Kanchenjunga North and South Base Camp Trek

Kanchenjunga North and South Base Camp Trek

Overview And Highlights

Trip Facts

Trip Type

Camping

Grade

Strenuous

Altitude

5,280

Transportation

Land

Group Size

1+

Best Season

Spring and Autumn

Kanchenjunga North and South Base Camp trek takes you on an adventurous passage to the base of the third highest mountain peak in the world, Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586m). Kanchenjunga is a huge massif located in the far northeast part of Nepal on the borders of Sikkim and Tibet.

Our 28 days drive based Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is specially designed for those who prefer driving to taking flight. Though it takes a few more days as compared to flight based trekking, trekkers will be able to get better opportunities to explore more villages and interact with local people. The highlights of the Kanchenjunga North and South Base Camp trek are the magnificent views of the snow-capped mountain peaks, varied landscapes, from the subtropical lowlands to the spectacular glacial plateaus, enchanting forests of rhododendrons and abundance of wildlife that includes the famous muck deer and blue sheep. The tranquil villages that dot the borders of Tibet and Sikkim lend a special flavour to the trek.

The trekking trail gradually ascends from 1200m (4,000ft) to 5180m (17,094ft) above sea level. Though Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek was quite popular as a camping trek in the past, it is now possible to arrange on lodges. 

Itinerary Expand All Close All

Food
Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Accomodation
LODGE
Elevation
1400

D:Drive from Kathmandu to Basantpur via Dharan(428m.), hankuta (1158m.) and Hille(1822m.) by bus. Stay overnight in lodge.

Food
Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Accomodation
LODGE
Elevation
428

hankuta (1158m.) and Hille(1822m.) by bus. Stay overnight in lodge.

Food
Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
2400

The trail follows an uneven path. The path is covered by rhododendron forests. If the sky is clear, you can enjoy the panoramic views of Mount Makalu and Kanchenjunga Himal. You can also view villages at a distance from your hiking point. Chauki is a small village with a few lodges and Nepali tea shops. Stay overnight in lodge.

Food
Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
2940

While trekking through this way, you pass through rhododendron forests. On the way from Gupha Pokhari to Gurja Gaon, you can see yaks and mountain sheep grazing in the jung le. You will also observe some villages at a far distance. Gurja Gaon is inhabited by Buddhist and Hindus. It is situated at a low elevation. Stay overnight in lodge.

Food
Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Accomodation
LODGE
Elevation
730

The trails descend up to Dovan. En route you pass through jungle and villages. You trek through terraces where crops such as wheat, maize, rice, millet and potatoes are grown here. Dovan is a village situated at low elevation between two streams. Stay overnight in lodge.

Food
Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Accomodation
LODGE
Elevation
921

Crossing a suspension bridge over Tamur River you follow quite a flat route. Your hike continues along the bank of Tamur Koshi through paddy fields. You frequently cross through small jungles of cardamom plants and other natural vegetation. You can see some small village stretching at a far distance. Stay overnight in lodge.

Food
Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Accomodation
LODGE
Elevation
1171

The path to follow is quite narrow and passes through jungle mainly covered with cardamom plants and other vegetation. You can also see small gardens of oranges on your way. You cross through some small streams while trekking. Your trek leads through undulating path. Chirwa is a small town where you find small lodges and camping site with local shops. Stay overnight in lodge.

Food
Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Accomodation
LODGE
Elevation
1635

Your trek passes through a small jungle along the bank of a river. You find the plants of cardamom and other different vegetation. Stay overnight in lodge.

Food
Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Accomodation
LODGE
Elevation
2510

The first one and half-hour you trek through normally flat land. Then your trail is a steep ascent up to Amjilasa. Amjilassa is a small village with a few houses and yak herds with local shops where you find minimal supplies Stay overnight in lodge.

The trail is quite flat in the beginning and gently ascends to Gyable passing through the jungle. Human settlements are visible at Gyable.  People living here follow the Buddhist culture. Stay overnight in lodge.

Your trail passes through a dense green jungle. You can see Gunsa River down the trail. The trail passes through a few human settlements and it is clearly visible that their life style and culture has been inherited from Tibet. Stay overnight in lodge.

This is a day to rest to acclimatize and do some excursions in and around Ghunsa. Ghunsa is a relatively larger town and inhabited by Tibetan people. The trekkers come across a few check points at Ghunsa. Stay overnight in lodge.

Elevation
4124

The trail makes a gradual ascent along the south bank of the Gunsa Khola, then crosses a boulder strewn flood plain and cross back to Rambuk Kharka on the north side of the river. Stay overnight in lodge.

Food
Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Accomodation
LODGE
Elevation
4780

The trail climbs gradually through open rocky fields to Ramtang at 4240m, then across moraines north-west of the Kanchenjunga Glacier. Lhonak, at 4790m, is near a dry lake bed on an open, sandy plain; water is scarce here. There are no houses, but you can camp among the large boulders to get out of the wind. Terrific mountain views abound in all directions. Stay overnight in lodge.

Elevation
5143

Trek from Lhonak to Kanchenjunga (North) Base Camp (5143 m.) which is also known as Pangpegma and back to Lhonak takes approximately six and half hours. Here you can enjoy the snowcapped mountains and the Kanchenjunga glacier. Stay overnight in lodge.

Now you trek to a descending path crossing the jungle along the Kambachen River. Somewhere you can see the Mani walls and prayer flags hanging over the trees. At a point, you have to cross a wooden bridge. Stay overnight in lodge.

Elevation
4480

By ascending, you pass through a jungle. Here also you can see Mani walls and prayer flags hanging over the trees. While trekking, you can also catch glimpses of the various mountains. You can spot various animals like mountain goats and yaks grazing over the green hills. Stay overnight in lodge.

Elevation
3870

You trek through almost desert like areas and in some places you cross the trail is stony. The path ascends from Mirgin La to Tseram. On the path, you can see Lapsang La glacier, Mirgin La glacier and snow-capped mountains. There are very few stone roof houses at Tseram and also some yak huts. Stay overnight in lodge.

Elevation
4580

The trail continues alongside the Simbuwa River. Stay overnight in lodge.

Elevation
5225

You trek through moraines. On the trail, you can see the Yalung glacier and Lapsang glacier. You can also see mountain goats as you cross through a desert like area. The view of snow-covered mountains and Kanchenjunga is absolutely magnificent. Stay overnight in lodge.

 

The trekkers have to walk through moraines and strenuous rocky path. Trekking this day is pretty adventurous as you have to walk along the glaciers. Today you cross the Oktang glacier. The panoramic views of Kanchenjunga and Mount Jannu will mesmerize you. Some parts of the area touch the neighboring India. Stay overnight in lodge.

Elevation
2995

You trek following a stream alongside the moraines of Yalung Glacier. The path is quite loose and rocky. Mani walls and prayer flags will be seen hanging over the trees. Along the way, you will see the difficult route of Lapsang La pass at a distance. There are very few stone roof houses at Tseram and some yak huts. Stay overnight in lodge.

Elevation
2090

The trails normally ascend up to Lasiya Bhanjyang and then descend to Yamphudin crossing a small river. Yamphudin is a mixed community of Sherpas, Limbus, Rais and Gurungs. Stay overnight in lodge.

Elevation
1740

In the beginning, you descend to cross the Omje Khola up to halfway. Now you ascend through a jungle of cardamom and orchid plants. You pass a small village where you can find different human settlements, small thatched roof houses and local shops with minimal supplies. From here, the trail is ascends up to Khebang Danda and then you descend to Khebang village. Khebang is a comparatively big village where the local people follow the Hindu and Buddhism faiths. Stay overnight in lodge.

Food
Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Accomodation
LODGE
Elevation
1500

The trail starts descending to Jorepul and then begins to ascend. You also trek along the flat and low land crossing paddy fields and thatched roof houses. There are many villages on the way where you can buy things you may require from the shops in these villages. Thorpu is a town where transportation facilities are available. Stay overnight in lodge.

Food
Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Accomodation
LODGE
Elevation
2250

First of all, you ascend through the small villages up to the last destination, Gopetar. It is a town with a few small restaurants, teashops and other some local bars. From here, you get on your bus to reach Phidim and finally on to Ilam. Stay overnight in lodge.

Elevation
1264

En route, you will see diverse landscapes with beautiful sceneries of forest, rivers, tea plantation, paddy field, etc. 

Elevation
1400

Final depature

What Is Included ?

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off services by private vehicle
  • Special trekking permit for Kanchenjunga Area 
  • Entry permits for Kanchenjunga Conservation Area
  • Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card
  • One trekking guide
  • One porter for every 2 trekking participants (1 porter carries 25 kilograms of luggage)
  • All meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch & dinner)  
  • Accommodation in lodges (teahouses) during the trek
  • Sleeping bags, down jackets, duffle bags and trekking sticks if required
  • All land transportation before and after the trek by regular public bus/jeep
  • Insurance and equipment for the guides and porters
  • First aid kit
  • Tax, VAT and our service charge
  • Rescue assistance (In case of emergency, we will organize prompt and professional rescue services. To arrange timely evacuation/rescue by helicopter, you must be well insured from a reliable travel insurance company that covers both helicopter evacuation and medical treatment cost.)
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu with live cultural performance at authentic Nepali restaurant on the last evening
  • Souvenirs

What Is Excluded?

  • Personal nature expenses (Telephone calls, internet, toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beers and any alcoholic beverages)
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for involved staffs 
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu 
  • Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (even in case of early arrival or late departure, early return from trekking due to any personal reason than the scheduled itinerary)

Kanchenjunga North and South Base Camp Trek Altitude Profile

Additional Information

Below is a list of equipment and clothing required for trekking. The necessity of these items depends on the type, altitude, timing and destination of trekking. Appropriate trekking gears are not only required for the comfort/pleasure of your trek but also to improve safety factor.  Please have a look over these items in order to fully prepare and thoroughly enjoy the trekking. 

General Items:
Daypack, Rucksack, Sleeping bag, Duffel bag, Walking Poles, walking boots, sandals, Toiletries (Soaps, Toilet papers, Sanitizers, toothpaste, tooth brush, etc.)

Clothing Items:
Thermal underwear, Down jacket, Shorts, Trekking trousers, Towels, Woolen gloves, Gaiters, Fleece jacket or Pullover, Wind/water proof jacket, Raincoat, Warm socks, buff   

Sun-worn Items:
Sun hat, Sunglasses, Snow goggles, Sunscreen, Lip balm

Gadgets:
Headlamp, Flash light, Binoculars, Cameras (chargers and batteries),  

Liquid/Snacks:
Water bottle/bladder, Water purification Iodine tablets, Energy bars and snacks

Medical Essentials:
First Aid Kit 

Optional:
Altimeter, Compass, Binoculars, Books/magazines, GPS, Pocket knife, Candles (for lodges), Notebook with pencil/pen, etc 

Additional items for camping trek:
Tent, Stove and fuel, Utensils for cooking, eating and drinking, sleeping mattresses

Note: We can also provide sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, walking poles, and First Aid Kit in case if you don’t have one. These items are inclusive of total package price. 

28 Days

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