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Overview

Kanchenjunga, standing majestically at 8,586 meters, is known as "The Five Great Treasure Houses of Snow" and holds the title of the world's third-highest mountain. It is located within the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, a region renowned for its pristine forests, alpine meadows, and high-altitude wetlands, all nestled alongside the breathtaking Himalayan massif.

Positioned on Nepal’s eastern border with Sikkim, this area remains one of the most sparsely populated regions in Nepal. The trek takes you through lush, semi-tropical villages inhabited by the Rai and Limbu communities in the mid-hills, and then higher up to remote Tibetan villages situated on the semi-arid plateaus at the mountain's base.

This remote and stunningly beautiful conservation area, jointly managed by local communities and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), boasts a rich ecological diversity. It is home to the elusive and endangered snow leopard and red panda, as well as the vulnerable Himalayan black bear, clouded leopard, and Assamese macaque.

The circular trek navigates through verdant valleys teeming with seasonal flowers, receiving the highest monsoon rains in the entire Himalayan range. As you progress northward, you will encounter spectacular high alpine landscapes adorned with woodlands and mountain streams. The journey ascends over high passes leading to both the Kanchenjunga Base Camp and the Ramche Yalung Base Camp. Finally, you will descend to lower elevations, making your way back to the starting point of the trek at Taplejung.

Trip Highlights

  • Kanchenjunga Peak: Witness the awe-inspiring grandeur of the world’s third-highest mountain, Kanchenjunga, standing at 8,586 meters.
  • Kanchenjunga Conservation Area: Explore one of the most ecologically diverse and pristine conservation areas, home to endangered species like the snow leopard and red panda.
  • Cultural Diversity: Experience the rich cultural tapestry of Nepal by trekking through semi-tropical Rai and Limbu villages, and remote Tibetan settlements.
  • Stunning Landscapes: Traverse lush valleys filled with seasonal flowers, dense woodlands, and serene mountain streams.
  • High Alpine Adventure: Journey into spectacular high-altitude landscapes with breathtaking views and challenging high passes.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Spot rare and vulnerable wildlife, including the Himalayan black bear, clouded leopard, and Assamese macaque.
  • Joint Conservation Efforts: Learn about the collaborative management efforts between local communities and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to preserve this unique ecosystem.
  • Base Camps Exploration: Trek to both the Kanchenjunga Base Camp and the Ramche Yalung Base Camp, experiencing the raw beauty and tranquility of these remote locations.
  • Monsoon Lushness: Enjoy the lush greenery and abundant flora nourished by the heaviest monsoon rains in the Himalayan range.
  • Circular Trek: Benefit from a well-rounded trekking route that begins and ends at Taplejung, offering a complete and immersive experience of the region.

The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek offers an unparalleled journey through one of Nepal's most remote and ecologically diverse regions, blending natural beauty, cultural richness, and high-altitude adventure. Managed by local communities and the WWF, the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area showcases harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. Traversing through Rai, Limbu, and isolated Tibetan villages, you'll appreciate the region's cultural diversity and encounter endangered wildlife like the snow leopard and red panda. This trek promises an unforgettable adventure, culminating in breathtaking views of the world's third-highest mountain and enriching your soul with the pristine beauty of the Himalayas.

Detailed itinerary

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a company representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. You will spend the night in a comfortable 4-star hotel, allowing you to rest and prepare for the trek ahead.

After completing the necessary permit procedures, we catch an afternoon scenic flight to Bhadrapur. From there, we take a jeep ride to Ilam, enjoying beautiful landscapes along the way. Ilam, known for its vast tea plantations and Himalayan cheese, serves as a major tourist destination. Overnight at a hotel in Ilam.

We drive towards Taplejung, passing through the picturesque countryside and the village of Phidim. The journey continues to the Limbu village of Taplejung, where we will stay overnight at a local hotel.

Our trek begins as we pass through lush mid-hills and traditional villages with mud-brick houses. The route features rice paddies, terraced fields, and cardamom farms, following the Tamor River to reach Mitlung. Overnight at a homestay or lodge in Mitlung.

We trek through Limbu and Tamang villages such as Sinwa, Tawa, and Porke, crossing landslide debris and river deposits. A descent to Thiwa Khola and crossing a wooden bridge leads us to Chiruwa. Overnight at a lodge in Chiruwa.

Trekking through Taplethok, Tamewa, Hellok, and Lelep, we follow the Tamor River and descend towards Simbu Khola. The steep, narrow Ghunsa Khola valley eventually leads us to Sukethum. Overnight at a lodge in Sukethum.

We follow Ghunsa Khola, trekking uphill on exposed terrain. After crossing several bridges and enjoying scenic views, we reach the Tibetan village of Amjilosa. Overnight at a lodge in Amjilosa.

Walking through rhododendron and bamboo forests, we ascend to Gyabla. Along the way, we pass a large waterfall on the opposite side of the river. A steep ascent followed by a descent brings us to Gyabla. Overnight at a lodge in Gyabla.

We leave Gyabla and trek through a broad meadow before climbing a small hill and descending to cross a river. We reach the Tibetan village of Ghunsa, known for its wooden houses, micro-hydropower plant, school, and health post. Overnight at a lodge in Ghunsa.

To adjust to the altitude, we take a short hike gaining about 400 meters. After the hike, we explore Ghunsa village, visiting monasteries and learning about the local Buddhist culture and traditions. Overnight at a lodge in Ghunsa.

We trek along the forested south bank of Ghunsa Khola, passing Mani walls and Chortens. The trail takes us through scree slopes and glacial moraines to the Tibetan settlement of Khangpachen, offering stunning views of Jannu's north face. Overnight at a lodge in Khangpachen.

We leave Khangpachen and follow the trail along the left side of Kanchenjunga Glacier. The hike along a high plateau brings us to Lhonak, where we can see panoramic views of massive peaks like Wegde Peak, Mera Peak, Nepal Peak, and the Twins. Overnight at a lodge in Lhonak.

We trek towards Kanchenjunga Base Camp, following the trail along the northern ridges of the glaciers. The base camp, also known as Pang Pema, offers mesmerizing views of Mt. Kanchenjunga and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. After taking in the views, we return to Lhonak. Overnight at a lodge in Lhonak.

Retracing our steps, we descend past Lhonak and Khangpachen, enjoying spectacular mountain views. Walking on the moraines of Kanchenjunga and Kumbhakarna Glaciers, we arrive back in Ghunsa. Overnight at a lodge in Ghunsa.

We trek along a steep, rocky trail through forests of birch, pine, and rhododendron. The high camp offers amazing views of Jannu, Nyukla Laching, Temachunggi, and other peaks. Overnight at a lodge in High Camp.

Today is challenging as we cross Sele La and Sinion La passes. The top of the passes rewards us with stunning views of Yalung Glacier, Jannu, Makalu, Baruntse, Kanchenjunga, and other mountains along the Sikkim border. We then descend to Tseram. Overnight at a lodge in Tseram.

We ascend towards Ramche, passing the moraines of Yalung Glacier and a lake. The meadow near Ramche often has blue sheep grazing. In the evening, we visit a small monastery. Overnight at a homestay or lodge in Ramche.

We explore the Oktang viewpoint, trekking through glacial moraines and rocky paths. From Oktang, we enjoy panoramic views of Jannu, Kanchenjunga, and other peaks. We then retrace our steps back to Tseram. Overnight at a lodge in Tseram.

We descend through a densely forested path filled with rhododendrons and bushes. Along the way, we pass streams, Chortens, monasteries, ponds, and waterfalls before arriving in Tortong. Overnight at a lodge in Tortong.

Continuing our descent, we cross Amji Khola and several passes, including Lasiya Bhanjyang and Dhupi Bhanjyang. We reach Yamphudim, a village with a mixed community of Sherpa, Rai, Limbu, and Gurung. Overnight at a lodge in Yamphudim.

Leaving Yamphudim, we descend towards Khebang, passing through valleys, waterfalls, and forested areas. Crossing suspension bridges over streams, we arrive in Khebang, walking alongside Kabeli Khola. Overnight at a homestay or lodge in Khebang.

We take a long jeep ride to Ilam, enjoying views of green hills, mountains, rivers, and local activities. Transitioning from mountainous terrain to the flatlands of Nepal, we arrive in Ilam. Overnight at a hotel in Ilam.

We drive to Bhadrapur airport for our flight back to Kathmandu, enjoying aerial views of the mountains. Upon arrival, we transfer you to your hotel. Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu.

We drop you at Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure, hoping to see you again in the future.
Want to make it a private tour? Book this trip as a private departure -for any group, big or small.