Kanchenjunga south and north base camp 27 days
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Duration: 27 days
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Trip level: strenuous to adventurous (info?)
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Maximum altitude: 5190 m
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Accommodation: basic teahouse/lodge
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Season: March, April, May, October, November
Kanchenjunga, Tibetan for “five great treasures of snow”. A hint at the spectacular mountain views that awaits you. In the eastern part of Nepal, on the border with Sikkim and Tibet, rises majestically the Kanchenjunga massif. It is a remote area and few trekkers visit the Kanchenjunga. You will visit both north and south base camps. During trek you will have breathtaking views of the Makalu, Chamlang , Everest and the Kanchenjunga. The trail passes through subtropical valleys, rhododendron forests and high alpine meadows. This is a long and tough trek in a region with little infrastructure. The trails are narrow and rough. Since recent it is possible to do the Kanchenjunga trek as a teahouse trek. However, keep in mind that these teahouses are simple and basic. Teahouse trek benefits the locals directly (and indirectly as well), so we prefer to offer teahouse trek.
It is possible to do shorter Kanchenjunga treks, please inquire for the possibilities.
The adventure starts with a comfortable ride in a Hiace van to Ilam. This village is in the middle of the teagardens. On a bright day you can already see the Kanchenjunga mountains. From Ilam it is a jeep ride to Taplejung. It is possible to fly to Taplejung, but flights are often cancelled. The first days you will trek alongside the raging Tamur river. At Seketham the Tamur river is joined by the Ghunsa khola. Soon you will arrive at the Olangchung Gola, the entry point of the Kanchenjugha National Park. Until Ghunsa it can hot and humid, and the path is wet and muddy. The Tibetan settlement of Ghunsa is sceneric with its wooden houses and numerous prayers flags. There are several lodges and shops in the village and a small Kanchenjunga Conservation Area office along with a couple of gompas. At Ghunsa an acclimatisation hike will be organised towards the Lapsan La pass. From Ghunsa the trail makes a gradual ascent through pine and rhodendron forests along the east bank of the Ghunsa Khola passing several mani walls and chortens along the way. You walk around the incredible northern flanks of Jannu on the approach to the Nepal side of Kanchenjunga north base camp at Pangpema. Here at last, the impressive northern face of Kanchenjunga is revealed. From Pangpema you will retrace your steps down-valley to Ghunsa. From Ghunsa it is a steep rocky trail towards the Sele La pass. From the pass you will have magnificent views at Jannu together with Makalu, the long ridge of Chamlang and even a glimpse of Everest. From the pass there is a 1000m descent on a trail toTseram which is a small settlement located above the Simbua Khola. From Ramche it is a easy gentle climb to Kanchenjunga south base camp. From here you will views of the Yalung Glacier and the south face of the massive Kangchenjunga. There is a good chance of spotting blue sheep up here. After the visit at the south base camp the trail descents down a beautiful scenery of mossy rhododendron forests and the changing sounds of the river. Yamphudin is a truly idyllic spot at an elevation of 1700 metres. The heat and humidity are coming back as you will pass by some terraced fields towards suketar. From this village you will have to say goodbye to the Kanchenjunga. From Suketar you will drive back in two days the busy city of Kathmandu.
Day 01 Drive Kathmandu to Ilam (9 hrs.)
Day 02 Drive Ilam to Taplejung/Suketar (2420m – 7 hrs.)
Day 03 Trek to Mitlung (921 m – 4 hrs.)
Day 04 Trek to Chiruwa (1270 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 05 Trek to Seketham (1660 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 06 Trek to Amjilosa (2308 m – 8 hrs.)
Day 07 Trek to Gyabla (2730 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 08 Trek to Ghunsa (3595 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 09 Resting day at Ghunsa for acclimatization. Optional day hike towards the Lapsan La pass.
Day 10 Trek to Kambachen (4050 m – 7 hrs.)
Day 11 Resting day at Kambachen for acclimatization
Day 12 Trek to Lhonak (4780 m – 7 hrs.)
Day 13 Trek to Pangpema (5190 m) and visit Kanchenjunga North base camp (6 hrs.)
Day 14 Trek to Kambachen (4050 m – 5 hrs.)
Day 15 Trek to Ghunsa (3595 m – 5 hrs.)
Day 16 Trek to Sele La camp (4290 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 17 Cross over Sele La pass (4480 m) and Mirgin La pass (4480 m), and trek to Tseram (3870 m – 7 hrs.)
Day 18 Trek to Ramche (4620 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 19 Day hike to Kanchenjunga South base camp/Oktang (4700 m – 7 hrs.)
Day 20 Trek to Torontan (2980 m – 8 hrs.)
Day 21 Trek to Yamphudin (2080 m – 8hrs.)
Day 22 Trek to Mamanke (1900 m – 7 hrs.)
Day 23 Trek to Kande Bhyanjyang (2120 m – 6hrs.)
Day 24 Trek to Lalikharka (2220 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 25 Trek to Taplejung/Suketar (2420 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 26 Drive Taplejung to Ilam (6 hrs.)
Day 27 Drive Ilam to Kathmandu (9 hrs.)
During the trekking season prices may rise. The final price depends on the trekking season, group size and, if applicable, the cost of local transfers.
Please inquire about the price.
We have noticed the ways of travelling and booking are changing rapidly. Many customers book a hotel or a guesthouse themselves prior to their journey. However, we would happily like to arrange accommodation for you. We have excellent contacts with various hotels and guesthouses and will be able to offer a good price rate for any budget.
When you arrive at the International Airport we will pick you up and bring you to your accommodation. Here we will give you a short briefing about the trek. In addition we will give you advice about hygienic food, customs, and sightseeing in Kathmandu.
Cost include:
-Pick up and drop off from Kathmandu International Airport to hotel
-Return drive Kathmandu to Taplejung by Hiace van to Ilam, and private jeep to Taplejung
-Certificate of CO2- emission free return drive Kathmandu to Taplejung
-Licensed and certified mountain guide. Well experienced and English speaking
-Salary, food, accommodation and insurance for the mountain guide and porter(s)
-Porter service for carrying luggage. One porter for two persons, max. luggage 12 kg. per person
-Free use of waterproof bag
-Restricted Kanchenjunga Area permit, entry permit for Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project (KCAMC) , TIMS card and local taxes
-Support of the Sherpa Heritage Trails head office in Kathmandu
Cost exclude:
-International flight to Kathmandu
-Nepal entrance visa
-Accommodation and all meals in Kathmandu
-All meals in Ilam
-Lodging and food during trek
-All beverage bills, hot shower, internet services, laundry and battery charge during trek
-Personal travel insurance
-Rescue operation charge in case of an emergency
-Any cost that arises due to a change of itinerary like flight delay, natural calamities, etc.
-Gratitude and tips for mountain guide and porter(s)