Nepal: 21d Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

  • Sophisticated
  • 22 Days Tent
  • 5,140 M
  • 4 Days Hotel Days
  • 22 Days Trekking Days

21 Days Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek Highlights

  • Explore the remote and off-the-beaten path of the Everest Region while en route to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek. 
  • Walk through the diverse landscapes of subtropical forests, highland pastures, and mountainous landscapes. 
  • Get to witness the spectacular views of Mount Kanchenjunga, Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. 
  • Trek past popular glacial lakes, remote valleys, villages, ancient monasteries, and stupas. 
  • Immerse into the culture, traditions, and local customs of the diverse ethnic communities of Rai and Limbu.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp; Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Arun Valley, and an eastern approach to Everest lies in Eastern Nepal. And there is endless variety in this part of the country and camping is mandatory. So, most ethnic groups are represented and there are many friendly villages. Kanchenjunga is located far east of Nepal.

The trek to the base camp of the world’s third-highest peak, Kanchenjunga (8,586m.) offers an infinite variety of landscapes, cultures, and as well as panoramic views of the Himalayas. During the trip, you will walk on the lowlands of Nepal passing terraced fields, with colorful villages, and green forests. Similarly, you will come across low river valleys, rocky slopes, and glacial moraine. 

Firstly, the trek enters into a ridgeline of rhododendrons. As the trail gains altitude, gorgeous views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu & Kanchenjunga can be seen. These mountains are one of the world’s five highest mountains making the trek rewarding. Then, the trial starts with approaching the Yalung glacier & crossing a series of passes, and the views become more magnificent. Then the trail reaches Pangpema (4800m) which is the base camp for the Kanchenjunga expedition. Nowadays we can start our trip with a flight to Bhadrapur and drive to Taplejung.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek takes you into the remote wilderness of the Everest region. Its untouched and serene nature is perfect for trekkers looking to escape from bustling city life. Our 21 Days Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek package will let you explore the nature, landscapes, and culture of this remote route to its fullest. 

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Difficulty

The Kanchenjunga Base Camp route goes through the remote areas of the East region. The remoteness and the difficult terrain pose significant challenges. Trekkers have to be ready for frequent ascending and descending. Similarly, some sections of the route are steep and rocky. They also have to cross several rivers and walk over glaciers while en route.  

Another difficult part of the trek is its long duration. The trek typically takes 20 to 25 days to complete. During these periods, trekkers have to hike around 7 to 8 hours a day on average. Some days, they even have to walk around 8 to 9 hours. It is physically and mentally demanding. Thus, trekkers are highly recommended to take physical training beforehand to prepare for the trek.  

As trekkers move to the high altitude, there increases the risk of altitude sickness. The oxygen level drops down and it becomes easy for trekkers to come down with the sickness. The weather conditions also become a little unpredictable. So trekkers should prepare proper clothing, equipment, and gear before embarking on the journey.  

The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is a challenging journey. Physical and mental preparedness is crucial for trekkers. Similarly, proper equipment and gear also play an important role in the safety and comfort of trekking. 

Best Time To Trek To Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

The primary season for trekking in Nepal is spring and autumn.  

Spring (March to May)

Spring is one of the best times for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek. The weather is favorable with clear skies. It falls in the pre-monsoon season so there is a low chance of rainfall. The vegetation also comes to life during spring. The forests become luscious green and the rhododendron forests are in full bloom. 

It is also the best time to enjoy the diverse flora and fauna of eastern Nepal. The wildlife also becomes active at this time. If you are lucky, you get a chance to witness the wildlife. However, note that it can get cold in the mornings and nights at higher elevations. 

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is a peak trekking season in Nepal. The weather is stable and the visibility is excellent. Autumn falls in the post-monsoon season. Thus, the dust gets washed away by rain and the views are clear. Similarly, the air is clear and crisp. 

The autumn season also falls in the harvest season. Moreover, the biggest Nepali festivals also fall in this season. So, trekkers can enjoy the festive atmosphere while trekking on the Kanchenjunga Base Camp route. There is also a low chance of rainfall. 

Accommodations and Meals During Trekking

During the Kanchenjunga Base Camp route, the accommodations and meals are only basic. The accommodations consist of teahouses, lodges, and homestays. Usually, these accommodations have shared facilities like twin-share rooms and shared toilets.  

Similarly, the amenities can be limited. Trekkers may have to pay extra charges for services like hot showers, power bank charging, internet service, etc. The meals mostly include the staple Nepali cuisine, Daal Bhaat. The other food menu can include porridge, soups, and various types of bread like Tibetan, buckwheat, etc. You can also find other options like momo, sandwiches, and noodles.  

In our 21 Days Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek package, we arrange the accommodations and 3 meals a day during trekking. 

Flora And Fauna Like On The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek?

The Kanchenjunga Base Camp route goes through untouched nature and wilderness. Trekkers will get the chance to see diverse flora and fauna while on trek. You will walk through the subtropical forests, rhododendron forests, temperate forests, and alpine meadows. Similarly, you will also come across diverse landscapes, remote valleys, and terraced fields. 

Likewise, the route passes through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. It is home to endangered species like red panda, and snow leopard, and many other biodiversity. While on the trek, you get the opportunity to witness the unique and diverse flora and fauna. If you are lucky, you may encounter some iconic species.  

Frequently Asked Questions By Travellers

Is the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek difficult? 

Yes, Kanchenjunga Base Camp is a difficult trek. The trail goes through the remote area of east Nepal. The trail is physically demanding with steep uphill and downhill climbs as well as crossing several rivers along the trail.  The high altitude also further adds to the route’s difficulty.  

Can beginners do the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek?  

Due to the difficulty and remoteness of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp route, the trek is not recommended for beginners. The high elevation, long duration, and difficult terrain of the route make it physically strenuous. Even for seasoned trekkers, Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is a challenging route to conquer.   

What kind of accommodations are available?  

There are tea houses, lodges, and guesthouses available along the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek route. These accommodations usually have shared bathroom facilities. Note that at higher elevations the accommodations only provide basic facilities and the amenities are limited.  

Do I need a permit for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek? 

Yes, you will need three permits for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek. These permits include TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System), Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit, and Restricted Area Permit. Our 21 Days Kanchenjunga Base Camp package includes all three permits.  

Is there a risk of acute mountain sickness? 

Yes, there is a risk of acute mountain sickness or altitude sickness during the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek. As trekkers move to higher elevations, the risk of acute mountain sickness increases. The highest point of the trek during our 21 Days Kanchenjunga Base Camp is at 5,140 meters. So, there is a risk of coming down with altitude sickness. 

Route Facts

  • Duration: 21 days.
  • Best season: Apr-May & Sep – Nov.
  • Trekking grade: D+ (Challenging).
  • Trek Starting Point: Biratnagar.
  • Ending Point: Biratnagar.
  • Culture: Different Community with the majority of Rai, Limbus Chetry.
  • Mode of Trekking: Fully organized camping trek.
  • Himalayan Sights: Makalu, Everest, Kanchenjunga, Janakchuli, Dharma Peak, Pathibhara Himal, Kiran Chuli, Nepal Peak, Kumbhakarna, Chang Himal, Tapleshikhar, Givigela Chuli, Dzanye Peak, Lashar Himal & More attractive snowcapped peaks, etc.

Note: B=Breakfast, L= Lunch, D=Dinner

Day to day schedule to Nepal: 21d Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

  • Day 01: Arrival and transfer to hotel, o/n in a hotel +D

    Arrival and transfer to the hotel. After some refreshments, we will invite you for a typical Nepali dinner.

  • Day 02: Sightseeing around Kathmandu valley o/n in Hotel +B

    After breakfast, a sightseeing visit, in Kathmandu valley including, Kathmandu Darbar square, Swayambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa & Pashupatinath Temple.

  • Day 03: Fly to Bhadrapur and drive to Tapalejung (1820m, 1hrs fly and 8/9hrs drive) o/n in Lodge+B+L+D

    Morning around 7 am fly to Bhadrapur and further drive to Tapalejung. On the way, we stop for tea garden visit in Kanyam Ilam. And further drive to Tapalejung.

  • Day 04: Drive to Sekathum and trek to Ithari (1650m, 4hrs drive and half hour trek) o/n in Guest house +B+L+D

    After Morning Breakfast, we start our Drive to Sekathum with a downhill drive to Mitlung. After Thiva Khola along the bank of Tamor river, you will enter the Kanchenjunga conservation area. Our route will pass through scenic pastures and small villages. On the way, we cross the Hungdewa Khola and the raging Tamur River. Then we drive uphill for some time then descend to the village of Sinuwa. Continue to Tawa and then to Sekathum. From Sekathum we trek about half hour to Ithari for final accommodation for this day. This day we will not be able to use electricity in the lodge.

  • Day 05: Trek to Amjilosa (2460m, 5/6hrs) o/n in Guest house +B+L+D

    Today is going to be a tough day. Cross the river and ascend the steep trail. You’ll encounter a very narrow trail this day as you follow the Ghunsa khola. The narrow trail means that you will need to concentrate and be caution while you walk. As you walk further, you will pass a settlement where yaks are domesticized for the livelihood. After lunch, you will reach to the place where mobile network works throughout the day. In Amjilosa also you will not be able to use electricity. There are two normal Lodges in Amjilesha.

  • Day 06: Trek to Gyabla (2730m, 6hrs) o/n in Guest house +B+L+D

    This day we trek to Gyabla, the trial lead mainly through forests and waterfalls that you will encounter along the way. As you’ll see no villages during this day trek, you will feel extremely close to the nature. The beautiful forests and waterfalls. Between Amjilesha and Gyabla, there is one tea house in Thyangyam where we take lunch. You will be partially connected to the mobile network throughout the day but you will be able to use electricity in the Gyabla area. There are two lodges, and homestay in Gyabla.

  • Day 07: Trek to Ghunsa (3430m, 5/6hrs) o/n in Guest house +B+L+D

    From Gyabla, you will have to walk through the route of forest in the morning and reach Phale village, where you will have lunch. The village is Tibetan and serves as a center for winter settlement for people in Ghunsa. The village is also home to the one and only monastery in this region. After one and half hours of ride from Phale, you will reach to Ghunsa. The houses in Ghunsa are made with beautiful wooden and are mostly decorated with colorful prayer flags. There are a couple of gompas in this region as well. Ghunsa has a health post, police station, school, tourist check post, monastery. Here you get mobile network facility and electricity facility. There are nine lodges, and homestay in Ghunsa.

  • Day 08: Trek to Kambachen (4150m, 5hrs) o/n in Guest house +B+L+D

    You may worry in finding human settlement as there are no any form of permanent human settlement on an altitude higher than Ghunsa. But you are likely to encounter seasonal settlements of yak herders. On your way to Khambachen, you will walk through trails that are not as clear as other trails in this region. But your efforts will be rewarded because the view in this region is breathtaking. You will stay at Khambachen which is a grand glacial valley. If you are lucky, you will be able to spot animals and birds in this region like blue sheep, ibex, hyrax, vultures, kites and eagles. The view of Kanchenjunga massif and Jannu Himal that you see from Khambachen is astounding.

  • Day 09: Explore around Khambachen o/n in Guest house +B+L+D

    You can stay in Khambachen for one day and reach Jannu base camp in the morning and enjoy the view of the mountains and glacier. Jannu base camp be reached in about 3 hours from Khambachen. This jannu himal is worshiped by the Kirat limbu’s as a scared religious heritage. A religious temple and Patipauwa have also been bulited in the base camp of Phaktanglung himal(Jannu). The access to mobile network and electricity will not be available here. There are four hotels, in Khambachen.

  • Day 10: Trek to Lonak (4790m, 6hrs) o/n in Guest house +B+L+D

    On this day trek, you will follow the trail that lies on the left side of the Khachenjunga glacier. You will also find Khandu falls in the middle and there is also a tea shop Ramdang where we can see the Yalung Khang West peak (8077m). After trekking along a high plateau, you will reach the Lhonak. Lhonak is located near dry lake bed and you will see simple houses in this region. You will be able to view large mountains like Wedge peak, Mera peak, Nepal peak, Kirat Chuli and twins. The access to mobile network and electricity is not available here. There are five lodges and camp sites in Lhonak.

  • Day 11: Hike to Pang Pema Base Camp (5140m, 4hrs) and trek back to Lhonak (8-9hrs) o/n in Guest house +B+L+D

    On this day, you will reach the highest point of your trek to Kanchenjunga base camp. On this day as well, you will follow the trail along the glaciers on the northern side of the Kanchenjunga base camp in nearly four hours’ time. The Kanchenjunga base camp is also known as Pang Pema. In order to increase your chances of viewing the mountains we have to hike early as much as possible. You can get impressive panoramic views of mountains like ten Peak and pyramid peaks, Kanchenjunga I (8586m), Kanchenjunga II (8482m), and Kanchenjunga III (8476m) and other peaks including Drohmo Peak (6881m). The access to mobile networks and electricity is not available.

  • Day 12: Trek to Ghunsa (6/7hrs) o/n in Guest House +B+L+D

    You will retrace your step back to Ghunsa from Lonak. You will essentially follow the same trail that you came from. Along the way, you can enjoy the mountains like the way you did while climbing your way.

  • Day 13: Trek to Sele Le (5hrs, 4290m) o/n in local lodge +B+L+D

    From Ghunsa, you will follow a trail that takes you through thick orchard of rhododendron, bridge and pine forests. The trail is uphill and is covered with snow in varying degrees depending on weather and seasons. It is extremely important that you clothe yourself better to face cold weather conditions. This day we take lunch only after reaching in Sele Le. The access of mobile network and electricity is not available. There are two lodges in Sele Le.

  • Day 14: Trek to Tseram(3870m) via Mrigenla Pass (7/8hrs) o/n in local lodge +B+L+D

    This is going to be a challenging day for you as you will have to climb a steep hill to reach Mrigenla pass. On this day you will have to cross the height of 4670m. this is the best spot for viewing Janu Himal, which is also known as Khumbakarna (Phaktanglung). You will also get to see mountains like Makalu, Baruntse, Mera peak, Lumbha Sumbha and Everest(Chomolungma). The rest of the trail will take you along ridges and finally descent to Tseram. You will also get to view South face Kanchenjunga, Kabru, and the Himalayan range before descending. You will spend night in a large flat meadow at Tseram. There is no access to mobile networks and electricity here. There are three lodges, in Tseram.

  • Day 15: Trek to Tseram to Ramjer via Oktang Yanglung Glacier(4730m) (8/9hrs)o/n in lodge +B+L+D

    You will start your trek early morning and reach Ramjer, where you will take your lunch. After lunch you will ahead out to Oktang (4730m.) Which is widely considered to be the best viewpoint for Kanchenjunga south face view. During this walk, you will follow a trail alongside Yalung Glacier. You will walk alongside a moraine though juniper forests to a beautiful lake at Lapsang. The lake is located at an altitude of 4530 metres. You will walk along a valley in the northern side. You will get to see all the peaks that are located in the India border like Kokthang (6147m.), Rathong(6679M.) and Kabrus.

  • Day 16: Trek to Torngden (4hrs, 3000m) o/n in lodge +B+L+D

    This day will be slight trekking day as you descend thought rhododendron forests , flowing Simbhu khola . You will reach Torangden, where you will have an overnight stay. Phone and electricity service are not available here. There are 2 Lodges in Torngden.

  • Day 17: Trek to Bhote Gaun(Yamphuding) via Lashe or Jhoreni (7/8hrs, 2020m) o/n in lodge +B+L+D

    You can reach Yamphuding from Torongden via Lashe Bhanjyang or via Naya Jhoreni. If you go through the route of Lashe, you will reach Lashe in 4 hours, the route is interrupted due to landslides. There is only one tea shop in Lashe. Yamphudin (Bhotegaon) can be reached after a 4-hours walk from Lashe. You will stay in Yamphudin. The facilities are good in Bhotegaon for accommodation and food. After coming to Lashe, you will be accessible to mobile phone network with electricity as well.

    Option:

    You can also reach Yarphudin by walking through the trails of new Jhoreni from Torogden without using this Laşhe route. For that, you have to spend 1 more day in Jhoreni. To Jhoreni we have to trek via Kasturi Danda. There is a hotel for accommodation and food in Jhoreni. You can use your phones here but the access of electricity will only be available after you reach Yamphuding in next day only. (Depending upon your trekking speed we also can do this trip in 1 day)

  • Day 18: Drive to Birtamod from Yamphuding (10 hours) o/n in Hotel +B+L+D

    Birtamod is a lively Terai town in Eastern Nepal. Birtamod is just half an hour’s distance from Bhadrapur Airport from where we will fly to Kathmandu tomorrow. Since there is a number of good accommodations here, we stay overnight at Birtamod.

  • Day 19: Flight back to Kathmandu o/n in Hotel +B

    Early morning half an hour’s drive to Bhadrapur. From Bhadrapur we fly back to Kathmandu. Arriving in Kathmandu, you can rest and relax throughout the day in yours.

  • Day 20: Free day in Kathmandu o/n in a hotel (B)

  • Day 21: Transfer to the international airport (B)

What is included?

  • Hotel with bed and breakfast in Kathmandu
  • 3 meals a day during trekking (B, L, D)
  • Welcome dinner by arrival
  • Trekking special permit and conservation fee
  • Staff insurance, wages, equipment and local transport
  • Accommodation in hotel and lodge
  • Arrival and transfer transport from to international in Kathmandu
  • Sightseeing with cultural guide, and private transport in Kathmandu
  • Private transport to trek starting point and from ending point to hotel
  • Domestic flight ticket and airport taxes

What is excluded?

  • Personal expenses and tips for staff
  • Monument entrance fees during sightseeing in Kathmandu valley
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Nepal visa fees
  • Personal insurance and helicopter rescue in case of emergency
  • International flight ticket
  • Sleeping bag while trekking
  • Extra porter or transport incase of accident or any emergency
  • Personal Medicine

Best Seasons Listing

Best Season
Apr - May & Sep - Nov

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