Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

21 Days
Overview Itinerary Include/Exclude FAQs

Trek Overview

This isolated trek takes place in Eastern Nepal, which is home to Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world at 8,596m. This massive peak dominates the southern range of the Himalayas and offers spectacular mountain views.

This section of Nepal has only been open to trekking since 1988, which explains its richness in traditional culture and untouched natural beauty. The Kanchenjunga region has a profusion of high summits, including three peaks above 8,000 meters and eleven peaks above 7,000 meters. It is truly a wonderful trekking destination for adventure seekers.

Your trekking route follows the Tamur River, which meets the Arun River below Mulghat. Numerous glaciers feed this river system. The glaciers north of the main peak include Nupchu, Lhonak, Chichima, Gimsung, Pyramid, Kanchenjunga, and Ramtang. To the west and south of the main peak are Kumbhakarna (Jannu), Yamatari, and Yalung glaciers.

Kangbachenga (4,038m) in the Ghunsa Valley and Walungchung (3,200m) in the Tamur Valley are among the highest settlements in the region. The only access to the Kanchenjunga area is via a road link to Basantapur and a direct air link to Taplejung Bazaar.

There are many trekking options in this region. You can choose your preferred trekking route, and the itinerary can also be customized or extended according to your interests and time.

Trekking at a Glance

Duration

21 Days

Trip Grade

Hard

Max Altitude

5,143m

Accommodation

Tea Houses / Lodges

Activities

Trekking, Sightseeing

Best Time

Mar-May & Sept-Nov

Itinerary

Day 1:

Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. After arrival, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. You can relax or explore nearby areas. In the evening, there will be a short briefing about the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek.

Hotel
1,400m
Day 2:

Trek from Kathmandu – Bhadrapur – Taplejung

Take a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, followed by a drive to Taplejung. Enjoy views of hills, rivers, and local villages as you enter the Kanchenjunga region.

Lodge
B, L, D
1,820m
Day 3:

Trek from Taplejung – Mitlung

Begin trekking from Taplejung through terraced fields and traditional villages. The trail descends through forests and follows rivers, offering a peaceful start.

Tea House
B, L, D
921m
4–5 hrs
Day 4:

Trek from Mitlung – Chirwa

Trek along the Tamur River through lush forests, crossing suspension bridges and passing small settlements with beautiful natural surroundings.

Tea House
B, L, D
1,270m
5–6 hrs
Day 5:

Chirwa – Sekathum

Continue trekking through forested trails and river valleys. Cross several suspension bridges and enjoy the peaceful environment of this remote region.

Tea House
B, L, D
1,660m
5–6 hrs
Day 6:

Trek from Sekathum – Amjilosa

The trail climbs steeply through dense forests and narrow paths. This section offers a more remote trekking experience with fewer settlements.

Tea House
B, L, D
2,510m
5–6 hrs
Day 7:

Trek from Amjilosa – Gyabla

Trek through bamboo and rhododendron forests with views of waterfalls and mountains. Reach Gyabla, a beautiful village surrounded by nature.

Tea House
B, L, D
2,730m
5–6 hrs
Day 8:

Trek from Gyabla – Ghunsa

Continue trekking through forests and open valleys into a Tibetan-influenced region. Ghunsa is one of the main settlements with monasteries and local culture.

Tea House
B, L, D
3,430m
5–6 hrs
Day 9:

Acclimatization Day in Ghunsa

Rest day for acclimatization. Explore the village, visit monasteries, and take short hikes to adjust to the altitude.

Tea House
B, L, D
3,430m
Day 10:

Trek from Ghunsa – Kambachen

Trek along the river through alpine terrain with stunning views of mountains and glaciers. The trail becomes more rugged as altitude increases.

Tea House
B, L, D
4,050m
5–6 hrs
Day 11:

Trek from Kambachen – Lhonak

Continue through glacial landscapes and rocky terrain with breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.

Tea House
B, L, D
4,780m
5–6 hrs
Day 12:

Lhonak – Kanchenjunga Base Camp (Pangpema)

Hike to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp at Pangpema, enjoying spectacular views of glaciers and Mt. Kanchenjunga before returning to Lhonak.

Tea House
B, L, D
5,143m
6–7 hrs
Day 13:

Trek from Lhonak – Ghunsa

Descend back through the same scenic route with beautiful mountain views and alpine landscapes.

Tea House
B, L, D
3,430m
6–7 hrs
Day 14:

Trek from Ghunsa – Amjilosa

Continue descending through forests and traditional villages, retracing your route.

Tea House
B, L, D
2,510m
5–6 hrs
Day 15:

Trek from Amjilosa – Sekathum

Trek downhill through forest trails and river valleys, enjoying the natural beauty.

Tea House
B, L, D
1,660m
5–6 hrs
Day 16:

Trek from Sekathum – Chirwa

Follow the river and pass through small settlements and suspension bridges back to Chirwa.

Tea House
B, L, D
1,270m
5–6 hrs
Day 17:

Trek from Chirwa – Mitlung

Continue descending through forests and villages, enjoying peaceful surroundings.

Tea House
B, L, D
921m
4–5 hrs
Day 18:

Trek from Mitlung – Taplejung

Final trekking day back to Taplejung through scenic trails and local villages.

Lodge
B, L, D
1,820m
4–5 hrs
Day 19:

Trek from Taplejung – Bhadrapur

Drive back to Bhadrapur with scenic views of hills, rivers, and countryside landscapes.

Hotel
B, L, D
91m
Day 20:

Flight from Bhadrapur – Kathmandu

Fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy your free time.

Hotel
Breakfast
1,440m
Day 21:

Final Departure

Transfer to the airport for your departure. End of your Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek.

Breakfast

What's Included & Excluded

What's Included

  • Airport/Hotel/Airport pick-up and drop-off
  • Domestic flights (Kathmandu – Bhadrapur – Kathmandu)
  • All ground transportation as per itinerary (private vehicle/jeep)
  • Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • Tea house/lodge accommodation during the trek
  • Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek
  • Tea and coffee during the trek
  • Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit
  • Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP)
  • Experienced English-speaking trekking guide (salary, food, accommodation, insurance)
  • Porter service (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
  • All staff costs including salary, insurance, equipment, and accommodation
  • First aid medical kit
  • Government taxes and official expenses
  • Assistant guide for groups above 6 people

What's Not Included

  • International airfare to and from Nepal
  • Nepal entry visa fee
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Travel insurance (must cover high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation)
  • Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, internet, etc.)
  • Drinking water, bottled drinks, and alcoholic beverages
  • Hot showers, battery charging, and Wi-Fi during the trek
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Emergency evacuation (helicopter rescue)
  • Tips for guide, porter, and driver
  • Any additional costs due to itinerary changes (weather, landslides, strikes, etc.)
  • Any other expenses not mentioned in the “Cost Includes” section

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek?

This trek is considered moderate to challenging due to its remote location, long trekking days, and high altitude, making it suitable for experienced trekkers.

Do I need permits for this trek?

Yes, you need a Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit and a Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP) to complete this trek.

Is this trek crowded?

No, this is one of the least crowded treks in Nepal due to its remote location, making it ideal for trekkers seeking solitude.

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