Trip Overview
Reach the base camp of the world’s 3rd tallest mountain Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586 m). There are two base camps of this mountain. Our Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek has the short itinerary to explore the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. It is the semi Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek as well. If you wish to visit both the base camps then you can book our Kanchenjunga Trek Package. Book the KBC Trek package with the experienced team of Nepal High Trek. It is necessary to trek with the reliable trekking agency to explore the less explored and off the beaten trails.
If you are searching for the less crowded and tranquil trekking route which is also the Himalayan sanctuary then Kanchenjunga Base Camp is the best option. Explore the gift to the earth. Trekking in the trails to the North Kanchenjunga Base Camp (5142 m) can be life changing journey. The serene and pristine landscape and plethora of hidden gems like scenery can make this trekking journey the most astounding trip of your life.
Trekking through ancient villages inside Kanchenjunga National Park
The trekking route of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is inside the Kanchenjunga National Park and some ancient villages. Interestingly, the park is also known as the Tri – Nation Park as it extends up to Tibet, China and India as well. So far, the trekking activities are not possible from the Indian and Tibetan side. It is possible to reach the North Base Camp or South Kanchenjunga Base Camp (4710 m) from Nepal side only.
On the way to the base camp, trekkers have to stay overnight in various villages like Gyabla, Ghunsa, Khambachen, and Lonak. These villages have their own unique features. Gyabla village is known for two villages. The one which is in the trekking trail is the modern village established after the start of the Kanchenjunga Trek. There is another iconic Gyabla village which can be reached after about an hour of hike. It is believed that the village is centuries years old. Trekkers can get the remains of ancient houses and monasteries. It is truly blissful to know that civilization was there as well many years ago. Having such a magnificent village up in the mountains is not an ordinary and chance to behold to the trekkers is simply magical.
Is Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek and Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Itinerary same?
The first phase of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is similar to the Kanchenjunga Trek or Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Itinerary. The trekkers follow the same itinerary until they reach the Pang Pema (5142 m) and return back to the Ghunsa Village. However, the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp retraces the same trail back to Taplejung but the Circuit Trek trail reaches to Selela Camp. The overall journey of the Kanchenjunga Trek consists of 22 to 24 days itinerary but the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek can be completed in just 14 to 15 days.
The trek starts from Sekathum and ends in Sekathum after the exploration of base camp of Kumbhakarna Himal, Kanchenjunga, and Dudh Kunda.
Can I Visit South Kanchenjunga Base Camp from North Kanchenjunga Base Camp?
Yes, it is possible to reach the South Base Camp of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586 m). In order to reach another base camp, trekkers have to spend at least 3 nights and 4 days after from North Base Camp to South Base Camp. Please note that some trekkers call the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp as the Ottang View Point. Interesting thing about the journey of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp is that trekkers can get the interesting scenery of mountains like the Mt. Everest, Mt. Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Kumbhakarna, Yalung, etc. and many others.
Pang Pema (5142 m)
The Kanchenjunga Expedition can be done from any of these two base camps. Some prefer the Yalung Base Camp and some prefer the Pang Pema (North Base Camp). Trekkers can reach in about 3 to 4 hours of hike from the village of Lonak. The trail from Lonak to Pang Pema is treacherous due to landslide area and rugged trail. There are many boulders and rocks in the trekking trail. The best way to reach the base camp is by starting the trek from Lonak before dawn. It helps trekkers to return back to Lonak for overnight stay instead of staying at the base camp.
Is there tea house or restaurant in the Kanchenjunga Base Camp?
There are no tea houses or restaurants in the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp which is also called as the Ottang View Point. However, you can find one tea house in the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. It is extremely expensive place to have lunch or breakfast. You can choose to have a cup of tea or hot water and spend some time at the base camp and return back to Lonak
Which is better Everest Base Camp Trek or Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek?
The journey of the Everest Base Camp Trek is towards the base camp of the world’s tallest mountain Mt. Everest (8848.86 m). Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is the trekking trip towards the foothill of the world’s 3rd tallest mountain Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586 m). In terms of the achievement, the Everest Base Camp Trek exceeds the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek. However, in terms of untouched beauty and rawness of the Mother Nature, the Kanchenjunga Trek is far more beautiful than the Everest Trek.
The trekking trail of the Everest Base Camp Trekking is full of modern amenities and facilities. Moreover, there are high number of trekkers and usually crowded in the EBC Trek route. In the case of the Kanchenjunga Trek, trekkers can enjoy the serene silence and walk through the mystical valleys. In fact, the bio – diversity of the Kanchenjunga National Park is far better than the Sagarmatha National Park. The EBC Trek is comparatively shorter than the Kanchenjunga Trek but if you do the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp only then it is similar.
Trekkers who seek tranquility over standard amenities and enjoy the wilderness adventure trekking, then the Kanchenjunga Trekking is an ideal choice.
Best Season, Permits, Accommodation & Meals
Nepal government has listed the Kanchenjunga region of Nepal as the restricted zone. The major reason behind this is the geo-political issues and bio – biodiversity. The government has declared the Kanchenjunga National Park area as the gift to the earth. Therefore, it is specially protected. Trekkers must have the special restricted area permit and Kanchenjunga National Park entry permit.
Avoid the monsoon season and winter season to do trekking in this trekking route. Heavy snowfall and rainfall can be fatal in this remote isolated trekking trail. There are very few tea houses in the trail and all these tea houses are run by locals. These tea houses serve basic meal items and provide basic room to sleep for the night.
Is it difficult to reach Kanchenjunga North Base Camp?
Surprisingly, the trekking trail up to the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp can be termed as moderate trekking in terms of difficulty. The biggest hurdle in this trekking journey is the high – altitude. Therefore, proper acclimatization activities can help you easily complete the trek without any risks of altitude sickness. The trekking trail has few steep uphill sections. Trekkers walk on the winding gentle slope and gain the altitude without even realizing. The green lush forests valley, gigantic waterfalls, and serene grassy meadows keep on motivating the trekkers. The trail from Khambachen to Pang Pema (Kanchenjunga North Base Camp) via Lonak is rugged and barren. The most difficult section of this trekking journey is the section between Lonak and Base Camp. If you are fit and have good cardiovascular abilities then you can easily complete the trek.
Best Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking Itinerary and Cost
The cost and itinerary of Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking in Nepal is authentic and updated with the Nepal High Trek only. Lots of trekking agency based in Kathmandu have published many unnecessary trekking itineraries. It is due to the lack of research. The Nepal High Trek has done lots of research regarding the possible route and itinerary for the best experiences and safety. We always strive to provide the best available services while trekking. Therefore, you can find the best itinerary and cost for the Kanchenjunga Trek in Nepal.
At just 1800 $, you can get the full board trekking package including flights and road transportation as well. We have expertly knitted the trekking itinerary ensuring that the trekkers can get chance to explore the hidden villages and lakes of the region. Our trekking trip doesn’t directly go the destination rather our trip itinerary includes enough acclimatization side hikes to various interesting places. If you wish to explore almost every nooks and corners of the Kanchenjunga Trekking route then book with us.
For more updated information, please feel free to contact our travel planners. We are here to provide you all needed information about trekking in Nepal. Travel planners of the Nepal High Trek can help you customize the trekking trip according to your budget.
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Details Itinerary
Day 02: Reserve day and self explore the Kathmandu
On this day, we will complete the permits formalities. We will get the restricted area permit and also the Kanchenjunga Conservation area permit. If the permits are done in the first day then we may depart today subject to flights availability. It is important to have at least one day as the reserve day. Overnight in a hotel
Day 03: Flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur; Drive to Taplejung (1,820 m) - 4/5 Hours
The flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur airport is about 45 minutes long. We will take the first flight of the day. Once we reach Bhadrapur, we will have to hop on the private jeep immediately. Today’s jeep journey is very long as it may take about 8 to 9 hours. Our road trip is through places like Phidim, Illam, Panchthar, and Phungling Bazaar of Taplejung. The road trip is extremely scenic as we drive around the Eastern hills of Nepal. These hills are also referred as the queen of the hills in Nepal. Overnight in a lodge
Day 04: Drive from Taplejung to Sekathum (1,500 m); Trek to Aamjilosa (2,400 m) - 7/8 Hours
We will have to start our trek very early in the morning. If possible, we will begin our drive before dawn after early morning breakfast. For 3 to 4 hours, we will be driving on the bumpy off - road to the village of Sekathum. Though the road is bumpy, the scenery makes it extremely pleasant jeep drive. Finally, we will begin our trekking. The first day’s trek starts after lunch and the trail is through green lush forests with the wide view of the river valleys and gigantic hills. We will be observing many fields of cardamom. The major income source of the people of the Kanchenjunga region is the cardamom farming as well. Overnight in a tea house.
Day 05: Trek from Aamjilosa to Gyabla (2,750 m) - 5/6 Hours
Today’s trekking journey is through one of the most beautiful landscape of the entire trekking trail. We will be trekking through green lush forests and there are lots of waterfalls on this trekking section. Green hills are the best place to observe some of the wildlife as well. We may see the Himalayan Thar, white monkey, mountain goats on this day. Upon reaching the Gyabla village, we will check in and start the short hike to Upper Village or the monastery. Overnight in a tea house.
Day 06: Trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa (3,430 m) - 7/8 Hours
There are many small chortens and prayer flags in the hills of this section of the trekking trail. We will also enjoy our time in the wide open Phale grassy meadow valley. It is truly the most picturesque section of our trekking until we enter the barren areas. Today’s trek is not treacherous as we do gentle climb overlooking mountains, hills, and valleys. Once we are at the Ghunsa village, if time permits we will visit the Dudh Kunda otherwise we will simply rest in the tea house. It takes about 2.5 hours to 3 hours to reach the Dudh Kunda Lake from Ghunsa. Please note that if we reach Ghunsa before 1 pm then only we will attempt to visit the lake. Overnight in a tea house
Day 07: Trek from Ghunsa to Khambachen (4,050 m) - 6/7 Hours
We will be trekking through green, lush forests with small bushes. We can spot many mountain goats today grazing in the hillside. The sight of the Kumbhakarna Mountain keeps on pushing us towards the village of Khambachen. This village is located in the small valley surrounded by hills and mountains. It is also the best place for us to do the interesting and equally scenic acclimatization hike to the Kumbhakarna Mountain Base Camp. Today’s walk is gentle uphill for about 5 to 6 hours. Overnight in a tea house.
Day 08: Rest Day in Khambachen - Visit Kumbhakarna Base Camp (6/7 Hours)
Today is the day we do our acclimatization hike to the Kumbhakarna Base Camp and Dudh Kunda Lake. It takes about 3 to 4 hours to reach the view point from Kambachen. We will begin our trekking after breakfast and head towards the view point. The trail is okay and in some section, we will have to walk uphill in the rocky terrain which is bit tiring. Once at the view point, we can get the mesmerizing scenery of mountains including the sight of Makalu, Everest, and Kanchenjunga. It is absolutely scenic day of trekking. We will again return back to Kambachen and rest. Overnight in a tea house.
Day 09: Trek from Khambachen to Lonak (4,800 m) - 7/8 Hours
We will be walking over the glacier and moraine in the rugged and rocky trail throughout the day to reach the small village called Lonak. There are two tea houses in the village and one is still under construction. This trail is full of lichens and moses and it is tiring but equally scenic. Once we reach the Lonak village, we will have lunch and start to explore the area. If it snows then the sight of the village looks spectacular if viewed from behind the hill. Overnight in a tea house
Day 10: Trek from Lonak to North Base Camp (Pang Pema) (5140 m); Return to Lonak - 6/7 Hours
This is the day we reach our final destination the Pang Pema (5140 m). We will begin our hike to the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp before dawn! We will have to trek slowly and carefully in this section as we will be walking in the landslide zone and the trail is very difficult due to rocks and boulders. Majority of the time, we will have to walk above five thousands meter places. Therefore, we will walk gently in the steady pace! Finally, at the base camp, we get to see the massive scenery of Mt. Kanchenjunga. The Yalung glacier and the surrounding mountains truly make us believe that we are in another world. We will have a small breakfast at the tea house present in the base camp and return back to Lonak. If time permits, the trekking guide will decide whether to return back to Kambachen or stay in Lonak. Overnight in a tea house.
Day 11: Trek from Lhonak to Ghunsa (3695 m) - 4/5 Hours
Today’s trek is downhill and we will re-enter the grassy meadows and green lush forests section of this beautiful trekking trail. We will reach the crossroad village between the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek and Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek via Selele Pass. We will visit the local monastery and explore the village in the evening. Overnight in a tea house
Day 12: Trek to Gyabla (2750 m) - 6/7 Hours
We will retrace the same trail back to Gyabla. The most exciting day of return trek is today as we will enjoy the breathtaking scenery of vegetation and hills along the way. Once we are in the Gyabla village, we will explore and interact with the locals. If we didn’t get chance to explore the Upper Gyabla ancient village during our ascent then we will do the exploration on this return trip. Overnight in a tea house
Day 13: Trek to Sekathum (1500 m) - 5/6 Hours
We will start our trekking after breakfast. We will be trekking through the village of Amjilosa where we will have our lunch and continue our journey to Sekathum. Some trekkers prefer to take a jeep to Taplejung as well if available but we will decide to stay overnight in the tea house. However, the trekking guide will decide whether to use the jeep to Taplejung or to stay in Sekathum. It depends upon the time of the day that we arrive in Sekathum from Gyabla. Overnight in a tea house.
Day 14: Drive to Taplejung (1820 m) - 7/8 Hours
After breakfast, we will hop on the jeep and start our journey back to Taplejung. It takes about 3 to 4 hours to reach the Taplejung Bazaar. We will check in to our lodge. You are free to explore the marketplace. This town is famous for home grown coffee and local Tongbas (Rice Hot Beer) and Sukuti (Smoke Dried Meat). Enjoy the local places and delicacies. In the evening we will enjoy with the local porters and crew members on our successful trekking trip. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 15: Drive to Bhadrapur (300m) - 8/9 Hours
We will begin our jeep drive of about 8 to 9 hours after breakfast. Once we reach Bhadrapur, we will explore this place as well. It is in the flatland region (Terai belt) of Nepal. This trekking trip is exciting as we will explore the Flatland (Terai), Hilly, and Himalayan belts of Nepal. Overnight in a lodge or hotel
Day 16: Flight to Kathmandu (45 m)
Finally, we will fly back to Kathmandu. In Kathmandu, the company representative will host you the farewell dinner in a cultural restaurant of Nepalese cuisine in Thamel. We will review the trek and exchange reviews as well as photos. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 17: Final Departure
We will bid you farewell at the International Airport with the promise to meet again.
Cost Includes:
- Airport Pick up drop off by private car.
- Two two-night boutique hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- Full board meals during the trek (Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner)
- Both way flight Kathmandu to Bharatpur and Kathmandu.
- Government license holder mountain guide including salary, meal, accommodation and insurance.
- One porter for two guests to carry belongings And Their well-paid Salary, Food, Drinks, Accommodation, Transportation and Insurance.
- Thee cups hot tea per day during the trek.
- Local private tea house. (One twin sharing beds basis room for each 2 client.
- Nepal High Trek’s down jacket and sleeping bags (if needed)
- The arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid by your Travel insurance company.
- Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
Cost Excludes:
- Nepal entry visa fee.
- Your Travel and rescue insurance.
- All the Food in Kathmandu except breakfast.
- All the expenses in the mountain over the scheduled itinerary (due to strike, delay or canceled flight)
- An extra night Hotel in Kathmandu if arrive early or late departure than scheduled Itinerary.
- All the Bar bills and personal expenses (phone call, laundry service, battery recharge, a bottle of water, hot water, shower.
- Tips for the guide and porter.
Nepal High Trek & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. 
