Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek - 21 Days

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Highlights

Explore the beautiful Mount Kanchenjunga, altitude of 8,586 meters, which is the third-highest mountain in the world.
You will be exploring the North base camp, Pangpema, and the South base camp, Oktang, in the Kanchenjunga trek.
Trek through Nepal’s most beautiful villages and remote terrains.
Trekking through wonderful alpine rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and beautiful glacier valleys.
Immersing in authentic local cultures of Rai, Limbu, Sherpa, and Tibetan-influenced traditions
The chance to explore endangers wild animals like the red panda, snow leopard, Himalayan thar, and other rare wildlife.
Enjoy the panoramic views of Kanchenjunga, Yalung Kang, Makalu, Kumbakarna Mountain, and other surrounding peaks.
Trek through the Kanchenjunga conservation area and the restricted trekking area of Nepal.
Trekkers will have witnessed the wonderful sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayas.
Off the beaten trek path, where you will have unlimited photography of the beautiful Himalayan nature.
The Kanchenjunga base camp trek is one of the most soul-stirring experiences and authentic mountain adventures.

Overview of Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Mount Kanchenjunga is the third-tallest mountain in the world, with Mount Everest being the highest, followed by Mount K2, and then Mount Kanchenjunga. The altitude of Mt.Kanchenjunga is 8586 meters/28169 feet above sea level. However, before declaring the altitude of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga was considered the highest mountain in the world. Mount Kanchenjunga has 5 different peaks, the highest one of which is about 8,586 meters. Till 1849, Mt. Everest was known as Peak XV. In 1952, Mt. Everest (8,848 m.) was measured, and in 1856, it was declared the world's highest mountain. Mount Kanchenjunga is known as a sacred and holy mountain in Nepal and Sikkim, India.

The first Kanchenjunga peak summit was by popular British mountaineers Joe Brown and George Band on 25 May 1955. They stopped short of the true peak summit due to the sacred peak, so they did not step up to the peak as they had promised to the contemporary administrations. The Kanchenjunga base camp is located in the eastern part of Nepal, in the Taplejung district of Nepal, and borders the Mangan district in Sikkim, India. Trekking to Kanchenjunga will take 18 to 25 days. We have presented a 21-day Kanchenjunga base camp trek itinerary. Trekkers during the Kanchenjunga trek pass through beautiful villages, landscapes, alpine meadows, and the Kanchenjunga reservation area, and explore panoramic views of the Himalayas. The Kanchenjunga trek offers you will Kanchenjunga Massif, Kumbakarna, Kirat Chuli, Nepal Peak, Twins Peak, Chang Himal, Makalu, varieties of flora and fauna, and wonderful landscapes.

The Kanchenjunga local name was Kanchinjinga, which means five treasures of the high snow. The named Kanchinjinga mountain later became Mt. Kanchenjunga. During the Kanchenjunga base camp trek, you will be exploring two beautiful base camps, the North base camp, Pangpema, and the South base camp, Oktang. So, the beautiful Kanchenjunga base camp trek is one of the best and greatest Himalayan adventures in Nepal.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m.)

You will arrive in Kathmandu, and we will welcome you at the Kathmandu airport and then transfer you to the hotel. Travellers will check in to the hotel and relax sometime with sipping tea or coffee as welcome drinks. You will have leisure to walk around the vibrant market; in the evening, we will have a team briefing and have your first welcome dinner in an authentic local restaurant. Get back to the hotel, and the overnight stay will help you unwind from the long journey.

Day 2: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing and Trek Preparation (1,400 m.)

Travellers will wake up in the morning, get refreshed, and have their healthy breakfast, then start the beautiful day. Today you will have a Kathmandu Valley sightseeing tour and bag packing for the Kanchenjunga trek. Our team, with a comfortable private vehicle, will be there in the hotel for Kathmandu Valley sightseeing. You will start the valley sightseeing from Boudha Nath stupa, explore around the ancient Buddhist stupa, and then move to Pashupatinath temple. The Pashupathi Nath temple is the holiest Hindu temple in the world. Explore the beautiful surroundings, and we will go to the Patan Durbar Square and look around the ancient Patan Durbar, Krishna Temple, Golden Temple, and Patan Museum. You will have lunch in the local restaurant and move to Swayambhu Nath stupa, which is also known as Monkey Temple.
Explore the beautiful surroundings of Swayambhu Nath and panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley, and we will go to the Kathmandu Durbar Square. Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kathmandu. Explore the ancient palaces, the Goddess Kal Bhairav statue, Kasthamanndav, the living goddess Kumari, the Taleju temple, and the ancient museum. Travelers will walk around the beautiful surroundings and get back to the hotel. Have some rest, and you will do trekking gear shopping and bag packing. In the evening, you will have your dinner and rest overnight in the hotel.

Day 3: Fly to Biratnagar and drive to Taplejung Phungling (1,820 m.)

You will have a local flight to Biratnagar of about 40 to 45 minutes and drive to Phungling Taplejung for about 8 to 10 hours. However, another route to Taplejung can go from Bhadrapur, where we can take a flight to Bhadrapur and drive to Taplejung. Here, the distance from Biratnagar to Taplejung is about 235 kilometers. During the journey, you will pass by beautiful villages, rice fields, amazing valleys, and wonderful mountain views. On arrival in Phungling, you will be transferred to the hotel. The altitude of the Phugling bazaar is about 1,820 meters. Explore the beautiful surroundings, and in the evening, have your dinner and overnight stay, and relax in the lodge.

Day 4: Jeep drive from Phungling to Sekathum (1,650 m.)

You will have breakfast in Phungling and get ready for the jeep drive to Sekathum. After breakfast, you will have an off-road scenic drive to Sekathum. The driving distance is about 90 kilometers, and it will take 6 to 7 hours to reach Sekathum. The drive follows the Tamor River and passes through beautiful settlements like Lingkhim, Sinwa Tawa, and Khesewa. You will be exploring beautiful terrain, suspension bridges, waterfalls, and rice fields during the journey. Around the late afternoon, you will arrive at Sekathum, which is the starting point of the Kanchenjunga region trek. You will be transferred to the cozy teahouse and have some time to rest while savoring the Himalayan tea. Explore the beautiful surroundings and relax overnight after dinner.

Day 5: Trek from Sekathum to Amjilosa (2,310 m.)

Trekkers will have their breakfast in the teahouse at Sekathum and get ready to trek for Amjilosa. You will trek to Amjilosa, which is elevated at 2,320 meters above sea level, and it will take around 6 hours to trek, depending on the pace of the trekkers. The trekking distance to Amjilosa is about 8 to 9 kilometers from Sekathum. You will pass by Ghunsa Khola and beautiful suspension bridges, and you will enter the Kanchenjunga conservation area. Trekkers will follow the Ghunsa river valley, bamboo and rhododendron forests, and beautiful subalpine pine forests. By the late afternoon, you will reach the beautiful settlement of Amjilosa village. You will be staying in the cozy lodge or homestay in Amjilosa. On arrival, you will have a rest with hot tea and coffee. Explore the beautiful surroundings, and in the evening have your delicious dinner, and then stay and relax overnight.
Day 6: Trek from Amjilosa to Gyabla (2,730 m.)

You will have your breakfast in Amjilosa and start the trek to the wonderful settlement of Gyabla. The altitude of Gyabla is about 2,730 meters, and it will take about 5 to 6 hours to trek, depending on the pace and weather. You will pass by Ghunsa Khola valley, wooden suspension bridges, alpine forests, and difficult terrains. You will have gradual ascending, rocky, and alpine trekking trails during the trek to Gyabla from Amjilosa. On arrival at Gyabla village, you will be transferred to the cozy and warm teahouse. Have some rest and take some hot tea while resting. Explore the surrounding mountains, and in the evening, have your dinner and overnight stay to unwind.

Day 7: Gyabla to Ghunsa (3,475 m.)

After breakfast, you will start the trek to Ghunsa, which will be a gentle ascent through an alpine rhododendron forest. You will be experiencing cool, fresh air and following the Ghunsa Khola. You will be exploring Tibetan-influenced Buddhist villages and cultures. The altitude of Ghunsa is about 3,475 meters, and it will take about 6 hours to trek from Gyabla. The trekking distance is about 10 to 11 kilometers. On the arrival at Ghunsa, you will be transferred to the beautiful and cozy teahouse. Explore the beautiful surrounding mountains and wonderful terrains. You will be interacting with innocent local people and in the evening have your organic dinner in the teahouse. Overnight, unwind in the warm and comfortable room in the lodge.

Day 8: Ghunsa to Khambachen (4,050 m.)

Today you will trek to Khambachen from Ghunsa; you will have your breakfast and get ready for the trek. Trekking from Ghunsa to Khambachen will take around 5 to 6 hours, which is about 9 to 10 kilometers. The altitude of Khambachen is 4,050 meters above sea level. The trail involves a gentle ascent, alpine forest, yak pastures, and wonderful landscapes. Trekkers will be exploring beautiful mountains and snowcapped peaks during the trek. On the arrival of Khambachen, you will transfer to the cozy and warm teahouse. Have a rest sometime and take a hot drink like tea or coffee. Explore the beautiful surroundings and relax overnight after dinner.


Day 9: Acclimatization in Khambachen (4,050 m.)

Acclimatization is crucial while doing high-altitude trekking, which helps to adjust your body to a high-altitude climate. Today you will wake up in the morning, have your breakfast, and hike around the small hill. You will hike to the Jannu hill, which is the Khambachen glacier viewpoint. The Jannu hill is about 4,450 meters high; you will explore the beautiful surroundings. Explore the Kanchenjunga peak, Everest, and the beautiful Khumbu region during the hike. The hike to Jannu (Kumbakarna) mountain will take around 3 to 4 hours back and forth. Explore the wonderful Himalayas views and return to Khambachen. You will have some time to rest and leisurely walk around the village. In the evening, have your dinner and unwind in the cozy teahouse.

Day 10: Khambachen to Lhonak (4,780 m.)

Wake up in the morning and get refreshed, and then you will have your breakfast. Today you will be trekking to Lhonak village. The altitude of Lhonak village is about 4,780 meters above sea level. Trekking from Khambachen to Lhonak village will take 4 to 5 hours, depending on the trekkers' pace and weather conditions. Trekkers will be ascending slowly and frequently having stops. You will be exploring the beautiful Kanchenjunga ranges and Everest and Lhotse during the trek. The air will be thinner and crisp, so you need to take a pace slow and steady.
There might be snowfall and chances to spot the snow leopard, red panda, and other wildlife. On the arrival of Lhonak, you will be transferred to the warm teahouse where you will rest. Have hot tea, coffee, or butter tea and explore the beautiful mountain views. In the evening, have your delicious dinner and unwind for your overnight stay.

Day 11: Lhonak to Pangpema, Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (5,143 m.), and return to Lhonak (4,780 m.)

Today you will be exploring the first Kanchenjunga base camp; after having your breakfast, you will be hiking to the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. Early in the morning, we will start the trek. Early in the morning, you can have beautiful mountain views, which are good for photography, and it will give beautiful spiritual vibes. The altitude of Pangpema, Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, is about 5,143 meters, which is the highest altitude during the trek. Possibly you will have sunrise views in Pangpema base camp but depending on your pace and the weather. We will explore the beautiful Kanchenjunga base camp, take a picture, and collect the memories.
You will be exploring beautiful Kanchenjunga, Mt. Janu or Kumbakarna, Kirat Chuli, Karbu, Nepal Peak, and other mountains. You will get back to the Lhonak. Total trekking from Lhonak to Pangpema base camp and back and forth will take around 6 to 8 hours. You will arrive, descend back in Lhonak, and have a rest in the teahouse. Explore the wonderful surroundings, and in the evening unwind after dinner.

Day 12: Trek from Lhonak to Ghunsa (3,475 m.)

Today we will trek down to Ghunsa from Lhonak. Have your breakfast and get ready to trek to Ghunsa. You will trek down through a huge glacial basin, passing by Khambachen village, yak pastures, difficult terrain, and other wonderful landscapes. The altitude of Ghunsa is about 3,475 meters, and the distance from Lhonak to Ghunsa is about 15 to 17 kilometers. Trekking to Ghunsa from Lhonak will take around 6 to 8 hours, depending on the trekkers' pace. On arrival at Ghunsa, you will transfer to the comfortable and cozy teahouse. Have a rest sometime by sipping hot tea or coffee to relieve your tiredness. Explore the beautiful valley and mountains. In the evening, have your dinner and stay relaxed in your warm and cozy room.

Day 13: Ghunsa to Sala Le Base Camp (4,290 m.)

Wake up in the morning, get refreshed, and start the trek to Lala Le base camp. The altitude of the Sala le base camp is about 4,290 meters above sea level. Salla le base camp, also known as Sala le pass, is located at the Kanchenjunga base camp. You will gradually be ascending towards the southern parts of Kanchenjunga. The trail ascends steadily with scenic mountain views and beautiful landscapes. You will trek through rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and beautiful terrain. You will be exploring the Kumbakarna mountain and other snow-capped mountains during the trek. Trekking to Salla le base camp from Ghunsa will take around 4 to 6 hours. On the arrival of Sala at the base camp, you will transfer to the teahouse. Explore the beautiful surroundings, and in the evening, have your dinner and relax overnight.

Day 14: Sala Le base camp to Tseram (3,870 m.)

Today you will trek to Tseram; you get enough time to explore Sala le base camp, with a wonderful Himalayan heaven. Take your breakfast in the Sala le Base Camp teahouse and trek to Tseram. Trekking to Tseram is a gradual downhill, uphill, and level trek; you will be exploring beautiful landscapes, lush forests, and chances to encounter wildlife. During the Sala Pass, you will be facing strong winds, rocky terrain, and alpine meadows. The wonderful Kumbakarna, Karbu Peak, and surrounding peaks make your journey beautiful. The altitude of Tseram is about 3,870 meters, and it is approximately 10 to 12-kilometer trekking distance from the Sala Le La base camp. Trekking to Tseram from Sala Le will take around 6 to 8 hours. On arrival in Tseram, you will be transferred to the lodge and teahouse, where you will stay overnight.

Day 15: Tseram to Oktang South Base Camp (4,730 m.) and trek down to Ramche (4,580 m.)

Today you will wake up early in the morning, get refreshed, and have your breakfast. You will trek to Oktang, the south Kanchenjunga base camp. You will follow the Simbuwa Khola upstream through the alpine valley. Trekkers will be passing by grassy alpine meadows, yak pastures, prayer flags, and scattered stone chortens. You will be ascending to higher altitudes and exploring beautiful glaciers, moraines, and towering Himalayan peaks, including Kumbakarna Himal. The altitude of the Oktang base camp is approximately 4,730 m, and Ramche is about 4,580 m above sea level. Total trekking distance from Tseram to Oktang and back to Ramche will be around 12 to 14 kilometers, and it will take around 6 to 8 hours. Trekkers will have lunch in Ramche and ascend to the Oktang Kanchenjunga south base camp.
You will explore around the Oktang and the surrounding peaks. Trekkers will return to Ramche and then shift to the teahouse. You will be having a rest sometime, having tea or coffee, and exploring the beautiful surroundings. In the evening, you will have your dinner and unwind for your overnight stay.

Day 16: Ramche to Tortong (3,050 m.)

You will have your breakfast and get ready for trekking to Tortong from Ramche. Trekkers will have a gradual descent and a rocky, scenic trail to the Tortong village. You will experience alpine lands with scrub vegetation and rhododendron bushes during the trek. You will pass by Tseram and other local villages. The altitude of the Tortong is about 3,050 meters, so you will have an altitude loss of around 1,530 meters. Trekking from Ramche to Tortong will take approximately 6 to 7 hours, which is about 10 to 12 kilometers. On the arrival of Tortong, you will be transferred to the cozy teahouse. You will have hot tea or coffee and take a rest, then explore the nearby areas. In the evening, you will have your dinner and relax in the comfortable room.

Day 17: Tortong to Yamphudin (2,080 m.)

Trekkers will have their morning breakfast and then get ready to trek to Yamphudin. Trekking to Yamphudin will take about 5 to 7 hours, which is about 13 kilometers. The altitude of Yamphudin is 2,080 meters above sea level; you will have around 970 meters of altitude loss. Trekkers will have a gradual descent and some ascending through beautiful rhododendron forests, amazing terrain, and streams. You will be exploring traditional farmland, cardamom plantations, and traditional Rai and Limbu settlements during the trek. As you approach Yamphudin, you will notice warmer weather, lush green fields, traditional villages, and beautiful ridges. You will be transferring to the comfortable teahouse or lodge, where you will rest overnight.

Day 18: Yamphudin to Khebang (1,925 m.)

You will have your breakfast in Yamphudin and begin the trek to Khebang through beautiful, terraced fields, streams, and traditional villages. Trekkers will explore the traditional Limbu villages and unique local cultures. You will have uphill, downhill, and level treks during the Khebang trek. The scattered settlements and lush green farmland provide beautiful scenic views. The altitude of Khebang is about 1,925 meters above sea level. The Yamphudin to Khebang trekking distance is about 10 kilometers, and it will take around 5 to 6 hours to trek. Indeed, today is the final trekking day of the Kanchenjunga base camp journey to Khebang. On the arrival of Khebang, you will transfer to the beautiful homestay or teahouse. You will be exploring the beautiful surroundings and relaxing overnight after your dinner.

Day 19: Drive from Khebang to Kanyam Illam (1,700 m.)

Wake up early in the morning, explore the beautiful sunrise, and have your breakfast in Khebang. After breakfast, you will have a scenic jeep drive to Kanyam. Kanyam is a beautiful hill station and a popular tea garden in Nepal. The famous Darjeeling tea is also the product of Kanyam Illam. From Khebang to Illam, it is about 180 kilometers of driving distance, which will take 6 to 7 hours to drive. The altitude of Kanyam is about 1,700 meters above sea level. The drive began from Khebang and headed towards Taplejung and continued to Illam. The drive involves beautiful hilly villages, greenery, cardamom and tea plantations, and river valleys. You will have a beautiful and scenic road drive during the Kanyam journey from Khebang.
On arrival in Kanyam, you will transfer to the comfortable hotel lodge. Have a rest sometime and have a look at the beautiful surroundings. Take a picture in a beautiful tea garden and in the farmlands. In the evening, have your dinner and unwind overnight in the hotel room.

Day 20: Drive From Kanyam to Biratnagar (80 m.) and Fly to Kathmandu 1,400 m.)

After breakfast in Kanyam, you will have a scenic drive to Biratnagar, where you will pass by beautiful tea gardens, rice fields, beautiful local bazaars, and green surroundings. However, you have an option to go to Badarpur and fly to Kathmandu. Driving to Biratnagar is a few more kilometers’ drive, but there will be flights available at frequent times. The driving distance from Kanyam to Biratnagar is about 140 kilometers, which will take around 3 to 4 hours to drive. From Biratnagar, you will have a flight to Kathmandu, which will take 40 to 45 minutes. During the flight to Kathmandu from Biratnagar, you will be exploring the panoramic views of the Himalayas and the Mahabharat mountain ranges.
On arrival in Kathmandu, you will transfer to the hotel, and in the evening, we will have a farewell dinner in the vibrant restaurant as well as a celebration of achievements. After the dinner, you will return to the hotel then overnight stay to unwind from the long Kanchenjunga mountain journey.

Day 21: Departure for Home

Today is your final day of the Kanchenjunga base camp tour in Nepal, after which you will have your final departure to your home. Wake up in the morning, get refreshed, and have your healthiest breakfast in Kathmandu. You will be collecting lots of memories and unforgettable adventures from Nepal trips. Make sure it includes all your belongings, souvenirs, and collections in your bag packing. Keep your passport, visa, and air ticket ready to fly back home.
According to your flight schedule, our Touch Planet Treks representative will arrive at the hotel to escort you to the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. You will drive to the airport about 30 minutes in advance and reach it on time. We will do a final farewell at the airport and take some pictures, and we wish you a safe and happy journey. Have a safe flight and see you next time for another adventure in Nepal. Namaste!