Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

from 25 reviews

Price starting from

~~$3,221~~ USD 2,849

per person

Book Now

Duration

28 days

Max. Elevation

5140m

Group size

2+ Above

Level

MODERATE

Transportation

private vehicles, flight tickets, and public bus

Best Season

March-may, September-November

Accomodation

Three Star Hotel in Kathmandu; Tea house Lodge, and Camping Accommodation during Trek

Meals

Breakfast in Kathmandu; Three meals each a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cup of tea or coffee) during the trip

Starts at

Kathmandu

Ends at

Kathmandu

Trip Route

Kathmandu-Bhadrapur-Ilam-Sukhetar-Lali Khark-Khesewa-Bhanjyang-Mamankhe-Yangphudin-Chitre-Simbua Khola-Tseram-Ramche-Lapsang-Ramche-Tseram-Tamo-Ghunsa-Kangbachen-Lhonak-Pang Pema/Kanchenjunga Base Camp-Pang Pema-Kangbachen-Phole-Amjilassa-Tapethok-Phoram-Suketar-Fickal or Bhritamod / Bhadarpur-Kathmandu

Highlights

Base camps of Mt. Kanchenjunga: Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (Pang Pema) and Kanchenjunga South Base Camp (Oktang Base Camp).
Striking views of Mt. Jannu, Mera Peak, and several other snow giants.
The remote villages in Kanchenjunga, friendly people, their culture, traditions, and languages.
Several glaciers on the way to the base camps.
Exotic biodiversity and wildlife. Chances of seeing some endangered species like musk deer, snow leopard, blue sheep, etc.

Overview

Hiker Himalaya presents Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek for full 28 days trip, starting from the capital Kathmandu. Where you will have the opportunity to observe local cultures visiting most of the world heritage sites, before departing for trekking. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking, one of the longest adventures around Nepal Himalaya, covering more than three weeks of exciting walks. Mt. Kanchenjunga, the world’s 3rd highest and 2nd tallest mountain of Nepal, stands high at 8, 586 m / 28, 169 feet.

The main peak of Mt. Kanchenjunga gets a few mountaineers for the climb from various nation expeditions, the first ascent by British Expedition on May 25th, 1955. Mt. Kanchenjunga, located in the Far East at the end of Nepal Himalaya, straddles the border between Nepal and Sikkim. A small north-east state of India, but the trek and mountaineering expeditions are popular and mostly done from Nepal. Due to its accessibility to reach the starting point of the walks either taking a short flight or by the overland journey.

Mt. Kanchenjunga, although the world's one of the highest peaks, gets fewer trekkers than other popular trekking areas of Nepal. As it is situated on remote corners of the Himalayas range and takes more days to visit both base camps. Where adventure takes you around Kanchenjunga, a full circuit trekking towards South and North Base Camps. The only treks where one can visit two base camps of one mountain range in a single journey. Which makes the walk more exciting to experience, following the mid-hills trails through lovely farm villages and within a dense forest. Then finally entering into an arctic zone of ice and glaciers, an adventure that leads you to dramatic diversity of landscapes.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking begins with a sweeping panoramic flight from Kathmandu to reach Nepal Far South East around warm lowland. Which is known as the Terai belt, and then taking a drive to reach the starting point of the walk. Drive takes you to cooler hills past Ilam town, famous for tea and its vast tea garden with scenic views of Kanchenjunga. On reaching Taplejung in Sukhetar, the adventure begins heading due North-East towards Mt. Kanchenjunga South Base Camp at Oakthang. Trek leads through several farm villages and into beautiful woodland of tall rhododendron and pine tree lines then vegetation stops. As you reach into mountainous areas within remorseless fields of ice and glaciers of Yarlung and Kanchenjunga peaks.

Enjoying great times on completing the first part of the journey, then the adventure continues towards Kanchenjunga North Base Camp at Pang-Pema. On the highest point of the trek at 5, 143 m / 16, 874 feet high. Walks lead to cross smaller passes to Ghunsa village, a nice mountain settlement populated by highlanders of eastern Nepal. The Sherpa and Bhotia tribes interwoven to Tibetan Buddhism and fascinating culture, spending time in this lovely village. As the adventure continues towards North-East where tree lines disappear entering a glaciated valley at Lhonak and Pang-Pema, our final destination.

Enjoy a spectacular panorama of massive and huge Kanchenjunga range with Wedge, Janu, and Kabru peaks. Kanchenjunga pronounced as ‘Kanchendzonga’ means five jewels referring to its adjoining peaks relates to five basic elements. After achieving our goal and final highlights, heading down to Ghunsa and then on an alternative route towards low farm villages. Slowly our walk comes to an end on reaching Sukhetar, as the drive takes you to Bhadrapur town airport. Then on a scenic flight to Kathmandu, after a most memorable adventure of a lifetime experience on the Kanchenjunga base camp trek.

Best season for Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek:

Spring from March to May is the best time for treks around Kanchenjunga and base camps. Where days are much longer with enough sunshine, but late afternoon can get cloudy and chances of light rains, as well snow-fall around higher altitude.

This is the time when a walk is exciting along with scenic views of peaks and the forest alive with wildflowers in full bloom. Rhododendron flowers of various species from tall trees to a bush.

Next, the best season is autumn/fall from September to November, days are clear and fine, but short sunlight hours. Cold from evening and night time till morning could get snowed in sometimes around higher areas from 2,500 m onwards.

Important Note

If you wish to discuss any aspect of this trip or your suitability for other trips, please contact us.
The above itinerary is basically a guideline. If you're not satisfied or have an alternative plan please feel free to discuss it with us.
There are different categories of Hotels in Kathmandu ranging from budget to 5-star hotels. We are happy to arrange your hotel accommodation in Kathmandu as per your interest and budget. Please inform us in advance about the type or category of hotel you would like to stay in.

Trip Itinerary

Day

Upon arriving at the Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be welcomed and then transferred to your respective hotels by our staff. Then after relaxing at your hotel, you can head out to the streets of Thamel in the evening. At night, you will be offered a warm welcome dinner with a Nepali meal and drinks.

Day

In the morning, you will head to the domestic airport and fly towards Bhandrrapur which will take around 45 minutes. Throughout the flight, you will be offered amazing views of snow-capped mountains including Mt. Everest, Makalu & Mt. Kanchenjunga. You will then join the trekking staff and take an exciting drive to the mid-hills at Illam which is particularly famous for its tea gardens. It is located close to the border of Darjeeling in North East India. You will stay at a lodge for the overnight stop.

Day

Early in the morning, you will drive to Sukhetar which will take around 4 hours. Eventually, you will begin your trek from here on towards Lali Kharka. You will follow the scattered mid-hill villages and finally reach Lali where you will take an overnight stop.

Day

You will then cross farmlands and terraces to a populated area uphill. Along the way, you will pass the settlement of Bhramin, Chettri, and Kirat Rai communities. You will walk slowly downhill towards the Phewa Khola. After that, you will cross the Pokora village and then climb towards Kunjari village to the forest of Khesewa Bhanjyang village for an overnight stop. From this village, you can observe the striking views of Yalung Kang peak and Kanchenjunga which is the feast for your eyes.

Day

After having breakfast, you will be heading to the Mamankhe. You will cross a stream and then head downhill along the river, to reach a high hill. Then, climb into a forest to Lopoding village and eventually head towards a small village named Fun Fun. This point offers panoramic views of the Khumbakarna Himalaya range along with the Yalung and Mt. Kanchenjunga. You will then take a downhill path passing farm fields, and then climbing for an hour to a crest at Pompe Dhada. Pompeo offers views of Mt. Jannu. After walking downhill to Kheswa Khola, and crossing a bridge, you will reach Mamankhe village for an overnight stop.

Day

After having breakfast, you will head to Yangphudin. Take a gentle climb, skirting around the ridge that leads to Dekadin village. You will then head to the bank of Kabeli Khola (stream) with a climb of 300 meters high above the river, which eventually takes to the mountain path. After that, take a descend on stone steps towards Kabeli Khola and finally end the day at Yamphudin.

Day

After having breakfast, walk along Kabeli Khola, and cross the tributary stream of Omje Khola. Then begin your climb towards the Dhupi Bhangyang. It opens up to a vast open grassland, and then a steady downhill trail takes you to the deciduous forest to Omje Khola. You will be walking along the rhododendron-covered forest, before finally arriving at an exposed ridge and lands to Chitre, which is a small settlement with few huts.

Day

You will take the path that leads to the Ramite Bhanjyang with a steep climb into the forest of magnolias, rhododendron, and bamboo tree line. Eventually, you will head towards Ramite which is an isolated spot with the shelter of a small hut. Finally, you will reach Ramite Bhanjyang at 3,430 meters. The views of Mt. Jannu, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Khumbhakarna, and Kabru peaks will spend a chill down your spine. You will take a downhill trail that leads to the riverbank of Simbua Khola overnight.

Day

The Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek gets even more exciting as you reach the elevation of 3770 on this day at Tseram. The hike to Tseram starts with the upstream path of Simbua Khola which leads to a forested area. After that, you will reach a spot at Wahta that has a small hut. From here on, you will cross a small stream leading to a shrine that is situated in the middle of a forest. The serpent shape shrine is one of the holiest in the area. As you leave the woodland area, you will take a sharp climb to Tserem for an overnight stop.

Day

On this day, you will head towards Ramche by taking a descend to the Simbua Khola. After which you will climb atop a hill to reach Yalng Bara. Then after reaching Lapsang you will head up to Ramche in around 5 hours.

Day

This day has been set aside for resting at Ramche. This is also necessary since you will have climbed to an elevation of around 4360m. Acclimatizing your body against possible altitude sickness is a must. On this day you can also take a hike to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. This base camp offers views of the high-standing and mesmerizing Yalung Glacier and Mt. Kanchenjunga South Peak. The hike to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp takes around 2 hours to reach. You will also be offered the grand views of Talung and Kabru Peak.

Day

On this day, you will head back to Tseram. The long descent will take you back to the tree lines along the route to Tseram where you will stay overnight.

Day

You will begin the downhill walk towards Yalungbar. After a short climb, you will cross a river into woodland, that heads uphill to reach two small ponds to cross three passes of Mirgain La, Tamo La, and Sinon La. Due to the passes, this day is often regarded to be considerably more challenging. After having done the steep climb, you will be offered views of Kabru peak and Mt. Kanchenjunga. From the Mirgin La and Sinon La, you will continuously have views of Mt. Makalu, Mt. Baruntse, and Chamlang peaks in the North West direction. After all of that is over, the walk descends slowly to Tamo La at 4,500 m. After that, you will have amazing views of Khumbhakarna Himalaya where you will stay overnight at camp.

Day

On this day, you will head to the North Kanchenjunga Base Camp which is the highlight of the entire trek. You will take the path that passes an alpine forest, and the walk continues to Ghunsa River. The lovely gentle trail then takes to Ghunsa village which is inhabited by Bhotia people of Tibetan origin. The houses there are built with stones and have a small farm village.

Day

After having an early morning breakfast, you will take a steep climb along the river bank overlooking waterfalls to reach the grazing area of Yaks. The walk then leads to the Ghunsa River and into a lush rhododendron and pines forest. You will eventually take a climb to Rambuk Kharka where you will be welcomed with the views of Khumbukarna Himal, Janu Himal, and other mountain ranges. Upon leaving the forest and tree lines, you will enter the dry and barren land with only a handful of junipers and Burberrys bushes. You will walk along a large landslide area with the fantastic vistas of Khumbakarna's Himal. Your camp at Kangbachen will overlook Mt. Sharphu at 7,070 meters and Mt. Janu North Face with Wedge peak.

Day

Early in the morning, you will rake a lovely walk following above the river for an hour and head towards the North East. You will then head to the glacial river and climb on a boulder that leads to a rocky moraine. Eventually, you will pass the Ramtang Kharka and head to the Kanchenjunga glacier. You will then cross the meeting point of Lhonak and Kanchenjunga glacier. Upon reaching Lhonak, you will set camp for an overnight stop with views of Mera, Nepal Peak, and Wedge Peaks.

Day

After having breakfast, you will take a walk that leads to Pang Pema which is the North Kanchenjunga Base Camp. The views of the northern side of the gigantic Mt. Kanchenjunga stand right ahead of you. For that, you will take a walk and climb high above the river with panoramic views of Kirat Chuli, Nepal Peak, Taple Sikhar, and Givegela Chuli. You will reach the highest elevation of the entire Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek at Pang Pema at 5065m.

Day

This day has been reserved for taking a rest at Pang Pema. Since you will have crossed an elevation of 5000m, there might be difficulty caused due to altitude sickness. From this point, you will be offered views of Kanchenjunga, Kumbhakarna, Makalu, Cholotse, Sharpu, Drohma, Nepal Peak, and a range of other snow-capped mountains.

Day

On this day, you will take head towards Kangbachen after having a wonderful time at the Kanchenjunga Base Camp. You will take a long descend with a few short climbs, and retrace your steps back to Kambachen where you will set camp.

Day

After having breakfast, you will head to Phole from Kangbachen. You will pass through several farm areas and small villages to cross Ghunsa Khola. Eventually, you will walk through the alpine forest to reach Phole which is a small Sherpa settlement.

Day

On this day, you will trek from Phole to Amjilassa. You will pass the forests of bamboo and rhododendron and into the Gybala village. After that, head into a dense forest then reach a grassland and into the Sherpa village of Amjilassa where you will set camp for overnight.

Day

On this day, you will take a descend into the open grassland towards Ghunsa and Sekathum villages. Along the way, you will cross the cold and swift-flowing Ghunsa and Simbhu rivers and follow the Tamur river to reach Tapethok village eventually. Tapethok is inhabited by the Limbu (Subba) Kirat ethnic tribe people.

Day

After having breakfast, continue on the shore of the Tamur River and head to Chiruwa village. You will be walking through several farm villages and climbing into cool, serene woodland of rhododendrons, oaks, and pine trees. Eventually, you reach Phoram village where you can take an evening stroll around.

Day

On this day, you will begin your walk towards Suketar. Along the way, you will pass numerous remote rural villages and woodland. You then walk uphill for a few hours and eventually reach Taplejung village at Suketar. This is the last day of your trek in the Kanchenjunga region.

Day

On this day you will take a bus ride in the morning and head towards either Fickal or Birtamod/Badarpur. You will drive around the warmer regions of Nepal and towards Bhadrapur for your last overnight stop before flying back to Kathmandu.

Day

After you take your breakfast, you will head out for a domestic flight to Kathmandu. Along the way, you will reminisce about the memorable adventure in the Kanchenjunga region. Upon reaching Kathmandu you will be transferred to your respective hotel. You can take a rest and enjoy some Nepali meals.

Day

This day has been reserved for any contingency that might occur throughout the trek or any flight delays. On this day, you can also go on a sightseeing tour around Kathmandu valley. There are a lot of culturally and architecturally adorned areas of Nepal. You can visit the Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur Durbar squares or temples like Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, and Boudhanath. At night you can enjoy yourself near the pubs and clubs of Thamel along with your friends in Nepal.

Day

This marks the end of your amazing Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek in Nepal. Our staff will drop you off at the Tribhuvan International Airport for homeward bound. Along the way, you can make further plans for your next trip to Nepal in the Everest, Kanchenjunga, Annapurna regions in Nepal.

Inclusions

Airport pick-up and drop-off services by private van.
Kathmandu sightseeing with tour guide by private van.
Fly ticket to Kathmandu from Bhadarpur and transfer to hotel.
Fly ticket Bhadrapur from Kathmandu 3000 m and drive to Ilam town
Entry permit for National Park/Conservation.
Trekkers' Information Management system (TIMS) card.
Trekking Guides and Sherpas with First aid kit.
Necessary porters (One porter carries 21 kilograms of luggage).
All meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cup of tea or coffee) during the trip.
Camping or Lodge (Tea house) accommodation.
Necessary camping equipment such as tents, mattresses, sleeping bags, down jackets, cooking utensils, etc...
Cook and kitchen helpers with Cooking fuel.
Camping charges.
All land transportation wherever applicable.
Insurance and equipment are for all trekking staff.
Rescue assistance (In case of emergency, we will organize prompt and professional rescue services. To arrange timely evacuation/rescue by helicopter, you must be well ensured by a reliable travel insurance company that covers both helicopter evacuation and medical treatment costs.)
Tourists’ service charge, and government tax vat.

International airfare & Nepali visa fee.
Personal travel insurance.
personal expenses (phone. Call, internet, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, bottle or boiled water, hot shower, trekking person equipment, etc...)
Private Transportation Ilam to Birtamod/Badarpur.
Private Transpotations Badarpur to Sukhetar.
Kathmandu sightseeing entrance fee.
Meals & hotel accommodation in Kathmandu.
Tips for staff ( it is expected).

Complimentary

Welcome dinner in a famous Nepali restaurant with a Nepali culture dance program.
Sleeping bag during the trek, (to be returned after completion of the trip).
Kanchenjunga base camp trek map.
Seasonal fresh fruit during the trek.
Trekking Pools (to be returned after completion of the trip).
Adventure certificate of achievement.

Frequently Asked Questions

The reason is the Kanchenjunga base camp trek, one of the longest trekking adventures around Nepal, as well it involves flights and drives both ways which make the trek more expensive than other popular regions. Due to remote and fewer visitors, the lodges are limited and very simple.

Minimum age of 16 and onwards, and not older than 65 years, should be in good physical shape and in sound health to cope with high hills and altitude.

From the last village of Sherpa Gaon and Ghunsa, there is no electricity in between to charge your gadgets, on the return journey there are few villages till Sukhetar at Taplejung. For this reason, one needs to carry a portable solar panel that can fit outside your day pack, while you trek the sunlight can power your solar panel to use at the end of the day.

Depending upon the seriousness of the illness, if it’s a critical situation the client needs immediate evacuation for medical help, by any means of fast transportation. The fastest way in Nepal Himalaya and on Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is using a Helicopter Service. Our guide will inform the head office to arrange a Helicopter to evacuate the sick person. From the nearest spot where a helicopter can land and then fly to Kathmandu and admit to the best hospitals for further treatment.

Staying in the best simple lodge were available around main large villages, most overnights spending in tented camping. Hiker Himalaya will provide full camping facilities includes two-man tents, a dining tent as per the size of a group with separate kitchen tents backed by camping staff of expert cooks, kitchen crews, guides, and porters to carry all camping gear and food throughout the journey. Food will be of excellent standard served from our kitchen tent by our chef, with variation from continental, Chinese, Indian, and Italian to Tibetan and Nepalese meals. Includes good breakfast, light lunch, and a great main course at dinner time.

Reviews

Write a review See more reviews

Book Now

based on 30 ratings

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Highlights

Overview

Trip Itinerary

Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel:

Fly to Bhadrapur 3000 m and drive to Ilam town, -04 hrs:

Drive to Sukhetar 04 hrs trek to Lali Kharka 1,900m, -04 hrs:

Trek to Khesewa-Bhanjyang 2,100m, -05 hrs:

Trek to Mamankhe 2,030 m, -06 hrs:

Trek to Yangphudin 2,150m, -06 hrs:

Trek to Chitre 2,880 m, -06hrs:

Trek to Simbua Khola 3,000m, -07 hrs:

Trek to Tseram 3,770 m, -05 hrs:

Trek to Ramche 4,360m via Lapsang, -05 hrs:

Rest day at Ramche for acclimatization:

Trek back to Tseram, -04 hrs:

Trek to Tamo - la 4,300 m, -05 hrs:

Trek to Ghunsa 3,480m, -06 hrs:

Trek to Kangbachen 4,000m, -05 hrs:

Trek to Lhonak 4,780 m -05 hrs:

Trek to Pang Pema/Kanchenjunga Base Camp 5, 065 m, -05 hrs:

Rest day at Pang Pema for local exploration:

Trek to Kangbachen 3,900 m, -06 hrs:

Trek to Phole 3,100 m, -06 hrs:

Trek to Amjilassa 2,500m, -07 hrs:

Trek to Tapethok 1,300 m, -06 hrs:

Trek to Phoram 1,650m, -06 hrs:

Trek to Suketar 2,440 m, -05 hrs:

Drive to Fickal or Bhritamod / Badarpur:

Fly to Kathmandu from Bhadarpur and transfer to hotel:

In Kathmandu free day with a sightseeing tour:

International departure:

Inclusions

Complimentary

Frequently Asked Questions

01: Why Kanchenjunga trek gets fewer trekkers?

02: What age group can join for Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek?

03: Are there facilities to charge our electronic items?

04: What will happen if one gets sick during the trek?

05: How are the food and accommodation on the trek?

Reviews

Similar Tours

Tsum Valley with Manaslu Circuit Trek

Everest Three Pass Trek

Makalu Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Circuit With Tilicho Lake poon Hill Trek

Nar Phu Valley Trekking

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Join our Newsletter