Mount Adventure Holidays : Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek

KANCHENJUNGA Base Camp TREK

A trek into the pristine conservation area of Nepal

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is a popular trekking route in Nepal, offering an immersive experience in the natural and cultural richness of eastern Nepal. The trek takes 18 to 21 days and requires permits to enter the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, which is a protected region. The trek starts from Taplejung and follows a circuitous route through various villages and terrains, including Chiruwa, Amjilosa, Ghunsa, and Kanchenjunga Base Camp. The region is inhabited by indigenous communities like the Limbu and Sherpa people, providing an opportunity to immerse oneself in their customs and traditions. The trek is moderately to highly challenging due to its length, altitude, and sometimes rough terrain. Trekkers should have prior trekking experience and be physically fit. Proper trekking gear, including warm clothing, sleeping bags, and trekking boots, is essential for a comfortable and safe trek.

The Kanchenjunga Trek is ideal for Mount Adventure Holidays travelers who enjoy solitude and can be done by camping or staying in a tea house. The trek passes through high altitude, rocky terrain, and the Mirgin La Pass, offering panoramic views of Mount Makalu, Chamlang, and Everest. The trek ends at the base camp of Mount Kanchenjunga at Pang Pema, and the trek provides new energy and inspiration in life. The Kanchenjunga Trek is a challenging but rewarding experience that requires proper physical fitness and acclimatization to the high altitude. It is important to pack enough food, water, and warm clothing to endure the unpredictable weather conditions. Additionally, hiring a local guide can enhance the trekking experience by providing valuable insights into the culture and history of the region.

ITINERARY

DAY 1

KATHMANDU – SUKETAR (2420M) – LALIKHARKA 4 HOURS

From Kathmandu, we will board an early morning flight to Suketar which is located in the far northeast region of Nepal. We will trek up and down through the trail that mostly passes through lush green forests all the way to Lalikharka.

DAY 2

LALIKHARKA – KHESEWA (2120M) 7 HOURS

After breakfast we will trek to Khesewa. The trekking trail is an easy descent to Phundrawa. From there our trail goes steep up via Yangpang, Phumphe Danda to Khesewa. On the trail we will see different ethnic communities unaffected by modern wold still holding their traditional culture. We will stay overnight in Khesewa.

DAY 3

KHESEWA – MAMANKHE (1785M) 6 HOURS

Early in the morning we will start our trek towards river Kabeli. On the trail through forests we will cross several small streams enjoying the views of himalayas. We will stay overnight in a homestay at Mamankhe.

DAY 4

MAMANKHE – YAMPHUDIN (2080M) 6 HOURS

Today we trek alongside the river Kabeli. On the way we will see beautiful ridge behind the stream. As we continue our trek we pass by a beautiful waterfall. After walking for some hours, we will cross a small suspension bridge, get to Yamphudin and stay overnight.

DAY 5

YAMPHUDIN – TORTONG (2,995M) 6 HOURS

We begin our trek on a trail commonly used by the villagers which pass through terraced farms and green meadows. Along the way, we will have constant scenic view of the Himalayas. We will trek alongside the river Amji. After then we will cross a pass at Lassiya Bhanjyang before reaching Tortong and stay overnight in a tea house.

DAY 6

TORTONG – CHERAM (3,870M) 7 HOURS

Today we will climb to Cheram, the trail is right on the side of the river Simbuwa. We pass through the beautiful Lalung valley while observing Tuplung peak for most of the part of today’s journey. As we continue we will pass through thick rhododendron forest and enjoy the magnificence of the Yalung Glacier and stay overnight at Cheram in a tea house.

DAY 7

CHERAM: REST AND ACCLIMATIZATION

Today we spend a day in Cheram which will help us to acclimatize in this high altitude. We can spend the rest of the day on rest or going on small hikes. We can explore the areas around the Yalung Glacier, viewpoint for Kabaru and Rathong peaks, and stay overnight in Cheram.

DAY 8

CHERAM – RAMCHE (4,580M) 5 HOURS

Today we trek from Cheram to Ramche. From Cheram, we ascend for some time before reaching the snout of the Yalung Glacier. It is a beautiful walk on a valley trail. We also cherish the views of several Himalayan peaks. We pass through a small settlement of Lapsang before reaching Ramche overnight.

DAY 9

RAMCHE – YALUNG BASE CAMP (4500M) TO CHERAM

From Ramche, we walk further up in the valley. We then follow a stream before climbing on the moraine top until confronted by Kanchenjunga’s southern face. Then we trek further ahead for a glimpse of mount Jannu. We will continue our trek further towards Oktang Monastery. From there, we will climb further up and reach the Yalung Base Camp. The views of Kanchenjunga from the base camp is extraordinary. Kumbakarna (Jannu), Nyukla Lachung and other Himalayan peaks are so close by. Then we descend and spend overnight at Cheram.

DAY 10

CHERAM – SELE LA (4290M) 6 HOURS

Today we will cross four passes beginning with Sine Lapche Bhanjyang. After crossing the pass we will continue to Mirgin La pass. After then we continue trekking and reach the Sinon La pass which is not very far. From there, we ascend to Sele La pass. There are prayer flags strung across one of the steeper sections of the trail which is very near to the Sele La pass. We cross the pass and stay overnight in Sele La.

DAY 11

SELE LA – GHUNSA (3,595M) 4 HOURS

We will start our trek towards the north with Tangbgharma Danda nearby. Then we will reach a chorten marked by prayer flags which marks the start of a steep trail. We descend through rhododendron, birch, and pine forests before reaching Ghunsa. It is a beautiful village of houses with dark and weathered pine walls and Buddhist prayer flags. We will stay Overnight in Ghunsa.

DAY 12

GHUNSA – KAMBACHEN (4,050M) 6 HOURS

From Ghunsa, we will trek further north along the river bank which presents us with magnificent mountain scenery. We will pass through meadows filled with beautiful wildflowers, then cross rhododendron and pine forests. Then we will cross a bridge at Rampuk Kharka and continue past a waterfall and cross the tricky section of a landslide. After crossing the landslide area we begin to see the spectacular view of Mt. Jannu. Further exploring and tackling the tricky mountain trail we finally arrive at Kambachen and spend the night.

DAY 13

KAMBACHEN – LHONAK (4,780M) 6 HOURS

Today will be another challenging day and an early start is needed. We will trek through rocky fields and large boulders on the hillside along the riverbank and arrive at a waterfall. We will then cross a bridge to Ramtang monastery. After then we will cross a landslide section which we must pass through at a steady pace before descending to the river and finally arriving at Lhonak. We will stay overnight in Lhonak.

DAY 14

KANCHENJUNGA BASE CAMP(5,143M) 7 HOURS

From Lhonak, we trek towards the Kanchenjunga Base Camp. Our trail is alongside the gigantic Kanchenjunga Glacier. After passing Pangpema we will descend towards the Kanchenjunga Base Camp. The view from the base camp is magnificient. Mount Kanchenjunga, Jannu Himal and other Himalayan peaks are ours to admire. After then we will descend back to Pangpema and stay overnight.

DAY 15

PANGPEMA – LHONAK 5 HOURS

From Pangpema we trace back our steps to Lhonak and stay overnight.

DAY 16

LHONAK – GHUNSA (3475M) 7 HOURS

From Lhonak, we will descend all the way to Ghunsa via Kambache. It is the same route we took when we were climbing up.

DAY 17

GHUNSA – AMJILOSA (2,308M) 6 HOURS

From Ghunsa, we descend towards Phale. We will pass through several Mani’s and a monastery nearby. We will walk through Juniper forests and reach Phale. From there, it is a steady descent to Gyabla. We will cross a bridge over river Chhundatangka and reach Gyabla. As we continue our trek, we see a waterfall nearby. We also cross a suspension bridge over river Sumbung before reaching Amjilosa. Today we stay overnight in Amjilosa.

DAY 18

AMJILOSA – CHIRWA (1,270M) 7 HOURS

After walking for a while we will see a beautiful waterfall nearby. We will continue our trek and pass a small settlement of Solima before crossing a suspension bridge over river Ghunsa and reaching Sukathum. Our trail passes through several villages beside river Thunsa followed by river Tamor before reaching Chirwa. We will stay overnight in Chirwa.

DAY 19

CHIRWA – PHURUMBU (1,549M) 6 HOURS

Today we will notice that the settlement starts to get thicker as we are descending. Our trail is alongside lush vegetation. We pass through several villages before reaching Sinwa. From there we continue to descend crossing a bridge over the Sisne Khola. Now we are on the Pathibhara Trek trail. We will pass through another village and cross another suspension bridge over Yaphre Khola to reach Phurumbu for an overnight stay.

DAY 20

PHURUMBU – SUKETAR 7 HOURS

Our Kanchenjunga Trek ends today. We can take a much-needed break after reaching Suketar.

DAY 21

SUKETAR – KATHMANDU

After completing our wonderful journey to the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. Today we will spend our whole day resting, packing, sightseeing, or souvenir shopping for loved ones in Kathmandu. There will be a farewell dinner hosted by our company in the evening to celebrate the successful completion of our trek.