Kanchenjunga base camp trek
Kanchenjunga base camp trek
Kanchenjunga base camp trek

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

A Journey Through the Kanchenjunga Wilderness
Duration21 Days
Trip GradeChallenging
CountryNepal
Maximum Altitude5063 M
Group Size1 - 12
StartsKathmandu
EndsKathmandu
ActivitiesTrekking/Hiking
Best TimeSeptember to November & March to May

Highlights

  • Two-way Scenic flight between Kathmandu and Suketar
  • One of the best remote treks of Nepal
  • Limbu and Sherpa villages of eastern Nepal
  • Flora and fauna of Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project
  • Reaching the base camp of the world’s third-highest peak, Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m)
  • Less crowded trails move along the lush forests and Himalayan valleys
  • Breathtaking view of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m), Table Shikhar, Gimmigela Chuli, Pyramid Peak and Kirant Chuli
  • Crossing Selele La Pass (4,480m), Mirgin La Pass (4,663m), Sinion La (4,660m), etc.

Trek Overview

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek takes you around the world’s third peak Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586 m). Pronounced “Kang-chen-zod-nga” and meaning Five Treasures of Snow, Kanchenjunga Massif is a system of seven different summits.

To date, only a handful of national and international trekkers have visited this region. Lack of enough publicity is the first and foremost reason behind it. The location of this trekking region is another cause for the fewer visits to this geographic belt.

It is away from the limits of regular routes such as the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. It gives you an explore the beauty of eastern Nepal! The prizes are its snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, beautiful rivers, and diverse landscapes.

It is a challenging task as the trails are not in proper condition. People started Nepal trekking Peak climbing & expeditions in the second half of the twentieth century. However, the Nepal government officially permitted foreign trekkers to climb this peak in 1988.

Kanchenjunga Region Trekking is situated as the starting point of the Great Himalayan Trail (1,700 km). This trek rewards the trekkers with the distinct biodiversity and culture of Eastern Nepal. You will also enjoy the breathtaking view of the Great Himalayas of the region.

Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project (KCAP) has been established to protect the endangered species of flora and fauna. While walking along the less crowded trails, you might encounter animals like blue sheep, musk deer, and mountain bears.

This region has been highly populated by the Kirant people (Rai and Limbu) since time immemorial. Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek facilitates you to have first-hand information about their lifestyle, culture, and tradition. You can also experience the hospitality of the Limbu people who are said to have the most hospitable ethnic communities in the SAARC region.

The Prominent Peaks and High Passes of  Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Despite its remoteness, the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek shows you more than 20 snow-capped peaks. You see the mountains of Nepal as well as Sikkim, India during this trek. The mountains are above 6,000 m including three eight-thousanders of the Great Himalayas.

Mt. Everest (8,848.86 m), Mt. Makalu (8,485 m), and Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) are seen on this trip. Other notable peaks are Gimmigelachuli (7,350 m), Pyramid Peak (7,123 m), Mt. Kumbhakarna (7,710 m), and many more.

Apart from the snowy peaks, you come to see a few Himalayan glaciers while moving to and fro. Some of the most recognized are the Kanchenjunga Glacier, the Lhonak Glacier, and the Kumbhakarna Glacier. These glaciers give birth to some of the biggest rivers of Nepal.

There are a few notable Himalayan passes all above 3,900 m en route to the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp trek. Some of them are Selele Pass (4,480 m), Tamo La (3,900 m), Sinion La (4,660 m), Mirgin La (4,663 m) and Sinelepche La (4,724 m).

Most of the trails to the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp trek also contain in this trekking route. The trail to the south base camp (4,610 m) of Mt. Kanchenjunga diverts from Ghunsa to Yalung. For this, you have to go across Lapsang La Pass (5,160 m).

As it is not always easy to cross a high pass above 5,000 m, most of the trekkers choose to trek to the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp trek instead of the South Base Camp. If you want, you can also avoid all the passes mentioned above as well.

How to Begin Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek?

To begin the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trekking, you must reach Suketar of Taplejung. For this, you can take a flight from Kathmandu to Suketar directly for 40 minutes. You can also fly to Bhadrapur and Jhapa and drive to Suketar.

The roadway transportation from Kathmandu to Suketar doesn’t seem a good alternative. The roadway distance is 670 kilometers between the two cities. As the road condition is not proper, it becomes a tedious journey to start this trek.

The ecological regions make you realize the geographical and biodiversity of this route. While traveling for about three weeks, the trail passes through amazing landscapes and terrains to take you to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp.

Although the Nepal trekking trails are less frequented and in poor condition, the entire trip is a lifelong memory. The walking along the rhododendron, pine, and oak forests gives you a glimpse of various animals and birds.

This trek leads you along the villages of the Kirant people of eastern Nepal. The Kirant people are well-known for their unique hospitality. While doing this remote trek in Nepal, you will also taste their cuisines served at the best hospitality.

The different passes and snow-capped peaks en route are the other attractions that make this trip more memorable. After enjoying the mountain ranges of eastern Nepal from 5,143 m, you trek down towards the beginning point.

After exploration of this region, you will trek back to Taplejung and fly back to Kathmandu. If you want to reach the south base camp, you can customize the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek. Trekking to the south base camp of Mt. Kanchenjunga is a chance to visit the mighty Yalung Glacier.

Some Important Variants of Kanchenjunga Trek

Kanchanjanga Base Camp trek is a formidable trek into the grandeur of an eight-thousander of Nepal. Nepal Trekking Routes has designed the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek itinerary for 23 days. This itinerary is enough to have the wonders of this region with enough rest during the journey.

The best time for Kanchanjanga Base Camp Trek is from spring to mid-summer and in autumn. Kanchenjunga Selele Pass Trekking, Kanchenjunga Base Camp trekking Bokta Peak Climbing and Kanchenjunga Milke Danda Trekking are some variants of Kanchenjunga region trekking.

More than this, you can also connect this trek to the Makalu region as well. The Makalu Kanchenjunga trek is another popular trek in Nepal. The Nepal Trekking package takes you to the base camps of both the 8,000 m above mountains.

If your time, budget as well as physical and psychological aspects fit, you can also do the Great Himalayan Trail trekking. It takes around 150 days to cover the route from far eastern to far western Nepal.  To know more about cost and itinerary, contact us via email, phone call, WhatsApp, or online booking tools.

Food and Accommodation Facilities During the Kanchenjunga Camping Trek

Before the development of teahouses, Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek used to be a complete camping trek in Nepal. But nowadays, teahouses are established and run in all the stopovers en route.

The teahouses provide basic facilities of food and accommodation for the trekkers. Due to its remoteness, you must forget about the luxurious trekking services. The people cannot transport the goods and services easily to their place due to the lack of transportation infrastructure.

In the lower altitude, the number of teahouses are in considerable number. You can have a choice of booking the one with the best quality. However, the higher you go, the less number of teahouses you find!

Even the cost of food and accommodation services is low at the lower altitude stops. Just the opposite, in the higher places, you have to pay a bit higher prices. But, one thing is sure, you get food organic and hygienic.

Avoid eating non-veg items unless you find fresh items instantly. It may affect your health condition as they may be stored for a longer time. Have enough water and take sound sleep to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) as well.

Itinerary
Trip PlanExpand All

On the day of your arrival, the member staff of NTR receives at the Kathmandu Airport. Afterwards, s/he transfers to the hotel somewhere around Thamel. On your free time, you can go around the busiest tourist hub in the Kathmandu Valley

After having breakfast, the tour guide guides you for Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing tour. You go around the UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in Kathmandu Valley. Out of seven prominent sites, you will look into Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa (the Monkey Temple) and Bouddhanath Stupa.  After you come back to the hotel, the team leader instructs you about Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek.

 

Take an early morning domestic flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur. Drive from Bhadrapur to Taplejung (approximately 8-10 hours). Overnight stay in Taplejung.

 

The trekking track goes uphill and downhill towards Sukethum where you reach for the night station. You move across the terraced fields, small human settlement areas, small rivers and rivulets, natural waterfalls. Enjoying the bare and green but amazing landscapes, you move ahead into Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project from Tapethok checkpoint.

 

You begin the travel through the rugged trail after breakfast. Then, you go past some bamboo forests close to some Sherpa Villages. In the end, you reach Anjilosa. It is a Nepali Sherpa Village highly influenced by the Tibetan culture and tradition. You can witness the wonderful vistas of the entire Ghunsa Khola Valley from here.

 

Walking along the banks of the Ghunsa Khola that gurgles through lush forests of rhododendron and fir trees, you move ahead. Walking along the terraced fields with seasonal crops and vegetables, you reach Phole Village. This village contains a small wooden monastery that protects Buddhist relics and ancient paintings.

Moving ahead through dense wooded lands and cultivated farmlands, you reach Ghunsa. Ghunsa is the largest human settlement area en route Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek. The prayer flags of this remote high altitude village indicate the high impression of Tibetan Buddhist rites and rituals.

 

To cope with Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) such as altitude sickness, you take a rest day around Ghunsa. Explore the local monastery which is said to have connection with Khampa Dzong Monastery at the edge of the village. From here, you have the splendid view of the snowcapped peaks of Kanchenjunga Himalayan Ranges.

Alternatively, you can take a short hike towards the Yamatri Khola and a lake made by the deposits of the Yamatri Glacier. While moving towards or backwards, you might encounter some antelopes and other animals in Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project.

 

Some sections of today’s trail goes past some lush forests of larch and juniper trees along the Ghunsa Khola. After that, it goes steep along the barren landscapes showing some natural waterfalls and the Khumbhakarna Glacier. Finally, you reach Khanpachen Village to end the journey of the day. You can see some species of wild birds like eagles and falcons around the village.

 

You begin today’s trekking by following the stony banks of the mountain stream. By crossing the moraine of the Kanchenjunga Glacier, you reach Lhonak village. The village is located at the edge of the Lhonak Glacier. The village shows you the stunning view of the snow-clad peaks and wonderful landscapes.

 

After breakfast, you follow the track that goes past the barren plain and moraine rift. By walking for about four hours along the icy trail, you reach Pangpema. It is also known as Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (5,143m). Leaving the backpack at the huts there, you move uphill towards the northern side.

From the base camp of Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586m) you can have the breathtaking views of the snow-clad mountains. Mt. Kanchenjunga, Table Shikhar, Gimmigela Chuli, Pyramid Peak and Kirant Chuli vibrantly come into your sight.

In this way, you make your dream to reach the third highest peak of the world, Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m) come true! After enjoying the staggering vistas for a while, you trek down to Pangpema for the night station.

 

By witnessing the mesmerizing sunrise view of the Kanchenjunga and other peaks, you descend towards Kambachen via Lhonak and Ramtang. The trail is downhill and comfortable. So, you can easily arrive Kambachen in 7 hours from the base camp of Mount Kanchenjunga.

 

Following the Ghunsa Khola banks, you pass through the lush forests inhabited by diverse species of birds. En route, you can enjoy the mountain scenery and scattered villages. Finally, you arrive at Ghunsa Village to wrap up the trekking today.

 

You begin today’s journey after having breakfast. In the first part, you follow the other trail than you had walked a few days back. Walking along the dense rhododendron and juniper forests, you reach Selele La Pass (4,480m).

Then, the trail goes along the deserted forested land. Here, you had better walk with your group to prevent accidental attack from wild animals. Selele La Pass is one of the high passes in Kanchenjunga trekking region that has a few huts. You spend the night at one of the huts serving as teahouses.

 

Today’s voyage is quite challenging and remarkable as you are going to cross a few high passes. You cross Tamo La (3,900m), Sinion La (4,660m), Mirgin La (4,663m) and Sinelepche La (4,724m). Walking past the thick Himalayan forests, you come to meet the main trail of Kanchenjunga South Base Camp trek. To reach the south base camp of Mount Kanchenjunga, you should cross Lapsang La Pass (5,160m). Lapsang Lat is the highest pass of the entire Kanchenjunga region.

 

After breakfast, you follow the downhill trail from Tseram. Moving further, you go past some high altitude green forests. To reach Tortong, you will cross the Shimbuwa Khola. Tortong is also an important stopover during Kanchenjunga trekking region

 

Today, moving along the rhododendron forests and enjoying the magnificent Himalayan views, you continue the trip. You walk along the Amji Khola banks for most of the day. By crossing the Lassiya Bhanjyang, you reach Yamphudin for the night rest.

 

You follow the Kabeli River banks and cross over some suspension bridges to reach Mamankhe. It is another stop during Kanchenjunga trek. Following the Khasewa Khola and crossing the wooden bridges, you walk past some terraced fields. At the end of the day, you reach Phamphe Danda by walking for about 6 hours.

 

For the first few hours, the trail ascends towards a higher ridge and then descends towards Yangpang. Before reaching Yangpang, you walk across thick woodlands and a natural waterfall. Going past the Nadewa Khola banks and then a few small waterfalls, you reach Khesewa. Finally, the trail leads you up to Sinchuburi Bhanjyang (a pass: 2,240m) and descends to Kunjari.

 

Today’s trekking is one of the longest of the entire trekking itinerary. And, this is the last day of walking in Kanchenjunga region.. The trail guides you across the Phawa Khola and then Tambewa Village across a hanging bridge. By leaving the terraced fields up to Lali Kharka and lush forests behind, you reach Surke Danda (2,580m). From here, you follow the off-road track. In the end, you reach Suketar for the night rest. Roam around Suketar in the leisure time as you are going to leave this region the next morning.

 

After having breakfast, you catch a flight from Suketar to Kathmandu Airport. Then, the team member of the agency relocates you to the hotel. In the spare time, you can go shopping around the Thamel Bazaar. In the evening, the company invites you for a farewell dinner at a cultural restaurant around Thamel.

 

In this way, we have come to an end of Kanchenjunga Base Camp trekking itinerary for 23 days. The representative of NTR accompanies you up to the Kathmandu Airport as per your flight schedule.

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Cost Details
Includes
  • Airport pick-up and drop off service,
  • Trekking Guide and Trekking porter (Two participant=1 porter =Maximum 25 kg of luggage) Solo travelers need to pay an extra fee for Porter's salary
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & accommodation during the trekking,
  • Sleeping bags, down jackets, duffel bags, and trekking sticks if required,
  • Trekking permit of National park,
  • TIMS(Trekking Information Management System )
  • Flight fare from Kathmandu to Suketar and Suketar  to Kathmandu
  • Insurance and equipment for the trekking staff
  • First aid kit
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu with a cultural program in a typical Traditional Nepali restaurant
Excludes
  • Personal expenses
  • Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu
  • Drinks, beverages, hot shower & Bar Bill
  • Travel insurance & International Flight fare
  • Tips for guide and porter
  • Meals & hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (without itinerary)
Route Map
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Map
Essential Information


The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is an off-the-beaten-path trek that takes you to the foot of Mount Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain. This trek is renowned for its remoteness, biodiversity, and cultural richness. Here is the essential information on this trek:

Location and Accessibility

The Kanchenjunga Base Camp is located in eastern Nepal near the Indian and Tibetan borders. The starting point is Taplejung. To reach Taplejung you have to take a flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur then drive from Bhadrapur to Taplejung. Since it is a remote region, multiple transportation modes are required to reach the trailhead.

Permits Required

The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek lies in the restricted region. You have to acquire these permits before starting your trek

  • Restricted Area Permit (RAP): It is mandatory for entry into the Kanchenjunga region.
  • Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP): It is required for trekking in the conservation area.

It is mandatory to have a registered trekking guide and at least two trekkers for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek. The permits can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu. If you are trekking with us, Nepal Trekking Routes, then we will arrange the permits for you. 

Trek Duration and Distance

According to our trekking itinerary, the duration of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is 21 days. The trek covers a distance of 220-250 kilometers. The trek requires you to walk for 5-8 hours each day on rugged trails. 

Best Time to Trek

The best time for Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek depends on the weather, trail conditions, and your preference. 

Spring (March-May): Spring is one of the favorable seasons for trekking in Nepal. This season offers clear skies and a fantastic view of snow-capped mountains. The temperatures are moderate and perfect for trekking. The forests along the trail are covered with vibrant blooms of rhododendrons. 

Autumn (September –November): Autumn is one of the peak seasons for trekking. This post-monsoon season has dry trails and stable weather. The visibility is clear and you can enjoy stunning mountain views. The festive ambiance is one of the major attractions of this season. Nepalese celebrate Dashain and Tihar which provides you with the opportunity to observe the festivities and culture of Nepal. 

Summer (June-August): Summer is mostly avoided by trekkers because it coincides with the monsoon season. Monsoon brings heavy rain which can cause landslides and slippery trails. The leeches and mosquitoes are also active which may be a nuisance for trekkers. However, if don’t mind wet conditions, then this season offers solitude, a lush landscape, and perfect scenery of cascading waterfalls and rivers. 

Winter (December –February): Winter is considered an off-peak season for trekking. The extreme cold and snow can be challenging. You can either avoid this season or better be prepared with proper clothing and gear. 

Challenges and Difficulties

Altitude

Altitude is one of the challenges of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek. It reaches a height of 5,143m at North Base Camp and 4,800m at South Base Camp. You should go slow and listen to your body. At higher altitudes, you may experience the symptoms of altitude sickness. The symptoms are headache, dizziness, nausea, difficulty in breathing, loss of appetite, etc.
Acclimatization is vital to prevent altitude sickness. Ascend gradually and drink plenty of water. Take acclimatization or rest day at Ghunsa to adjust to the altitude. 

Remote Region

Kanchenjunga Base Camp is located in a remote region which is a challenge for trekkers. There is limited access to medical facilities and supplies. 

Physical Demands

The physical demand of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is also a challenging factor. You have to trek for long hours for several days. The steep ascents and descents can be exhausting.

Weather

The weather in higher altitudes is unpredictable. Rain, snow storms, or avalanches can disrupt your trek. 

Accommodation and Food

The accommodation during the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is available at teahouses. They offer basic facilities like rooms with single or twin beds, mattresses, blankets, and pillows. You may even opt for camping in remote sections. 
The food is available in the teahouses which are simple meals like dal bhat and curry, noodles, pasta, momos, fried rice, etc. It is essential to carry snacks and personal essentials due to limited availability. 

Packing Essentials

Clothing: thermal wear, layered clothing for varying temperatures, waterproof/windproof jacket, gloves, socks etc.
Gear: Trekking boots, sleeping bag, trekking poles, headlamp.
Extras: Toiletries, first-aid kit, water bottle and purification tablet, power banks, etc.

Cultural Experiences

The Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek offers the unique traditions of Limbu, Rai, and Tibetan Communities. You can visit ancient monasteries like Olangchung Gola Gompa and traditional Limbu houses. One of the popular sacred Hindu temples, Pathibhara Devi temple, is located on the hilltop of the Taplejung. You can visit this temple while you are at Taplejung. You will have an opportunity to interact with locals and experience their warm hospitality. 

Guides and Agencies

For the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, it is mandatory to have experienced guides. They can efficiently navigate the remote trails and ensure your safety. Our agency, Nepal Trekking Routes, provides comprehensive services including permits, accommodation, and cultural insights. 
It is customary to give tips to guides after completing the journey. Have enough cash handy for tipping and other extra expenses. 

Responsible Trekking

You should be a responsible human while trekking. The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek has a fragile ecosystem. You should practice the Leave No Trace principle to protect it. You should respect local customs and be polite while interacting. You can support local businesses by staying and eating in the teahouses and buying handmade items. 

FAQs

Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek takes you to the far eastern part of Nepal. This region lies in the starting point of the Great Himalayan Trail (1,700km). Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek itinerary ranges from 15 days to 27 days. The trekking hours every day, the route you follow and acclimatization days determine the itinerary. To know more about this trekking package,

Yes, you can! You must be physically fit and mentally ready to do this trek. The previous trekking experience will be an added qualification to successfully to this trip. Being a restricted area trekking, solo trekkers are not allowed for this trek. Instead, you can book an organized trekking package from a local tour operator.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp trekking is an off the beaten path journey to Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586m). It is the third highest peak in the world that is less frequently visited by the international tourists.

You can witness the mesmerizing view of the snowcapped peaks, lush forests and high altitude villages in this trek. The other rewards of this trek are the authentic pastoral lifestyle, Tibetan Buddhist villages and their typical culture. This is the best remote trek in the Nepalese Himalayas that lets you escape from the crowded trails.

 

Yes, of course, you need to hire a professional guide and a porter for Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek.  As a restricted area trekking in Nepal, solo trekkers are not allowed for this region. You must be in a group of two members accompanied by a registered trekking guide and a porter. The guide and porter can be really helpful in case of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) or missing of the right trail. Next, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project has large varieties of wild animals. The guide and the porter can save you from the danger of their attack.

The Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek permits are:

TIMS Card

Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project (KCAP) Entry Permit

Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Entry Permit

Yes, solo travelers can do the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek. However, it is recommended to visit the area with a group or with a guide for safety reasons. There are many trekking companies offering guided tours and group packages.

The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek usually takes around 15 to 21 days.

Yes, we do have fixed departures for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek. Please contact us for more information.

Best Kanchenjunga base camp trek

Nov 2023 • Solo

I did the Kanchenjunga trek in November 2023.

I've been to Nepal almost 20 times now so I know the country pretty well....

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Ex Y - Belgium
23 Dec, 2023
E
20 years of Adventure
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