with impressive cultures of age-old heritage. Every village houses impressive monasteries and shrines, which you will have time to explore and observe.

    Sherpa celebrates New Year called Losar, which falls at the end of February or the beginning of March. According to the Tibetan Buddhist Lunar calendar, based on animals and birds, the year 2022 is a year of a Tiger.


Detail Itinerary

Day 1:

Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

On arrival in Kathmandu at Nepal international airport, received by our staff and guide for short drive to your hotel. Located amidst the main city, check into your rooms and join in for trek briefing with other members of the trip. Our guide provides information about the trekking trails, local lodge, and culture and so on. Evening group dinner an introduction to Nepalese meals and traditions.
Day 2:

At Kathmandu for trek preparation and sightseeing tour.

Enjoy the free day for trek preparation and join for an interesting sightseeing tour around historical, cultural and religious places. Kathmandu is steeped with World Heritage Sites, our city / cultural guide will takes you around the great places of historical wonders of great interest. Afternoon free for individual activities and trek preparation.
Day 3:

Fly Kathmandu / Bhadrapur and drive to Phidim 1,340 m -06 hrs

Moring as flight time for Bhadrapur airport around Nepal Far South East, transfer to Kathmandu airport for scenic flight. During air enjoy panorama of Himalayan range from Langtang, Jugal, Gaurishankar, Everest and Makalu to Kanchenjunga Himalayas. As the plane lands at Bhadrapur airport, located south east of Terai belt (flatland) of Nepal. On arrival our staffs receives you, and then drive to the foot hills of Kanchenjunga, from low warm-subtropical Terai to cooler hills. Towards green forest with vast field of Tea-Garden around Ilam town area. From here another hour of good drive to Phidim for overnight stop.
Day 4:

Day 04: Drive to Suketar 2,440 m and trek to Lali Kharka 1,900 m -04 hrs. 7 hours journey with drive and trek.

From Phidim hill town, an exciting drive to Suketar at Taplejung district around Kanchenjunga region. From here trek starts on undulating farm areas and then down to lush green forest of pine; the hilly trail follows on a pleasant route. After few hours of good first day trek reaching Lali Kharka for overnight stop, a small farm village. Enjoy view of Mt. Kanchenjunga towards far north, camp is set on the farm field close the village.
Day 5:

Day 05: Trek from Kande Bhanjyang 2,100 m -06 hrs.

Morning walk starts downhill through farm villages, populated by Hindu hill tribes. A mixture of Brahmins, Chettries and Kirat people known as Rai and Limbu, walk continues to Tembawa. As trail descend reaching Phawa khola, and then at Pokora village, from here walk over a suspension bridge. As trail climbs to a steep hill side at Kunjari, after Kunjari few hour walk to Kande Bhanjyang for overnight. A small farm village facing views of Kanchenjunga and Yalungkang peaks, enjoy the night in a tented camp.
Day 6:

Day 06: Trek to Phompe Danda 1,850 m -06 hrs

Start the morning with steep downhill reaching terraced fields of rice and millet and then into a dense forest. Walk leads to Nandeva Khola / stream, crossing stream trek, then climb to a high hill into a forest. Following a trail Loppoding village, after Loppoding on ups and down-hill path to Fun Fun a resting place for travelers. From the high ridge of Fang-fang facing views of Khumbakarna, Yalung and Kanchenjunga peaks. Walk continues downhill to a farm fields at Yangpang, following a trail with climb for an hour reaching Pompe Dhada. Located on a high crest within a scenic ridge, overlooking views of Mt. Jannu from the overnight camp at Phompe Danda
Day 7:

Day 07: Trek to Yangphudin 2,150 m at Sherpa Gaon - 06 hrs.

Morning walk on a winding trail and then downhill past farm fields to Khesewa Khola, after crossing a suspension bridge. The trail follows with climb to Mamankhe village. A possible lunch stop, afternoon walk with short climb, skirting the ridge on a level path to Dekadin village. From here walk to Kabeli Khola as trail leads to gentle up and down, crossing several smaller streams. On leaving the river behind another uphill through farm fields, and then reaching Yamphudin for a short rest. As climb continues to overnight stop at Sherpa Gaon, a moderate size farm village. This is the last permanent human settlement inhabited by Sherpa tribe till our adventures reach on the other side at Gunsa. The campsite is set on a farm field near the village.
Day 8:

Day 08: Trek to Doronding 2,880 m via Lashe Tham Pass 3,800 m-06 hrs.

From Sherpa Gaon, morning walk to Chitre, as route leads along Kabeli Khola, crossing the tributary of Omje Khola. Climb to a steep up to Dhupi Bhanjyang reaching a high ridge within a grass land. From the top of Lahse Tham, down into deciduous forest to Omje Khola, after a steep climb reaching at tree-lines. A lovely walk into rhododendron forest and then ending the day walk reaching Doronding past Chitre for overnight camp.
Day 9:

Day 09: Trek to Tseram 3,770 m - 05 hrs.

Today’s walk leads closer to our first destination near towards Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. As morning walk leads to Ramite Bhanjyang at 3,430 m climbing over a steep hill for few hours. A nice walk within magnolias, rhododendron and bamboo forest to Ramite a place with an isolated hut. From here climb to a high ridge covered in rhododendron forest, head past a small pond. Walk leads within a valley enclosed by forest of pine and rhododendron trees. Slowly walk leads to Wahta, a remote area with a small hut, from here walk to a shrine. A place with a huge boulder shaped like a serpent, then reaching Tseram for overnight camp close to roofless caves. From the camp views of terminal moraine fed from Yalung glacier with peaks of Kabru 7,353 m, and Talung 7,349 m.
Day 10:

Day 10: Rest day at Tseram for hike to Oktang near Kanchenjunga South BC.

After several days of continues trekking up and down hill, deserves a day off but not actually a rest. This is the day for hike to Oktang near Kanchenjunga South Base Camp, the original early base camp. Where first British Expedition climbed to the summit of Mt. Kanchenjunga. The day hike leads close to Yalung Glacier and towards the south wall of massif Mt. Kanchenjunga. Includes views of Talung Peak and Kabru peak, after an exciting adventure and hike back to Tserem for overnight stop.
Day 11:

Day 11: Cross Sele-La Pass 4,250 m and camp at Sele-Le 3,700 m - 08 hrs.

Enjoying time at Tseram with hike to south base camp, morning leads to Yalungbar, and then steep up. Crossing a river with winding walk through forested path, as trail leads to a steep climb for an hour. Reaching a small ponds, from here crossing three passes of Mirgin-La, Tamo-La and Selele pass. The first climb for an hour to the top facing views of Kabru and Kanchenjunga from Mirgin-La. The trail leads down and then up Tamo-La and then climb to Sele- La at 4,250 m high. From the top enjoy magnificent views of Makalu, Baruntse, and Chamlang and then descend to the base of the pass for overnight stop.
Day 12:

Day 12: Trek to Ghunsa 3,480 m - 04 hrs.

The first part of the walk lead to a steep descent for an hour into forest of rhododendron and pines. As walk follows a level path near Ghunsa River, and then on gradual trail to Ghunsa village for overnight. A lovely village populated by Sherpa and Bhotia mountain tribes of strong Tibetan origin with a community stone houses. A village with neat and tidy small farm land adorned with Buddhist religious monuments and prayer walls and stupas.
Day 13:

Day 13: Trek to Khambachen 4,000 m-06 hrs

From Ghunsa walk leads on a high trail following a river with views of waterfalls, coming across Yak herder. Depending on grazing season, as trail follows into rhododendron and pine forest, then climb to Rambuk Kharka. From here cross a small glacial landslide, facing views of Khumbukarna and Janu peaks with array of snow peaks. On leaving tree lines behind, heading into barren country with few short bushes of juniper. After Rambuk Kharka walk leads down crossing a landslide section to overnight camp at Khambachen. The camp set on a scenic valley dominated by Sharphu 7,070 m. and north face of Mt. Janu with Wedge peak.
Day 14:

Day 14: Trek to Lhonak 4,780 m - 06 hrs.

From here trail follows above a river for an hour and then walk further east, as trail drops down to a river. Climbs leads to rocks and boulders leading to a terminal moraine of Kanchenjunga glacier. On leaving Ramtang Kharka a cattle herder place, where trail meets Kanchenjunga glacier. From here cross to reach on the junction of Lhonak and Kanchenjunga glacier, overlooking views of Mera, Nepal Peak and Wedge Peak.
Day 15:

Day 15: Hike to Pang Pema at 5,150 m / 16, 896 feet around Kanchenjunga North Base Camp- 07 hours both ways.

Today a leisure day for hike to Pang Pema, the final highlight of the adventure at North Kanchenjunga base camp. Starts with slow climb above a river facing views of Kirat Chuli, Nepal Peak, Taple Sikhar, and Givegela Chuli. The first part of the climbs is gentle and then heading through a boulder on a rocky trail. Walk leads on grassy slopes and then at glacial path to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. Around this remote country chances of spotting some wildlife like herd of blue sheep and mountain goats. Then finally walk reaches at Pang Pema, around Kanchenjunga North base camp, and the highest point of the trek. Enjoy dramatic views of arctic landscapes of huge glaciers and Ice fall with array of giant peaks. Facing closest views of massive Mt. Kanchenjunga, and then walk back to Lhonak for overnight halt.
Day 16:

Day 16: Trek to Ghunsa 3,480 m - 08 hours

Retrace the journey back on the same trail past Kambachen to Ghunsa after a long day walks.
Day 17:

Day 17: Trek to Gyapla Phedi 2,300 m - 07 hours.

From here route leads on an alternative trail, allows you to see more both side of the beautiful country. As walk continues facing views of snow peaks past scattered cattle herder summer camps to Gyapla Phedi for overnight stop.
Day 18:

Day 18: Trek to Sekathum / Japantar 1,350 m - 07 hrs.

After a pleasant overnight, morning walk heads down to low warm farm areas back into mid hill and farm villages reaching Sekathum and near Japantar for overnight stop.
Day 19:

Day 19: Trek to Chirwa 1,250 m - 06 hrs.

Enjoy the walk towards low, warm farm country, as trek progress through smaller village encountering friendly villagers with cheerful smiles. The trek continues coming across many spread out hill villages and walk into cool forested path to Chirwa for overnight stop.
Day 20:

Day 20: Trek to Phurumbu School 1,500 m -07 hrs.

Morning walk leads downhill with few short climb and then back to downhill towards low foot hills of Kanchenjunga. Then finally ending the day walk reaching a small place to camp at Phurumbu village school premises.
Day 21:

Day 21: Trek to Sukhetar 2,440 m -04 hrs.

Last day of the wonderful adventure to Sukhetar at Taplejung town, as route follows through farm villages. As walk finally leads at the end of our trek reaching Sukhetar, a small town with an airstrip. The flight operates seldom and unreliable to Kathmandu via Biratnagar city. Due to unpredictable flight from Sukhetar gets delayed and cancelled to avoid the hassle. We have chosen the flight option and safe way to Bhadrapur from Kathmandu.
Day 22:

Drive to Ilam drive with overnight in local Lodge -06 hrs.

Morning after completing the long adventurous walks, taking an exciting drive to a nice little hill town to Ilam. A famous place for Tea and its Tea Garden, the flavor of the local tea much appreciated throughout Nepal and abroad. Few hours of scenic drive brings you to Ilam, with time to explore around and observe the local life of great cultural interest.
Day 23:

Drive to Bhadrapur airport and fly back to Kathmandu.

Morning after breakfast, an exciting drive to warmer southern part around east Nepal. Reaching on the flatland of Terai belt at Bhadrapur airport for scenic short flight to Kathmandu. On arrival transfer to your hotel, rest of the day at leisure to relax after a long adventurous walk to Kanchenjunga base camp.
Day 24:

At Kathmandu free day at leisure.

In Kathmandu we have spared a day free to enjoy individual activities, as well for shopping souvenirs of Nepal. Interested people can join in for another exciting sightseeing tour of Patan and Bhaktapur worth a visit.
Day 25:

Depart for international departure.

Transfer to Nepal international airport in Kathmandu, as per your international flight time, our guide and staff transfer you to the airport. Then bid farewell to staff and guide, enter the airport terminal for homeward bound, after a great wonderful experience on Mt. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking.

Gears