kanchenjunga base camp

  • 28 days

  • Moderate To Strenous

  • Spring,Autumn

  • An adventure amidst the worlds' third highest peak Mt. Kanchenjunga, "the five jewels of the great snow range" straddle the Nepal and Sikkim borders. In this rarely frequented route, the unblemished villages and environment are yours to explore without hindrances from other trekkers. This wonderful trip starts with a sweeping scenic flight, covering a handful of mountain ranges from Langtang, Everest, Kanchenjunga to the south Gangetic plain in eastern Nepal with an overnight stay in Biratnagar. A short flight from there will take you to the foothills of Mt. Kanchenjunga in Suketar from where you hike through villages untouched by the modern world surrounded by pristine rhododendron, oak and pine forests. Next is the visit to the South and the North Base Camp that has the best views of the area. The trek is challenged by the high pass crossings but each new step offers beauty and serenity as rewards. The return route is even more remote before joining the main trail and flying out of Taplejung. On this journey, our route leads through South and the North of Kanchenjunga Base Camp giving you the best of both panoramas. The journey can get quite strenuous at times while crossing the passes. However, you will be rewarded for all your hard effort with brilliant scenery as the trail ascends higher towards the windswept rugged terrains. That is where you will be bestowed with more awesome views of the towering peaks of the Kanchenjunga massif under a clear wide blue sky. It is followed by camping at Pang-Pema, the highest camp of the trek with time to explore around before heading back. The return journey is made via an alternative route till the trail joins at Suketar in Taplejung for the last camp of the trek.

Itinerary

  • Day 1.
    Arrive at Kathmandu 1,300m and transfer to Hotel.
    On arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuwan International Airport you will be received by our staff and will escort you to the Hotel, where our staff or a guide will give you a brief orientation of the Hotel, Kathmandu, Trekking / Camping, do's and don'ts and other related information that you might require while in Nepal.

  • Day 2.
    A day in Kathmandu.
    After your first night in Kathmandu, you will be well informed on arrival about the time for your half day guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu at places of interest. Depending upon your flight arrival if it's late in the night we will do this tour in the afternoon instead of morning to give you a good rest before you set out of the Hotel in our interesting tour.

  • Day 3.
    Fly Kathmandu / Biratnagar 240m.
    Flying from Kathmandu towards Biratnagar is one of the most amazing experience, as you see the massive range of Himalayas from Langtang, Jugal, Gaurishanker, Everest, Makalu to Kanchenjunga range of mountains and the great diverse landscape on the 50 minutes flight. Biratnagar is one of the largest Industrial city, located on the south eastern Gangetic plain of Nepal. On arrival our staffs at Biratnagar will transfer you to the Hotel in the town peaceful area.

  • Day 4.
    Fly to Sukhetar, Taplejung and trek to Lali Kharka 1,900m.
    After early breakfast get transferred to the Airport for a short flight to Suketar. The flight takes about twenty five minutes to Suketar at Taplejung. At Suketar our trekking staff and porters will receive you to commence the trek towards Lali Kharka 2,260m. The first part of the walk is almost flat and undulating and goes down through the lush forest of pine; the mountain path from here follows a pleasant ridge route. After a short while, it enters the mountains to the right leading to a forested area through which it descends to Lali Kharka for the overnight camp on the clearing near this small rural village of Lali Kharka with a beautiful view of Kanchenjunga in the distance, on the far side of the valley is Bhanjyang.

  • Day 5.
    Trek from Lali Bhanjyang to Khesewa Bhanjyang 2,100m.
    The day starts with a walk downhill through the village, the inhabitants of this area are mostly of Hindu origins, a mixture of Brahmins, Chettris and the Kirat tribes of Rai's and Limbus who also practice Hinduism along with their own traditional deities and spirit. After the village of Tembawa descending towards Phawa khola, crossing Phawa khola coming to Pokora village, the path from here leads through terraced farm fields, and finally crossing Pokora's suspension bridge our route climbs steeply to the village of Kunjari, a mountainside village, from Kunjari walk passes through a mixed forest and some rural farm villages, then climbing gentle up to the overnight camp at Khesewa, a small farm village with tremendous views of Kanchenjunga and Yalungkang peak.

  • Day 6.
    Trek from Khesewa Bhanjyang to Mamangkhe. 2,000m. 6 to 7 hrs.
    Today, descend towards the lush terraced rice and millet fields, then through the forests to the headwaters of the Nandeva khola on the left. After crossing the stream trek continues downhill along the river, entering the mountains to the left, the trek climbs through the forest coming to the village of Loppoding. After Loppoding the trail is more of ups and downs until it reaches Fun Fun where there is a resting place. From the ridge top of Fang-fang breathtaking views of Khumbakarna, Yalung and Kanchenjunga can be seen. Then descend again through the terraced fields to the mountain village of Yangpang, walking along its upper edge, then climbing on a gentle slope for an hour to Ponpe Dhara at the crest of the ridge, an excellent spot for a break and to catch your breath along with the view of Mt. Jannu in the distance. From here it's a winding descent passing through hamlets and terraced farm fields to the Khesewa khola, after crossing the suspension bridge the trail climbs passing another resting area, after a gradual ascent for an hour through terraced fields, finally coming to the overnight camp at Mamankhe village.

  • Day 7.
    Trek to Mamaghkhe-Yangphudin 2,150m.
    Morning walk begins with a gentle climb, skirting around the ridge to a level path that leads to the village of Dekadin. From this village of Dekadin, the path leads along the right bank of Kabeli khola rising from 200-300m from the river bottom towards the mountain path, winding around various ridges and streams. The trail passes to a gentle up and down, crossing number of streams. This mountain route offers grand view of the Kabeli khola flowing below and the huts and fields on the opposite bank. At last this monotonous path ends, descending via stone steps towards Kabeli khola. Leaving the river our route climbs to a splendid ridge passing through villages and farm fields. After a gradual climb through the fields coming to the remote permanent village at Yamphudin where there is a check post. This is the last permanent settlement till Gunsa. The campsite will be in the fields or in people's yards.

  • Day 8.
    Trek to Chitre 2,880mts. 6hrs.
    From Yamphudin trek leads to Chitre, walking along the left bank of Kabeli khola, crossing the tributary of Omje khola and start climbing steep up to Dhupi Bhangyang for two hours or more through open grassland. From the top of the pass, it is a steady descent through the deciduous forest to Omje Khola. After this vigorous climb it will be a blessing to see the trees again as the walk follows through the rhododendron thickets, the angle of incline lessens with an easier walk through a forested area and emerging to an open ridge and finally to Chitre for the overnight camp. Chitre consists of one small hut. During dry season water is scarce here; sometime have to continue the climb for another hour to the small pond just below Ramite Bhanjyang. Our guide and cook will get the information about the water availability at Chitre before leaving Yamphudin. Overnight camp at Chitre on a clearing in the middle of the forest.

  • Day 9.
    Trek to Simbua Khola 3,000m. 6-7 hrs.
    From Chitre, head towards Ramite Bhanjyang (3,430m.), on the steep uphill for two hours, through magnolias, rhododendron and bamboo forest, reaching Ramite which consists of a single hut, from here the path climbs to a rhododendron covered ridge, and passing towards a small pond on the right as it reaches Ramite Bhanjyang at 3,430m high. Mt. Jannu appears atop the ridge before you, from here the track leads to 150m ascend, though this area is thickly forested with rhododendron trees, you can still see Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Khumbhakarna and Kabru peaks from between the trees. Final leg of today's walk is an easy descend on the gentle sloping path which continues almost to the riverbed of the Simbua Khola for the overnight camp, some time depending upon the hours of walk, availability of good campsite and the fitness of the people then continue with a short climb for a while along the left bank and then cross over to the right via wooden bridge, arriving at the level ground of Tortontan at 3,080m where there are several bivouacs caves with excellent campsites.

  • Day 10.
    Trek to Tseram 3,770m. 4 hrs.
    The walk today follows the riverbank passing the bivouac caves. The path along the right bank of the Simbua Khola is not very high, so head along the mountain flank somewhat higher. Both walls of this valley are thickly, forested with pine and rhododendron as the path reaches at the single hut of Wahta. From here cross a stream in front of this lonely hut along the path on the right bank, due to the thick forest the view of the mountains is not visible from this place, as our walk progress then coming to a gravel ground, walking past this area leads to a shrine with a huge boulder shaped like serpent. After this forested place our route heads towards the riverbed, then ascending from riverbed path to the terrace on the left coming to the overnight camp at Tseram where there are roofless bivouac caves. Ahead you can see the terminal moraine of Yalung glacier and behind it are Kabru 7,353m and Talung peak 7,349m.

  • Day 11.
    Trek to Ramche 4,360m via Lapsang.
    From Tseram the way out is blocked by a steep slope that descends from the left, take a temporarily descent to the riverbed of Simbua Khola and by crossing the base of this slope, our path climbs back up the terraced hills arriving at the single stone hut of Yalung Bara. This hut marks the end of the of the forest line, from this mountain track head to the right bank towards the zone of Yalung Glacier ablation. The day starts with climbing up for forty five minutes. Then rest part of the walk is gentle. The tree line stops at Yalungbar with the magnificent view of mountains. The valley opens up from Lobsang La, with more views of Kabru, Rathong and Kokthang.

  • Day 12.
    Rest day at Ramche for acclimatisation and optional walk.
    Rest day, for exploring towards Kanchenjunga South Base Camp to get the clear view of Yalung Glacier and south wall of Kanchenjunga, the hike goes for 2 hrs unto a delightful meadow on the way to South Base Camp at the height of 4,600 m. The route by which Mt. Kanchenjunga was first climbed in 1955 is clearly seen with giant mountains Talung Peak and Kabru.

  • Day 13.
    Trek back to Tseram.

  • Day 14.
    Trek to near Tamo la 4,300m, 4 hrs.
    Today, descend via Yalung Bar with fifteen minutes of steep up, crossing the river and then the trail goes gradually through the forest for half hour, from here with a climb on the steep up path for an hour and half towards the two small ponds. From here, we cross three passes, Miring La, Tamo La and Sinion La. The first part of the trail is uphill climb for 1 hour to the top of the pass with the great view of Kabru and Kanchenjunga. From Miring La, the trail goes gently down and then up to Sinion La (4,500 m.). From the top of the pass one can see magnificent views of Makalu, Baruntse, and Chamlang. From Simion La, the trail descends gently to Tamo La (4,500 m.) and from here we get superb view of Khumbhakarna, from here the trail heads down hill to our overnight camp.

  • Day 15.
    Trek to La-Ghunsa, 3,480m.
    The first part of the walk is gentle down with a steep descend for an hour through the forest of rhododendron and pines as the downhill walk levels near the Ghunsa river, the walk is fairly gradual towards the Ghunsa village. Ghunsa a large Bhotia (of Tibetan descended) community of stone houses and tidy small farm. Overnight camp near or above the village of Ghunsa.

  • Day 16.
    Trek to Kangbachen 4,000m. 5 hrs.
    Today's walk leads to a fairly strenuous trail that climbs up alongside the river. Several magnificent waterfalls are encountered along the way. Yak herders may be met along the trail depending upon the time of the grazing season. The trail goes from the right bank of the river Ghunsa, through the rhododendron and pine forest, gradually ascending to Rambuk Kharkas crossing a small glacier landslide. The trek continues with excellent views of Khumbukarna and Janu and other high snow capped peaks. Leaving the tree lines behind, the countryside onwards is more barren with scrub juniper, after Rambuk Kharka, climb through a small forest to cross a large landslide area with a spectacular view of Khumbakarna's north face. The trail goes gentle down to Kangbachen after crossing the landslide. The valley is dominated by Sharphu (7,070m.) just in the opposite, is a huge north face of Mt.Janu and Wedge peak.

  • Day 17.
    Trek to Lhonak 4,780m. 4 hrs.
    The trail follows above the river for about an hour and heading east, route drops down to the river, then climbs through the boulder path which leads to the terminal moraine of the Kanchenjunga glacier, after leaving Ramtang Kharka ( a Sheppard place) the trail meets Kanchenjunga glacier here crossing the junction at Lhonak and the Kanchenjunga glacier before Lhonak. A great view awaits you of Mera, Nepal Peak and Wedge Peak from Lhonak.

  • Day 18.
    Trek to Pang Pema 5,065m. 4 hrs.
    The trail climbs up gently above the river with impressive views of Kirat Chuli, Nepal Peak, Taple Sikhar, and Givegela Chuli. The first part of the climbs is gentle and goes through a boulder trail, walking the trail between grassy slopes and glacier path up to the North base Camp. Herds of blue sheep's can be seen around this area.

  • Day 19.
    Rest day at Pang Pema for local exploration.
    With an optional trek and either rests at Base Camp or ascend to Pang Pema Peak (5,800m.) for panoramic views of mountains. The trail to the Peak is a mixture of boulders, moraine and grassland. From the summit, we get an outstanding, memorable view of Kanchenjunga, Kumbhakarna, Makalu, Cholatse, Sharpu, Drohma, Nepal Peak and other snow capped peaks.

  • Day 20.
    Trek to Kangbachen 3,900m. 6 hrs.
    Retrace the journey back by the same way and camp at Kambachen.

  • Day 21.
    Trek to Phole. 3,100m. 6 hrs.
    Retrace way to Ghunsa. After crossing Ghunsa Khola the walk is pleasant through the pine forest to a very interesting Sherpa village of Phole.

  • Day 22.
    Trek to Amjilassa 2,500m. 7 hrs.
    Continue descending; from here the trail goes through the mixed forest of bamboo and rhododendron. Before Gybala the walk is 1/2 hour steep up. After lunch on the bank of river Ghunsa, the trail goes gentle up and own for 1 hour and changes into steep up and down for another 2 hrs through the forest. Finally, walking on a open grassland, we reach to a small Sherpa village of Amjilassa.

  • Day 23.
    Trek to Tapethok 1,300 m. 7 hrs.
    Today, first part of the walk is gentle then we descend steeply through open grassland to the village of Ghaiya Bari and of Sekathum. After Sekathum crossing two rivers Ghunsa and Simbhu, following the trail on the left bank of Tamur River and finally, reaching at Tapethok, a Limbu village and the camp is alongside of river Tamur.

  • Day 24.
    Trek to Mitlung 1,550m. 6 hrs.
    Walk on the left bank of river Tamur to the village of Chiruwa. Walking for about an hour, we turn left and walk through the village. After this village, the walk goes gentle up through the mixed forest. Leaving the forest the walk is pleasant, enjoying the fairly large and clean village at the camp.

  • Day 25.
    Trek to Suketar 2,440 m. 4 hrs.
    From Mitlung, the trail is mixed of village and forest walk. First part is steep up to two hours and goes gradual up unto Suketar.

  • Day 26.
    Fly from Suketar to Kathmandu via Biratnagar.
    A scenic flight in the morning to Biratnagar, to connect the flight back to Kathmandu. The flight time to Kathmandu, are schedule for morning normally, because of the wind in the afternoon, sometime the flight time can be delayed due to bad weather and other reason. Depending upon the flight time, this scenic flight from Suketar takes about an hour to Kathmandu; a panoramic view of the snow capped peaks can be seen from window of the plane. Arriving at Kathmandu domestic terminal, our staff will receive and transfer you back to Hotel.

  • Day 27.
    Free day at leisure.
    A free day in Kathmandu, please inform our staff if you would like to go on another short tour in and around Kathmandu Valley.

  • Day 28.
    Transfer to Airport for the International departure.
    Today as per your international flight time, keep your confirmed air ticket, and your passport handy. Our office staff will take you to the airport for your final departure from this amazing country, Nepal.

What's included

Price includes following services:

  1. Accommodation sharing twin at Hotel in Kathmandu for 4 nights on Bed & Breakfast basis and accommodation at Hotel in Biratnagar for 1 night on Half Board basis.
  2. Airport transfers in Kathmandu & Biratnagar.
  3. Half day guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu with applicable entrance fees.
  4. Internal flight Kathmandu / Biratnagar / Taplejung & Taplejung / Biratnagar / Kathmandu with applicable airport taxes.
  5. Trekking & camping arrangement backed by Sherpa crew on full board basis.
  6. Applicable Trekking Permit & National Park Fees.
  7. Transfer of staff and equipment to / from Taplejung.
  8. Insurance for Nepalese crew.

 

Not included

Our price does not include followings:

  1. International flights to / from Kathmandu.
  2. Nepal entry visa fees.
  3. Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu Hotel.
  4. Travel, Medical and Personal insurance.
  5. Rescue evacuation in case of emergency.
  6. Personal clothing and personal trekking gear including sleeping bag & down jacket.
  7. Expenses of personal nature, i.e. tipping, laundry, bottled drinks, bar bills etc.
  8. Any expense for early returning member due sickness, injury or any other reason. No refund will be entertained for any unused service.
  9. Extra expense occurred due to unexpected circumstances like cancellation of internal flights, floods, strike etc.