Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu at the UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Kathmandu Durbar Square- an ancient courtyard at the heart of Kathmandu, Pashupatinath- a holy temple of Hindus dedicated to Lord Shiva at the bank of Bagmati River, Swayambhunath- an oldest Buddhist shrine at the hillock and an important pilgrimage site of both Hindus and Buddhist and Boudhanath- the largest Buddhist shrine at the outskirts of Kathmandu. After sightseeing, remaining free time for trek preparation. Roam around the streets of Kathmandu in the evening for self-exploration and relaxation.

Overnight at Kathmandu.

Scenic flight from Kathmandu to Suketar. There are few flights to Suketar and the flight is highly affected by weather. If the weather is good and we fly to Suketar, trek to Kunjari village but if the flight is delayed due to weather or any others, we will stay at Suketar. The trail ascends uphill and with gradual walk to Deurali from where we take a right turn leaving the trail of sacred Pathivara Temple in the left. The trail ascends through the forest of rhododendron and descends downwards through scrubby forest till we reach Tembewa. Furthermore walking ahead and crossing the hot steep path and suspension bridge over Phawa Khola, the trail climbs gradually leading us to Bamboo and Bananas hamlet of Kunjari village. 

Walking Time: 5 to 6 hours

The trail ascends as we climb on the stone-staircase leading us to the ridge known as Kande Banjyang. Following the trail and climbing more stairs ahead observing the stunning views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, passing through the forest we will reach at the hamlets growing millets, maize, rice, etc. From Khesewa, the trail descends down towards a beautiful waterfall where the trail traverses the steep mountainside high above Kabeli Khola. Passing through several ups and downhills and observing the stunning views of mountain ranges leads us to the hamlet of Phungphung Danda.

Overnight at Phung Phung Danda.
Walking Time: 6 to 7 hours.

From Phung Phung Danda, the trail descends down towards Kabeli Khola and crossing the suspension bridge over Kabeli Khola. The trail ascends uphill through the terraced farmlands and crossing several villages like Mamankhe, Yamphudin, etc and passing many uphill’s and downhills, and several streams and ridges leads us to Yamphudin. TIMS card and KCAP are checked and furthermore of gradual walk leads us to Sherpa Gaon at an elevation of 1700m.

Overnight at Sherpagaon.
Walking Time: 6 to 7 hours

From Sherpa Gaon, the trail ascends uphill through some shady areas. Observe the beautiful view of Yamphudin village. Passing through the forest, crossing many up and downhills and crossing several suspension bridges and streams leads us to Tortong. With the stunning views of snow-capped  mountains. The trail crosses the grassy pass and crossing the landslide area the trail leads to the zigzag trail of coniferous alpine forest with maple and deciduous larch; a feature of Kanchenjunga area. Explore Tortong village in the evening.

Overnight at Tortong.
Walking Time: 7 to 8 hours

From Tortong, the trail passes through the forest of rhododendron and pine. The trail ascends from the right bank of river. The gradual walk uphill to the pine and rhododendron forest, observing the beautiful and stunning views of several snow-capped mountains ahead of the giant Yalung Glacier. Following the trail leads us to Tseram at an elevation of 3870m. We may also feel the change in climate as altitude increases.

Overnight at Tseram.
Walking Time: 4 to 5 hours

Acclimatization is very important if you are trekking from lower altitude to higher altitude. The body needs to adopt the change in climate and altitude as to prevent altitude sickness. Since today is your acclimatization day at Tseram, hike around the south side of Kanchenjunga, also known as Yalung base camp. Observe the frozen lake, clear streams along with magnificent views of several snow-capped mountains like Mt. Koktang, Mt. Rathong etc. If you want to explore more, you can hike up to Koktang or else return back to Tseram. Roam around Tseram village in the evening.

Overnight at Tseram.
Walking Time: 4 to 7 hours (depends upon how far you go)

Leaving Tseram behind, the trek today is going to be long as we have to cross three passes i.e. Sinelapche, Mirgin and Sinion la. The trail climbs up leading us to Chhuchung Pokhari where we can observe two lakes. From Chhuchung pokhari, the trail descends a little bit and traverses right and with gentle uphill and downhill offering stunning views of terraced farmlands and scree slopes leads us to Anda Pokhari. A short and gentle climb passing the colorful prayer flags leads us to Missiay La pass and furthermore of walk ahead leads us to Sinelapche pass; the first pass of today’s trek, where we cross the main watershed between Simbuwa valley and Ghunsa khola. Following the up and downhill and furthermore of gradual walk leads us to second pass Mirgin la. Observe the splendid views of Makalu, a long ridge of Chamlang along with a glimpse of Everest. Following the traverse trail and passing the colorful praying flags leads us to Sinion la pass; the third pass of trek. Now, the trail descends down towards Selele Khola leading us to Selele village.

Overnight at Selele.
Walking Time: 8 to 9 hours

From Selele, the trail ascends gradually as we climb towards Selele La pass and furthermore of gradual walk ahead leads us to another pass called Tamo La. Observe the colorful prayer flags enroute. The trail descends from Tamo La through the rhododendron, silver pine, and silver birch forest leading us to Ghunsa at an elevation of 3425m. Explore the Ghunsa gompa in the evening and culture, tradition and lifestyle of local people.

Overnight at Ghunsa.
Walking Time: 3 to 4 hours

Trekking in Himalayas cannot be predicted as there may arise several natural problems. The weather conditions cannot be predicted as well as due to some other reasons, there may appear delays in our schedule. If everything goes well, this day can be used as a rest day at Ghunsa. Explore around Ghunsa village in the evening.

Overnight at Ghunsa.

From Ghunsa, the trail ascends uphill through the forest of rhododendron, silver birch, mani walls and chortens. Crossing a wooden bridge and passing the landslide area, observe the stunning views of Mt. Jannu(7711m). Mt. Jannu is also known as Mt, Kumbakarna. The trail climbs steeply till we reach at the end of the ridge until we reach a moraine at the end of a glacier. Observe the best view of Mt. Jannu for some more time and following the route, we traverse and crossing a stream leads us to the village of Kambachen at an elevation of 4110m.

Overnight at Kambachhen.
Walking Time: 3 to 4 hours

Leaving Kambachen behind, the trail ascends as we climb uphill through the chortens above Kambachen village. Following the trail on the right bank with beautiful icy rock peaks all around seems to be revealed. If you are lucky, you can spot the flocks of Blue sheep. Furthermore of walking ahead leads us to Ramtang and observe the stunning views of Wedge peak. Following the trail for furthermore ahead leads us to the scattered huts of Lhonak at an elevation of 4800m. Explore the culture, tradition and lifestyle of local people.

Overnight at Lhonak.
Walking Time: 4 to 5 hours.

From Lhonak, the trail gradually ascends through several landslides areas before emerging at a grassy terrace in lower altitude area beside the glacier. Following the trail up and downhill and enjoying the picturesque views along with the opportunity to explore the faunas leads us to Pang Pema or the north base camp of Kanchenjunga. Observe the panoramic view of Kanchenjunga facing north, Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, etc and the stunning views of crystal clear glaciers. Observe the amazing views for some more time and return back to Lhonak for overnight. 

Waking Time: 3 to 5 hours

Enjoy the spectacular view of Sunrise over the Himalayas. Observe the panoramic views of the Himalayas for some more time. The majestic views of sunrise over the Himalayas are the best experience you will get during trekking. Following the trail, descend downwards observing the picturesque views of the Himalayas leading us to Kambachen.

Overnight at Kambachen.
Walking Time: 5 to 6 hours

Today we have two options. One via Jannu base camp and another direct descend to Ghunsa.  If you want to explore Jannu base camp, following the trail crossing the wooden bridge over Ghunsa khola, the trail follows the northern moraine of a glacier leading us to Jannu base camp. The base camp is marked by a large rock with streams and colourful prayer flags. Observing the breath-taking views of snow-capped mountains the trail descends downwards leading us to Kambachen.

But if you don't wish to explore Jannu base camp, the trail descends downwards from Kambachen to Phale. Observing the stunning views of Mt. Jannu and crossing a suspension bridge over Ghunsa Khola leads us to the village of Ghunsa. Explore around Ghunsa in the evening and overnight at Ghunsa.

Walking Time: 3 hours (If optional 7 to 8 hours)

From Ghunsa, the trail ascends gradually to two short steep climbs separated by a bridge leading us to Gyabla. The vegetation begins to change as the alpine coniferous forest changes into dense bamboo forest. We may spot Black bear even in daylight across the river. The trail continues to ascend and descend and following the rocky and steep route leads us to Amjilosa village at an elevation of 4160m. Amjilosa is a picturesque village at the hillock. Overnight at Amjilosa.

Walking Time: 6 to 7 hours

Leaving the Amjilosa village behind, the trail crosses several wooden and suspension bridges. Walking along the bank of river till we reach Tamor River; which is the major tributary of Ghumsa Khola. Observing the monkeys swinging around along with the honeycomb at the rocky cliffs leads us to Sekathum village. Crossing the long suspension bridge over Tamor River that drains the Olangchhungola village and Ghunsa Khola. Following the trail leads us to Lelep and descends downward through the beautifully terraced farmlands growing crops like millet, buckwheat, rice along with cardamom plantations. Crossing the checkpoint of Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, the downward trail crossing a suspension bridge leads us to Thiwa village. Roam around Thiwa village in the evening.

Overnight at Thiwa.
Walking Time: 7 to 8 hours.

From Thiwa, we could trek down to Mitlung  but with an intention to visit Pathivara temple, we trek to Phedi today. Passing through several villages and enjoying the beautiful views of snow-capped mountains leads us to Phedi. Phedi is the major trail to Pathivara temple; a famous temple of Hindu goddess Pathivara. Observe the magnificent views of Mt. Kanchenjunga along with other peaks. Roam around Phedi in the evening.

Overnight at Phedi.
Walking Time: 6 to 7 hours.

Today, we will start trek early in the morning in order to reach at the top to observe the significant view of sunrise over the Himalayas. Enjoy the sun rays touching the Himalayas making them more beautiful. Observe the panoramic view of Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, Kanchenjunga, etc along with several other peaks. After observing for some more time, the trail ascends to the famous temple of Hindu goddess Pathivara. Pay your homage at Pathivara goddess and after exploring for some more time. The trail descends downwards to Phedi and a gradual and gentle downhill walk ahead for some more time leads us to Suketar. Roam around Suketar in the evening.

Overnight at Suketar.

From Suketar, the trail gradually descends downwards. As we are completing the trekking circuit at Taplejung, we can take a local bus to reach Illam. The windy and rocky route leads us to Illam/ Phidim. Explore around Illam in the evening and observe tea-plantation at the hills. Enjoying the picturesque sceneries, roam around Illam in the evening. Overnight at Illam.

Walking Time: 3 hours
Driving Time: 7 to 8 hours

Drive to Bhadrapur from Illam followed by flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, transfer to the hotel. Check-in at the hotel. Remaining day free for self-exploration and pleasure. As we have successfully completed Kanchenjunga base camp trek, we will go out for traditional dinner tonight.

Overnight at Kathmandu.

For a successful completion of trekking, the weather must be good. While trekking in the remote areas, there are chances of natural disasters and other problems such as flight delay. So, an extra contingency or free day if any delay is caused in due course of the trek. If everything is on schedule, rest at Kathmandu and roam around Kathmandu for self-exploration and pleasure.

Free till departure. Our representative from Moonline Tours P. Ltd will drop you at Tribhuvan International Airport 3 hours prior to your departure schedule in order to board onward journey. With the best memories of Kanchenjunga base