Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Upon arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be welcomed by Nepal Spirit Adventure and then driven to our respective hotels in the downtown hub of Kathmandu city. After checking in and enjoying refreshments, our guide gave a briefing on the hotels, Kathmandu's culture, and the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek, as per our booking, and we spent the night in the hotel.

Acclimatization day in Kathmandu, enjoy the hot breakfast that is included in the trek package. Regarding your interest, you can join our regular city tour of Kathmandu while we apply for the Kanchenjunga trek route permit and look at the trekking equipment with your trek guide in Thamel overnight in a hotel.

After breakfast, we transferred to Kathmandu's domestic airport for a flight to Bhadrapur is situated in the Terai, southeast of Nepal. The flight from Kathmandu takes approximately 50 minutes and affords views of the region of the Himalayas where the trek will be taking place. Phidim is located within a magnificent valley in the foothills of the Himalayas in eastern Nepal. It is a beautiful hill township that offers enchanting views of the eastern Himalayas. Approx. Driving hours: 5-6 overnight in the lodge.

Today we drive to Chiruwa via Taplejung. Chiruwa is located in a Himalayan gorge with dense patches of sub-tropical rainforest and cliffs. The ethnic group here, the Kirati, now known as Limbu, dates back more than 2000 years as subsistence farmers in this region. Crops such as rice, millet, barley, wheat, and corn are nearly always growing at the time that we visit. After approximately 8-9 hours drive reach Chiruwa overnight stay in a lodge.

Today, we commence our trek to Sukethum. The trail is well defined, and the walk is both enjoyable and satisfying. We have only a few climbs up towards the valley where we begin to notice subtle changes in the landscape surrounding us. We weave through large boulders, passing below the village of Tapethok, and cross a landslide area to reach a bridge crossing a tributary of the Tamur River. This is the Simbuwa Khola, which flows from the south side of Kanchenjunga. We continue on towards the base camp, crossing several bridges and following what is now called the Gunsa Khola overnight in a guesthouse.

The trail is very narrow, and we follow the Ghunsa River until we break for lunch. This walk requires a lot of caution and concentration. On the way, we pass a small Sherpa settlement mainly tending to Yaks. After lunch, there is a steep climb towards our overnight camp at Amjilosa. (Amjilosa is a small Tibetan settlement) overnight stay in the lodge.

Breakfast at Amjilosa Lodge and trek through a forested trail filled with rhododendrons and bamboo, before ascending to Gyabla. We will cross a big waterfall on the opposite side of the river on our way to Gyabla. Making a steep ascent and then a descent until Gyabla overnight in the lodge.

Before lunch, we follow a narrow trail through thick forests to our lunch site at Phole village. This is a typical Tibetan village and winter settlement for the villagers of Ghunsa. The people of this village depend mainly on yak rearing and weaving carpets. Here we find the one and only monastery of the entire trek, and visitors are most welcome. Overnight stay in the lodge.

Today we will enjoy a rest day, and there may be time, weather permitting, to wash some clothes or do other domestic chores. We also have an option of a 3 hrs walk opposite River Khanso Thanso, from where we see a panoramic view of Phole Peak and Sobithongi Peak, and also a glimpse of Mt. Khumbakaran. After long days of walking, a rest day is highly recommended.

From Ghunsa and above, any signs of human habitation are those of seasonal settlements for the yak herders. They will take their animals to heights of 4000m-4500m in the warmer months of the year. For the trekker, the scenery is unmatched. The route past the sheer cliffs and towering peaks of the Kanchenjunga massif and Jannu Himal (7,710m) is awe-inspiring. They rise directly out of this classical and very grand glacial valley. The trail is ill-defined at times, crossing loose scree and rocks that have been pushed forth from old glaciers. It is quite possible to see wildlife in this remote part of the Himalayas, blue sheep, ibex, mountain goats, or smaller animals among the rocks, such as hyrax and marmots. Overhead, various birds of prey may be seen- Lammergeir (a type of vulture) and various eagles, kites, and falcons!

After a lovely time with awesome scenery, a morning walk follows above the river for an hour and then heading towards North East, the path leads down to the river and then climbs on the boulder track leading to a terminal moraine of Kanchenjunga glaciers, after Ramtang Kharka (a Sheppard huts and shades) the path leads to Kanchenjunga glacier, then crossing at the junction of Lhonak and Kanchenjunga glacier then reaching to our overnight camp at Lhonak with stunning views of Mera peak (6,364 m), Nepal Peak (7,177 m), and Wedge Peak (6,802 m), Twins (7,350 m) and many more overnight stay in lodge.

Today, our journey leads to our final destination, Pang Pema, the North Base Camp of massive Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m). The morning walk leads to climbing high above the river with superb views of Kirat Chuli, Nepal Peak, Taple Sikhar, and Givegela Chuli. The first section of the uphill climb is gradual and then heading onto a boulder trail, walks continue between grassy slopes and glacier path up towards North Base Camp to our highest overnight camp of this impressive and remarkable adventure, In these areas chances of seeing some wildlife herds of blue sheep's and some mountain antelopes, if lucky the elusive rare Snow Leopards.

After the most memorable and fabulous time at Pang Pema around Mt. Kanchenjunga base camp, the morning walk leads to a long descent with a few short climbs and retracing the journey back by the same route to camp at Kambachen.

After the most memorable and fabulous time on Kanchenjunga Expeditions and North Base Camp, the morning walk leads to a long descent with a few short climbs and then retracing the journey back by the same route to camp at Ghunsa.

From Ghunsa, the ascent is along the trail used by the shepherds. Today we ascend through a thick forest of birch, pine, and colorful rhododendrons. At these altitudes and locations, the trail may be covered by snow to varying degrees. We must be prepared for more difficult conditions with good clothing, footwear, and equipment, but offering us an amazing view of Jannu Himal (7710m), Nyukla Laching (6670m), Temachunggi (6044m), and other mountains can be observed from High Camp in a small tea house.

Today is a challenging day for us. The first 2 hours are a steady, steep climb towards two passes on our way to Tseram, the highest pass being the Sele La (4,720m) and Sinion La (4,660). Upon reaching the top of the passes, which is the best viewpoint for Khumbakarna, and being rewarded with an amazing view of Yalung Glacier, Jannu Himal (7,710 m)  Makalu  (8,481m), Baruntse (7,129m), Kanchenjunga (8,586m), and many other mountain ranges along the Sikkim border, then we descend to Tseram for an overnight stay.

Today, we start early to reach Ramche, where we stop for lunch, then hike to Oktang- Kanchenjunga South Base Camp with nice and clear views of Yalung Glacier and Mt. Kanchenjunga South Wall. The walk takes about two hours at an altitude of 4,600 m. This place was the classic route and the first British expedition to climb the summit of Mt. Kanchenjunga in 1955. From here great views of Talung and Kabru Peak. We continue our trek further towards the Oktang Monastery. From here, we climb further up and reach the Yalung Base Camp. The views from the base camp are extraordinary. Mt. Kumbakarna Himal, Jannu Himal, Nyukla, Lachung, and other Himalayan peaks are close by. Retracing the same trail, we trek towards Anda Phedi, relishing the view of different mountain ranges and herds of blue sheep over the grassy slope, and overnight in Tseram.

We descend towards Torontan through the densely forested path filled with rhododendrons and bushes. We also stumbled across a few streams, Chortens, monasteries, ponds, and waterfalls on our way to Torontan overnight in a tea house.

After breakfast, we continue to descend to the Amji Khola and then cross Lasiya Bhanjyang (3,310 m) and Dhupi Bhanjyang (2,620 m), we descend towards Yamphudim. Yamphudim is a village inhabited by a mixed community of Sherpa, Rai, Limbu, and Gurung communities. Overnight in a lodge.

Leaving behind the village of Yamphudim, we descend towards Khebang, passing through valleys, waterfalls, and forest areas. Crossing suspension bridges over several streams, we walk past small settlements alongside Kabeli Khola to arrive in Khebang for an overnight stay.

We take a long drive to Ilam, enjoying the view of green hills, snow-capped mountains, rivers, and the daily activities of the locals throughout the ride. From the mountainous part, we are now in the flatlands of Nepal. Ilam is a beautiful hill station in eastern Nepal. It is well-renowned for tea production with sloped tea gardens, lush green forests, holy sites, and a unique culture. Overnight in the lodge.

After breakfast, we will drive to Bhadrapur to catch our flight back to Kathmandu. If the weather is clear on our flight, we have the opportunity to view some of the most impressive peaks of the Himalayan range. Transfer to our hotel for overnight.

Nepal Spirit Adventure allows a spare or contingency day in Kathmandu in case of flight cancellation or delays at Bhadrapur, which can sometimes occur due to bad/unfavorable weather conditions. If all goes well, as per the itinerary, one can use this day as a free day for individual activities or book a day tour with us.

After a wonderful time at Kanchenjunga Base Camp trekking with the grand service of Nepal Spirit Adventure, as per the flight time, transfer to the international airport for your departure homeward bound or to the next respective countries.