This Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is a true adventure in a remote region of Nepal. Its Tibetan name describes the “five treasures of snow” that you will witness when you reach the Base Camp. Situated in eastern Nepal, this area borders Sikkim and Tibet, and it delivers truly amazing mountain views.
Along the way, you’ll encounter a wide range of different terrains. The journey starts in the lower, warm subtropical valleys. Eventually, it climbs through vibrant rhododendron forests. Finally, in the higher altitudes, you’ll walk through open alpine meadows. Here, you are treated to amazing views of peaks like the Jannu and the entire eastern Himalaya range. On this challenging trek, you make your way to both the south and north base camps.
The journey to the starting point of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is by flight and onwards by drive through the tea gardens. Initially, your first days lead you through rural Nepal. You hike past terraced fields and local villages. Soon, teahouses offer you the first views of the mighty Kanchenjunga peaks. However, this is only the beginning of the mountain scenery.
As you climb, the landscape changes fast. Gradually, lowland scenery gives way to alpine trees, bushes, and yak pastures. At Octang, you get an amazing mountain view. Yet, it’s just a taste of the best views ahead.
The Kanchenjunga Circuit challenges you with several passes. Mainly, as you move from the south side to the north side of the mountain. At Selele, basic teahouses offer a rare chance to rest at high altitude. There, you are surrounded by breathtaking vistas. During the trek, you will visit both the South and North Kanchenjunga Base Camps.
Ghunsa is a remote Sherpa village. Here, it gives a real look at life deep in the Himalayas. The main highlight is lunch at North Kanchenjunga Base Camp. At this point, snow-capped peaks fully surround you.
Descending, you return to Taplejung and civilisation. The Kanchenjunga Base Camp journey concludes with a drive through Nepal’s tea garden hills and a flight from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu. Here, cultural sites and markets await, offering a fitting end to your Himalayan adventure.
Our itineraries are designed to be flexible. If you would like to modify this plan, let us know, and we will work with you to create a personalized trip.
Day 1: Arrival Nepal; pick up at the international airport and drop off at a hotel in Thamel Kathmandu
Day 2: Final preparations for the trek
Day 3: Flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur (2 hrs.), and drive to Phidim (7 hrs.)
Day 4: Drive to Kebang (1915m - 8 hrs.)
Day 5: Trek to Yamphudin (2080m - 6 hrs.)
Day 6: Trek to Naya Jhareni (3288m - 5 hrs.)
Day 7: Trek to Torongtang (2980m - 9 hrs.)
Day 8: Trek to Tseram (3910m - 7 hrs.)
Day 9: Acclimatization day at Tseram.
Day 10: Trek to Ramche (4580m - 4 hrs.)
Day 11: Trek to Octang (4740m), Kanchenjunga Base Camp viewpoint; overnight at Tseram (5 hrs.)
Day 12: Cross the three passes Sinelapche La, Mirgin La and Sinion La) to Selele High Camp (4200m - 7 hrs.)
Day 13: Trek to Ghunsa (3595m - 4 hrs.)
Day 14: Trek to Kambachen (4110m - 6 hrs.)
Day 15: Trek to Lhonak (4780 m – 7 hrs.)
Day 16: Trek to Pang Pema (5190 m), Kanchenjunga North base camp for a visit; overnight at Lhonak (7 hrs.)
Day 17: Trek to Ghunsa (3595m - 7 hrs.)
Day 18: Trek to Amjilosa (2498m - 7 hrs.)
Day 19: Trek to Serkathum (1660m - 3 hrs.) and local transfer to Taplejung.
Day 20: Drive from Taplejung to Kanyan in the tea garden hills (8 hrs.)
Day 21: Drive 2 hours to Bhadrapur and flight to Kathmandu.
Day 22: Free day at leisure in Kathmandu
Day 23: Departure; pick up from the hotel and drop off at the international airport
During the trekking season, prices may rise. The final price depends on the trekking season, group size and, if applicable, the cost of the local transfers.
Cost includes:
– Pick up and drop off from Kathmandu International Airport to the hotel
– 4 nights hotel room in Kathmandu; breakfast included
– Teahouse room during trek
– Return flight Kathmandu to Bhadrapur with transfer to and from the domestic airport; return private drive from Bhadrapur to the start and from the end of the trek
– Licensed and certified mountain guide. Well experienced and English speaking
– Porter service for carrying luggage; 10 kg per person
– Salary, food, accommodation and insurance for the mountain guide and porters
– 3 meals per day; breakfast/ lunch/dinner
– Free use of a waterproof bag
– Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project permit, TIMS card and local taxes
– Support of the Sherpa Heritage Trails head office in Kathmandu
Cost excludes:
– International flight to Kathmandu
– Nepal entrance visa
– Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu
– 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 the guide and porters
