Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Days 24 Trip Grade Strenuous / Challenging Maximum Altitude 5,143 m (Pangpema – North BC) Starts Kathmandu Ends Kathmandu Best Time March–May & September–November Country Nepal Activity Remote High-Altitude Trekking Trip Price: US $2,750 per person Click here The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is a stunning and remote expedition to the base of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) — the third highest mountain in the world. Tucked away in eastern Nepal near the Indian and Tibetan borders, this trek takes you through one of the most culturally rich and ecologically diverse regions in the Himalayas. The full circuit typically covers both the North Base Camp (Pangpema) and South Base Camp (Oktang), offering surreal views of Kanchenjunga and its satellite peaks such as Jannu, Yalung Kang, and Kambachen. The trail winds through pristine forests, alpine valleys, Tibetan-style villages, yak pastures, and glacial moraines with barely any tourist traffic. Designated as a restricted area, the Kanchenjunga region remains one of Nepal’s last great trekking frontiers. The trek is physically demanding, often requiring camping or very basic teahouse accommodation, and trekkers must be fully self-sufficient or part of an organized group with permits. Despite the effort, the rewards are immense: soaring Himalayan giants, solitude, close interaction with Limbu, Rai, and Tibetan Buddhist cultures, and a sense of walking where few outsiders tread. Highlights Itinerary Cost Details Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m): Third highest mountain in the world — sacred to locals, immense in presence. North & South Base Camps: Rare opportunity to experience both sides of the mountain, including Pangpema and Oktang Viewpoint. True Wilderness: One of Nepal’s least-traveled and most pristine trekking trails. Cultural Encounters: Unique blend of Limbu, Rai, Tibetan Buddhist, and Sherpa influences. High-Altitude Landscapes: Alpine lakes, hanging glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and dramatic ridgelines. Wildlife Haven: Red panda, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, and rare birds live in Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13-14 15 16 17 18 19-22 23 24 Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300 m) Airport pickup, hotel check-in, trek briefing, and permit preparation. Day 2: Fly to Bhadrapur, drive to Ilam (1,200 m) Scenic 45-minute flight followed by a Jeep ride through tea gardens to Ilam. Overnight in hotel. Day 3: Drive to Taplejung (1,820 m) Continue driving to Taplejung via Phidim. Overnight in lodge or homestay. Day 4: Trek to Chiruwa (1,270 m) – 6 hrs Begin trek through lush forests, Limbu villages, and farmland. Reach riverside Chiruwa. Day 5: Trek to Sekathum (1,660 m) Cross suspension bridges, walk alongside the Ghunsa Khola to the small hamlet of Sekathum. Day 6: Trek to Amjilosa (2,510 m) Challenging climb through bamboo and rhododendron forests. Camp or teahouse stay. Day 7: Trek to Gyabla (2,730 m) Gentle forest walk with panoramic ridge views. Tibetan influence becomes visible. Day 8: Trek to Ghunsa (3,595 m) Reach the largest village in the valley. Explore ancient monastery and rest. Day 9: Acclimatization Day in Ghunsa Short hikes to Lpasan La ridge or viewpoint to aid acclimatization. Day 10: Trek to Kambachen (4,100 m) Alpine terrain, moraine paths, and mountain giants dominate the landscape. Day 11: Trek to Lhonak (4,780 m) Stunning day following the glacier to a high camp area at Lhonak. Very basic lodging. Day 12: Day hike to Pangpema (5,143 m) – Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Epic day hike to base camp for jaw-dropping views of Kanchenjunga’s north face. Return to Lhonak. Day 13–14: Return trek to Ghunsa Descend through the same trail, slowly regaining strength and retracing landscapes. Day 15: Trek to Sele Le (4,290 m) Begin the trail that links the north and south base camps via high passes. Day 16: Trek to Tseram (3,870 m) via Sinion La and Mirgin La (4,645 m) Dramatic and remote high pass crossings. Incredible views of Everest, Makalu, and Jannu. Day 17: Rest/acclimatization day at Tseram Optional hike to Oktang Glacier Viewpoint or relax in the alpine valley. Day 18: Day hike to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp (Oktang, 4,740 m) South base camp is a sacred area with remarkable views of Yalung Glacier and Kanchenjunga South. Day 19–22: Descend via Tortong → Yamphudin → Khebang Trek through beautiful forests and villages back to lowlands. Gradual re-entry into rural Nepal. Day 23: Drive to Bhadrapur Long but scenic Jeep drive back to Bhadrapur town. Day 24: Fly to Kathmandu & departure Morning flight back to the capital. Trip ends. Included in The Cost Trekking guide/porter All meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trekking) Accommodation in Tea house (lodges) during the trek Entry Permit for Sagarmatha National Park All land transportation by tourist bus and private taxi Flight tickets from Kathmandu to Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu Necessary insurance and equipment for trekking staff Airport pick- up and drop-off service Government taxes and Our service charge Not Included in The Cost Personal nature expenses Drinks, beverages, etc. Tips Sleeping bag and down jacket if required Lunch and dinner in Pokhara Hotel accommodation and meals in Kathmandu Road Blockeds and personal Expense. In Case of emergency , your personal travel insurance includes your helicopter rescue, trip cancellation and medical expenses. Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m): Third highest mountain in the world — sacred to locals, immense in presence. North & South Base Camps: Rare opportunity to experience both sides of the mountain, including Pangpema and Oktang Viewpoint. True Wilderness: One of Nepal’s least-traveled and most pristine trekking trails. Cultural Encounters: Unique blend of Limbu, Rai, Tibetan Buddhist, and Sherpa influences. High-Altitude Landscapes: Alpine lakes, hanging glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and dramatic ridgelines. Wildlife Haven: Red panda, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, and rare birds live in Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13-14 15 16 17 18 19-22 23 24 Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300 m) Airport pickup, hotel check-in, trek briefing, and permit preparation. Day 2: Fly to Bhadrapur, drive to Ilam (1,200 m) Scenic 45-minute flight followed by a Jeep ride through tea gardens to Ilam. Overnight in hotel. Day 3: Drive to


