Life Dream AdventureKanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
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Facts About Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
Trip Overview
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek: An Ultimate Guide
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is one of the unspoiled trekking trail in eastern part of Nepal opened in 1988 for foreign trekkers which offers diverse landscapes, cultures and beautiful scenery of Himalayas.
Trek to Kanchenjunga offers us the incredible views of Mount Kanchenjunga (8586m), the world’s third highest mountain and also the eye-catching views of other high mountains like Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, & Kanchenjunga. These four of the world’s five highest mountains make the trek much more rewarding.
Venturing on the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is an experience of a lifetime.
Kanchenjunga Trekking Highlights
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek offers breathtaking views of the third highest peak in the world, complemented by a mosaic of lush landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and vibrant cultures. As trekkers ascend, they're greeted with pristine glaciers, roaring waterfalls, and a myriad of wildlife in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, including snow leopards and red pandas.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Difficulty
Labeled as a challenging trek, the journey demands a good fitness level and prior trekking experience. Trekkers face steep climbs, challenging terrains, and high altitudes, with some days demanding up to 7-8 hours of trekking.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Itinerary
Typically, the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek spans 20-25 days, commencing from Suketar and heading through places like Chirwa, Amjilosa, and Ghunsa before reaching the base camp. The descent usually follows a different route, offering varied landscapes.
Best Time to Trek Kanchenjunga Base Camp
Spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November) are ideal, marked by clear skies and moderate temperatures. Monsoon (June-September) brings heavy rainfall, and winter (December-February) can be harsh with snow.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Cost
The cost varies depending on the package, agency, and the trek's length. Typically, it ranges between $2,500 to $3,500, inclusive of permits, accommodations, meals, and guides.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Permits
Two permits are mandatory: the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP) and the Restricted Area Permit (RAP). The cost for these permits ranges between $20-$50, depending on the season.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Altitude
The trek culminates at an altitude of 5,140 meters at the base camp. Acclimatization days are essential to avoid altitude sickness, which is a real concern.
Accommodation on Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
The trek offers a mix of teahouses and camping. As one ventures deeper into the trail, the accommodation options become limited. Basic teahouses with shared rooms and local food are prevalent.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Packing List
Packing essentials include sturdy trekking boots, warm layers, a down jacket, rain gear, sleeping bags, and trekking poles. A first aid kit, water purification tablets, and sunscreen are also must-haves.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Solo
Solo trekking is possible but challenging due to the trail's remoteness and difficulty. However, the government mandates hiring a guide for safety and navigation purposes.
So, the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is an adventurous journey into one of the Himalayas' unspoiled regions. With preparation and perseverance, trekkers will be rewarded with unforgettable experiences.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Itinerary
Expand/Collapse AllFood
Dinner
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
1350
Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) Kathmandu, you are welcomed by hospitable meeting and then you will be transferred to hotel. In hotel there will be short briefing about the trek.
Overnight in Kathmandu
Accommodation – 3 star rated hotel
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
1968
We will take an early morning flight after having breakfast. Today is our first day of walking. Firstly, we walk to the village of Asahangpati and reach Tamor Khola. Then we trek through the dense forest observing the various species of birds and finally reach Mitlung. Mitlung is a beautiful village inhabited by Chhetri’s.
Overnight in Mitlung
Accommodation- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
1190
Today we pass through the dense patches of subtropical rainforest and follow the trail to valley then pass by small village before ascending. This place village is home to ethnic kirantis, now known as Limbus. Our trail goes through the cultivated land and some steep ascends. After passing Tawa, we will finally reach Chhiruwa.
Overnight in Chhhiruwa
Accommodation- Best Teahouse Available, Meals Included- Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
1640
After having breakfast we follow the trail passing through the Limbu, Rai, Tamang and Sherpa villages. Following the Tamur river, we climb a spur before descending to Simbua khola. Simbua Khola originates from the Yalung Glacier located in the south face of Kanchenjunga. After crossing a ridge and passing through steep narrow Ghunsa valley we finally reach Sukathum.
Overnight in Sukathum
Accommodation- Teahouse/ Homestay, Meals Included- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
2490
After having breakfast in early morning we ascend north east along the Ghunsa Khola. We cross via the cultivated lands and reach the Jaubari village. From there we will walk on exposed terrain and climb hill to reach Amjilessa. Amjilessa is a beautiful Tibetan Village.
Overnight in Amjilessa
Accommodation- Homestay/ Teahouse, Meals Included- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
2730
Today we will follow the trail through Rhododendron and Bamboo forests. After acending for some ours and passing beautiful forests we will reach Gyapla. On the way we can also observe the beautiful waterfalls on the side of stream. Gyapla is a beautiful villages offering the incredible scenarios.
Overnight in Gyapla
Accommodation- Teahouse/ Homestay, Meals Included- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3430
After having breakfast, we will head toward the last and largest village of the valley. Ghunsa village is Tibetan village with wooden houses. There is Kanchenjunga Conservation Area office, health post, schools and shops and some beautiful Gompas in Ghunsa village. This is a junction of all trekkers coming and going to Kanchenjunga Base Camp. From Gyapla, we cross a large meadow and climb a gentle hill before reaching Ghunsa.
Overnight in Ghunsa
Accommodation- Teahouse, Meals Included- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3430
Today we rest in Ghunsa village in order to acclimatize our body to higher altitude. Experts believes that being inactive in trekking days will create more difficulty in upcoming journey so we will go for a short hike to Selele pass and return Gunsa. If time permits we will also explore the village today.
Overnight in Gunsa
Accommodation- Teahouse, Meals Included- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
4040
After having early morning breakfast, we will ascend through the beautiful forests of pine and Rhododendrons along the south bank of Gunsa River. We will have good chance to explore the beautiful Chortens and Mani walls on the way. After crossing severan screen slopes and moraine glaciers we will reach todays destination Kambachen. Kambachen is a Tibetan settlement on a grassyland with dozen of houses which offers the great scenario of surrounding high peaks.
Overnight in Kambachen
Accommodaion- Best Teahouse Available, Meals Included- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
4790
After having breakfast we trek to the source of Ghunsa Khola on reaching there we will stay on north side of Kanchenjunga Glacier and high along a high plateau. After some hours of ups and downs we will reach Lhonak. Although the cold area due to the high elevation, Lhonak offers fantastic views of surrounding giant peaks including Wedge Peak (6,750m), Mera Peak (6,344m), Twins (7,351m), Nepal Peak (6,910m) and many others.
Overnight in Lhonak
Accommodation- Best Teahouse Available, Meals Included- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
5140
Today we will trek to Pang Pema (Kanchenjunga Northern Base Camp) following the same glacier on the northern ridges from Lhonak. On reaching the basecamp we will find ourselves surrounded by giant snow capped mountains. The base camp offers mesmerizing views of high mountains.
Overnight in Pang Pema
Accommodation- Best teahouse available, Meals Included- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
4790
After having breakfast in the early morning we will retrace our footsteps to Lhonak. We will have the beautiful views of mountains while going back to Lhonak.
Overnight in Lhonak
Accommodation- Best Teahouse available, Meals Included- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3430
We follow the same trail back to reach Gunsa village. Enjoying the scenaries and doing some ascends and descends we will reach beautiful Gunsa village.
Overnight in Gunsa
Accommodation- Teahouse, Meals Included- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3546
From Gunsa we follow the steep rocky trail through the dense forests and finally reach Sinion/Selele Phedi. Selele Phedi rewards us with great scenario of white mountains.
Overnight in Selele Phedi
Accommodation- Best Teahouse Available, Meals Included- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3870
After having breakfast in the early morning we will treak toward Tseram. On the way we pass through the high pass- Selele (4,480m) and Sinion La pass (4,660m). Enjoying the great scenario and taking some pictures in these pases we immediately follow the descending trail to Tseram.
Overnight in Tseram
Accommodation- Best Teahouse available, Meals Included- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
4620
Today we will follow a trail that leads us to Kanchenjunga Oktang Base Camp. Oktang Base Camp offers us incredible views of White Mountains and makes our trip more exciting. It offers great views of Koktang (6,147m), Rathong (6,679m), and many other giant peaks reaching altitude more than 7000m. Then we will trek to Ramche.
Overnight in Ramche
Accommodation- Best teahouse available, Meals Included- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3256
After having breakfast in Ramche we start to descend through the beautiful Rhododendron forests and reach Tortong.
Overnight in Tortong
Accommodation- Best Guest House Available, Meals Included- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
2340
Today we follow mostly descending trail via patches of Rhododendron forests and reach Amja Khola. The small village is a scenic and beautiful.
Overnight in Amja Khola
Accommodation- Best Teahouse Available, Meals Included- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
1810
About 5 hours of descend via beautiful forests and villages takes us to Mamankhe.
Overnight in Mamankhe
Accommodation- Best Teahouse Available, Meals Included- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
2134
After having breakfast in the early morning, we will trek toward Kande Bhanjyang. After having some ascends and descends and passing through the patches of forests and villages we will reach Kande Bhanjang.
Overnight ion Kande Vanjang
Accommodation- Best Teahouse Available, Meals Included- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
2213
After having breakfast in the early morning, we will trek toward Lali Kharka. After having some ascends and descends and passing through the patches of forests and villages we will reach Lali Kharka.
Overnight ion Lali Kharka
Accommodation- Best Teahouse Available, Meals Included- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
1824
Today is our final day of walk. We will descend from Lalikharka through the patches of forests. After crossing villages and having some easy walks we will reach Taplejung/ Suketar from where we will fly to Kathmandu.. We will celebrate our successful trip in Taplejung.
Overnight in Suketar
Accommodation- Best Teahouse Available, Meals Included- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
1350
We will have short and scenic early morning flight to Kathmandu. You can relax in hotel or catch some final hor shopping in Kathmandu
Overnight in Kathmandu
Accommodation- 3 star rated hotel, Meals Included- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Food
Breakfast
Our representative will drop you to the International Airport (TIA) to assist you for your final departure to your destination or alternatively the next destination.
Please Note: The above information is a guide and standard template of what we provide. Our trip can be customized at your request to accommodate your specific requirements.
Cost Includes
- Airport and hotel transportation
- 2 night hotel in Kathmandu
- All accommodation and meals during the trek
- Domestic flights fare
- An experienced English-speaking trek leader and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (necessary porters) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging
- All necessary paper work and permits (National park permit, TIMS)
- Kanchenjunga special permits, KCAP permit fee
- A comprehensive medical kit
- All government and local taxes
- All Nepalese staffs insurance as per Nepalese government rules
- Company service charge and government taxes etc.
Cost Excludes
- Nepal Visa fee (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs)
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- All meals in Kathmandu
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu
- Travel Insurance fee and rescue insurance
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc.)
- Tips for guides and porters
- All other expenses not mentioned in cost include section
Altitude Graph
Fequenty Asked Questions (FAQs)
Autumn (Mid – November to Mid – December)
Autumn is the perfect season for trekking in Kanchenjunga region. The climate is perfect with clear sky and stunning views. A large number of tourist flock Kanchenjunga region during this season. October is also best for Kanchenjunga Trekking
Not that fit. If you don’t bother walking up-stairs and can walk for a few hours at a time, this trek is for you.
That’s not to say, it will be easy each day – you can be exhausted and your legs might get hurt. But if you take slow pace and take some day with acclimatization, drink enough water and listen to your body, you can make it with no major issues.
Engaging yourself in cardiovascular exercise, leg training, aerobic exercise and short hiking few weeks prior the trek would be the wise decision. It boosts up your strength and stamina.
Note: Because of some steep uphill and downhill trail route, rocky paths and rock steps, Kanchenjunga trekking would not be appropriate for anyone with knee problems or weak ankles. Anyone with the problem of heart or lungs must consult the doctor prior the trek. Be noted that the medical facilities are very basic on the trail.
You will not find any ATMs on the way to trek. ATMs are available in big cities like Kathmandu.
Note: Everything you buy must be paid in Nepali currency. So, it is wise to exchange money before the trek.
As the trail is less busy, there is limited number of teahouses on the way. The lodges and teahouses provide the good hospitality with clean room and hygienic meals.
We will stay in Teahouses, lodges or home stay. This trail is less known and it sees very few trekkers as compared to other trekking trails on Himalayas. So there are few guest houses on the trail.
In the cities like Kathmandu you will have many options and ranges of cuisines but in the higher altitudes you will be served typical Nepalese food.
No, we have porters who carry your heavy gear but you have to carry light day-pack containing water bottle, camera, sunglasses, extra layer of clothing, rain coat or wind breaker and snacks.
Don’t worry, we provide only experienced and reliable guides and porters. We guarantee that your guides and porters won’t disappear throughout your trip. In case they did, we will immediately send you new guide or porter to help you.
Yes you must have travel insurance which can cover the helicopter rescue and medical fee coverage in case of any kinds of emergency. Sometime altitude sickness makes you in difficult situation and need to airlift to Kathmandu. So the insurance need to cover these expenses.
Additional Information
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is one of the less-travelled trekking routes in Nepal, located in the eastern region of the country. Here are some additional pieces of information about the trek:
Trek Duration:
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek usually takes around 22-26 days, depending on the itinerary and trekking agency.
Altitude:
The trek starts from a height of 1,700 meters (5,577 feet) and goes up to a maximum altitude of 5,388 meters (17,673 feet) at the Kanchenjunga Base Camp.
Difficulty Level:
This trek is considered to be a strenuous and challenging trek, due to its long duration, high altitude, and remote location. It is recommended for experienced trekkers who have previous experience with high-altitude trekking.
Permits:
As the Kanchenjunga region falls under a restricted area, trekkers need to obtain two permits: the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP) and the Restricted Area Permit (RAP).
Best Time to Trek:
The best time to trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. The weather is usually clear, and the temperature is moderate during these months.
Accommodation:
While trekking in the Kanchenjunga region, trekkers will mostly be staying in tea houses or lodges. However, due to the remote location of the trek, the facilities may not be as comfortable as in other popular trekking routes like the Everest or Annapurna regions.
Highlights:
The trek offers stunning views of the Kanchenjunga massif, which is the third highest peak in the world. Trekkers also get to explore remote villages, encounter local culture and traditions, and see a diverse range of flora and fauna in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.
Safety:
It is important to trek with a licensed and experienced guide, as the Kanchenjunga region can be challenging and unpredictable. Trekkers should also be prepared for altitude sickness and carry appropriate gear and equipment.
Beryl Carland and Nicholas
United Kingdom
18th May, 2022
“Everything I imagined and more”
Hari Bhatta is a professional guide trek organizer for your adventure! He has many years of experience for trekking and touring in Nepal, great communication skills and speaks excellent English. He took good care of me when I was sick during our trek to Kanchanjunga Base Camp trek, made sure I was safe and comfortable and always made sure I was having a good time as trekker. Hari has much knowledge of all trekking areas in to all Nepal, and well management by Life Dream Adventure. Really nice team i enjoyed a lot having my holidays with this beautiful people in beautiful country to do trekking in Kanchanjunga . Hari always had one of the biggest and best smiles in Nepal; he will put you in touch and provide interaction with the beautiful people, culture and mountains of Nepal. Truly amazing trip it was for me. If anyone interests to visit in Nepal do not hesitate to contact Life Dream adventure. 19th July, 2019