Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
Trek Details
Max Altitude:
The maximum altitude for Kanchenjunga Base Camp is around 5,143 meters (16,873 feet), specifically at Pangpema, the North Base Camp, which offers close-up views of Kanchenjunga’s massive north face.
Location: Nepal (Kanchenjunga Conservation Area)
Estimated Price: $2,000-$2,500 (Depending on package, group size and desired number of days, excursions and amenities).
All treks are customizable.
Number of days: ~18-22
(depends on desired route)
Season:
The best seasons for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek are Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November), offering stable weather, clear skies, moderate temperatures, blooming rhododendrons (spring), and excellent mountain views, avoiding the heavy rains of monsoon (June-Aug) and extreme cold/snow of winter (Dec-Feb). Autumn is often preferred for the clearest mountain panoramas and cultural festivals, while spring brings vibrant floral displays.
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is a challenging, off-the-beaten-path journey in remote Eastern Nepal, leading to the foot of the world’s third-highest peak (8,586m), offering diverse landscapes from jungles to glaciers, unique cultural immersion in Rai, Limbu, and Tibetan villages, and breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga’s North and South Base Camps (Pangpema & Oktang). This demanding trek, typically 20-26 days, requires permits, traverses rhododendron forests, high passes (Sele La, Sinon La), and remote terrain, rewarding trekkers with an authentic Himalayan experience away from crowds.
Key Features:
Location: Eastern Nepal, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.
Duration: Approximately 20-26 days.
Difficulty: Demanding/Challenging, suitable for experienced trekkers.
Highlights: Views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Jannu, high passes, glaciers, waterfalls, remote villages.
Cultural Immersion: Mix of Hindu (Rai, Limbu) and Tibetan Buddhist cultures.
Permits: Requires Restricted Area Permits, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP), and TIMS.
Experience:
Off-the-Beaten-Path: One of Nepal’s most remote and less-visited treks, offering isolation.
Accommodation: Simple teahouses with basic amenities.
Variations: Can be done as shorter routes to North or South Base Camp, or even heli-assisted.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu, hotel check-in, rest.
Day 2: Sightseeing & Trek Preparation (permits, gear check).
Day 3: Fly Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, drive to Taplejung/Mitlung.
Day 4: Drive to Sukethum/Japantar, trek to Amjilosa (2,510m).
Day 5: Amjilosa to Gyabla (2,730m).
Day 6: Gyabla to Ghunsa (3,415m).
Day 7: Ghunsa to Khambachen (4,050m).
Day 8: Acclimatization/Explore day at Khambachen (visit Janu Viewpoint).
Day 9: Khambachen to Lhonak (4,792m).
Day 10: Day trip to Pangpema (Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, 5,143m) & return to Lhonak.
Day 11: Lhonak to Ghunsa (descent).
Option A (Circuit/South):
Day 12: Ghunsa to Sele La High Camp (4,240m).
Day 13: Cross Sele La Pass (4,290m) to Cheram/Tseram.
Day 14: Tseram to Ramche (4,580m).
Day 15: Day trip to Oktang Viewpoint (South BC) & back to Ramche/Tseram.
Days 16-20: Descend through Yamphudin, Kanyam, to Bhadrapur.
Option B (Direct Return from Ghunsa):
Day 12: Ghunsa to Fele<<< /nav>>/Pukpuk<<< /nav>> (or similar).
Days 13-18: Continue descending to Yamphudin, then to Bhadrapur.
Day 21/22: Fly Bhadrapur to Kathmandu & Depart