About Trip:
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is one of the most gorgeous long-distance off-the-beaten-path treks in Nepal. Guiding you through the ethnic settlements, the trek takes you to the pristine lap of the majestic mountains themselves. The trek also excellently demonstrates the geographical diversity of the nation in addition to the journey to the base camp of Kanchenjunga (8586m). The region solemnly sits in the eastern part of Nepal whilst harboring awe-inspiring beauties and cultural magnificence.
Taking place in the far-off Taplejung district, the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek presents trekkers with unadulterated terrains and hidden settlements in the isolated border region of the country. Beginning the journey with a short flight to Bhadrapur, trekkers meander their way into the deep river valley of the Kanchenjunga, passing through ethnic Tibetan Buddhist settlements like Mitlung, Chirwa, Sukethum, and Selele among many others. All along the journey, the view of the Kanchenjunga Peak (8586m) looms over the path in the most beautiful way. The five peaks of the Kanchenjunga Himal accompanies the trekkers on their journey that perfectly blends together the ethnic cultural tenor of Nepal's border with its beautiful Himalayan terrain dotted with amazing untouched woodlands. Dense rhododendron and alpine forests of scented pine, cedar, and maple line the trekking track, presenting trekkers with the opportunity to really take in the ethereal sublimity of Nepal's geographical hallmarks. Furthermore, the path also leads to the Simon La Mountain Pass at 4,645 meters. The best times to do the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek are during the spring season (March to May) and the autumn season (September to December). It is recommended to have a good level of physical fitness to do this trekking journey as it can prove to be a bit challenging at times, but having previous trekking experience is not a necessity.
It is a grand adventure that presents trekkers with memorable experiences. We at Destination Unlimited guarantee the best services throughout the journey and you will feel our dedication and passion in every aspect of work put into the trip. Thus, do not miss the opportunity to enjoy Nepal's hidden treasures with us!
Day to Day Itinerary:
Hide All DaysDay 01: Arrival in Kathmandu International Airport, 1300m
You may arrive at the Kathmandu International Airport at any time. One of our staff will be waiting for you when you arrive. He will welcome you and get you transferred to your Hotel. There is nothing else planned for the day, so you can check into your Hotel and relax. Overnight stay at the Hotel.
Day 02: Full day guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu Valley
Today, you will have a sightseeing tour of the Kathmandu valley. You will be visiting the city's four major UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The guide will take you to the Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the Buddhist Shrine of Boudhanath, the Swayambhunath Stupa and the Kathmandu Durbar Square. You will get a deep insight into the religious context of each site and their historical importance from the guide. After the sightseeing tour, you will be dropped back to your Hotel Overnight stay at the Hotel.
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and transfer to Hotel.
From Kathmandu, you will have the earliest flight to Bhadrapur. The short and scenic flight to Bhadrapur takes about 40 minutes. Along the airplane journey, you can enjoy the distant views of the mountain peaks from the plane that form a cerulean ring around the valleys. The aerial views of the peaks are quite amazing. Upon landing at Bhadrapur, you will be transferred to your Hotel. Overnight stay at the Hotel.
Day 04: Drive from Bhadrapur to Taplejung 1820m
Situated right at the banks of the Machi River, Bhadrapur is one of the oldest municipalities of Nepal. From Bhadrapur, you will drive to Taplejung- a municipality in the northeastern district of Nepal of the same name. The longest blue glacier in the world, the Yalung, is also situated in the district and the Taplejung municipality also harbors a high biodiversity rate. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.
Day 05: Trek from Taplejung to Mitlung 921m
From Taplejung, you will trek to the settlement of Mitlung, going through lush woodlands. Mitlung is an ethnic Rai and Limbu village that has few houses built in the traditional style, with thatched roofs and dainty red and white paint decorating the walls. The trek is quite beautiful, and you can see the glimmering view of the Kanchenjunga peak (8586m) as it towers over the skyline. Overnight say at the guesthouse.
Day 06: Trek from Mitlung to Chirwa 1270m
The trek to Chirwa goes through the river valley, ascending and descending up and down the hillocks. Along the way, you will pass the settlement of Sinwa as well, from where further on out lies the small village of Tawa. Ascending to higher grounds from Tawa, you will cross a suspension bridge to reach the village of Thiwa. From here, trekking on the verdant trail, you will finally reach Chirwa. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.
Day 07: Trek from Chirwa to Sukethum 1585m
Continuing your journey through the Himalayan landscape, you will be passing through lush woods and emerald hamlets towards the Tamor River. Following the river, you will be ascending up the hill, walking on a trail that is cut into the rock surface of the hillside. Crossing the Ghunsa River via a bridge, you will reach Sukethum. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.
Day 08: Trek from Sukethum to Amjilosa 2395m
Outside of the village of Sukethum, you will cross the flowing river and ascend steeply downwards towards the valley's flat grounds. Passing through the river gorge at the bottom, you will be reaching the village of Solima, from where, the track winds uphill-and-downhill towards Amjilosa- a small village occupied by the Gurung and Tibetan Buddhist ethnic people. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 09: Trek from Amjilosa to Gyabla 2730m
Following the path alongside the river bank, you will be trekking through a rich hillock of colorful rhododendrons towards the Tibetan settlement of Gyabla, passing by many small and large waterfalls cascading down the cliffs from the mountains. Gyabla is a village made of clustered brick houses and surrounded by a wide pastureland where mustard farming is done in abundance. The yellow mustards contrast beautifully against the peaks as well. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.
Day 10: Trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa 3427m
The valley opens up into pastures as you pass Gyabla, making your way to Ghunsa. The village of Ghunsa is known for its handicrafts. Here, you can purchase weaved baskets and traditional crafts hand-made by the locals. The terrain as also ornamented with small rivers and dainty brooks that cut across the pastures quite beautifully. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.
Day 11: Rest day in Ghunsa
This day is set aside for acclimatization. Ghunsa is a beautiful village that you can spend the day exploring. You can also have a short hike to Lapsen La Monastery from where you can get amazing views of the Kanchenjunga peak (8586m). The tranquil atmosphere of the village is very appealing to the soul. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.
Day 12: Trek from Ghunsa to Kambachen 4050m
From Ghunsa, you will head north, up through the cedar woods towards Rampuk Kharka- a herder's hut where the local villagers bring their yaks for grazing during the summer. From here, the trail goes through a rather risky section where landslides are quite prone to occur. Along the way, you can also get amazing views of Mount Jannu (7711m). Following the trail through the terrain, you will reach Kambachen. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.
Day 13: Trek from Kambachen to Lhonak 4780m
From Kambachen, you will trek to the Ramtang Monastery, going through a verdant terrain that has many waterfalls that flow to join the Lhonak River. You will cross the river via a suspension bridge decorated with prayer flags to arrive at Lhonak, a vast grassland that is pitted with boggy marshes and glacial lakes. You can see amazing views of the Kirant Chuli (7362m) and the Kanchenjunga Peak (8586m) from Lhonak as well. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.
Day 14: Trek from Lhonak to Pangpema 5143m
From Lhonak, you will follow the Kanchenjunga Glacier moraine to reach Pangpema- also known as the base camp of Kanchenjunga. It is a grassy flat base camp from where you can get spectacular views of mountain peaks like Jannu (7711m), Kanchenjunga (8586m) and the Chang Himal (6802m). The area is often the prey grounds for Snow leopards as well. Overnight at Pangpema.
Day 15: Trek from Pangpema to Kambachen 4050m
From Pangpema, you will trek back down towards Kambachen, retracing your steps through the marshlands and the glacier moraine. It is a relatively easy descent down the terrain. You will share the trail with the massive Kanchenjunga Glacier that runs parallel to the trekking route. You will pass Lhonak and Ramtang monastery before you reach Kambachen. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.
Day 16: Day 16- Trek from Kambachen to Ghunsa (3430m) Walk approx. 4 hrs
From Kambachen, you will make your way back to Ghunsa, trekking through the terrain of lush woods and alpine trees once again. All along the journey, you can get good views of the Kanchenjunga and Jannu peaks towering over the landscape. The occasional snow-pitted track presents a very lovely setting for a peaceful trekking journey. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.
Day 17: Trek from Ghunsa to Selele Base Camp 4480m
Climbing upwards along the hillside track, you will make your way to Selele. It is a small settlement dotted with a few houses that are mainly used as rest houses and for storing firewood. From here, you will make your way steadily to the Selele base camp, trekking on a moss-covered path and meandering your way through tall Himalayan Junipers. Overnight at the Sele le base Camp.
Day 18: Trek from Selele Base Camp to Tseram 3870m & cross Simon La 4645m
On your way to Tseram from Selele, you can enjoy the views of the Makalu Peak (8463m) and Jannu Himal (7711m). You will be crossing the Sinon La Mountain Pass and make your way through the Mirgin La Ridge towards Sinelapche Bhanjyang. From here, it is an uneven up-and-down track all the way to Tseram. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.
Day 19: Trek from Tseram to Ramche 4580m and Octang, Yalung Glaciers
Ascending past the snout of the Yalung Glacier further on out from Tseram, you will be walking alongside the Simbuwa Khola to reach the Lapsang village. Past the village, the fields of barley open out towards Ramche. Following the small stream upwards, you can come across the southern face of the Kanchenjunga peak (8586m). You will also make your way to the Octang Monastery as well. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.
Day 20: Trek from Ramche to Dorongdin 3000m
Making your way back down towards the Simbuwa Khola, you will be trekking through the rhododendron-laden landscape to reach Dorongdin, an ethnic Tibetan Buddhist settlement where you can see small spires rise into the sky on Chortens and Mani walls carved with Buddhist prayers. You will pass Cheram and Anda Phedi to make way towards Dorongdin. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.
Day 21: Trek from Dorongdin to Sherpa Gaon (Yamphudin) 2080m
From Dorongdin, you will be trekking on the slippery trail wet with snow towards the settlement of Yamphudin, also known as Sherpa Gaon. Along the way, you will pass through Lasiya Bhanjyang, walking up through the sharp-cut path against the steep hill. It is an exciting journey as the path is narrow and completely open to the gaping valley on one side from where you can see the gushing river down below. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.
Day 22: Trek from Sherpa Gaon to Khebang 1915m
From Yamphudin, you make multiple ascends and descends to pass Ghatichhinne Bhanjyang and Ekchana Bhanjyang. You will pass through the amazing landscape of ficus forests, descending down the trail to Khebang. It is a traditional Limbu and Gurung village where the huts are beautifully decorated with ornaments and spices drying in the Himalayan sun on top of thatched roofs. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.
Day 23: Trek from Khebang to Sinam Panchami 800m
From Khebang, you will make your way alongside a small rivulet, into the dense woods and rhododendron forests to Sinam Panchami. Passing Padang, you will follow the Kabeli Khola as you continue to Sinam Panchami. It is an easy descent down the land, and you can enjoy the many yaks that litter around the trail, grazing in the pastures. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.
Day 24: Trek from Sinam Panchami to Tharpu/Medibung 1500m
Ascending up the callous ridge and walking on the cliff-ridden path, you will make your way to Tharpu- a village that has a vast farmland of cardamom and rice. Its population is somehow affluent as the village has economic pouring of remittance from many foreign countries. You can observe the lifestyle and cultural practices on your stay at this village. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.
Day 25: Drive from Tharpu to Bhadrapur
From Tharpu, you will make your way back to Bhadrapur again, passing through the vast tea plantations that line the vertical cliffs surrounding the municipality. The change in altitude is quite obvious as you see level lands contrasting to the towering peaks a few days earlier. The town also has the number of luxuries for you to enjoy and relax. Overnight stay at Bhadrapur.
Day 26: Fly from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu 1330m
From Bhadrapur, you will catch your flight back to Kathmandu, bidding the Kanchenjunga peaks goodbye. Upon landing in the city, you will be transferred to your Hotel. On your final day of the trip, you can spend the time exploring the city or shopping for souvenirs. Overnight stay at the Hotel.
Day 27: Final Departure from Kathmandu
At approximately three hours before your scheduled flight, you will be dropped off at the airport from where you will have your final departure.
Price Include / Exclude:
Cost Includes:
- All airport/hotel transfers
- Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu as per itinerary
- Accommodation in a 2-3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Guesthouse accommodation during trekking in the mountains
- Breakfast in Kathmandu and Three meals a day during trek
- All ground transportation as per the itinerary by private vehicles
- All necessary staff with experienced leader (guide), assistant guide( 6 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, transportation or flights food and lodging
- All necessary paper works; trekking permits
- Down jacket(provided by rental), Warm sleeping bag, duffel bag, trekking map, trekking poles if necessary
- Travel and rescue arrangements
- Welcome and farewell dinner
- First Aid Medical Kit Bag
- All government and local taxes
- Trekking certificate by Destination Unlimited
