Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

This day stays open for last-minute preparations and getting ready for your restricted area treks in Nepal. You'll sit down with your skilled guide for a detailed trip overview and complete equipment inspection. Any missing items can be rented or bought from Thamel's lively shopping areas.

We provide important equipment such as duffel bags, down jackets, and sleeping bags. Our team will gather your paperwork, including insurance details and final payments if remaining. You'll get a Nepal Hiking Team shirt, a comprehensive Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek route map, and a cap as keepsakes from your journey.

The remaining time allows you to relax, walk around Kathmandu's vibrant streets, explore traditional markets, or focus on preparing mentally for the K3 trek.

Your Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek starts with a beautiful airplane ride from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur at Chandragadhi Airport in Jhapa district. This 50 to 55 minute domestic journey offers breathtaking mountain views across Nepal's snow-capped ranges, creating excitement for your upcoming expedition. 

After landing, you'll travel by road to Taplejung, which acts as the main entry point into the Kanchenjunga area. During this drive, you'll witness authentic rural life passing through settlements like Rakse, Phiddim, and Ghopetar. 

In these places, you’ll see local markets, agricultural terraces, and traditional mountain communities that reflect the region's distinct heritage. Taplejung is the place where your walking adventure truly begins, providing cozy lodge accommodation for your initial night's rest.

A complete meal service, covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, keeps you properly nourished and ready for the challenging days ahead.

After breakfast, we begin our drive from Taplejung. All ground transportation is included in our package, so you can relax and enjoy the journey. The route passes through stunning landscapes, with waterfalls, terraced fields, and charming rural scenery.

Around three to four hours into the drive, we reach Ranipul, where the road may become unpaved. Although the distance is not long, the bumpy road conditions make the journey take a bit longer than expected. 

After a couple of hours on the road, you’ll arrive in Shekathum. Here, you can take a walk around the local village, watching the authentic mountain life and serene surroundings before settling in for the evening.

Today's walk from Shekathum to Amjilasa brings both satisfaction and hardship, so we begin early in the morning. Amjilasa serves as the entrance point toward Kanchenjunga Base Camp and holds key importance in the eastern Nepal trekking circuit.

Our path starts beyond Shekathum village, where we walk across a suspension bridge over the Ghunsa Khola River. This becomes the first of several river crossings during the day. The trail then takes us into thick woodland areas dominated by blooming rhododendrons and tall bamboo groves (during suitable seasons).

From this point, we climb sharply upward, drop down again, and cross the flowing water once more, creating diverse and testing ground conditions.

Moving forward, we travel through a narrow valley passage and walk past the tiny settlement of Solima. The route follows a difficult pathway filled with continuous climbs and drops that demand careful steps and measured walking.

After many hours of focused hiking, we reach Amjilasa, a peaceful resting place that represents a significant achievement in our Pangpema mountain expedition.

Your day begins beside the Ghunsa Khola river, where rushing water sounds guide your steps. The trail passes through thick forests of bamboo, fir, oak, and rhododendron trees before reaching a quiet stone house near the water.

The climbing starts here as you cross wooden bridges and walk past beautiful waterfalls fed by glacier streams. Lucky trekkers might spot red pandas in the trees or see Himalayan black bears moving through the forest.

The path continues to Pangling Hill with more suspension bridges before reaching Dhagnem village. This small settlement features century-old stone houses that show how people have lived in these mountains for generations.

After one final climb through bamboo forests, you arrive at Gyabla village. Strong Tibetan culture influences this peaceful place, which offers you only a few simple teahouses and no modern development. Here, trekkers find quiet rest and authentic mountain life during their Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek journey.

As you will gain quite an altitude, it’s important to have steady pacing and climb carefully. Leaving Gyabla, you follow the trail through lush forests, cross rivers, and step carefully on stone-made ladders. Along the way, you pass the beautiful Sherpa village of Phale. From here, it takes about three and a half hours to reach Ghunsa.

Phale is home to Pholey Gumba, a Tibetan monastery with great local importance. Inside stands a statue believed to exist only in three places: Phale in Nepal, Dharamshala in India, and Lhasa in Tibet. Stopping here offers you a chance to witness a part of spiritual heritage rarely seen by outsiders.

As you climb higher, the views grow more dramatic, with waterfalls flowing down cliffs and peaks rising above the valleys. Eventually, you arrive in Ghunsa, a serene Sherpa village surrounded by mountains and prayer flags.

Here, you can visit Tashi Chhyoling Monastery, meet the warm locals, and enjoy better facilities than in earlier villages like Amjilasa and Gyabla. Ghunsa offers a comfortable place to rest, regain energy, and prepare for the journey ahead into the higher Himalayas.

On this day, you’ll have your first rest day spent in the charming Sherpa village of Ghunsa, nestled within the mountain valley. This pause allows your body to adjust properly to the higher altitude before continuing toward more challenging elevations.

Smart trekkers know that rest days work best when you stay gently active. Your morning has a pleasant walk through vibrant green forests that leads to the serene Laspsan La Monastery. The combination of peaceful temple grounds and stunning mountain panoramas makes this short hike both refreshing and spiritually rewarding.

You return to Ghunsa by afternoon, where the real cultural experience begins. Village walks let you meet friendly local families and hear fascinating stories about their mountain lifestyle. This slower walk allows your body to recover while you discover genuine Sherpa traditions.

From Ghunsa village, your trek heads north following the flowing river. You'll walk through the settlements of Sypchen and Tartang along this route.

You’ll get to see Hajare Odar, a giant stone that local Kirant communities believe has special religious and cultural importance. It could provide shelter for over a thousand people during times of need, making it an important worship site to ancient mountain traditions.

Then, your trail continues to Rampuk Kharka Bridge, passing a waterfall before reaching Jannu Phaktanglung's scenic viewpoint. The path becomes demanding here as you navigate through unstable landslide areas and cross wooden bridges that require careful attention and steady footing.

After the trail, trekkers can see the north face of Mount Jannu. Following the Rocky Mountain trail further, you finally arrive at the peaceful Kambachen village. You'll rest for the night, completely surrounded by the towering giants of the eastern Nepal Himalayas.

Another important rest day awaits you at Kambachen after spending two nights in Ghunsa. This carefully planned pause gives your body essential time to adapt to the thin mountain air while allowing you to watch for any altitude-related symptoms.

Kambachen provides an ideal mountain sanctuary where you can truly appreciate the surrounding peaks. From this point, you'll enjoy spectacular views of Mount Jannu, one of the most dramatic and photogenic summits in the entire Kanchenjunga massif. 

The day focuses entirely on gentle recovery, resting your muscles, and enjoying a refreshing warm wash after days of trekking. Then, you can take leisurely walks into the stunning Nuphchu Khola Valley.

These exploration walks let you discover the unique high-altitude landscape while keeping your activity level appropriate for acclimatization. As evening approaches, you return to Kambachen village.

The walk from Kambachen to Lhonak is one of the most difficult sections of your Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek. The path crosses rocky terrain and boulder-covered slopes while massive Himalayan peaks dominate every direction you look.

Your first checkpoint arrives at Lumuchhemu village, followed by Ladam, where the harsh mountain landscape begins testing your physical limits. The trail continues across a dangerous landslide zone requiring careful footwork before dropping briefly toward the rushing river below.

Soon, you're rewarded with views of the Khando Waterfall, where water crashes down steep cliff faces. From here, the route climbs a steep stone ridge that opens spectacular mountain vistas as you approach Ramdang. The local teahouse provides an essential rest stop where trekkers can refuel.

The trail from Ramdang continues upward to Lhonak village, where the scenery becomes truly magnificent. You can admire views across the Kanchenjunga Glacier, and fortunate trekkers might spot blue sheep grazing near the Lhonak River. 

Your day concludes surrounded by snow-covered giants, including the Kanchenjunga Massif, Nepal Peak, Mera Peak, and other stunning summits.

Your walk follows the massive Kanchenjunga Glacier across its rocky and uneven surface. Your first destination is Syamjo. Then the trail takes you to the legendary Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, known locally as Pangpema Base Camp.

At Pangpema, you’ll get stunning views of Jannu, Kanchenjunga, and Chang Himal peaks. This location is one of the best photography spots on the Kanchenjunga trek route.

From Pangpema, you continue climbing to Thankpu. The path becomes increasingly difficult as you reach Jorkyu. From here, you’ll walk toward the actual Kanchenjunga Base Camp itself.

The altitude now exceeds 5,000 meters, making slow and steady movement absolutely essential for your safety. However, the magnificent views of the world's third-highest mountain make every challenging step completely worthwhile. 

At Pangpema View Base Camp, leading toward the North Summit Camp, you're surrounded by incredible mountain scenery. After absorbing these unforgettable Himalayan views, you’ll carefully walk back to Lhonak village for your overnight rest

After today, you’ll have memories of an extraordinary day among eastern Nepal's highest peaks.

Your journey from Lhonak back to Ghunsa offers diverse landscapes, including rocky trails and dense forests. The path takes you through friendly Sherpa villages where locals share warm hospitality and traditional foods like yak cheese and churpi. Cascading waterfalls along the route create a peaceful atmosphere during your Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek descent.

Approaching Ghunsa, you'll notice the region's strong Buddhist culture through colorful prayer flags and traditional monasteries that welcome trekkers back. These cultural displays remind you of the spiritual traditions that define life in these remote mountain communities.

Ghunsa village provides a comforting rest stop with authentic Sherpa charm and a serene mountain atmosphere. This traditional settlement offers a memorable experience in the heart of the Kanchenjunga region, where you'll spend your overnight stay after completing your base camp adventure.

Leaving Ghunsa, you start climbing toward Sele La Camp on the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. This route takes you through thick forests with green trees and mountain views around every corner.

The trail begins easily but soon becomes a steep stone climb. You can stop at small rest points along the way. The forest changes as you go higher. Trees disappear, and open meadows appear. This scenery keeps changing and makes the long walk more interesting.

After walking for several hours, you reach Sele La Camp at 4,355 meters. This quiet spot sits high in the mountains and feels peaceful. Few people pass through this remote area on their way to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp.

Tonight you rest at this camp and get ready for tomorrow's trek on the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek.

This day on Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek starts early with mountain views everywhere. The trail climbs steadily, showing you the Himalayas from the beginning.
From the ridge, you see Kumbakarna rising from Kanchenjunga's south side. Makalu, the world's sixth-highest peak, appears in the distance, and Jannu Himal stands out with its sharp edges.

You cross Sele La Pass at 4,480 meters, and this spot shows you the region's spiritual side. The path goes over more passes such as Sinion La, Mirgin La at 4,646 meters, and Sinelapche Bhanjyang. Each pass offers wide views that make the climb worthwhile.
Then, your trail follows rough paths. You pass a blue lake and watch yaks carrying supplies across the terrain. The route has both hard climbs and steep drops, making it a long day.

By late afternoon, you return to Cheram, the village has a few teahouses with some under construction. Accommodation stays are limited but welcoming. You rest here after one of the most memorable days in the remote eastern part of Nepal.

On this day, you’ll leave Cheram behind and start climbing toward Ramche along the Yalung Glacier edge. The Simbuwa Khola river flows alongside your path, creating peaceful water sounds that mix with the rocky mountain surroundings.

Your route crosses Napsangla Pass, where wide Himalayan views open up before you. Ramche welcomes you with dramatic mountain peaks rising all around the settlement. Trekkers often spot blue sheep grazing calmly on the nearby slopes, moving quietly through the high-altitude grass.

The day's highlight comes with your hike to Oktang, where Kanchenjunga's massive southern face dominates everything in sight. After taking in the views and capturing some photos, you return to Ramche for the night. The village has just a few teahouses where you can rest after your day of trekking.

Your journey today brings a long downhill walk from Ramche to Torongden. The path changes constantly as you move from rocky terrain and open meadows into thick forest areas. 

You cross the Simbuwa Khola several times, and the trail passes through small villages like Cheram and Anda Phedi. These villages give you chances to stop and watch how local people live their daily lives. These brief encounters add something special to your Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek experience beyond just the mountain scenery. 

The combination of changing landscapes and village visits makes this trail both interesting and worth remembering. You see different sides of the region as you drop altitude throughout the day. 

In the evening, you reach Torongden, sitting peacefully in the valley below. This quiet settlement offers a few teahouses where trekkers can find beds and meals. You’ll get to check into one of these mountain lodges and rest your legs after covering many kilometers on the trail.

Trekkers will leave the peaceful village of Torongden and head downhill through dense woodland. Rhododendrons, pines, and oak trees form a green roof above your head while you walk. The Simbuwa Khola runs right beside the trail.

Small open spaces between the trees give you quick views of far-off mountain peaks. These glimpses remind you that the big Kanchenjunga mountains still rise nearby.

The trail goes up and down gently, keeping your pace steady without too much hard work. You might meet herders moving yaks and mules loaded with goods for mountain villages. These encounters show you how local people live and work in these high places.

You reach Yasang by afternoon, a small village sitting at 2,870 meters above sea level. The settlement looks simple but offers quiet teahouses where you can rest your feet. The calm setting and views of nearby ridges make Yasang a good place to stop during your Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek.

Tonight you sleep in one of the basic mountain lodges and prepare for tomorrow's journey.

Your final day on the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek begins with a steady way back from Yasang toward Hellok. The trail passes through dense forests, rocky stretches, and small streams

Keep an eye out for local wildlife, such as colorful birds and Himalayan animals, which often appear along these lower trails. Passing through traditional settlements also offers a chance to witness rural life in eastern Nepal.

By midday or early afternoon, you arrive in Hellok, the final stop of your trekking journey. Here, you bid farewell to the trails and begin a scenic jeep ride to Taplejung. The drive takes you through mountain roads, lush valleys, and riverside paths.

Reaching Taplejung is the end of your trekking adventure. The memories of high mountain passes, remote villages, and the majestic Kanchenjunga peaks will stay with you long after the journey ends.

After eating breakfast, you start the long drive from Taplejung to Bhadrapur. The road passes through hills, farm terraces, and small villages where you see how people live in eastern Nepal.

Then, you’ll arrive in Bhadrapur by late afternoon, a busy town close to the Indian border. A short flight from here brings you back to Kathmandu. On clear days, you can see the Himalayan mountains from the plane window, giving you one last look at the peaks from your Mount Kanchenjunga trek in Nepal.

When you land at Tribhuvan Domestic Airport, you are taken to your hotel in the city. The evening stays free for you to rest, take a hot shower, or walk around Kathmandu's busy streets while thinking about your mountain adventure.

Today stays free as an extra day in Kathmandu to handle any problems that might come up. Bad weather, delayed flights, or other issues sometimes happen during travel. This spare day makes sure your Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek ends without stress or hurry.

If everything works out fine, you get time to see Kathmandu at your own speed. You can visit famous places like Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, or Durbar Square. These spots show you Nepal's history and culture up close.

The day works well for trying local food, buying gifts to take home, or just walking around the busy streets. Many trekkers use this time to think about their mountain experience and what they saw during the trek.

This quiet day helps you adjust slowly from mountain life back to city life before you leave Nepal. Most trekkers find it relaxing after spending weeks in the high mountains.

Your unforgettable off-the-beaten-path journey comes to an end today. We provide comfortable transportation to Tribhuvan International Airport, ensuring you arrive about three hours before your international flight.

As you leave Nepal, you take with you more than just photographs. You carry memories of towering peaks, remote trails, and the friendships along the way. Completing this trek will be a remarkable achievement for you that leaves a lasting sense of accomplishment to the Himalayas.

If you’re already thinking about your next adventure, we’re here to help. We can assist you in planning future trips across Nepal, Bhutan, or Tibet. The mountains have a way of drawing trekkers back, always offering fresh experiences and unforgettable views.