Group Size
Min. 2 Pax
Trip Grade
Strenuous
Best Season
March - May/September - November
Accommodation
Hotel/Lodge/Home Stay
Max Elevation
5120m, Mangpema
Meals
Full Board on Trek
Transportation
Private Vehicle/Car/Jeep/Flight
Trip Route: Bhadrapur - Taplejung - Amjilosa - Ghunsa - Lonak - Pangpema - Kambachen - Ghunsa - Gyabla - Chiruwa - Taplejung - Bhadrapur - Kathamndu
Trip Overview
- Best trail for long trekking in the Himalayas
- Pangpema Base Camp or the Northern Base camp of Kanchenjunga (Third highest Peak at 8586 m of the world)
- Himalayan culture and tradition exploration in the Eastern part of Nepal
- Witnessing Himalayan wildlife and vegetation from a close range
- Visiting some of the major cities before the starting of Trek.
- Natural scenery, Landscape and the snow-capped range view uniquely delightful from any other part in Nepal
- Gumbas, Shrines, and Monasteries in the trail giving us the opportunities of witnessing Kirat, Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
- Yak and Chauri Delicacies with the taste of the local cuisine
- Picturesque path and surrounding, a photographer’s paradise
- Adventure packed destination with unique trekking experiences.
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is a sublime trail in eastern Nepal to the base and around Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world.
Kanchenjunga Base camp trek is a popular trekking solution for those who love long mild trek. From the lush forest trail of the beginning to the snow-filled paths of the Base camp, the Kanchenjunga route gives you all types of trekking experiences in the Himalayas. One can recreate the adventure with Natural, scenic, cultural, and unique delights surrounding you from the start of the trek to Pang Pema. The picturesque scenery of rivers, hills, plains and snow-capped mountains will be a treat to your senses here. Wildlife and vegetation are best experienced once you enter the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. Throughout the trail, you will witness and pass lively villages and settlements with inspiring lifestyle and amazing culture. Crossing small passes and streams in the way, every day is a new adventure in this trail. You will pass through the landscape of every kind that Nepal has to offer in this trail. From Plains rising to chure hills and the high hills with tropical forest, all these components are topped by snow-covered mountains as you move further up. Once can experience trekking with the comforts of local hospitality and cuisine moving over the hills to the Kanchenjunga.
The path to Kanchenjunga base camp may be longer than most
of the trekking routes in Nepal, but it surely packs a punch of satisfaction.
Similarly, this mild difficulty trek is also popular for solo travelers and
beginners. People love to do this trekking before they take on the great
Himalayan trek. With the assist from Himalayan Pic Du Midi, you will be able to
unravel the hidden beauties of eastern Nepal. For taking this amazing trek, one
has to avoid monsoon and mid-winter for best trekking experience. The time from
mid-September to November and March to early May is perfect for visiting the
Kanchenjunga base camp. So prepare for an adventurous, scenic, Naturally
blissed trekking trails of Eastern Nepal with Himalayan Pic Du Midi Treks.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Fly to Bhadrapur & Drive to Ilam 5/6 h
Day 03: Drive to Taplejung & Trek to Mitlung (920m), 5/6 h
Day 04: Mitlung to Chiruwa (1270m), 6/7 h
Day 05: Chirwa to Sekathum (1585m), 6/7 h
Day 06: Sekathum to Amjilosa (2395m), 5/6 h
Day 07: Amjilosa to Gyabla (2730m), 5/6 h
Day 08: Gyabla to Ghunsa (3430m), 5/6 h
Day 09: Rest and Acclimatization
Day 10: Ghunsa to Kambachen (4050m), 5/6 h
Day 11: Kambachen to Lhonak (4780m), 4/5 h
Day 12: Trek to Pangpema (5145m) & back to Lhonak (4780m)
Day 13: Lhonak to Phale (3240m), 6/7 h
Day 14: Phale to Amjilosa (2395m), 6/7 h
Day 15: Amjilosa to Chiruwa (1270m), 6/7 h
Day 16: Chiruwa to Mitlung (920m), 5/6 h
Day 17: Mitlung to Taplejung (1820m), 5/6
Day 18: Drive back to Bhadrapur & Overnight at Bhadrapur
Day 19: Fly Back to Kathmandu
Day 20: Final Departure
Day to Day Itinerary
Our representative from Himalayan Pic Du Midi will receive you as you land in TIA, Kathmandu. After a brief introduction and traditional welcoming with garlands, head towards your hotel in a cab. In the way of viewing the lively capital, you will be given a short briefing about the whole trek. After reaching your hotel in Thamel rest and have some snacks. Visit our office for a brief orientation session where you will meet the trekking guides. Once the session is over, you can prepare for days to come by buying necessary supplies in the markets of Thamel. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
After breakfast today, we will drive to the TIA from the hotel. We will then take a domestic flight to Bhadrapur in Jhapa district from Kathmandu. A 30-minute flight will take us to the plain terai region of Nepal. After resting for a while, we will drive to Ilam. The landscape changes with more of a hilly setting upon reaching near Ilam. You can also drive to Ilam today, which is about 12-13 hours of highway journey from Kathmandu. Overnight at Ilam.
Today is the starting of this long trek to the Kanchenjunga base camp. After an early morning breakfast, head towards the Taplejung by Jeep. Taplejung is the starting point of your trek. After some rest upon arrival, you will start your trek. Walk down to a lively village of Ashangpti and follow the Tamor river. Your trail will begin to gain gradual altitude as you continue through a tropical forest leading to the Mitlung village. Once in the village, you can do a brief tour viewing Chettri culture and lifestyle. Overnight at Mitlung.
Today you will mainly take on a steep climb and rough trail so, prepare for the challenges. As the distance you will cover today is not much you can walk slow and steadily. You will find yourself in dense sub-tropical forests. Enjoy the path in nature with occasional encountering with beautiful wild birds. Once out of the lush forest you will head towards the valley of Sinwa. Home to the authentic Kirantis (Limbu ethnic groups) you will experience the change in lifestyle and culture here. Passing through the village, you will walk alongside the landslide-prone areas before reaching Tawa. Popular for the organic honey and beehive harvest, Tawa will be your brief resting point. We will push further upward from here and reach our destination for today, Chirwa. Overnight at Chiruwa.
Today will be a culture rich day as you pass through multiple ethnic villages of Tamang, Gurung, Rai and Sherpa tribesmen. Starting with a light breakfast, we will leave Chirwa early and head downwards alongside the Tamur River. Further along the river, we will elevate to the hilltop. From here we can view green hills and majestic mountains in its background. After a downhill walk, we will walk through the plains of the dense sub-tropical forest before reaching Olangchung Gola. Olanchung Gola is also the entering location for the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. Once we have our permits checked here, we will move further up the Gunsa Khola. After a couple of hours, you will cross a suspension bridge and reach Sekathum. Overnight at Sekathum.
The trail gets exciting and more adventurous starting today as we leave the tropical region and enter the base places of Kanchenjunga. Throughout the trail, we can have a breathtaking view of Kanchenjunga and small ranges surrounding it too. Passing through thick Oak, Pine, and Rhododendron forest, we will reach a Sherpa settlement. After a brief break, we will take a steep climb and descends to the flatlands. The plains are a perfect resting spot before your final push today to the Tibetan village of Amjilosa. From here you will have a steep hike for about 9o minutes before reaching Amjilosa. Once in the village, you can witness the Tibet inspired community and culture. Overnight at Amjilosa.
After an early morning Tibetan tea, head towards Gyabla today. Viewing the sunrise from the mountain, you will witness some of the best natural views in today's stretch. After walking a while from Amjilosa, you will stumble upon a magnificent waterfall from the nearby ridge. Take some pictures at this beautiful place and head further to the scattered pasture lands. You will reach the Sherpa village of Gyabla in the late afternoon. Hike to the nearby hill and view a fantastic sunset over the pristine alpine forest in its adjacent side. Overnight at Gyabla.
Today you will have a long hiking day to reach Ghunsa. After a light breakfast, you will descend from the Gyabla village crossing bamboo forests in the way. Once we reach the river below, we start our uphill climb. As we begin to gain the elevation, we will find ourselves between thin alpine and rhododendron forests. As we move further up, we will reach a large Yak pasture surrounding the village of Phale (3140 m). You can have a quick detour to the village Gompa which treasures beautiful Thangkas and structures within it. We will continue our walk beside the cultivated lands and walk beside the Ghunsa Khola. In the late afternoon, you will cross the Ghunsa Khola and reach the village of Ghunsa. Overnight at Ghunsa.
At an altitude of 3475 meters, Ghunsa is one of the largest and facilitated villages of the Himalayan village of this trail. Strategically, it lies in the best place to rest and acclimatize for the day. Acclimatization process is essential for our body to prevent altitude sickness in the days to come. Ghunsa is a place gifted with great natural components surrounding it. In a short hiking distance, we will reach a perfect viewpoint to view the Himalayan sunrise. You can take a quick tour of the village and its monastery before lunch. We will do a short hike to the Yamtari Glacier and Lake via Lapsang La trail today. Once at the end of the moraine, you can have a 360-degree view of mountains and hills. Crossing many streams and small waterfalls, you will return to your village. Overnight at Ghunsa.
After an early morning breakfast, we will walk to the east bank of the Ghunsa Khola and start our trek today. The stretch is an easy gradual ascent passing through alpine forests and grasslands. Along the way, we will pass multiple chortens and Mani walls which shows the abundance of Buddhist culture in these regions. A further uphill walk will take you to the village of Rumbuk Kharka. At 3,720 meters Rumbuk Kharka is a perfect strategic point before the Steep and uneven climb to Khambachen. This stretch is the most challenging part of your whole trek and will be a dangerous one without the aid of your guide. After this long grueling uphill session, our path will drop slightly nearing Kambachen. Kambachen is the perfect place for watching the mountain birds. Falcons, Himalayan Eagles, Choughs, and Lammergeyers are some of the frequent sightings here. From the village, you can have a close-range view of the magnificent Jannu (7,710 m) mountain. Overnight at Kambachen.
After a quick breakfast, we will start the day early and climb towards Lhonak. The first stop for the day will be through the rocky fields leading to Ramtang at an elevation of 4240 meters. The landscape will change from here onwards nearing to the glacial moraines and lakes of the Kanchenjunga range. You will cross multiple plateaus and hike further up to the plain campsite of Lhonak. You might get tired quick reaching here from the high altitude. However, you can't ignore the magnificent view from the campground. Mera Peak (6,344 m), Nepal Peak (6,910 m), twins mountain (7,351 m), Wedge Peak (6,750 m), and the Khanchenjunga is visible close and beautiful from Lhonak. Overnight at Lhonak.
Today you will visit the Pangpema (northern) Base camp. Starting early today you will begin your ascent to the base camp from Lhonak. After a few hours, you will walk east following the giant Kanchenjunga glacier. Throughout the problematic looking trail, you will stop and find yourself between alluring Mountain View motivating and pushing yourself harder. The path will get harder as you near the highest point of the trail. With a slow and gradual uphill climb, you will reach the heavenly place on earth. From the top one can view the high Kanchenjunga Mountain and the whole area is lighted with snow-capped white sub-ranges. After some great time here we will return back to Lhonak and rest for the day. Overnight at Lhonak.
Today we will be walking equivalent to the distance we covered in the previous two days. Unlike the earlier days, however, the climb will significantly be an easy downhill one. You will lose more than 1200 meters today and feel less exhaustion. In some steep places walk with care and follow your guide's advice. As you cross Lhonak, you will have a more natural trail, and the alpine forest comes within reach too. In the afternoon, you will reach Kambachen. We will descent further from Kambachen and walk for a couple of hours to reach Ghunsa - Phale. Overnight at Phale.
After breakfast today, we will start our hike beside the Ghunsa Khola. Once from here, you will walk downwards on a ridge with rhododendron on both sides. Crossing the Ghunsa Khola Bridge and walking by the Himalayan farmlands, you will reach Phale. After a brief lunch break at Phale, we will continue our walk to Amjilosa. We will reach Chhundatangka passing through the oak and rhododendron forests from Phale. We will continue our walk alongside the ridge and cross the suspension bridge over Chhudatangka Khola before finally reaching Gyabla. You will take a short snack break here and enjoy the majestic nature surrounding you. Passing a beautiful waterfall in the way, you will make your way to Amjilosa. Amjilosa follows quickly after you cross the suspension bridge over Sunbung Khola. Overnight at Amjilosa.
After an early morning tea, you can take a brief tour of the village or take a morning walk to the waterfall nearby. Once ready, you will take the downward trail from the waterfall and follow it. After a steep descent, you will reach the village of Sekathum. From this village, you can view the confluence of Ghunsa Khola with the Tamur Khola. We will cross the suspension bridge over Ghunsa Khola, passing Solima village in the way. From here we will follow the path over western banks of Tamor River. After a couple of hours of plain walk, you will pass another suspension bridge and finally reach the riverside camp of Chruwa. Overnight at Chiruwa.
We will pass the alpine forest and head towards the sub-tropical ones today. Starting your day from the Chirwa, we will have a quick descent to the riverside and walk along with it. We will do so until we reach the Sinwa. Stopping briefly here, we will follow the river further to cross the Sisne Khola. After the crossing, we will have a straight trail joining the Pathibhara trek trail. We will then trek for couple more hours passing a village on the way and finally cross the bridge over Yaphre Khola to reach Mitlung. Overnight at Mitlung.
As the last day of Round Kanchanjunga trek walking, you will have plenty of time to enjoy the nature and the view along the way. Trekking to Taplejung, you can make brief stops in many settlements of these areas and learn more about the lifestyle in eastern Nepal. Your trek will mostly be a downhill one with occasional spotting of the animals and birds in these hills. Crossing multiple suspension bridges, and through many local settlements, you will reach Taplejung in the late afternoon. Overnight at Taplejung.
After a beautiful sunrise view from Taplejung, we will take a local bus back to Ilam. The ride is smooth with some gravel patches in a hill highway winding down to Ilam. We will stop in the midway settlements for our lunch. From the window, we can enjoy the scenery. Gulping in some local snacks and delicacies, we will reach Ilam in the late afternoon. After having lunch, we will drive for Bhadrapur. Overnight at Bhadapur.
After breakfast, we will take a domestic flight returning to Kathmandu. We will drive you to your hotel after landing in Kathmandu. Being the last day in Nepal, you will go in a souvenir hunt to the markets of Thamel today. You can either go solo or take one of our guides who will show you the major attractions. You can buy a large variety of goods from these markets including handicrafts, garments and organic products.
Being the last day in Nepal, you will go to a souvenir shopping to the markets of Thamel today. You can either go solo or take one of our guides who will show you the major attractions. You can buy a large variety of goods from these markets, including handicrafts, garments, and organic products. After returning from the shopping, we will have a parting lunch and talk to you about the trek. After taking your feedback, we will take you to the TIA before your departure. You will leave to your destination with a heart full of memories and a fantastic experience from the Round Kanchenjunga trek.
What's Included/Excluded
Accommodation
- Two-night Hotel in Kathmandu and One-Night hotel in Bhadrapur B/B basis
- Teahouse Accommodation while on the trek
Meals
- Welcome and farewell dinner at Nepali Kitchen
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea/coffee) while on the trek
Transportation
- Airport pick-ups and drops in a private vehicle
- All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
- Kathmandu – Bhadrapur - Kathamndu Domestic Flight Ticket with Airport Tax
Extras
- Half day sightseeing in Kathmandu/Entrance fee
- All necessary paperwork and Special Kanchenjunga Restricted Area fee/Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project/TIMS
- Professional & government licensed holder English Speaking Trekking Guide
- Entrance fee of all Monastery & Museums in Kanchenjunga Region
- Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
- Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food, Transportation and accommodation
- Warm clothing and other required trekking gear for staff including porters woolen hat, gloves, shocks, shoes & sunglasses etc…
- Trekking Map
- Medicine Box for Guide/Porters
- All government and local taxes
Not Included
- International Airfare and Nepal Visa fee
- Travel & Health Insurance
- Emergency Helicopter Rescue Insurance
- Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu: $10-15 Per Meal
- Any Alcoholic Drinks, Water and deserts in Trek
- Hot Shower, Battery Charges, International call & internet on Trek
- Unforeseen Cost such as Flight Cancellation
- Tips for guides and porters
Notes
- Your big Luggage should be 12 kg each without your Carry bag (small bag). You have to carry 4/5 kg with small bag during you walking on the Trekking. Your small bag should be over 30 to 40L.
- You have to bring personal medicine box for the mountain. You have to good physical condition is necessary to travel in Nepal. It is recommended to go to doctor for a checkup before coming to Nepal.
Sometime Flight can be Delay in Kathmandu - Bhadrapur:
Twin Otter is the primary mode of transport from the airstrip at Suketar. This service is fairly dependable. Sometimes, flights may be cancelled due to mountain weather conditions or other technical problems. In such case, I will organize the alternative available road transportation to ensure you are on schedule for your international flight.
The expense of the road transport will be managed from the reimbursement received from the flight ticket after the deduction of cancellation charge. So please note that there will be no refund of the flight from Kathmandu - Bhadrapur - Kathmandu, if the alternative road transportation is consolidated.