Gov. Reg. No.: 43408/063/064

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Situated at an altitude of at 8586m, Kanchenjunga is considered as the world's third highest mountain. Although the region lies in the remote area of Nepal but it remains unspoilt, beautiful and has been offering breathtaking views of mountain ranges. The Kanchenjunga area has some of the most stunning scenery with more than 250 species of birds and wildlife and high mountain lakes in Olangchungola. Kanchenjunga region has been protected by the government of Nepal as the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA) and has been recognised as one of the 200 Global Eco Regions by World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Fifteen species of flowering plants among 28 endemic flowering plants and ten species of indigenous gymnosperms among Nepal's 20 are found here. With more than 1,200 species of flowering plants, Juniper and Himalayan larch are found in the forests of Kanchenjunga region. The region also boasts of sixty-nine varieties of orchids and thirty varieties of rhododendron. Wildlife found in this pristine area include Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, musk deer, red panda, blue sheep and rhesus macaw, while the rare birds include Impheyan pheasant, red-billed blue magpie and shy drongo. The rich cultural heritage is reflected in the monasteries of this area. The 400-year old Diki Chhyoling Gompa of Olangchungola has a life size statue of Avalokiteshwara. The region is also home to waterfalls, lakes and Himalayan streams. The Tamur River flowing through the region also offers possibilities for white-water rafting.

With ecological zones from the subtropics to glacial wilderness, trekking to the Kanchenjunga region also appeases natural history interest. The hills are densely occupied by wooden houses, waterfalls, dense forest of rhododendron, oak, and pine. Our trail skirts the massive Yalung Glacier above the crystalline lake of Ramser. Yalung Glacier is the longest blue glacier in the world. Trekking in Kanchenjunga region encounters a vast range of elevations and temperatures. There would be possibility of snowfall at any time of year in Kanchenjunga.

The trek begins from terraced farmland populated by the Limbu people in the lower region and takes us through the alpine landscape with Sherpa villages. The magnificent mountain views, traditional villages, cascading mountain rivers and limited flow of trekkers into the region makes this trek a glorious and unforgettable.

To sum-up, trekking to the Kangchenjunga offers beautiful villages and lush green rice paddies to spectacular Himalayan summits and a fascinating insight into the Buddhist culture.

Itinerary :

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1320m.)
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be received by our representatives and will be transferred to hotel. After checking into our rooms, we could relax at our own.

Day 02: Kathmandu to Biratnagar(375m.)
Today we fly from Kathmandu to Biratnagar (375m.) the second largest city of Nepal in Nepal’s eastern Terrai. We would view Everest, Makalu and even Kangchenjunga if we are sitting in the left side of the plane. Biratnagar is an industrial centre where many factories are located. Upon arrival, we transfer to a comfortable tourist hotel on the outskirts of the town where we can relax ourselves.

Day 03: Biratnagar to Suketar (2300m.) and then to Lali Kharka (2220m.)
Having breakfast in the hotel, we board our flight from Biratnagar to Suketar (2300m.). The flight takes about 35 minute to reach the airstrip. The flight to Taplejung is very weather-dependent. After an exciting landing we will have an early lunch before making the three hour trek to Lali Kharka (2220m.). This pleasant village is best known for the local alcoholic brew known as ‘Tungba’.

Day 04: Lali Kharka to Khewesa (2100m.)
It is our turn to trek from Lali Kharka to Khewesa (2100m.). Passing through many of these pleasant clearings during the course of our trek, we also encounter dense forests and the village of Tambawa. The trail is also used for heading towards the sacred temple at Pathi Bhara. We commence by traversing the hillside a short distance before descending to the village of Pakora situated on the Phawa Khola and come to the village of Khesewa (2100m) where we’ll have our first camp. From our camp, we would get our first glimpse of Kangchenjunga.

Day 05: Khewesa to Mamankhe (2000m.)
Having breakfast in the camp, we trek to Mamankhe (2000m.). The trek goes through pleasant terraced fields and traverses a steep mountainside high above the Kabeli Khola. Crossing several minor tributaries flowing into the river, we arrive the delightfully named village of Funfun and continue along a shady path to Anpan. The houses in the villages are exquisitely maintained with white-washed walls and thatch roofs with colourful gardens of marigolds. On the way, we would have first distant views of Jannu (7710m), one of the most impressive peaks in the region. Eventually we reach the prosperous village of Mamankhe where we camp.

Day 06: Mamankhe to Yamphudin (1650m.)
Leaving Mamankhe, we follow an easy path through terraced fields to the small hamlet of Dekadin. We need to climb high up on the hillside above the steep river valley before eventually descending down to the level of the river. We would have lunch at the river bank. There are many inviting bathing pools along the riverbank and those who are interested to give a dive will have the opportunity of having a quick dip in the waters. Having lunch, we continue to the village of Yamphudin, the highest permanently inhabited settlement in the Kabeli valley. This will be the last permanent village we pass through until we reach Ghunsa.

Day 07: Yamphudin to Lamite Jungle (2920m.)
Today we trek to Lamite Jungle (2920m.) from Yamphudin. We climb up a long and steep spur which boasts an excellent views of the Omje Khola valley and of the ridge line of Deorali Danda. We would have lunch on the way at a grassy meadow on the top of the spur. After traversing the spur, we drop back down and cross the Omje Khola and go to Lamite Jungle (2920m.). It is the place where we will be camping today.

Day 08: Lamite Jungle to Torontan (3080m.)
Having breakfast at the camp, we commence our trek to Torontan (3080m.). We climb continuously and fairly steeply for about three hours to the crest of the Deorali Danda
( 3230m.). In this long ascent, we would be walking through dense forests of pine and rhododendron. We have a wonderful view up the entire length of the Simbua Khola, Kangchenjunga and Jannu (7710m). We drop down to the Simbua Khola and arrange our campsite at Torontan (3080m).

Day 09: Torontan to Tseram (3750m.)
We emerge from the low lying forested Himalayan foothills and enter the higher Himalayan pastures characterised by sparse shrub-like vegetation. Our trail goes along the Simbua Khola.We would see Koktang (6147m), Ratong (6678m) and Kabru (7336m) rising above the massive snout of the Yalung Glacier. The trail ascends up to the meadows of Tseram (3750m). Our camp will be set at Tseram (3750m.)

Day 10: Tseram to Ramze (4360m.)
Having breakfast at Tseram, we trek to Ramze (4360m.). Our trail takes us to the meadows and pastures of Ramze (4360m) which is located in a pleasant grassy valley. Ramze would be reached by lunch time and the remaining time would be used for rest.

Day 11: Ramze to Mirgin La (4900m)
It is our turn to trek from Ramze to Mirgin La (4900m.). Trekking is fairly easy but it becomes much tougher as we cross a tortuous boulder field, the remnants of glacial debris deposited here thousands of years ago. Gaining the crest of the pass, we would be greeted by a breath-taking panorama of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Chamlang, Jannu and many other smaller peaks. Finally, we arrive at our camp.

Day 12: Mirgin La to Ghunsa (3475m)
We would trek from Mirgin La to Ghunsa (3475m.). In course of trekking to Ghunsa, we trek down into the valley where we can rest in the delightful meadows and can soak up the sun’s radiating warmth. Continue descending down a pleasant sandy path leads to the cultivated potato fields of Ghunsa (3475m). This settlement is the largest of the region.

Day 13: Ghunsa to Kambachen (4130m.)
Our trail ascends along the Ghunsa Khola through delightful pine and rhododendron forests, where the numerous chortens and mani walls from Ghunsa. Our destination today is the collection of yak pastures at Kambachen (4130m), a small summer grazing hamlet frequented by the villagers from Ghunsa. The peaks of Sorbithongie (6669m) and Phole (6645m) offer an outstanding panorama.

Day 14: Kambachen to Lhonak (4780m)
Leaving Kambachen, we trek easily up a broad, grassy valley and progress a whole series of spectacular peaks. We are gaining altitude all the while trekking from Kambachen. Lunch will be served in the meadows of Ramtang from where one can get first views of the superb Wedge Peak. On the way, the Twins, Merra, Nepal Peak and White Wave come into our view. Our campsite will be arranged on the grassy plains of Lhonak (4780m) which is situated just beneath the Wedge Peak.

Day 15: Lhonak to Pang Pema (5150m)
Today we trek from Lhonak to Pang Pema (5150m), a delightful meadow. One can have clear view of Kanchenjunga’s north face from Pang Pema. Besides Kangchenjunga, there are numerous other peaks which together form Nepal’s border with Tibet and Sikkim.

Day 16: Rest at Pang Pema
Pang Pema is an ideal place for rest. We have got plenty of options today. Some will simply wish to rest and relax around camp, simply savouring the outstanding views. Others may wish to climb a little higher for some better views of Kangchenjunga. As an alternative option, we will also do a little local exploration towards the classic Jonsang La. It was Douglas Freshfield and Vittorio Sella who made their effort to go through the pass in their epic journey Around Kangchenjunga in 1899. Later, it was crossed by Frank Smythe when he repeated the journey 30 years later.

Day 17-18: Pang Pema to Ghunsa (3475m)
We retrace our trail to Ghunsa through Lhonak, Ramtang and to back to Kambachen where our today’s night will be spent. The other day we trek through Ghunsa and continue to the Tibetan Refuge Camp at Phole where we will spend the night.

Day 19: Ghunsa to Amjilasa (2500m.)
It is our turn to trek from Ghunsa to Amjilasa (2500m.). We leave the high mountains and start our final stage of our trek to Taplejung. Passing through the dense forests of oak and rhododendron, we arrive at the village of Kyapra which is the last Tibetan style community of our visit. We continue trekking for an hour and arrive at a small forest clearing known as Tang at an altitude of 2300m. Our trail still undulates for a couple of hours until we reach Amjillasa. It is the place where will be camping today.

Day 20: Amjilasa to Chirwa (1180m.)
Today we trek from Amjilasa to Chirwa (1180m.). Leaving the forests behind we traverse a high mountain path which eventually descends to the Ghunsa Khola. There are incomparable views down to the valley and across the endless series of interlocking ridgelines. We come to Sakathon (1600m) and follow the valley downwards to a mighty confluence where the Ghunsa Khola meets the Simbua Khola and the Tamur Khola, which drains the region of Walungchung Gola. Combination of the three rivers form Tamur River which takes us to the little village of Chirwa.

Day 21: Chirwa to Taplejung (2300m.)
Today we trek from Chirwa to Taplejung (2300m.). We arrive at Mitlung after three hours of walking. Lunch will be served in this point. We would see heavily cultivated land around us. We pass through several small villages. After Mitlung, our trail climbs a long hill which eventually leads up to the airstrip at Taplejung. Our camp would be set-up just an hour adjacent to the airstrip.

Day 22: Taplejung
It is the last day of our trek. We continue to climb the hill up to Taplejung. We will have lunch at Suketar (2300m.). After lunch, we explore the area.

Day 23: Suketar to Kathmandu
After breakfast, we board our flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival at TIA, we would be received by the company representative and transfer to hotel. We take rest or go around the market for shopping.

Day 24: Kathmandu
It is our day to explore this lively and exotic city. Our guide will take us to visit the World Heritage Sites of the valley and some other historically and culturally important places of the valley. In the evening, a farewell dinner would be served Nepali cultural show restaurantat.

Price Includes:

  • All ground transportation, all meals while on trek (Breakfast, lunch, dinner with tea/coffee), Camping equipments (tents, dining tents, kitchen tents, toilet tents, sleeping bags, mattresses), a guide, a cook, cook helper, porter, other helping staff, entry permits, all necessary requirements for Nepalese staff (meals, insurance, equipments, ground transportation etc.

Price Excludes:

  • Any bar bills (alcoholic drinks, mineral water, cold drinks), cigarettes, clients personal insurance, any kind of unforeseen expenses etc.
  • Flight ticket for guest and guide.

Note: Itinerary can be customized according to your needs and length of stay.

Fact File

Trekking Region: Kanchenjunga

Trekking Name: Kanchenjunga Base Camp

Best Season: September to December & March to May

Trekking Type: Camping Trek

Grade: Moderate strenuous

Maximum Height: 5150m.

Transport: Car/Bus or flight

Duration: 24 Days