Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Posted by Mountain Sun Valley Treks on February 25th, 2019

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is one of the great Himalayan trails, which covers the eastern part of Nepal. Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world and is also popularly known as the “Five Treasures of the Great Snow”. The famous Kanchenjunga is situated in North-East Nepal and is bordered by Sikkim, India. Since the mountain partly lies in Nepal and partly in India, the view of Kanchenjunga can be seen from India, Bhutan, and Tibet. This region was opened for trekking tourism only in 1988.The Sherpas inhabit the northern part of the Kanchenjunga region whereas the southern lower part is full of the ethnic groups such as Rai, Limbus, Magars, Tamangs, Brahmans and Chhetris. The Kanchanjunga trek begins and ends at small airstrip at Suketar which lies Far East corner of Nepal.

Mountain Sun Valley Treks is one of the most trusted trekking agency in Nepal while having worked in the tourism since 2000. We make sure your travel in Nepal is special and memorable. We provide you a local English speaking guide so that you can make the most out of the trip. We get you the best accommodation in the area to make your stay a comfortable one. So, remember us if you are planning for a trip to the Himalayas.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu Airport

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, our company representative picks you up and transfers you to the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 2: Flight Kathmandu to Bhadrapur — Drive to Ilam

We catch early morning scenic flight to Bhadrapur. After landing, we take a jeep ride to Ilam enjoying the view of beautiful landscapes. Ilam is Nepal’s largest tea plantation area and serves as a major tourist area even for domestic tourists. Overnight at hotel in Ilam.

Day 3: Drive from Ilam to Taplejung (6–7 hours)

Today, we head towards Taplejung in private transportation. Driving along the beautiful countryside view, we pass through Phidim to reach Limbu village of Taplejung. Overnight in Taplejung.

Day 4: Trek from Taplejung to Mitlung (921 m) 5–6 hours

The trekking route today passes through lush mid hills and several villages with traditional mud-brick houses. We also come across rice paddies, terraced farm fields, and cardamom farms. We then continue to trek following the flow of Tamor River to reach Mitlung. Overnight in Mitlung.

Day 5: Trek from Mitlung to Chiruwa (1270 m) 5–6 hours

Today we trek through the Limbu and Tamang villages of Sinwa, Tawa, and Porke. We also pass over old landslide debris and boulder, and strewn river deposits, before descending to Thiwa Khola. We then cross a wooden bridge to reach Chiruwa. Overnight in Chiruwa.

Day 6: Trek from Chiruwa to Sukathum (1579 m) 5 hours

Trekking through the villages of Taplethok, Tamewa, Hellok, and Lelep, we move alongside Tamor River and descend towards Simbu Khola, which emerges from the Yalung Glacier. We then trek through steep and narrow Ghunsa Khola valley to finally arrive in Sukathum. Overnight in Sukathum.

Day 7: Trek from Sukathum to Amjilosa (2308 m) 6 hours

Moving with the flow of Ghunsa Khola, we head towards Amjilosa walking through steep uphill on exposed terrain. Relishing the amazing landscape view and crossing several bridges over Ghunsa Khola, we reach the Tibetan village of Amjilosa. Overnight in Amjilosa.

Day 8: Trek from Amjilosa to Gyabla (2730 m) 5–6 hours

Today, we walk through forested trail filled with rhododendrons and bamboo, before ascending to Gyabla. We also come across a big waterfall on the opposite side of the river on our way to Gyabla. Making a steep ascent and then a descent, we arrive in Gyabla. Overnight in Gyabla.

Day 9: Trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa (3595 m) 5–6 hours

Leaving behind the beautiful Gyabla village, we trek towards Ghunsa through a broad meadow. We then climb a small hill and descend to cross the river to reach the Tibetan village of Ghunsa with wooden houses, a micro hydropower plant, school, and a health post. Overnight in Ghunsa.

Day 10: Acclimatization day

To adjust with the thinning air, we take a short hike to the opposite side of Ghunsa Khola with a gain of about 400m. After returning from the hike, we can spend rest of the day exploring the ancient village of Ghunsa visiting monasteries and learning about their Buddhist culture and tradition. Overnight in Ghunsa.

Day 11: Trek from Ghunsa to Khangpachen (4050 m) 7 hours

Today, we begin our trek entering the forested path along the south bank of Ghunsa Khola and passing several Mani walls and Chortens along the way. We also trek through several scree slopes and some glacial moraines to reach the Tibetan settlement of Khangpachen from where we can get the stunning view of the north face of Jannu (7710m). Overnight in Khangpachen.

Day 12: Trek from Khangpachen to Lhonak (4780 m) 7 hours

Leaving behind Khangpachen, we follow the trail on the left side of Kanchenjunga Glacier. We hike along a high plateau to reach the campsite of Lhonak. From Lhonak, we can see the panoramic view of massive mountain peaks like Wegde Peak (6802m), Mera Peak (6364m), Nepal Peak (7177m), Twins (7350m), and many others. Overnight in Lhonak.

Day 13: Trek from Lhonak to Kanchenjunga Base Camp (5143 m) 3 hours

Today, we head towards Kanchenjunga Base Camp following the trail along the glaciers on the northern ridges. The camp is also known as Pang Pema from where we get the mesmerizing and spectacular view of Mt Kanchenjunga (8586m) along with the skyline filled with snow-capped mountain ranges bordering Nepal-India and Nepal-Tibet. Overnight in Kanchenjunga Base Camp.

Day 14: Trek from KBC to Ghunsa (3595 m) 8 hours

After the amazing experience in KBC, we retrace our trail to Ghunsa enjoying the spectacular view of different mountains. Descending past Lhonak and Khangpachen while walking on the moraines of Kanchenjunga Glacier and Kumbhakarna Glacier, we arrive in Ghunsa. Overnight in Ghunsa.

Day 15: Trek from Ghunsa to High Camp (4,100 m) 4 -5 Hours

To reach the High Camp, we trek along a steep rocky trail through a forested area filled with birch, pine, and colorful rhododendron. An amazing view of Jannu (7710m), Nyukla Laching (6670m), Temachunggi (6044m), and other mountains can be observed from High Camp. Overnight in High Camp.

Day 16: Trek from High Camp to Tseram (3870 m) via Sele -La Pass — 8 hours

Today might be the most challenging day as we cross over two passes on our way to Tseram, the highest pass being the Sele La (4480m) and Sinion La (4660). Upon reaching the top of the passes, we are rewarded with an amazing view of Yalung Glacier, Jannu (7710m), Makalu (8481m), Baruntse (7129m), Kanchenjunga (8586m), and many other mountain ranges along the Sikkim border. We then descend to Tseram for an overnight stay.

Day 17: Trek from Tseram to Ramche (4580 m) 7–8 hours

Passing the moraines of Yalung Glacier into an ablation valley, we ascend towards Ramche. We also come across a lake and a meadow where we can spot the blue sheep grazing on the grassy hills. We will visit the small monastery in Ramche, in the evening. Overnight in Ramche.

Day 18: Explore to Yalung Base Camp (4500 m) 7–8 hours

Today, we explore Yalung Base Camp area. Trekking through the glacial moraines and challenging rocky path, we cross Oktang, from where we can get a panoramic view of Jannu (7720m) and Kanchenjunga (8586m), and several other peaks. We return back to Ramche for an overnight stay.

Day 19: Trek from Ramche to Anda Phedi (3390 m) 5 hours

Retracing the same trail, we trek towards Anda Phedi relishing the view of different mountain ranges and herds of blue sheep over the grassy slope. Descending through the moraines of Yalung Glacier, we walk past Lapsang and Tseram to arrive in Anda Phedi. Overnight in Anda Phedi.

Day 20: Trek from Anda Phedi to Tortong (2995 m) 5 hours

We descend towards Tortong through the densely forested path filled with rhododendrons and bushes. We also stumble across few streams, Chortens, monasteries, ponds, and waterfalls on our way to Tortong. Overnight at Lodge.

Day 21: Trek from Tortong to Yamphudim (2080 m) 5–6 hours

We continue to descend to the Amji Khola and then crossing Lasiya Bhanjyang (3310m) and Dhupi Bhanjyang (2620m), we descend towards Yamphudim. Yamphudim is a village inhabited by a mixed community of Sherpa, Rai, Limbu, and Gurung. Overnight in Yamphudim.

Day 22: Trek from Yamphudim to Khebang (1915 m) 5 -6 hours

Leaving behind the village of Yamphudim, we descend towards Khebang passing through valleys, waterfalls, and forest area. Crossing suspension bridges over several streams, we walk past small settlements alongside Kabeli Khola to arrive in Khebang. Overnight in Khebang.

Day 23: Trek from Khebang to Khanidingbe

Accompanied by the beautiful view of Kanchenjunga (8586m) and Kumbakaran/Jannu (7710m) in the background, we continue to trek towards Khanidingbe through lushly forested trail stumbling across several waterfalls along the way. Overnight in Khanidingbe.

Day 24: Drive Khanidingbe to Birtamod by jeep

We take a long drive to Birtamod enjoying the view of green hills, snow-capped mountains, rivers, and daily activities of the locals throughout the ride. From the mountainous part, we are now in the flatlands of Nepal. Overnight in Birtamod.

Day 25: Morning drive to Bhadrapur airport and flight back to Kathmandu

We drive towards Bhadrapur airport to catch our flight back to kathmamndu. After landing, we transfer you to the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 26: Final departure to the international airport

We drop you at the Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure.

Customize Your Trek: The trek package can be redesigned or redeveloped as per your taste, For more information please e-mail us at mountainsunvalley@gmail.com