Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our airport representative will warmly greet you. After the traditional welcome, you will be transferred to your hotel where we will discuss the trip details and provide a briefing about the package. In the evening, enjoy a typical welcome dinner.

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll go sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley. First, you’ll drive to the famous Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple. It’s on a hill and offers amazing views of the mountains and the city. This ancient temple is a special place for Buddhists and attracts visitors from all over the world. Its big white dome and golden spire are visible from far away.

Next, you’ll visit Pashupatinath, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is one of the most important Hindu temples in the Indian subcontinent. There is a crematorium next to the temple where bodies are burned.

Finally, you’ll explore Patan Durbar Square, a beautiful area filled with centuries-old temples and palaces showcasing traditional Nepalese architecture.

Your day starts with breakfast at your hotel. You will then fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur. From there, a private vehicle will drive you through scenic routes to Ilam, renowned for its beautiful tea gardens. Along the way, you’ll witness stunning mountain vistas and breathtaking landscapes. Upon arrival, you will visit the tea gardens and stay overnight in Ilam.

After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic car journey to Taplejung through countryside and hilly regions, offering splendid views along the way. Though the drive is long and somewhat challenging, the stunning scenery makes the journey worthwhile. Upon reaching Taplejung, check into your hotel. If time permits, you can explore the local bazaar upon arrival.

After breakfast, take a local jeep for a 6-hour drive to Shekathum along a rough road. Though the journey is not comfortable, it promises to be an unforgettable experience. There will be a break for lunch, allowing you to rest and enjoy the surroundings. We used to trek to this location over two days when there was no road. However, the new dirt road has unfortunately disrupted the original trekking path, making walking on the dusty road less enjoyable. Please carry a mask to protect yourself from the dust.

The trek from Shekathum to Amjilosa is a remarkable journey through diverse landscapes. Starting from Shekathum, you’ll follow the trail along the Ghunsa River, crossing suspension bridges and passing through dense forests filled with rhododendrons and bamboo. The trail involves some steep ascents and descents, making it a moderately challenging trek.

As you continue, you’ll encounter small settlements and witness the traditional lifestyle of the local people. The lush greenery and serene environment provide a refreshing backdrop as you make your way towards Amjilosa. The trek offers stunning views of cascading waterfalls and the surrounding hills, adding to the scenic beauty of the route.

After a day of trekking, you’ll reach Amjilosa, a quaint village nestled in the hills. Here, you can rest and rejuvenate, soaking in the tranquil ambiance and preparing for the next leg of your adventure.

After breakfast, we begin our trek through lush forests filled with pine, bamboo, rhododendron, and oak trees. The scenery changes, and the villages start to reflect Tibetan influences in their architecture and culture. Along the way, we come across yaks, sheep, and goats, along with various bird species.

Following our lunch break, we continue the trek through thick forest, eventually crossing a wooden bridge that leads us to Gyabla. Here, we settle in for the night, surrounded by the tranquility of the forest.

Today’s journey takes us through dense forests and past Phale Village, which originated as a Tibetan refugee camp decades ago when Tibetans fled the communist regime in China. Now, it serves as a winter settlement village.

We’ll have the opportunity to explore Phale, where local handicrafts are available for purchase. From there, we proceed to Ghunsa, the largest village in the region. Ghunsa is equipped with a police station, health post, and the Kanchenjunga Conservation Office. The village also offers telephone and internet services, providing a touch of modernity amidst the remote landscape.

Embarking from Ghunsa, our trek to Kambachen unveils a spectacular journey through rugged Himalayan landscapes. As we continue, the trail follows the Ghunsa Khola (river), crossing several wooden bridges and traversing rocky terrain. Along the way, we may encounter yaks grazing peacefully and catch glimpses of rare Himalayan birds.

After a few hours of trekking, we reach the remote settlement of Kambachen, nestled amidst pristine alpine scenery. Here, we settle in for the night, surrounded by the tranquility of the high Himalayas.

Kambachen, situated at an altitude of approximately 4,000 meters, offers a serene and remote setting amidst the towering peaks of the Himalayas. It serves as a crucial acclimatization point for trekkers heading towards Kanchenjunga Base Camp.

During our stay in Kambachen, we take the opportunity to acclimatize to the high altitude, allowing our bodies to adjust gradually to the thinner air. This involves gentle walks around the village, enjoying panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and exploring the surrounding wilderness.

The village itself is small, with traditional stone houses and prayer flags fluttering in the mountain breeze. Nearby, glaciers and rocky ridges add to the dramatic landscape, offering opportunities for short hikes to viewpoints that overlook the valley and the majestic peaks beyond.

Today’s path winds primarily through moraine terrain, tracing the contours of the Kanchenjunga Glacier. The ascent over substantial boulders offers stunning vistas in every direction.

In this region, known for its Snow Leopard habitat, we remain vigilant for sightings of this elusive creature. The area also serves as summer grazing grounds for yaks, yet devoid of human settlements along our journey.

The day trek from Lonak to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp and back is an exhilarating journey into the heart of the Himalayas. Starting from Lonak, we trek along rugged paths that wind through pristine alpine landscapes.

The trail ascends gradually, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and expansive glaciers. As we approach Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, the scenery becomes more dramatic, with towering cliffs and jagged ridges framing the horizon.

Upon reaching the base camp, nestled at the foot of the majestic Kanchenjunga, we pause to soak in the awe-inspiring surroundings. The towering presence of the world’s third highest peak creates a sense of reverence and wonder.

After enjoying the panoramic vistas and capturing memories, we retrace our steps back to Lonak, reflecting on the beauty and grandeur of the Himalayan wilderness.Due to the higher elevation and colder temperatures at the Base Camp, accommodation options are limited. It is advisable to descend back to Lonak for a more comfortable stay.

Following a trek over rocky terrain and moraine, we arrive at Kambachen Village, where we stop for lunch. Continuing eastward along the Tamor River, the landscape transforms with lush green vegetation. Returning to Ghunsa, we settle in for the night, surrounded by the rejuvenating sights and sounds of this Himalayan haven.

After breakfast, we begin a steep ascent through the forest, climbing for about 2-3 hours until we reach the hilltop. Here, we are rewarded with breathtaking views of the green valley and snowy peaks. A small teahouse provides a perfect spot for a tea break. After savoring the moment, we continue trekking gradually uphill along a grassy ridge until we arrive at Sele le Phedi. We will spend the night here, preparing for the big day of crossing the pass tomorrow.

Today, we wake up early for breakfast, preparing for a long and challenging day ahead. We will cross three high passes: Siniolla (4,440m), Mirginla (4,480m), and Sinelapchela (4,650m), involving significant ascents and descents. Along the way, we will be treated to spectacular views of Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, Kanchenjunga, Jannu, and other majestic peaks. After crossing the final pass, we will descend all the way to Tseram, our destination for the day.

Another exciting day awaits as we explore the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp, where we can see the three summits of Kanchenjunga at 8,420m, 8,586m, and 8,474m, respectively. After breakfast, we begin our trek to Ramjer, which takes about 3 hours. Upon arrival, we check into our rooms, leave our luggage, and have lunch.

In the afternoon, we hike to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp, where we are rewarded with breathtaking views. After enjoying the moment and taking photos, we trek back to Ramjer for an overnight stay. The round trip takes about 4 hours.

Today’s trek mainly descends through a lush rhododendron forest and a scenic gorge, following the path along the Simbuwa River. However, the final stretch presents a challenging uphill climb over a landslide-prone area and through dense woods. We won’t encounter any settlements until we arrive at Torongding, where we will find two teahouses.

After breakfast, we begin our hike, navigating several ups and downs along the trail. We will cross Ramita Pass (3,415m), with the path winding through forests and passing only a few small settlements before reaching Yamphuding for our overnight stay.

Today’s trek follows a dirt road, but it’s still a rewarding journey with beautiful views of villages, terraced fields, rivers, and forests. We can take breaks at numerous local tea shops along the way, chatting with the friendly locals. Our destination, Khebang, is a large village featuring a high school, police station, local restaurants, and grocery stores. Tonight will be our final overnight stop on the trek.

After breakfast, we take a jeep and drive to Bhadrapur. The journey is long and somewhat uncomfortable, taking about six hours. We will stop for lunch and toilet breaks along the way. Some parts of the road offer very scenic views, making the trip more enjoyable. Upon arrival in Bhadrapur, we will check into the hotel and enjoy our first hot shower after many days.

After breakfast, take a one-hour flight to Kathmandu, where you will be treated to spectacular views. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel to rest and relax.

Today is a free day, also known as a spare day, which you can use however you like. You can do some last-minute shopping, enjoy a relaxing spa treatment for your body and mind, or simply unwind at one of the colorful restaurants and bars.

Your last day in Kathmandu is yours to enjoy freely. Whether you prefer shopping or exploring the city’s cultural sites, our local guide can recommend the best places to visit and shop. Farewell arrangements will be made as our airport representative accompanies you for your departure. Safe travels!