Kanchenjunga Trek

Tour overview

Kanchenjunga Trek is one of the most exciting trekking trails in Nepal. The trek offers one of the stunning mountain Massifs of 3rd highest in the world, Mt Kanchenjunga (8586m). Kanchenjunga denotes the five treasure of the excessive snowflake in the Kanchenjunga Range, gold, silver, precious stone, grain, and Holy Scriptures.

In 1979 Pete Boardman from British trek to the base camp of Kanchenjunga and quantified that the trek is the most beautiful he had ever commenced. So, the Kanchenjunga trail is considered as the most beautiful walk in the world.

Kanchenjunga Trekking is one of the Holy Trekking routes in eastern Nepal. It is a restricted trekking area. To trek the Kanchenjunga region, you must hire a local guide and at least 2 trekkers in a group. This rule is regulated by the Government of Nepal.

The Trail to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is off the beaten trail. The trek offers a unique vision into the remote part of eastern Nepal. You can experience the classic rural lifestyle and resident of the eastern Nepal shadow state.

Trekking in the Kanchenjunga route offers a scenic view of the Himalayan Range. The trail offers you the stunning view of Mt Kanchenjunga, Mt Makalu, and Jahnu Himal and the towering height of Mt Rothang and Kabru overhead a moraine on the Nepal – Sikkim edge.

While ascending the trail, you will feel the steady variations in the landscape. Kanchenjunga trekking route offers varied vegetation and wildlife. It is an unforgettable adventure into the heart of the Himalayan where the measure of both mountain and valley is difficult to understand. You will not miss the Mountain View after your ascent to the high altitude.

You will hike through the Himalayan coniferous forests, alpine shrubs, and remote villages. The beauty of the Kanchenjunga trail is Mesmerizing and culturally rewarding, going through the trail you will encounter mixed culture, ethnic communities, and tribes.

The Kanchenjunga trek is considered as the high-altitude trek. You will begin your trek by taking the flight to Bhadrapur (40m) then drive to Suketar (1442m), the high passes of Kanchenjunga trail, Mirgin La, and Tserma whooping an altitude 4870 meter above sea level. To do this trek you must be physically fit enough to walk at least 6 hours a day. Kanchenjunga trail is also a part of the great Himalayan trail.

Kanchenjunga Trek is a combination of the Tea house and camping trek. You will experience a rewarding adventure for life.

Best Season for Kanchenjunga Trek

The best season to trek Kanchenjunga is the Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the climate and temperature are most favorable for trekking so, as the enthusiast trekker selects these seasons to trek with the best memory for life.

The trekkers will enjoy walking on the mild temperature and greeted with the satisfactory sight of the landscape. But if you make your way in November, you will feel like the whole area is yours, the trail will be off the beaten in October.

Highlights of Spring and Autumn season

The temperature will be mild and stable
Offer the best walk over the clean and dry trail
Low chance of rain
The stunning view of Mountains and high hills under the clear blue skies
Trek can be complete without risk

Summer/monsoon (June, July, and August) are not the best season to trek Kanchenjunga.

This season the frequent rainfall may bring difficulties to the various section of the trail. It will be difficult to walk over the muddy and slippery trail. You will not enjoy the trek without the breathtaking view and you will experience the worst moment on the trail.

Winter season (December to February)

This season the snow and ice will bring the challenges in various sections of the trail, you need to be prepared with mountaineering equipment. The trail will be isolated and places like Ramche and Pangpema will be locked down. The temperature will drop to -30 degrees. The extreme change in weather will bring some difficulties at the base camp.

Permit for Kanchenjunga Trek

Kanchenjunga Special Permit
TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System)

Mode of transportation for getting there and away

Flights, Private Jeep or Local Bus

Highlights

Stunning view of 3rd highest Mt Kanchenjunga, Mt Jannu, Mera peak, and another surrounding peak.

Remote villages and classic life in the Kanchenjunga trail
Exploration of the north base camp and south base camp of Kanchenjunga
Hike over the glaciers
Hike through the colorful rhododendron forest and the high alpine pass
The residents of Tibetan refugees on the trail

Itinerary

Day 1: Flight to Bhadrapur (45 min) and Drive to Taplejung (9 hours)
Day 2: Trek to Chirwa (1270m- 7 hours)
Day 3: Trek to Amjilosa (2520m 7-8 hours)
Day 4: Trek to Gyabla (2730m – 4 hours)
Day 5: Trek to Ghunsa (3595m – 5 hours)
Day 6: Acclimatization day
Day 7: Trek to Kambachen (4050m – 6 hours)
Day 8: Trek to Lhonak (4780m – 5-6 hours)
Day 9: Trek to Kanchanjunga Base Camp & Back to Lhonak (5143m – 7 hours)
Day 10: Trek to Ghunsa (3595m- 6-7 hours)
Day 11: Trek to Sele La (4290m – 6 hours)
Day 12: Trek to Sele La Pass, Sinion La Pass, Mirgin La Pass, (4290m, 4440m, 4480m, 7-8 hours)
Day 13: Trek to Ramche & Oktang (4580m – 5-6 hours)
Day 14: Trek to Tortong (2995m – 7 hours)
Day 15: Trek to Yamphudin (2080m- 7 hours)
Day 16: Trek to Khebang (1910m- 7 hours)
Day 17: Trek to Sinam (1420m-7 hours)
Day 18: Drive to Birtamod (8 hours)
Day 19: Fly or Drive to Kathmandu (45min)

Day 1: Flight to Bhadrapur (45 min) and Drive to Taplejung (9 hours)

you will take a domestic flight to Bhadrapur Chandragadh airport from Kathmandu, due to its distance of 621 km Far from Kathmandu. The gateway to India from southeastern Nepal.
After the flight, you will drive to Taplejung. You will drive through the Mechi high way; you will explore the scenic view of the green queen hills of Ilam.
Overnight at Taplejung

Day 2: Trek to Chirwa (1270m- 7 hours)

Today is the first day of your trekking, after breakfast in the early morning, you will head to Chirwa. Trek begins with an effortless walk to Mitlung.
You will hike through the scenic pastures and small village by crossing the suspension bridge over Hungdewa Khola and the Tamur Khola.
You will hike following the east bank of the Tamur River. The trail slopes and upsurges along the riverside. You will trek pass through the valley of Limbu ethnic people in Mitlung.
You will be stopped for a while at Mitlung, then you will continue your pace through the uphill and steady descent to the Sinwa where you will meet lots of joyful local people. After the small village Sinwa, you will head to Tawa through the steep hike and crossing the wooden bridge at Tiwa Khola (1140m).
Going on the trail, you will enjoy the excessive surrounding, you will walk along the riverbank of Chiruw Khola.
Overnight at Chirwa village

Day 3: Trek to Amjilosa (2520m 7-8 hours)

Today your hike distance is 17km, a long day hike. You will follow the slight trail that winds in the direction of the north of the village.
You will hike through the Chhetri Village, Tapethok (1320m), you will check in to the Kanchenjunga National park. There is a checkpoint, you will show your permits there. The trail slope to the Tamor River after crossing Simbuwa Khola, situated at the Yalung glacier. You will cross the suspension bridge over the convergence of Ghunsa Khola and Tamur Khola. You will reach the Tibetan village, Sakathum 1640m by following the trail.
You will take a rest in Sakathum village then continue your hike towards Amjilossa. Ascend hike over the stone stairs will lead you to the Ghaiyabari village (2150m).
After following the tricky trail and passing the gorge from Solima will take you to the Amjilossa village, the residents of Tibetan refugees.
Overnight in Amjilosa

Day 4: Hike to Gyabla (2730m – 4 hours)

Today the hike will be easy and relatively shorter than other trekking days. After breakfast, you will head towards Gyabla.
You will hike along the Ghunsa Valley. You will not notice any village while hiking along the trail. Only you will feel nature walking through the dense forest of rhododendron, bamboo, and gnarled brown oaks.
After ascending through the forest, you will enjoy the views of mountains and waterfalls.
Overnight at Gyabla

Day 5: Trek to Ghunsa (3595m – 4 hours)

Today you will hike over 3000m, the hike begins with a descent steep into a gorge and walk through the rhododendron forest. You will along the river bank and Phale Tibetan village (3210m), you will stop at Phale for the lunch break. You can explore the Buddhist culture and monastery.
After lunch, you will hike through the green fields and larch forest, you will reach to Ghunsa Village after crossing the bridge over Ghunsa Khola.
Overnight at Ghunsa

Day 6: Acclimatization day

You will acclimatize at Ghunsa after 5 days. You will adapt to the changing atmosphere after acclimatization. You need some rest to update your energy.
You will hike up to the surrounding ridges and Lpasan la Monastery. Ghunsa valley is considered as the last permanent settlement on the Kanchenjunga trek route.
Overnight at Ghunsa

Day 7: Trek to Kambachen (4050m – 6 hours)

You will hike towards Khambachen, you will head towards north from Ghunsa, and you will hike through the stunning terrain. You will follow the east bank of the river; you will encounter some beautiful meadows along the route.
You will wall over the sandy, stony narrow riverbank trail. You will cross a wood and stone bridge completed a river to range Rambuk Kharka (3720).
After the tough hike is a charming view of the north face of Mt Jannu (7710m), you will observe a glimpse of the Jannu Glacier as well.
Delight the marvelous surrounding outlooks, you will descend through the mountainside. Lastly, you will arrive at Kambachen which is a temporary settlement with small stone teahouses. You will stay in a classic tea house without compromising the basic facilities provided by the tea house owner.
Overnight at Kambachen

Day 8: Trek to Lhonak (4780m – 7 hours)

You will make your way overhead the terrain carved with icy edges of the high-altitude glaciers. You will not find any settlements on the trail.
You will ascend literally through moraine fragments. You must be careful while crossing the slopes of landslides. The trail endures along the north bank of the river. You will cross the Lhonak glacier, which is a tiny resident with three or four small stone teahouses.
Overnight at Lhonak

Day 9: Trek to Kanchanjunga Base Camp & Back to Lhonak (5143 m – 7 hours)

Pangpema is classified as the local name of the Kanchenjunga North base camp. Hike to the north base camp is the best experience.
You will ascend gradually by following the moraine line, grassy section till the northern Kanchenjunga base camp.
Overnight at Lhonak

Day 10: Trek to Ghunsa (3595m- 7-8 hours)

You will say goodbye to the north base camp, retracing your previous days, you will trek to Ghunsa.
Overnight at Ghunsa

Day 11: Trek to Sele (4290m – 6 hours)

After Ghunsa, you will divert towards the right-hand side Sendoff the trail to Gyabla. The trail up to Sele is Isolated from the human residents. At Sele, there is no luxury tea house, you will find only a stone tea house.
Overnight at Sele.

Day 12: Trek to Sele La Pass, Sinon La Pass, Mirgin La Pass & Sinelaphe & Cheram (4290-4641-4480-4646-3870m, 8 hours)

Today you will hike up the ridge of north Pangpema, you will explore the panoramic view of the stunning Himalayas.
The hike is challenging today, you will hike 400m to the Miring La Pass with the stunning view of Makalu, Baruntse, Chamlang, Kanchenjunga, and Kabru.
You will hike through South Kanchenjunga after passing Miring La pass and Lapsang la Pass (5160m) these are the high passes of Kanchenjunga trek, the weather is challenging and difficult to hike in some section of the trail so, be careful while walking.
After a tough hike, you will descend along the ridge to Cheram.
Overnight at Cheram

Day 13: Trek to Ramche & Oktang (4730m – 7 hours)

Today you will explore the Oktang Base camp and Yalung glacier, you will hike 300m after early morning breakfast.
Ascend hike will offer the stunning view of Mt Rothang and Kabru on the Nepal- Sikking Edge. You will hike further after exploring the tempting feature of the Yalung glacier.
To reach Oktang, you will hike through the sequence of ablation valley. The base camp offers a stunning view of the eastern part of the glacier, south face of Kanchenjunga, beautiful lakes, and crystal-clear stream.
Overnight at Cheram

Day 14: Trek to Tortong (2995m – 7 hours)

You will descend to the lower altitude, today. You will follow the steady descent through the forest of rhododendron and pine.
The easy trail and magnificent view of Yalung Glacier will make your way to Tortong
Overnight at Tortong

Day 15: Trek to Yamphudin (2080m- 7 hours)

Today the Trek is tough, you will pass the difficult sections, you will hike through the landslide section, be careful while hiking. You will hike 600m to cross Lasiya Pass 3500m, one of the tough climbs.
After a steep ascent hike, you will reach the valley of Simbua Khola. To reach Yamphhudin you have to pass Dhupia Bhanjyang 2620m and you will hike along Lamite Bhanjyang and Amji Khola.
Yamphudin is a beautiful village and a mixed community village.
Overnight at Yamphudin

Day 16: Trek to Khebang (1910m- 7 hours)

Today you will hike through the beautiful village of Chhetri and Brahmins, the walk towards the human settlements after exploring the remote trek is a wonderful experience. You will experience the different lifestyles and cultures in this trek.
Ascent and Descent hike through the splendid trail will lead you towards Khebang.
Overnight at Khebang