Take the morning flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur (about 45 minutes ). Our team meets you at the airport and takes you to your hotel. Meet your guide and porter and prepare for the drive to Taplejung.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
20
Days
Overview
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek takes you to both base camps of Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), the world’s third-highest mountain, in the far east of Nepal. It is one of the country’s great wilderness treks: long, remote and far from the crowds of Everest and Annapurna.
After a flight to Bhadrapur and a two-day drive to the Tamor River, you walk up through subtropical valleys, bamboo and rhododendron forests and Sherpa and Tibetan villages to Ghunsa. From there you climb past Khambachen and Lhonak to Pangpema, the North Base Camp (5,143 m), beneath the vast north face of Kanchenjunga.
Returning to Ghunsa, you cross the high Sele Le, Mirgin La and Sinion La passes, with views as far as Makalu and Everest, to reach Tseram and the Oktang viewpoint at the South Base Camp. You then descend through Tortong and Yamphudin, through terraced farmland, to the road.
Kanchenjunga is a restricted area, so you need a special permit, at least two trekkers in the group and a licensed guide. We arrange all permits for you. You trek with a licensed local guide and a porter who carries your main luggage.
The Kanchenjung trek offers less crowded, natural and cultural attraction among the trekking lovers.The route is off-the- beaten-path, peaceful in comparison to overcrowded Everest and Annapurna base camp trekking routes. The route goes through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, a protected area by the government of Nepal. If you are lucky, you can observe rare wild animals like Snow Leopards, Red Pandas, Himalayan Black Bears, Blue Sheep, the famous Himalayan Monal etc. You walk through remote valleys, pass colorful rhododendron forests observing beautiful Himalayan peaks together with Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586m), the 3rd highest mountain peak in the world . In addition, the local inhabitants like Limbus, Rais, and Sherpa etc. welcome you
Since the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area is a protected area, Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit (KRAP) is required from the government of Nepal. To obtain the permit, there should be minimum two people in your group. You also have to obtain Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project Entry Permit (KCAP)
Our Kanchengunga Trek program starts with a scenic (30 minutes) flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur airport. Then you travel by jeep up to Sekathum. Your real trek starts from Sekathum. You hike along the side of Tambar River, enjoying the relaxing sounds of the cascading water passing through local traditional Nepali village.
Now a days, since there are teahouses with vary basic food and accommodation facilities available along route, you can enjoy tea house trek with light luggage.
We customize your trek program itinerary to fit your requirement. In addition, we employ a well experienced guide for your safe comfortable trek. Contact us for more information as well as for itinerary customization
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is one of the most difficult trek like the Makalu Base Camp Trek. However, amazing natural beauty, a hidden treasure of the Himalayas makes it worth the effort.
Highlights.
- Stand at both Kanchenjunga base camps: Pangpema (5,143 m) in the north and the Oktang viewpoint in the south
- See the Kanchenjunga and Yalung glaciers and peaks such as Jannu (7,710 m), Kabru and Kumbhakarna
- Cross three high passes (Sele Le, Mirgin La and Sinion La) with views to Makalu and Everest
- Walk through remarkable wildlife habitat: home to snow leopards, red pandas, musk deer, blue sheep and Himalayan black bears
- Visit Sherpa, Tibetan and Limbu villages such as Ghunsa, Gyabla and Yamphudin
- Real wilderness: very few trekkers, even in peak season
Itinerary.
A. Outline Itinerary.
- Day 2 1,442m
- Day 6 3,415m
- Day 10 4,790m
- Day 11 5,143m
- Day 14 3,870m
- Day 18 1,692m
- Day 19 1,602m
| Day | Description | Altitude (Meters) | Net Gain/Loss | Trek Duration. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur | 91 | 0 | 30 Minutes flight. |
| 2 | Travel by jeep from Bhadrapur to Taplejung. | 1442 | 1351 | 6-8 Hours |
| 3 | Travel jeep from Taplejung to Tamor River bridge and Trek to Sekathum (Drive) | 1650 | 208 | 6-8 Hours |
| 4 | Trek from Sekathum to Amjilosa. | 2498 | 848 | 5-6 Hours |
| 5 | Trek from Amjilosa to Gyabla. | 2725 | 277 | 4-5 Hours |
| 6 | Trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa. | 3415 | 690 | 5 Hours |
| 7 | Acclimatization day at Ghunsa | 3415 | 0 | 0 |
| 8 | Trek from Ghunsa to Khambachen | 4150 | 735 | 5-6 Hours |
| 9 | Acclimatization day at Khambachen. Hike and explore to Jannu Himal Base Camp and come back to Khanbachen | 4150 | 0 | 0 |
| 10 | Trek from Khambachen to Lhonak | 4790 | 640 | 4-5 Hpirs |
| 11 | Trek from Lhonak to Pang Pema (5143m.) Kanchenjunga North base camp and return to Lhonak. | 5143 | 353 | 6-7 Hours |
| 12 | Trek from Lhonak to Ghunsa | 3415 | -1728 | 7-8 Hours |
| 13 | Trek from Ghunsa to Sele le | 4480 | 1065 | 3-5 |
| 14 | Trek from Sele le to Tseram | 3870 | -610 | 4-6 |
| 15 | Trek from Tsheram to Southern Base Camp to Tsheram | 4500 | 630 | 6-7 Hours |
| 16 | Trek From Tsheram to Tortong | 2990 | -1510 | 5-6 Hours |
| 17 | Trek from Tortong to Yamphudin | 1692 | -1228 | 6-7 Hours |
| 18 | Trek from Yamphudin - Khanidingbe | 1692 | 0 | 6-7 Hours |
| 19 | Trek from Khanidingbe to Bhadrapur | 90 | -1602 | 6-8 Hours |
| 20 | Fly from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu. | 0 | 0 |
B. Detailed Itinerary.
Day 1 :
Fly to Bhadrapur (90 m)
Day 2 :
Drive to Taplejung (1,442 m)
After breakfast, a reserved jeep takes you through the tea gardens of Ilam, past Charali and Phidim, to Taplejung (6–8 hours). Overnight in a hotel
Drive by reserved jeep to the Tamor River bridge, cross the suspension bridge and start walking along the river to Sekathum. Overnight in a tea house.
Day 4 :
Sekathum to Amjilosa (2,498 m)
After a few ups and downs along the river, climb stone steps above a waterfall to the small hamlet of Ghaiyabari (2,150 m). Continue through the gorge to the Tibetan settlement of Amjilosa (5–6 hours).
Day 5 :
Amjilosa to Gyabla (2,725 m)
Walk up the Ghunsa Valley through forests of bamboo, rhododendron and oak, past pastures and waterfalls, then climb via Kyaprut to the Sherpa village of Gyabla (4–5 hours).
Day 6 :
Gyabla to Ghunsa (3,415 m)
A steep start through rhododendron forest leads to the yak pastures and potato fields of Phale (3,210 m). The valley then widens; cross the Ghunsa Khola to reach Ghunsa, the largest village in the upper valley (about 5 hours).
Day 7 :
Acclimatization day at Ghunsa
Rest and let your body adjust to the altitude. Explore the village and its monastery, or take a short hike above Ghunsa.
Day 08 :
Ghunsa to Khambachen (4,150 m)
Walk north through forest and cross to the west side of the river at Rambuk Kharka (3,720 m). Enjoy your first views of the Jannu Glacier and Jannu (7,710 m) before reaching Khambachen (5–6 hours).
Day 09 :
Acclimatization day at Khambachen
A second rest day for acclimatization. Take an optional hike towards Jannu Base Camp for views of Khabur (6,332 m), Phole (6,645 m) and Jannu.
Day 10 :
Khambachen to Lhonak (4,790 m)
Enter a stark high-mountain landscape. Cross the pastures of Ramtang (4,350 m) and follow the lateral moraine of the Kanchenjunga Glacier to Lhonak (4–5 hours).
Set off early and follow the ridge beside the glacier to Pangpema, the North Base Camp, with Kanchenjunga’s north face towering above. After time for photos, return to Lhonak (6–7 hours).
Day 12 :
Lhonak to Ghunsa (3,415 m)
Retrace your route down the valley to Ghunsa, a long but mostly downhill day ([__] hours ).
Day 13 :
Ghunsa to Sele Le (4,480 m)
Climb through forests of rhododendron, juniper, birch and pine to the high camp at Sele Le (3–5 hours). Overnight in a simple lodge
Day 14 :
Trek from Sele le to Tseram (3870m)
A big day over the Sele Le, Mirgin La and Sinion La passes, all above 4,000 m, with views as far as Makalu and Everest. Descend past glacial terrain and small lakes to Tseram.
Walk up to Ramche and continue to the Oktang viewpoint above the Yalung Glacier, facing the south face of Kanchenjunga and its neighbouring peaks. Return to Ramche (4,620 m ⚠️) for the night (6–7 hours).
Day 16 :
Ramche to Tortong (2,990 m)
Descend past Tseram through a landslide-prone section — follow your guide carefully — into forest and down to Tortong (5–6 hours).
Day 17 :
Tortong to Yamphudin (1,692 m)
A steep descent beside the Simbuwa Khola, through jungle and past landslide areas, to the Limbu village of Yamphudin (6–7 hours).
Day 18 :
Yamphudin to Phumphe Danda
Walk through small settlements and terraced fields along the Kabeli Khola, with views of Jannu, to Phumphe Danda (6–7 hours).
Walk down to the road head at [Khanidingbe / Suketar] and drive to Bhadrapur (6–8 hours in total). Overnight in a hotel
Day 20 :
Fly back to Kathmandu
Fly from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu. Your trek with MAST ends on arrival.
Permits for Kanchenjunga
- A Restricted Area Permit (issued by Nepal’s Department of Immigration, through a registered agency)
- A Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project (KCAP) entry permit
- A TIMS card.
- At least one trekker in the group, and a licensed guide.
We apply for all permits on your behalf. Please send a copy of your passport, your Nepal visa and a passport-size photo when you book.
Cost and Price Details
The price includes
- Daily salary for one (1) porter-guide (includes food and accommodation).
- Shoes, socks, gloves, for the porter-guide.
- Insurance for one (1) porter-guide.
- Trekking permits (TIMS Cards) for two (2) guests.
- Special Trekking permit for two (2) Persons.
- Contribution to the company's community project.
- MAST Agency service charge, including government tax (VAT), Tumlingtar airport reception, etc. (15% will be added to the total cost).
- Bhadrapur hotel room charge (one room for two nights).
The Cost Excludes
- International as well as Nepal domestic airfare.
- Nepal Visa Charges
- All Hotel expenses in Kathmandu.
- Local tea house or homestay food and accommodation expenditure throughout the trekking route will be your responsibility. You pay directly to your service providers from your pocket.
- Your travel and medical insurance
- Personal Expenses such as shopping, bar bills, hot shower, telephone, laundry, etc
- Services not mentioned or not promised by the agent/agency
- Emergency expenses such as expenses on chartered helicopter.
- Nepal entry visa fee is $30 for 15 days and $50 for 30 days.
- Other unforeseen expenses incurred due to accidents, strikes, natural disasters, political unrest etc.
- Your porter guide tips at the end of your trek.
Tea houses: pay as you go
Food and accommodation on the trail are not included in our price. You pay tea houses and lodges directly, so the money stays with local families. Budget around US$50 per person per day for meals, a room and hot drinks (paid in Nepali rupees). Prices rise with altitude and remoteness.
Your Guide and Porter
Your trek is led by a licensed guide, which is required by law for Kanchenjunga’s restricted area. Your guide handles permits and check-posts, knows the route and the lodge families, speaks English, and looks after your safety, including watching for signs of altitude sickness.
For every two guests, a porter carries your main luggage (up to 20 kg in total ), so you only need a daypack. Both are fairly paid and insured.
Altitude and Fitness
This is a long, strenuous trek that reaches 5,143 m and crosses three passes above 4,000 m. You should be fit enough to walk 6–7 hours a day for many days in a row on steep, rough trails, and ideally have previous high-altitude trekking experience. The itinerary includes two acclimatization days (Ghunsa and Khambachen). Tell your guide straight away if you have a headache, nausea or dizziness. Travel insurance with helicopter rescue up to 5,200 m is required.
Kanchenjunga Trekking Map
FAQs
General
It’s strenuous and one of Nepal’s longest treks: 16 days of walking, up to 5,143 m, with three high passes and some landslide-prone sections. Good fitness and previous trekking experience are recommended
Pangpema, the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, at 5,143 m.
Yes. Kanchenjunga is a restricted area, so you need a special permit, at least one trekker in your group and a licensed guide.
A Restricted Area Permit, a Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project (KCAP) permit and, if required, a TIMS card. We arrange all of them for you
From $1,764 per person for two people sharing one licensed guide and one porter. On top of this, budget about US$50 per person per day for food and accommodation at tea houses, plus flights and insurance.
Usually 5-7 hours. A few days are shorter, and the return from Lhonak to Ghunsa and the pass crossing to Tseram are long days.
Spring (March–May), for rhododendrons and clear mornings, and autumn (September–November), for the most stable weather and clearest views.
You can charge batteries at most lodges, sometimes for a small fee (bring your own charger and a power bank). Hot showers are rare, especially above Ghunsa.
There are no ATMs after Taplejung, so bring enough Nepali rupees for the whole trek. Mobile signal usually works up to Ghunsa; beyond that, expect no connection
So your money goes directly to the families who run the lodges, and so you are free to choose what you eat and where you stay.
Yes. You can visit only the north or only the south base camp, add rest days, or combine the trek with the Lumba Sumba Pass. Tell us what you’d like and we’ll send you an updated itinerary and cost.
Warm layers, a down jacket, a four-season sleeping bag, good boots, microspikes (for snowy passes), a water filter or purification tablets, a power bank or solar charger, snacks and toilet paper
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