Kanchenjunga Trek | The 3rd highest mountain in the world

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek offers the ultimate trekking adventure in the easternmost part of Nepal. Walk through the beautiful terrain passing Limbu and Tibetan villages to arrive at Kanchenjunga Base Camp. During the trek, you can the majestic Himalayan panorama of Rathong (6678m), Kabru Range, Kanchenjunga massif, and Januu (7710m). Enjoy trekking on the foothills of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586m), the 3rd highest mountain in the world, through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.

This is a long trip of 23-days and begins with your arrival in Kathmandu. The trip begins with a scenic 45-minute flight to Bhadrapur town lying near the Indian Border. A 3-hour scenic drive north through Panchthar district will take you directly to the lush, green tea-estate of Kanyam in Ilam. Next morning, you’ll continue towards Taplejung / Suketar and begin trekking. You’ll advance gradually through the ethnic Rai villages to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. En route, you will pass Lalikharka, Kande Bhanjyang, Phumphe Danda, Sherpagaon, and Tortong to arrive at Tseram. Here, you will rest for a day to acclimatize. From here, you head to Ramche then trek to the view point of Oktang. Oktang give a great view of its many surrounding glaciers and Kanchenjunga Range. Afterward, you will head back to Tseram and head toward the North Base Camp. You cross Selele La, Ghunsa, Kambachen, and Lhonak to arrive at the North Base Camp, Pang Pema. The camp gives you a beautiful view of Kanchenjunga (8586m), Kambachen (7903m), Ramtang Peak (6601m), and Kirat Chuli (7365m). Afterward, you’ll head back to Lhonak village and start descending and make your way back to Suketar. To arrive at Suketar, you will have to cross the villages of Ghunsa, Gyabla, Amjilosa, and Taplethok. Instead of driving straight to Bhadrapur you will take a short detour to Kanyam. Your trip ends with your driving from Kanyam to Bhadrapur to catch a flight back to Kathmandu.

Nepal Ascent Treks specializes in custom treks around Nepal. We organize all kinds of trekking, private or group. You can also choose to join our fixed group at a reasonable rate. Our all-inclusive trek package covers transportation inside the country, an experienced guide, and finest logistics.

Trip Highlights:

Enjoy trekking in the off-beat destinations in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area
Visit some of the most illustrious monasteries in the region like Oktang and Lungsumgba
Catch the beautiful sights of Kanchenjunga massif, Yalung Glacier, and numerous other mountains
Observe the ethnic lifestyles and cultures of Rai and Tibetan-influenced communities

Outline Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrive in Kathmandu [1300m]
Day 2 : Sightseeing around Kathmandu valley and trek preparation [1300m]
Day 3 : Flight to Bhadrapur [91 m] and drive to Ilam [3636m]
Day 4 : Drive to Suketar [2420 m] and trek to Lalikharka [2265m]
Day 5 : Trek to Kande Bhanjyang [2129m]
Day 6 : Trek to Phumphe Danda [1858m]
Day 7 : Trek to Sherpagaon [1678m]
Day 8 : Trek to Tortong [2995m]
Day 9 : Trek to Tseram [3870m]
Day 10 : Acclimatization day at Tseram
Day 11 : Trek to Ramche [4580m]
Day 12 : Trek to Oktang Viewpoint [4730m] and Back to Tseram [3870m]
Day 13 : Trek to Selele La [4290m]
Day 14 : Trek to Ghunsa [3427m]
Day 15 : Trek to Kambachen [4050m]
Day 16 : Trek to Lhonak [4780m]
Day 17 : Trek to Pang Pema [5143m] and back to Lhonak
Day 18 : Trek back to Ghunsa [3427m]
Day 19 : Trek back to Gyabla [2780m]
Day 20 : Trek back to Amjilosa [2395m]
Day 21 : Trek back to Taplethok [1380m]
Day 22 : Trek to Linkhim or Further up to Phurumbu
Day 23 : Trek to Suketar [2420m]
Day 24 : Drive to Kanyam tea garden and stay overnight at hotel
Day 25 : Drive to Bhadrapur and fly to Kathmandu
Day 26 : Departure day

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu [1300m]

The trip officially begins upon your arrival in Kathmandu. Once you land in Tribhuvan International Airport, one of our company representatives will receive you at the airport and bring you to your hotel.

Day 2: Sightseeing around Kathmandu valley and trek preparation [1300m]

While we’re obtaining the restricted area permit on your behalf, you’ll embark on a full-day sightseeing tour of the Kathmandu Valley. Accompanied by an experienced tour guide, you’ll visit some of the most popular UNESCO designated World Heritage Sites; Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Boudhanath. You’ll encounter numerous monasteries, temples, and cultural sites in Kathmandu.

Day 3: Flight to Bhadrapur [91 m] and drive to Ilam [3636m]

After an early breakfast, you’ll drive to the airport to embark on a brief flight to Bhadrapur town. Located close to Indian Border in Eastern Nepal, Bhadrapur remains warm and humid almost throughout the year. The flight may last only 45 minutes. From here, you’ll drive 4-5 hours north to the touristic destination of Ilam that is popular for its lush, green tea estates.

Day 4: Drive to Suketar [2420 m] and trek to Lalikharka [2265m]

After enjoying a beautiful sunrise, you’ll have your breakfast and embark on a road journey further north to Taplejung. A 4-hour drive takes you through Taplejung and brings you to Suketar village. From here, you’ll begin trekking. Although a dusty road, you’ll encounter numerous beautiful houses and panorama of mountains like Kanchenjunga and Januu (7110 meters ). You’ll pass through Deurali to arrive at Lalikharka.

Day 5: Trek to Kande Bhanjyang [2129m]

Leaving Lalikharka, you continue along the trail. You’ll encounter a steep descent that takes you to Simbu village. The trail continues along Sikheba Khola crossing Phawa River. You’ll continue an uphill walk for a few hours until you reach Kunjari. A short walk from here will bring you directly to Bhanjyang. An easy trek of less than half an hour will take you to Kande Bhanjyang.

Day 6: Trek to Phumphe Danda [1858m]

After a short ascent from Kande Bhanjyang, you will encounter a gradual descent until Khesewa. The trail further drops through the long extended village towards a small stream. You’ll make way to a small village that opens up a trail towards Phungphung Danda village. A short downhill trek will bring another uphill climb and will continue steeply until you arrive at Phumphe village.

Day 7: Trek to Sherpagaon [1678m]

Leaving Phumphe village, you head down through cardamom plantation gradually trekking downhill for less than half an hour. Crossing a suspension bridge followed by an uphill climb, you arrive at Mamankhe. From there, the climb is steep and after an hour you’ll encounter numerous detours. The trail passes Mamankhe and heads to Thumsa. From here, you’ll continue to climb until you reach Sherpagaon.

Day 8: Trek to Tortong [2995m]

The trek starts with a steep climb through lush forest of bamboo and rhododendron. Two hours of uphill walk will bring you to a brief leveled ground that leads to Lasiya Bhanjyang. A steep drop from here goes nearby a landslide section and is followed by a short climb. You’ll reach Amji River at the bottom of a narrow valley and follow a trail that goes all the way to Tortong.

Day 9: Trek to Tseram [3870m]

Leaving Tortong, the trail follows Simbuwa Khola and continues north-east through an easy uphill trek. It is one a beautiful walk as you hear the sounds of the river, and walk through pine and larch tress. You may encounter few very steep climbs along the trail that goes through beautiful rhododendron forests. By noon, you’ll reach Anda Phedi. It will take another 2 hours of trek to reach Tseram.

Day 10: Acclimatization day at Tseram

You have trekked above 3000 meters and it is best to allow your body to get acclimatized to the high altitude. Today, you’ll spend the day exploring Tseram village and the surrounding places. A small settlement, Tseram is mostly inhabited by Limbu tribe. You can catch some beautiful sights of the valley, forests, and river before resting for the night.

Day 11: Trek to Ramche [4580m]

The day starts with a very steep climb that continues for the first half an hour. The valley widens up and the trail passes through pines and rhododendron forest, several pastures, and yak shed. You can catch the beautiful sight of Rathong (6678m) and Kokthang (6148m). The trail is fairly comfortable afterward. Ramche village lies just beneath a huge ridge on a flat land over Yalung Glacier.

Day 12: Trek to Oktang Viewpoint [4730m] and Back to Tseram [3870m]

You’ll continue along the trail and climb further up into the valley that separates Yalung Kang Glacier on the right and mountain cliffs on the left. As you continue along the trail, you’ll encounter Kabru (7412m) and Rathong (6678m) peaks dominating the view. A couple of hours of trek will bring an open valley that offers beautiful view of Kanchenjunga (8586m). You’ll reach Oktang and enjoy the majestic sight of the surrounding glaciers before heading back to Tseram.

Day 13: Trek to Selele La [4290m]

Today, you’ll leave Oktang and trek towards Selele La. You’ll initially walk through deep forest over a rocky trail to reach a wide valley that offers the sight of Kanchenjunga (8586m). A straight steep climb will take you through the first pass, Sinion La (4645m). You’ll descend briefly and then climb through the Selele La (4480m) catching beautiful view of several smaller peaks.

Day 14: Trek to Ghunsa [3427m]

Leaving Selele La, you’ll continue with an easy walk. The trail further is bit rocky and after an hour it reaches the first pass with Buddhist prayer flags. The trail continues in a similar manner until you reach the second pass. Afterward, it starts to drop sharply through the Rhododendron forest until you arrive at the Tibetan village of Ghunsa.

Day 15: Trek to Kambachen [4050m]

You’ll head deeper into the valley along the Ghunsa Khola. A brief comfortable walk leads you to the bottom of a waterfall. A steep climb will take you uphill that offers a beautiful sight of Januu Peak (7711m). You’ll start descending and enter Kambachen, a small village where two valleys meet. Here you can enjoy the fantastic views of Thongje (6645m) and Ghabur (6044m).

Day 16: Trek to Lhonak [4780m]

Leaving Kambachen, you’ll start with a brief climb out into the narrow valley and pass through a rocky trail to reach a waterfall. The trail is fairly easy for few hours until it climbs into a narrow valley via another eroded section. After a while, you’ll reach Lhonak, village with stone huts right above the Kanchenjunga Glacier. You can catch the beautiful sight of Kirat Chuli (7365m), Nepal Chuli (6910m), and Mera Peak (6364m) from the village.

Day 17: Trek to Pang Pema [5143m] and back to Lhonak

The trail continues into the deep valley surrounded by high mountains. You’ll continue along a tough trail to reach Pang Pema. You’ll cross rubbles of glacial rocks until the valley finally ends at Pang Pema or Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. From the base camp, you can catch the beautiful sight of Kanchenjunga (8586m), Kanbachen (7802m), Ramtang Peak (6601m), Nepal Chuli (6910m), and Kirat Chuli (7365m). Afterward, you’ll head back to Lhonak village for an overnight stay.

Day 18: Trek back to Ghunsa [3427m]

Leaving Lhonak, you’ll retrace your path and head back to Ghunsa via Kambachen village. Although mostly a downward descent, you may have to walk for over 6 hours to reach Ghunsa. This might be hard on our knees so take it easy. You will pass through waterfalls, rough trail and rhododendron forests to reach Ghunsa.

Day 19: Trek back to Gyabla [2780m]

The trail continues to descend through lush forests of pine and rhododendron until you cross Ghunsa Khola. You’ll continue along the trail to arrive at Phale. A short hike from Phale will bring you to Gyabla which is inhabited by Tibetan immigrants. Here, you will be below 3000 meters and find it considerably easier to breathe and walk.

Day 20: Trek back to Amjilosa [2395m]

Leaving Gyabla, you’ll encounter a steep descent through bamboo forests. You can also cross Ghunsa Khola to pass through an ancient gumba, Tashi Choding. You’ll cross several small streams and slowly trek back to populated villages. The trek is pleasant taking you through lush pines, blue spruce and rhododendron forest. The day ends at Amjilosa.

Day 21: Trek back to Taplethok [1380m]

Leaving Amjilosa, the trail follows along the river and goes through some steep sections that opens up to many smaller settlements. The village will finally lead you to Sukethum. You’ll continue through the sparse settlements to arrive at Taplethok that also marks the end of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.

Day 22: Trek to Linkhim or Further up to Phurumbu

As you’ll be trekking through the lower Kanchenjunga region, you’ll encounter more settlements with highly decorated houses. You’ll encounter numerous Rai and Limbu villages along the way. An easy walk from Taplethok through Chirwa and Linkhim will bring you to Phurumbu. You can also choose to walk no further than Linkhim and stay for a night there.

Day 23: Trek to Suketar [2420m]

Today is the last day of the trek as you hike down to Suketar village. You will walk through tractor road and will arrive at Lapsibote first. After a short rest here, you will cross a suspension bridge, walk downhill towards the end to arrive at Suketar. The trek may last around 4 hours and will not be too tiring.

Day 24: Drive to Kanyam tea garden and stay overnight at hotel

After breakfast, you will drive to Kanyam, one of the most beautiful tea gardens of Nepal. Enjoy the tea garden and spend the day relaxing after a long trek through some rough trails. You can observe the Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586m) from the tea garden; so, you enjoy sunset and sunrise view here.

Day 25: Drive to Bhadrapur and fly to Kathmandu

After breakfast in Kanyam, you will retrace and drive back to Bhadrapur, heading towards the domestic airport. From here, you will catch a flight back to Kathmandu. Our company representative will receive you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel.

Day 26: Departure day

Today, you’ll be driven back to the international airport to catch your flight back home. Thank you for travelling with us. We hope you have had a fulfilling journeying through the landscape of Nepal. We bid you farewell and hope to meet you again for another trip.

What's included ?

Welcome and farewell dinner at one of the finest Nepalese Restaurant with traditional ethnic music and dance.
Stay in the city at finest hotel (Can upgrade of the accommodations to luxury hotels / lodge is possible at extra cost).
Nepal Ascent Treks duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map.
Lodge expenses during the trek.
Licensed, experienced and English speaking trekking guide.
Full day guided city tour in Kathmandu (Day 2) by a private vehicle.
Fresh seasonal fruits after the dinner (while on the trek).
First aid medical kit
Down jackets and sleeping bags (provided upon request).
Breakfast,Lunch and dinner during the trek.
All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS)
Airport pickup and drop facility.
A porter and his entire expenses.
1 hour trekkers massage / Yoga after the trip completion.
Bhadrapur - ilam - Suketar - Bhadrapur drive in a public bus
Kathmandu-Bhadrapur-Kathmandu flight tickets
Trekking permits/TIMS.
Transportation in private vehicle.
Local sim card
Insurance of guide and porter.

What's excluded ?

Travel insurance which covers emergency rescue and evacuation.
Tipping to staffs (as an appreciation).
Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
Nepal arrival visa.
Meals in the city except for breakfast and other mentioned special dinner.
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
Cost incurred during the tour around the city.
Cost for additional trips.

The given cost are per person and exclude international flights. Given below are the departure dates available for online booking. If the given date is not favorable then please write us and we will happily customize your trip on dates more appropriate for you.

Please Check Available Dates for The Year of:

Start Date	End Date	Status	Price
7th Mar, 2023	1st Apr, 2023	Available	USD 2576
4th Mar, 2023	29th Mar, 2023	Available	USD 2576
10th Mar, 2023	4th Apr, 2023	Available	USD 2576
13th Mar, 2023	7th Apr, 2023	Available	USD 2576
16th Mar, 2023	10th Apr, 2023	Available	USD 2576
19th Mar, 2023	13th Apr, 2023	Available	USD 2576
1st Mar, 2023	26th Mar, 2023	Available	USD 2576
22nd Mar, 2023	16th Apr, 2023	Available	USD 2576
25th Mar, 2023	19th Apr, 2023	Available	USD 2576
28th Mar, 2023	22nd Apr, 2023	Available	USD 2576
31st Mar, 2023	25th Apr, 2023	Available	USD 2576