Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
USD 2287
25 days
Moderate/Challenging
5160m
Tea House, Hotel
Car, Van, Flight, jeep, bus
1-10
March-May, September-December
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Introduction
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, venturing to Kanchenjunga’s north and south base camps, the world’s third-highest peak at 8,586m. This remote trek demands a good fitness level and some trekking experience, offering insights into local life and visits to the Ramtang and Oktang Monasteries.
Traversing through the diverse landscape of rivers, waterfalls, green meadows, rhododendrons, birch, and pine forests, the Yalung Glacier, and majestic mountains, trekkers experience the untamed beauty of the region. Kanchenjunga is located on the far eastern side of Nepal, near the border with Sikkim, India. Was once believed to be the world’s highest peak until the mid-1800s.
Closed to trekkers until the mid-1980s, the area is now protected by the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, requiring a special trekking permit. The pristine flora and fauna of the region remain intact due to these restrictions.
In addition to the main peak, Kanchenjunga boasts four subsidiary summits exceeding 8,000m, including Kanchenjunga West (Yalung Kang), and around twenty peaks exceeding 7,000m. The region features five major glacial systems, enhancing the allure of the trek.
With the recent addition of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp to the Great Himalayan Trail, tourism is increasing in this less-explored area. The emergence of more tea houses along the route, while positive for local communities, signals the need to experience the remote beauty of Kanchenjunga before it becomes a well-discovered/Crowded trekking destination in Nepal.
Highlights
- Explore the less traversed Eastern mountainous regions of Nepal
- Walk past the popular glacial lakes in the region
- Amazing time walking through the diverse flora and fauna
- Meditate in Ramtang and Oktang Monasteries after your tiring walks
- Have an amazing time on the lap of the giant peaks
- Base Camp of Kanchanjangha itself
- Culture & Hospitality of Rai & Lumbu community in Nepal
Gallery
Outline Itinerary
- Day 1:- Arrival Day in Kathmandu
- Day 2: Kathmandu - Bhadrapur - Ilam
- Day 3: ILam to Taplejung (Drive)
- Day 4: Taplejung to Chirwa
- Day 5: Chirwa to Lelep
- Day 6: Lelep to Amjilosa
- Day 7: Amjilosa to Gyabla
- Day 8: Gyabla to Ghunsa
- Day 9: Acclimatization Day
- Day 10: Ghunsa to Kambachen
- Day 11: Acclimatization Day
- Day 12: Kambachen to Lhonak
- Day 13: Day Trip to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp
- Day 14: Lhonak to Ghunsa
- Day 15: Ghunsa to Sele Le
- Day 16: Sele Le to Cheram
- Day 17: Day Trip to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp
- Day 18: Cheram to Torongding
- Day 19: Torongding to Yamphuding
- Day 20: Yamphuding to Khebang
- Day 21: Khebang to Khamdime
- Day 22: Khamdime to Bhadrapur (Drive)
- Day 23: Bhadrapur to Kathmandu (Flight)
- Day 24:- Sightseeing exploration (city tour) in Kathmandu
- Day 25: Departure Day
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1:- Arrival Day in Kathmandu
Altitude: 1250 m
Our representative will come to pick you up at Kathmandu airport then transfer you to your hotel in Thamel. Rest, relax & recover from long flight jet lag. Or, you can explore the surrounding places. In the Evening, there will be trip briefing & meeting with the guide for your Kanchanjangha Trekking.
Day 2: Kathmandu - Bhadrapur - Ilam
Altitude: 1600 m
After breakfast, your guide will collect you from your hotel and accompany you to the airport. The short flight to Bhadrapur takes us over the Kathmandu Valley and surrounding hills and through some of the mountains Nepal is famous for. A kind of free mountain flight! On arrival in Bhadrapur, you will be driven to Ilam, the heart of the tea plantation area of the country.
Day 3: ILam to Taplejung (Drive)
Altitude: 1442 m
After breakfast, you will drive for 4-5 hours through terraced fields and hills to reach beautiful Taplejung village where you spend the night. There will be time to explore the town after lunch. It is an interesting place with many Buddhist monasteries. At one of these monasteries, you can see butter lamps which have been burning continuously for over 400 years. A stream outside the monastery turns prayer wheels which send the mantra “Om Mane Padme Hung” to the heavens.
Day 4: Taplejung to Chirwa
Altitude: 1270 m
Today you will start your trek properly! It’s a long day of mainly downhill but we have a chance to catch our breath at the village of Sinwa on the banks of the Tamor River before continuing. Beautiful walk along with river, villages & terraces. Stay at Chirwa
Day 5: Chirwa to Lelep
Altitude: 1750 m
This is another long day of 7 hours of hiking. But as you pass through Tapethok we enter the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area valley. Here you have your permits checked before heading across the suspension bridge and ascent towards Lelep Village. stay at Lelpe
Day 6: Lelep to Amjilosa
Altitude: 2308 m
Waterfalls and suspension bridges are part of the today’s trail. Plus you will come to the first Sherpa village on your trek where you stay overnight. The village of Amjilosa is mainly used when the yaks and sheep are in the pastures so very few families live here for full time of the year. Stay at Amjilosa
Day 7: Amjilosa to Gyabla
Altitude: 2730 m
After the mountain breakfast, you head off through the different forests of pine, bamboo, rhododendron, and oak. You will notice the villages and people are becoming more Tibetan & Mongolian-like.
You also see yaks, sheep, and goats on the trail, not to mention a good variety of birdlife. After lunch, the trail takes us up through dense forest cover and over a wooden bridge onto Gyabla where we spend the night. Stay at Gyabla
Day 8: Gyabla to Ghunsa
Altitude: 3590 m
Today the trail continues through forests and passes Phale Village which was a Tibetan refugee camp started decades ago when Tibetans started fleeing from the communist regime in China.
Today it is a winter settlement village. You will have time to visit the villages where there are some handicrafts for sale. You head to Ghunsa, the largest village in the area, one with a police station, health post, and a Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Office. Telephone and internet services are available here. Stay at Ghunsa
Day 9: Acclimatization Day
You are now at a higher altitude and aiming to go higher! So you take the opportunity to relax and acclimatize in Ghunsa. There is a monastery to explore and a ridge to climb.
From the ridge, there are views of Jannu Peak which is worth the 5 hours plus round trip. Should you wish to climb up the ridge – and we recommend this as it helps acclimatize our bodies –you will take a packed lunch with if you wish to go. Stay at Ghunsa again.
Day 10: Ghunsa to Kambachen
Altitude: 4050 m
Views of the Jannu Himal dominate the skyline today. Following a gentle upward path you come to a green glacier valley. Here you may be lucky to spot blue sheep, snow leopards & musk dear. The trail continues past a waterfall to a landslide-prone area where you take particular care. Arrive at Kambachen and stay overnight
Day 11: Acclimatization Day
Again you will take the chance to acclimatize your body to the high altitude and prepare for our visit to the North Base Camp. We can climb another ridge today where we get stunning views of Mt. Kanchenjunga.
Day 12: Kambachen to Lhonak
Altitude: 4780 m
Today the trail takes mainly over moraine from the Mt. Kanchenjunga Glacier. Walking uphill over large boulders there are wonderful views on both sides of us.
And as you are deep in Snow Leopard territory you will keep your eyes open for this rare animal! This is also an area of summer yak pastures but there are no settlements on the route. Stay at Lhonak
Day 13: Day Trip to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp
Altitude: 5540 m
After a good breakfast, you will again set out across the moraine from the Kanchenjunga Glacier, gently climbing upwards. At Base Camp, you stand in awe of the surrounding mountains and drink up the atmosphere completed by Buddhist prayer flags fluttering in the wind. You sit here for some time to enjoy the tranquility and hot drinks and snacks! We return to Lhonak for the night.
Day 14: Lhonak to Ghunsa
Altitude: 3590 m
Trekking over pebbles and moraine you will reach Kambachen Village for lunch before heading east along the Tamor River. Now the vegetation is greener as you again return to Ghunsa where we spend the night.
Day 15: Ghunsa to Sele Le
Altitude: 3675 m
Today the trail takes you through a forest and along a grassy ridge from where you can see Ghunsa and Phole villages as well as Mt. Makalu in the distance.
Day 16: Sele Le to Cheram
Altitude: 3870 m
Today you will start early in the morning towards the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. Crossing the Sinion La pass (4,450m) the trail takes you along a ridge to Sinelapche La pass (4,830m).
From here the views of Mt Kanchenjunga and its valley are fantastic. You will descend along a small trail to Cheram, the only settlement to find on this route. We overnight stay.
Day 17: Day Trip to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp
Altitude: 4500 m
Today your trek to Ramche where you stop for lunch before walking on for around 40 minutes to reach Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. The Base Camp is right on the edge of the glacier and surrounded by Tibetan prayer flags. You will return the same way we came to overnight at Cheram.
Day 18: Cheram to Torongding
Altitude: 2995 m
Today the trail is mostly downhill through a gorge. But the final section is a steep uphill over an area prone to landslides and through forests. There are no settlements until you reach Torongding, where there are a few teahouses to stay overnight.
Day 19: Torongding to Yamphuding
Altitude: 1690 m
After breakfast, you will head off downhill and then it turns to a steep and long uphill hike. You pass over a landslide-prone area leading to Lasiya Bhanjyang where there is one teashop where you can stop for lunch. Then the trail takes a steep downhill through more forests until you reach the big village of Yamphuding. Stay at Yamphuding
Day 20: Yamphuding to Khebang
Altitude: 1532 m
The walking is much easier now you are back at a lower altitude. You find interesting villages and terraced fields on our route. Continue to Khebang where we stay overnight.
Day 21: Khebang to Khamdime
Altitude: 1500 m
After breakfast, you will be on the trail for the whole day long. This is the final day of your hiking hike through the villages, people, terraces & hills arrive at Khamdime and stay here overnight
Day 22: Khamdime to Bhadrapur (Drive)
Altitude: 91 m
Today you will have a long drive to the airport city of Bhadrapur. Time to reflect on the wonderful sights you have seen and rest your tired legs! Arrive in Bhadrapur rest well then join the evening you can enjoy a hearty dinner with perhaps some beer and relax in a comfortable hotel for the night!
Day 23: Bhadrapur to Kathmandu (Flight)
Altitude: 1250 m
After breakfast. The short flight to Kathmandu takes off you can again enjoy the views of the surrounding hill and through some of the mountain ranges. A kind of free mountain flight again! Arrive at your hotel in Kathmandu rest then join farewell dinner in the evening.
Day 24:- Sightseeing exploration (city tour) in Kathmandu
Altitude: 1250 m
Today is the exploration of the city of temples, gods, culture, art, architecture, and traditional capital city of this Himalayan country. Out of the 10 World Heritage Sites, 7 of them are inside this beautiful capital city making the highest density of UNESCO World Heritage sites, As visiting all of these historic and religious landmarks in a single day is not possible, you will explore 3-4 of these magnificent marvels in this day. Visiting Swyambhunath Temple(Monkey temple), Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath temple & Bouddhanath Stupa.
Day 25: Departure Day
Altitude: 1250 m
It’s your last day in Nepal! Grab some breakfast, and then take in some last-minute shopping in Kathmandu. We’ll make sure you arrive at Kathmandu International Airport with plenty of time before your flight home. At this time, we’ll say we see you again and bid you farewell, armed with warm memories and gorgeous photos to show your loved ones.
Includes
- A professional trekking guide & necessary no of porters (2:1) with their salary, meal, accommodation, transportation & insurance
- Simple tea houses in trekking with 3 times of meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) with 3 cups of tea each meal.
- Necessary permits like TIMS card, Conservation area permit, restricted area permit & Rural Municipality fees.
- Kathmandu Bhadrapur Kathmandu flight
- Bhadrapur Taplejung and Khamdime Bhadrapur local bus
- Three-star category hotel in Kathmandu on twin sharing (BB) basis
- All ground transportation like pick up and drop (domestic/Intl)
- Guided city tour of UNESCO sites in Kathmandu
- Group First aid kit box with an oximeter
- Government-licensed Guide on the Trekking & City.
Excludes
- All kinds of beverages
- All extra expenses such as shopping/trekking gear.
- International flights
- Private Jeep (Optional)
- All kinds of beverages
- Extra facilities during the trip like hot shower, charging, internet laundry etc.
- City entrance fee in Kathmandu
- Travel Insurance (Must get one)
- Early arrival/ Late departure from or to Kathmandu
- Or the thing not mentioned above
- The cost is raised by unforeseen circumstances like political disturbance, strikes, natural disasters, cancelation of flights bad weather, etc.
Trip Map
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Gear Lists
Clothing
1) Trekking Trousers
2) Trekking shirts
3) Inner Thermals (Top/bottom)
4) Breathable Underwear
5) Fleece Jacket
6) Windproof jacket
7) Dawn jacket
8) Trekking Towel
Head Gears
1) Sun Hat
2) Head Band
3) Buff (snood)
Hand Gear
1) Inner Gloves
2) Outer Gloves
Foot Gears
1) Hiking Boots
2) Hiking shocks
3) Thermal shocks
4) Gaiters
Bags
1) Duffle Bag*
2) Backpack (rucksack for day pack)
3) A few Ziploc/ waterproof bags
Equipment
1) Sleeping Bag
2) Sleeping bag liner (if you rent)
3) Trekking Pole
4) Sunglasses
5) Water bottle or Hydration Bladder
6) Headlamps
7) Camera/video camera
8) Water purification tablets*/ filters/ UV light
9) Diamox/Dzolamode
10) Sunscreens
11) Toiletries
12) If you take any specific medicine
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Permit Information
- Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Permit Information
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek for Beginners
- Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek for Beginners
Comprehensive Guide to Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
- Trekking Day: While you are Trekking to Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek you will stay in Tea Houses (Basic Lodges that provide accommodation & Food), You will have a nice descent Tea House During the Trek to Everest Base Camp, before your departure to Trekking you will need to pack your trekking bag before your breakfast in Tea House, as porters will set off early. After breakfast we need to walk approximately 3-4 hours for lunchtime, some time in some places it takes even longer, After a relaxing lunch, you typically spend around 2-3 hours or more sometimes on the trail before reaching your Tea House (Overnight Stay Place). Throughout the day, you will take frequent rest breaks and take time to admire the fascinating mountain views. You take plenty of pictures of yourself with the incredibly panoramic mountains of the Everest Region, Farmlands, Terraces, locals, Rivers, landscapes, Buddhist prayer flags, temples, shrines, cairns, monasteries, Stone Mani walls & many different heard of Mules & Yaks. Etc. Once you arrive at your tea house, you check in at your hotel & order your dinner around 5 pm so they will have some time to prepare your dinner as the tea houses are very busy during the peak seasons. You take some rest and Dinner is generally around 6- 7 pm. After your dinner, your Trip Leader will give you a briefing for tomorrow’s trip like what time you are starting, what time you are waking, breakfast, stops, temperatures & general insight into the day so you are prepared for the day after the commentary season your crew will take your breakfast order for tomorrow. Now your bedtime!
- Day Pack: You need to carry your day pack for your essential items like a water bottle, wallet, medicine (if you have any), camera sunscreen am, etc. Your guide will let you know every evening after dinner about any extra items you will need for the following day. If you have a comfortable day pack your load will only be a few kilograms and hardly noticeable. You are carrying it because you may not see your porter during the trekking hours. After all, he is carrying the big loads & his pace might be different than the rest of the group.
- Food/Meal: During your stay In Kathmandu descent Breakfast will be provided in the Hotel you are staying but during the trek, you will have three meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner), Every Tea House has its menu so you can order menu food items but if you are traveling in a group we request you to select from few different options as it is difficult sometimes when 20 people order 20 different verities of food in the mountain as they are basic.
- Accommodation/Bathrooms: Your Accommodation in Kathmandu will be provided deluxe room with private facilities on Breakfast basic. During the Trekking you will have Basic Descent Tea House which is a basic (normal) standard. Normally they have Clean Comfortable Twin sharing Rooms & can be arranged single supplement room for an additional cost. Hot Showers are available in some places but they will charge directly to clients when they ask for a hot shower.Bathrooms in the Everest region are pretty good most of the places & tea houses have clean western toilets. All the Toilets/bathrooms are built inside the same building but only very few are inside the room (Attached). To book the Attached ones we need prior bookings & also availability. Happy Mountain Nepal is always here to book the best accommodations in your Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek.
- TransportationTransportation in Kathmandu Valley will be with private transportation like Cars, vans, or buses depending upon the group size. In the trekking region, transportation means hiking and in some cases, Yaks/horses and donkeys are used for baggage carriage. In this trekking route, hiking is the major means of transportation while your baggage will be carried by porters.On your journey to Everest Base Camp Trekking, Landing & taking off from the Lukla Airport are the most important attractions these days as lots of people want to experience this unique airport & you are also Landing & taking off from the Lukla airport on a short twin otter flight (Fixed Wings)
- Trekking StaffThe Trip Leader/ Guide is overall in charge of the trek and looking after you. This is the person you should go to with all problems, concerns, and questions. All our guides are well-trained in all aspects of trekking, conservation, high-altitude medicine, and first-aid and emergency procedures. They are professionals selected for their knowledge and passion for Nepal and its people. We are hiring a local porter from Lukla as we empower the local community. Your field staff is extremely powerful to carry your bags & assist you on your journey to Everest Base Camp.
- Grading of EBCEverest Base Camp Trek is an Adventure Trekking in Nepal you must have well fitness level and be well prepared, before you come to Everest Base Camp Trekking it’s much better to go Swimming, Cycling, or walking every day 4 km or take the stairs instead of an elevator. Remember that no trek in the Himalayas is a stroll as all treks involve going up and down at altitude and that altitude affects everyone differently.
- MoneyIt is better to bring the USD to Nepal because you can change it everywhere easily. You can exchange enough money for Nepalese Rupees to last the entire time of your trek before leaving Kathmandu. You can find the money exchange counters near your hotel and also get on trekking trails but they will take more commission. You have an option for withdrawing your cash on the ATMs in Kathmandu but they have limited transactions only & sometimes it may not work that easy as you have to get permission from your bank to use your card in a foreign land.
- TippingTipping is a personal and voluntary matter and tips are not included in the trip price, but those who will be working on this lifetime journey of EBC are expecting some tips as a measure of happiness/success to their Clint. You can directly reward them for their big support for your journey. Tipping has no limitation on specific rates so you can give tips as much as you like if they make you happy with your trip.
- InsuranceIt is an important part of the trip. Your Travel insurance is not included in the trip price. Your travel insurance must provide coverage against personal accident, medical expenses, emergency evacuation and repatriation (including helicopter evacuation), and personal liability. It includes trekking crews and also against personal accidents the company will have field staff Insurance for emergencies.
- HealthThere are no specific health-related requirements for travel to Nepal. However, for the trekking in the Himalayas, you are in excellent health with average physical fitness and have a positive attitude, self-confidence, and strong determination, you can accomplish this trek but you should consult your doctor for up-to-date information regarding vaccinations, high altitude medication and medications for any reasonably foreseeable illnesses whilst traveling in Nepal. Some parts of trekking have a small health post for emergency treatment with limited equipment, limited health workers, and medication. (Himalayan Rescue Associations) Be aware that some drugs, including anti-malarial, have side effects at altitude. Please discuss this carefully with your doctor.
Be aware that you will be in remote areas and away from medical facilities for some time during this trip. We strongly recommend that you carry a personal First Aid kit as well as sufficient quantities of any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses). Happy Mountain Nepal Field crew will also have a comprehensive first-aid kit through the EBC trek. -
High Altitude Sickness
AMS (acute mountain sickness) is a serious issue. It is the result of the failure of the body to adapt to high altitude and can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness. It usually occurs above 2,500 meters and the likelihood of being affected increases as you ascend. The way to reduce the effects of altitude is to ascend slowly, 300-500 meters per day above 3,000 meters until you have acclimatized. Poor acclimatization results in headache, nausea, sleeplessness, difficulty breathing, and swelling of fingers and glands. The only cure for AMS is to descend to a lower altitude and your guide’s decision on this matter is final. When you are planning to trek above 3,000 meters we recommend not walking faster. Walking slowly, drinking plenty of fluids, proper acclimatization is crucial. If you get altitude sickness or any health-related symptoms please consult with your guide/trip leader to go down at least 500 meters to recover.
Important Note:
During the very Peak season, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal has announced an air congestion issue in Kathmandu Airport for the flight operation to Lukla from Kathmandu. Most of the flights to Lukla will commence from Ramechhap Airport until further notice. The airport in Ramechhap is located 130km east of Kathmandu (approximately 4-5 hours drive).
Benefits of Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek trek with Happy Mountain
Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek with Happy Mountain Nepal Pvt Ltd offers several benefits for adventurers seeking memorable experiences in the Himalayas:
Expert Guidance
Happy Mountain Nepal employs experienced guides who are familiar with the local terrain, culture, and safety protocols. They can enhance your trekking experience by providing insights into the surroundings and ensuring your safety throughout the journey.
Tailored Itineraries
The Company offers a variety of trekking routes and customizable itineraries to suit different preferences and fitness levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trekker, Happy Mountain Nepal can design a trekking package that meets your specific needs and interests
Cultural Immersion
Trekking with Happy Mountain Nepal provides opportunities to immerse you in the rich cultural heritage of Nepal. You can interact with local communities, visit traditional villages, and learn about the customs and traditions of the Himalayan people along the way.
Stunning Scenery
Nepal is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes, including snow-capped peaks, lush forests, and picturesque valleys. Trekking with Happy Mountain Nepal allows you to experience these stunning vistas up close and capture unforgettable moments in nature.
Responsible Tourism
Happy Mountain Nepal is committed to promoting responsible tourism practices that minimize negative impacts on the environment and support local communities. By choosing to trek with them, you can contribute to sustainable development initiatives and conservation efforts in the region.
Overall, trekking with Happy Mountain Nepal offers a unique opportunity to explore the beauty and diversity of the Himalayas while enjoying personalized service, cultural immersion, and unforgettable adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reviews
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Happy Mountain is a fantastic trekking company - A group of 9 of us ( all friends from the UK) had an amazing experience trekking to EBC, Cho la pass and Gokyo lakes, all superbly organised by... read more 
Keegandave
March 10, 2024
