The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is one of the most inaccessible and formidable treks in the Himalayas. This trek appeals to those who want to enjoy the outdoors in relative solitude. It is a thrilling trek with a wide range of climate, vegetation, culture and landscape.
The trek starts in steamy jungles which are bursting with life especially after the monsoon rains.The trail passes through small Buddhist settlements with thatched houses. You will marvel how the harsh and barren land can sustain their survival. The Rai and Limbu culture are predominant in the lower altitudes, whereas, the isolated villages higher up are inhabited by Sherpa of Tibetan Buddhist descent. You will want to warm taste of their traditional Tongba, a fermented drink made from millet seeds. Hot water is added to it, and it is sipped from a wooden pot through a straw.
Climbing beyond the tree line the trail reaches into the glaciers of the alpine zone. The high point of this trek, in both altitude and scenic splendor is unquestionably the three-day hike up the Kanchenjunga glacier where the views are quite simply overwhelming.
The Kanchenjunga Trek is a long and challenging trek requiring a good degree of fitness. The rugged trails into this remote terrain do not see many trekkers, but are mostly used by local yak herders.
Kanchenjunga Trekking Route
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp trail starts at Suketar, Taplejung. There are two ways to reach Suketar: two flights: Kathmandu-Biratnagar, and Biratnagar Suketar, or fly Kathmandu-Bhadrapur and take a bus to Suketar.
From Suketar we start by heading north-west for two days on a level trail through small settlements, terraced fields and forests to reach the Tambur Khola river valley. We follow this valley for five or six days, on a trail gradually ascending to Ghunsa. This is the last village where we will find a lodge to stay overnight. The villagers of Ghunsa are traders who travel back and forth from Tibet. At this altitude they cannot depend on agriculture, but they have yaks for transporting their goods, and grow one crop of potatoes and barley during the short growing season.
From Ghunsa the trail follows the north side of Kanchenjunga into a remote region where you will only meet a few yak traders. From the second day we start getting views of Tent Peak, Mehara Peak and Cross Peak. After three days we reach Pangpema Base Camp, 5143m, from where we get a spectacular view of the massive north face of Kanchenjunga and its glacier. When we spend the night at the base camp we can hear the ice shattering and falling from the avalanches coming down from the Kanchenjunga glacier.
From Pangpema Base Camp the trek returns to Ghunsa from where we turn east and camp overnight at the Sele Le Pass, base camp on the way up to the Sele Le Pass, 4663m. After reaching the pass we descend to Ramche and camp for two nights in the yak pastures. From Ramche we make a one day excursion up to Oktang, 4900m, from where we get another outstanding view of the south-east face of Kanchenjunga glacier.
We follow the eastern trail back to Suketar; this trail is more popular with Kanchenjunga trekking groups. As we descend, the vegetation increases each day, until we are back into the more tropical landscapes with lush terraced fields of rice and millet, and villages of the Limbu people. Finally, we reach the point where we started, the village of Suketar.
Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu, 1300m
Day 2 : Preparation Day in Kathmandu
Day 3 : Fly to Bhadrapur, drive to Ilam. Overnight in Hotel
Day 4 : Drive to Taplejung/ Suketar, 5 hrs; trek to Mitlung, 921m, 4hrs
Day 5 : Trek to Chirwa, 1270m, 6 hrs
Day 6 : Trek to Sekathum, 1660m, 5 hrs
Day 7 : Trek to Amjilossa, 2510m, 6 hrs
Day 8 : Trek to Gyabla, 2730m, 5 hrs
Day 9 : Trek to Ghunsa, 3595m, 5 hrs
Day 10 : Acclimatisation day at Ghunsa, 3595m
Day 11 : Trek to Khambachen, 4050m, 6 hrs
Day 12 : Acclimatisation day in Khambachen
Day 13 : Trek to Lhonak, 4785m, 4- 5 hrs
Day 14 : Trek to Pangpema at Northside Base Camp of Kanchenjunga, 5143m, return to Lhonak, 7 hrs
Day 15 : Return to Ghunsa, 3595m, 8 hrs
Day 16 : Rest / contingency day
Day 17 : Trek to High Camp, 4100m below the Mirgin La pass, 5 hrs
Day 18 : Cross the Mirgin La, 4663m and Trek to Tseram, 3870m,8 hrs
Day 19 : Trek to Oktang, 4730m and back to Ramche, 4580m, 7 to 8 hrs
Day 20 : Trek to Tortong, 3310m, 7 to 8 hrs
Day 21 : Trek to Yamphudin, 2080m, 5 hrs
Day 22 : Trek to Pumphe Danda, 1900m.Descend and cross Kabeli Khola, Trek to Mamankhe
Day 23 : Trek to Khunjari, 1928m
Day 24 : Trek to Suketar, 2300m
Day 25 : Drive to Bhadrapur, 10-11 hrs
Day 26 : Fly to Kathmandu.
Day 27 : Depart Kathmandu:
Start Date | End Date | Cost | Status | Booking |
---|---|---|---|---|
20 March, 2019 | 15 April, 2019 | US $3499 | Available | |
10 April, 2019 | 06 May, 2019 | US $3499 | Available | |
24 April, 2019 | 20 May, 2019 | US $3499 | Available | |
18 May, 2019 | 13 June, 2019 | US $3499 | Available | |
14 September, 2019 | 10 October, 2019 | US $3499 | Available | |
07 October, 2019 | 02 November, 2019 | US $3499 | Guaranteed | |
30 October, 2019 | 25 November, 2019 | US $3499 | Available | |
20 November, 2019 | 16 December, 2019 | US $3499 | Guaranteed |
Why Trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp with Annapurna Foothills Treks?
Annapurna Foothills Treks has been running trekking and climbing expeditions for over 10 years. Annapurna Foothills Treks reaches for the highest standard of ethical business practices.
The Best Time of Year for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
The best seasons for trekking in the Kanchenjunga region are spring (February to late April) and autumn (late September to late November). The fall season is generally known to have the best weather, while the spring is exceptional for the beauty of spring flowers and rhododendron forests in bloom.
Temperatures on the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
The temperatures at night will drop to around 5 C, and during the day will climb to around 25 C. At higher altitudes temperatures range from about 15 C to -20 C. You should be prepared with proper protection from the sun as well as layers of clothing that can be added or taken off easily.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp is a Camping Trek
Accommodation is included in the cost of your package and Annapurna Foothills Treks takes great care to arrange the most comfortable accommodation possible throughout your stay.
While other companies arrange tea house treks in Kanchenjunga Region, Annapurna Foothills Treks offers only the tented camping option. The lodges in this area are extremely basic and below the standard we believe our guests require for their safety and comfort.
Although camping is more expensive due to the logistics, it is well worth the expense as it will definitely be more enjoyable. By choosing our tented camping package, our cook will assure you will enjoy delicious and hygienic food during the trek to keep you healthy and strong. Most of the food is flown in from Kathmandu. Three generous meals a day, tea/coffee, hot Tang and high energy snacks are included in the package.
Annapurna Foothills Treks logistics are well organized and of excellent quality. Besides your two person sleeping tents*, we provide dining tent, kitchen tent, tables, chairs and even toilet AND shower tents! (*Some companies claim 3-person tents, but the tents are all fixed size 2 person tents. If you wish to have your own tent, you can pay for a single supplement, an additional USD300$)
In Kathmandu, our clients enjoy four nights in Hotel Shakti or Hotel Norbu Linka before and after heading into the remote regions.
Sherpa Support Staff:
Annapurna Foothills Treks has a capable support staff with ample experience in organizing camping trips. The relationship we have developed among us over the years makes for a wonderful exchange of ideas, laughter and assistance. Your personal packs will be carried by the porters, saving you time and energy to fully enjoy the surrounding environment.
Each staff member at Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions is insured for their appropriate roles. (Some companies are cutting corners here.)
Drinking Water
You will be provided with boiled water during the trek. While trekking, it is important to keep hydrated; you should drink at least 3 liters of water each day. As additional precaution, we suggest you bring a supply of water purification tablets to add to the water.
Fitness/Health
The altitude becomes more noticeable the higher we go, so we walk at a slow pace and take plenty of breaks to rest and acclimatize.
Safety
When travelling in remote mountain regions, uncertainties such as weather, health problems and natural disasters require a certain amount of flexibility. While our goal is to follow the itinerary, that is not our first priority; your safety is always our first priority. Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions request your cooperation to accept the decisions and advice of our trusted and experienced guides if they deem it necessary to change or cancel any part of the itinerary due to safety concerns.
Environmental Responsibility:
Annapurna Foothills Treks practices and teaches the Leave-No-Trace principles. Moreover, we are committed to protecting the land and culture of the indigenous people. The mountains are our home and we are unwilling to sacrifice their preservation for human objectives. Annapurna Foothills Treks believe that given the proper information most people will do all they can to help protect and maintain the environment.
Acclimatization
It is really difficult to head straight up to high altitude for the first time even if you follow the recommended 400m-a-day-rule. Our itinerary is planned to allow rational acclimatization and avoid altitude sickness. Please read Altitude Advice.
Travel Insurance
It is strongly recommended to be sufficiently protected when you go into remote areas. You need specialized travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation, injury, lost baggage, liability and medical treatment. Make sure the insurance covers all the activities that you will be undertaking during your stay in Nepal. Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions Pvt. Ltd. can organize the appropriate medical response based on your policy.
Maximum Height:5143m
Minimum Height:1300m
Minimum Group Size:2 Trekkers
Maximum Group size:12 Trekkers
Activities:Trekking, Sightseeing, Hiking
Transport By:Private Vehicle, Domestic Flights
Starting:Kathmandu
Ending:Kathmandu
Best Season:March- May and September- November
Permits:Special Permit
Hotel in Kathmandu:2 nights on B&B plan (Bed & Breakfast)
Accommodation during Trek:Local lodges 22 nights