Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

. Today is your second day here in Nepal. There are many UNESCO world heritage sites in and around Kathmandu.

On this day, we will tour around some of the sites. Our city tour guides will help you tour around the city. You can visit the Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar square, Swayambhunath Temple, Changunarayan Temple, etc.
After a day tour in Kathmandu, you’ll go to your hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu.

It’s now time to fly! We will board on a domestic flight to Biratnagar from Kathmandu. It takes around 40 minutes to fly from Kathmandu to Biratnagar.
Biratnagar is one of the major industrial towns in eastern Nepal.
Overnight in Biratnagar.

From Biratnagar, we can get to Suketar, either through a Biratnagar- Suketar flight. Or, we can drive to Suketar from Phidim in a private vehicle.

The Suketar airport lies in between Biratnagar and Taplejung. This is a short duration flight which is an easy way to reach Suketar.

Or, we can also take a ride to Phidim in a private vehicle. Phidim is where you can see the green orchards of tea bushes in Phidim, Ilam. It is a major tourist area even for domestic tourists. From Phidim, we will drive to Suketar.
Overnight in Suketar.

Trek duration: 4-5 Hours
Today is the day when we officially begin our Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek. The trek involves walking downhill for nearly 5 hours to reach Mitlung.
Walking across different villages, we will see cultivated lands as well as the pastures or grasslands. On the trail, we will cross a small river called Hangdewa.
We follow the trails along the riverbank of Tamor river. Descending down the muddy trails, we will reach Mitlung. Walking for 5 hours may not be easy. Take trekking poles for ease. Wear comfortable boots to prevent blisters.
Mitlung is a beautiful village where we will stay overnight.

Trek duration: 5 to 6 hours
Today, we set off on a trek to Chirwa. The trail isn’t as smooth as yesterdays’. The trail comprises many ascents and descents.
Most of the frequent ascents and descents are on the way between Mitlung and Sinwa. Sinwa is a village of Limbu and Tamang inhabitants. From Sinwa, the trail descends downhill into Tawa village.
The walk from Tawa village is a walk uphill. The trail is beautiful. It passes through spectacular landscapes, terraced farms, and hilly ridges.
After gaining some height, we will come across a high suspension bridge. On crossing the bridge, we will reach Thiwa.
While descending to Thiwa Khola, we will walk over old landslide debris, boulders, and river deposits. There is a small wooden bridge that takes us to Chiruwa.
Chiruwa is a beautiful village of Limbu inhabitants. There are basic tea shops, few lodges, and teahouses. The locals are cheerful and hospitable.
Overnight in Chiruwa.

Trek duration: 5 to 6 hours
It’s already been a week since you started your Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek. After a filling breakfast at Chirwa, we will set off to Sukathum.
The trek passes through different villages: Taplethok, Tamewa, Hellok, and Lelep. Throughout the trek, we can enjoy the variable landscapes. Along the trail, we will also see the cardamom fields and dense forests.
After a short uphill climb and descends through the green fields, we continue walking alongside the Tamor River. The trail now descends towards the Simbu Khola. The Simbhu Khola originates at Yalung glacier.

The walk further proceeds through the steep and narrow trail of Ghunsa Khola valley. Finally! We arrive in Sukathum.
Overnight in Sukathum.

Trek duration: 6 to 7 hours

Today’s trek is a bit challenging. A portion of the trail includes walking through a dense forest, steep routes uphill and downhill.

We start our trek with a walk along the narrow north bank trail of Ghunsa Khola. Walking ups and downs besides the river aren’t so easy. Tapping with our trekking poles over the stone steps, we will come across a waterfall.

There is a small settlement at Ghaiyabari, at an altitude of 2150 meters. On climbing further, the trail passes along the gorge.

You need to be careful while walking. The trail is tricky. Trekking along the adorable landscape views is a beautiful experience.

On crossing numerous bridges over the Ghunsa Khola, and conquering the tricky trial, we reach Amjilosa.

Amjilosa is a Tibetan village where we conclude our hectic journey of today. Overnight in Amjilosa.

.Trek duration: 6 to 7 hours

We start our day with a nice breakfast at Amjilosa. Following the trail alongside the river bank and dense forests, we set off to Gyabla. Today, we will trek along a beautiful trail.

Walking through the dense forests of Rhododendron, gnarled brown oaks, and Bamboo feels amazing. The trail is more beautiful during treks in spring. You will see the forests covered in colors and aromas of Rhododendrons.

We continue climbing along the Ghunsa valley. As you trek further, you’ll feel closer to the mountains. We can rejoice the astonishing vistas of panoramic mountains, and several waterfalls on the entire trail.

Climbing up and down along the trail, we finally reach at the village of Gyabla. The climb to Kyapart/ Gyabla from Ghunsa Khola is steep.

Overnight in Gyabla.

Trek duration: 5 to 6 hours

Leaving behind the beautiful Gyabla village, we trek towards Ghunsa through a broad meadow. We then climb a small hill and descend to cross the river to reach the Tibetan village of Ghunsa with wooden houses, a micro hydropower plant, school, and a health post. Overnight in Ghunsa.

Our trek begins with a steep drop towards a river. We move further through Fir and Rhododendron forest alongside the riverbank.

The trail takes us to Phale, 3210m. At Phale, we will see the yak pastures and the potato fields. Above Phale, the valley widens up. The trail now passes through the green fields and larch forests.

After a small uphill climb, the trail dips down to the riverbed of Ghunsa Khola. On crossing the river, we reach the Tibetan village of Ghunsa.

The trail between Gyabla and Ghunsa is mostly flat. You will see the forests of pine and conifers on the way.
Ghunsa is a Sherpa settlement. There, you will see small wooden houses, a school, a health post, and a micro hydropower plant. Ghunsa is quite famous for the hydroelectricity project.
Overnight in Ghunsa.

To adjust with the increasing altitude, we take a one-day acclimatization rest at Ghunsa. With an altitude of 3595 meters, Ghunsa is a perfect place for acclimatization.

We take a short hike to the opposite side of Ghunsa Khola. On the hike, we will gain an altitude of nearly 400 meters. The hike is short, easy, and refreshing.

On returning from the acclimatization hike, we can explore the Ghunsa village and some of the old monasteries there. Also, we will have an option of laundry and other stuff to utilize long free time on Ghunsa.
Overnight in Ghunsa.

Trek duration: 5 to 6 hours

Today, we trek towards Kambachen following a beautiful trail. On moving ahead from Ghunsa, the trail displays mesmerizing views of spectacular terrain and surrounding snow peaks.

Following the trekking trail, we enter into the forested trails along the south bank of Ghunsa Khola. On the way, we will come across beautiful meadows, and the forests of rhododendron, pine, and other wildflowers.

Some portions of the trek route are tricky. We must be careful while walking across areas that are prone to landslides. The sections right after Rambuk kharka is a tricky landslide section.

Walking over the sands and boulders is also difficult. We will cross a wood and stone bridge at a river in Rambuk Kharka, 3720m. Now, the terrains look more beautiful.

We will trek through sloppy glacial moraines. Finally, we reach the Tibetan settlement of Khangpachen.

From Khangpachen, we will get a glimpse of Jannu glacier. The stunning view of the north face of Mt. Jannu 7710m is also visible.
We descend through the mountainside to temporary settlements at Khambachen. There are small stone teahouses and lodges for shepherds and trekkers.
Overnight at Khangpachen.

Today is an acclimatization day. You are already at an altitude above 4000 meters. You must allow your body to adjust with higher altitude atmosphere.

Towards the north, you will see the snow-capped ridges looming beyond the Kanchenjunga Glacier. You will get some beautiful views of different peaks towards the east. We can also explore Narphu Khola.
You will see Mt. Khabur 6332m, Phole 6645m, and Jannu 7710m lined up thus, adding beauty to the trek.
If you are a fan of photography, try to get some perfect snaps. The surrounding vistas are heavenly.
Overnight in Kambachen.

Trek duration: 6 to 7 hours

Today, we set off to Lhonak as early as possible. The trekking trail is quite difficult. Leaving behind Khangpachen, we walk over the trail on the left side of Kanchenjunga Glacier.

We climb up the bare slopes of landslides. The trail passes through rocky fields and boulders. On this day, we have to walk over the steep hills, waterfalls, and high plateaus.

We will come across the beautiful Ram tang monastery on our way. The monastery sits next to a waterfall. On walking further, we enter the Ramtang Valley. There is a pasture area at Ramtang where we can rest for a while.

The trail becomes trickier to Lhonak. We must walk past some loose rock sections. So, you must maintain a speedy and steady pace! Continuing the path, we will follow a short downhill trail. The trail leads us towards the small settlement of Lhonak.

We hike along a high plateau and finally reach the campsite. From there, we will get to see the mesmerizing vistas of massive mountain peaks like Wedge Peak 6802m, Mera Peak 6364m, Nepal Peak 7177m, etc.
There are very few teahouses at Lhonak. We might have to sleep in tents during nights. There are excellent campsites near to the teahouses.
Overnight at Lhonak in a teahouse or in the tent.

Trek duration: 6 to 7 hours

Today is the day when we finally get to the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. We start to trek by following the trail along the glaciers on the narrow hilltops. Certain portions of the trek are rocky and prone to landslide.

From Lhonak, we ascend gradually across the plains following the moraine line. You must use your trekking poles and be extra careful while traversing through the difficult rocky sections.

After the different section is a flat meadow. This is the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. The locals call it Pang Pema in their language. From the base camp, we can see the spectacular view of Mt. Kanchenjunga, 8586 meters.

After climbing a little higher, we can see the skyline filled with snow-capped mountain ranges: Mt. Jannu, Kanchenjunga (northern face) and Chang Himal. These Himalayas stand at the boundaries of Nepal with India and Tibet.
Overnight in Kanchenjunga North Base camp. You can stay in a teahouse or in a tent. At the base camp, tent accommodation is more adventurous than teahouse accommodation.

Trek duration: 6 to 7 hours

After a night at the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, we descend through an elevation of 1300m to Kambachen.

The descending trail is easier as compared to the ascending one. However, we must be careful with the loose and iced rocks. Retracing the trail back down trough Lhonak, we reach Ramtang Monastery.
We will take a short rest at Ramtang Valley after finishing the landslide portions. We cross the bridge and follow the previous trail down to Kambachen.
Overnight in Kambachen.

Trek duration: 3 to 4 hours

After a warm breakfast in Kambachen, we set off on the descending trail to Ghunsa. The lower you descend, the farther the mountains go.

The trail doesn’t involve the rugged sections. We pass through lush forest line on the way back to Ghunsa. After reaching Ghunsa, we will check in the same teahouses where we stayed on our way up.

Overnight in Ghunsa.

Trek duration: 6 to 7 hours

The trail from Ghunsa to Gyabla is more like the previous day’s. From Gyabla, we take the right-hand side trail. The trail now is a steep uphill trek to Sele Le.

The trail is remote. You will not find any local inhabitants along the trail. Carry some snacks, if you need them.

Most of the trail passes through the dense forest of rhododendron and juniper and wild mosses. You must not travel alone or get separated from your crew. There are possibilities of spotting snow leopards on this section.

Today is the last day in Kanchenjunga north region. Overnight in Sele Le

Trek duration: 6 to 7 hours

Today, we traverse to Cheram village on Kanchenjunga south. We will start early in the morning since today is a long day. We have to walk across different passes today.

Get ready for a long uphill and downhill hike after an early morning breakfast at Sele Le. The trail consists of some steep and tough sections, both uphill and downhill.

The first section of the trek is a steep uphill climb towards the top of the Sele Le Pass. On ascending, we will see an astounding aerial view of Kanchenjunga North Side, Mt. Makalu and Mt. Jannu.
Once we reach the top of the pass, we see a final view of the Kanchenjunga North. After a downhill walk, for almost a couple of hours, we reach Cheram.
Overnight in Cheram.

Trek duration: 4 to 5 hours

Today, we will visit the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. We will start early in the morning. The trek starts with a hike uphill.

The trail passes through the Yalung Glacier, Simbuwa River, and Lapsang Village before arriving Ramche. From Ramche, we will walk higher to get an incredible view of Kanchenjunga South Face.

After spending some time there, we will walk down towards Cheram.

Overnight in Cheram.

Trek duration: 5 to 6 hours

Uphill ascends are almost over now. Today, the trek is much easier. Descending from Cheram, we will come to a junction.

Among the two ways, the left-hand trail is a trail that meets Sele Le. Thus, we trek through the right hand trail. The trail passes along the Simbuwa Khola.

On the trail, you will see the Rhododendron forests. This trail becomes colorful during the spring treks to Kanchenjunga Base Camp.

Enjoying an easy trek through the lush jungles and peaceful environment, we reach Tortong.

Overnight in Tortong.

Trek duration: 6 to 7 hours

Today, we start our trek from Tortong to Yamphudin, the biggest sherpa settlement in Kanchenjunga South.

The trail is a steady descent from Tortong. Though the trail involves downhill section, there are no landslide prone sections. Thus, the descent isn’t so hard. Make use of trekking poles. Walk carefully.

After we reach Yamphudin, we will check into a lodge for overnight stay. The local people at Yamphudin are friendly and hospitable. At some places, they offer homestay services too.
Overnight in Yamphudin.

Trek duration: 6 to 7 hours

We start after a nice breakfast at Yamphudin. Taking the descending trail from Yamphudin, we will cross a bridge at Samekhan. We trek further by following the Kabeli Khola.

On the way, we will come across the green cardamom forests.

We have to cross the bridge at Samekhan and have to follow the Kabeli Khola. We have to cross a cardamom forest and few villages of the way to reach to Yangpang.

We walk through a place called Mamakhe. There is a Limbu museum and a cultural center there. After crossing the Khaksewa river bridge, we ascend through the cardamom forests.

On walking further we reach Yangpang.

Overnight in Yangpang.

Trek duration: 5 to 6 hours

On this day, we trek to Thorpu. Enjoying the diverse landscapes and a beautiful trail, we descend down from Yangpang. We will walk across the terraced fields and many villages.

This trail isn’t so busy as very few trekkers trek in this trail. The locals seem very happy to see us. On trekking further, we reach Thorpu for an overnight stay.

. Trek duration: 5 to 6 hours

Today is the last day of walking in the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trail. We start to trek from Thorpu.

It is our last day out of Kathmandu valley. Tomorrow, we will fly to Kathmandu.

After trekking for 5 to 6 hours, we reach Birtamod. There are some good hotels in Birtamod.

Overnight in Birtamod.

. Finally! Here comes the day when we’ve completed our trek. We will take a ride on a private vehicle from Birtamod to Bhadrapur.

We board on a domestic plane to Kathmandu at the airport. The flight is a short duration flight, 40 to 45 minutes. After the short flight, you will land in Kathmandu again.

From the airport, we will escort you into your hotel. Take some rest and enjoy the city lights in the evening.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

So, you are back to the town!

Today, you will have a free day in Kathmandu. You can do some shopping, or travel to some nearby places.

Tomorrow, you will be flying back home. Prepare for the departure. Pack all your accessories.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

It’s time to say goodbye. We will pick you from your hotel a few hours before your flight schedule. We will drop you at the airport.