Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek - 23 Days

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
Trip Facts
  • Trip Duration23 Days
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • Maximum Altitude 5140m
  • Activity Trekking
  • Starts/Ends Kathmandu / Kathmandu
  • Best Season September to Mid December & February to May
Highlights
  • Base of third highest peak: This trek will take you the base of world third-highest mountain, Mt. Kanchenjunga which stands at and elevation of 8,586 meters. You will trek to both north and south base camps which offers stunning views of surrounding peak.
  • Less crowded: Kanchenjunga is less traveled compared to other well-known trekking routes so you will find very less number of tourists. This will give you an opportunity to enjoy quiet trekking experience. You will walk through rural areas and unspoiled scenery during the trek.
  • Diverse Landscapes: The trek encompasses a wide range of landscapes, from lush subtropical forests to alpine meadows and high-altitude desolate terrains. Trekkers encounter diverse flora and fauna, including rhododendron forests, bamboo groves, and panoramic mountain views.
  • Rich Cultural Experience: The Kanchenjunga region is home to various ethnic communities such as the Limbu and Rai people. Trekkers have the opportunity to experience the unique cultures, traditions, and customs of these communities, adding a cultural dimension to the trek.
  • Challenging High Passes: The trek involves crossing high mountain passes like Sele La Pass, providing trekkers with a challenging yet rewarding experience. The passes offer panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
  • Kanchenjunga North and South Base Camps: The trek takes you to both the north and south base camps of Kanchenjunga, allowing you to witness the mountain from different perspectives. Pangpema is the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, and Oktang serves as the South Base Camp.
  • Breathtaking Views: Throughout the trek, trekkers are treated to breathtaking views of not only Kanchenjunga but also other nearby peaks like Jannu, Makalu, and Everest. The panoramic vistas from high-altitude points are awe-inspiring.
  • Wildlife Encounters: The Kanchenjunga region is home to diverse wildlife, including the elusive red panda, snow leopards, Himalayan tahr, and various species of birds. Wildlife enthusiasts will find the trek rewarding for potential wildlife sightings.
  • Tea Houses and Camping: The trek combines stays in local tea houses in some areas and camping in others where facilities are limited. This mix of accommodations provides a diverse experience.
  • Adventure and Seclusion: The trek appeals to adventure enthusiasts seeking a challenging trek in a more secluded environment. Trekkers often find a sense of solitude and tranquility in the pristine surroundings.

The Kanchanjunga Base Camp trek is one of the challenging and raw trekking routes in Nepal which is travelled very less. Mt. Kanchanjunga, third-highest mountain in the world, which stands at an elevation of 8,586 meters (28,169 feet). The Kanchanjunga trek is located in the eastern part of Nepal, near the border with India and China. The trek goes through the pristine and stunning Kanchanjunga Conservation Area where special permit is required to do the trek. There are two main base camps for Kanchanjunga: North Base Camp and South Base Camp. The South Base Camp is more popular because of its breathtaking views of beautiful Kanchanjunga Mountain range. The trek offers stunning panoramic view of beautiful mountain peaks such as Mt. Everest (8848.86m), Mt. Kanchanjunga (8586m), Mt. Lhotse (8516m), Mt. Makalu (8481m), and many others.

The trekking trail in Kanchanjunga region passes through diverse landscapes, including lush forests, terraced fields, and alpine meadows. The trekkers also get an opportunity to explore variety of flora and fauna, including Himalayan black bear, musk deer, snow leopard, red panda, wild boar and many others. In addition, trekkers also get an opportunity to interact with local ethnic group like the Limbu and Rai, offering a glimpse into their unique culture and traditions.

The accommodation during the trek is very basic which includes a mix of tea house stays and camping due to the remoteness of the trail. The Kanchanjunga trek is a great option for those looking for a more quiet and uncrowded experience because it sees less trekkers than other well-known trekking routes. As, the trek experiences high altitudes, so proper acclimatization is crucial. To acclimatize before reaching the base camp, we will have acclimatization day at Ghunsa situated at an altitude of 3415m. The best time for the Kanchanjunga trek is during the spring (Mid - February to May) and autumn (September to Mid - December) when the weather is stable.

Embark on the Kanchanjunga trek, with Moon Himalaya Adventure to ensure a safe and enjoyable trekking experience.

ItineraryDay to Day Itinerary
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Upon your arrival in Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), representative from Moon Himalaya Adventure will warmly welcome you with flower garland and transfer to hotel. In the evening you will have dinner with our guides where you will introduce with each other and talk about the trip.

  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Max Altitude:1310m

On the second day, in the afternoon, our guide will brief you about the Kanchanjunga Trek and the gear you need. In case you miss out on some gear, you can buy or rent it. Today, we will also issue an special permit to do the trek.

  • Meals:Breakfast
  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Max Altitude:1310m

We will check out of the hotel and head to the domestic airport after breakfast. We fly over the Kathmandu Valley, the surrounding hills, and some of Nepal's most iconic mountains on our quick journey to Bhadrapur. After reaching Bhadrapur, we'll take a vehicle to Ilam, which is the country's center for tea plantations. Overnight in hotel at Ilam.

  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Duration:55 minutes flight & 4/5 hours’ drive

After breakfast, we drive for 5 hours through terraced fields and hills to reach Ranipul or Hellok, where we will spend the night.

  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Guesthouse
  • Max Altitude:1650m
  • Duration:Drive 7/8 hours

We will start our proper trek from today and the walk includes crossing over the suspension bridges. We will also see the beautiful waterfall at Ghaiyabari (2160m). Amjilosa is a small Sherpa village where villagers used to use this place as a pasture land for yaks and sheep.

  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house
  • Max Altitude:2498m
  • Duration:4/5 hours walk

After breakfast, we will begin our trek and walk-through dense forest of pine, bamboo, rhododendron, and oak trees. We will observe that the people and culture are more similar to Tibetan culture. On the trail, we also come across beautiful waterfalls. We might find goats, sheep, yaks and a wide variety of birds on our way to Gyabla. Upon reaching Gyabla, you can visit monastery, chhorten, temple and school around Gyabla.

  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Max Altitude:2725m
  • Duration:5/6 hrs walk

The trek continues through forests. We will pass through the Phale village (3215m), where Tibetan refugee camp was established decades ago. We will visit the monastery and chhorten in Phale village and continue our trek to Ghunsa. We will see the chhorten on our way to Ghunsa. Ghunsa is one of the largest villages in the area where we can find a Kanchanjunga Conservation Office, Check post, health post, post office and a police station.

  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Max Altitude:3415m
  • Duration:5/6 hours walk

As we have reached the high altitude, it is crucial to acclimatize. We will hike nearby the hills and visit monastery and nearby villages.

  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Max Altitude:3415m

We will make our way to Khangpachen through beautiful waterfall enjoying the stunning mountain view. As, the rockfall might occur on the trail so, we have to take extra caution while walking.

  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Max Altitude:4145m
  • Duration:5/6 hours walk

As we have reached the higher altitude, we will be walking over the ridge following the trail that leads to the Kanchanjunga Glacier. We can see the stunning view of Wegde Peak (6802m), Merra Peak (6334m), and many others. There is no settlement yet we can find stone huts in Lhonak.

  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Max Altitude:4785m
  • Duration:5/6 hours walk

Today we will make our way to Kanchanjunga North Base Camp situated at an altitude of 5140m following the trail along the glacier. Kanchanjunga North Base Camp is also the expedition base camp and is also known as Pang Pema. You will find Buddhist prayer flags. You can enjoy the beautiful view of surrounding mountains. After spending some time at base camp, you will return back to Lhonak.

  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house
  • Max Altitude:5140m
  • Duration:7/8 hrs

We will return to Ghunsa following the trail that we used while climbing up. We will enjoy our lunch at Khambachen. After that, we will walk down to Ghunsa, where we will spend the night.

  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Max Altitude:3415m
  • Duration:6/7 hrs

Today, we will be walking through the forestry and grassy ridge trail. We can see Ghunsa and Phole villages as well as an amazing view of Jannu (7710m), Nyukla Lachung (6012m), Ghabur or Temachungi (6305m), and other mountains.

  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Duration:4/5 hours walk

We will start our trek early morning. We have to cross two high passes, Mirgin La pass (4645m) and Sinelapche Bhyanjyang Pass (4645m). The stunning view of Yalung Glacier, Jannu (7710m), Makalu (8481m), Baruntse (7129m), Kanchenjunga (8586m), and many other mountain ranges can be seen from the high passes. After that, the trail descends down to Cheram.

  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Max Altitude:4645m
  • Duration:7 to 8 hours walk

We climb up towards Ramche, passing through an ablation valley and the Yalung Glacier's moraines. On the way, we can see Rathong peak (6682m), a lake and a blue sheep grazing in the meadow on the verdant hills. We will visit small monastery at Ramche in the evening.

  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:very basic homestay
  • Max Altitude:4610m
  • Duration:4/5 hours walk

Today we will hike to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp or Oktang in the morning. Tibetan prayer flags encircle the Base Camp, which is situated just on the glacier's edge. The entire area is surrounded by the Himalayas and the views are just breathtaking. We will get our way back to Cheram after spending some time in Oktang.

  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Duration:6/7 hours walk

The trail descends downhill until the final part to tortong. The final part is steep ascent through the forestry trail and over a landslide-prone region. Along the way to Tortong, we also come across a Chortens, monasteries, and waterfalls. There are few teahouses at Tortong where we will spend a night.

  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Max Altitude:2980m
  • Duration:4/5 hours walk

After breakfast, we will descend downhill which then gradually turns into a strenuous ascent. We will cross across two passes, Lasiya Bhanjyang (3415m) and Dhupi Bhanjyang (2665m). Then, we follow the steep downhill trail that goes through forests until we reach Yamphuding.

  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Max Altitude:1680m
  • Duration:7/8 hours walk

Today, will be the last day of our walk and the trail will be easier as we will be walking at lower altitude. We will cross several suspension bridges, forests, villages and terraced farmland on our way to Khebang.

 

 

  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Max Altitude:1915m
  • Duration:5/6 hours walk

Today, we will take a vehicle and will have a long drive, taking in the beautiful scenery of rivers, verdant hills, snow-capped mountains, and people. In the evening, you can visit the beautiful hills covered with tea plantations.

  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Max Altitude:1500m
  • Duration:7/8 hours drive

Today we will drive along the hills on our way to flatland of Bhadrapur. Upon reaching Bhadrapur, we will take a flight back to Kathmandu. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you can enjoy your dinner and relax in a comfortable hotel.

  • Meals:Breakfast & Lunch
  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Duration:3/4 hours’ drive & 55 minutes flightTe

Representative from Moon Himalaya Adventure will drop you at the airport 3 hours prior to the scheduled flight time.

    The itinerary can be customized. You can spend a night at Kanchenjunga base camp and go for mountain hiking next morning at around 5700m and return to Lhonak. The itinerary made by Moon Himalaya Adventure is prepared on the basis of our years of experience. 

    Cost DetailsWhat's Included
    • Airport pick up and drop.
    • Three-night hotel in Kathmandu.
    • Welcome and Farewell dinner.
    • Flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu for client.
    • Ground Transportation from Bhadrapur to Illam, Illam to Hellok, Khebang to Kanyam and from Kanyam to Bhadrapur for client.
    • Three meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek.
    • Tea and coffee during the trek.
    • Desert after dinner (seasonal fruits).
    • Accommodation during the trek.
    • Kanchanjunga Conservation Area entry fee.
    • Restricted area permit fee.
    • Flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu for guide.
    • English speaking government license holder Trekking guide.
    • Porter.
      (For two person there will be one porter and the baggage should be 10 to 12 kg only)
    • Food, accommodation, salary and Trekking insurance of guide, and porter.
    • First aid kit.
    • All necessary government taxes.
    • Certificate of accomplishment of the trek.
    • Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid by client Travel insurance company.
    What's Excluded
    • Nepal entry visa fee (you may easily issue the visa upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport – Kathmandu). You will require 2 passport size photos.
    • International airfare and airport departure tax.
    • Your Travel insurance (compulsory).
    • Food (lunch and dinner) while you are in Kathmandu.
    • Hotel in Kathmandu that goes beyond the scheduled program.
    • Your personal expenses and entrance fees while you do the tour in Kathmandu.
    • Entry fees in Monastries, temples, Museum.
    • Your personal expenses, shopping, donation to monasteries and school, wifi, laundry etc
    • All the alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
    • Sweet things like chocolate bars.
    • Internet, Hot shower and battery charge during the trek.
    • Tips for the guide and staffs.
    • Things that go beyond cost inclusive.
    AvailabilityDeparture Dates & Price
    Start DateEnd DatePriceStatus 
    Start DateFrom: WednesdayOct 16, 2024End DateTo: ThursdayNov 07, 2024PricePriceUS$ 2859StatusStatusAvailable
    Useful InformationGood to Know
    • Altitude sickness: You should be aware of the risks of altitude sickness and take necessary precautions, such as acclimatizing properly, drinking plenty of fluids, and avoiding alcohol and smoking. Moon Himalaya Adventure has prepared the Kanchenjunga base camp trel itinerary with proper time to acclimatize starting gradually from low altitude to high during the trek. However, if you realize any symptoms such as headache, feeling and being sick, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite and shortness of breath then immediately inform to your guide as soon as possible. 
    • Weather: During February to May and September to Mid- December the weather is generally dry and stable however it is important to be prepared for the cold and the possibility of snow or rain.
    • Medical History: Please let us know if you have any medical history that effect your Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek such as knee or leg sprain, fractures, major surgeries or other serious health concerns.
    • Medication: Please inform us about any medication that you use daily so our guide can help remind you while trekking.
    • Best time to trek: Every season has a different thing to offer however the best time to do Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is from September to Mid-December and from February to May. During these months, the weather is generally dry and the skies are clear, offering stunning mountain views.
    • Electricity: Most teahouses have electricity, but portable solar chargers are recommended for charging electronic devices.
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