Trip Overview

Package Details

Into the foot of world's third highest peak-Mt. Kanchenjunga

Highlights

  • Trek up to Kanchenjunga Base Camp (5140m)
  • Observe spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Everest, Makalu, etc.
  • Ethnic Rai and Limbu communities and their unique Kirat religion
  • Cross Mirgin La pass (4725m)
  • Visit Yalung, Zemu and Kanchenjunga glaciers

You will walk through Kanchenjunga and Jhannu glaciers to reach Pang Pema, the finest viewpoint located at an altitude of 5160m to watch over 16 peaks in the Kanchenjunga Himalayan ranges. It offers you enchanting views of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Kambachen, Jannu, Jongons, Kabru, Pyramid Peak, Tent Peak, Wedge Peak, The Twins among others.

 

Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is perhaps one of the wildest, longest and challenging treks in Nepal. The purpose of the trek is to reach south base camp (5140m) of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586m), the third highest mountain in the world. 

Kanchenjunga is a majestic mountain with five peaks of its own, namely Kanchenjunga Main, Yalung Kang (8505m), Kanchenjunga Central (8482m), Kanchenjunga South (8494m) and Kangbachen (7903m).  The mountain itself is located along the borders of three countries, Tibet, Sikkim, and Nepal. 
The trekking trail passes through romantic terraced farms and beautiful villages populated by ethnic Rai and Limbu communities. Within the first few days, you will quickly enter into a temperate and alpine region full of pristine oak, bamboo and rhododendron forests. The route follows the mighty Tamur river that is fed directly by Gangsang and Kanchenjunga glaciers. 
All along the trail, you will encounter beautiful Himalaya peaks on the horizon.    

You will walk through Kanchenjunga and Jhannu glaciers to reach Pang Pema, the finest viewpoint located at an altitude of 5160m to watch over 16 peaks in the Kanchenjunga Himalayan ranges. It offers you enchanting views of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Kambachen, Jannu, Jongons, Kabru, Pyramid Peak, Tent Peak, Wedge Peak, The Twins among others. The highest pass you will cross in this trek is Mirgin-La pass at 4725m, which also superb views of Kanchenjunga ranges. 

Since the trekking region lies within Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, chances of seeing endangered species such as snow leopard, Red Panda, Asian black bear, snow cock, blood pheasant, leopard cat etc. 

Special permits should be obtained by trekkers from the government for Kanchenjunga Base Camp trekking. Adventure Thirdpole Treks offers full logistics and preparation with experienced trekking guides. 

Things To Do

Itinerary & Map

Days View All Details

  • 1
    Arrive in Kathmandu

    Arrive in Kathmandu, transfer to hotel and welcome dinner in the evening.

  • 2
    City Sightseeing in Kathmandu City

    Kathmandu Valley is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. Patan and Bhaktapur, its two major neighboring cities bear immense historical, cultural and religious significances. There will be a half day guided tour to the famous and biggest Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath, the 15th century Palace of 55 windows and Swoyambhunath. 

  • 3
    We fly from Kathmandu - Biratnagar

    We fly to Biratnagar. On reaching there, we prepare for the forthcoming journey.

  • 4
    Fly from Biratnagar - Sukhetar, commence trek Lali Kharka (2220m. 7283ft.) about 3 hours Trek

    We take a 35 minutes flight to Sukhetar. After refreshment, we head to Lali Kharka with the trekking crews. On the trails, we pass by rich pastures and pristine settlements. 

  • 5
    Lali Kharka - Keswa (2100m. 6889ft.) about 7 hours Trek

    The route further leads to Kunjari where we have lunch. We then continue dense forests village. On skirting along a gently sloping mountain path, we reach Tambawa and later Bhanjyang. From here, we can see the stunning view of Kanchenjunga. We end our day trip walking such a long walk when we head Keswa. 

  • 6
    Keswa - Mamanke (2000m. 7217ft.) 6 hours Trek

    Leaving behind the terraced fields of Keswa, we follow an adventurous route to Nandeva Khola passing by river, forests and the villages.  We continue ascending till we reach Ponpe Danda. We see several hamlets and terraced fields stretch along the crest of the ridge. We continue our descent along the winding path, as we pass through the village of Anpan and terraced fields along Khangwa Khola. We cross the bridge and continue descending the undulating mountain passes till we get to the village of Mamankhe. 

  • 7
    Mamanke - Yamphudin (1650m. 5413ft.) about 5.30 hours Trek

    We begin the trek with an easy climb up to Yamphudin is along a trail which encounters the hillside above the Kabeli Khola. We cross the ridges and stream beds that make up the valley sides and the trail eventually becomes level with the river a couple of hours before Yamphudin.  It is a truly idyllic spot and after lunch by the river, we complete the day's walk to Yamphudin. Yamphudin is the most remote settlement in this area and the last habitation we will see until we reach Gunsa. Needless to say, it is a charming place tucked away beneath the ridge of the Deurali Danda, which we must cross next. 

  • 8
    Yamphudin - Lamite Jungle camp (2920m. 9580ft.) about 7 hours Trek

    Beyond Yamphudin, the trail ascends a steep spur before dropping again to cross the Omje Khola. Walking through a beautiful and dense forest, we stop for lunch in a meadow atop this spur, which commands fine views of the valley beyond Yamphudin to the south and of the Omje Khola Valley and Deurali Danda to the north. A steep descent to the river brings us to our campsite in a clearing in the Lamite forest

  • 9
    Lamite Jungle camp - Torontan (3080m. 10104ft.) about 7 hours Trek

    From our campsite, we ascend steeply for about 3 hours through dense forest to the crest of the Deorali Danda. From the top, Mt Jannu is clearly visible. After crossing the pass, we descend across some fairly steep and exposed scree slopes before re-entering the forest, where we will stop for lunch. After lunch, a steep descent takes us down into the valley of the Simbua Khola and after crossing an interesting wooden bridge.

  • 10
    Torontan - Tseram at (3750m. 12303ft.) about 7 hours Trek

    This morning, we follow the right bank of the river, passing through pine and rhododendron forests. The trail is fairly steep and, as the day progresses, the trees become sparser and more stunted, giving us glimpses of the snow-capped giants ahead and of the massive snout of the Yalung Glacier. Just before Tseram, the towering heights of Kabru and Rathong peep over the moraine. We camp at Tseram, where night-time temperature plummets, reminding us that we are really gaining height. 

  • 11
    Tseram - Ramche (4360m. 14304ft.) about 5 hours Trek

    Today's walk is relatively short. The scenery is magnificent as we ascend past the snout of the Yalung Glacier and into a series of ablation valleys. A frozen lake, crystal clear streams and views of Kokthan, Rathong, and Kabru are the highlights of this walk into Ramche which is situated on a broad, flat ablation zone.

  • 12
    Exploration

     We take a packed lunch and set off very early for our first close encounter with Kanchenjunga. Following the valley around its sweeping curve, we come across the vast southern wall of the mountain. The ridge forms a cirque which is over 15 km long and not less than 7500 m high. Along this ridge lie the three main summits of Mt Kanchenjunga at 8420m, 8586m, and 8474m. These three summits jut out into the sky presents a really grand sight. Proceeding further on towards Oktang 4630m, we descend onto the glacier and cross it to a point below Talu from where we can see the panoramic view of the mountains in the area. Especially impressive is the eastern part of Khumbakarna Glacier flowing from the east face of Jannu. We then return to our camp at Ramche. 

  • 13
    Ramche - Mirgin Lha (4663m. 15298ft.) about 7 hours Trek

    Leaving our campsite, we trek down the valley, passing the small settlement of Lapsang, before turning off towards the Mirgin La - the pass we must cross in order to reach Gunsa and the north side of Kanchenjunga. As we descend from the Mirgin La, the views, in particular of Mt Jannu, are simply magnificent. Camp somewhere beyond the pass. 

  • 14
    Mirgin Lha - Ghunsa (3475m. 11400ft.) about 6 hours trek

    A steep descent from our campsite brings us to Lamba Sumba Kharka where there are more splendid views of the awesome southwest face of Jannu. From here, the going is easy. Descending on an excellent trail to the village of Ghunsa, where we camp in the fields by the river. Ghunsa is a Tibetan village with a tiny Gumba and prayer flags fluttering atop the wooden houses. It comes as a welcome sight after the rigorous walk of the previous days and provides an excellent opportunity to visit a strange local hostelry and sample the 'Tongba' (alcoholic beverage fermented out of millet.).

  • 15
    Ghunsa - Khambachen at (4040m. 13254ft.) about 7 hours Trek

    The trail ascends gently through beautiful pine and rhododendron forests, passing many mani walls and Chhortens. You stop for lunch by the river at Rampak Kharka. After lunch, there is a steep climb before descending to the summer village of Khambachen. The views of Mt Jannu or Kumbhakarna from here are excellent.

  • 16
    Khambachen - Lhonak at (4790m. 15715ft.) about 7 hours Trek

    The trek up to Lhonak via Ramtang village is not too strenuous and despite the increase in altitude, you are able to walk on easily, enjoying the breathtaking views of the valley and mountain peaks. Your lunch stop is at Ramtang, from where the incredible fluted summit of Wedge Peak first becomes visible. During the afternoon Nepal Peak, the Twins, Mera, and the White Wave all come into view. Then you arrive at Lhonak, situated high above the Kanchenjunga Glacier opposite Wedge Peak.

  • 17
    Lhonak - Pang Pema at (5140m. 16863ft.) about 8 hours Trek

    A leisurely 3 hours walk from Lhonak takes you up to Pang Pema. The trail follows the moraine before finally reaching Pang Pema, the North Face Base Camp, which is in a sheltered spot, directly opposite the towering north face of Kanchenjunga. This is one of the most spectacular places in the world and is a fitting climax to this unique trek. 

  • 18
    Rest day in Pang Pema

    Today is a rest day, but for the more energetic ones, there are several diversions lined up for the day. One is to ascend the lower slopes of Drohmo for panoramic views of Kanchenjunga and its adjoining peaks. Another possibility is to continue up the increasingly difficult terrain on the right flank of the glaciers for alternative views of the more remote peaks around the Jongsang La Pass. 

  • 19-20
    Retreat trek - Ghunsa at (3475m. 11400ft.) about 7 hours Trek

    For the next 2 days you retrace your steps to Ghunsa, passing through Ramtang and Khambachen en-route. 

  • 21
    Ghunsa - Kyapra at (2300m. 7545ft.) 7 hours Trek

    From Ghunsa, you take the route out of the mountains that follow the beautiful Gunsa and Tamur Kholas. The trail passes through spectacular forests of rhododendron, conifer, birch, and oak. The valley sides here are steep and the trail follows the river as it cascades downwards. You pass through Kyapra, the last of the Tibetan villages, and an hour or so further on, you reach a spot called Tang. 

  • 22
    Kyapra - Sakathum at (1600m. 5249ft.) about 7 hours Trek

    Heading for the village of Sakathum, your route follows an undulating trail for the first couple of hours until you reach Amjilasa. From here, there is a long steep descent from which you can see the Ghunsa Khola Valley stretched out before you. You then reach Sakathum.

  • 23
    Sakathum - Chirwa at (1180m. 3871ft.) about 7 hours Trek

    Leaving Sakathum, you head to Chirwa. En route, you meet the confluence of two rivers, Simbua Khola and Gunsa Khola. At this point, you get to witness the most magnificent view of the two rivers uniting into Tamur Koshi. On following the trail along Tamur Khola, many other small tributary streams come your way. After trekking for about 7 hours you enter into the pristine village of Chirwa. 

  • 24
    Chirwa - Phurumba at ( 1769m. 5803ft.) about 7 hours Trek

    The route further leads to cultivated land and rich pastures. On reaching Mitlung, you halt for a healthy lunch. Then the trail zigzags through the path of steep stones. After climbing for about 4 hours you come to the valley of Phurumba. 

  • 25
    Phurumba - Taplejung - Suketar at(2300m. 7545ft.) about 6 hours Trek

    As you leave the valley, you continue ascending along the ridge for about 3 hours to Taplejung village. You can wander around the village observing the villagers getting along with their daily routine. As Nepalese folks are generally friendly, chances are you may get invited to a few village homes.Thereafter, after leisurely ascent for about 2 hours, you finally reach the airstrip at Suketar where you conclude the trip of the day.

  • 26
    We flight to Kathmandu via Biratnagar

    You fly back to Biratnagar and then take a connecting flight to Kathmandu. You will be transferred to the hotel upon arrival. 

  • 27
    Depart Kathmandu

    Our Nepalese support team will take you to the international airport for your flight home.

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