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The Kanchenjunga trek is one of the finest in Nepal Himalaya. The trekking route follows Nepal’s mountainous border with India and Tibet. Kanchenjunga is the 3rd highest mountain in the Earth.

About the tour

Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain, with an elevation of 28,169 feet (8,586 metres).

The Kanchenjunga Circuit stands as a testament to the allure of Nepal’s Himalayan landscapes, offering adventurers a remarkable journey to both the North and South Base Camps of Mount Kanchenjunga. Renowned as one of Nepal’s premier trekking experiences, this expedition takes enthusiasts through an awe-inspiring route tracing the country’s mountainous border with India and Tibet. The trail not only presents the majestic grandeur of the world’s third-highest peak but also unveils a rich tapestry of diverse cultures, remote villages, and pristine alpine environments. Trekkers embarking on the Kanchenjunga trek are rewarded with panoramic vistas, challenging ascents, and encounters with the unique flora and fauna of the region. The expedition, marked by its cultural richness and breathtaking scenery, promises an unforgettable adventure for those seeking to explore the heart of the Himalayas.

Itinerary

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek — 26-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Flying into Kathmandu on a clear day is an unforgettable experience — you’ll catch your first glimpse of the Himalayan peaks as the plane descends. After clearing immigration, look for The Mountain Company signboard in the arrivals area, where our representative will welcome you and drive you to your hotel.

The rest of the day is free to explore Kathmandu and pick up anything you still need for the trek. You can leave a bag at the hotel with any items you won’t be taking on the trail.

Today you’ll hear the Nepali word for hello, “Namaste” — and you’ll soon discover the warmth of Nepali hospitality for yourself.

Day 2: Briefing & Sightseeing in Kathmandu (1,400m)

This day is optional, and especially worthwhile for first-time visitors to Nepal. It’s a good opportunity to explore the city’s sights. Alternatively, we can move this day to the end of the itinerary if that suits the group better.

Day 3: Fly to Bhadrapur (91m), Drive to Ilam (1,667m)

After breakfast, our guide will collect you from your hotel and take you to the airport. The short flight to Bhadrapur crosses the Kathmandu Valley and surrounding hills, with fine mountain views along the way — a free scenic flight. On arrival, we drive to Ilam, at the heart of Nepal’s tea-growing region.

Day 4: Drive to Taplejung (1,800m), Trek to Mitlung (921m)

After breakfast, a four-hour drive through terraced fields and hills brings us to Taplejung, where we spend the night. There’s time in the afternoon to explore this interesting town, home to several Buddhist gompas. At one, butter lamps have burned continuously for 400 years, while outside, a stream-powered prayer wheel sends the mantra “om mani padme hum” out into the world.

Day 5: Trek to Chirwa (1,270m)

Our trek begins in earnest today. It’s a long day, mostly downhill, with a welcome pause at the village of Sinwa on the banks of the Tamor River before continuing on.

Day 6: Trek to Sekathum (1,660m)

Another long day — around seven hours of walking. Passing through Tapethok, we enter the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, where our permits are checked, before crossing a suspension bridge and climbing to Lelep.

Day 7: Trek to Amjilossa (2,510m)

Waterfalls and suspension bridges feature on today’s trail, which brings us to the first Sherpa village of the trek. Amjilossa is used mainly when yaks and sheep are out on the high pastures, so few families live here year-round.

Day 8: Trek to Gyabla (2,730m)

We pass through forests of pine, bamboo, rhododendron and oak, and notice the villages and people beginning to take on a more Tibetan character. Yaks, sheep, goats and a good variety of birdlife appear along the trail. After lunch, the path climbs through dense forest and over a wooden bridge to Gyabla.

Day 9: Trek to Ghunsa (3,595m)

The trail passes through forest and skirts Phale village, once a Tibetan refugee settlement founded decades ago and now used mainly as a winter base. There’s time to browse the local handicrafts before continuing to Ghunsa — the largest village in the area, with a police post, health post, a Kanchenjunga Conservation Area office, and telephone and internet access.

Day 10: Acclimatisation Day at Ghunsa (3,595m)

A rest day to help the body adjust to altitude before we climb higher. There’s a monastery to explore, and for those who’d like the extra acclimatisation benefit, a ridge walk (five hours or more round trip) offers views of Jannu Peak. A packed lunch is provided for the ridge walk.

Day 11: Trek to Khambachen (4,100m)

Views of Jannu Himal dominate the skyline as a gentle climb leads us into a green glacial valley — good territory for spotting blue sheep, and occasionally snow leopards. The trail continues past a waterfall and through a landslide-prone section where extra care is taken.

Day 12: Acclimatisation & Rest Day at Khambachen (4,100m)

Another day to acclimatise ahead of our approach to the North Base Camp. An optional ridge walk today offers stunning views of Kanchenjunga.

Day 13: Trek to Lhonak (4,785m)

The trail crosses moraine from the Kanchenjunga Glacier, climbing over large boulders with spectacular views on both sides. We’re now deep in snow leopard territory, so keep an eye out. This is also a summer yak-grazing area, though there are no permanent settlements along the route.

Day 14: Trek to Pangpema (5,143m) — Kanchenjunga North Base Camp — Return to Lhonak (4,785m)

After a good breakfast, we again cross the Kanchenjunga Glacier moraine on a gentle climb. At Base Camp, surrounded by fluttering prayer flags, we take in the scale of the mountains around us — pausing for a hot drink and snacks before returning to Lhonak for the night.

Day 15: Return to Ghunsa (3,595m)

Crossing pebbles and moraine, we reach Khambachen for lunch before following the Tamor River east, back through increasingly green vegetation, to Ghunsa.

Day 16: Trek to High Camp, below Mirgin La (4,100m)

The trail leads through forest and along a grassy ridge, offering views back to Ghunsa and Phale villages, with Mt. Makalu visible in the distance.

Day 17: Cross Mirgin La (4,663m), Trek to Tseram (3,870m)

An early start today, heading toward Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. We cross the Sinion La pass (4,450m) and follow a ridge to the Sinelapche La pass (4,830m), from where the views of Kanchenjunga and its valley are spectacular. We descend a small trail to Tseram, the only settlement on this stretch, where we overnight.

Day 18: Day Trip to Oktang (4,730m), Return to Tseram

Today we walk to Ramche for lunch, then continue around 40 minutes further to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp, right at the edge of the glacier and marked by Tibetan prayer flags. We retrace our steps to overnight again in Tseram.

Day 19: Trek to Tortong (3,000m)

Mostly downhill through a gorge today, with a steep final climb over landslide-prone ground and through forest. There are no settlements along the way until we reach Tortong, where a few teahouses await.

Day 20: Trek to Yamphudin (2,080m)

The trail heads downhill before turning into a steep, sustained climb over a landslide-prone section to Lasiya Bhanjyang, where a single teahouse offers a lunch stop. From there, a long, steep descent through forest brings us to the large village of Yamphudin.

Day 21: Trek to Phumphe Danda (1,860m)

The walking eases at this lower altitude, passing interesting villages and terraced fields en route to Khebang, where we spend the night.

Day 22: Trek to Kande Bhanjyang (2,170m)

The final day of trekking — tomorrow we travel by vehicle to the airport.

Day 23: Drive to Suketar (2,300m)

A drive covering roughly half the distance to Suketar.

Day 24: Drive to Bhadrapur (91m)

A long drive today, with time to reflect on everything we’ve seen and let tired legs rest. Arriving in Bhadrapur by evening, we can enjoy a hearty dinner — perhaps with a well-earned beer — before a comfortable night’s stay.

Day 25: Fly to Kathmandu

A short flight back to Kathmandu, retracing our route over the hills and valleys of eastern Nepal, with a final chance to take in the mountain scenery from the air.

Day 26: Fly Home (or extend your stay in Kathmandu)

After a long trek, many travellers choose to extend their stay in Kathmandu by a day or two to rest. If that appeals to you, just let us know and we’ll build it into your plan.

This trek stands out as one of the most breathtaking experiences in the Himalayas, retaining its pristine, off-the-beaten-path character thanks to relatively few visitors. A good level of physical fitness is essential, and prior experience at high altitude is a real advantage. The remote, unspoiled scenery and demanding terrain make this a trek best suited to well-prepared, fit trekkers ready to fully appreciate this hidden corner of the Himalaya.

Price includes

All internal transport and transfers including airport collections.
Internal flights. The flights are to/from Kathmandu and Bhadrapur. The weight allowance is 15kg for your main bag checked into the hold and 5kg for your day pack.
One day sightseeing in Kathmandu with a Nepalese cultural guide and private vehicle including all entry tickets.
Twin-share rooms at Hotel Tibet or Ambassador in Kathmandu.
Breakfast only in Kathmandu.
All meals are included while on the trek. You can select your dishes from the menu at the lodge. The trek meals are breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner. Breakfast includes cereal, porridge, or rice pudding and an egg dish with bread or toast. Lunch includes one dish such as fried rice, dal bhat, momos, or pasta. For afternoon tea, you get a hot drink plus biscuits. Dinner is two courses including soup and the main dish chosen by you from the menu. You are allowed two cups of hot drinks per meal so this means a total of seven cups per day.
Dormitory room with common bathroom while on the trek. We also send along a tent as a backup in case you prefer to sleep outside or if the rooms at the lodge are full.
Trekking arrangements. Including permits and fees, tents, Nepalese guide(s), and porter(s). We provide one trekking guide for a group size of two people. We provide two guides for a group size of three people and three guides for a group size of six people.
Porters to carry your main bag. The porterage allowance is 20kg.
Weather forecasts for the Kanchenjunga region during your trek.
Satellite phone for organising logistics and medical evacuations. It can also be used for personal calls at extra cost.
A trekking map is given to you on arrival in Kathmandu.
Pre-departure support and advice from Namaste Nomad. We are available by email, phone, Zoom, or face-to-face meetings

Price excludes

International flight to/from Kathmandu.
Travel & trekking insurance.
Nepal visa for 30 days.
Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu.
For personal clothing & equipment, please see the Appendix for the suggested kit list.
Tips to the trek crew. Each trekker should budget for giving tips into the group fund. This should be in the region of 21,000 Nepalese rupees (approx. Euro 130 or US$160)
Other items not listed in “What is included”.

Klanchanjunga Base Camp Trek – Nepal

Additional information