Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

21 Days

Kanchenjunga Base camp Trek takes you to base camp of Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world, soaring high at 8586m. The trek region is situated in Nepal’s northeastern part. It is one of the longest and challenging treks in Nepal- a 3-week adventure.

The remote trail to Kanchenjunga Base Camp passes through the Arun valley and Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA), which is is among the first explored areas of the Himalaya in the 19th century. This trek’s less-trodden trail bestows diverse landscapes ranging from alpine grasslands to subtropical forests, low river valley, and glacial moraine.

The lush forests, alpine meadows, and high-altitude wetlands in Kanchenjunga Conservation Area is home to some endangered animals like the snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan black bear, and clouded leopard. The Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek route commands unrivaled views of beguiling forests, beautiful villages, Himalayan vistas, and landscapes.

Marvel at the breathtaking views of some of the highest mountains in the world like Lhotse (8516m), Everest (8848m), Kanchenjunga (8586m), Makalu (8481m), and surrounding peaks. Enjoy the exquisite hospitality of Rai, Limbu, Gurung, and Sherpa people. Additionally, savor indigenous food and gain insight into enticing cultures of local people.

Crossing the Mirgin-La pass at 4725m, close-up view of Kanchenjunga peak, dramatic landscapes, less-trodden trail, unspoiled region, breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains including Everest, remote villages of the Gurung, Limbu, Rai, and Sherpa peoples are some of the distinct highlights of this trek.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Route

This amazing adventure to Kanchenjunga base camp starts with a scenic ride to Bhadrapur and Birtamod from Kathmandu. From Birtamod, you will head to Taplejung on 2nd day and hit the trail to Chiruwa. The trail traverses sub-tropical rainforest and cliffs, and Limbu and Tamang villages of Sinwa, Tawa, and Porke. Further, descend to Thiwa Khola, cross a wooden bridge, and you will arrive in Chiruwa.

The trail continues to Lelep and Amjilosa. From there, you will march towards Gyabla. Today’s walk is predominantly through beautiful rhododendron and bamboo forest. Continue through steep ascent and gradual descent, and you will be in Gyabla.

Your next destination will be Ghunsa. You will follow a narrow trail through thick forests and a broad meadow. Ghunsa is a beautiful Tibetan village where you will spend two nights. A day is allocated as acclimatization day, to cope up with thin air. On this day, you will explore the lively Tibetan village of Ghunsa and enjoy a short hike.

On the 9th day of the trek, you will head to Khambachen. The trail gradually ascends through beautiful pine and rhododendron forests, passing several mani walls and chortens and crossing glacial moraine. After 5-6 hours of trekking, you will reach the Tibetan settlement of Khambachen.

Upon heading to Lhonak, you will climb open rocky fields to Ramtang and follow the trail on the left side of Kanchenjunga Glacier. En route, admire the panoramic view of majestic mountains like Wedge Peak, Mera Peak, and surrounding peaks.

On the 11th day, you will hike to Kanchenjunga Base Camp, following the same glacier on the northern ridges. The jaw-dropping views of the Himalayas await you.

Leaving base camp, you will descend back to Lhonak. En route, embrace the breathtaking vast north face of Kanchenjunga from Pangpema. Further, descend to Ghunsa and Selele Base Camp. Continue through the trail used by the shepherds and ascend through lush forests of birch, pine, and rhododendron.

From base camp, hit the trail to Cheram and Ramche, passing the moraines of Yalung Glacier. Along the route, you may encounter blue sheep. Further, continue the trail to Tortong through the densely forested-trail.

On your way to Yamphuding, descend to the Amji Khola and cross the Dubi Pass. On the 18th day, you will reach Khebang at 1915m. The trek is comparatively easier as you descend to Hapu Khola. The next day, you will drive to Birtamod and finally to Kathmandu.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Difficulty

Kanchenjunga Base camp Trek is a moderate to difficult trek suitable for experienced trekkers. However, if you are a novice trekker, our travel expert and experienced guide will help you with the trek.

You need to be physically fit to embark on a journey to Kanchenjunga base camp. The highest elevation of this trek is 5143m. Altitude sickness can be a serious problem if you are not physically and mentally prepared and determined.

The trail demands at least 5-6 hours of trek every day. And on a challenging day, you must trek for 7-8 hours.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Itinerary

Day 1 :
Day 1

Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and drive to Birtamod (16 Km)
Duration: 45 min flight and 45 min drive

Day 2 :
Day 2

Drive from Birtamod to Taplejung (1820m/5971ft)
Duration: 8-9 hours drive

Day 3 :
Day 3

Trek from Taplejung to Chiruwa (1270m/4166ft)
Duration: 6-7 hours trek

Day 4 :
Day 4

Trek from Chiruwa to Lelep (1750m/5741ft)
Duration: 5-6 hours trek

Day 5 :
Day 5

Trek from Lelep to Amjilosa (2308m/7572ft)
Duration: 5-6 hours trek

Day 6 :
Day 6

Trek from Amjilosa to Gyabla (2730m/8956ft)
Duration: 5-6 hours trek

Day 7 :
Day 7

Trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa (3595m/11794ft)
Duration: 5-6 hours trek

Day 8 :
Day 8

Acclimatization day at Ghunsa

Day 9 :
Day 9

Trek from Ghunsa to Khambachen (4050m/13287ft)
Duration: 5-6 hours trek

Day 10 :
Day 10

Trek from Khambachen to Lhonak (4780m/15682ft)
Duration: 4-5 hours trek

Day 11 :
Day 11

Hike to Kanchenjunga Base camp (5143m/16873ft) and back to Lhonak
Duration: 5-6 hours trek

Day 12 :
Day 12

Trek from Lhonak to Ghunsa (3595m/11794ft)
Duration: 6-7 hours trek

Day 13 :
Day 13

Trek from Ghunsa to Selele Base Camp (4480m/14698ft)
Duration: 5-6 hours trek

Day 14 :
Day 14

Trek from Selele Base Camp to Cheram (3870m/12696ft)
Duration: 7-8 hours trek

Day 15 :
Day 15

Trek from Cheram to Ramche (4580m/15026ft)
Duration: 3-4 hours trek

Day 16 :
Day 16

Trek from Ramche to Tortong (2995m/9826ft)
Duration: 6 7 hours trek

Day 17 :
Day 17

Trek from Tortong to Yamphuding (2080m/6824ft)
Duration: 7-8 hours trek

Day 18 :
Day 18

Trek from Yamphuding to Khebang (1915m/6282ft)
Duration: 5-6 hours trek

Day 19 :
Day 19

Trek from Khebang to Hapu Khola (1095m/3592ft)
Duration: 5-6 hours trek

Day 20 :
Day 20

Drive from Hapu Khola to Birtamod
Duration: 9-10 hours drive

Day 21 :
Day 21

Drive from Birtamod to Bhadrapur and fly back to Kathmandu
Duration: 45 min flight and 45 min drive

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Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
  • Trekking & Hiking
  • Moderate to Difficulty
  • 5143m/16873ft
  • Kathmandu
  • Kathmandu
  • 1-12

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