Kanchenjunga South & North Base Camp Trek

23 Days

Overview

Kanchenjunga South and North Base Camps Trekking is one of the unique and most fascinating adventures around the Himalayas. Trekkers can enjoy visiting both classic base camps in one single journey. Trekking the south and north base camps and its scenic wilderness make this trek more enjoyable.

Mt. Kanchenjunga soars high at 8,586 m/28, 169 feet as the world’s third highest peak. Also, it is the second highest in Nepal, located around the Far Eastern Himalayas known as the Khumbukarna Himalayan ranges. The original name is ‘Kanchendzonga’ which means five jewels, in Tibet language referring to its five prominent peaks. The mountain straddles the borders between Nepal and Sikkim (a small state of North Eastern India). Most of the treks and mountaineering expeditions are popular from the Nepal side.

Around the eastern district of Taplejung, the home of many ethnic hill and mountain tribes of mixed cultures. The mid-hills villagers follow both Hindu and Buddhist religions, but the far northern areas of Kanchenjunga are dominated by the mountain tribes. The Sherpa and Bhotia’s of Tibetan origin follow a strong heritage of Buddhist religion and culture.

This makes the trek to Kanchenjunga South and North Base Camps more interesting and exciting. The adventure to Kanchenjunga South and North Base Camps Trekking begins with a sweeping scenic flight. Heading towards the south-east lower land of the Terai belt, the drive takes you to cooler alpine hills.

The treks start heading first towards Kanchenjunga South Base Camp at Tseram and Oktang. The walk follows east through a nice terraced farmlands and villages and then follow the serene forested trail. To reach around Kanchenjunga South Base Camp amidst remorseless fields of moraine glaciers enclosed by towering snow peaks. On completing the first part of the adventures, the trek continues crossing three smaller passes of Mirgin-Sinion and Tamo-La.

It is an enjoyable climb and descent facing the stunning scenery of the giant snow mountains. The trail then leads towards the northern side of Kanchenjunga areas at Ghunsa, one of the nicest mountain village. Trekkers can enjoy exploring the impressive Buddhist traditional cultures of age-old heritage.

From the village of Ghunsa the trail leads towards far north east through Khambachen to reach Lhonak. The last human settlement close to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. Spend an extra day in Lhonak, for an exciting day hike to explore the North Kanchenjunga Base Camp.

After a week of exciting walks, reach the end of the main highlights at North Kanchenjunga Base Camp. Enjoy the dramatic scenery of the massive Kanchenjunga range of peaks, standing amidst staggering towering snow peaks. Achieving the final goals of the journey, the return leads back to lovely Ghunsa village.

From Ghunsa, the route diverts to alternative routes with more downhill and few ups to encounters. A pleasant walk leads through nice farm villages then reaches the end of the trek, before Taplejung Town and Suketar. An exciting drive takes you to the sea of Tea Gardens around Ilam, famous for its Tea and products. Slowly the journey leads down to lower warmer areas of the Eastern Terai belt at Bhadrapur. Then on a scenic flight to Kathmandu to conclude the marvellous adventure around Kanchenjunga South and North Base Camps Trekking.

Kanchenjunga South & North Base Camp Trek Highlights

  • Adventure around both scenic sides of the world’s 3rd highest Mt. Kanchenjunga.
  • An adventure visiting both base camp of the same mountains in a single journey.
  • Enjoy the exciting treks towards Mt. Kanchenjunga South and North base camps.
  • Enchanting lush green forest lined with rhododendrons, oaks, firs and pine trees.
  • Adventure amidst scenic landscapes to the base of world’s 3rd highest mountains.
  • Tranquil environment on less visited region around Far Eastern Himalayas.

Kanchenjunga South & North Base Camp Trek Itinerary

On arrival at Kathmandu international airport received by staff and guide and for a short drive to your hotels. Situated in the hub of Kathmandu city, around Thamel an exciting location. After checking into your rooms with refreshment our guides will brief regarding the treks. Evening a welcome dinner in a nice Nepalese restaurant to get familiar with the culture and Nepali food.

Morning after breakfast, an exciting tour of Nepalese culture and historical tour around Nepal's landmarks and World Heritage Sites. Rest of the day after an interesting tour, with time for trek preparations.

As time for flight to Bhadrapur, transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport. A panoramic flight with panorama of Himalayan peaks, as the plane heads east. The views include Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse and Mt. Makalu with Mt. Kanchenjunga. After 45 minutes the plane then lands at Bhadrapur Town airport. Located around lower sub-tropical Nepal Far South East, close to India border. On arrival our guide and trekking staff receives you for an exciting drive towards the mid-hills of Ilam area. Ilam is famous for its tea plantation, lined with pine and fir tree lines. From the air gets cooler, as drive heads further towards a small town of Ganesh Chowk past Phidim. Transfer to a nice simple local lodge for overnight stop amidst tea-gardens. An exciting place to observe the local cultures of the Eastern Nepal with views of Mt. Kanchenjunga towards north.

From Ganesh Chowk within Ilam district near Phidim, morning starts with few hour drives heading towards Taplejung district. To reach the starting point of the trek at a small village of Khewang. Situated past Taplejung and Suketar Town, the drive continues on the dirt track to Banketar. The end of the drive for about two weeks till the end of the treks. The walk follows through farm areas for few hours walk to Khewang, a nice small farm village. Then transfer in the comfort of a nice and simple lodge accommodation.

The second day walk leads on a pleasant path with downhill through many farm villages of a mixed hill tribes. Brahmins, Chettries and Kirat people known as Rai and Limbu. The walk continues towards Tembawa, enjoy a short refreshing stop and then descend to Pokora village. The trail leads across suspension bridge, then with steep climb to Kunjari village. Then walk to Kande Bhanjyang to reach Loppoding with downhill to Fun-Fun a small rest spot.

From here, enjoy the views of Khumbukarna, Yalung and Kanchenjunga peaks. Walk continues downhill to Yang pang, a small farm area, and then climb for an hour to Phompe Danda. The climb continues towards Sherpa Gaon for overnight stop in a lovely Sherpa Gaon/village. A moderate size farm settlement. This will be the last permanent village of the Sherpa, the mountain tribes of eastern Himalayas.

From Sherpa Gaon / village, morning walk follows to Kabeli Khola, crossing over a tributary of Omje Khola. Then climb on steep hill to Dhupi Bhanjyang, a high grassy ridge top. It is also called as Lashe Tham or Bhanjyang for overnight stop near ahead the Chitre village.

From this remote village of Lashe Bhanjyang, enjoying views of the snow peaks with Mt. Jannu, and Mt. Kanchenjunga. The morning leads downhill to Simbuwa Khola, the initial sections is blocked by a landslide. Taking care on landslide section to avoid big long drop, the walk then re-enters forested area. The trail then descends towards Simbuwa Khola, walk continues for an hour. As the trail follows along the bank to cross a small bridge, to reach Torongding for overnight halt. A nice lovely open area amidst beautiful forest surroundings, Torongding, is a small village with few basic lodges.

After a pleasant overnight at Torongding, morning trek heads closer towards our first destination near to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. The trail then leads to Ramite Bhanjyang, with climb for few hours within magnolias, rhododendron and bamboo forest to Ramite. An isolated place with a single small stone hut, from here climb above a ridge. The walk continues towards a small pond to enter a valley, covered in tall pine, rhododendron trees to reach Wahta. A peaceful place, close to a huge rock, shaped like a serpent, from here walk to Tseram for overnight camp. Located close around roofless caves with views of terminal moraines fed from Yalung glacier. Includes views of Kabru (7,353 m), and Talung (7,349 m) peaks.

Rest day at Tseram, located on the midways of the Kanchenjunga South and North Base Camps. Enjoy a long day hike to Oktang which is near Mt. Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. This classic and original base camp for mountaineers to reach Mt. Kanchenjunga summit. The first climbed by the British Expedition from this southern route in 1955. The follows east towards Yalung Glacier and close to the southern massif walls of Mt. Kanchenjunga. The walk with stunning views of Talung and Kabru peaks, after an exciting day hike back at Tseram for overnight.

Enjoy another extra day after a long hike to South Kanchenjunga Base Camp. This free day allows you to pull up the energy for the trek to higher areas towards North Base Camp. At Tseram, 0xplore the surrounding peaceful surroundings on least ventured region of eastern Himalayas.

Morning walk leads to a small area of Yarlungbar. The trail follows to a steep climb, crossing streams to enter dense forest. From here on uphill path for an hour to reach close to a small pond. Having short rest then climb to cross over three smaller passes of Mirgin-La, Tamo-La and Selele-La. The climb of an hour to Mirgin-La top, with views of Kabru and Kanchenjunga massif peaks. The walk continues down and then up to Tamo-La, and continue descent with climb towards the last pass. After crossing Sele-La at 4,250 m high, facing grand views of Makalu, Baruntse, and Chamlang Himal. From this last Sele-La Pass, a long downhill to the base for overnight stop, after a long day treks.

One of the shortest day walk of the adventure to reach lovely areas at Ghunsa. Morning starts with a steep descent for an hour through rhododendrons, and pines trees. The winding path follows to Ghunsa River, then cross over a small bridge. From here around the northern areas of Kanchenjunga, on reaching Ghunsa village for lunch and overnight. Enjoy the comfort of a nice lodge, the natives are with few Sherpa, mostly inhabited by the Bhotia’s people. The indigenous mountain tribes of strong Tibetan origin with similar cultures, village with a wide and neat farm land. Growing buck wheat and barley and some seasonal vegetables and crops. Rest of the day, explore around the village adorned with Buddhist religious monuments and prayer walls.

From Ghunsa village, adventure follows towards our last destinations at Kanchenjunga’s North Base Camp. Located at a glacial moraine surroundings called Pang-Pema. The trek leads to a river side, enjoy views of waterfalls, then through several Yak herders summer camps. The trail leads into a small forest, with climb to Rambuk Kharka, another pasture area. From here cross a small glacial landslide, facing views of Khumbukarna and Jannu Himal.

The walk continues after leaving the tree lines behind, towards dry and arid terrains landscapes. Then finally the day ends on reaching Khambachen for overnight halt. Enjoy the comfort of a small and simple lodge for overnight before reaching Lhonak. From Khambachen enjoy views of Sharphu peak at 7,070 m with Mt. Jannu and Wedge peaks.

Morning walk from Khambachen, leads to gradual up for an hour and then downhill to the river. From the river side climb over rocks and boulders to enter, a terminal moraine of Kanchenjunga glacier. Walk past Ramtang Kharka, another Yak herder summer camp, then continues across Kanchenjunga glacier. After an exciting day crossing over the Kanchenjunga glacier, then reaching Lhonak for two overnight stops. A small settlement with few simple lodge for overnights. From Lhonak enjoy the views of Mera, Nepal Peak and Wedge Peak.

From Lhonak, a day hike towards our last major destination and highlights. Enjoy the exciting hike to Pang Pema, the North Base Camp of Mt. Kanchenjunga and also the highest point. The route leads with gradual climb, facing views of Kirat Chuli, Nepal Peak, Taple Shikhar, and Give Gela Chuli. The first part of the walk on a gentle slope, and then leads to steep climb through rocky boulders. Finally, reaching a grassy field at Pang-Pema where Kanchenjunga North Base Camp is situated. Enjoy the spectacular views of massif glaciers, surrounded by an array of towering peaks. Around this peaceful areas, chances of spotting some wildlife like blue sheep and mountain goats. After an enjoyable moment walk back to Lhonak for last overnight stop.

Today one of the longest trek of the adventure to reach Ghunsa Village. After an enjoyable marvellous time at Pang-Pema and North Kanchenjunga Base Camp. Morning walk follows the same route through Khambachen towards Ghunsa for overnight halt, after a long and interesting day trek.

From Ghunsa, our route leads to an alternative directions, after enjoying visiting both sides of the scenic base camps. The walk continues facing views of snow peaks, heading past cattle herder summer camps. Then ending the day reaching Gyabla Phedi, and walk further to Thangam a small settlement for overnight stop.

After a wonderful time around the high areas of Kanchenjunga, morning walk leads to lower warm mid-hills and farm villages. The trail follows through several smaller farm areas to reach Sekathum for overnight halt, close to the nice village of Japantar.

Enjoy the last day walk, heading further down towards lower warm areas and farm land. The trek leads through several lovely farm villages, then slowly the day walks ends reaching near Chirwa at Ranipul. From taking an exciting drive to Suketar close to Taplejung town. Headquarters of the Taplejung district, on arrival at Suketar, enjoy the comfort of a nice lodge. Afternoon explore around the town of Suketar and Taplejung, observing impressive cultures of the Eastern Nepal.

Morning on completing an adventurous trek, from Suketar, board on a local four-wheel drive or similar vehicles. An exciting drive leads on the hilly rough road to Kanyam for last overnight. Around the mid-hills of Kanchenjunga and near from Ilam Bazaar, a famous town for Tea products and its vast Tea Gardens.

Enjoy the last breakfast around the hills of Eastern Himalayas, at Kanyam with scenic Tea-Gardens. Morning a smooth, scenic drive leads towards lower warm area at Terai the flatland of Nepal. The drive of couple hours to reach Bhadrapur airport. As time for the flight to Kathmandu, board on a big aircraft for swift short flight to Kathmandu. From the domestic airport in Kathmandu, a short transfer back to your hotel. Afternoon free at leisure, for individual activities and shopping souvenirs.

After a great and exciting adventure to Kanchenjunga South and North Base Camp trekking, enjoy the free day. Options for another interesting tour of Bhaktapur and Patan cities, rest of the day enjoy shopping souvenirs of Nepal.

Last day in Kathmandu and Nepal, after a great experience on Kanchenjunga South and North Base Camps Trekking. As time for the international flight transfer to Kathmandu and Nepal International Airport. Then bid farewell to the guide, staff as you enter the airport terminal for homeward bound flight, or to next port of call.

Kanchenjunga South & North Base Camp Trek FAQs

What can we expect on Kanchenjunga Trek? 

One of the longest duration trek of more than two weeks, includes scenic flight both ways. As well as exciting drive to the starting and ending of trekking, an enjoyable adventure around less visited. Only by few group of trekkers in the best time of the seasons. An enjoyable walk through nice farm villages and within dense forest reaching higher altitude of arctic zone filled with ice and glaciers. The only trek that takes you to both Kanchenjunga South and North base camp in one single journey.

When is the best time for Kanchenjunga Trek? 

The best time for Kanchenjunga Trek are spring from March to May, and autumn / fall begins from September to early November. These are the best times for pleasant walks and views, but could get snow-fall sometimes. Much colder morning and evening, night time, but with clear sunny most of the days.

How are the route and trails on Kanchenjunga treks? 

Walking ups and down with few flat section, walk into lovely woods of rhododendron and pines. The trek leads to several nice villages adorned with ancient culture and heritage of Buddhism. Encountering friendly and cheerful villagers, cold morning and night time but with sunny clear days for excellent views of snow-capped peaks. Most village trail is well defined, but far from the settlement and villages the path are narrow, walking around cattle herder trails. Some section on the trek can be rough with rocky ground, but enjoyable overlooking grand views of snow peaks.

Do we get internet services and Wi-Fi on these treks?  

Only in main villages like Suketar or Sherpa Gaon and Ghunsa might have internet services, but quite disturbing around deep valley and gorges? But on the way back to Suketar, most villages do have internet and Wi-Fi services.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Kanchenjunga South & North Base Camp Trek