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Kanchenjunga Trek - 24 Days

based on 2 reviews
Trip Facts
  • Duration 24 Days
  • Trip Grade Strenuous
  • Group Size 2 to 12
  • Max. Elevation 5143m / 16874ft
  • Start/End Bhadrapur
  • Best Time Sep to Nov & Mar to May

Kanchenjunga Trekking is a wilderness beauty, authentic adventure, and less tourist area. Touching the world’s third-highest mountain base camp and watching a massive view of Mt. Kanchenjunga. It is 21 days perfect itinerary at a regional cost. Trekking starts from Bhadrapur and then Taplejung. Trekking along beautiful villages and sceneries. Gunsa is a big village and resting, exploring their local lifestyle and cultures. You will be touch Kanchenjunga base camp and watch mesmerizing view of Mt Kanchenjunga and many other mountains. 

Mt. Kanchenjunga 8586m is the third-highest mountain in the world and the second-highest mountain in Nepal. It is situated far east of Nepal. It is Less tourist area, but wilderness beauty and authentic adventure. Footprint to an isolated glacier and watch the breathtaking view of Mt Kanchenjunga.

The isolated area of Eastern Nepal is home to Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world (8586m). This enormous peak dominates the southern range of the Himalayas, bordering the Sikkim area of India. This sector of Nepal has only been open to trekking since 1988, which explains its richness of conventional culture. This is one of the longer treks that we recommend, and it has many possibilities for extra days to investigate different areas that are encircled by many great mountains of eastern Nepal. The Kanchenjunga area has a profusion of high summits, of which three are above 8000m and eleven above 7000m. Your trekking route is exhausted by the Tamur River that meets the Arun River below Mulghat. Numerous glaciers feed this river. The glaciers north of the main peak are clockwise Nupchu, Lhonak, Chichima, Gimsung, Pyramid, Kanchenjunga, and Ramtang. West and South of the main peak are Kumbhakarna (Jannu), Yamatari and Yalung glaciers. Kambachen (4038m) in Ghunsa valley and Walungchung (3200m) in Tamor valley are the highest settlements in the area. The latter was an important trading centre between the towns of Darjeeling and Tipta La in Tibet. The only access to the Kanchenjunga area is a road link to Basantapur and a direct air link to Suketar leading down to the town of Taplejung.

There was a time when it was only possible to do this trek by camping. However, lodges have slowly been built, and it is now possible to tea house trek the whole route. This was certainly the case for the northern route in 2015. Just be prepared to accept that tea houses become more basic beyond Ghunsa in comparison to the more well-known trekking routes of Nepal.

Itinerary

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Kanchenjunga Trekking: 24-Day Itinerary

It is a perfect arrival-departure itinerary. We customize your Itinerary according to your dateline. Please feel free to contact us.

A Representative of Unique Nepal Adventure Treks will welcome you at the airport, then transfer you to the hotel by private vehicle. The manager will brief you on all the program details. Stay at a nice Hotel in Kathmandu.

  • Standard Hotel
  • 25 Minute Drive
  • 1300m / 4265ft

Kanchenjunga trekking requires a special permit. We need to issue your permit with your original passport. You can do sightseeing in some parts of the ancient city as historical monuments are listed as UNESCO world heritage sites. and prepared for trekking.

  • Standard Hotel
  • Explore Kathmandu
  • 1300m / 4265ft

It will be a wonderful flight early in the morning. It takes 50 minutes to drive to the famous tea garden in Ilam. You can enjoy so much in the tea garden and the wonderful views. Stay at a nice Hotel in Ilam.

  • Hotel
  • 5/6 hrs Flight & Drive
  • 1627m / 5338ft

After breakfast, we drive for 6–7 hours through terraced fields and hills to reach Taplejung, where we spend the night. There will be time to explore the town after lunch. It is an interesting place, with many Buddhist gompas.

At one of these gompas, we can see butter laths that have been burning continuously for 400 years. A stream outside the gompa turns prayer wheels, which send the mantra "om mane padme hum" to the heavens.

  • Lodge
  • 6/7 hrs Driving
  • 1820m / 5972ft

Today we start our trek properly! It’s a long day of mainly downhill, but we have a chance to catch our breath at the village of Sinwa on the banks of the Tamor River before continuing on.

  • Lodge
  • 7 hrs. Walking
  • 1270m / 4167ft

Wonderful walking with nice scenery But as we pass through Tapethok, we enter the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. Here is a special permit check post. The guide will report and show your permit for trekking to the conservation area. It is nice to stay overnight here.

  • Lodge
  • 6/7 hrs. Walking
  • 1860m / 6103ft

Waterfalls and suspension bridges are part of today’s trail. Plus, we come to the first Sherpa village on our trek, where we stay overnight. The village of Amjilosa is mainly used during the time when the yaks and sheep are in the pastures, so very few families live here. It was a beautiful stay overnight.

  • Lodge
  • 5/6 hrs Walking
  • 2510m / 8235ft

After breakfast, we head off through different pine, bamboo, rhododendron, and oak forests. We notice the villages and people are becoming more Tibetan. We can see yaks, sheep, and goats on the trail, not to mention a good variety of birdlife. After lunch, the trail takes us up through dense forest cover and over a wooden bridge onto Gyabla, where we spend the night.

  • Lodge
  • 5 hrs Walking
  • 2730m / 8957ft

Today the trail continues on through forests and passes Phale Village, which was a Tibetan refugee camp started decades ago when Tibetans started fleeing from the communist regime in China.

Today, it is a winter settlement village. We have time to visit the village, where there are some handicrafts for sale. We head to Ghunsa, the largest village in the area, with a police station, a health post, and a Kanchenjunga Conservation Office. Telephone and internet services are available here.

  • Fine Lodge
  • 4/5 hrs Walking
  • 3595m / 11795ft

Today is a rest day, but we recommend a little bit of an excursion due to acclimatization to altitude. It is quite a big village, and exploring the local lifestyle monasteries If you like the option of a day excursion, It helps so much to feed your body. Hike some viewing hills and especially rest.

  • Fine Lodge
  • Few Hours
  • 3595m / 11795ft

Views of the Jannu Himal dominate the skyline today. Following a gentle upward path, we come to a green glacier valley. Here, you may be lucky enough to spot blue sheep and snow leopards. It’s altitude but wonderful walking with scenic Mountain views. Stay at a normal lodge.

  • Lodge
  • 5/6 hrs Walking
  • 4100m / 13452ft

Today the trail takes us mainly over the moraine from the Kanchenjunga Glacier. Walking uphill over large boulders, there are wonderful views on both sides of us.

And as we are deep in Snow Leopard territory, we keep our eyes open for this rare animal too! This is also an area of summer yak pastures, but there are no settlements on the route.

  • Lodge
  • 5/6 hrs Walking
  • 4785m / 15699ft

After a good breakfast, we again set out across the moraine from the Kanchenjunga Glacier, gently climbing upward. At Base Camp, we stand in awe of the surrounding mountains and drink up the atmosphere, complete with Buddhist prayer flags fluttering in the wind. We sit here for some time, enjoying the tranquility, a hot drink, and snacks! We return to Lhonak for the night.

You will see those Mountains view:

  • Mt. Kanchenjunga 8586m.
  • Yalung Kang 8505m.
  • Kanbachen 7802m.
  • Kumbakarna 7711m.
  • Taple Shikhar 6510m.
  • Pathibhara Himal 6837m

You will see many white snow peaks and glaciers.

  • Lodge
  • 7/8 hrs Walking
  • 5143m / 16874ft

Trekking over pebbles and moraine, we reach Kambachen Village for lunch before heading east along the Tamor River. Now the vegetation is greener as we again return to Ghunsa, where you stay for another night.

  • Nice Lodge
  • 7 hrs Walking
  • 3595m / 11795ft

Today the trail takes you through a forest and along a grassy ridge, from where you can see Ghunsa and Phole villages as well as Mt. Makalu in the distance. It is nice to stay at a normal camp.

  • Lodge
  • 5/6 hrs Walking
  • 4290m / 14075ft

We start early in the morning towards Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. Crossing the Sinion La pass (4,450m) and Mirgin La pass (4480 m), the trail takes a ridge to Sinelapche La pass (4,830m). It’s really an adventure. From here, the views of Mt. Kanchenjunga and its valley are fantastic. We descend along a small trail to Cheram, the only settlement we find on this route. Stay overnight at a normal lodge.

  • Lodge
  • 7/8 hrs Walking
  • 4830m / 15847ft

Trekking to Ramche, walking 4 hours, then taking lunch and booking a room After lunch, it takes 45 minutes to go to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. And explore it, watch some mountain and glacier views, then return to Ramche and stay overnight here.

  • Lodge
  • 4/5 hrs Walking
  • 4780m / 15683ft

Today the trail is mostly downhill through a gorge. But the final section is a steep uphill over an area prone to landslides and through forests. There are no settlements until we reach Torongding, where there are a few teahouses. It’s nice to return the vibes.

  • Lodge
  • 5/6 hrs Walking
  • 2995m/ 9827ft

After breakfast, the trek leads downhill, and then it turns into a steep and long uphill hike. We pass over a landslide-prone area leading to Lasiya Bhanjyang, where there is one teashop where we can stop for lunch. Then the trailhead descends steeply through more forests until we reach the big village of Yamphuding. Stay at a nice lodge.

  • Lodge
  • 7 hrs Walking
  • 2080m / 6825

Yamphuding to Khebang (4 hrs) by foot, then a few hours’ drive to Ganesh Chowk, joining the main road between Bhadrapur and Taplejung. If the vehicle is available. Stay at a nice lodge here.

  • Lodge
  • 6/7 hrs Walking
  • 1600m / 5250ft

It is wonderful driving (5–6 hours) with wonderful scenery. Bhadrapur is one of the nicest transactional places. You stay at a nice Hotel here.

  • Nice Hotel
  • 5/6 hrs Walking
  • 91m / 299ft

Bhadrapur to Kathmandu by flight takes 50 minutes. It will be early in the morning, and you will arrive in Kathmandu on time. Stay at a nice Hotel in Kathmandu.

  • Standard Hotel
  • 50 Minutes Flight
  • 1300m / 4265ft

It is a good idea to put in one extra day because if there is a one-day delay, it can be recovered. Otherwise, you can explore Kathmandu Valley, go shopping, and relax.

  • Standard Hotel
  • Chilling - Relaxing
  • 1300m / 4265ft

A representative of Unique Nepal Adventure Treks will drop you off at the airport by private vehicle.

  • Departure - Fly to Home
  • Long Fly
  • 3500m / 11483ft

Client Reviews

Write a review
  • S
    Steve ColeUnited Kingdom,October 23, 2017
    TripAdvisor

    Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit and Kanchenjunga Treks

     I met Jay in April 2007, who guided me on the Gokyo – Cho La pass – Everest Base Camp Trek. As well as wanting to do this trek, I was also out there with a work colleague who was climbing Everest that season (he succeeded with Alpine Ascents). Jay more than met my expectations and assisted me in my needs for the trek, ensuring I could meet up with my colleague at specific places, as we had different itineraries. My personal highlight was meeting him at Base Camp, where his group was carrying out a Puja ceremony, something I hadn’t seen before. Jay found good accommodation in all of the villages and as a bonus I paid extra to get us into the Eco Lodge at Lobuche. In addition he will take into account your physical condition, primarily thinking about your walking speed and not allowing you to ascend the trail too quickly in order to aid acclimatisation.

    He noted that I had some time left in my holiday, which I had set aside for sightseeing and collecting souvenirs in Kathmandu. He asked if I would like to trek to his village, just south of the Ganesh Himal. It gave me a further insight into Nepalese culture, a different way of life in comparison to the ‘commercialised’ regions of the Khumbu and Annapurna.

    He is very friendly and is open, honest and understanding with a great sense of humour. He always seems to be happy, but then he loves his job, which you can probably understand! He has a great knowledge of Nepal’s rich history and culture and was always quick to point this out along the way.

    Jay will pick you up from the airport and will ably assist you in looking for extra gear you may require for the trek.

    Jay is not just a guide to me, he is also a friend. We have stayed in contact since the Everest Base Camp trek and I visited Nepal again in October/November 2010. We first trekked in the Ganesh Himal area back to his village, this time via the start of the Langtang route, catching a bus to Syrabru Besi and west over two passes. A further two days trekking, a Jeep and two buses then led me to the Annapurna Circuit. It also gave me the opportunity to visit Pokhara and carry out some sightseeing in Kathmandu’s districts of Bhaktapur and Patan.

    In March/April 2015 I undertook a long held ambition in trekking the Kanchenjunga region. Jay was unable to accompany me due to other commitments and he assigned me a fantastic guide and porter. I had an amazing time with them and I came back and met up with Jay to do some other things for a few days.

    I can thoroughly recommend Jay as a guide and if you enjoy your trek as much as me, then you will have had one of your best experiences of a life time.

  • Steve Cole
    Steve ColeUnited Kingdom,October 23, 2017
    TripAdvisor

    Kanchenjunga Trek - 24 Days

    I met Jay in April 2007, who guided me on the Gokyo – Cho La pass – Everest Base Camp Trek. As well as wanting to do this trek, I was also out there with a work colleague who was climbing Everest that season (he succeeded with Alpine Ascents). Jay more than met my expectations and assisted me in my needs for the trek, ensuring I could meet up with my colleague at specific places, as we had different itineraries. My personal highlight was meeting him at Base Camp, where his group was carrying out a Puja ceremony, something I hadn’t seen before. Jay found good accommodation in all of the villages and as a bonus I paid extra to get us into the Eco Lodge at Lobuche. In addition he will take into account your physical condition, primarily thinking about your walking speed and not allowing you to ascend the trail too quickly in order to aid acclimatisation.

    He noted that I had some time left in my holiday, which I had set aside for sightseeing and collecting souvenirs in Kathmandu. He asked if I would like to trek to his village, just south of the Ganesh Himal. It gave me a further insight into Nepalese culture, a different way of life in comparison to the ‘commercialised’ regions of the Khumbu and Annapurna.

    He is very friendly and is open, honest and understanding with a great sense of humour. He always seems to be happy, but then he loves his job, which you can probably understand! He has a great knowledge of Nepal’s rich history and culture and was always quick to point this out along the way.

    Jay will pick you up from the airport and will ably assist you in looking for extra gear you may require for the trek.

    Jay is not just a guide to me, he is also a friend. We have stayed in contact since the Everest Base Camp trek and I visited Nepal again in October/November 2010. We first trekked in the Ganesh Himal area back to his village, this time via the start of the Langtang route, catching a bus to Syrabru Besi and west over two passes. A further two days trekking, a Jeep and two buses then led me to the Annapurna Circuit. It also gave me the opportunity to visit Pokhara and carry out some sightseeing in Kathmandu’s districts of Bhaktapur and Patan.

    In March/April 2015 I undertook a long held ambition in trekking the Kanchenjunga region. Jay was unable to accompany me due to other commitments and he assigned me a fantastic guide and porter. I had an amazing time with them and I came back and met up with Jay to do some other things for a few days.

    I can thoroughly recommend Jay as a guide and if you enjoy your trek as much as me, then you will have had one of your best experiences of a life time.

tatp

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