Kanchenjunga Trekking

Kanchenjunga Trekking is a restricted trekking area in Nepal. This trek is a perfect opportunity to explore the untouched and unspoiled highland wilderness. During the Kanchenjunga Trek, you will reach the base camp of world’s third highest peak, Mount Kanchenjunga.

Kanchenjunga trek is an isolated trek situated in the north-eastern part of Nepal. The trek begins with a short flight to Bhadrapur. From there we will drive to Ilam and then to Taplejung.

Taplejung is the point where you begin your actual trek. We trek through Taplejung, Mitlung, Chiruwa, Sakathum, Amjilassa, Gyabla, Gunsa, Khambachen, Lhonak, and finally to the Northern Base Camp of Kanchenjunga.

From the Northern Kanchenjunga base camp, we will trek through Khambachen and back to Gunsa. From there we’ll pass through Selele Kharka, cross Sele Le pass and trek back to Tseram. From Tseram, we’ll trek through Ramche to the Sothern Base Camp of Kanchenjunga. From there, we’ll trek back to Torntan, Yamphudin, Kheswa, and to Taplejung. From Taplejung, we’ll drive to Bhadrapur and fly to Kathmandu from there.

The Kanchenjunga massif displays wonderful and exotic views of snow giants above and below 8000 meters. You can see Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, and many other peaks during the Kanchenjunga circuit trek.

You can enjoy the amazing landscapes and topography during Kanchenjunga trek. This trek is full of alpine grasslands, sub-tropical forests and low river valleys. Walking across beautiful waterfalls, thickets of rhododendron and amazing mountain vistas is a great feeling.

The trek passes through Kanchenjunga Conservation Area that houses diverse species of flora and fauna. There are chances of seeing wildlife such as Snow Leopard, Musk deer, Red Panda, etc while trekking. You might also see some threatened species of birds like Impedance Pheasant and Red-billed blue magpie.

While trekking, you will see the amazing valleys and traditional villages. The local people are hospitable. The isolated communities are not affected by modernity. You will see the diverse local groups preserve their amazing culture and traditions.

This trek is a combination of tea house and camp trekking. At places like Lhonak, Northern Base Camp, Khambachen, Gunsa, Selele Kharka, Tseram you should stay in your tents for overnights. Whereas in other places, there are lodges and teahouses for stays.

The tea houses en route aren’t well facilitated. They provide basic facilities for foods and stays. Food and accommodation are expensive than in other treks due to remoteness of the place. Carry extra hand cash to pay for extra services like hot shower, wifi, extra blankets, etc.

Highlights of Kanchenjunga Trekking

• Mount Kanchenjunga 8586 meters, the third highest peak in the world

• The blend of traditional Nepali and Tibetan culture

• Wild, remote, and unspoiled nature including amazing landscapes, forests, rivers and waterfalls

• Exploring around the northern and southern base camp of Mt. Kanchenjunga

• Kanchenjunga glacier, Yalung Glacier and many others

• Crossing the Sele Le Pass

• Remote picturesque villages and the local ethnic groups

• The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, diverse wildlife such as Snow leopard, Musk deer, Red panda, etc.

Best Season to Trek in Nepal

Autumn (September, October, and November) and Spring (March, April, and May) are the best time for Kanchenjunga trek. This time is perfect for trekking, touring, and mountaineering in Nepal.

Weather in the Kanchenjunga region mostly remains stable and clear during these times. During the best time, there are least chances of rainfall, snows, or bad climate. The beautiful weather enhances beautiful and unobstructed views of the distant surrounding vistas. The temperature is also moderate which is suitable for trekking.

Kanchenjunga Trek is possible in any time of the year. However Summer (June, July, and August) and Winter (December, January, and February) are less popular seasons to trek.  Summer receives heavy monsoon rain in Kanchenjunga region. Winter is colder with freezing temperatures at nights.

Trek Difficulties During Kanchenjunga Trekking

• This is a high altitude trek with higher risks of altitude sickness. You will trek up to an altitude of 5143 meters at the Kanchenjunga base camp.

• This trek is a 28 days trek. Trekking in the entirely isolated trekking trail far from modernity can be difficult. There are some trekkers who feel exhausted in the middle of the trek. Make sure you can do it before you choose to trek.

• Trekkers must walk for 6 to 7 hours a day on average during the trek. Walking for such long hours over rugged and different terrain is difficult for beginners. Practice some exercises and strength training starting a month before you go.

• Inadequate gear might bring difficulties to your trek. So, get informations on packing lists before trekking to Kanchenjunga. Pack what is mandatory. Remember! You’ll need gear for camping also.

• This is a high altitude trek with uncertain weather and climatic variations. Be prepared to encounter any sorts of weather changes while trekking.

• Arrival in Kathmandu transfers to hotel.
• Trekking preparation day- buy or rent your personal equipments obtain permit for the trek etc.
• Fly to Bhadrapur- Drive to Ilam.  45 minut flight ( 4 hour drive) 
• Drive to Taplejung (1441 m) 6-7 hour drive
• Trek to  Mitlung (  4 hour ) 
• Trek to Chirwa (1190m, 7 Hour)
• Trek to Sakathum (1640m) 6 Hour
• Trek to Amjilassa (2490m) 5 Hour
• Trek to Gyabla (2730m) 6 Hour
• Trek to Gunsa (3410m) 5 Hour
• Rest day or acclimatization at Ghunsa
• Trek to Khambachen (4150m) 5 Hour
• Trek to Lhonak(4790m) 3 Hour
• Trek to Pangpema (5140 m) 3 Hour ( Kanchenjunga Base Camp)
• Exploration day around Northern Base Camp Kanchenjunga Glacier
• Trek back to Khambachen (4150m) 6 Hour
• Trek back to Gunsa (3410m) 5 Hour
• Trek to Selele Kharka (4600) 5 Hour
• Trek over Selele Pass – trek down to Tseram (3900m) 6 Hour
• Trek to Ramche (4620m) 6 Hour
• Explore around Southern Base Camp and Yalung Glacier and return to Ramche
• Trek back to Torntan (2990m) 6 Hour
• Trek to Yamphudin (1690m)  5 Hour
• Trek back to Kheswa (2125 m) 5 Hour
• Trek Back to Taplejung ( 6  hour)
• Drive to Bhadrapur (8-9 hour ) drive 
• fly to Kathmandu.
• departure from Nepal.

• Arrival in Kathmandu transfers to hotel. (1300m )
  After you arrive at Kathmandu, our representative will greet you at the airport and transfer you to a hotel. Later afternoon will include short briefing of the voyage which is followed by a welcome dinner in a typical Nepalese kitchen.
• Trekking preparation day- buy or rent your personal equipments obtain permit for the trek etc.
  Today you have a free day in Kathmandu. You may be involved sightseeing in Katmandu Valley including Monkey temple, Boudha Stupa, Pashupati temple, Katmandu Durbar square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square which are enlisted in UNESCO World Heritage list. Also, you will prepare or buy or rent your personal equipments
• Fly to Bhadrapur- Drive to Ilam. (5-6 Hour Drive) Today we fly Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, Jhapa of Easternmost Nepal, about 700 kilometers from Kathmandu. The flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur takes for about 45 minutes. From Bhadrapur Airport, it’s about 75 kilometers to Ilam, a 3 hour’s drive.
• Drive to Taplejung ( 5-6 hour drive)Today, we drive to Taplejung via Phidim. In case the Suketar Airport of Taplejung is operational, and if you wish to avoid driving journey to Taplejung, you can also opt for flying from Biratnagar to Suketar. However, because of the construction works going on at the Suketar Airport and due to its remoteness & weather conditions, flights to Suketar are closed these day. Therefore, we drive upto Suketar, our trek start point.
• Trek to Mitlung (  5 hour)
  Today Our Trekking will start with a downhill walk to Mitlung. Our route will pass through scenic pastures and small villages. On the way, we cross the Hungdewa Khola and the raging Tamur River.
• Trek to Chirwa (1190m) 6 hour
  On this day, we begin our trek ascending uphill for a short time. After that, we will walk down to the Sinwa village and then move to Tawa. Also, we will trek up and then downhill, we arrive at Chirwa, one of the small Limbu villages. Overnight in Chirwa.
• Trek to Sakathum (1640m) 5 Hour
  On this day, we will stroll uphill for a while and move downward to the verdant green vegetation. Then, we go after the Tamur River to reach Olangchunggola which is considered the entry spot of Kanchenjunga National Park. After that, we will reach Sakathum. Overnight at our campsite.
• Trek to Amjilassa (2490m) 6 hour
  Today, we have a challenging day. We will traverse the river and climb on the vertical path and then move down to another part and again go across the river. We will walk up and then downhill and as a final point for today we reach at Amjilassa. Overnight in Amjilassa.
• Trek to Gyabla (2730m) 6 hour
  From Amjilassa, we will follow the river shore and pass via the dense jungle of rhododendron, fir, bamboo. On the way, we take pleasure from the stunning natural scene as well as with the company of the waterfalls. Then we will reach one more Tibetan settlement, Gyabla. Overnight in Gyabla.
• Trek to Gunsa (3410m) 6 hour
  Our path today descends downward to the river vale. After walking for a few hours, we arrive at the popular Sherpa Village of Ghunsa. It is also the set where above 20 famous conservationists met up their terrible end in the helicopter collapse Overnight in Ghunsa.
• Rest day or acclimatization at Ghunsa
  Today, we will rest for acclimatization at Ghunsa and walk around of local regions. We can make a short trek to the Lapsan La all the way through lush green woods. Overnight in Ghunsa.
• Trek to Khambachen (4150m) 5 hour
  Moving ahead from Ghunsa, we will walk further north walking on the river shore. We will then walk through the elevated land with trees and vegetation. We traverse many suspension bridges above the river, and go by waterfalls and lastly reach Kambachen. Overnight in Khambachen at campsite.
• Trek to Lhonak (4790m)  3 hour
  This day, we will ascend all the way through the stony fields and rock on the hill along the river shore. We go by waterfall and traverse the bridge to reach Ramtang. Then finally we go down to the stream and arrive at Lhonak. Overnight at our campsite in Lhonak.
• Trek to Pangpema (5140m) 3 hou
  From Lonak, our way goes up slowly transversely the flat face and then gets a bit vertical while approaching to the moraine. You now go behind the base of the valley. You can make out the stunning views on the way and arrive at Pang Pema where you can see the sight of Mt Kanchanjunga and scene of others Himalayas. Overnight at Pang Pema.
• Exploration day around Northern Base Camp Kanchenjunga Glacier
  This day, we will leisurely walk down the edge of the glacier in the path that moves up on grassy paths. We see the captivating sight of the Chang Himal on the right side. Lastly, we arrive at the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. Overnight at our campsite.
• Trek back to Khambachen (4150m) 6 hour
  We go back over the path to Lhonak and carry on walking down the valley to reach Ramtang. En route we will acquire a chance to enjoy the beautiful views of Kanchenjunga, Taple Shikhar, Gimmigela Chuli, Kirat Chuli and several more. Finally, we move down to Kambachen. Overnight at our campsite.
• Trek back to Gunsa (3410m) 6 hour
  Today, we will move back to Ghunsa. Overnight at our campsite.
• Trek to Selele Kharka ( 4200m) 5 hour
  Today, we stroll up in the vertical paths from Ghunsa to Sele Kharka. We will continue walking uphill all the way through the dense jungle of juniper, moss and rhododendron. Overnight at our campsite.
• Trek over Selele Pass – trek down to Tseram (3900m) 5 hour
  Today, we go up uphill enjoying the stirring vistas of Jannu Himal. On this day, we will pass a number of passes like the the Mirgin La, Sinion La, and the Sinelapche La. We will see the incredible vision of the Himalayas. Lastly we arrive at Tseram. Overnight at our campsite.
• Trek to Ramche (4620m)
  This day, we go up the hill passing through the muzzle of the Yalung Glacier. Then, we travel around the valley. Today, we go back over our way to Tseram. Frequently, we will walk down today. Overnight in Ramche.
• Explore around Southern Base Camp and Yalung Glacier and return to Ramche
• Trek back to Torntan (2990m) 6 hour
• Trek to Yamphudin (1690m) 6 hour
  Today also we stroll in the downward path. We move down to Yamphudin, a village occupied by diverse ethnic groups counting Sherpas, Rais, Limbus and Gurungs.Overnight in Yamphudin.
• Trek back to Kheswa (2125m) 6 Hour
• Trek Back to Taplejung (1840m)
• Drive to Bhadrapur ( 8-9 hour)
• fly to Kathmandu.
• Departure from Nepal.
  After breakfast, you will depart from Nepal to your next destination or your country.