Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Recommended by 99% of travelers
Duration28 Days
CountryNepal
Trip GradeStrenuous
i
Maximum Altitude5,120m
Group SizeMin.2 Pax
StartsKathmandu-Biratnagar
EndsTaplejung-Kathmandu
Travel StyleHigh Altitude Trekking
Best TimeMarch to May and September to November

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek designed by Regulus is an ideal destination for those who are interested in remote trekking and prefer crowd less trail. Trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp is a demanding trek that lasts for around a month.

Mount Kanchenjunga was first climbed in 1955. Since then the Government of Nepal restricted Kanchenjunga climbing. Again in 1980 the government lifted the ban and permitted the mountain for trekking as well as climbing. 

The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek gives an astounding view of the world’s third highest mountain—Mt. Kanchenjunga. It elevates 8,586m from sea level. Trekkers observe natural as well as biodiversity of the Kanchenjunga region while trekking in the Kanchenjunga area.

The life style of local people here is almost untouched by modern developments. Fresh air, traditionally built houses, greenery and natural state of living make the destination pure.

Highlights 

  • Mt.Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world. 
  • Snow-capped mountains above 8,000m.
  • kanchenjunga glacier.
  • Remote Nepali lifestyle, culture, traditions & untouched natural heritages.
  • Tibetian hospitality.
  • Many natural rivers & waterfalls. 

In Tibetan, the word Kanchenjunga is popularly known as Five Treasures of Snow and these five treasures are gold, silver, precious stones, grain, and Holy Scriptures. Each of this treasure represents every five peaks of Kanchenjunga Mountain Range.

Trekking in Kanchenjunga will also give you an opportunity to enjoy “Tongba”—a fermented homemade millet drink. It is a popular local brand in the eastern part of Nepal which is brewed by Limbu people—an ethnic group of this area. In every ritual of Limbu homemade wine is essential. They are the brave people who mostly join the British Army.

Yamphuding and Mamangkhe are the main villages that we cross while going for Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek. The local culture of this area and their hospitality please every trekker.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek in Nepal is well described by British Mountaineer Pete Boardman in 1979. He said that the walk to the base of Kanchenjunga was the most beautiful he had ever undertaken. It is a strong contender for “The most beautiful walk in the world.”

While on the way to Kanchenjunga Base Camp you will cross Mirgin La Pass which is at an altitude of 4,725m. Similarly, crossing Kanchenjunga glacier will give you mesmerizing view of Mt. Kanchenjunga. It is such a nice view that you would like to hold its memory forever. In the surrounding area of the base camp of Kanchenjunga, you will get a panoramic view of Wedge Peak, The Twins—Pyramid and Tent Peak.

Trekkers require a special trekking permit for trekking in Kanchenjunga region and it is not permitted to trek alone here. You need to hire the best trekking company in Nepal who could provide you the best Kanchenjunga trek with all the paper works, permits & an experienced guide.

Itinerary
Trip PlanExpand all
01Day

Welcome to Nepal! Upon your arrival in Kathmandu Regulus Treks & Expedition receives you at Tribhunvan International Airport and drive you to hotel. If your arrival is at appropriate time then you can enjoy leisurely walk in the streets of Thamel. It is a prime destination for foreigners. It is said that Kathmandu visit is incomplete without strolling in this part of the city. Overnight in a hotel.

02Day

From the second day of your arrival starts our trip mission. Today you visit Kathmandu, also known as city of temples with our guide. Basically there are four major touring sites in Kathmandu. They are: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swoyambhunath Stupa and and Bouddhanath Stupa. And the main part is these all four sites are listed in World Heritage Site by UNESCO. You will be introduced to your guide by Regulus. You can have good conversation with him regarding the upcoming trip. You can enjoy the night life of Thamel which completely depends on your wish. Overnight in Thamel .

03Day

Today we catch a flight to Biratnagar. It is around 50-minute flight from Kathmandu. Biratnagar is the second largest town in the country. From Biratnagar, we drive north to reach Hile. It is around a two-hour drive. Here we stay at night.

04Day

It is a gradual uphill walk of around six hours today. We begin our trail after breakfast. We pass through terraced fields and pasturelands to arrive at Baruntse Dada. We go further following the ridge of Tamor River to arrive at a hill. Shidua Danda is located on the top of the hill. Here we set up our camp for night stay.

05Day

Like yesterday, we begin our trail after breakfast. We cross forests to reach Chitre. From here you get a nice view of Mt. Makalu and Chamlang. We walk further deep inside rhododendron forests and this will bring us to Doorpani village. Here we will spend night at a camp.

06Day

Like yesterday, we penetrate through rhododendron forests. It is a gentle climb. We follow a few ups and downs to arrive at a village called Tongise Phedi. We pass through grassland viewing Mount Makalu ahead of us. We arrive at Mongol Bahari Pass and from here Kanchenjunga range starts appearing gradually and the scenic beauty of sonw-capped peaks will capture your heart. From Mongol Bahari Pass we descend gently to reach Gupha Pokhari and here we put off at night.

07Day

Today’s journey will lead us to a Pass which is located at the height of around 3300m. From here the trail descends passing through thick forests. We arrive at Gurjagaun. Nesum is our next stoppage where we will put off at night.

08Day

It is a gentle drop passing through rice terraced farm. We arrive at Doban. Further walk leads us to Tamor River followed by Taplejung Bazaar. It is one of the oldest bazaar of the country and of course, eastern region. We spend night in Taplejung.

09Day

Today’s walk will introduce us with Limbu village. They are local inhabitants of this area with distinct culture and traditions. Locally brewed wine is commonly used in any occasions and rituals of Limbu. They have their own language. Limbu are considered as the descendant of Kirati warriors. Finally, we arrive at Chiruwa and we stay overnight here.

10Day

We cross Tapethko followed by Simbuwa Khola. This river is formed by Yalung glacier. Our climb continues until we reach Ghunsa Khola Valley. We arrive at Sakathum and at the bank of Ghunsa River we set our camp.

11Day

Today we follow steep and narrow trail. Walking is a bit tough today because of the structure of path so you need to be a bit careful. We arrive at a village called Amjilassa but before that we come through descend path. We spend night at Amjilassa.

12Day

We follow steep path from Ghunsa Khola to reach Kyapar. The beauty of Kyapar is terraced farm lands. It looks so beautiful that you wish to stay here forever. The village is thinly populated. We put off here. 

13Day

It is a descend walk till we slide to right bank of Ghunsa Khola. We arrive at Phere. We further move ahead through rhododendron forests. We also climb hills on the way. From here we drop down to arrive at Ghunsa Khola again and cross the river to arrive at Ghunsa village. Here we will stay overnight.

14Day

The beauty of Jannu glacier is worthy today. We keep on walking until we get view of Mount Jannu. We denscend down to arrive at Khambachan and here we put off at night. 

15Day

It is acclimatization day today. To adjust body temperature with increasing altitude we take rest in trekking. It is essential to avoid altitude sickness. You can roam around local village.

16Day

Today’s trail will bring us at the edge of Kanchenjungha Glacier. We cross Lhonak Glacier to arrive at Lhonak village. The view of Mera Peak from here drives you crazy. It is one of the popular climbing peaks of Nepal. we set up camp at Lhonak.

17Day

Pang Pema is a Base Camp of Kanchanjunga. Any Kanchajunga climbers has to halt here before climbing this third highest peak of the world. It takes around four hours to arrive at Pang Pema from Lhonak. It is uphill and tough walk. In the sandy plain of Pang Pema we set up our camp.

18Day

It is an exciting and thrilling day for us as we mentally prepare ourselves before crossing either of the Pass— Lapsang-La the High Pass or Mirgin-La the Lower Pass. The existing weather condition will back our decision to pass one of the Passes. We will put at a camp in night.

19Day

We will take another rest today at High Camp. You will enjoy the mountains a lot. We will also plan for next day travel.

20Day

It is a wonderful journey towards Ramche today. It is a downhill walk till the valley of Simbuwa Khola to Ramche village. We will set up camp at Ramche for night stay. 

21Day

We arrive at Yalung glacier today. We cross this glacier and head towards chorten. The chorten is situated at 5000m. The popularity of chorten is that you get clear view of Mount Kanchenjunga from here. We further descend down to reach Tseram where we halt at night. 

22Day

It is descending trail today. In comparison to other days it is an easy trail but tricky. You need to walk carefully so that the steep down drop may not hamper your muscle. We pass through rhododendron forests and arrive at Torontam and here we put off at night.

23Day

Yamphudin is a multi-ethnic village. It inhabits Sherpa, Limbu, Rai and Gurung together. All of these people are braced within ethnic indigenous group of Nepal. At night we put off here.

24Day

Following descend walk we arrive at Kabel Khola. Here we refresh ourselves and spend some time. From here our climbing begins until we arrive at Ponphe where we will stay overnight. 

25Day

Today we start our trail by walking uphill and after some time we again follow downhill course to arrive at Phun village. We cross Gurung village at Bhanjyang followed by Limbu village at Khunjari. Below the bank of Pha Khola we set up camp for night stay.

26Day

Today we get back to Taplejung. And, here our trekking ends officially. It is descending walk. We stay overnight at Taplejung.

27Day

We catch public or private vehicle to arrive at Biratnagar. From here we catch flight to Kathmandu. In Kathmandu you get some time to stroll around Thamel. Regulus will offer farewell dinner today. We spend night in a hotel tonight. 

28Day

Your trekking ends here today. We will drop you at airport three hours earlier to schedule flight. We are thankful to you as you gave us opportunity to serve. See you soon!

Route Map
Topographic map of the Kanchenjunga Trek route in Nepal
Cost Details
Included
  • All airport transfers from arrival to departure.
  • Flights from Kathmandu-Biratnagar-Taplejung-Kathmandu.
  • Standard twin sharing accommodation in a three star hotel in Kathmandu; Breakfast included.(3 Nights).
  • 24 day trek, all accommodations and meals included.
  • English-speaking, government-licensed guide.
  • Porter service (1 porter for 2 trekkers).
  • All applicable trekking and climbing permits.
  • All necessary camping gear.
  • Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu.
  • Government taxes, entrance fee, equipment fee, and other applicable fees.
  • First aid kit.
  • Trip complete certificate.
  • Farewell dinner.
  • Regulus Nepal T-shirt.
Excluded
  • International flights.
  • Nepal entry visa (approximately $40 USD).
  • Travel and health insurance.
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
  • Drinks (alcoholic, mineral water, other) or desserts during trek.
  • Battery charges.
  • Customary gratuities for guides and porters.
  • Unforeseen costs due to flight cancellation, weather conditions, etc.
  •  All costs not outlined under "What's Included".
Add-ons & Options

Enhance Your Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek with our exclusive services:

  • Solo Travelers: Upgrade your trek with a single supplement fee of $250.00 for a more personalized experience.
  • Private Porter Service: Enjoy the convenience of a dedicated private porter for an additional $200.00.
Dates & Availability
US$3250
Starts: Oct 09, 2024Ends: Nov 05, 2024
Guaranteed
US$3250
Starts: Oct 30, 2024Ends: Nov 26, 2024
Guaranteed
Additional Info

Kanchenjunga Trek Permit

Three permissions are required to hike in the Kanchenjunga region: a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), which costs $10 per person per week and may be acquired through a professional guide and a registered trekking firm in Kathmandu. The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP), which costs NPR 2,000 (about $20), is required to enter the conservation area and may be obtained at the entry point or via the Nepal Tourism Board office. In addition, the Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) card, which guarantees trekker safety and costs NPR 2,000 for individuals and NPR 1,000 for groups, is available through Nepal Tourism Board offices or your trekking agency. Valid passport information and a trek itinerary are required.

Porters and Guides For Kanchenjung Base Camp Trek

Hiring a certified guide is crucial for obtaining the Restricted Area Permit (RAP), increasing safety, and learning priceless information about the area and its culture. Hiring porters to carry your gear also lessens the physical strain, allowing you to enjoy the entire trekking experience without having to worry about carrying large packs.

Travel Insurance requirement for Kanchenjung Base Camp Trek

It is essential to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation and trekking at high altitudes. It is essential to be ready for any unforeseen circumstances that may develop because of the Kanchenjunga region's isolated and unpredictable environment.

Food and Accommodation on Kanchenjunga Trekking 

Accommodation and food options for the Kanchenjunga Trek are varied and fit to the natural and unpolluted nature. The main types of lodging are tea houses and lodges, which offer simple, comfortable areas for hikers to relax in after a strenuous day of climbing. These tea houses provide a cozy haven in the middle of the harsh terrain, with small rooms with simple mattresses and communal bathroom facilities.

When it comes to eating, the food in the Kanchenjunga region is substantial and meant to keep hikers going on the strenuous hikes that lie ahead. Commonly provided staples include dal bhat (rice and lentils), noodles, soups, and potatoes. These foods supply vital nutrition and energy for trekking at high altitudes.

Even while the facilities may be basic by city standards, the friendliness of the tea house owners and the companionship of fellow hikers make for an unforgettable experience. Adventurers are welcome to savor regional specialties, warm meals, and breathtaking scenery in between on the Kanchenjunga Trek.

Best Time For Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

There are two hiking seasons in the Himalayas: spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), both of which are marked by consistent weather and temperate temperatures. You can walk the Kanchenjunga Base Camp in any of these seasons, according on your priorities and tastes.
The path is decorated with colorful flowers and lush vegetation in the spring, which creates magnificent views against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks. For those who want to experience breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant landscape along the hiking paths, now is the perfect moment.
On the other hand, fall has a distinct charm with its beautiful skies, dry weather, and the opportunity to take part in Nepal's biggest festivals set against a harsh, desolate backdrop. People who like cultural events and the stunning, bare beauty of the Himalayan foothills may find this season appealing.

Altitude Sickness During Kanchenjunga Trek

Because trekking pathways in the Kanchenjunga region reach high elevations, visitors are more likely to experience altitude sickness. It's essential to recognize the signs of altitude sickness and take the appropriate safety measures in order to guarantee a pleasant and safe trekking experience.Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), usually happens when people climb quickly to elevations above 2,500 meters (8,000 feet) without giving their bodies the time to adjust. The symptoms, which include headaches, nausea, lightheadedness, exhaustion, and trouble sleeping, can be minor to severe.A proper acclimatization plan includes a steady ascent and rest days to help the body get used to the lower oxygen levels at higher altitudes. Other crucial precautions include drinking enough of water and abstaining from cigarettes and alcohol, both of which can make symptoms worse.

Hikers should be on the lookout for signs of altitude sickness in both themselves and other hikers, and they should notify their guide right once if they do. It is important to have an emergency plan because severe AMS may need descending to lower elevations in order to recover.Other safety measures include making sure your first aid box is fully stocked, bringing clothes and equipment suitable for the changeable weather, and adhering to local laws. Trekkers can completely enjoy the stunning views of the Kanchenjunga region while lowering the hazards associated with high-altitude trekking by putting their health and safety first.

What our Clients Say?
Emma Virtanen
28 Dec, 2023
Kanchenjunga base camp

My trek to Kanchenjunga base camp was about one month. However i didn't felt boring during this trek. As day by day you get to enjoy the beautiful Himalayan ranges of Nepal. We did trekking in remote places of Nepal so we get to enjoy the undisturbed natural heritages of Nepal....

read more +
Emma Virtanen
Finland
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