Overview

Trip introduction

Mt. Kanchenjunga is the third highest Himalaya in the world after Everest and K2 stands tall at an altitude of 8,586 meters above sea level. And our Kanchenjunga Trek allows you to experience this Himalaya along with its nature and surroundings in close proximity. It is actually an opportunity to explore the unexplored and travel through an off-the-beaten trekking route in eastern Nepal. Mostly en route, we always get great views of the Himalayas above 8,000 meters with neighboring peaks. And this trek is also topographically diversified which makes it home to varied wildlife and endangered species. For instance,  Musk Deer, Snow Leopard, Red Panda, and other habitats.

Overview of Kanchenjunga Trek

Among other Kanchenjunga trek itineraries available to discover around Kanchenjunga, the most feasible, as well as best alternatives for this trek, is beginning from Suketar then trekking to Ghunsa and Kanchenjunga North Base Camp then retracing back to Ghunsa and traversing Sele Le Pass eventually explore south base camp at Ramche and descend to Birtamod instead of Suketar. The time required for encircling this circuit trek is 24 days. But in total including Kathmandu sightseeing and preparations like taking permits will make it 27 days of exciting trekking adventure.

Who can join this trek and how?

Kanchenjunga Trek can be done entirely as a lodge trek in September-October-November and in March-April-May. Particularly at higher altitudes, some lodges remain closed at the start and end of this main season. We also organize professional camping trekking as per the client’s requirements.

Kanchenjunga Trek requires a good level of physical fitness with love and an adventurous attitude to explore rugged trails from jungles to glaciers. Join this amazing trek with Nepal Mountain Trekkers for professional management and an organized trekking adventure. Contact us now for further inquiries. Simply fill out the Booking form and let us know about your interest. Or you can contact us directly by sending us an email in order to get more information about this trek.

Overview

Detail Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel:::

As you arrive at the capital city, Kathmandu, you will be met by a representative from Nepal Mountain Trekkers at International Airport terminals and he will take you to your respective hotel (Hotel Green Horizon or similar standard). After checking into a hotel, you can enjoy the free time relaxing in the cozy room or stroll around the tourist hub Thamel area until the end of the day.

Day 2 : Kathmandu sightseeing and trek preparation:::

After having our early meal, we start our day with a visit to the Nepal Mountain Trekkers office at Thamel. After being introduced to our team including tour guide, trekking leader, and director of operations, we head for necessary trekking preparations, getting needed equipment with the initiation of Kathmandu sightseeing around world heritage sites. Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath temple, and Boudhanath Stupa are UNESCO world heritage sites that we explore till sunset. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu. B included.

Day 3 : Drive from Biratnagar (80 m/260 ft)to Phidim (1,756m / 5,761ft), after Kathmandu to Biratnagar via a flight::

Initially, we board our domestic flight from Kathmandu to Biratnagar. Upon arrival at Biratnagar, we have our lunch followed by a drive to Phidim. In this way after taking a flight and drive on the first day out of Kathmandu valley, we take rest overnight at Phidim.

Day 4 : Further take a drive from Phidim to Suketar (2,419 m/7,936 ft)::

Likewise a day earlier, we take a drive from Phidim to Taplejung early in the morning which is also the starting point of our trekking activity. We gear up with our trekking crew and start ascending towards Suketar where there is also a small airstrip with basic teahouses. We stay overnight at Suketar.

Day 5 : Trek from Suketar to Mitlung (996m/3,267ft)::

Today we will be heading at rough off the beaten path of our Kanchenjunga trail, initially, we walk through the pasture land, walk downhill trails crossing many colorful settlements along the tracks. We leave behind Tamur River and make our way towards Mitlung. We stay overnight at Mitlung.

Day 6 : Trek from Mitlung to Chirwa (1,270m/4,166ft) with many quick uphill and downhill trails::

We arrive at a beautiful village inhabited by Limbu, Rai, Gurung, and Chirwa communities who will welcome us with an open heart. With quite a number of quick ascend and descends, we gradually arrive at Thiwa. Cross suspension bridges and finally arrive at Chirwa for an overnight stay.

Day 7 : Trek from Chirwa to Sekathum (1,660m/5,446ft)::

Today after having our early meal, we make our way crossing greenery, enjoying the walk along with vegetations gradually gain some altitude at the end of the day. We stay overnight at Sekathum which is considered an ideal place for a night halt.

Day 8 : Trek to Sekathum to Amjilosa (2,510m/8,234ft)::

Following mostly the ascending trails through beautiful yet challenging gorges, jungle walks, we finally arrive at Amjilosa. However, a gradual and careful walk following the instructions of the guide will be helpful. Your trekking stick will come in handy on this day while you are making your way towards Amjilosa for an overnight stay.

Day 9 : Trek from Amjilosa to Gyabla (2,730m/8,956ft)::

Following the excellent views of striking waterfalls, walking through beautiful forests, trekking along with Tibetan settlements we finally arrive at Gyabla. We also witness blossoming rhododendron forests during spring, which is also the national flower of Nepal. In this way, we completely immerse ourselves in the natural beauty that features across the trails.

Day 10 : Trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa (3,595m/11,794ft), most developed settlement of northern side of Kanchenjunga::

Today after having our early meal, we get an exclusive chance to explore the local village inhabited by Sherpa communities. It is quite a large local settlement compared to nearby ones at Kanchenjunga trekking trails. On our course to Ghunsa valley, at a place called Phaley, Tibetan refugees are settled. And in just about a couple of hours of walking, we finally arrive at Ghunsa.

Day 11 : Acclimatization day in Ghunsa for adaptation with the high altitude of Kanchenjunga North Base Camp::

To avoid altitude sickness, it is recommended that we take proper acclimatization at every 600 meters of altitude gain and we take Ghunsa as our acclimatization point before we gain further altitudes. During the rest day, we visit around the Lapsang La and nearby monasteries so that our body adapts according to the high-altitude surroundings.

Day 12 : Trek from Ghunsa to Kambachen (4,100m/13,451ft)::

Today we face quite a bit of challenge while heading from Ghunsa to Kambachen. There will be a couple of landslide-prone areas we have to cross. We make our way through beautiful rhododendron and pine forests too. Today, our fitness will also be tested. However, we get excellent views of Mount Kumbakarna which will be a rewarding experience.

Day 13 : Acclimatization day in Kambachen::

Today will be another day for acclimatization during Kanchenjunga Trek. It will help our body gets familiar with changing altitudes and makes it easy during further trekking ascents. At above 4000 meters, we should take care of ourselves that we are not showing any symptoms of acute mountain sickness. In this way, walking taking precautions, we continue our Kanchenjunga Trek.

Day 14 : Trek from Kambachen to Lhonak (4,785m/15,698ft)::

Today we wake up early in the morning and head towards Lhonak from Kambachen. There will be plenty of obstacles today. Avoiding the landslides prone areas, we quickly cross that site and finally arrive at Lhonak for an overnight stay.

Day 15 : Trek from Lhonak to Pangpema (Kanchenjunga Base Camp North - 5,200m/17,060ft)::

We walk through the glacier moraines today in our Kanchenjunga Trek as we cross the rocky part of our trekking trail. Upon arrival at Pangpema, we stay at stone hut and hike a little further up to enjoy magnificent views of glaciers and Kanchenjunga’s north ridge. It will be the most important day of our trek as we finally step at Kanchenjunga Base Camp from the northern side.

Day 16 : Trek from Pangpema to Kambachen::

We descend today and lose altitude quite drastically than in former days. After having our early meal, we start our downhill trekking starts gradually to Kambachen. With whole lots of wonderful memories, we leave Kanchenjunga North Ridge behind.

Day 17 : Trek from Kambachen to Ghunsa (3,595m/11,794ft)::

Today, we again step downhill towards Ghunsa from Kambachen enjoying the natural and cultural essence during our Kanchenjunga trekking journey. We feel quite relaxed while descending down the trails.

Day 18 : Trek from Ghunsa to Sele Le (4,310m/13,549ft)::

Today we arrive at the stone hut at Sele Le, where we will be camping. It is the most isolated area in Kanchenjunga Trek and we also might get a chance to spot a snow leopard. We will not be strolling around outside after sunset. Will be quite an adventurous day.

Day 19 : Trek from Sele Le to Cheram (3,868m/12,696ft)::

Testing our fitness level, we cross the high altitude pass at top of Sele Le Pass (4,290m/14,074ft) in the Southern hemisphere of Kanchenjunga. From here, we get excellent views of Makalu and other surrounding peaks. In this way, we trek steeply downhill towards Cheram.

Day 20 : Trek from Cheram to Ramche (4,610m/15,124ft) and back to Cheram (Ramche is Kanchenjunga South Base Camp)::

After having our early meal, we visit Oktang Monastery and trek from Cheram to Ramche which is a dead-end or also known as Kanchenjunga’s south base camp and we get back to Cheram at the end of the day. Today we start our day quite early, cross the Yalung glacier too.

Day 21 : Trek from Cheram to Tortong (2,995m/9,826ft)::

After we cross towards Sele le pass, we make our way towards the left ridge trail and downhill trekking towards Tortong which is covered by lush green forests and the Simuwa river. We will arrive at Tortong and stay overnight over there.

Day 22 : Trek from Tortong to Yamphuding (2,080m/6,824ft)::

Yamphuding is the biggest village we explore during our Kanchenjunga trek where the air is full of oxygen. While trekking from Tortong to Yamphuding, we also get a chance to encounter the local Limbu Museum, a culture center, cross through beautiful forests. It will be a great exploration opportunity of both natural and cultural highlights today.

Day 23 : Trek from Yamphuding to Yangpang (1,007m/3,304ft)::

To make the lower altitude trekking short, we head from Yamphuding to Yangpang instead of going back towards Taplejung. Along the day’s course of the journey, we pass through beautiful terraced farmlands, local settlements and finally arrive at Yangpang.

Day 24 : Trek from Yangpang to Thorpu (1,500m/4,290ft)::

Today is the last day of trekking activity in our Kanchenjunga Trek. We walk through large farmlands, on the eastern side of Nepal. We finally arrive at Thorpu and stay overnight.

Day 25 : Drive from Thorpu to Birtamod (300m/1,000ft)::

Today we take a drive from Thorpu to Birtamod, which is a popular local city of eastern Nepal well connected with roads and highways.

Day 26 : Drive from Birtamod to Bhadrapur and fly back to Kathmandu::

Today we take about an hour’s drive through the fertile terai lands of Nepal from Birtamod to Bhadrapur airstrip and board an hour flight that takes us back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, you will be met by our director of operations, Mr. Dhakal, and offer you a farewell dinner as a complimentary token of love from Nepal Mountain Trekkers Company.

Day 27 : Departure Day::

Today will be your final day in Nepal, as we drop you at International Airport for your scheduled international flight towards your onward destination.

Price Includes

• Airport pick up and drop
• 3 nights Hotel in Kathmandu (Hotel Green Horizon or similar standard)
• All accommodation during the trek in the best hotels/tea-houses in the area (differing according to the price you wish to spend)
  • Sanitation: The accommodation we provide will be neat and clean with warm-hospitality and quality services.
  • Single Accommodation: You won’t have to share your accommodation with anyone else so that your privacy is protected.

• All foods during the trek: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner; any items on the menu as much as you wish to consume.
  • We provide hygienic and safe meals to re-energize you.
  • We request you not to waste your meals for it is difficult to transport food in the rural area.
  • You are not allowed to share your meals with anyone else from another group.

• Domestic flights (KTM-BRT, BDP-KTM) and Private Vehicle/Bus as mentioned in the itinerary
• Professional and Highly experienced English-speaking Trekking Guide licensed by the Government. Including their lodging and food.
  • Local Staffs: Our guides are locals of the region which ensures that you will surely get to explore a bit more during the trek than with any other guides.
  • Experienced: With an experience of more than a decade of working in this field, our trekking guides possess excellent knowledge on briefing during the trek as well as they are experts in handling all kinds of critical situations that might occur during the trek.
  • Insurance: Nepal Mountain Trekkers have an insurance policy for all our trekking staff.

• Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers with a max load of 25 KG). Including their lodging and food.
  • Local Staffs: The porters we hire belong to the same region where we trek in order to provide employment opportunities to the locals as well as to make you explore every prospect of the region.

• Four seasonal sleeping bags, down jacket, Nepal Mountain Trekkers duffer bag, t-shirt, and trekking map (Note: down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
• TIMS Card, Conservation Area Permit, and Special Kanchenjunga Permits.
• Rescue arrangement service
• A comprehensive medical kit
• 13% Tax and 10%  service charges.
• Farewell dinner

Price Excludes

• Visa fee to enter Nepal (Visa Information)
• International flight tickets and extra baggage charges
• Food in Kathmandu
• Extra night accommodation and meal costs in Kathmandu due to any change in the scheduled itinerary
• Travel insurance/ Rescue operation costs
• All personal expenses(internet, laundry, battery charge, donation, etc)
• All soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
• Tips for guide and porters

Trip Gallery

Trip Map:

Equipments