Kanchenjunga Trek

Nepal
Trekking
Medium
22 Days
Pangpema (5,140m),

The Kanchenjunga Trek is a spectacular and challenging journey to the base of the world’s third-highest peak, Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586m), nestled in Nepal’s remote far-eastern region. This epic trek takes adventurers through pristine landscapes, from lush subtropical forests and terraced farmlands to rugged high-altitude glaciers, offering unparalleled biodiversity and cultural diversity. The trail winds through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, home to rare wildlife like snow leopards, red pandas, and Himalayan black bears, as well as vibrant rhododendron and oak forests. Trekkers also encounter traditional villages of the Rai, Limbu, and Sherpa communities, where ancient customs and Tibetan Buddhist influences thrive in isolation. Unlike more commercialized routes, the Kanchenjunga Trek remains untouched by mass tourism, delivering a raw and immersive Himalayan experience.

The trek typically takes 18–22 days, beginning with a flight from Kathmandu to Taplejung, followed by a gradual ascent to the north or south base camps—Pangpema (5,140m) and Ramche (4,580m)—both offering jaw-dropping close-up views of Kanchenjunga’s massive icy faces. Highlights include crossing high passes like the Mirgin La (4,480m), exploring the sacred Olakhani Glacier, and witnessing sunrise over a sea of peaks, including Makalu (8,485m) and Jannu (7,710m). Due to its remoteness, the trek requires full self-sufficiency (camping and porters), but rewards trekkers with surreal landscapes and a profound sense of solitude. Ideal for seasoned adventurers, the Kanchenjunga Trek is a true test of endurance and a chance to explore one of the last great wildernesses of the Himalayas.

Trip Facts

Activities
Trekking
Starting Price
$2,500
Accommodation
Tea House
Max. Altitude
Pangpema (5,140m),
Best Season
Autumn
Trip Hours/Day
6-7 Hours a Day
Trip Grade
Medium
Group Size
2 to 10 Pax

Highlights & Attractions

Two Base Camps: The trek visits both the North Base Camp (Pangpema, 5,140m) and the South Base Camp (Oktang, 4,730m).
Untouched Wilderness: Less crowded than Everest or Annapurna, offering pristine landscapes.
Diverse Landscapes: Lush forests, alpine meadows, glacial moraines, and high-altitude deserts.
Cultural Richness: Explore villages of Rai, Limbu, Sherpa, and Tibetan-influenced communities.
Wildlife: Possible sightings of snow leopards, red pandas, and Himalayan black bears in Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.

Trip Itinerary
Include & Excludes
Trip Notes
Reviews

Trip Itinerary

Day 01:: Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur (45 min), Drive to Taplejung (Suketar) – 8-10 hrs

Take an early flight to Bhadrapur, then a long drive to Taplejung (Suketar, 2,420m). Overnight in a lodge.
Day 02:: Trek to Mitlung (921m) – 5-6 hrs

Descend through terraced fields and villages. Follow the Tamor River, passing through Sinwa, Thunwa, and Tawa.
Day 03:: Trek to Chirwa (1,270m) – 5-6 hrs

Walk along the riverbank, crossing suspension bridges. Enter the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.
Day 4: : Trek to Sekathum (1,660m) – 5-6 hrs

Trek to Sekathum (1,660m) – 5-6 hrs
Day 05: Trek to Sekathum (1,660m) – 6-7 hrs

Steep ascent through rhododendron and pine forests. Views of Mt. Jannu (Kumbhakarna). Overnight in Amjilosa.
Day 06: : Trek to Amjilosa (2,308m) – 5-6 hrs

Steep ascent through rhododendron and pine forests. Views of Mt. Jannu (Kumbhakarna). Overnight in Amjilosa.
Day 07: Trek to Gyabla (2,730m) – 5-6 hrs

Gradual climb through forests with possible wildlife sightings. Reach Gyabla, a small settlement with mountain views. Overnight in Gyabla.
Day 08:: Trek to Ghunsa (3,595m) – 5-6 hrs

Enter higher alpine zone with yak pastures. First views of Kanchenjunga peaks. Overnight in Ghunsa.
Day 09:: Acclimatization Day in Ghunsa

Short hike to nearby viewpoints (Lapsang La). Explore Tibetan-influenced culture and monastery. Overnight in Ghunsa.
Day 10:: Trek to Khambachen (4,100m) – 6-7 hrs

Trek along Ghunsa River with stunning mountain vistas. Possible sightings of blue sheep and snow leopards. Overnight in Khambachen.
Day 11: Acclimatization Day in Khambachen

Hike to Jannu Base Camp or nearby ridges for acclimatization. Spectacular views of Jannu (7,710m). Overnight in Khambachen.
Day 12: Trek to Lhonak (4,780m) – 5-6 hrs

Gradual climb through moraines and rocky terrain. Views of Kanchenjunga’s north face. Overnight in Lhonak.
Day 13:: Trek to Pangpema (Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, 5,140m) & Return to Lhonak – 6-7 hrs

Early morning hike to Pangpema for sunrise views. Panoramic views of Kanchenjunga, Wedge Peak, and Twins. Descend back to Lhonak for overnight stay.
Day 14: : Trek back to Ghunsa (3,595m) – 6-7 hrs

Retrace steps through Khambachen. Overnight in Ghunsa.
Day 15: : Trek to Sele La Base Camp (4,290m) – 6-7 hrs

Steep climb through rhododendron forests. Prepare for Sele La pass crossing. Overnight in Sele La Base Camp.
Day 16: Cross Sele La Pass (4,480m) & Trek to Tseram (3,870m) – 7-8 hrs

Challenging ascent over Sele La with panoramic mountain views. Descend to Tseram via Mirgin La. Overnight in Tseram.
Day 17: : Trek to Yalung Ri (South Base Camp, 4,800m) & Return to Tseram – 7-8 hrs

Hike to Yalung Ri for close-up views of Kanchenjunga’s south face. Return to Tseram for overnight stay.
Day 18: : Trek to Tortong (2,980m) – 6-7 hrs

Descend through forests and cross Simbuwa Khola. Overnight in Tortong.
Day 19: Trek to Yamphudin (2,080m) – 6-7 hrs

Pass through lush valleys and traditional Limbu villages. Overnight in Yamphudin.
Day 20:: Trek to Kande Bhanjyang (2,120m) – 6-7 hrs

Ascend through terraced fields and forests. Overnight in Kande Bhanjyang.
Day 21: : Trek to Taplejung & Drive to Bhadrapur – 5-6 hrs trek + 5 hrs drive

Final trek to Taplejung, then drive to Bhadrapur. Overnight in Bhadrapur.
Day 22: : Fly to Kathmandu

Morning flight to Kathmandu, Free time for exploration or relaxation. Trip concludes.

Package Includes

Round-trip domestic flights (Kathmandu ↔ Bhadrapure) including airport taxes
Teahouse/lodge stays during the trek (basic but comfortable)
Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek
.Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
Experienced, licensed English-speaking trekking guide

Package Excludes

Nepal entry visa fees (approx. $30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days)
Hotel stays in Kathmandu (often offered as an add-on)
Lunches & dinners in Kathmandu (only breakfast may be included if hotel booked)
Travel/trekking insurance (must cover high-altitude trekking up to 4,000m + emergency evacuation)
Extra costs due to flight cancellations (Lukla flights are weather-dependent)

Trip Notes

Difficulty & Best Time to Trek

Difficulty: Challenging (remote, long duration, high altitude).
Best Seasons: Spring (March-May) & Autumn (Sept-Nov).
Permits Required:
- Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit (~$20/week).
- Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP) (~$30).

Alternative Options

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek (Combines North & South Base Camps).
Short Kanchenjunga Trek (Only South Base Camp, shorter duration).

Reviews

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