Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

We look forward to welcoming you upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and assisting you with your transfer to your hotel. A regular briefing about trekking with your guide, gear check, and processing of the Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit (requires a minimum of 2 trekkers and a registered guide).

We applied for the Restricted Area Permit on your first day of arrival; it will be approved on the first day if we were able to apply earlier that day; otherwise, we get it today during office hours. We schedule a flight to Chandragadi Airport, Bhadrapur, in the afternoon so that it is easy for us to arrange and manage all the essentials of trekking. We drive to Ilam and visit a tea garden. Overnight stay around the tea garden.

Enjoy the sunrise over Kanchenjunga and then drive along the scenic Mechi Highway through hills and small settlements to Taplejung, the gateway to the Kanchenjunga region.

You will observe wonderful nature, unique culture, and people. Following the hilly highway, we drive deeper into the valley, passing Mitlung and Chirwa along the Tamor River. Overnight at Sekathum, the official starting point of the trek.

Prepare gear and start our thrilling trekking adventure in the Himalayas. We cross the Ghunsa Khola via suspension bridges. The trail enters a steep, narrow gorge with dense bamboo and rhododendron forests. Expect a steep, challenging climb up a stone staircase to reach the Tibetan settlement of Amjilosa. The lifestyle of the people here is similar to Tibet. Overnight at Amjilosa.

After breakfast, we start our trek through deep bamboo forests that open up into lush green meadows. We pass beautiful waterfalls along the Ghunsa Khola that lead to Gyabla(Kyapra) after climbing a cliff. Overnight at Gyabla.

We continue our trek and descend to the riverbed, then climb gently through pine and larch forests. Pass the Tibetan refugee village of Phale (excellent place to buy handicrafts). We arrive at Ghunsa, the largest and most developed Sherpa village in the valley. Overnight at Ghunsa.

The first acclimatization day to adapt to the thin air. We will explore the surroundings up to the Yamatari Glacier or the ridge toward Sele La, hiking up to 4000 m. Overnight at Ghunsa.

From today, the trail is harder as we enter the alpine zone. The trail heads north along the riverbank through beautiful larch and juniper forests. We cross a tricky boulder-strewn landslide zone; for safety, use a helmet. Kambachen offers stunning views of Mt. Jannu (7,711m), one of the world’s toughest climbs.  Overnight at Kambachen.

We climb gradually through the desolate valley alongside the Kanchenjunga Glacier. The terrain becomes completely alpine, rocky, and windy. We cross temporary bridges over icy streams to reach Lhonak, a cold but basic settlement situated on a sandy plain. Overnight at Lhonak.

Today, we will be above 5000m to witness the beauty of the massive north side of Kanchenjunga. We start the trek early in the morning, following the edge of the glacier along a rocky, gradual incline. Pangpema provides the ultimate, jaw-dropping view of the massive North Face of Kanchenjunga. After soaking in the views, trek back down to Lhonak for the night halt.

Retrace your steps down the valley past Kambachen. Overnight at Ghunsa.

Branch off the main trail to cross from the North Valley to the South Valley. A steep, relentless climb through moss-covered rhododendron and pine forests. Sele La consists of a few isolated high-altitude teahouses; overnight stay in Sele La.

From today, we are heading towards South Base Camp. We will cross a series of spectacular high-altitude passes: Sinion La (4,460m), Mirgin La (4,480m), and Sinelapche La (4,646m). On a clear day, you will see panoramic views of Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, and Kanchenjunga. A very steep, knee-jarring descent leads down into the Simbua Khola valley to Cheram. Overnight at Cheram.

Early morning, we walk up the valley past Yalung Bara (a small shrine). We will reach the Oktang Viewpoint, which acts as the South Base Camp. You will look directly up at the towering South Face of Kanchenjunga and the Yalung Glacier. Then, we descend to Cheram for a warmer night’s sleep.

Follow the Simbua Khola river downstream. The trail drops rapidly through thick rhododendron and pine forests. Overnight at Tortong.

A challenging day involving a steep climb over the Lasiya Bhanjyang pass (3,310m). Descend steeply through landslide-prone terrain to the beautiful, multi-ethnic village of Yamphudin. Overnight at Yamphudin.

Trek through open valleys, lush terraced hillsides, and small farming villages inhabited by Rai, Limbu, and Chhetri communities. Overnight at Khebang.

We finally complete the trek when we reach Phumphe Danda. We enjoy the easier terrain, crossing small ridges and suspension bridges surrounded by rural settlements. Overnight at Phumphe Danda.

Drive from Phumphe Danda in a 4WD jeep to navigate the rough dirt roads back to Taplejung. In the evening, enjoy a trek completion with our trek staff. Overnight at Taplejung.

A long, winding road journey back down from the mountains to the hot Terai plains. Stay overnight in Bhadrapur.

Take the morning flight back to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel for a hot shower and well-deserved rest.

Transfer to the airport three hours before your international flight.