Kanchenjunga North & South Base Camp Trek

Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak at 8,586m, lies on the Nepal-Sikkim (India) border, with three of its five summits shared between the two countries. The remaining two, Kanchenjunga West and Kangbachen, are within Nepal’s Taplejung District, while part of the Kanchenjunga Himal range extends into Bhutan. Revered as a sacred mountain, it is home to diverse flora and fauna, including the Snow Leopard and Red Panda, and is protected as a conservation area.

This 22-day trek takes adventurers through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, reaching both North and South Base Camps. The route follows the Tamor and Ghunsa Rivers, leading to Kanchenjunga Glacier, surrounded by Jannu (7,710m), Pyramid Peak, and the Twins. With fewer trekkers than other Himalayan routes, it offers an unmatched sense of solitude and natural beauty.

A challenging trek, it reaches 5,143m at Kanchenjunga Base Camp, requiring good fitness and prior trekking experience. Trekkers traverse high mountain passes, rhododendron forests, glaciers, and monasteries like Ramtang and Oktang, while experiencing the rich traditions of the Rai and Limbu communities. Closed to trekkers until the 1980s, the region remains pristine and largely untouched.

Despite its remoteness, new teahouses are making the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek more accessible. As part of the Great Himalayan Trail, it is gaining popularity among adventurers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences. Now is the perfect time to explore this remote and majestic Himalayan wilderness before it becomes widely discovered.

Trek Highlights:

• Final Destination: Kanchenjunga North & South Base Camps
• Duration: 22 Days
• Trekking Region: Kanchenjunga Conservation Area
• Max Altitude: 5,200m (Pangpema/North Base Camp)
• Average Activity: 5-7 hours per day
• Start/End Point: Kathmandu/Kathmandu
• Best Season: Spring (March-May) & Autumn (September-November)
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Accommodation: Tea Houses
• Meal Plan: All meals included (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
• Transport: Domestic flight & private vehicle transfers

Itinerary

Day 1: Kathmandu to Bhadrapur flight & drive to Ilam

• Altitude: 1,677m
• Duration: 45 min flight + 4 hr drive
• Highlights: Scenic flight, lush tea gardens of Ilam

After breakfast, our guide will pick you up and escort you to the airport for a scenic flight to Bhadrapur, offering stunning aerial views of the beautiful Kathmandu Valley and Himalayan peaks. Upon landing, we drive to Ilam, Nepal’s renowned tea plantation region, where we stay overnight.

Day 2: Drive from Ilam to Taplejung

• Altitude: 1,820m
• Duration: 4-5 hr drive
• Highlights: Mountain views, charming hill towns

On day 2, we embark on a 4-hour drive through terraced fields and rolling hills to Taplejung. After lunch, we explore the town, home to several Buddhist monasteries, including one with 400-year-old butter lamps and a unique prayer-wheel-powered stream.

Day 3: Trek from Taplejung to Chirwa

• Altitude: 1,250m
• Duration: 6-7 hr trek
• Highlights: Subtropical forests, Tamor River, traditional villages

Our trek officially starts today with a mostly downhill hike. We take a break in Sinwa, a riverside village along the Tamor River, before continuing to Chirwa, where we settle into a cozy tea house for the night.

Day 4: Trek from Chirwa to Sukethum Jpantaar

• Altitude: 1,500m
• Duration: 5-6 hr trek
• Highlights: Suspension bridges, beautiful valley views

A long but rewarding day awaits as we trek through Tapethok, entering the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. After breakfast, we’ll initially drive to Sukethum, a beautiful Tibetan village. It is also the starting point of the trek. 

On our journey, we will pass through charming small settlements like Sinwa, Thiwa, Tawa, Chiruwa, Temewa, Taplethok, and Hellok. Continuing along the riverside, passing locations such as Tawa, Thiwa, Sisuwa, and Ghatte Khola, we will eventually arrive at Sukethum.

Day 5: Trek from Sukethum to Amjilosa

• Altitude: 2,400m
• Duration: 4-5 hr trek
• Highlights: Bamboo forests, waterfalls, Tibetan-influenced settlements

Today our activity begins with an uphill ascent along the Ghunsa Khola. Along the way, you’ll cross multiple bridges and pass through quaint villages like Jongim, Ghaiyabari, Solima, and Lowagaon. As we cross the bridge, we’ll enter dense, lush forests. Upon reaching Amjilosa, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the village and interact with the locals.

Day 6: Trek from Amjilosa to Gyabla

• Altitude: 2,750m
• Duration: 5-6 hr trek
• Highlights: Alpine forests, dramatic landscapes

On day 6, we trek through pine, bamboo, rhododendron, and oak forests, noticing the increasing Tibetan influence in the architecture and way of life. Yaks, goats, and vibrant birdlife accompany us as we reach Gyabla, where we stay overnight.

Day 7: Trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa

• Altitude: 3,430m
• Duration: 4-5 hr trek
• Highlights: Traditional Tibetan village, stunning mountain views

Passing through Phale Village, once a Tibetan refugee camp, we arrive in Ghunsa, the largest village in the region with a police station, health post, and Kanchenjunga Conservation Office. Internet and phone services are available here.

Day 8: Acclimatization & exploration in Ghunsa

• Altitude: 3,430m
• Duration: 4-5 hr side trip
• Highlights: Local monasteries, day hike for altitude adaptation

To adjust to the high altitude, we explore a local monastery and hike up a ridge offering spectacular views of Jannu Peak (7,710m). This helps prepare our bodies for the ascent ahead.

Day 9: Trek from Ghunsa to Khambachen

• Altitude: 4,050m
• Duration: 5-6 hr trek
• Highlights: Breathtaking views of Mt. Jannu (7,710m)

We trek through a breathtaking glacial valley with views of Jannu Himal, keeping an eye out for blue sheep and snow leopards. After passing a waterfall and a landslide-prone area, we reach Kambachen.

Day 10: Trek from Khambachen to Lhonak

• Altitude: 4,800m
• Duration: 5-6 hr trek
• Highlights: Glacier landscapes, high-altitude adventure

Crossing the moraine of Kanchenjunga Glacier, we trek over boulders and rocky terrain with breathtaking views. Lhonak is deep in snow leopard territory, so we remain vigilant!

Day 11: Trek to Pangpema/North Base Camp (5,200m) & return to Lhonak

• Altitude: 5,200m
• Duration: 3-4 hr trek
• Highlights: Panoramic views of Kanchenjunga’s northern face

Today, we ascend to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, soaking in views of the mighty glacier and surrounding peaks. After a peaceful break, we return to Lhonak for the night.

Day 12: Trek from Lonak to Ghunsa

• Altitude: 3,430m
• Duration: 5-6 hr trek
• Highlights: Descent through rugged landscapes

Descending through glacial terrain, we pass Kambachen before following the Tamor River back to Ghunsa, where we spend the night.

Day 13: Trek from Ghunsa to Selele La

• Altitude: 4,480m
• Duration: 5-6 hr trek
• Highlights: Stunning mountain pass crossing

We begin our descent from Lhonak, traversing the glacial terrain with stunning views of the towering peaks that surround the region. Passing through the familiar landscape of Kambachen, we follow the winding path along the Tamor River. As we approach Ghunsa, the largest village in the region, we are welcomed by its traditional wooden houses, prayer flags, and warm hospitality. We settle into a cozy tea house for the night, enjoying a well-earned rest.

Day 14: Trek from Selele La to Cheram via Mrigen-La & Sinen-La passes

• Altitude: 3,870m
• Duration: 7-8 hr trek
• Highlights: High-altitude challenge, incredible Himalayan views

Trekking through rhododendron and pine forests, we ascend a scenic ridge with distant views of Mt. Makalu. We reach Sele Le by afternoon and settle into a tea house.

Day 15: Trek from Cheram to Ramche

• Altitude: 4,580m
• Duration: 4-5 hr trek
• Highlights: Glacial landscapes, Kanchenjunga South Base Camp approach

Today, we have a challenging day crossing Sinion La Pass (4,450m) and Sinelapche La Pass (4,830m), offering breathtaking Kanchenjunga views. A steep descent leads us to Cheram.

Day 16: Trek from Ramche to Yalung South Base Camp & return to Cheram

• Altitude: 3,870m
• Duration: 2-3 hr trek
• Highlights: Spectacular close-up view of Kanchenjunga’s southern face

We trek to Ramche for lunch before reaching Kanchenjunga South Base Camp (4,610m), surrounded by glaciers and prayer flags. After soaking in the views, we return to Cheram.

Day 17: Trek from Cheram to Tortong

• Altitude: 3,000m
• Duration: 4-5 hr trek
• Highlights: Descent through alpine meadows

Day 17 follows a descending through a dramatic gorge and dense forests, we navigate landslide-prone areas before reaching the small settlement of Tortong.

Day 18: Trek from Tortong to Yamphuding

• Altitude: 2,080m
• Duration: 7-8 hr trek
• Highlights: Remote villages, lush green forests

A demanding trek with steep ascents and descents, passing Lasiya Bhanjyang for lunch before reaching Yamphuding, the largest village on this route. As we get closer to Yamphuding, the largest village on the southern route, the trail becomes gentler, leading us through terraced fields and traditional settlements. We arrive in the village by late afternoon and settle into a comfortable tea house.

Day 19: Trek from Yamphudin to Khebang

• Altitude: 1,915m
• Duration: 5-6 hr trek
• Highlights: Beautiful terraced farmland

The trail eases as we descend to Khebang, passing through picturesque villages and terraced farmlands. We interact with friendly locals and enjoy the peaceful ambiance as we reach Khebang, a small but charming village. Here, we rest for the night in a cozy tea house, enjoying delicious home-cooked meals.

Day 20: Trek from Khebang to Khandime

• Altitude: 1,500m
• Duration: 6-7 hr trek
• Highlights: Cultural encounters, diverse landscapes

Our final day of trekking takes us through verdant hills and fertile farmlands as we make our way to Khamdime, marking the official end of our trek. The journey is relatively easy compared to previous days and we celebrate the completion of our Kanchenjunga adventure and spend the night at a tea house.

Day 21: Drive from Khandime to Birtamod

• Altitude: 300m
• Duration: 9-10 hr drive
• Highlights: Long drive through scenic landscapes

After weeks of trekking through rugged mountain terrain, we embark on a long 10-hour drive back to Bhadrapur. Along the way, we take breaks to stretch, enjoy local meals, and appreciate the changing landscapes. Upon reaching Bhadrapur, we check into a comfortable hotel, enjoying a well-deserved meal and rest.

Day 22: Bhadrapur to Kathmandu (Flight)

Day 22: Flight from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu

• Altitude: 1,300m
• Duration: 45 min flight
• Highlights: Stunning aerial views of the Himalayas

In the morning, we take a scenic 50-minute flight back to Kathmandu, where the view of the Himalayas from above serves as a final farewell to the mountains. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel, marking the end of an unforgettable journey through the Kanchenjunga Circuit. The rest of the day is free for relaxation, exploration, or shopping for souvenirs in Kathmandu before heading home.

---

Trekking Gear Requirement: What to Carry?

• Sleeping bag (rated for expected temperatures)
• Moisture-wicking base layers (thermal tops & bottoms)
• Insulating mid-layer (fleece/down jacket)
• Waterproof & windproof outer shell (jacket & pants)
• Trekking pants (quick-dry & breathable)
• Lightweight full-sleeve shirts (UV protection)
• Warm gloves (inner & outer layers)
• Woolen hat/beanie & sun cap
• Gaiters (for snow or muddy trails)
• Sturdy trekking boots (waterproof & well-broken-in)
• Comfortable camp shoes/sandals
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+) & lip balm
• Sunglasses
• Hand sanitizer & wet wipes
• Headlamp with extra batteries (not mandatory)

Inclusions:

✅ Domestic flights (Kathmandu-Bhadrapur-Kathmandu)
✅ All necessary permits (Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit, Conservation Area Permit)
✅ Experienced English-speaking guide (salary, food, insurance)
✅ Accommodation in tea houses (21 nights)
✅ All meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
✅ Ground transportation (Jeep/Bus)
✅ Emergency rescue arrangement (covered by your travel insurance)

Exclusions:

❌ Trekking equipment rental expenses

❌ Beverages & personal expenses

❌Porter expenses – $22 per day (including salary, food, accommodation, insurance)

❌ Tips for guide & porter 

Note: This itinerary is subject to change based on weather, trail conditions, and acclimatization needs. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Note: If you return early from the trek due to illness or any other reason, the payments made for flights, hotels, mountain accommodation, and meals are non-refundable. Additionally, any extra expenses incurred for accommodation, meals, or other services in Kathmandu will be your responsibility.