Kanchenjungha Trek

On arrival, meet our TH staff for a courtesy transfer to your respective hotels in the heart of Kathmandu, in the Thamel area, a popular spot for shopping and dining at one of the many world-class restaurants, pubs, and bakeries. Our guide will provide details regarding the Kanchenjunga’s North & South Base Camps Trek.

Morning after breakfast at a given time our city and cultural guide will guide you in and around Kathmandu at places of interest and importance, as Kathmandu Valley is full of World Heritage Sites the holy Pashupatinath temple, Bouddhanath (Little Tibet), Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) & monasteries, ancient Kings Palaces and courtyard in Kathmandu; after an interesting sightseeing back to the hotel, preparation for the trip to Kanchenjunga Trek.

As per the flight time, transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport for the scenic flight to Bhadrapur, one of the most amazing experiences, with parallel views of a mountain range, starting from Langtang, Jugal, Gaurishanker, Everest, Makalu, to Kanchenjunga range of mountains on this 45-minute flight, on reaching Bhadrapur, which is located on the southeast Gangetic plain of Nepal near the border of India. Here, our staff will take an interesting drive to the nice mid-hill town of Ilam Bazaar.

Start the day with another morning drive to begin this wonderful adventure to Kanchenjunga base camp. The journey continues to Sukhetar in the Taplejung area; the drive takes about 04 hours on the jeep track. After reaching Suketar, our first-day walk begins towards a small village of Lali Kharka at 2,260 meters. The first portion of the trek is gradual with an undulating winding path through the dense forest of pines and rhododendron trees; the high hills trail from here follows a nice ridge route and then approaches the high hills and into a forested area, which gradually descends to our first overnight camp at Lalikharka, on a nice farm field with a stunning view of Kanchenjunga in the distance.

Morning walk downhill through farm villages and maintained fields and terraces; around here, the villages are mostly Hindu, a mixture of Brahmins, Chettris, and the Kirat tribes of Rai and Limbu, who also practice Hinduism and their own traditional cultures, respecting natural spirits. After reaching Tembawa village, walk downhill towards Phawa Khola, cross it, then come to Pokora village. From here, the trail leads onto terraced farm fields, then crosses a bridge, and finally climbs steeply to Kunjari, a mid-hills village. From here, walking into a mixed forest, then climbing up to a small farm village at Khesewa- Bhanjyang, with superb views of Kanchenjunga and Yalungkang peaks.

The journey begins descending after leaving this nice farm village towards a farm area with rice and millets terraced, then entering a forest area to Nandeva Khola, after crossing this stream, the walk leads downhill along the river, then reaching a high hill with a climb into the forest to reach at Lopoding village, from here the walks leads to ups and down until the walk reaches at Fun Fun a small settlement, from Fun-fun ridge top offers a magnificent panorama of Khumbakarna Himalaya range with Yalung and Mt. Kanchenjunga. After marvelling at the views, descend again through the farm terraces, then start climbing on a gradual uphill for an hour to Pomppe Dhada on the crest of a ridge with awesome views of Mt. Jannu in the distance.

From this high spot on the downhill path to Khesewa Khola, cross a suspension bridge with a last climb of the day through terraced fields to reach Mamankhe village for the overnight stop.

The morning walk begins with a gentle climb, skirting the ridge to a level path leading to Dekadin village. From this village walk leads along the right bank of Kabeli Khola (stream) climbing from 200-300 meters high above the river bed towards the mountain trail, walking on the winding path around several ridges and small streams, then descending on stone steps towards Kabeli Khola, leaving the river our trek leads to a climb passing through farm fields and villages, after a good walk of the day reaching a remote farm village at Yamphudin for overnight camp.

From Yamphudin village, walk along the left bank of Kabeli Khola, crossing a tributary stream of Omje Khola, then start a climb up to Dhupi Bhangyang into a wide-open grassland. From the top of this small ridge, descend steadily through the deciduous forest to Omje Khola. The journey continues through a rhododendron forest and reaches an exposed ridge, where we set up our overnight camp at Chitre, a small settlement with only a few huts.

After a nice morning at Chitre, we start our journey towards Ramite Bhanjyang, an uphill climb through magnolias, rhododendrons, and bamboo forests, then reach Ramite, a place with a single hut. From here, the walk leads to a climb through rhododendrons, then passes a small pond on the right before reaching Ramite Bhanjyang at 3,430 meters. After a break to admire the picturesque view of Mt. Jannu, the walk leads to a 150-meter climb through a densely forested area with rhododendrons, pines, and oak trees, with views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Khumbhakarna, and Kabru peaks between the tree lines. From here, the walk is gradual downhill to the Simbua Khola riverbed for overnight camping.

The morning walk follows river banks passing bivouac caves, then walking along the right bank of Simbua Khola heading along the mountain flank on the forested area of rhododendron and pine trees, then reaching Wahta with a single hut, then crossing a stream along the path the views of the mountains are obstructed in this thick forest, but our walk continues coming to a gravel ground, trekking past this area leading to a shrine with a large boulder with a serpent-shaped like, after leaving the forested area route leads towards a riverbed again, then with a climb to Tserem for our overnight camping with several roofless bivouac caves a shelter for the porters, just in front views of Yalung glacier and Kabru 7,353 m and Talung 7,349 m peaks.

After a lovely morning here at Tserm, the walk descends towards the Simbua Khola riverbed, then climbs up terraced hills to arrive at Yalung Bara, with a single stone hut. This hut marks the end of the forest, with a mountain trail ahead leading to the Yalung Glacier ablation zone. From here, it leads to a 1-hour climb, with the rest of the walk on a gentle trail, as the tree line ends at Yalungbar, offering fabulous views of Kabru, Rathong, and Kokthang. The walk stops around this lovely area for an overnight camp.

Today is a rest day after a week of good, hard trekking. The morning after breakfast, an optional hike to explore Kanchenjunga South Base Camp, with nice, clear views of Yalung Glacier and Mt. Kanchenjunga South Wall. The walk takes about two hours at an altitude of 4,600 m. This place was the classic route and the first British Expedition to climb the summit of Mt. Kanchenjunga in 1955. From here, there are great views of Talung and Kabru Peak, and after a pleasant hike with awesome panoramas, return to Ramche for the overnight.

Retrace the journey back to Tserm, starting with a downhill descent most of the way, through the tree line, and enjoying the views along the way to Tseram for an overnight stop.

The morning begins with a descent through Yalungbar, followed by a short, steep uphill, then crossing a river and a gradual walk through the forest. From here, it leads to a steep uphill climb for an hour, reaching two small glacial ponds. Then, from here, a hard walk up and down to cross three passes: Miring La, Tamo La, and Sinion La. The first section of the journey involves an hour-long climb to the pass's ridgeline, with great views of Kabru Peak and Mt. Kanchenjunga. From Miring La, the trail descends gently, then climbs to Sinion La at 4,500 m. From the top of the pass, awesome views of Mt. Makalu, Mt. Baruntse, and Chamlang peaks looking towards the North West. After the great scenery, the trail descends gently to Tamo La at 4,500 m, and from here, again, a super view of the Khumbhakarna Himalayan range of mountains, after a great scenic walk heading downhill to the overnight camp.

From here onwards head towards North Kanchenjunga Base Camp, The morning walk starts with a gradual walk then with a steep downhill for an hour through rhododendron and pines forest, the downhill continues till it reaches a level ground near Ghunsa River, from here walking on a pleasant and gradual path towards Ghunsa village, which is inhabited by a large Bhotia ethnic tribe of people of Tibetan origin community with stone houses and neat small farm village, overnight camp is set near Ghunsa village.

Start the day with a strenuous uphill climb along the riverside, looking around several wonderful cascading waterfalls as the morning walk progresses. From here, head towards the Yak herders along the walk, which depends on the grazing season. The walk continues from the right bank of the Ghunsa River, through rhododendron and pine forests, and then slowly ascends to Rambuk Kharka, crossing small glacier-landslide sections. The walk continues with amazing views of Khumbukarna Himal and Janu Himal, and other high, snow-capped mountains, then leaves the tree line behind towards barren landscapes with only sparse vegetation of junipers and berry bushes. After Rambuk Kharka, climb through a large landslide area with excellent views of Khumbakarna’s North Face.

The walk from here leads to a gentle descent to Kangbachen for an overnight stop, and this valley, which is dominated by Mt. Sharphu (7,070 meters), lies on the opposite side, with the huge North face of Mt. Janu and Wedge peak just beyond.

After a lovely time with awesome scenery, a morning walk follows above the river for an hour and then heading towards North East, the path leads down to the river and then climbs on the boulder track leading to a terminal moraine of Kanchenjunga glaciers, after Ramtang Kharka (a Sheppard huts and shades) the path leads to Kanchenjunga glacier, then crossing at the junction of Lhonak and Kanchenjunga glacier then reaching to our overnight camp at Lhonak with stunning views of Mera, Nepal Peak, and Wedge Peaks.

Today, our journey leads to our final destination, Pang Pema, the North Base Camp of massive Mt. Kanchenjunga. The morning walk leads to a climb high above the river, with superb views of Kirat Chuli, Nepal Peak, Taple Sikhar, and Givegela Chuli. The first section of the uphill climb is gradual, and then, heading onto a boulder trail, the walk continues between grassy slopes and the glacier path up towards North Base Camp, our highest overnight camp of this impressive and remarkable adventure. In these areas, chances of seeing some wildlife a herd of blue sheep and some mountain antelopes, if lucky the elusive rare Snow Leopards.

The final and highlight destination of this magnificent trip. Today is a free rest day for an optional hike or rest at Base Camp, marvelling at the beautiful surrounding scenery, or climbing up to Pang Pema Peak (5,800 m) for more panoramic mountain views. The climb to the Peak is a mixture of boulders, moraine, and grassland. From the top, rewarded with mind-blowing views of Kanchenjunga, Kumbhakarna, Makalu, Cholotse, Sharpu, Drohma, Nepal Peak, and a range of other snowcapped peaks.

After the most memorable and fabulous time at Pang Pema and Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, the morning walk leads to a long descent with a few short climbs, then retraces the route back to camp at Kambachen.

After the most memorable and fabulous time at Pang Pema and Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, the morning walk leads to a long descent with a few short climbs, then retraces the journey back by the same route to camp at Ghunsa. After crossing Ghunsa Khola, the walk is pleasant through the pine forest to a very interesting Sherpa village of Phole.

Our journey continues with a descent, passing rich vegetation and returning to the tree line through a mixed forest of bamboo and rhododendrons. Before Gybala village, the walk is about an hour's steep climb. On the bank of the Ghunsa River, a gentle walk climbs and descends hills for an hour, then leads to a steep up-and-down again for two hours through the forest, and finally reaches the open grassland at Amjilassa, a small Sherpa village with overnight camping on a nice grassy field.

From here onwards, as we return to a lower altitude, farmland, and more villages, the morning walk begins on a gradual trail. Then it descends through open grassland to Ghaiya Bari and Sekathum villages, crosses the Ghunsa and Simbhu Rivers, and then follows the Tamur River to reach our overnight camp at Tapethok village of the Limbu (Subba) Kirat ethnic tribe.

After the Limbu village of Tapethok, the journey continues on the left bank of the Tamur River and to Chiruwa village, then walking for an hour through the several farm villages, The walk leads to an uphill through a mix of forests of rhododendrons, oaks, and pines trees, after leaving the forest the walk gets better on the pleasant trail then reaching to our overnight stop at Phoram village, this is fairly a large and neat village with afternoon time for walk around this pretty village of Phoram.

Today is the last day walk of this awesome journey and adventure to Suketar, after a great time at Phoram village, the walk leads to many villages and through the enchanting cool forest of the mid-hills, the people around are of mixed races, the walk is a steep up for a couple of hours and with a gradual and pleasant walk to Taplejung village at Suketar for an overnight stop. This village has an airstrip that flies to Biratnagar and Kathmandu. Still, due to unpredictability and the limited number of flights, we are using the flight from Bhadrapur rather than from here to stay on schedule with our itinerary.

After a grand time up in the hills and mountains, the morning starts with an interesting and scenic drive that leads on the rough jeep track to Ilam town and onwards to Fickal town which is near the border of Darjeeling a hill station on India and famous for teas, and as well Illam area, the drive leads through the interesting vast sea of tea-gardens and rolling hills till Fickle town is reached, as per the time permits, we continue to drive towards main highway that connects East & West Nepal at Dhirtamod or Bhardrapur town to make it easier for the next day flight back to Kathmandu.

If it's overnight at Fickal or Bhirtamode, a short drive of an hour to Bhadrapur airport, depending upon the flight time, board the plane for a scenic and awesome panorama of mountains to Kathmandu, which takes about 45 minutes, arriving in Kathmandu domestic terminal, our staff will transfer you back to your respective hotels with the rest of the afternoon free for shopping or individual activities.