It's a relaxing day. The stage is both short and beautiful, while panoramic balcony trail, with full views of the most prestigious peaks of the region: the Jannu, the Kyabru and the huge Kangchenjunga. In the two villages that we cross, coexist Limbus, Sherpas, Rais and Gurungs.You will notice the large fields of millet, a cereal that the villagers ferment to prepare the local beer, fell. She is drinking with a straw in large bamboo cups. To test. Arrive in early afternoon at Yamphudin camp, official entrance to Kangchenjunga National Park.
Accommodation: Camp
Meal: BLD
Walking hours: 5h
Altitude difference: +500 m
Altitude difference: -710 m
The ride on the hills continues, now gaining altitude at every step. Today we cross the ridge of Dubi Bhanjyang, 2540 m down to the valley of Omje Khola. There are no more villages, (Now a Lodge) only a few pastures in rare clearings. The mountain, covered with humid forest, is covered with a mysterious atmosphere. Orchids cling to mossy branches, giant lichens drape entire trees. We camp in the jungle, by the river.
Accommodation: Camp
Meal: BLD
Walking hours: 4h30
Altitude difference: +850 m
Altitude difference: -220 m
The day is easy. We gain altitude by a pleasant path following the course of the Simbua Khola. The forest clears more and more, opening the view of the Kabru massif. We eat lunch at Andaphedi's tea shop, which seems lost in this uninhabited valley where we start to feel really far from everything. Surprising too, this small Hindu temple dedicated to snakes, on the edge of the path that leads us to Tseram camp. At this altitude of 3900 m, the trees are gone. We enter the world of high pastures, glaciers and great peaks, the cold becomes more intense. We settle in Tseram for 2 nights.
Accommodation: Camp
Meal: BLD
Walking hours: 4 / 5h
Altitude difference: +1000 m
Altitude difference: -100 m
See you today with Kangchenjunga! To enjoy an exceptional view of the third highest mountain in the world, we are off to a great acclimatization race back and forth over Tseram, along the Yalung Glacier. Early departure in a cool atmosphere. Along the way, the white walls of Kabru are reflected in the waters of two small lakes. We reach the edge of the moraine of the mighty Yalung Glacier where it is not uncommon to see large bharals, a Himalayan goat also called blue sheep, graze the alpine steppe. A tea shop, located in the long valley of ablation that borders the moraine is welcome for a good break before reaching the Oktang belvedere at 4700 meters, at the foot of Kangchenjunga 8586 m. The base camp of his normal track is further down the glacier. Its gigantic south-west face stands on 3000 m high. The summit was climbed by only 250 people. Back to Tseram camp.
Accommodation: Camp
Meal: BLD
Walking hours: 7:30
Altitude difference: +950 m
Altitude difference: -950 m
We climb in the morning sun over the Kangchenjunga valley to head north of the massif, towards the famous Jannu summit. The prospect is splendid on the Yalung Glacier, dominated by Kabru and Kangchenjunga. The path rises frankly up to Sinelapche Ridge, 4640 m. We then walk on a large hilly plateau, in golden pastures dotted with small lakes, until Sinion La. The elegant summit of the Jannu is then revealed in all its splendor. We descend to the Tseleley meadow where we set up the camp in an exceptional setting, with the summit of Makalu 8463 m emerging on the horizon, bathed by the light of the setting sun.
Accommodation: Camp
Meal: BLD
Walking hours: 6 / 7h
Altitude difference: +1030 m
Altitude difference: -780 m
Another exceptional day. We leave off trail to win the belvedere crest that dominates the camp and enjoy the sunrise on the southern slope of Jannu (7710 m). This mountain with lines of a rare aestheticism, was climbed for the first time in 1962 by a team of French mountaineers, including the famous Lionel Terray, René Desmaison and Robert Paragot. Following the panoramic ridge we reach the trail to the Seleley Pass (4180 m). We leave then the heights to join the greenery, the softness and the cover of the rhododendrons. Camp in the village of Ghunsa.
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: BLD.
Walking hours: 5 / 6h
Altitude difference: +570 m
Altitude difference: -1250 m
We go up the valley of Ghunsa Khola by a path perched above the river, sometimes on one bank, sometimes on the other. We reach the hamlet of Khambachen, located opposite the entrance to the Jannu Circus. You cannot find more beautiful view on its huge granite wall. It resisted the attacks of the best mountaineers before being climbed for the first time by a Russian team in 2004.
Accommodation: Camp
Meal: BLD
Walking hours: 4h
Altitude difference: +850 m
Altitude difference: -220 m
The Ghunsa Khola goes up to the north towards a complex of high mountains very dense, at the bottom of which hides the Kangchenjunga. The route follows a good balcony path, joins the front of the glacier and runs along its moraine by small valleys. We set up camp at the mouth of a large sandy valley where there is a Tibetan summer hamlet, Lonak. We will sleep here for 2 nights, in the middle of a very spectacular glacier crossroads. On both sides are high peaks ice, little known but beautiful: the Merra 6335 m, the Kangbachen 7902m, the White Wave 6960m, Chang himal 6812m, Nepal peak 7168m, etc ...
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: BLD.
Walking hours: 4h30
Altitude difference: +760 m
Altitude difference: -100 m
The glacial environment implies a guaranteed cold for the night (-15 to -25 ° C).
This is the most magical day of the program. Bathed in the crystalline purity of the light of altitude, we go along the glacier, facing a barrier of summits to more than 7000 m, chiseled of ice flutes, overflowing with seracs, hemmed with cornices. The entrance to a major tributary coming from the right, flowing directly from the foot of the north wall of Kangchenjunga, is soon to be seen. Little by little the circus is revealed, immense, cold, austere ... It is certainly one of the most impressive walls of the earth! Those who wish can climb the grassy slopes above Pang Pema to almost 6000 altitude. We enjoy this wonderful place as long as possible, before returning to the camp.
Accommodation: Camp
Meal: BLD
Walking hours: 6 / 7h
Altitude difference: +600 m
Altitude difference: -600 m
This morning we descend on our way to Ghunsa and leave the high altitude with a twinge in the heart ... Time catches up gently and we can not stay longer in this universe of pure serenity. We return near the Jannu for a last wink on this mountain so aesthetic ...
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: BLD.
Walking hours: 6h30
Altitude difference: +320 m
Altitude difference: -1610 m
The path will follow the banks of Ghunsa Khola for the next three days. We leave the pastures of Gunsa and pass on the other side of the river. Some fields of potatoes resistant to the altitude dot the edge of the road before crossing deep gorges. We progress thus at the bottom of the gorge, surrounded by forest rhododendrons to the hamlet of Phere and its two beautiful gompas, then to the next inhabited place where we will put our tents, the village of Gyabla.
Accommodation: Camp
Meal: BLD
Walking hours: 5h
Altitude difference: +190 m
Altitude difference: -920 m
We continue our progress in the gorge, this day and the previous one being made not to force on the body after the high altitude and passes of high passes. In front of us, many waterfalls more or mons magnified by the snow depths are discovered as we advance. After a succession of climbs and descents, we gradually take the distance to the bottom of the valley. A path in balcony and aerial leads us to an alp where we sometimes have the opportunity to taste the local yogurt. Camp in the hamlet of Amjilassa.
Accommodation: Camp
Meal: BLD
Walking hours: 5h
Altitude difference: +510 m
Altitude difference: -700 m
Last stage of this great trek. Long, demanding but varied, it takes place in a pleasant country environment. We continue our long descent at the bottom of the Ghunsa Khola gorge.Strong and steep paths, bridges and stairs, follow one another until Sekathum where the valley begins to expand. The land is wooded and rocky and it is at Tapethok that rice fields and bamboos timidly remake their appearance. The last hour of walking gives us a little respite with a quieter meal down to the meadow of Chirwa camp.
Accommodation: Camp
Meal: BLD
Walking hours: 7 / 8h
Altitude difference: +680 m
Altitude difference: -1780 m
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek takes you into the heart of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, nestled on the eastern border of Nepal. The trek leads you to the north and south base camps of Mount Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak at 8,586 meters. It offers one of the most remote and pristine trekking experiences in Nepal, with stunning views of Kanchenjunga, as well as Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, and other lesser-known peaks. The trek is a challenging adventure, passing through charming villages, dense forests, glacial moraines, and high-altitude alpine meadows. This trek provides trekkers with an opportunity to explore Nepal's untouched wilderness while experiencing the rich cultural heritage of the Sikkimese and Rai communities.
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is considered challenging due to the remote nature of the trek, long trekking days, and high-altitude conditions. The trek reaches altitudes of over 5,100 meters at Kanchenjunga North Base Camp and over 5,300 meters at the South Base Camp, which makes acclimatization essential. There are long and rugged sections of the trail, with steep ascents and descents, and the terrain can be more challenging compared to other treks in Nepal. Trekkers should have a good fitness level, be accustomed to trekking in remote areas, and have some experience at higher altitudes. However, the route is well-established, and our experienced guides will ensure your safety and help you throughout the journey.
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek typically takes 19 to 24 days, depending on the itinerary and the trekker’s pace. This includes enough time for acclimatization, rest days, and a few detours to experience the cultural sites and beautiful viewpoints along the way. The trek starts from Suketar and moves through several villages and base camps. Since the trek is in a more remote area, the pace is slower, allowing trekkers to adjust to the altitude and enjoy the scenic beauty.
Adventure Trans Himalayan Treks offers flexible itineraries that can be customized to ensure that your pace is comfortable while still covering all the highlights of this beautiful trek.
The best time to undertake the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) months. These seasons offer milder weather conditions, stable temperatures, and clear skies for enjoying the stunning views of the Kanchenjunga massif and surrounding peaks. Spring is particularly beautiful as it brings vibrant rhododendron blooms, while autumn offers crisp, clear air and excellent mountain visibility. Winter (December to February) can be too cold for trekking, especially at higher altitudes, and the monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rainfall, which can make trekking difficult and dangerous.
To trek to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp, you will need the following permits:
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP) – Required to enter the conservation area.
Trekking Permit (TIMS) – A Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card is required for all trekkers in Nepal.
Makalu Barun National Park Permit – In some cases, you might pass through or near the boundary of this park.
Local Area Permit – This is also required for specific areas within the trek’s route, such as Tsharpang and other border areas.
At Adventure Trans Himalayan Treks, we take care of all the necessary permits and paperwork, so you don’t have to worry about any formalities and can focus on enjoying the trek.
Accommodation during the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek will mostly be in teahouses or basic lodges that offer simple rooms with twin-sharing beds. The higher up the trek you go, the more basic the accommodations become, and in some of the most remote areas, you may even camp. However, you can expect a warm and welcoming atmosphere from the local communities.
Regarding food, you will find Nepalese, Tibetan, and Sikkimese dishes at most teahouses. Common meals include dal bhat (lentils and rice), vegetable curry, noodles, fried rice, and Tibetan bread. In some of the more remote areas, the menu becomes simpler, but there will still be enough options to keep you energized. As you trek higher, the food choices become more limited, but we ensure that your meals are nutritious and provide the necessary energy for long trekking days.
Altitude sickness is a serious concern when trekking at altitudes above 3,000 meters, and the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek reaches altitudes above 5,000 meters. To mitigate the risks of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), Adventure Trans Himalayan Treks designs itineraries with adequate acclimatization days. These rest days, combined with gradual altitude gains, ensure that your body can adjust to the altitude in a safe and comfortable way.
Our guides are trained to recognize the symptoms of AMS and carry medical kits, including diamox and oxygen tanks, for emergency situations. We also have emergency evacuation plans in place should any medical issues arise. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities.
For the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, you will need both trekking and high-altitude gear. Essential items include:
Trekking boots and gaiters for muddy and rocky trails
Warm clothing, including a down jacket, thermal layers, and waterproof outer layers
Sleeping bag (rated for -20°C or lower)
Trekking poles to assist with steep ascents and descents
Headlamp with extra batteries
Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm)
Personal first aid kit
Water purification tablets or a filter
Adventure Trans Himalayan Treks provides a detailed packing list and offers rental options for certain gear in Kathmandu if needed.
Yes, the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is suitable for both solo travelers and female trekkers. The route is less crowded than other treks in Nepal, offering a more peaceful and intimate experience in the mountains. The local communities along the trek are welcoming and hospitable, and you will be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide and support staff throughout the journey, ensuring that you feel safe and well-supported.
At Adventure Trans Himalayan Treks, we prioritize the safety and comfort of all trekkers, including solo and female travelers. We are committed to providing a supportive and enriching experience for everyone.
At Adventure Trans Himalayan Treks, we offer more than just a trek—we offer a personalized experience that combines our local expertise, passion for adventure, and commitment to safety. Our experienced guides are familiar with the Kanchenjunga region and its unique culture, and they ensure that each trekker is well-supported throughout the journey. We focus on providing high-quality service, including well-planned itineraries, comfortable accommodations, and delicious meals, all while ensuring that your safety is our number one priority.
Our commitment to sustainable tourism and respect for local cultures ensures that you have an ethical and rewarding experience in one of the most untouched and pristine regions of Nepal.
