Trip Overview
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Trip Code: NHT175
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Destination: Nepal
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Trip Grade: Moderate, Strenuous
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Max Elevation: 5150 m
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Total Duration: 26 days
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Best Time: March to May & Sept - Nov
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Group Size: Min. 2 Pax
The grandeur of third highest peak of the world, Mt. Kanchenjunga trek must be a dream of every adventure seeker however the remoteness of the place attracts only those travellers who aren’t afraid of off the beaten tracks and are ready to explore natural glory in its undisturbed natural attire. Mt. Kanchenjunga lies on the beautiful terrain of eastern region of Nepal and rises at a height of 8586 metres. Actually the word “Kanchenjunga” is derived from old Tibetan word which means five treasures of snow. The five individual peak of the Kanchenjunga range is considered as gold, silver, precious stone, grain and Holy Scriptures. These are the five treasures that the name Kanchenjunga depicts. The local people worship these mountains with the belief that has remained intact back from time.
The walk to the Kanchenjunga base camp is considered as the best walk one can ever have. The long trekking trail that takes you deep into the mountainous ecstasy and lets you endeavour the beauty that lies in the mountain ranges on the Nepal’s border with Tibet and Sikkim. The lush landscape, tropical jungles of rhododendron, oak and chestnuts to the high altitude alpine forests, you will pass through variety of vegetation on your way. With the vegetation, you will explore the variety of floras and faunas found in the eastern region of Nepal. Due to the high summer rainfall, the area preserve lots of unique birds and animals. If you are amongst the lucky one, then you will be able to encounter snow leopard, red panda or other species such as the Himalayan black bear or the Assamese macaque which are found here. Owning to its richness in biodiversity, it was declared as a conservation area.
Besides the richness in biodiversity and mountains, the region consist of mainly Rai and Limbu ethnic group people which makes it culturally rich too. The Rai and Limbu people have their own unique culture, tradition and lifestyle. Tibetan Buddhist culture is mostly prevalent in this area therefore it is sure that you will encounter monasteries, stupas and Gompas on your route.
Kanchenjunga Trek starts from Taplejung and goes all the way through Rai and Limbu villages, fields, terraced farmlands and forests to Kanchenjunga Trek. During the journey, you will be able to relish the glory of the Himalayas as you meander through steep ridges, lush grasslands and local Rai and Limbu villages. The Yulung glacier, mountain passes and the panoramic views of mountains from the Kanchenjunga Base Camp is an amazing experience that one will hold for lifetime.
So, if you think you have high endurance capacity and are fit for Kanchenjunga trek then get ready to walk in pristine environment to explore every original beauty of nature in its own undisturbed habitat. The lush valleys, landscapes, mountains, glaciers, passes and vibrant villages will leave you in awe.
Itinerary Expand all
Day 01 - Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu at any time. Our airport representative will welcome you and explain the program further. There are no planned activities for the day, so check into the hotel. Enjoy your overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 02 - Kathmandu valley sightseeing tour
Touring the World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley that includes: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Pasupatinath Temple. Overnight at hotel, breakfast included.
Day 03 - Fly to Taplejung (2320m/76096ft) trek to Mitlung (920m/3017ft) Duration: 3 hrs
A thirty minute flight to Taplejung at Suketar Airport and we star our trek to Mitlung. Overnight at Guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 04 - Mitlung to Chirwa (1270 m/4166 ft) Duration: 5-6 hrs
The trail ascends and descends steadily as we make our way towards the village of Sinwa. We continue trekking downhill until we reach Tawa. At Tawa, we ascend to some heights and cross the suspension bridge at Thiwa. We pass beautiful rural landscape along the way and reach Chirwa, a beautiful Limbu village with few lodges, tea shops etc. We spend the night at Chirwa. Overnight at Guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 05 - Chirwa to Sukathum (1576 m/5169 ft) Duration: 5-6 hrs
The trek from Chirwa to Sukathum passes through varied landscapes such as cardamom fields and dense forests. We trek uphill for sometime then descend to the lush green fields below and continue trekking along the Tamor River passing through a dense forest. It’s both uphill and downhill trek until crossing the Ghunsa River after which we reach Sukathum and spend the night there. Overnight at Guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 06 - Sukathum to Amjilosa (2308 m /7570 ft) Duration: 6-7 hrs
Trekking from Sukathum to Amjilosa is challenging. After crossing the suspension bridge outside Sukathum we enter a dense forest, ascend the steep trail, descend and cross the river again. We also climb a gorge from the bottom and pass by Solima village and descend again to the level of the river. All in all, this day’s trekking is rather tough.
Therefore, it is advisable to be very careful especially while walking the trail that passes the gorge. We later follow a tricky trail which goes both uphill and downhill until reaching Amjilosa where we spend the night. Overnight at Guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 07 - Amjilosa to Gyabla (2730 m /8954 ft) Duration: 6-7 hrs
We start trekking from the river bank, pass through a densely forest of bamboo, fir and rhododendrons eventually reaching a small stone house by the river. We then climb uphill crossing a few small bridges along the way. Here, we get to enjoy the company of stunning waterfalls that originate from the mountains. After yet another short uphill walk we reach the Tibetan settlement to Gyabla. Overnight at Guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 08 - Gyabla to Ghunsa (3595 m/11792 ft) Duration: 5-6 hrs
We descend down the river and notice the valley as it slowly opens up before reaching Phale, a Tibetan refugee settlement where it is possible to purchase handicrafts and homemade rugs from locals. After purchasing a few souvenirs we travel through conifer and pine forest and reach the Sherpa village of Ghunsa where we spend the night. This place is known for its hydroelectricity plant and the fact that more than 20 prominent conservationists met a tragic end in a helicopter crash. Overnight at Guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 09 - Acclimatization day at Ghunsa
We take care to spend time acclimatizing around Ghunsa before continuing our next day’s trek. We recommend you to stay active even in a rest day as it is better than being idle while on a trekking journey. Therefore, we take a short hike towards the Laspsan La monastery through the lush green forest. Come back to Ghunsa by afternoon and relax. Overnight at Guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 10 - Ghunsa to Kambachen (4050 m/13284 ft) Duration: 5-6 hrs
From Ghunsa we trek further north along the river bank which presents us with magnificent mountain scenery. We pass through meadows full with beautiful wildflowers, rhododendron and pine forests.
We cross a bridge at Rampuk Kharka, continue past the waterfall and cross the tricky section of the landslide. After crossing the landslide area we begin to see the spectacular view of Mt. Jannu. Further exploring and tackling the tricky mountain trail we finally arrive at Kambachen and spend the night. Overnight at Guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 11 - Acclimatization Day at Kambachen
We take yet another day for acclimatization at Kambachen which is reserved to accommodate participants in high altitude and also to observe if anybody in the group has any symptoms of altitude sickness. The overall idea for this day is to relax- take a bath and/or explore the Nuphchu Khola Valley area. We spend yet another night at Kambachen. Overnight at Guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 12 - Kambachen to Lhonak (4780 m/15678 ft) Duration: 6-7 hrs
Today will be another challenging day and an early start is needed. We trek through rocky fields and large boulders on the hillside along the riverbank and arrive at a waterfall. We then cross a bridge to Ramtang monastery. We then come across a landslide section which we must pass through at a steady pace before descending to the river and finally arriving at Lhonak. Overnight at Guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 13 - Trek to Pangpema/Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (5388 m/17673 ft) Duration: 6-7 hrs
We trek along the Kanchenjunga Glacier to spend a night at Pangpema, Kanchenjunga base camp on the north side. We urge you to be careful around the rockier sections as they are prone to landslides. After a short while you reach Pangpema, a flat grassy base camp. Climb a little higher and enjoy the splendor of Jannu, Kanchenjunga and Chang Himal. Overnight at Guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 14 - Trek back to Kambachen (4050 m/13284 ft) Duration: 6-7 hrs
We retrace our path to Lhonak and continue down the valley to Ramtang Monastery. The return journey offers a different perspective of the mountains Kanchenjunga, Taple Shikhar, Gimmigela, and Mera Peak among others. Due to the descending nature of this trek we will reach Kambachen by evening and spend the night there. Overnight at Guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 15 - Kambachen to Ghunsa (3595 m/11792 ft) Duration: 3-4 hrs
We descend to Ghunsa from Kambachen which means that we get to enjoy the beautiful forests along with a backdrop of impressive mountain scenery. Overnight at Ghunsa. Overnight at Guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 16 - Ghunsa to Sele Le (4290 m/14071 ft) Duration: 6-7 hrs
It’s a steep trek upward from Ghunsa to Sele-Le. Upon reaching Sele Le we climb through a dense forest of moss, rhododendron and juniper. Lunch will be served in an appropriate place with the availability of water. We spend the night in Sele Le. Overnight at Guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 17 - Sele Le to Cheram (3870 m/12694 ft) Duration: 6-7 hrs
We do an uphill trek and enjoy the mesmerizing south side view of Jannu Himal and Makalu (the world’s 6th highest mountain). Today is a strenuous trekking day as we cross several passes- Sinion La, Mirgin La and Sinelapche Bhanjyang. We then make a steep descend to Cheram and spend the night there. Overnight at Guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 18 - Cheram to Ramche (4580 m/15022 ft) and return back to Cheram, duration: 4-5 hrs
We ascend past the snout of the Yalung Glacier and walk alongside the Simbuwa Khola, pass through Lapsang village and reach Ramche. While there, we walk further up the valley or ascend a ridge for a tremendous view of blue sheeps. We then follow the stream before climbing on the moraine top until confronted by Kanchenjunga’s southern face. We walk further ahead for a glimpse of the Jannu Himal. We can even consider continuing to Oktang Monastery. Descend and spend the night at Cheram. Overnight at Guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 19 - Cheram to Tortong (2995 m/9824 ft) Duration: 5-6 hrs
As we descend to Tortong we first encounter two trails. One trail is the one we took while descending down from Sele Le. However, we ignore this route and descend further down to the trail alongside the Simbuwa Khola. We enjoy the lush rhododendron forest along the way. Overnight at Guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 20 - Tortong to Yamphudin (2080 m/6822 ft) Duration: 6-7 hrs
While descending from Tortong to Yamphudin we pass through Lasiya Bhanjyang which involves walking up through trees and area of landslides. The terrain changes after every monsoon but by the middle of October it should be stable with a route through. Walking further down we reach the village of Yamphudin, a village inhabited by Sherpas, Limbus and Rais. Overnight at Guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 21 - Trek to Mamanke (1800m/6000ft) Duration: 6-7 hrs.
Trek to Mamanke (1800m/6000ft) Duration: 6-7 hrs. Overnight at Guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 22 - Trek to Lalikharka (2265m/7430ft)
Trek to Lalikharka (2265m/7430ft) Duration: 5 hrs. Overnight at Guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 23 - Trek back to Suketar (2320m/76096ft)
Trek back to Suketar (2320m/76096ft) Duration: 4-5 hrs.Overnight at Guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 24 - Fly back to Kathmandu.
Fly back to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel, breakfast included.
Day 25 - Leisure Day
Spend the day in Kathmandu, to rest or to explore, as per your inclination. Overnight at hotel, breakfast included.
Day 26 - Farewell
Approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight, a representative from the Nepal Hiking Team will take you to the airport. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing.
Cost Includes
- All ground transportations by private vehicle including airport transfers
- Four night accommodation with breakfast at Thamel Eco Resort in Kathmandu
- Kathmandu valley sightseeing tours including tour guide, entry fees and private vehicle
- Full board meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
- Best available twin sharing lodge to lodge accommodation during the trek
- One highly experienced, helpful and friendly guide, porter (1 porter for 2 people) and their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and accidental insurance for all staff
- Round trip airfare from Kathmandu – Suketar and Suketar – Kathmandu including departure tax
- Down jacket and sleeping bag during the trek
- Duffle bag for the trekking
- Nepal Hiking Team T - shirt, trekking map and trip achievement certificate
- All necessary permits including: Kanchenjunga special permit, TIMS and conservation permit fees
- Comprehensive first aid medical kit
- Government taxes and office service charge
Cost Excludes
- Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary'
- Travel insurance
- International airfare
- Nepal entry visa
- Any kind of drinks other than tea/coffee during the trek
- Hot shower during the trek
- Personal trekking equipments
- Tips and gratuities for trekking staff and drivers
Cost & Dates
Group tours are unavailable for this trip, however, you can opt for the private trip. The private trips are available on any date of your choice at any time of the year. Let us know about your preferred travel dates and we shall organize it as per your convenience. Get in touch with your query now.
