Trip Overview
Embark with the team of Nepal High Trek to the base camp of the world’s 3rd tallest mountain Mt. Kanchenjunga. It is one of the most serene and off the beaten walking holidays to do at least once in a lifetime. The Nepal High Trek is the leading trekking agency of Nepal. Our trekking itineraries are prepared after lots of field research and by the experienced trekking guides. Therefore, it is safe to trek to the unknown and less explored places of Nepal with our team. The Kanchenjunga Trek is not for those who are searching for the trekking route where you can get the commercial amenities. It is to those who love to be close to nature away from the hustling and bustling of the commercial trekking routes.
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is also popularly known as the exploration to the region of “The Five Treasures of Great Snow. Explore the most remote region of Nepal which is known as the five treasures of great snow! There are five main peaks of Kanchenjunga that symbolize gold, grain, silver, gems, and sacred treasures. Nature’s true form is well protected in the Eastern highlands of Nepal in the Tibet-India border.
Kanchenjunga National Park
The trekking trail of the Kanchenjunga Trek is within the Kanchenjunga National Park. The park was established in 1998 A.D. and it spans about 2035 sq. km. The park is also known as the heaven for the botanists as it is home of the unlimited diverse vegetation. In addition, the park is home of many wildlife. Interestingly, the national park is also known to the world as the Tri – Nation Park spanning between Nepal, Tibet (China), and India. The bio diversity of the park has prompted world to notice. Therefore, it is considered as the gift to earth which was featured as the part of the WWF in 2000.
The exploration or trekking activities inside the Tibet and India region of the Kanchenjunga National Park is not allowed. Trekking is permitted from Nepal side only. Slowly, the number of trekkers trekking in the region is increasing. Therefore, the Nepal High Trek is conducting lots of trekking rounds in the region to find out best way to explore the park and reach the base camp of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586 m).
How to reach trail head for Kanchenjunga Trek?
The Kanchenjunga Trek starts from the village of Sekathum. It is one day’s drive from Taplejung but some trekkers extend the day by starting the trek from Sekathum and making Amjilosha as the first place to spend overnight. Therefore, we can say that the village of Sekathum is the trail head for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. Trekkers have to take the flight to Bhadrapur, Jhapa and jeep drive to Phungling Bazaar, Taplejung. The location of the trekking trail is in the extreme eastern region of Nepal. The only means to reach the trail head is by using jeep from Phungling Bazaar or by doing the trek.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek or Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Route
There are five peaks which form the great Mt. Kanchenjunga Himalayas. These mountains are the Kanchenjunga Main Mountain which is 8586 m tall followed by Yalongkang (8505 m), Kanchenjunga West (8420 m), and Twin Peaks (8476 m). The journey to explore almost every region of the Kanchenjunga Mountain surrounding is called as the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. It encompasses the exploration of both the base camps of the mountain. Among two base camps of the Mt. Kanchenjunga, the South base camp is comparatively lower than the North base camp.
South Kanchenjunga Base Camp
The South Kanchenjunga Base Camp is at an altitude of 4730 m from sea level. The trekking journey to the base camp is comparatively easier than the trekking trip to the North Kanchenjunga National Park. It is also famously known to the people from across the globe as the Yalung Base Camp. Trekkers can reach the base camp from the village of Ramche following the trail of the Yalung Glacier. The village of Ramche which is situated at an altitude of 4610 m is the base village to visit the South Kanchenjunga Base Camp. The trail to the base camp is through green lush forests of pine, rhododendron, and grassy meadows! It is impossible for some trekkers to find out about the hidden secrets of the region.
North Kanchenjunga Base Camp
Among mountaineers, the North Kanchenjunga Base Camp is the authentic trekking trip to the authentic base camp of Kanchenjunga. At an altitude of 5140 m, the North Kanchenjunga Base Camp is famously known as Pang Pema! There are two makeshift tea houses in the base camp and people have to use the tented accommodation if they wish to spend overnight at the base camp. Normally, people have lunch at Pang Pema and return back to Lhonak. The scenery of Mt. Kanchenjunga is seen beautifully from the North Base Camp in comparison to the South Base Camp. The sight of the Kanchenjunga glacier and surrounding mountains seen during trek to the North Kanchenhjunga Base Camp is serene and spectacular.
When is the best time to do Kanchenjunga Round Trek?
Monsoon season is the most risky time of the year in the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek route. There are many streams, rivers, and waterfalls in the trail. Therefore, the heavy rainfall increases the risk of floods and landslides. During the winter season, most of the people descend low altitude places and you may not find proper place to eat and spend night. In addition, heavy snowfall may block the trekking route as well. Therefore, the best time to do the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek in Nepal is during the months of spring and autumn season. It is the best time to explore the trail as the route will be blessed by the green lush environment and blooming flowers. The skies are clear and you will not be interrupted by the sudden chance in the weather conditions.
What are the permits required for Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking?
The Kanchenjunga Region is also listed as the Restricted region of Nepal. Therefore, trekkers have to follow the rules and regulations strictly unlike in the commercial trekking routes. Trekkers must obtain the Kanchenjunga National Park Entrance Permit and Special Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit. The cost of the National Park entrance is Nrs. 3000 to the foreigners and Nrs. 1500 to SAARC citizens.
Can I trek solo or independently to Kanchenjunga Base Camp?
Legally, you can’t trek solo or independently in the restricted areas including the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek route. However, the agency can book the special restricted permit with the ghost trekker. Please note that you must be with the trekking guide and if you are traveling with the guide then it is no longer a solo trek! Either you trek in a group or trek with the ghost trekker created by the trekking agency. Hiring a guide for Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek and getting the package from the agency means that you don’t have to worry about all the trip logistics including permits. Therefore, if you are planning to do the trek then make sure to contact the Nepal High Trek Pvt. Ltd. We ensure safety and overall trek experiences.
Is it possible to see Mt. Everest from trekking route of Kanchenjunga?
Yes, it is possible to see Mt. Everest from the trekking route of Kanchenjunga. Nearby the pass in Tseram village, trekkers can see the small tip of the Mountain. It is so fascinating to see the Mt. Everest which is in different province. Alongside Mt. Everest, the journey of the Kanchenjunga Trek is a wilderness trekking trip ideal for nature and tranquility lovers.
How difficult is Kanchenjunga Trekking?
The Kanchenjunga Trekking is not difficult as it may sound. People often consider that the trekking trip to the base camp of the world’s 3rd tallest mountain Mt. Kanchenjunga is a challenging course. However, proper acclimatization activities and ideal walking distance can help trekkers to easily complete the trek. There are not long hours of walking in between the tea houses as well. Therefore, if you are fitness freak and have good stamina then the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is moderately easy trekking route barring the risk of altitude sickness.
Accommodation and Meal in Kanchenjunga Region
As the number of trekkers trekking in the region is increasing, lots of locals are slowly developing the home stay kind of lodging and eateries in the trekking trail. Throughout the trekking journey, trekkers don’t need to spend overnight in the tented accommodation. In some cases, trekkers wish to spend overnight in the Pang Pema (North Kanchenjunga Base Camp) then in this place they may have to sleep in the tent but the food is served from the makeshift kitchen. The tea house trekking is possible in this trekking trail. There are very basic facilities unlike in the commercial trekking routes but trekkers can get warm room to sleep with enough clothes.
Cost of Kanchenjunga Trekking in Nepal
The cost of the Kanchenjunga Trek starts from 1600 $ per person to 2750 $ per person depending upon the number of days and itinerary. If you are on the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek journey only then it is possible in just 1700 $ per person for 14 days itinerary. However, the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek ranges around 1800 $ to 2000 $ per person for the standard package.
Book the Kanchenjunga Trekking package with us and explore the magical, remote, and splendid tranquil regions of the world’s 3rd tallest mountain Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586 m).
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Details Itinerary
Day 01. Arrival to Kathmandu (1350 m)
Airport representative of Nepal High Trek receive you gleefully at the International Airport in Kathmandu and transfer you to the hotel. All the trip details will be discussed and trip formalities will be completed. We will use the reserve day if it is not enough time to prepare for the Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit. Usually, it takes about 1 to 2 hours to obtain the restricted area permit if all the documents are fulfilled. Evening is free time for you to prepare for the trekking. Overnight in a hotel
Day 02: Flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur (45 m) Drive to Taplejung (1,820 m) - (151 km -7/8 Hrs)
We will take the 45 minutes long flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur. Upon landing in the Bhadrapur airport, we will find the local jeep and drive towards the Phungling town of Taplejung. The town is famous for two things. They are the presence of the sacred Pathibhara Goddess Temple and Cardamom farming. It takes about 7 to 8 hours to reach the Phungling Bazaar from Bhadrapur on a private jeep. Overnight in a Guest House
Day 03: Drive from Taplejung to Sekathum (1,500 m) 6 hours drive then Trek to Lamatar (1899 m) - (8.5km -3/4 hrs)
Early in the morning after breakfast, we will pack the jeep with our belongings and start the road trip to Sekathum. It takes about 3 to 4 hours on a offroad to reach the village of Sekathum from Phungling. Upon reaching the Sekathum, we will then start our trek after a brief lunch break. We will have to walk through green lush forests and cross the suspension bridges to reach the small village of Lamatar, traversing through a cardamom farm. Along the trail, we will traverse through several cardamom farming fields and cross several streams by wooden bridges. The little bamboo shoots and the lush green forest make our trekking trip overwhelming. Your trekking guide will decide whether to go to Amjilosha or spend the night in Lamatar according to your situation and the time of the day. Overnight in a tea house
Day 04: Trek from Lamatar to Gyabla (2,750 m) - (9km - 4/5 Hrs)
Today, we will reach the small Tibetan village of Gyabla. The trail from Amjilosa all the way to the village of Gyabla is rich in terms of vegetation and wildlife. We need to be aware of the presence of the wildlife in the trekking trail. If we are lucky, we may spot Himalayan Thar, Red Panda, and birds during our trekking trip. Overnight in a tea house.
Day 05: Trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa (3,430 m) - (11km - 5/6 hrs)
We will begin our trekking after breakfast. The trekking route from Gyabla to Ghunsa is through lots of small chortens and prayer flags erected in the small shrines and hillsides. It takes about 4 to 5 hours to reach Ghunsa village and it is the pleasant day of trekking without much steep incline. Overnight in a tea house
Day 06: Acclimatization Day in Ghunsa
We will visit old Ghunsa Village and offer our prayers inside the Ghunsa Monastery as a part of the acclimatization activity. It is essential to do acclimatization rest activities in this trek as well. This is the first acclimatization day out of two acclimatization days during the Kanchenjunga Trek in Nepal. We will visit grassy meadows and reach the high point from where we can see the Ghunsa Village, mountains, and surrounding river valleys. Overnight in a tea house.
Day 07: Trek from Ghunsa to Khambachen (4,050 m) - (10.7km -5/6 hrs)
Today is the most beautiful day of our trekking as we get to see the beautiful Kumbhakarna Mountain (7710 m) throughout the day. It takes about 5 to 6 hours to reach Khambachen from Ghunsa. The trail is full of larch, juniper, and small bushes vegetation. In these forests and grassy meadows, we may also see the Himalayan goat grazing. Finally, we will reach the village which is surrounded by the mountains and moraines with the superb view of Mt. Kumbhakarna.
Day 08: Rest Day in Khambachen - Visit Kumbhakarna Base Camp (5400 m) - (12km - 4/5 hrs)
The second acclimatization is done in the village of Khambachen. We will do the Kumbhakarna Mountain Base Camp Hike as part of our acclimatization after breakfast. It takes about 3 hours to reach the base camp and we can get the breathtaking scenery of the mountain as well as lakes formed due to the melting of the glacier. We will then return back to Khambachen. Overnight in a tea house.
Day 09: Trek from Khambachen to Lonak (4,800 m) (10 km - 5/6 hrs)
The trail drastically changes from this day onwards. Our trekking trail through green lush forests and grassy meadows disappear. We will be walking on the rugged trail full of boulders and rocks. Lots of mosses and lichens dominate the rocky landscape along the trail. The trail traverses through glacier. It is challenging day of our trekking but the sights of mountains and landscape help us to forget about all the challenging and tiring ascent. Overnight in a tea house.
Day 10: Trek from Lonak to North Base Camp (Pang Pema) (5140 m); Return to Lonak (9km - 6/7 hrs)
Finally, today is the day to visit the first base camp of the Mt. Kanchenjunga. We will hike to the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. The trail is rugged but the rewarding scenery of mountains and glacier keep on pushing us to trek. Once at the base camp, we will enjoy the massive view of Kanchenjunga and its glacier. There is a small eatery where our lunch will be served and we will again return back to Lonak. Overnight in a tea house
Day 11: Trek from Lhonak to Ghunsa (3695 m) (20.5kkm - 8/9 hrs)
Today after breakfast, we will have to retrace the same trail back to Ghunsa. On the way, we will stop at Khambachen for lunch and continue our journey towards the village of Ghunsa. This descend is comparatively easier as the altitude drops the breathing becomes much more easy and we will be able to enjoy the surrounding landscape better. Once we are the Ghunsa village, we will assess our situation and visit the monastery for the prayers. Overnight in a tea house.
Day 12: Trek from Ghunsa to Sele Le (4390 m) - (7 km - 5/6 hrs)
Get ready for many uphill and downhill sections today. We will begin the trek with short stretching after breakfast. At first, we will have to trek downhill through grassy meadows and alpine forests. We slowly take the winding uphill trekking trail towards more open Sele La. Today’s trek is about 4 to 5 hours long but it is equally demanding trek in terms of tiredness. Overnight in a tea house.
Day 13: Trek from Sele Le to Cheram (3870 m); Cross Three Mountain Passes (9.5km - 6/7 hrs)
We will have to cross the high altitude pass today. The first phase of the trekking is challenging as we will have to trek uphill for about 4 to 5 hours. The mesmerizing scenery of mountains, hills, and valleys keep on motivating us to cross the pass and enter the beautiful small village of Cheram. Once we cross the pass, the trail becomes gentle downhill. For about 2 to 3 hours we will have to descend and finally reach the village of Cheram. A total of three passes are there to cross to reach the village of Cheram. There is a blue turquoise lake as well while descending to the village of Cheram where we can enjoy and relax for a while. It is the base village from where we will visit the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. Overnight in a tea house.
Day 14: Day Hike Trip to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp (4730 m) (13.5km - 7/8 Hrs) (Optional Stay at Ramche or Ramjer)
Today, we will visit the Oktang also known as the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. It is about 2 to 3 hours journey from the village of Cheram. The base camp is beautifully located on the shores of the lake. We can see few tents at the base camp where some people prefer to spend overnight but it is not highly recommended as the night becomes cold. We will enjoy the breathtaking south face of the Mt. Kanchenjunga and other mountains from the base camp. We will trek by getting blessings from the small temple located on the way to Oktang View Point. It is the last point of the trekking trail. After getting the spectacular scenery of Mt. Kanchenjunga and its glacier, we will return back to Cheram. Note down that you can stay overnight in Ramjer or Ramche if you couldn't reach Tseram. Overnight in a tea house.
Day 15: Trek from Cheram to Torangdin (2050 m) (10km - 6/7 Hrs)
We will be walking through green lush forests, raging white water rapids, and blooming flowers along the trail. It is completely downhill trekking. It is so pleasant to walk breathing fresh air and enjoying the wonders of Mother Nature. The trail is so enchanting and less explored that you will be overwhelmed by the overall experiences. Please note that there are only two tea houses in Torongdin where you can enjoy basic tea house facilities. However, a guide can decide whether to extend the trek or remain in this village. Overnight in a tea house.
Day 16: Trek from Yarsang to Helok (1,600 m) (8.5km - 3/4 hrs) Drive to Taplejung 779m (65km - 3/4 hrs)
Finally, today we will reach the Helok village from where we will get the local jeep to Taplejung. For about 3 to 4 hours we continue downhill trekking through green lush forests, small villages, and cross few bridges. Upon reaching the Taplejung, we will enjoy with our trekking crew members in celebration of our successful Kanchenjunga Trek.
Day 17: Drive from Taplejung to Birtamod (235km - 8/9 hrs)
We will drive to Birtamod Bazaar on a shared jeep or private jeep. It takes about 7 to 8 hours to reach the Birtamod Bazaar. It is the major city of the Eastern Nepal. In the evening, we can explore the marketplace and understand about the culture and patterns of the Eastern Nepal. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 18: Bhadrapur to Kathmandu Flight (45 m)
We will take the flight from Bhadrapur airport to Kathmandu. Upon reaching the Kathmandu, the representative of the Nepal High Trek will host the celebration dinner in the cultural restaurant. We will reflect on our trekking trip and review about the trek. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 19: Reserve Day
The journey of the Kanchenjunga Trek is not ordinary. It is the long detour trekking that involves traveling to high - altitude places. There are lots of transportation means that we will be using. Therefore, lots of cancellations and delays may happen while on the trekking trip. Therefore, we must keep at least a day as a reserve day.
Day 20: Final Departure
Finally, we will bid farewell with promise to meet again. Our airport representative will take you to the airport in a private vehicle for the final departure.
What is included in the package?
- All ground transportation.
- Two night boutique hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- Full board measl throughout the trek (Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner)
- Both way airfare (Kathmandu – Bhadrapur – Kathmandu)
- Govenment license holder mountain guide including salary, transportation, accommodation, meals and insurance.
- One strong poter for each two client including salalary, accommodation, meals and insurance.
- 3 cup hot tea per day during the trek.
- During the trek, seasonal fresh fruit.
- Local private accommodation (Twin sharing basis beds)
- Local transportation from Bhadrapur to Taplejung and Taplejung to Sekathum)
- Local transportation from Helok to Taplejung and Bhadrapur.
- Adventure Certificate of Nepal High Trek.
- Nepal High Trek’s down jacket and sleeping bags (if you needed)
- The arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid by your Travel insurance company.
- Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
What does not exclude?
- Nepal entry visa fee.
- Your Travel insurance.
- All the Food in Kathmandu. Also in the case of early return from mountain (due to any reason) Than the scheduled Itinerary.
- All the expenses in mountain over than scheduled itinerary (due to strike, delay or canceled flight)
- 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.
Kanchanjunga Trek Map
Nepal High Trek & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. 
