Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek - 17 DaysKanchenjunga Base Camp Trek - 17 Days

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek - 17 Days

    Overview of Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek - 17 Days

    Are you bored while exploring Nepal's Manaslu Trek, Everest, or Annapurna? There are many more places in this country to trek, and the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is quite popular. On these routes, there aren't hundreds of thousands of people crowding around, but there are enough to keep the trip enjoyable. You move peacefully and independently at your own pace rather than in a crowd.

    Within the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project, Kanchenjunga Base Camp is located in the far eastern region of Nepal. You can follow it to the foothills of Mount Kanchenjunga, the third-tallest mountain in the world (8586 m). You can find out about this area's diverse way of life, customs, cuisine, and culture by walking in the limited Kanchenjunga Base Camp walking area.

    You need two permits—a KCAP and a restricted area entry permit—to start the trek. Since the Kanchenjunga hike is a tea-house excursion, you can be guaranteed hospitality because the people there are hospitable and friendly. There are few rest places because the trails are still in their infancy. You stay above 4500 meters on this walk and cross several high passes. The lush greenery and stunning scenery change from grasslands to coniferous forests.

    Highlights
    • Mount Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest peak at 8586 meters, is a fusion of traditional Nepali and Tibetan culture.
    • Nature is wild, distant, and unspoiled, with breathtaking vistas, woods, rivers, and waterfalls.
    • Exploring Mt. Kanchenjunga's Northern and southern base camps
    • Crossing multiple glaciers. Kanchenjunga Glacier, Yalung Glacier, and many others are examples.
    • We were crossing several high passes, including Sele La (4290 meters), Mirginla (4480 meters), and Sinelapcha (4646 meters).
    • The local ethnic groups and remote scenic villages
    • The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area is home to various animals, including the Snow Leopard, Musk deer, and Red Panda.
    Itinerary

    Today's trek will take some time. You must get up early to catch a flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur. When you arrive at the hotel, the driver will meet you and take you to Tribhuvan International Airport. After boarding the jet to Bhadrapur, you take to the skies. Then you board the bus and proceed to Phidim.  Even though the journey is lengthy, the scenic vistas of the countryside, rivers, farms, villages, and birds will keep you interested.
     

    • Max. Altitude:1756m
    • Accommodation:Hotel
    • Time:45m flight and 2h 22m to drive 1 4 hours from Phidim to Bhadrapur
    • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Expect some uncomfortable rides along the way because the journey from Phidim to Tapethok today is long. After breakfast, you board the bus and go to your destination. While traveling the roads, you will stop for lunch in the picturesque village of Taplejung. Although the distance between here and Tapethok is not far, there are various areas with no or very bad roads. It's an exciting trip, but it takes several hours to reach Tapethok.

    • Max. Altitude:1820 m
    • Accommodation:Hotel
    • Time:8 hours
    • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    The day officially begins after a full breakfast, so you later pack your bags and set out on the trip. It travels flatly through lush trees until it reaches the Tamar River. After that, you gradually rise through several checkpoints, tiny waterfalls, and other obstacles. You arrive in Sekathum after some time, where you will have lunch. Then, as you continue your journey, you come to the Amjilosa Phedi.
    Moving on, you mount a hill until you reach Jaubari, where you stop for a cup of tea. Enjoy your cup because this is the last shop before going to Amjilosa. Then you gradually continue your ascent till you reach your goal.

    • Max. Altitude:2520 m
    • Accommodation:Teahouse
    • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    After breakfast, you leave the village and go along the trail alongside Ghunsa Khola. The trail's significant ascent makes the walk from Amjilosa to Fale simpler. After crossing a suspension bridge, you arrive at the small settlement of Gyabla after around 30 minutes. 
     

    • Accommodation:Teahouse
    • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    After a delicious breakfast, you will depart the village, traveling through the deep forest. After driving through a grazing area with yak pasture and green trees, you arrive at Gunsa, a lovely Tibetan settlement. A tiny gompa and dwellings with prayer flags on top can be found in the neighborhood. Because the travel from Fale to Gunsa was short, you adjust and stroll around the settlement. Climb up to Lapsang La or explore the gompa above the payment. Hiking down the Yamtari Khola will take you to a pond near to the glacier. Have a good time, then return to town for the evening.

    • Accommodation:Teahouse
    • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Although the distance between Gunsa and Khambachen is modest, the elevation makes the journey more difficult. The spectacular mountain panorama is visible as you travel north along the riverbanks. The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek continues through beautiful blossoms such as rhododendron, pine, and birch trees. You leave the jungle by walking across a wooden bridge till you reach Rampuk Kharka. Mt. Jannu will now seem to you from a fresh perspective. After discovering and overcoming the challenging routes, you arrive at Khambachen after several hours of walking.

    • Max. Altitude:4100m
    • Accommodation:Teahouse
    • Time:4 hrs
    • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    The trek from Khambachen to Lhonak is brief but exciting. This is the final stop before reaching Kanchenjunga Base Camp. While walking, try to stay in the moment. You get up early this morning, eat breakfast, and then go out on your journey. From here, you drop a little and walk alongside a river. Walking, you will pass by a waterfall and cross a bridge. Ramtang Monastery is reached after a short hike of the hill. After a brief pause at the Gompa, you continue walking for a few hours till you get Lhonak.

    • Max. Altitude:4 792 m
    • Accommodation:Teahouse
    • Time:4 hours
    • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Today is the most exciting day of your Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek as you make your way to the major attraction of the adventure. The first leg of the journey will take you from Lhonak to Kanchenjunga.  You leave and follow the base camp trail. It encircles the massive Kanchenjunga glacier on a trail lined with beautiful wildflowers. As you ascend the routes, the treelines get fewer and fewer until there are none left by the time you reach the Kanchenjunga base camp. After several hours of walking, you arrive at your goal.

    Views of Mount Kanchenjunga and nearby peaks are breathtaking from Kanchenjunga Base Camp. Spend some time here before descending to Khambachen. As you steadily fall, you will view numerous famous mountains and beautiful valleys. Descending a hill takes less time but feels like an hour or two. While witnessing scenarios, you eventually arrive at Khambachen.

    • Max. Altitude:5140 m
    • Accommodation:Teahouse
    • Time:5 hrs
    • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    On day nine, you return to Gunsa by your route from Khambachen. Because you've already reached the main attractions of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, you may bring your time exploring the routes. After breakfast, you get ready to travel to Gunsa. We will continue our trek with the same enthusiasm we felt when we first arrived at Kanchenjunga Base Camp. You come in Gunsa after several hours of descending.

    • Max. Altitude:3410m
    • Accommodation:Teahouse
    • Time:6 hour
    • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Today you will go from Gunsa to Sele La Kharka. After that, you'll leave the settlement and travel the path that folks use daily in this area. As you slowly ascend the trails, you pass through deep pine and rhododendron forests. Arrive at Sele La Kharka's base camp by climbing the south-facing hill.

    • Max. Altitude:4,200m
    • Accommodation:Teahouse
    • Time:5-6 hours
    • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    The trek from Sele La Kharka to Tseram will be memorable because it will take you through multiple passes in this region, including Sele La Pass and Sinion La Pass. The high passes of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek will be breathtaking.
    After breakfast, you set out on your way before daybreak. Leaving the settlement behind, you gradually ascend uphill until Mirgin La Pass, where you can see the spectacular sunrise. Then, as you descend the pathways, you use the wooden bridge to cross a little brook.
    You pass gorgeous wildflowers, little communities, and more as you follow the trail into the dense forest. After being captivated by the splendor of nature, you resume your ascent to Sele La Pass. The view from Sele La is beautiful, including views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and other peaks. You look at them as you descend towards a small village on the foothill. After lunch, you continue walking moderately uphill until you reach Sinion La Pass. After taking in the splendor of the sceneries for a while, you arrive at Tseram after decreasing roughly 1000 meters in elevation.

    • Max. Altitude:3,870m
    • Accommodation:Teahouse
    • Time:7-8 hours.
    • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    After breakfast, you depart Tseram for Oktang Base Camp. You stroll up the Yalung Glacier's Lateral moraine, following the alpine valley.
    Then, as you climb the slope, you are welcomed by a breathtaking vista of enormous mountains. You descend slightly and hike for a few hours to reach Ramche. You eat your lunch here while admiring the breathtaking snow-capped peaks. Later on, you continue on your journey to Oktang Base Camp.

    • Max. Altitude:4,730m-4,580m
    • Accommodation:Teahouse
    • Time:6-7 hours
    • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Today, the trek from Oktang Base Camp to Torongden is downhill, resulting in significant height loss. You hike to Simbuwa Khola by following the zigzag routes. The trek from here is easy and allows you to enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Moving farther, you will enter the dense forest of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. Torongden is reached after passing through a jungle of wildflowers such as rhododendron, Cornwall, wild orchids, etc.

    • Max. Altitude:3370 m
    • Accommodation:Teahouse
    • Time:6 hours
    • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    The walk from Torongden to Sherpgauna begins early this morning, so pack your belongings after breakfast. Because there are few communities and businesses between these two places, bring water and a sandwich.
    You begin with a solid uphill trek to Lamite Bhanjyang, then descend through pine forests while birds chirp. You cross the Simbhua Khola a little further into the bush. Then, following the riverbank pathways, you cross another wooden bridge over the Amji Khola. You arrive in Sherpgaun as you continue walking on the trails.

    • Max. Altitude:2200 m
    • Accommodation:Teahouse
    • Time:7 hours
    • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Today is both the final and penultimate day of your Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek. The routes wind across the purest natural settings.
    The previous trekking route would take you to Taplejung, but now you can spend the night in Khebang. The 6-hour walk includes ups and downs, zigzags, and zags. This journey also takes you through various Chettri and Brahmin communities.

    • Max. Altitude:1800 m
    • Accommodation:Teahouse
    • Time:6 hours
    • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Today you will return to Phedim and then to Birtamod to bid farewell to the Kanchenjunga region. As your final visit to Birtamod, you take an early ride from Khebang to Phedim. Your trek south across the mountainous landscapes, saying goodbye to a beautiful location. It takes you on a regular trekking route to Phedim, where you will stop for lunch. You continue your trek towards Birtamod from here. You reach your goal via little towns, scenic landscapes, and farmlands.

    • Max. Altitude:4785m
    • Accommodation:Hotel
    • Time:8 to 10 hours
    • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Your Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek has come to a close, and looking back, it was very brief. Prepare yourself and transport your things to the airport in time for the early flight to Kathmandu.

    • Accommodation:Hotel
    • Meals:, Dinner

    1. What is the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek?
    The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is an adventurous trekking route that takes you to the base camps of Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. It offers stunning views of the mountain's peaks and takes you through remote villages, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural experiences.

    2. How long is the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek?
    The trek usually takes around 18 to 24 days to complete, depending on the chosen route and your pace. The trekking distance covers approximately 140 to 200 kilometers.

    3. What is the best time for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek?
    The best time to undertake this trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months provide stable weather, clear skies, and optimal trekking conditions, with spectacular views of the mountains.

    4. Is a special permit required for Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek?
    Yes, a special trekking permit is required for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek. You need to obtain a Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP) and a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) through a registered trekking agency in Nepal.

    5. How difficult is the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek?
    The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is considered challenging due to its remote location and rugged terrain. The trail involves steep ascents and descents, as well as significant altitude gain. Previous trekking experience at high altitudes is recommended.

    6. What is the accommodation like on the trek?
    Accommodation varies along the trek, with tea houses available in some areas and camping necessary in others due to limited infrastructure. Tea houses provide basic facilities, while camping offers a closer connection with nature.

    7. Are there altitude-related risks on the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek?
    Yes, altitude sickness is a concern due to the high elevations reached during the trek. It's important to acclimatize properly, stay hydrated, and ascend gradually. The trek's itinerary usually includes rest days for acclimatization.

    8. What are the cultural highlights of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek?
    The Kanchenjunga region is home to various ethnic groups, including Limbu, Rai, Sherpa, and Tibetan communities. You'll have the chance to experience their unique cultures, traditions, and architecture. The trail is adorned with prayer flags, chortens, and monasteries that reflect the local Buddhist heritage.

    Useful Info

    The Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is one of Nepal's most challenging hikes. The length of the walk, the high altitude, and the isolation of the trek make it one of the more challenging treks in Nepal. The Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is one of Nepal's longest. The tour lasts 23 days, and you will trek for 19 of them. On average, you will travel for 5-6 hours per day. You will also need a guide to walk to Kanchenjunga Base Camp because the trail is somewhat secluded. Because some locations are prone to landslides, this walk requires a guide. 

    The journey is also a high-altitude hike that takes you to over 5000 meters. The trail becomes steeper as you travel to the numerous mountain passes. Considering all of this, you must prepare thoroughly for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp hike. To complete this expedition, you will need to spend several months preparing. 
     

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