Kanchenjunga base camp trekking

  • Duration 27 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate To Adventurous
  • Destination Nepal

Highlights

  • Adventure to the base of world 3 rd highest mountain range Mt. Kanchenjunga.
  • The only adventure with opportunity to visit both base camps in one single treks.
  • Off the beaten tracks away from main busy trekking trails within remote country.
  • Enjoy glorious scenery from green hills, valleys to massive white mountain range.
  • Explore remote and isolated country around undisturbed and pristine surrounding.
  • Exceptional and exclusive scenic destination around Nepal Far Eastern Himalaya.

Kanchenjunga base camp trekking an adventure where walk takes you to visit exciting and scenic North and South Base Camps, probably the one and only treks in whole Himalaya with opportunity to visit both base camps of one single mountains in one journey. 

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking with Trekking Planner Inc. USA takes you on the highest spot located above 5,065 m and 16,617 feet at Pang-Pema within world third highest Mt. Kanchenjunga North Base Camp covered by remorseless fields of ice and glaciers.

After a great wonderful experience journey takes you to visit the South Base Camp of Mt. Kanchenjunga which is the main climbing route of all expedition due to its accessibility than the north base camp.

Mt. Kanchenjunga rises above 8,586 m and 28, 169 feet high as world 3rd tallest peaks and Nepal 2nd highest, first ascent by British Expedition in May 25th 1955 led by late George Brown and Norma Hardie with Steven Streather.

Mt. Kanchenjunga with group of five peaks that makes a massive mountain range the original name is ‘Kanchendzonga’ comes from Tibetan origin language means five jewels of snow.

The mountain also straddles the border between Nepal and Sikkim (a small state of India), the trek to Mt. Kanchenjunga is more popular from Nepalese side due to its accessibility to reach its base camp either clock-wise or anti-clock direction. 

Kanchenjunga Base camp Trekking starts with scenic flight from Kathmandu to reach Nepal Far South East within low and warm Terai belt, facing sweeping views of Himalayan peaks with Everest, Makalu and Kanchenjunga on 45 minutes air journey.

Land at Bhadrapur airport then towards cooler hills of Ilam town and its vast Tea-Garden, to begin our adventurous walks from Taplejung town farm areas.

As walk follows past farm villages and nice tended terraces with views of white snow-capped peaks of Kanchenjunga massif range, as route advance heading towards higher terrain past traditional mountain villages of Ghunsa and Khambachen, populated by Sherpa and Bhotia tribes of Eastern Himalaya region.

Slowly trek leads to our first highlight of the adventure reaching Lhonak and then at Pang-Pema within Kanchenjunga North Base Camp with sweeping panorama of Kanchenjunga the third world highest mountains, as the name means five jewels related to its main peaks that makes Kanchenjunga massif.

After great wonderful experience walk leads towards Ghunsa village where our route diverts to cross high Tsele-La Pass to reach at Oktang close to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp around Yarlung glaciers.

Enjoying visit on covering both North and South base camps of Mt. Kanchenjunga where walk heads back into lovely dense forest of rhododendron and tall pine trees to reach into human settlement around farm hill villages which you can observe interesting and varied cultures of both Hindu-Kirat and Buddhism religions.

Finally ending our adventurous walk at Taplejung town and in Sukhetar where drive takes you to low sub-tropical country around the flatland at Terai belt for short exciting flight to reach back at Kathmandu, after a most mesmerizing adventure and experience on Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking. 

Itinerary

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On arrival at Kathmandu international airport via respective airlines, where you will be received by our office staff and guide with warm welcome then transfer to your hotels in the hub of the city.

After checking into your rooms and getting refreshed join the other groups for briefing on Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking, our guide offers you with useful important information regarding trek and your stay in Nepal with us. 

Evening includes welcome dinner in a nice and authentic Nepalese restaurant with Folk Culture program of Nepal while having your dinner.

    Morning, depart from the hotel for exciting tour around Kathmandu at places of great interest, Kathmandu city and its valley steeped with historical and religious monuments temples and monasteries listed as World Heritage Sites.

    After an interesting tour afternoon free to relax and preparation for Kanchenjunga base camp trekking next early morning flight to Nepal Far South East around Terai belt.

      As per the flight time towards Nepal Far South East to reach at Terai belt the low land of the country, where our marvelous Kanchenjunga base camp adventure begins, a scenic flight from Kathmandu takes you to land at warmer south east at Bhadrapur airport located near the eastern border of India. 

      From here, an interesting drive towards cooler alpine hills covered within Japanese pines (Cyriptomerica Japonicas) with vast tea gardens to reach at nice Ilam town for overnight stop.

        Second day starts with short drive to reach Taplejung area at Sukhetar, a place with small airstrip, but unreliable and unpredictable than flying into Bhadrapur.   

        On reaching hill town at Taplejung near Sukhetar, where first day overnight camp will be set or in local best lodge available afternoon free to enjoy walks around the town and witness Nepalese culture of Eastern Nepal, populated mostly by Kirat tribes of Limbu  with some Rai and other Hindu people Chettries and Brahmins. 

          After a pleasant overnight stop in Taplejung, starting our first day treks heading past many small farm village to reach near Mitlung, and the our route leads on pleasant winding path with few straight up and down into forested areas of rhododendron and pines trees; where climb leads to a high hill facing scenic views of Mt. Kanchenjunga and Kabru peaks, as walk continues with descend to Tamur River encountering short ups and down-hill to Sinuwa village for overnight stop. 

            From Sinuwa descend towards Tawa village to cross several smaller fresh streams reaching into spread out farm villages to reach at Chirwa, a nice village of mix tribes dominated mostly by Rai (Kirat tribe) some Magar, Tamang and Hindu Chettries, Brahmins with Dalits people with time to explore this nice village.

            Enjoying stops at Chirwa, morning walk heading past several neat smaller farm villages to reach a river bank of mix country where you can witness cultivation of cardamom fields in the dark shade of dense tree line.

            From here walk higher up over farm fields with short descend to overnight camp at Taplethok a lovely farm village close to Lelep, here air gets much cooler with dramatic change of culture of more Tibetan Buddhist religions. 

              After Taplethok within interesting farm villages as walk leads past many scattered farm villages with paddy fields and terraces to enter a patch of cool forest with short ups facing views of distant peaks and then reaching a nice agriculture farm village at Sakathum where overnight camp is pitched near the village back yard.

                Enjoying pleasant overnight at Sakathum, morning walk heading past several neat smaller farm villages to reach a river bank of mix country where you can witness cultivation of cardamom fields in the dark shade of dense tree line.

                Journey continues to reach higher gaining more elevation heading past farm fields and villages facing views of distant peaks with rolling green hills as walk leads into a valley filled with nice cool woodland then reaching a high village at Amjilasa for overnight stop. 

                  Morning walk continues along higher side as altitude gain slowly leading towards much cooler area as paddy farms area stops, then walk gets closer to mountainous around high hill areas encountering several scattered summer pastures and grazing areas to reach at Gyabla or Kyapra for overnight stop within a small cattle herders and farm village, mostly populated by Tibetan like mountain tribes with Sherpa and Bhotia people of Buddhist religion and culture.

                    Morning begins with gentle walk on down-hill as climb starts for an hour within forest of pines-oaks and rhododendron trees as walk reaches a nice flat area on reaching Ghunsa river, from here on pleasant walk to Ghunsa village for overnight stop, a nice and interesting village populated by Bhotia and Sherpa tribes of Tibetan origin with houses built with stones includes neat small farm.

                      An ideal place for rest to get well with acclimatization before heading towards higher north at Kanchenjunga base camp, here with great opportunity for hike around this nice village of impressive Buddhist culture takes you at scenic view point hill for best panorama of mountains and surrounding landscapes.

                        Walk from here leads to climb following a river with views of waterfalls along the walks, Yak herders may be met along the trail depending upon grazing season. 

                        The trail goes from right bank of river Ghunsa, and through rhododendron and pine forest, as walk leads to a gradual ascend to Rambuk Kharka and then crossing a small glacier landslide. 

                        The trek continues with excellent views of Khumbukarna and Janu and other high snow-capped peaks.  

                        On leaving tree lines behind, heading into barren country with few short bushes and scrub of juniper, after Rambuk Kharka climb, and then trail leads to a gentle down to Khambachen after crossing a landslide section to camp at Khambachen. 

                        This scenic valley dominated by peaks of Sharphu (7,070 m.) with north face of Mt. Janu and Wedge peak.

                          From here our route follows above river for an hour and then heading further east, as our walk heads down to a river, as climbs reaches rocks and boulder areas leading to a terminal moraine of Kanchenjunga glacier, on leaving Ramtang Kharka (a Sheppard place) where trail joins Kanchenjunga glacier and then crossing at a junction of Lhonak and Kanchenjunga glacier overlooking grand views of Mera, Nepal Peak and Wedge Peak.

                            Today hike to Pang Pema heading towards our main highlight of the adventure at Kanchenjunga North base camp starts with gentle climb above a river with impressive views of Kirat Chuli, Nepal Peak, Taple Sikhar, and Givegela Chuli. The first part of the climbs is gentle and then heading through a boulder on rocky trail.

                            Walking between grassy slopes and to a glacier path up at Kanchenjunga North Base Camp with chances of spotting herds of blue sheep's around this wilderness of mountains and glaciers.

                            After a wonderful scenic moment overlooking massive Kanchenjunga peaks and then heading back to camp at Lhonak with wonderful photographs around Pang Pema and Kanchenjunga base camp.

                              Retrace the journey back on the same route past Kambachen to overnight camp at Ghunsa after a long day and exciting walks to North Kanchenjunga Base Camp.

                                On leaving northern side of Kanchenjunga area, as walk from here heads into complete wilderness of thick forest and grazing areas, continue trek with long climb to reach Tsele-La Kharka at the base of a pass for overnight stop within large field and a summer pasture. 

                                  Morning steep climb to cross over twin high and scenic in a day, as it rewards you with grand views of massive Kanchenjunga range, as walk lead through dense tree lines and crossing some streams to reach at the base of Sinion La after crossing over Tsele-la pass a climb of few hours with gradual descend to reach Tseram for overnight stop.

                                    Morning free for optional day hike to Oktang takes you at Kanchenjunga South Base Camp, where British Expedition established base camp for the climb of Kanchenjunga summit in 1955, walking with close views of Yalung Glacier and south wall of Kanchenjunga, hike takes nearly three hours with views of Talung Peak and Kabru, after a scenic and exciting trek back to Ramche for overnight stop.

                                      Morning walk to Ramchaur or Ramche heading for a steep climb for short hours within magnolia, rhododendron and bamboo forest to reach a stream as walk continues on gravel ground, leading to a shrine within a big boulder shaped like a serpent. 

                                      Walk past forest area as our route leads to a riverbed, and then uphill to a terrace for overnight stop at Tseram, a place with roofless bivouac caves, facing views of terminal moraine fed from Yalung glacier and behind looking at Kabru 7,353 m and Talung peak 7,349 m.

                                        After enjoyable time at Kanchenjunga South base camp, walk leads back into green forested areas to reach a place called Tortung within small cattle herder village surrounded by woodland as walk leads much downhill with short ups to reach at Lamite Bhanjyang within a quaint area for overnight stop.

                                          An easy day walk as altitude gets lower on every hours of trek with downhill and some short ups heading into serene forest of rhododendron and pine tree lines and crossing streams to enter a gorge to reach an open wide area at nice small village of Yamphudin for overnight stop.

                                            Morning starts on steep down towards nice rice and millet fields, and into forested area around Nandeva khola / stream on the left side of the trail, crossing over then on downhill to a river, as our route reach a high hill where climbs start leads into forested areas to reach at Loppoding village. 

                                            After Loppoding walk leads to up and down-hill reaching a hill village at Yangpang, and then along upper edge of a ridge with slow climb for an hour towards Pompe Dhada, located on a crest of a scenic hill for overnight stop with view of Mt. Jannu. 

                                              Today another long walk to reach at Kunjari near Simbu and Kande Bhanjyang as morning starts on downhill into farm villages, dominated mostly by Hindu tribes a mixture of Brahmins, Chettries as well with Kirat people includes Rai and Limbu, practice Hinduism along with their own ancient heritage of deities and nature spirit. 

                                              Walk leads to farm village then descend to Phawa khola, and cross Phawa khola towards Pokora village, the path from here takes you within farm field and suspension bridge as route leads to a climb up to Kunjari village for overnight stop.

                                                From the small hill village where walk takes to Kande Bhanjyang, facing views of Kanchenjunga and Yalungkang peaks, our last day walk slowly heads back to Tapeljung, through farm villages to reach Sukhetar, a small town with an airstrip that fly to Kathmandu via Biratnagar city often, at present due to unpredictable flight time that leads to cancellation, to avoid the hassle we have taken safe and best route from Bhadrapur to fly in and out to Kathmandu or taking an overland long drive.

                                                As walk proceeds reaching at Taplejung then main town and a district, here enjoy last overnight stop on this hill town famous for local drink known as Tomba a warm drink with mild alcoholic contents made from millets which is widely grown around the area.

                                                  At Ilam our adventure completes taking an exciting drive to a nice little hill town at Ilam within vast fields of Tea Garden, the flavor of the local tea much appreciated throughout Nepal and abroad.

                                                  Few hours of scenic drive brings you into Ilam, with time to wander around and as well observe the local culture and custom of great interest, time permitting drive further to the town of Bhirtamod.

                                                    Morning after breakfast an exciting drive leads you to warm south east Nepal around flatland of Terai belt at Bhadrapur airport for scenic flight back into hustle and bustle city life of Kathmandu, to conclude our fabulous adventure on Kanchenjunga base camp trekking.  

                                                      Last day in Nepal, country of Himalayan wonders and as per your international flight time depart for homeward bound or to next respective connecting destinations.

                                                      Our staff and guide transfer you to Kathmandu airport after a mesmerizing adventure and great experience on Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking.

                                                        Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking provided with standard Itinerary days where some length of walks can be shorter or longer as per physical fitness of trekkers and climbers, where some designated overnight camping can be changed, due to available space for camping with clean water facilities and etc…….

                                                        We will follow the itinerary if its needs some changes in case of weather, landslides and difficulties on climb requiring more days where our leader and lead head guides decides holding full authority for Trekking Planner Treks and Expeditions.

                                                        Want to customize this itinerary? Or Download PDF

                                                        Cost Details

                                                        Includes

                                                        • All airport pick up drop off by private vehicle (for both international and domestic flights)
                                                        • Welcome dinner in an authentic restaurant
                                                        •  Twin/double shearing deluxe accommodation on BB in Kathmandu
                                                        •  Guided sightseeing tours in Kathmandu with private vehicle (entrance fees extra)
                                                        •  Kathmandu to Bhadrapur to Kathmandu by flight
                                                        • All necessary trek permit and Trekkers’ Information Management System( TIMS card)
                                                        •  A highly experience, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, English speaking, well-trained, Government license holding guide. Price includes his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance.
                                                        •  02 guest to 01 porter with their insurance, salary, food, accommodation and equipment
                                                        •  Your cost includes insurance, wages, food and lodging for both your guide and porter. We take excellent care of our guides and porters; they are like family to us.
                                                        •  Best available twin sharing lodge accommodation during the trek
                                                        •  Three meals a day; breakfast, lunch and dinner and tea/coffee during the trekking.
                                                        •  Snacks of biscuits/peanuts and seasonal fresh fruits dessert during the trek
                                                        •  First aid kit
                                                        •  Trekking Planner’s sleeping bag, down jackets, T-shirt, cap, duffle bags, city and trekking route maps – if necessary.
                                                        •  Arrangement of emergency evacuation service (should have insurance for emergency evacuation and will be paid by your travel insurance company)
                                                        •  Oxymeter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily during the trek (very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS) symptoms). This helps ensure your trek is in the safest hands possible.
                                                        •  All applicable government and local taxes per the itinerary
                                                        •  One-hour complimentary spa/massage in Kathmandu after the trek

                                                        Excludes

                                                        • Nepal Visa fee (Bring accurate fee in USD and two Passport size Photo)
                                                        • International airfare to and from Kathmandu (no need to pay departure tax for international flight)
                                                        • Diner and lunch in Kathmandu
                                                        • Personal  travel and health Insurance, Insurance for helicopter evacuation
                                                        • Extra night accommodation and lunch and dinner in city because of early arrival, late departure and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) then the scheduled itinerary
                                                        • Personal expenses (phone calls, baggage charge, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc)
                                                        • Tips to the trekking crews and drive
                                                        • Extra expenses due to flight delays, strikes, weather condition or any event out of our control
                                                        • Anything not included in service includes column

                                                        Essential Info

                                                        EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST

                                                        • Duffel/Rucksack bag/Suitcase (We provide one complimentary Trekking Planner duffel bag that is to be returned after the trip)
                                                        • Day pack
                                                        • Trekking shoes
                                                        • Sports shoes or sandals
                                                        • Sun Hat/cap
                                                        • Warm woolen cap
                                                        • Warm fleece jacket or puffy jacket
                                                        • Waterproof Gore-Tex layer
                                                        • Pullover or warm sweeter
                                                        • Raincoat
                                                        • 4/5 pairs of good quality socks
                                                        • Hand gloves
                                                        • 2/3 pairs of trekking trousers
                                                        • 3/4 pairs of trekking shirts
                                                        • 3/4 pairs of underwear (non cotton preferred)
                                                        • Sun glasses
                                                        • Water bottle
                                                        • 4 season sleeping bag (Optional/we can provide one if you need it. It is to be returned after the trip)
                                                        •  Flash or Torch light
                                                        • Camera and batteries

                                                        Best Seasons for Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking:
                                                        Best time in April and May in spring season with September to November months during autumn times.

                                                        April and May with much longer sunlight hours, makes the trek more interesting and very special with wild flowers in season especially the rhododendron of various different species from trees to bush, which is also national flower of Nepal.

                                                        Most days are clear from morning till late afternoon, can get cloudy sometimes with chance of snows around higher elevation cold in the morning and night time (without wind-chill factors).

                                                        September to November during autumn / fall season most days are crystal clear from morning till mid-afternoon, days are shorter and as well with sunlight hours, much cold with freezing temperatures in the morning and night as well in shades above 1,800 m high (not adding extra wind-chill factor).

                                                        Local Culture and Religion:
                                                        Kanchenjunga Himalaya region of Far Eastern Nepal dominated by Kirat tribe of Rai and Limbu around mid-hills with some Hindu Bharamins, Chettries and Dalits includes few other hill tribes Gurung, Magar and Tamang of both Hindu and Buddhism religion of mix interesting cultures.

                                                        Higher up from Amjilasa to Ghunsa including Tseram and Yamphudin populated with highlanders the Sherpa and Bhotia tribes  closely linked to Tibetan with similar culture and way of farm and cattle herding traditional life, follows Buddhism, where every houses festooned with colorful prayer flags which you notice on this wonderful treks and respecting local immense culture of Buddhism religion.

                                                        Climate and Weather:
                                                        Himalayan climate can be unpredictable sometimes even in good best seasons, where April and May to first week of June will be the best time during spring times, when days are longer with enough sunlight hours.

                                                        Morning and night time as well in shade can be cold and much freezing temperatures around higher areas above 3,000 m.

                                                        Other months from September to November another great times for treks around Kanchenjunga base camp and other areas of Himalaya, when days are clear for views and to summit the top of the peak, although much colder months of autumn season with extreme cold during morning and night time, where sunlight is much shorter. 

                                                        Altitude Sickness:
                                                        Altitude Sickness of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)  might occur to some people on higher altitude from 2,000 m for some above 3,000 m high where taking slow and drinking much fluid and water can overcome from high altitude sickness or AMS.

                                                        Where some can take protective measures using Diamox or Acetazolamide tablets this prevent and reduce symptoms of AMS can lower headache in high altitude walks and climb.

                                                        People with severe cases and situation of HACE and HAPE where the victim should be brought down to safe and secure places with medical team or doctors to attend, the fastest means is emergency evacuation by any means of immediate and fast transportation where available.

                                                        Around Nepal Himalaya the quickest emergency evacuation by means of Helicopter services to bring the victims back to Kathmandu and for further treatments.

                                                        For emergency evacuation where trekkers should be well insured with good Insurance policy that covers all medical side and the use of Helicopter or other means of transportation.

                                                        Travel Insurance:
                                                        Where all travelers to Nepal Himalaya require Travel and Medical Insurance to cover against unfortunate accidents and sickness covering Helicopter Service Rescue to safe places and nearest hospitals.

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