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21 days
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Kanchenjunga
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Challenging
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5,140 m
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From 2 people
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Trekking
Highlights
- Both base camps of Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), the third-highest mountain in the world
- Pangpema (5,140 m), the north base camp, below the north face
- Crossing Sele La and Mirgin La between the two base camps
- Remote Limbu and Sherpa villages in far eastern Nepal
- Very few other trekkers on the trail
- Glaciers, alpine meadows and rhododendron forests
Overview
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is one of the most remote treks in Nepal. It visits both base camps of Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), the third-highest mountain in the world, in the far east of the country. After a flight to Bhadrapur and a drive to Taplejung, the trail follows the Ghunsa Khola through forest and small Limbu and Sherpa villages to Ghunsa and Khambachen.
From Lhonak you hike to Pangpema (5,140 m), the north base camp below the north face. The route then crosses Sele La and Mirgin La to Tseram and continues to Oktang (4,730 m), the south base camp, before descending via Tortong and Yasang. Lodges are simple, and you meet very few other trekkers.
Know before you go
Best time to go
Spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November) are the best seasons, with stable weather and clear mountain views. In spring the rhododendron forests lower down are in bloom.
In winter (December to February) the passes between the two base camps are often blocked by snow and many lodges close. The monsoon (June to August) brings heavy rain and cloud, so we do not recommend the trek outside the main seasons.
Difficulty and fitness
This is a long and challenging trek with six to seven hours of walking on most days, many steep climbs and descents and several nights above 4,000 m. The crossing of Sele La, Sinion La and Mirgin La is a long day at around 4,700 m.
No technical skills are needed, but you should be fit, in good health and have previous trekking experience at altitude. Facilities are basic and far from medical help, so regular training before the trip is essential.
Permits
You need a Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit and a Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP). Restricted area permits are only issued to groups of at least two trekkers travelling with a licensed guide.
We arrange all permits for you before the trip. See Includes/Excludes for what is covered in the price.
Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal. On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Later in the day your guide gives a trek briefing, checks your equipment and answers any questions. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
Today your guide arranges the restricted area permit for the Kanchenjunga region. The remaining time is free for optional sightseeing at Kathmandu's heritage sites or last-minute gear shopping. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
A domestic flight takes you east to Bhadrapur in the lowlands of Nepal. From there a long drive climbs into the hills, past tea gardens and farming villages, to the town of Taplejung. Overnight in a lodge in Taplejung (1,820 m).
A jeep ride follows the Tamor valley through terraced hillsides and small villages. The road ends at Sekathum, set beside the river at the start of the walking route. Overnight in a teahouse in Sekathum (1,576 m).
The trail heads up the narrow Ghunsa Khola gorge, with sections of steep climbing and descents along the valley sides. It is a demanding first full trekking day, ending at the small settlement of Amjilosa. Overnight in a teahouse in Amjilosa (2,400 m).
The trail passes through forest and past waterfalls as the gorge gradually opens. The day ends at Gyabla, a small Tibetan settlement where you can get a first impression of the mountain culture of the upper valley. Overnight in a teahouse in Gyabla (2,730 m).
A pleasant walk up the valley leads to Ghunsa, the largest village of the region, with its prayer flags, wooden houses and monastery. Ghunsa is a good place to rest and stock up before heading higher. Overnight in a teahouse in Ghunsa (3,595 m).
A rest day in Ghunsa helps your body adjust before you head into higher terrain. Your guide can lead a short hike above the village, following the principle of climbing high and sleeping low, and there is time to explore the monastery. Overnight in a teahouse in Ghunsa (3,595 m).
The trail climbs steadily up the valley, with the impressive north face of Jannu dominating the view. Khambachen is a small settlement set below the mountain, and the gain in altitude means it is wise to take the afternoon easy. Overnight in a teahouse in Khambachen (4,050 m).
Today you follow the moraine of the Kanchenjunga Glacier into an increasingly wild, high landscape. Walk at a steady pace and keep drinking, as you are now at high altitude. Overnight in a teahouse in Lhonak (4,780 m).
A day hike takes you along the glacier to Pangpema (5,140 m), the North Base Camp, with close views of the north face of Kanchenjunga. After time to take in the scenery, you return to Lhonak. Overnight in a teahouse in Lhonak (4,780 m).
A long day of descent of eight to ten hours takes you back down via Khambachen to Ghunsa. The thicker air makes the walking easier, and Ghunsa is a welcome place to rest. Overnight in a teahouse in Ghunsa (3,595 m).
The trail climbs through rhododendron forest towards the passes that link the north and south sides of Kanchenjunga. Sele La camp is a small stop where you rest ahead of the long crossing tomorrow. Overnight in a teahouse at Sele La camp (4,200 m).
A long and demanding day crosses Sele La, Sinion La and Mirgin La (4,663 m), with views of Makalu and Jannu in clear weather. The trail then descends to the south side of the massif and the settlement of Tseram. Overnight in a teahouse in Tseram (3,870 m).
The trail climbs gradually up the Yalung Glacier valley, with growing views of the southern peaks of the Kanchenjunga massif. Ramche sits in open meadows near the glacier. Overnight in a teahouse in Ramche (4,580 m).
You walk up along the glacier to Oktang (4,730 m), the South Base Camp, with views of the south face of Kanchenjunga. After time at the viewpoint, you descend back down the valley to Tseram. Overnight in a teahouse in Tseram (3,870 m).
The trail descends through forest, with the air growing warmer and the vegetation richer. After the high and remote days around the glaciers, it is a relaxed walk that ends at the small settlement of Tortong. Overnight in a teahouse in Tortong (2,995 m).
You continue down towards the lower villages, passing forest, farmland and terraced hillsides. The day ends at the small village of Yasang. Overnight in a teahouse in Yasang (2,144 m).
A final walk of five to six hours leads down to the road at Hellok, where a jeep takes you back to Taplejung in four to five hours. It is a good evening to thank your guide and porters for the journey. Overnight in a lodge in Taplejung (1,820 m).
A long drive takes you down to Bhadrapur, followed by a flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival you are transferred to your hotel, and the evening is free to relax. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
Your trip ends today. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few free hours for last-minute shopping or a final stroll, before a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.