Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is a circuit trail passing through ethnic villages, religious temples and monasteries, dense forest of rhododendron, oak, chestnut and pine, rivers and glaciers. Kanchenjunga has two popular Base Camps; North Base Camp and South Base Camp on two different locations. Our Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek itinerary is 22 days long and includes both North Base Camp and South Base Camp. The trail first goes northwards to Ghunsa then to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (5143 m.) and returns back to Ghunsa. The trail then crosses Mirgin La Pass (4480m.) before it reaches to the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp (4810m.).
Mount Kanchenjunga (8586 m) is the third tallest mountain in the world situated on the border between Nepal and India. Kanchenjunga region is rich in bio-diversity, so the Government of Nepal has started Kanchenjunga Conservation Area in 1997 with the purpose of protecting ecological diversity in the region. Kanchenjunga is not only popular for extreme expedition, but also for moderately grade trekking.
Kanchenjunga is home to the endangered snow leopard and red panda. The vulnerable species of Himalayan black bear and leopard, medicinal plants, local species of fishes have been able to garner attention of many wildlife researchers. The region provides excellent view of the Himalayan panorama for trekking enthusiasts. Thus, the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is a perfect choice for all adventure seekers who have more than 3 weeks of time and would like to spend it enjoying with pristine nature away from the hustle and bustle of the cities.
After early morning e-mail, fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur that takes about 1 hour. Same day, you will drive to Taplejung (1800m.) by jeep. Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Taplejung to Sinwa (980 m) takes approximately 6 hours. Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Sinwa to Lelep (1750m.) or Tamewa takes approximately seven hours. 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 and bee hives. 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 at lodge.
The first one and half-hour you trek through normally flat land. Then your trail is a steep ascent up to Amjilasa. Amjilossa is a small village with a few houses and yak herds with local shops where you find minimal supplies Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Amjilosa to Gyabla (2730m.) takes about seven hours. The trail is quite flat in the beginning and gently ascends to Gyabla passing through the jungle. Human settlements are visible at Gyable. People living here follow the Buddhist culture. Stay overnight in lodge.
Trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa (3468m.) takes about six hours. 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.
Rest day at Ghunsa for acclimatization. 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.
Trek from Ghunsa to Kambachen (4124m.) takes about seven hours. 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.
Trek from Kambachen to Lhonak (4780m.) takes about seven hours. 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.
Trek from Lhonak to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (5143m.) which is also known as Pangpegma and back to Lhonak takes approximately six and half hours. Here you can enjoy the snow capped mountains and the Kanchenjunga glacier. Stay overnight in lodge.
Trek from Lhonak to Ghunsa takes about seven hours. 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.
Trek from Ghunsa to Mirgin La (4480m.) takes about seven hours. 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.
Trek from Mirgin La to Tseram (3870 m.) takes about seven hours. 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.
Trek from Tseram to Ramche (4580m.) takes about 4 and half hours. The trail continues alongside the Simbuwa River. Stay overnight in lodge.
Trek from Ramche to Oktang (4810m.) Kanchenjunga Base Camp South takes about four hours. 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.
Excursion to Kanchenjunga Base Camp South (4810m.) takes about six hours. 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.
Trek from Oktang to Tortong (2995m.) takes approximately seven hours. 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.
Trek from Tortong to Yamphudin (2090m.) takes about seven hours. 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.
Trek from Yamphudin to Kande Bhanjyang (2129m.) takes about 8 hours. Stay overnight in lodge.
Trek from Kande Bhanjyang to Suketar (2420 m.) takes about 6 hours. Stay overnight lodge.
Drive from Suketar to Bhadrapur by jeep. Stay overnight at hotel/lodge.
Fly from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu.
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.
Nepal , Kanchenjunga Trek 27 Days
Nepal , Kanchenjunga Trek 14 Days