How difficult is the Kanchenjunga Trek?

It is a challenging trek with steep ascents, high passes, and remote trails, recommended for experienced trekkers.

What permits are required?

You need a Restricted Area Permit and Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP). These can only be obtained through a trekking agency.

Can I do this trek solo?

No, as per Nepal’s trekking rules, you must have a minimum of two trekkers and a licensed guide.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, – Nepal Treks By Kishan

Transportation
Bus, Airlines
Accomodation
3-Star Hotels & Teahouses
Maximum Altitude
5,143m (Pangpema - Kanchenjunga North Base Camp)
Departure from
Kathmandu
Best season
February, March, April, May, September, October, November
Tour type
Eco-Tour, Hiking
Group Size
2-10
Language
English, Spanish, French, Chinese
Fitness level
Moderate to Strenuous
Minimum Age
18
Group Size
1 - 8
Destinations
Kanchenjunga Region
Activities
Cultural Tours, Hiking, Jungle Safari, Mountain Climbing
Trip Type
Budget Travel, Cultural, High Altitude, Home Stay

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is one of the great Himalayan trails, which
covers the eastern part of Nepal. The term “Kanchenjunga” stands for crystal
clear in Nepali. Kanchenjunga (8586m) is the third highest mountain in the world
and is also popularly known as the “Five Treasures of the Great Snow” i.e. Gold,
Silver, Precious Stones, Grain, and Holy Scriptures. The famous Kanchenjunga
is situated in North-East Nepal and is bordered by Sikkim, India. Since the
mountain partly lies in Nepal and partly in India, the view of Kanchenjunga can
be seen from India, Bhutan, and Tibet.
The trekking route to Kanchenjunga Base Camp passes through the Arun valley
which is considered the most beautiful regions for trekking in Nepal. One of the
main highlights of this trek is Kanchenjunga Conservation area which covers an
area of 2035 square kilometers. The area is home to many flora and fauna as
well as various wildlife including Himalayan black bear, musk deer, snow leopard,
red panda, wild boar and many others. The route to basecamp offers variations
in landscapes from alpine grasslands to sub-tropical forests, low river valley,
glacial moraine, and rocky scree slopes. Throughout the trekking, trekkers get to
relish the stunning panoramic view of the massive mountain peaks such as
Lhotse (8516m), Everest (8848m), Kanchenjunga (8586m), Makalu (8481m), and
many others. The Kanchenjunga region is inhabited by a mixed community of
Sherpa, Rai, Limbu, and Gurung, which provides an opportunity for trekkers to
understand their culture and lifestyle.

Highlights

Panoramic views of Kanchenjunga, Jannu, and surrounding peaks
Explore both North (Pangpema - 5,143m) and South (Oktang - 4,730m) Base Camps
Rich biodiversity – chance to spot red pandas and snow leopards
Experience the culture of Limbu, Rai, and Tibetan people
Cross the Sele La Pass (4,290m) with breathtaking landscapes

Day 01 :

Arrival in Kathmandu 1338m

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, our company
representative picks you up and transfers you to the hotel. Overnight at a hotel in
Kathmandu.

Day 02 :

Permits procedure and Afternoon flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur — Drive to Ilam 1210m/2-3 hours

We catch afternoon scenic flight to Bhadrapur. After landing, we take a jeep ride
to Ilam enjoying the view of beautiful landscapes. Ilam is Nepal’s largest tea
plantation area and serves as a major tourist area even for domestic tourists. The
picturesque town of Ilam hosts large orchards of tea plants and is also famous for
the Himalayan chew made of cheese. Overnight at a hotel in Ilam.

Day 03 :

Drive from Ilam to Taplejung 1820m/6-7 hours

Today, we head towards Taplejung in private transportation. Driving along the
beautiful countryside view, we pass through Phidim to reach Limbu village of
Taplejung. Overnight at a hotel in Taplejung.

Day 04 :

Trek from Taplejung to Mitlung 921m/4-5 hours

The trekking route today passes through lush mid hills and several villages with
traditional mud-brick houses. We also come across rice paddies, terraced farm
fields, and cardamom farms. We then continue to trek following the flow of Tamor
River to reach Mitlung. Overnight at a home-stay/lodge in Mitlung.

Day 05 :

Trek from Mitlung to Chiruwa 1270m/5-6 hours

Today we trek through the Limbu and Tamang villages of Sinwa, Tawa, and
Porke. We also pass over old landslide debris and boulder, and strewn river
deposits, before descending to Thiwa Khola. We then cross a wooden bridge to
reach Chiruwa. Overnight at a lodge in Chiruwa.

Day 06 :

Trek from Chiruwa to Sukethum 1579m/5-6 hours

Trekking through the villages of Taplethok, Tamewa, Hellok, and Lelep, we move
alongside Tamor River and descend towards Simbu Khola, which emerges from
the Yalung Glacier. We then trek through steep and narrow Ghunsa Khola valley
to finally arrive in Sukethum. Overnight at a lodge in Sukethum.

Day 07 :

Trek from Sukathum to Amjilosa 2308m/6-7 hours

Moving with the flow of Ghunsa Khola, we head towards Amjilosa walking

through steep uphill on exposed terrain. Relishing the amazing landscape view
and crossing several bridges over Ghunsa Khola, we reach the Tibetan village of
Amjilosa. Overnight at a lodge in Amjilosa.

Day 08 :

Trek from Amjilosa to Gyabla 2730m/6-7 hours

Today, we walk through forested trail filled with rhododendrons and bamboo,
before ascending to Gyabla. We also come across a big waterfall on the opposite
side of the river on our way to Gyabla. Making a steep ascent and then a
descent, we arrive in Gyabla. Overnight at a lodge in Gyabla.

Day 09 :

Trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa 3595m/6-7 hours

Leaving behind the beautiful Gyabla village, we trek towards Ghunsa through a
broad meadow. We then climb a small hill and descend to cross the river to
reach the Tibetan village of Ghunsa with wooden houses, a micro hydropower
plant, school, and a health post. Overnight at a lodge in Ghunsa.

Day 10 :

Acclimatization day

To adjust with the thinning air, we take a short hike to the opposite side of
Ghunsa Khola with a gain of about 400m. After returning from the hike, we can
spend rest of the day exploring the ancient village of Ghunsa visiting monasteries
and learning about their Buddhist culture and tradition. Overnight at a lodge in
Ghunsa.

Day 11 :

Trek from Ghunsa to Khangpachen 4050m/5-6 hours

Today, we begin our trek entering the forested path along the south bank of
Ghunsa Khola and passing several Mani walls and Chortens along the way. We
also trek through several scree slopes and some glacial moraines to reach the
Tibetan settlement of Khangpachen from where we can get the stunning view of
the north face of Jannu (7710m). Overnight at a lodge in Khangpachen.

Day 12 :

Trek from Khangpachen to Lhonak 4780m/5-6 hours

Leaving behind Khangpachen, we follow the trail on the left side of
Kanchenjunga Glacier. We hike along a high plateau to reach the campsite of
Lhonak. From Lhonak, we can see the panoramic view of massive mountain
peaks like Wegde Peak (6802m), Mera Peak (6364m), Nepal Peak (7177m),
Twins (7350m), and many others. Overnight at a lodge in Lhonak.

Day 13 :

Trek from Lhonak to Kanchenjunga Base Camp 5143m and Trek back to Lhonak 4780m/6-7 hours

Today, we head towards Kanchenjunga Base Camp following the trail along the
glaciers on the northern ridges. The camp is also known as Pang Pema from
where we get the mesmerizing and spectacular view of Mt Kanchenjunga
(8586m) along with the skyline filled with snow-capped mountain ranges
bordering Nepal-India and Nepal-Tibet. Then walk back to Lhonak. Overnight at
a lodge in Lhonak.

Day 14 :

Trek from Lhonak to Ghunsa 3595m/5-6 hours

After the amazing experience in KBC and Lhonak, we retrace our trail to Ghunsa
enjoying the spectacular view of different mountains. Descending past Lhonak

and Khangpachen while walking on the moraines of Kanchenjunga Glacier and
Kumbhakarna Glacier, we arrive in Ghunsa. Overnight at a lodge in Ghunsa.

Day 15 :

Trek from Ghunsa to High Camp 4100m/6-7 hours

To reach the High Camp, we trek along a steep rocky trail through a forested
area filled with birch, pine, and colorful rhododendron. An amazing view of Jannu
(7710m), Nyukla Laching (6670m), Temachunggi (6044m), and other mountains
can be observed from High Camp. Overnight at a lodge in High Camp.

Day 16 :

16: Trek from High Camp to Tseram 3870m/8-9 hours via Sele -La Pass 4480m and Sinion La Pass 4660m

Today might be the most challenging day as we cross over two passes on our
way to Tseram, the highest pass being the Sele La (4480m) and Sinion La
(4660). Upon reaching the top of the passes, we are rewarded with an amazing
view of Yalung Glacier, Jannu (7710m), Makalu (8481m), Baruntse (7129m),
Kanchenjunga (8586m), and many other mountain ranges along the Sikkim
border. We then descend to Tseram. Overnight at a lodge in Tseram.

Day 17 :

Trek from Tseram to Ramche 4580m/4-5 hours

Passing the moraines of Yalung Glacier into an ablation valley, we ascend
towards Ramche. We also come across a lake and a meadow where we can
spot the blue sheep grazing on the grassy hills. We will visit the small monastery
in Ramche, in the evening. Overnight at a home-stay/lodge in Ramche.

Day 18 :

Explore to Oktang 4730m/2-3 hours and trek back to Tseram 3870m/5-6 hours

Today, we explore Oktang view point area. Trekking through the glacial moraines
and challenging rocky path, we cross Oktang, from where we can get a
panoramic view of Jannu (7720m) and Kanchenjunga (8586m), and several other
peaks. Retracing the same trail, we trek towards Anda Phedi relishing the view of
different mountain ranges and herds of blue sheep over the grassy slope.
Overnight at a lodge in Tseram.

Day 19 :

Trek from Tseram to Tortong 2995m/6-7 hours

We descend towards Tortong through the densely forested path filled with
rhododendrons and bushes. We also stumble across few streams, Chortens,
monasteries, ponds, and waterfalls on our way to Tortong. Overnight at a lodge
in Tortong.

Day 20 :

Trek from Tortong to Yamphudim 2080m/6-7 hours

We continue to descend to the Amji Khola and then crossing Lasiya Bhanjyang
(3310m) and Dhupi Bhanjyang (2620m), we descend towards Yamphudim.
Yamphudim is a village inhabited by a mixed community of Sherpa, Rai, Limbu,
and Gurung. Overnight at a lodge in Yamphudim.

Day 21 :

Trek from Yamphudim to Khebang 1915m/5-6 hours

Leaving behind the village of Yamphudim, we descend towards Khebang passing
through valleys, waterfalls, and forest area. Crossing suspension bridges over
several streams, we walk past small settlements alongside Kabeli Khola to arrive
in Khebang. Overnight at a home-stay/lodge in Khebang.

Day 22 :

Drive Khebang to Ilam 1210m/6-7 hours by jeep

We take a long drive to Ilam enjoying the view of green hills, snow-capped
mountains, rivers, and daily activities of the locals throughout the ride. From the
mountainous part, we are now in the flatlands of Nepal. Overnight at a hotel in
Ilam.

Day 23 :

Morning drive from Ilam to Bhadrapur airport 3-4 hours by jeep and flight back to Kathmandu

We drive towards Bhadrapur airport to catch our flight back to the capital city.
Enjoying the aerial view of the mountains, we arrive in Kathmandu. After landing,
we transfer you to the hotel. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 24 :

Final departure from Kathmandu

We drop you at the Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure with a
hope of seeing you again.