Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek-18 days

Things to Know
  • Duration18 Days
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • Altitude 5143m
  • Trip Type Trekking
  • Start and End Kathmandu - Kathmandu
  • Best Time Mar-May and Oct-Dec
What You’ll Do
  • Trek to the base of the third highest mountain in the world, Mt. Kanchenjunga
  • Explore a restricted area in Nepal, situated far away from famous trekking routes
  • Challenging, off-the-beaten trail with no crowd at all
  • High chance of an encounter with exotic wildlife and birds along the way
  • Trek through sub-tropical forests and high pastures before walking on the Kanchenjunga glacier moraine
  • Spend nights in beautiful Tibetan Buddhist villages and visit ancient monasteries along the way
  • Witness unspoiled landscapes and breathtaking mountain panoramas

Mt. Kanchenjunga is the third-highest mountain in the world and has five peaks. Among them, three are located on the border of Nepal & India, and the other two are situated entirely in Nepal.  Kanchenjunga was believed to be the highest peak in the world up until the mid-1800s. On our Kanchenjunga North Basecamp Trek, you'll trek through Khambachen located at an elevation of 4,050m and the North Basecamp (Pang Pema) of the main peak at 5,143m.

Kanchenjunga trek is by far the most challenging venture in the Himalayas. Kanchenjunga North Basecamp Trek was opened in 1988. Trekking through the subtropical lowlands, the trail joins lush rhododendrons & other alpine forests. Enjoying the wilderness of Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, you will hike following the high pastures and the trail of the moraine of Kanchenjunga glacier. The Kanchenjunga North Basecamp Trekking route is extremely remote and strenuous, so only recommended to experienced trekkers. Due to the lack of basic tourist infrastructure (unlike the famous trails of the Everest Region and the  Annapurna Region ) and long time commitment, only a handful of trekkers do Kanchenjunga North Basecamp Trek. The trail is unspoiled, and the landscapes are unbelievable. The trail is off-the-beaten and also passes by numerous landslide-prone areas. Kanchenjunga is a restricted area, under the controlled tourism policy, the Nepal government has prohibited solo trekking in Kanchenjunga. Throughout the trek, you must be accompanied by a registered trek guide. Trek to Kanchenjunga North Basecamp traverses the far east side of Nepal which is Located just behind the majestic Mt. Everest. Kanchenjunga North Basecamp trek offers mesmerizing landscapes and tranquility unseen in any other trails in the Himalayas. Unspoiled Mountain panoramas backed by the Tibetan Buddhist cultural heritage of the locals and unbeatable views trek is really worth it. Likewise, the scenery from the North Basecamp and other viewpoints along the trail are equally enchanting.

The Kanchenjunga North Basecamp trekking is adventurous and involves high chances of encountering exotic wildlife such as snow leopards, red pandas, Asian black bears, etc. For bird lovers, this trek is paradise. You can see snow cock, golden-breasted fulvetta, blood pheasant, etc. And there is no ending to the diverse vegetation you'll encounter on the way.

Optional Trekking Packages

Some other famous basecamp treks in Nepal are the Everest Basecamp Trek, the Annapurna Basecamp Trek and the Mardi Himal Basecamp Trek

You can easily book the Kanchenjunga North basecamp trek 2024/2025 with us. Early booking will give you ample time to prepare for the trek and get strong. Our flexible booking system and transparent policy let you make bookings to secure upcoming trips with us. We do not have hidden charges or any hidden terms against our guests. For the best experience, we advise you to go through our booking & cancellation policy on our terms & conditions page. You can tailor-design the Kanchenjunga north base camp itinerary and make other changes to the package too. 

Itinerary
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  • Altitude1,400m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Time2-3 hours

Our team will receive you at the airport on your arrival day. Using a private four-wheeler, we'll escort you to the hotel and help you settle in. You can spend the remaining day exploring Thamel.

  • Altitude1,400m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Time6-7 hours

Today, you get a free day in Kathmandu. The morning is well spent visiting historical monuments like Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath), Boudhnath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple. After the guided tour, you'll get a few hours free to have lunch and rest. Later, we meet with the mountain guide and spend the rest of the evening preparing for the trek.

  • Altitude1,820m
  • AccommodationLodge
  • Time40 minutes flight & 8/9 hours drive

We take an early morning flight to Bhadrapur. Upon landing, a local jeep will drive us to Taplejung. It's a winding route alongside green foothills. Even though the drive will be long, you'll get to enjoy fantastic landscapes. The view of vast landscapes, tea gardens, and high hills is phenomenal.

  • Altitude1,750m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time5-6 hours

After having breakfast, we'll once again begin a scenic drive, relatively short to Sekathum. It is the starting point of the trek. We'll have the remaining day's leisure to relax.

  • Altitude2,308 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time5-6 hours

Our first day of the trek involves the crossing of beautiful suspension bridges back and forth across the Ghunsa Khola. The trail will lead us to Jaubari, where we'll cross another old bridge and follow a narrow trail that steeply climbs to Amjilosa.

  • Altitude2,730m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time5-6 hours

The trail includes numerous gorgeous waterfalls and scattered settlements below the mountains. Walking through the dense forests of oak & rhododendron, we gradually ascend to Gyabla. On the way, we may see yaks grazing in the meadows.

  • Altitude3,595m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time5 hours

From Gyabla, we walk gradually to a remote Tibetan Village called Phole. The trail then ascends to Ghunsa village alongside the Ghunsa river. The scenery along the way is beautiful. Ghunsa is the area's largest village, with a police station, health post and a Kanchenjunga Conservation Office. Telephone and internet services are available here.

  • Altitude3,595m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • TimeRest day

Ghunsa is a great place to stop for an extra day to acclimatize our bodies. We'll well spend the day exploring this Tibetan village and its ancient cultural heritage. We'll go on side excursions to nearby places and monasteries.

  • Altitude4,050m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time5-6 hours

We begin the day with an uphill walk along the Ghunsa Khola south bank. The trail passes through rhododendrons and pine forests. We'll walk past mani walls and chortens on the way. Likewise, we also come across a few landslide areas, waterfalls, streams, and glacier moraine on the way to Khambachen. The views of mountains like Jannu, Sobithongie(6,670m) and Phole Peak (6,645m) are stunning.

  • Altitude4,050m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • TimeRest day

We take one more day break in Khambachen. We have two hiking options; one goes to a ridge behind the village that offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains and  the second option is a hike to Janu Basecamp via Phaktalung Temple

  • Altitude4,780m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time4-5 hours

The trail gradually ascends, following a wide stony mountain trail to Ramtang. We then walk across the Kanchenjunga glacier moraines, relishing spectacular views of Mera Peak (6,476m), Gimmigela Chuli (7,350m), Wedge Peak (6,750m) Ramtang Himal, etc. Likewise, the view of Mt. Kanchenjunga is also attractive on the way. Before reaching Lhonak, we'll walk on a sandy plain beside a dry lake bed.

  • Altitude4,780m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time7-8 hours

Today, we'll hike to Kanchenjunga's North Basecamp in the early morning. The hike is lofty, and the route is isolated. The colourful prayer flags mark the trail up to the base camp. The mountain panorama is out of this world. After spending some time at the base camp, we'll return to Lhonak to spend the night.

  • Altitude3,595m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time6 hours

The trail from Lhonak to Ghunsa first descends to Phaley. We then keep walking down, following the side of the mountains and admiring the beauty of the Kanchenjunga region to Ghunsa village. Most of the trail, we'll retrace the path.

  • Altitude2,308m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time7-8 hours

Trekking through lush forests and pastures, we'll walk past rushing streams and ridges. The trail is forested and ascends & descends along steep terrain. The views of snow-capped mountains are excellent on the way. Amjilosa is famous for honey, and nearly all homes sell some of the best kinds of honey.

  • Altitude1,820m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time5 hours trek & 3 hours drive

Today is our last day of the trek. We trek back to Sekathum, from where we begin walking on the first day of the trek. We'll be following the same trail back through remote villages and lush forests. From Sekathum, we drive to Taplejung, enjoying the beautiful landscapes

  • Altitude91m
  • AccommodationLodge
  • Time10-11 hours

We take a morning ride back to Bhadrapur today. It's a long drive along the green foothills and rivers.

  • Altitude1,400m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Time40 minutes flight

In the early morning, we take a short and scenic flight back to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is leisure in Kathmandu. In the late evening, we'll enjoy a farewell dinner and go shopping.

    The Kanchenjunga trekking has ended. You can either depart for your home or join another trip in the Himalayas with our team as your wish. Depending upon your flight departure time, our team will drop you at the airport.

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    Trip Map
    Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek-18 days map
    Trip Cost Details
    Included
    • All (international and domestic) airport transfers on a tourist vehicle
    • Guided city tour in Kathmandu Valley by a private tourist vehicle
    • Three-night accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast included (twin share basis)
    • All necessary trekking permits for Kanchenjunga, and TIMS card
    • All accommodations during the trek
    • All standard meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek 
    • Fresh fruit each day if and when available
    • Government-registered first-aid-trained professional local guide who speaks English
    • First aid kit
    • Kathmandu Bhadrapur Kathmandu Flight
    • Bhadrapur -Taplejung - Sekathum and Sekathum - Taplejung to Bhadrapur by local jeep
    • Staff insurance, meals, accommodation, equipment, transportation, etc.
    • Rescue arrangements if necessary
    • Agency service charge and government tax/VAT
    • Certificate of achievement if needed
    Excluded
    • Meals (lunch and dinner) in Kathmandu
    • International flight fare and airport departure tax
    • Any beverages including bottled and boiled water
    • Travel insurance along with high-altitude emergency evacuation coverage
    • Tips to trekking staff and driver
    • Nepal Entry Visa (Visa can be acquired easily after your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu with a fee of USD 50 for 30 days visa and USD 125 for 90 days visa)
    • Personal Trekking gear and equipment
    • Any expenses other than the Price Include section
    Useful Info

    Kanchenjunga North Basecamp Trek Difficulty

    Among the south and north base camps of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the north base camp is tough to reach. The Kanchenjunga north base camp route is challenging but offers the best panoramas. The highest point you'll touch during the Kanchenjunga north base camp trekking is Pang Pema at 5,100 meters. The trek covers approximately 175 km and involves 9-11 km of walking daily (6-7 hours). Starting the trek from Taplejung, you'll ascend on trodden trails, gaining 500 to 700 meters in elevation each day. The route is demanding and requires solid physical fitness to keep going, and you have to be extra careful while ascending and descending. Dealing with the strenuous trail will require physical fitness, but your mindset plays a huge role. It would be best if you were determined to keep going, and your willpower should be strong.

    Acclimatization & Altitude Sickness

    Now comes the altitude and the altitude sickness. As you go above 2,000 meters, you become vulnerable to altitude sickness. The oxygen level gets low in general, causing difficulty in breathing. Well, it doesn't have a considerable effect and barely gets noticed until you begin to see the symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, nausea, dizziness, fever, vomiting, insomnia, etc. Therefore, acclimatization is essential during the Kanchenjunga trek. And to make sure our guests all the time to acclimatize & of course, enjoy the surroundings, we have multiple rest days and fantastic side excursions in our Kanchenjunga north base camp itinerary.

    Best Season

    If the weather is stable and the climate is pleasant, the Kanchenjunga North Basecamp trek automatically becomes much more fun & safe. Hence, you have to pick the right time to do this trekking. March to April and October to November are the best months weather-wise to do Kanchenjunga North Basecamp trekking. You'll have the best weather conditions and offer best mountain views in those months. It also means these two seasons, spring & autumn, also attract hundreds of trekkers. But this is not the case for the Kanchenjunga North Base camp trek. Very few travellers go on this particular trek, so the trail is clear even during peak trekking Season. Spring is perfect if you love snow and want to see the wildflowers bloom. However, autumn is great for trekking if you love nature's tamed colour and prefer the fresh earthy smell enchanting the trail.

    Accommodation & Meals During The Trek

    The accommodation on the Kanchenjunga North Basecamp trail is tea houses. The most simple accommodation on the Himalayan trail is a teahouse. The services are limited to bed and meals. You may get a few other facilities like hot water for showering, charging, wifi (only in some villages) by paying a few extra bucks. These are your expenses, so our package does not cover them. The washrooms are shared and expect both squat and flush toilets. The rooms are equipped with comfortable beds and a table but not guaranteed in all tea houses. The meal options are straightforward on this trek. We highly suggest you pack enough snacks and bars for this trip. Food is very basic in Kanchenjunga. In most places, they do not have a menu in every place. Dal bhat and Thukpa are the most common foods. In a limited number of places, you can also get momo, macaroni and pasta.

    Internet, Charging, & ATM On The Trail

    You can buy a Nepali sim card with data to use the internet while trekking. It is the best way to use the internet while trekking in Kanchenjunga North Basecamp Trek. The region is very remote, so it's better not to have high hopes for a sturdy network all the time. There are charging stations in the tea houses that you use to charge your electronics, paying a few bucks. A solar charger, spare batteries, or a power bank will help significantly. So recommend carrying it. There is no ATM on the Kanchenjunga North Basecamp trail so we suggest to withdraw money in Kathmandu.

    Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is compulsory for the Kanchenjunga North Basecamp Trek, and you cannot join the trek without travel insurance that covers emergency air evacuation. As we have mentioned many times, how remote and isolated the Kanchenjunga region is, any medical emergency that cannot be solved with first aid will need an immediate airlift to Kathmandu. It's for your safety.

    Kanchenjunga Trekking Permit

    Kanchenjunga is a restricted area. This means you need a special permit and registered trek guide to enter this area. Walking with a guide is advisable both for safety and for gaining valuable cultural and local insights. You will need a Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project Entry Permit (KCAP) and a Restricted Area Entry Permit. The permit Cost for (KCAP) is Nrs 2,000 per person and the Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is USD 20 per person/ week  (for the first 4 weeks) and USD 25 per person /week  ( beyond 4 weeks). For more information please follow the link Permit Fee.

     

    FAQs

    • The Kanchenjunga trek begins from Taplejung, a subtropical region. Ascending through forests of maple, birch, and chestnut, you'll walk on the lower hills. In the upper trail, from Chitre onwards, rhododendron, pine, fir, and orchid forests are seen. You'll walk on high pastures and cross two mountain passes. Ghunsa and its surrounding area have a subalpine climate, and it gets rocky & icy towards the base camp. Wildlife like Himalayan Asian black bears, snow leopards, red pandas, etc. is native to this region.

    • The Kanchenjunga region is shared with Sikkim and Tibet, along with Nepal. Therefore, you expect diverse ethnic groups along the trail. On the Nepal side, Rai and Limbus, along with Bhote & Sherpa, are seen. Tibetan Buddhism is followed by the majority of the locals.

    • Mt. Kanchenjunga is the third-highest mountain in the world, situated in the Great Himalayan Range, on the border between eastern Nepal and Sikkim (India).

    • Kanchenjunga North Basecamp Trek is usually 18 to 22 days long, depending upon the itinerary.

    • Yes, anyone can go to Kanchenjunga, but people traveling to Kanchenjunga must follow the rules set by the government of Nepal. They cannot go alone or with an independent guide. The travelers have to be in a group of at least two people and trek with a locally registered company.

    • Yes, the Kanchenjunga  North Basecamp Trek is harder than the Everest Basecamp Trek in every regard. The Kanchenjunga North Basecamp Trek is not for the beginner trekker, but the EBC trek welcomes new trekkers. The terrain, facilities along the trail, remoteness of the region, etc. Everything is extreme in the case of the Kanchenjunga.

    • Yes, it is necessary to have travel insurance for the Kanchenjunga trek. Trekking without travel insurance is not recommended, given the remoteness of the trail.

    • At night the temperature can fall below 0 degrees celsius depending upon the season and weather conditions. During the day, you can expect a temperature between 8 to 15 degrees Celsius.

    • For the trek, you’ll need two different permits. Restricted Area Permit and Conservation Area Permit for Kanchenjunga. The permission can only be obtained if there are at least two trekkers.Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project Entry Permit (KCAP) Nrs 2,000 per person. There is no time limitation for the permit. Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit (RAP) USD 20 per person/ week (for the first 4 weeks) and USD 25 per person /week ( beyond 4 weeks).

    Price fromUS$1350US$1650(per person)
    We Offer Group Discount Price
      
    1 - 5 paxUS$1480
    6 - 11 paxUS$1400
    12 - 20 paxUS$1350
    US$1480

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