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Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is the ultimate adventure for those seeking true Himalayan wilderness. Unlike the busy trails of Everest or Annapurna, this trek takes you to the far eastern corner of Nepal to the foot of the world’s third-highest peak ($8,586\text{m}$). It is a long, strenuous, and ...

  • Activities
    Trekking
  • Best Season
    Apr–May & Oct–Nov
  • Currency
    USD
  • Country
    Eastern Himalaya
  • Difficulty
    strenuous
  • Group Size
    1 - 15
  • Map URL
    N/A
  • Video URL
    N/A

Trip Highlights

  • Untouched Wilderness: Experience one of Nepal’s most remote regions with very few trekkers.
  • Cultural Immersion: Discover the authentic traditions of the Rai, Limbu, and Sherpa people.
  • Massive Glaciers: Walk alongside the sprawling Yalung and Kanchenjunga glaciers.
  • The "Double" Base Camp: Stand at both the North and South faces of Mt. Kanchenjunga.
  • Pristine Wildlife: A chance to spot the rare Red Panda, Snow Leopard, and Blue Sheep.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m

1400m
6 hours

Transfer to your hotel. Evening briefing and welcome dinner with your guide.

Day 2: Trek Preparation and Permit Processing

1400m
3 hours

A day in Kathmandu to finalize restricted area permits (requires original passport). Gear check and final packing.

Day 3: Flight to Bhadrapur; Drive to Taplejung (1,820m)

1820m
8 hours

A 45-minute flight to the eastern plains followed by an 8-hour scenic drive through the famous tea gardens of Ilam

Day 4: Drive to Tapethok and Trek to Sukathum (1,576m)

1576m
6 hours

A short jeep drive to the trailhead. Begin trekking along the Tamur River through lush subtropical forests.

Day 5: Trek to Amjilosa (2,308m)

2308m
7 hours

The trail enters a steep gorge. You’ll cross several suspension bridges and climb stone steps to reach the Tibetan-influenced village of Amjilosa.

Day 6: Trek to Gyabla (2,730m)

2730m
6 hours

Walk through dense forests of bamboo and rhododendron. This area is known for Red Panda sightings.

Day 7: Trek to Ghunsa (3,595m)

3595m
7 hours

The valley opens up. You pass through the village of Phale (a Tibetan refugee settlement) before reaching Ghunsa, the largest Sherpa village in the region.

Day 8: Acclimatization Day in Ghunsa

3595m
5 hours

A rest day to help your body adjust. Hike to a nearby ridge for views of Mt. Jannu (7,710m).

Day 9: Trek to Kambachen (4,050m)

4050m
6 hours

The trail heads north. You will walk along the edge of the Ghunsa Khola, surrounded by towering peaks and waterfall-filled cliffs.

Day 10: Acclimatization Day in Kambachen

4050m
5 hours

Explore the area or hike toward the Jannu Base Camp. This day is crucial before heading toward the 5,000m mark.

Day 11: Trek to Lhonak (4,780m)

4780m
6 hours

A challenging walk over glacial debris. You will see the Kanchenjunga glacier for the first time as you reach the high-altitude pastures of Lhonak.

Day 12: Hike to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (Pangpema, 5,143m)

5143m
7 hours

The "Summit Day" of the North side. Stand before the massive North Face of Kanchenjunga. Return to Lhonak for the night.

Day 13: Trek back to Ghunsa (3,595m)

3595m
8 hours

A long descent back down the valley. The air becomes noticeably richer in oxygen as you return to the forest line.

Day 14: Trek to Sele La High Camp (4,290m)

4290m
7 hours

Leaving the main trail, you climb steeply toward the high passes. This is a remote camp with basic facilities.

Day 15: Cross Mirgin La Pass (4,480m) and Trek to Tseram (3,870m)

3870m
8 hours

A demanding day crossing several passes (Sinion La and Mirgin La) with views of Everest and Makalu. Descend to the Simbua Khola valley.

Day 16: Trek to Ramche (4,580m)

4580m
5 hours

Walk into the upper Yalung Valley. The scenery is dominated by the massive South Face and the Yalung Glacier.

Day 17: Hike to Oktang (South Base Camp, 4,730m) and return to Tseram

4730m
6 hours

Reach the South Base Camp viewpoint at Oktang to see the site of the first Kanchenjunga ascent. Return to Tseram for the night.

Day 18: Trek to Tortong (2,995m)

2995m
7 hours

A steady descent through beautiful mossy forests and giant rhododendrons.

Day 19: Trek to Yamphudin (2,080m)

2080m
7 hours

Descend to the lower valleys, passing through remote villages and terraced farms.

Day 20: Trek to Khebang (1,910m)

1910m
6 hours

The final walking day. Cross the Kabeli Khola and enjoy the warmer climate of the lower hills.

Day 21: Drive to Ilam and then to Bhadrapur

300m
9 hours

A long drive through the rolling hills of eastern Nepal, ending back in the Terai plains.

Day 22: Fly to Kathmandu and Departure

1400m

Morning flight back to Kathmandu. Free time for souvenir shopping before your final departure.

Inclusions in the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Price Excluded

Everything you need to know

This is one of the toughest treks in Nepal. You should be comfortable walking 6–8 hours daily for three weeks. Prior high-altitude trekking experience is highly recommended.

Fixed Departures

From USD per adult. Price varies by group size.