Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Duration: 17 Days / 16 Nights   |   Based on 3 Reviews
  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty: Moderate
  • Style: Trekking
  • Transportation: Private Vehicle / Aeroplane
  • Meals: BLD (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
  • Group Size: 2-20
  • Max Altitude: 5,043m/16,545ft

Highlights of Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

  • Scenic flight from Kathmandu to Suketar
  • Remote Villages of Lumbus and Sherpas
  • Diverse flora and fauna of Kanchanjanga Conservation Area
  • Reaching the base camp of the world’s third highest peak, Mt. Kanchanjanga
  • Tranquil trails going past lush forests and Himalayan valleys
  • Gorgeous view of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m), Table Shikhar, Gimmigela Chuli, Pyramid Peak and Kirant Chuli
  • Experience of crossing Selele La Pass (4,480m), Mirgin La Pass (4,663m), Sinion La (4,660m), etc.

Colloquially, Kanchanjanga is pronounced “Kang-chen-zod-nga”, which means Five Treasures of Snow. It is a system of seven different summits. Lying out of the usual trekkers’ zone, Kanchanjanga Base Camp is visited by only a handful of trekkers each year. There are those who wish to stay at the limits of regular routes such as Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp. And there are still those who wish to take the experience further and explore the beauty of eastern Nepal! At 8,586 meters, Kanchanjanga is the third highest peak in the world further accompanied by beautiful rivers and landscapes.

Kanchanjanga Base Camp trek

Trekking in Kanchanjanga region is a challenging task. On a difficulty scale, it can be measured as strenuous, however, the rich experience it provides is unlike anything you’ll experience in Nepal. People started being engaged in trekking and climbing expeditions from the second half of the twentieth century. Nevertheless, the government of Nepal opened this peak officially in 1988 for the foreign trekkers to let them experience something new!

Kanchenjunga South base Camp

The trek will take you across unspoiled vegetation and ethnic villages of Rai and Limbus as well as other communities. Historically, the people of this remote region travelled to Tibet and bartered essentials such as salt, food and clothing. Today, the people flock to eastern towns of Nepal such as Jhapa and Ilam for collecting daily goods and services.

As the eastern starting point of the Great Himalayan Trail (GHT) Nepal, the region is rich in flora and fauna. Along the trek, you might encounter blue sheep, musk deer, and mountain bears in addition to other less common fauna. The notable peaks you will see en route are Mt. Everest, Mt. Chamlang, Mt. Makalu and of course, Mt. Kanchenjunga. On higher altitudes, this trekking trail is lined by alpine pastures, dense sub-tropical forests, and shallow gorges.

Ghunsa Peak

To begin this trek, you will take a flight from Kathmandu to Biratnagar (or Bhadrapur) and then drive to Basantapur (or Suketar). The ecological regions are varied, making you realize the geographical of diversity of this route. Taking around three weeks, the trail passes through amazing landscapes and terrains before you reach the northern base camp. After exploration of this region, you will trek ahead to Taplejung and take a flight to Kathmandu. If you wish to reach the south base camp (and visit the mighty Yalung Glacier), you need to arrange with us before leaving.

Way to Kanchanjunga base Camp

A visit to Kanchanjanga is a formidable trek into the grandeur of an eight-thousander of Nepal. The best time to visit Kanchanjanga is from spring to midsummer and in autumn. Orbit Alpine Adventure has proposed 17 days’ itinerary for an epic trek to Kanchanjanga Base Camp. The other popular trekking packages in Kanchenjunga region are Kanchenjunga Selele Pass Trekking, Kanchenjunga Base Camp trekking Bokta Peak Climbing and Kanchenjunga Milke Danda Trekking. For more details and appropriate itinerary, contact us via email, phone call, WhatsApp or online booking services.

FAQs:

1. Where is Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek?

Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek lies in Province No 1 of Nepal in the eastern part bordering with Sikkim, India. It is next to Makalu region trekking that it is the easternmost beginning point of the 1,700 km long Great Himalayan Trail. This trek takes you around the third highest peak of the world, Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m) rewarding you with unexplored valleys of the Kanchenjunga region. Although you have to go across some high Himalayan passes, the rewards are lifelong memories! You can delve into the wilderness in the remote region of Nepalese Himalayan far away from the hustling and bustling city life.

2. How far is Kanchenjunga Base Camp from Kathmandu?

Kanchenjunga Base Camp lies in the starting point of the Great Himalayan Trail in the eastern Nepal. To reach the base camp of Kanchenjunga from Kathmandu, it takes from 18 days to 27 days. The duration depends upon the trekking hours every day, the route you follow and the time you have, to spend in Nepal.

3. Can I do Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek?

Yes, you can do Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek if you are physically fit and mentally ready. However, you cannot do this trek solo because this is a restricted area trekking in the Himalayas. There must be at least two members in your group and a registered guide and a porter. You need to buy a special trekking permit from the Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan, Kathmandu. If you have previous trekking experience, it will be a plus point. You may suffer from altitude sickness, so you have to walk slowly but steadily. You should follow the suggestions of the trekking guide to avoid such unwanted circumstances.

4. Why should I do Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek?

Kanchenjunga Base Camp trekking is an off the beaten path journey towards the third highest peak in the world. To enjoy the mesmerizing view of the snowcapped peaks, lush forests and high altitude villages, you must do this trek. This trek also rewards you with the authentic pastoral lifestyle, Tibetan Buddhist villages and their typical culture. If you want to avoid the crowded trekking trails in the Nepalese Himalayas, this is the best remote treks you should enjoy.

5. What type of food and accommodation facilities is found during Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek?

In the previous years, Kanchenjunga Base Camp trekking used to be a complete camping trekking. But nowadays, there are teahouses developed in all the stopovers en route. The teahouses provide basic facilities of food and accommodation in your services. As the stopovers are in remote area having no roadway access, you cannot find luxurious facilities.

6. Do I need to hire a guide and a porter for trekking to Kanchenjunga Base Camp?

Yes, of course, you need to hire a professional guide and a porter for trekking to Kanchenjunga Base Camp. As this is a restricted area trekking in Nepal, you must be in a group of two members supported by a registered trekking guide and a porter. In case of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) or missing of the right trail, they can help you. Next, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project has large varieties of animals protected and they may also be a danger to you.

7. What are the permits required for Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek?

For Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek, you need the following permits:

  • TIMS Card
  • Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project (KCAP) Entry Permit
  • Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Entry Permit

Day to Day Itinerary

OPEN ALL DAYS Outline Itinerary

As soon as you arrive at the Kathmandu Airport, the representative receives and transfers to the hotel. 

  • Meals: Wellcome Dinner
  • Accommodation: Three Star Hotel
  • Place: Kathmandu
  • Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft

The tour guide of Orbit Alpine Adventure takes you around the UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in Kathmandu Valley. Out of seven such cultural and religious sites, you will visit Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa (the Monkey Temple) and Bouddhanath Stupa. In the evening, the trekking guide assisting you throughout Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek will give you all details about the trip.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Three Star Hotel
  • Place: Kathmandu
  • Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft

Today, you fly from Kathmandu Airport to Suketar Airport in the morning. Enjoying the magnificent sights of the landscapes, snowcapped peaks and high altitude villages, you reach there in about 40 minutes. From Suketar, you follow the trail that goes downhill through dense forests and small villages.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Mitlung
  • Altitude: 921m/3,022ft
  • Time: 3 Hours

You begin the trekking today by walking through the Limbu villages nearby the dense forests inhabited by diverse wildlife and vegetation. On the way, you come to see some clustered houses and terraced farmlands including some small Himalayan streams, you go past Tawa Village.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Chhiruwa
  • Altitude: 1,246m/4,088ft
  • Time: 6 Hours

Following the trekking track that goes uphill and downhill, you proceed towards Sukethum for the night station. You have to walk for about six hours through terraced fields, small human settlement areas, small rivers and rivulets, natural waterfalls. Witnessing the amazing landscapes, which are bare as well as green, you move ahead into Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project from Tapethok checkpoint.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teashouse
  • Place: Sukethum
  • Altitude: 1,585m/5,200ft
  • Time: 6 Hours

After breakfast, you start the journey walking along the rugged trail that goes past some bamboo forests close to some Sherpa Villages. Finally, you reach Anjilosa, a Nepali Sherpa Village highly influenced by the Tibetan culture and tradition. You can have wonderful vistas of the entire Ghunsa Khola Valley from here.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Anjilosa
  • Altitude: 2,395m/7,858ft
  • Time: 6 Hours

Although today’s trekking is shorter, the trail is quite challenging as it goes uphill and downhill. The trail penetrates through the dense forest of rhododendron, birch, brown oak and bamboo trees. By leaving the terraced fields cultivated with seasonal crops and ethnic villages, you reach Gyalba (also called Kyapra). 

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Gyala
  • Altitude: 2,730m/8,957ft
  • Time: 5 Hours

By following the banks of the Ghunsa Khola that flows through lush forests of rhododendron and fir trees, you move ahead. Leaving terraced fields with seasonal crops and vegetables, you reach Phole Village. Here, you can have a look at a small wooden monastery that protects Buddhist relics and ancient paintings. Moving ahead through lush woodlands and cultivated farmlands, you reach Ghunsa that is the largest human settlement area en route Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek. The prayer flags of this remote high altitude village indicate the impression of Tibetan Buddhist rites and rituals in Nepalese territory.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Ghunsa
  • Altitude: 3,427m/11,243ft
  • Time: 7 Hours

In order to prepare yourself against Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) such as altitude sickness, you spend a day here around Ghunsa. Explore the local monastery believed to be related with Khampa Dzong Monastery at the edge of the village. From here, you can enjoy the splendid view of the snowcapped peaks of Kanchenjunga Himalayan Ranges. Or you can hike towards the Yamatri Khola and a lake made by the deposits of the Yamatri Glacier. If you are lucky, you may have the glimpses of antelopes and other animals in Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project. 

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Ghunsa
  • Altitude: 3,427m/11,243ft

For some sections of the trail goes past some lush forests of larch and juniper trees along the Ghunsa Khola. Then, it goes uphill towards the barren landscapes showing some natural waterfalls and the Khumbhakarna Glacier. Finally, you reach Khanpachen or Kambachen Village where you can see some species of wild birds like eagles and falcons.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Khanpachen
  • Altitude: 4,080m/13,386ft
  • Time: 6 Hours

Today, the trekking trail leads you through the stony banks of the mountain stream. By going past the moraine of the Kanchenjunga Glacier, you reach Lhonak village at the edge of the Lhonak Glacier. From here, you can enjoy the stunning view of the snow-clad peaks and wonderful landscapes.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Lhonak
  • Altitude: 4,780m/15,682ft
  • Time: 5 Hours

After breakfast, you move ahead following the track that goes past the barren plain and moraine rift. Walking for about four hours along the icy trail, you reach Pangpema also known as Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. After keeping your backpack at the huts there, you move uphill towards the northern side.

From Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (5,143m), you can have the breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga, Table Shikhar, Gimmigela Chuli, Pyramid Peak and Kirant Chuli. This is how; your dream to reach the third highest peak of the world, Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m) comes true! After enjoying the staggering vistas as long as you can, you trek down to Pangpema for the night station. 

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Pangpem
  • Altitude: 5,043m/16,545ft
  • Time: 4 Hours

To enjoy the mesmerizing sunrise view of the Kanchenjunga and other peaks, you descend towards Kambachen via Lhonak and Ramtang. As the trail is downhill and comfortable, you can easily arrive Kambachen in seven hours from the base camp of Mount Kanchenjunga.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Kambache
  • Altitude: 4,080m/13,386ft
  • Time: 7 Hours

Walking along the Ghunsa Khola bank that passes through the lush forests inhabited by diverse species of birds, you arrive Ghunsa. En route, you can enjoy the mountain scenery and scattered villages.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Ghunsa
  • Altitude: 3,427m/11,243ft
  • Time: 4 Hours

After having breakfast, you begin the journey by following the other trail than you had walked a few days earlier. Walking along the dense forests of rhododendron and juniper trees, you reach Selele La Pass (4,480m). As the trail goes along the deserted land, you had better walk with your group to prevent from wild animals. Selele La Pass is one of the high 

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Selele La
  • Altitude: 4,480m/14,698ft
  • Time: 6 Hours

The voyage of the day is quite challenging and remarkable as you are going to cross a few high passes. You walk past Tamo La (3,900m), Sinion La (4,660m), Mirgin La (4,663m) and Sinelepche La (4,724m). Following the trail that goes along the thick Himalayan forests, you come to meet the main trail of Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. To reach the south base camp of Mount Kanchenjunga, you have to go across Lapsang La Pass (5,160m). Lapsang Lat is the highest pass of the entire Kanchenjunga region. 

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Tseram
  • Altitude: 4,640m/15,289ft
  • Time: 5 Hours

After having breakfast, you move downhill from Tseram by following the trail that goes past some lush high altitude forests. By crossing the Simbuwa Khola, you reach Tortong, a stopover during Kanchenjunga trekking region.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Tortong
  • Altitude: 2,995m/9,826ft
  • Time: 5 Hours

Today, you follow the trail that goes along the rhododendron forests enjoying the magnificent Himalayan views. You walk along the banks of the Amji Khola and crossing the Lassiya Bhanjyang, you reach Yamphudin for the night station.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Yamphudin
  • Altitude: 2,080m/6,824ft
  • Time: 6 Hours

Following the Kabeli River banks and crossing over some suspension bridges, you reach Mamankhe, a stop during Kanchenjunga trek. Moving ahead along the Khasewa Khola and crossing the wooden bridges, you walk past some cultivated lands. In the end, you reach Phamphe Danda for the night station. 

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Phumphe Danda
  • Altitude: 1,858m/6,096ft
  • Time: 6 Hours

In the beginning, the trail ascends towards a higher ridge and then descends towards Yangpang. Before reaching Yangpang, you come to walk across thick woodlands and a natural waterfall. Following the trail that goes past the Nadewa Khola banks and then a few small waterfalls, you reach Khesewa. Thereafter, the trail leads you up to Sinchuburi Bhanjyang (pass) of 2,240m and descends to Kunjari.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Kunjari
  • Altitude: 1,700m/5,756ft
  • Time: 5 Hours

This is the last day of walking during Kanchenjunga trekking package and also the walk is quite longer. The trail leads you across the Phawa Khola and then Tambewa Village across a suspension bridge. Walking past the terraced fields up to Lali Kharka and then lush forests, you reach Surke Danda (2,580m). Following the off-road track from here, you reach Suketar for the night station. Enjoy roaming around Suketar as you are going to leave this region the following morning.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Suketar
  • Altitude: 2,420m/7,940ft
  • Time: 7 Hours

After breakfast, you take a scenic flight from Suketar to Kathmandu Airport. Then, the team member transfers you to the hotel. In the remaining time, you can go shopping around the Thamel Bazaar. In the evening, we cordially invite you for a farewell dinner at a cultural restaurant around Thamel.

  • Meals: Breakfast, farewell Dinner
  • Accommodation: Three Star Hotel
  • Place: Kathmandu
  • Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft
  • Time: 40 Mins

Today, 23 days’ Kanchenjunga Base Camp trekking itinerary is over. We hope you enjoyed a lot during the journey with our friendly and helpful trekking guide.The representative of Orbit Alpine Adventure accompanies you up to the Kathmandu Airport as per your flight schedule.

  • Meals: Breakfast

Cost Details

  • Costs related to all airport and hotel transfers. Domestic flights and airport departure taxes.
  • 3 nights in a hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • A full day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu valley including tour guide and entrance fees
  • 19 nights in local lodges/teahouses during the trek with Meals (Breakfast ,Lunch and dinner )
  • Welcome and farewell dinners
  • All accommodation and meals during the trek
  • Experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide) and Sherpa porter (1 porter for 2 trekkers) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging
  • Down jacket and sleeping bag (on hire) and trekking map.
  • All permits and necessary paper work (National park permit, TIMS )
  • First aid kit.
  • All taxes, be it local or government.
  • Visa fee for Nepal (bring accurate USD cash and 2 passport size photographs)
  • nternational airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • All conservation area and cultural heritage site entrance fees
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from trekking (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from trekking than the scheduled itinerary)
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc)
  • Tips for guides and porters.

Useful Info

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