Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Trip Summary

Geography

Forest, Himalayas

Location

Taplejung

Level Of Difficulty

Challenging

Duration

25 days

Max Aaltitude

5140m

Religion

Buddhism

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Highlights:

A completely off-the-beaten trek experience

Glorious views of the Himalayas including Mt. Everest (8848m), Makalu (8463m), and Kanchenjunga (8586m)

Vibrant hamlets and unique culture of the Kirant community

Enjoy the pristine Himalayan ecosystem in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area

The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is an astounding off-beat trekking experience that explores the easternmost frontier of the Nepali Himalayas. Reaching an altitude of 8,586m, Mt. Kanchenjunga claims the spot as the third highest Himalaya in the world. Navigating around the vibrant hamlets of the Kirant famed for their hospitality, the trek is a combination of natural, cultural, and spiritual awakening. Along with the views of the Himalayas infamous as the Five Treasuries of the Great Snow and majestic glaciers, the trip is a marvel of nature.

Our journey to Kanchenjunga base camp begins to form the Kathmandu Valley. We take a day to explore the UNESCO world heritage sites around the Valley and prepare for the trip as well. We fly down to the Terai city of Biratnagar and hop on another flight all the way to Suketar. The trek begins as we head to the hamlet of Mitlung for the first night on the go. Enjoying the stunning views of nature, we make our way to Amjilosa crossing the vibrant hamlets of Chirwa and Mitlung on our way. Another couple of days takes us to Gyabla and then towards Ghunsa where we take a day off. Picking up where we left off, the trail takes us to Kambachen which marks our entry into the altitude of 4,000m. With the majestic Himalayas replacing the declining hills the journey quickly catches up with the hamlet of Lhonak from where we head to Kanchenjunga Base Camp.

The majestic views of Lhotse (8,414m), Everest (8,848m), Makalu (8,481m), and Kanchenjunga (8,586) bordering several 7,000m peaks welcome us as the journey reaches its apex. The way back takes us to the high pass of Selele La (4480m) as we cross over to Tseram and then onto Ramche. Crossing Yamphudin and Anpan takes us back to Taplejung and then onto Suketar from where we fly back to the valley ending our journey.

A stunning adventure up in the Himalayas is in equal measures mesmerizing and troubling, especially, if you are a newbie. We, here at Nepal Alibaba Treks, are here to take care of just that. We ensure you of a comfortable and satisfying journey in the company of expert guides and porters.

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Day Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m)

After landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, our office representatives will receive you and then drive you to the hotel. After sorting out your rooms and freshening up from the day's journey, you will be introduced to the members of the trip. Wrapping up the activities for the day, you are free to head into the valley. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day Day 02: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing and preparation for the trip

Today, we make our way down to the valley enjoying the UNESCO world heritage sites while also preparing for the trek. Since the trek explores the restricted Kanchenjunga region, appropriate permits need to be procured for the travel. We make our way to the temple of Swayambhunath enjoying the spiritual environment. Visiting the Hindu heritage of Pashupatinath we make our way to Kathmandu Durbar Square adorned with art and architecture reflecting the ancient way of life. The journey ends at Boudhanath with its pleasant sunset views. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Biratnagar

Today, we make our way to the city of Biratnagar. The 30-minute flight takes us through a contrasting set of landscapes and climate as we cross the cold hills for a more hot and humid Terai. The city is an administrative capital of the eastern region. Its proximity to the Indian border makes it one of the busiest cities in Nepal. Overnight in Biratnagar.

Day Day 04: Flight from Biratnagar to Suketar and trek to Mitlung

The day kicks of early as we make our way to the hamlet of Suketar crossing over to hilly Nepal once again. The 30-minute flight is a pleasant one and takes us to the heart of eastern Nepal. Suketar hosts the only airstrip in Taplejung. After a brief rest at Suketar, we begin our trek heading towards Mitlung. The trail takes us alongside the Tamor River as we make our way through terraced farmlands. Overnight in Mitlung.

Day Day 05: Trek from Mitlung to Chirwa (1640m)

The journey today takes us to the hamlet of Chirwa heading past vibrant Limbu and Rai hamlets. Following the Tamor River, the trail ascends through the narrowing valley. The winding trails head in an out of Sinuwa, Tawa, and Prok villages. Descending towards Thiwa Khola we make our way over a wooden bridge which takes us to Chirwa. Overnight in Chirwa.

Day Day 06: Trek from Chirwa to Sukethum (1640m)

The journey begins as we cross Sinuwa Khola and make our way towards Taplethok beyond which the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area begins. Crossing Temewa Khola on a suspension bridge, the journey continues to Hellok. Ghunsa Khola is the final river crossing for today). Beyond the confluence of Tamor and Ghunsa Khola is the hamlet of Sukethum. Overnight in Sukethum.

Day Day 07: Trek from Sukethum to Amjilosa (2490m)

Following the Ghunsa Khola north out of the valley, the journey heads towards the steep valley. As we enter the lush green forests of pine and oak trees, the Himalayas peek over the hills offering glittering shine across the land. Enjoying the stunning views of the hamlets down below we continue towards Amjilosa. Perched atop the hill Amjilosa provides stunning views of the valley down below. Overnight in Amjilosa.

Day Day 08: Trek from Amjilosa to Gyabla (2730m)

One of the shorter days of the journey, today, the trail takes us towards Gyabla. Continuing the forested run, the trail winds through the bamboo, rhododendron, birch and brown oak forests. The trail halts as we make our way past the large set of rapids. This signals the start of an ascent leading up to the hamlet of Gyabla. Overnight in Gyabla.

Day Day 09: Trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa (3430m)

The journey begins with a steep descent as we head out of the forests dropping to a ravine. With the increasing ascent, we leave behind the sub-tropical forests entering the alpine forest. Continuing on, we reach the hamlet of Phale which houses an old wooden Gumba where Thangkha are put on display. The final stretch of the journey beyond Phale is a pleasant as we cross Ghunsa Khola leading up to the hamlet itself. Overnight in Ghunsa.

Day Day 10: Rest day

Today, we take a day off in the stunning village of Ghunsa which is also the largest village in the region. The stunning hamlet where the impact of Tibetan culture is so evident boast mesmerizing views of the Himalayas. On the edge of the village is a monastery belonging to the Khampa Dzong monasteries of Tibet. Trekking on the terminal moraine of the Yamatari Glacier can be another way to spend the day. Overnight in Ghunsa.

Day Day 11: Trek from Ghunsa to Kambachen (4040m)

Heading out of Ghunsa, we are immediately welcomed by pleasant larch and juniper forests. The trail leads towards the eastern banks of Ghunsa Khola. Crossing the stone bridge takes us towards the western edge of Rampuk Kharka from where the landscapes become increasingly barren. Taking in the stunning views of Kumbakarna Glacier on the opposite side of the valley, the trail drops to Kambachen. Overnight in Kambachen.

Day Day 12: Trek from Kambachen to Lhonak (4790m)

Enjoying the stunning views of Kumbakarna/Januu (7,710m), we make our way out of Kambachen. As the trail continues to rise, the journey takes a desolate turn as snow covers most of the trail. Crossing the stone river bed towards the hamlet of Ramtang gives us some time to rest. Ascending through the stony trail leading up to the glacial moraine. The final stretch takes us all the way to the village of Lhonak situated well above the main glacier. Overnight in Lhonak.

Day Day 13: Trek from Lhonak to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (5140m)

Today, we make our way to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. Following the Kanchenjunga Glacier which flows towards the east, the journey heads towards the southern ridge. A stunning sight awaits us as we make our way to the Northern Base Camp with Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m). The views of the Kanchenjunga are accompanied by the majestic Himalayan range including Lhotse (8,516m), the Mt. Everest (8,848m), and Makalu (8,481m). Overnight in Kanchenjunga North Base Camp.

Day Day 14: Trek back to Kambachen (4040m)

Today, we make our way back to Kambachen descending through the familiar route. The way down is a fairly slow one navigating past the icy trails to reach the hamlet of Lhonak. After a brief rest, we once again make our way down to the valley reaching the hamlet of Kambachen. We also pass the famed Lungsumgba monastery on the way. Overnight in Kambachen.

Day Day 15: Trek from Kambachen to Ghunsa (3430m)

Continuing our descending run, we make our way to Ghunsa. As the journey descends, decreasing altitudes can be seen in the changing landscapes. The lush green forests filled with bamboo and pine trees welcome us again as we continue on the descent. Crossing Rampuk Kharka, the trail finds itself alongside the Ghunsa River beyond which lies the hamlet of Ghunsa. Overnight in Ghunsa.

Day Day 16: Trek from Ghunsa to Selele La (4480m)

Leaving the descending route behind, we take on the one leading towards the Selele La Pass (4480m). From Ghunsa, the trail is a relatively short one and ascends steeply through the forests of moss, rhododendron, and juniper. Guided by the majestic Himalayas, the trail takes us towards the foot of the Selele La Pass which is located at an altitude of 4,480 meters.

Day Day 17: Trek from Selele La to Tseram (3870m)

Today we cross the Simon La Pass (4685m) heading towards Tseram for the night. Ascending for an hour through, the snowy trail takes us to the summit of Simon La (4685m) which boasts stunning views of Yalung Glacier, Januu Himal (7,710m), Makalu (8,481m), Baruntse (7,129m), Kanchenjunga (8,586) alongside several other peaks. Continuing on, the journey descends almost the entire way and lands back at Tseram. Overnight in Tseram.

Day Day 18: Trek from Tseram to Ramche (4360m)

The beginning of our descent, the journey takes us to Ramche for the night. Ascending past the snout of Yalung Glacier, the trail reaches a series of valleys. The journey heads past a frozen lake continuing through a series of lovely streams. The hamlet of Ramche is situated on flat land. Overnight in Ramche.

Day Day 19: Trek from Ramche to Tseram (3870m)

Exploring the valleys surrounding Yalung Glacier, the trail, once again, heads back to Tseram. It is said that the best views of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m) can be witnessed from here. The series of valleys takes us back to the snout of Yalung Glacier from where the journey reaches Tseram. Overnight in Tseram.

Day Day 20: Trek from Tseram to Yamphudin (1690m)

The journey enters the lush green forests filled with rhododendron trees descending gradually towards the widening valley. Taking a brief rest at Tortong, we pick up where we left off entering the lush forests to Yamphudin. The hamlet is a multi-ethnic community with several tribes including Sherpas, Rai’s, and Limbu living in harmony. Overnight in Yamphudin.

Day Day 21: Trek from Yamphudin to Anpan (1800m)

Heading out of Yamphudin, we make our way following the Kabeli Khola downstream. Beyond the hamlet of Mamankhe, the journey crosses a suspension bridge over Khesewa Khola. The trail makes a brief ascend up the hill before we head back down reaching Anpan crossing stunning terraced farmlands adorned with rice and cardamom plants. Overnight at Anpan.

Day Day 22: Trek from Anpan to Tembewa

Today, we make our way back to Taplejung. The trail leading out of Anpan stumbles through a series of ascends and descends as we make our way to the suspension bridge of Kabeli Khola reaching Khesewa. After a brief rest, the trail once again picks up reaching Pauwa on the edge of Phawa Khola. Crossing the river over the suspension bridge, the trek reaches back to Taplejung. Overnight in Taplejung.

Day Day 23: Trek from Tembewa to Suketar (2400m)

The final day of the trek, today, we make our way back to Suketar from where we board our flight back to Kathmandu. The journey is a pleasant and short one gradually ascending through the hilly settlements. Passing Lalikharka, we arrive at the Deurali Pass (2600m). Thereon, Suketar is a short descent away. Overnight in Suketar.

Day Day 24: Flight from Suketar to Biratnagar and again flight to Kathmandu

The day is an early one as we make our way out of Suketar flying towards Biratnagar at first. The journey back home gives us one final chance to witness the mesmerizing Himalayas as we land back at Biratnagar. After a brief rest, we once again fly back to Kathmandu which brings our journey to a close. Time permitting, you are free to head down to the local region hunting souvenirs for back home. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day Day 25: Final Departure from Kathmandu

Once again our representatives will drop you back at Tribhuvan International Airport just in time for your flight back home. We hope you had a lovely time with us and we look forwards to seeing you again.

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