Trip Duration
19 Days
Trek Area
Kanchenjunga Region
Suitable Season
Spring (March to May) & Autumn (September to November)
Difficulty Level
Moderate to Challenging
Highest Altitude
North side of Kanchenjunga BC 5,143M
Group Size
2 – 10 Pax.
Kanchenjunga north and south base camps trekking is also often known as Kanchenjunga circuit trekking which is remote, culturally rich and adventurous journey in far eastern Nepal to the foot of the world’s third highest peak – Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586M). This trek visits both the Pangpema (North side of Kanchenjunga) and Oktang (South side of Kanchenjunga) base camps, offering distinct perspectives of the Kanchenjunga northern and southern faces. The trek features diverse landscapes from subtropical forests to alpine glaciers, one requires good physical fitness, involves crossing the high Mirgin La Pass (4,663M). You’ll experience the unique culture of far eastern people also trek offers an awe-inspiring views of Mt. Kanchenjunga range and other surrounding peaks including Jannu Himal (Kumbhakarna) and Rathong Himal.
Detailed Itinerary
Day
1
Fly Kathmandu to Bhadrapur (87M) and drive to Taplejung (1,820M)
On the clear day, the flight offers breathtaking view of Himalayan range that serves as the gateway to Eastern Nepal. From Bhadrapur you’ll drive to Taplejung by reserve private jeep and then journey heading into Kanchenjunga trek.
Max. Altitutde
1,820M
Meal Plan
Lunch, Dinner and Hot drinks
Accomodation
Lodge
Day
2
Drive Taplejung to Sekathum/Sukethum (1,575M)
The narrow and bumpy road drive through terraced hills, deep river valleys, cardamon farms and subtropical forests. Sekathum/Sukethum is the popular trek starting point for the Kanchenjunga North BC route.
Max. Altitutde
1,575M
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Hot drinks
Accomodation
Lodge
Day
3
Trek Sekathum/Sukethum to Amjilosa (2,310M)
The trekking route passes through forests, following Ghunsa Khola valley and crossing the river multiple times. Experiencing the varying terrain with continuous uphill and downhill section. Amjilosa is a small settlement with a few basic lodges where mostly inhabited by Tibetan/Sherpa families
Max. Altitutde
2,310M
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Hot drinks
Accomodation
Lodge
Day
4
Trek Amjilosa to Gybala (2,730M)
The trail climb through dense bamboo, oak, pine and rhododendron forests. You’ll encounter many river streams and beautiful waterfalls which are flowing from the mountain, providing picturesque sights during your trek.
Max. Altitutde
2,730M
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Hot drinks
Accomodation
Lodge
Day
5
Trek Gybala to Ghunsa (3,595M)
A day start from dense forests around Gybala and start ascend to our journey where the landscape open into the wider valleys with alpine vegetation. Ghunsa, a largest Tibetan-Sherpas refugees’ settlement on the Kanchenjunga route.
Max. Altitutde
3,595M
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Hot drinks
Accomodation
Lodge
Day
6
Ghunsa: Acclimatization Day
A visit of surrounding areas, encounter the daily life of Tibetan-Sherpas communities and visit of Monastery (Gompa) in the village.
Max. Altitutde
3,595M
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Hot drinks
Accomodation
Lodge
Day
7
Trek Ghunsa to Khambachen (4,050M)
The trail pass through the forests which is gradual ascent following the north bank of the Ghunsa Khola. During the journey you’ll have the first close-up view of Mt. Jannu (Kumbhakarna), seeing various monasteries, prayers flags and chortens too.
Max. Altitutde
4,050M
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Hot drinks
Accomodation
Lodge
Day
8
Trek Khambachen to Lhonak (4,780M)
The trail starts along moraines, glacier streams, steady climb through rocky terrain with minimal vegetation. The journey offers the scenic views of Kanchenjunga’s eastern and northern faces. Lhonak, a high-altitude base camp area with temporary teahouse lodges.
Max. Altitutde
4,780M
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Hot drinks
Accomodation
Lodge
Day
9
Lhonak: A day hike to Pangpema (North side of Kanchenjunga BC 5,143M)
The ultimate destination, offering panoramic views of Kanchenjunga range, including the northern face of the third highest mountain in the world – Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586M). After spending time in Pangpema, you’ll back to Lhonak for the overnight.
Max. Altitutde
4,780M
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Hot drinks
Day
10
Trek Lhonak to Khambachen (4,050m)
Breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga range and other surrounding peaks – Enroute to Khambachen
Max. Altitutde
4,050M
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Hot drinks
Day
11
Trek Khambachen to Ghunsa (3,595M)
The trail descend through following the bank of Ghunsa Khola.
Max. Altitutde
3,595M
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Hot drinks
Accomodation
Lodge
Day
12
Trek Ghunsa to Sele La Kharka/High Camp (4,200M)
The trail ascent through the rocky path, serene terrain, grazing areas and alpine forests. Because of the elevation gain in a day, snow and wind are possible and also the trail might be slippery or icy. Sele La Kharka is also know as a high camp plateau area nearby the pass.
Max. Altitutde
4,200M
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Hot drinks
Accomodation
Lodge
Day
13
Trek Sele La Kharka/High Camp to Tseram (3,870M) via Mirgin La Pass (4,663m)
Today’s section of this trail is strenuous nature, rugged terrain, requiring good physical fitness, experience and potentially needs of crampons/micro spike especially on the snow-covered terrain. From the top of Mirgin La Pass, you’ll see the clear views of Mt. Kanchenjunga rage, Jannu Himal (Kumbhakarna), Kabru and Rathong Himal. After crossing the high pass, the trail features significant descends to Tseram village.
Max. Altitutde
3,870M
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Hot drinks
Accomodation
Lodge
Day
14
Trek Tseram to Ramche (4,580M)
The trail is well-defined, easy and steady uphill climb but the very much scenic parts of the Kanchenjunga trek which offers the panoramic views of Kabru range, Rathong, Jannu Himal (Kumbhakarna) and Kanchenjunga South Face. Ramche is a small beautiful spot with a few basic teahouse lodges.
Max. Altitutde
4,580M
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Hot drinks
Accomodation
Lodge
Day
15
Ramche: A day hike to Oktang (South side of Kanchenjunga BC 4,730M)
A day hike to Oktang is the spectacular and breathtaking panoramic view of the massive South Face of Mt. Kanchenjunga – the world third highest peak. Also, the closer view of Yalung glacier and surround peaks.
Max. Altitutde
4,580M
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Hot drinks
Accomodation
Lodge
Day
16
Trek Ramche to Tortong (2,995M)
The trail retrace to the Tseram village and descend through the beautiful juniper and rhododendron forests. Some path can be challenging because of the rocky section and loose dirt which requires careful walk. Tortong is the common overnight spot before continuing towards Yamphudin.
Max. Altitutde
2,995M
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Hot drinks
Accomodation
Lodge
Day
17
Trek Tortong to Yamphudin (1,690M)
The trail gradually descends, leading you from alpine environment around Tortong but also includes a big climb over Lasiya Bhanjyang (3,310M) and dropping to the lower elevation village of Yamphudin.
Max. Altitutde
1,690M
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Hot drinks
Accomodation
Lodge
Day
18
Drive Yamphudin to Ilam (1,206M) 7-9 hours of drive
The road can be bumpy and challenging in some parts, especially given the mountainous terrain.
Max. Altitutde
1,206M
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Hot drinks
Accomodation
Hotel
Day
19
Drive Ilam to Bhadrapur (87M) and fly back to Kathmandu (1,400M)
A road trip through the picturesque Ilam tea garden and famous Kanyam area. Afternoon you’ll be fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel.
Max. Altitutde
1,400M
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch and Hot drinks
Accomodation
Lodge
Cost Included
- Airport – hotel – airport transfer by private CAR
- Tourist standard hotel on sharing basis in cities on your request
- Round trip ground and air transportation by private reserve CAR, JEEP or Flight
- All major daily 3 MEALS during your trip, fresh seasonal fruits, hot soups, tea and coffee
- Best available teahouse – lodges on sharing basis during the trip
- A professional English-speaking licenced trekking guide and porters
- Insurance coverage for our supporting crews, their meals and daily wages/salary
- All necessary permits and entry cards for your trek
- Company duffel bags and trekking poles, return after the trip
- All official government taxes and agency charges
Cost Excluded
- International flights, visa fees and airport tax
- Your personal trekking gears except company duffel bags and trekking poles
- All alcoholic and bottled drinks except tea and coffee
- Your personal insurance such as travel, accident and medical emergency evacuation
- Nepal custom duty for import of ang goods arriving to Nepal by air or road
- Laundry, internet and other items of personal nature
- Tips/gratuity for your trekking supporters (not mandatory but expected)
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