Trip Facts
durationTrip Duration 23 Days
regionRegion Kanchenjunga Treks
countryCountry Nepal
groupsizeGroup Size 2 to 15 person
arrivalArrival On Kathmandu
departureDeparture From Kathmandu
seasonBest Season October to December 15, March 1 to May 30
altitudeMax Altitude 5143M
difficult-icon Difficult Trekking is both moderate and difficult. Altitude you reach is around 4000-5500 meters. Hike about 6 hours per day and requires to be physically fit and acclimatization is required.

Trip Grade

Difficult
Nepal Trekking Activities
Nepal Trekking
Price per person: USD$ 2825 2720
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Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Overview

Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world which is in the remote region of the eastern encompass of Nepal. Our Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek package leads you through the off-the-beaten path of the untamed adventurous region of Nepal.

The essence of Kanchenjunga is that ‘Kanchen’ means pure and ‘Junga’ means clear. This hiking explores the wonderful scene and culture relating to Tibet and Buddhist people of rural Nepal which foreigners far less befall.

Interesting fact is trekkers can reach the summit of Kanchenjunga via four possible routes. Among four, three of the routes (south-east, north-west, and north-east) are from Nepal, and one (north-east) is from India.

In Nepal, there are 8 highest mountains. Among them, Kanchenjunga is the second-highest mountain with an elevation of 28168 ft. Kanchenjunga base camp trek area was strictly confined before. However, nowadays several tourists started visiting and made this place a base camp area for hiking. Joe Brown and George Band were the first ascents to climb Kanchenjunga in 1955.

About Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek starts from Taplejung and ends at Suketar. This trek will explore the beauty of the Kanchenjunga region through stunning forests, landscapes, and alpine Mountains.

Trekkers who prefer long hikes with good health can expect both the southern and northern Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek. However, to overcome the challenge to some extent instead of choosing this Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, endeavor either Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek or Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek. This trek will be worth visiting to get a lifetime experience.

Trekkers can find simple accommodation facilities in a certain hamlet with narrow and rough trails with sharing options. There is the settlement of different ethnic groups like Hinduism and Buddhism but there is mostly Tibetian Burman who follow Tibetan culture. The trails range are still offbeat, so you better visit this destination in a group of a few trekking junkies.

Basic information for KBC Trek

Difficulty Level: Trekkers find it strenuous.

Trek duration: 14 to 24 days.

Accommodation on the trek: – Most of the trekking days in Lodges and some of the days in a Tent.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Difficulty

Kanchenjunga Trekking is classified as one of the most strenuous trekking in Nepal. This trek is not every beginner’s cup of tea which means it is listed as the most difficult treks. Since this is a restricted area and difficult area to trek, the permit is not given to solo trek to Kanchenjunga . You have to either take a guide with you or anybody else with you.

The Kanchenjunga trek route is considered a challenging route because you have to navigate a variety of mountain passes. A stunningly beautiful route filled with nature and stunning trekking trails, this is a hike every adventure junkie needs to experience. Trekkers will endure challenging ascents and descents while reaching the Kanchenjunga Base Camp of Nepal.

In addition, the length of time required for this expedition makes it more challenging. The backpackers should stroll through the quaint hamlets for 3 weeks long.

Getting to the elevation of 5150m, and passing several passes is not an easy task. Every single day you have to motivate yourself and have the patience to conquer the trekking.

Though trekking to Kanchenjunga is stressful, trekkers will enjoy the top stunning trails, terraced fields, glacial rivers, groves, and mind-blogging mountain panorama which helps to heal all the strolling pain.

Best time to visit Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

One of the exceptional nations in the globe with a beautiful geographic location is Nepal. Likewise, the alien culture and traditions are also commemorated in Nepal which falls into different months.

The optimum time to trek to Kanchenjunga depends on person to person. Because every trekker has their favorite season which they enjoy most. However, prior trekkers in Nepal have explained that the middle of March to the end of June and the middle of September to late November will be great times to explore this KBC region.

The trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp is worth visiting throughout the year. But at this peak time, there will be perfect weather conditions. You can get to see a crystal clear view of the landscapes, Himalayan panoramas, and attractive scenarios without any difficulties.

Permits for KBC trekking

To join this Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek you must have a group of at least two people. This means as the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is listed as one of the restricted areas, backpackers must obtain a permit.

Every backpacker should get a special permit with a Kanchenjunga Conservation entry permit. As opposed to other treks you do not require to purchase a Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) pass.

Keep in mind that every trekker should explore the KBC trek with a professional guide. This might sound like a big turnoff but, a few of the trekkers lost their lives during a trek to Kanchenjunga. After that, the government made this rule for the foreign trekker’s safety.

Accommodation facilities in Kanchenjunga Base Camp

In earlier periods before 2015, Kanchenjunga Trek was a Camping trek. Trek at that time was a lot more difficult than now. But with the construction of a few teahouses on the route, it is no more a camping trek.

Nowadays there are facilities for teahouses on the trail to Kanchenjunga village. However, in the peak season, you might get suffered from not getting the comfort rooms. So, it’s better to book the hotels in advance.

Though Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek has uplifted from camping to teahouse trek, trekkers can’t go for the adventurous trekking alone to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp.

Foods at Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Throughout the great trekking to Kanchenjunga Base Camp in Nepal, you can find simple cuisine to consume. The unique taste of the foods and culture of the Kanchenjunga area attracts many tourists.

The famous drink called Tong-Ba is the local drink that is the prime and unique charisma of this trek. This drink is made up of fermented millet with a mixture of hot water which is served in a bamboo jar with a straw on it.

Only simple food is available in this region. In some embodies, you can find thukpa, pasta, and momo but mostly you can find ordinary food: rice, pulse, and vegetables.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Itinerary

Walking Hours: 30 Min Drive

Meals Included: Welcome Dinner

Accommodation: 3 Star Category Hotel

Highlight of the day: Views of Temples and stupas caress your eyes on this very first day.

Once you kedge off from the airplane at the Tribhuvan international airport, our enthusiastic team will pick you up from the airport to your targeted night stay location.

The time you reach your hotel, you can enter your room and take rest for a while. Afterward, step out of your room and saunter around the brimming streets of Thamel to enjoy the rakish and lavish nightlife of Nepal.

Walking Hours: Flight 45 Min. Drive 5-6 Hours

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner

Accommodation: Lodge

Highlight of the day: Prolific venture into the cultural and historical life of Kathmandu.

Unlike your prosaic day-to-day life, your 2nd day in Nepal commences with a Kathmandu World Heritage Sightseeing Tour. The tour is all about the admiration of the astonishing historical, cultural as well as religious wonders of Nepal. From the ancient artistic pottery work of locals to the vast commercialization, you will get to experience everything within the border of the Kathmandu Valley.

As the day is not all about sightseeing tours, we will therefore pilfer some of your time for the pack and plan for the trek. As the permit to Kanchenjunga cannot be issued without your visa-stamped original passport, this day in Kathmandu is mandatory for every trekker.

Walking Hours: Drive 1 Hours

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Highlight of the Day: Aerial view as well as overwhelming hospitality of the Eastern portion of Nepal.

Though there are several optional airways to reach the starting point of the Kanchenjunga Trek, considering your comfort we will choose the fly route of Kathmandu and Biratnagar.

For the night stay, a short drive to Birtamod is a great choice so we will also do the same.

Walking Hours: 6 Hours Trek

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Max. Altitude: 1820M

Highlight of The Day: Scenic view of Illam, a tea plantation area in Nepal.

The trip of this day is all about tea and cardamom plantations. The slanted hills of most of the portions of the trails serve best for the growth of these tea spices. Reveling amidst the enthralling tea and cardamom gardens on the way stop at Taplejung before starting the next day’s trek.

Walking Hours: 5 - 6 Hours Trek

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Max. Altitude: 1270M

Waking up with the melodious chirping of birds, savor the delicious breakfast at Pungling Bazar of Taplejung. Thereafter embark on your journey to Chiruwa.

The trail between Pungling to Chiruwa plunges up to Mitlung and continues the descent to the Tamur River. Following the trail passing through the village side consisting of fertile land growing potatoes, rice, millet, and several other crops, this day we will stay at Chiruwa.

Walking Hours: 5 To 6 Hours Trek

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Max. Altitude: 2390M

Highlight of the Day: Thrilling Timber bedded bridges.

Today we get slightly closer to our destination Kanchenjunga Base Camp. We will follow the passage along the Tamur river. Passing via the scattered thin village of Taplethok, Temewahellok and Ranipul we will cross several wooden as well as swinging bridges.

Further, the trail gives us ample opportunity to witness cardamom cultivation on both green farmland terrain and flora of the area.

Walking Hours: 5 - 6 Hours Trek

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Max. Altitude: 2730M

Water sources like rivers, streams, and waterfalls are spotted every two minutes of walks on the uphill ridge trail of Kanchenjunga Base Camp. Thus, the route from Sermanthang to Gyabla also has no exception. Trekking through the route, you have to walk over several suspensions as well as timber-made bridges.

Crossing a plethora of such bridges we reach Amjilossa from where we follow the undulating route full of rhododendron, bamboo, and oak. Stay overnight at Gyabla.

Walking Hours: 5 - 6 Hours Trek

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Max. Altitude: 3427M

The highlight of the Day: Enjoy the first view of Mt.Jannu

Though not at the full, the luxury that you have missed since the start of the trek day will today be replenished by the lavish stay at Gunsa. Commencing the trek from Gyabla we will delve into the beauty of waterfalls, rivers, and forests on the way.

We will eat lunch at Phale from where the trail takes us surprisingly to our today’s final destination, Gunsa. Upon reaching Gunsa, the views of Mt. Jannu ignite some kind of positivity and happiness in every trekker’s face.

With an elevation, of 7711m Mt.Jannu aka Mt.Kumbhakarna or the Sleeping Lion is the Thirty-Second highest mountain in the world and the 14th highest in Nepal. Fourthly, at Gunsa we will show our permits at the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Office and stay overnight there.

Walking Hours: 5 - 6 Hours Trek

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Max. Altitude: 3427M

The day is allocated specially for acclimatization purposes. After the continuous full-time walk of the 5 days, our body requires some rest for the further trek. Moreover, to make our minds cool to some extent, this one day’s rest appears as the best remedy.

Walking Hours: 5 To 6 Hours Trek

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Max. Altitude: 4050M

Highlight of the day: Scattered tiny Tibetan settlement lets your best explore the Tibetan Buddhist culture and lifestyle.

Leaving Gunsa behind, the trail hauls us via the mesmerizing Pine and Rhododendron forest. The trek is along the Gunsa Khola. Observing the inviting Buddhist mani walls and stupas, we will cross the bridge over Gunsa Khola. Further trekking, the views of Mt Jannu (Mt Kumbakarna) seem more than appealing today.

The trail of the Kanchenjunga base camp trek is not an easier one indeed. Attesting this fact, the trail slightly closer to Kambachen consists of the landslide area where we will have to trek with proper care.

Walking Hours: 5 To 6 Hours Trek

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Max. Altitude: 4050M

The highlight of the Day: Hike to the Kumbhakarna Base Camp

Climb high and sleep low is the motto to be recorded in everyone’s mind while doing the high-altitude trek. Here, we too are doing the high-altitude trek. Thus, to prepare our bodies to adopt the high altitude we will spend this extra day at Kambachen for the next camp day. On this day, we will make an excursion to the Kumbhakarna Base Camp.

This hike to the Kumbakarna Base Camp completes within around 5 hours. If not the Kumbhakarna Base Camp, you can also stroll around the Nupchu Khola for the stunning Mt Kumbhakarna Views. Nupchu Khola is located slightly above Kambachen.

Walking Hours: 5 To 6 Hours Trek

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner

Accommodation: Tented Camp

Max. Altitude: 4780M

Highlight of the Day: Delve into the wonders of Mera peak, Nepal Peak, Twins peak and many others.

The more we gain altitude, the tougher the trek becomes. Continuing the trek from Kambachen we will have to tread via rocky terrain and icy trails. We will cross the seasonal Yak herders camp at Ramtang before terminating our today’s trek at Lhonak.

Particularly, Lhonak is the mystifying stone huts area near the lateral Kanchenjunga Glacier. After the adventurous walk through the rocky trail, a stay at Lhonak blesses us with enthralling views of Mera peak, Nepal Peak, Twins peak, and many others.

Walking Hours: 6 - 7 Hours Trek

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Max. Altitude: 4780M

Highlight of the Day: Rewarding view of North Face of the Mountain Kanchenjunga.

The passage to Pangpema from Lhonak traverses the rocky and grassy trail along the edge of the Kanchenjunga Glacier. Following this trail, we will reach Pangpema. As soon as we reach there we will pat ourselves for dealing with every challenge on the way out there.

We are compelled to do so all because of the rewarding Mt Kanchenjunga views. The views from there compensate for all our struggles and challenges.

As there is no teahouse for the night stay in Pangpema, we will make our return to Lhonak for a night stay.

As there is no teahouse for the night stay in Pangpema, we will make our return to Lhonak for a night stay.

Walking Hours: 5 To 6 Hours Trek

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Max. Altitude: 3427M

This morning we will eventually open our eyes in Lhonak to witness the arresting sunlight view of Kanchenjunga. Without any delay, we will descend to the Gunsa Village via the yak pasture area of Ramtang.

Walking Hours: 5 To 6 Hours Trek

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Max. Altitude: 4480M

Following the rocky trail via the forested area, we will ascend towards the Sele La Pass which boosts the incredibly excellent view of Mt.Makalu from distance. Today we will spend our night at Sele Base Camp. There are few teahouses here. These teahouses offer basic food and accommodation facilities.

Walking Hours: 7 To 8 Hours Trek

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Max. Altitude: 3870M

Enjoy the morning breakfast straightaway at the Base Camp. Preparing our minds for the daunting walk via the pass we will cross Sinion La Pass and Mirgin La Pass and descend to reach Tseram. Tseram is a tiny settlement on the way to the South Kanchenjunga Base Camp. This settlement is settled above the Simbu Khola.

Walking Hours: 5 To 7 Hours Trek

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Max. Altitude: 4580M

The route to Ramchaur/Ramche passes through the beautiful forest of Pine and Rhododendrons. We will shortly walk along the rocky trail to reach Ramche. Streams and small lakes astonishingly embellish the trekking trail and the settlements.

As there is only one lodge at Ramche, before deciding to spend the night there, we will have to pay proper attention to the booking of lodges at Ramche for lodges. Besides that single teahouse, the place consists of several yak pastures.

Walking Hours: 5 To 6 Hours Trek

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Max. Altitude: 4730M

Highlight of the day: Small and beautiful Oktang Temple and Enticing South Kanchenjunga and surrounding mountain views.

This morning in Ramche commences with a simple morning breakfast. After breakfast, we will follow the trail along the Yalung Glacier to reach Oktang. 4730m elevated Oktang in the South Kanchenjunga Base Camp lets you explore the revered Oktang temple. Furthermore, the views of the south face of Mt.Kanchenjunga and other several mountains appear incredible from here.

Though the trek today is not so strenuous, the continuous long day’s walk might rankle us at the beginning of this day. But, as we reach Oktang, we will find our every effort worth it.

Walking Hours: 5 - 6 Hours Trek

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Max. Altitude: 2995M

Accomplishing our dream of reaching the North and South Kanchenjunga Base Camp we will descend via the Pine, Rhododendron, and Juniper forest to reach Tortong. We will also cross several bridges over several streams on the way. On the way to Tortong from Tseram, there is only one house in the place named Andhaphedi.

Walking Hours: 8 To 9 Hours Trek

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Max. Altitude: 2380M

Highlight of the day: Adorable Butterflies and Colorful Wildflowers.

Instead of heading towards Yamphudin, we will choose the way to Ranipul. The route from Tortong to Ranipul blesses us with the best wildlife exploration.

The scenery of waterfalls also can’t be ignored throughout the Kanchenjunga Circuit trekking trail and so is the case here.

Long hours of walking along the narrow trails make the trek much more difficult. Further, if you have acrophobia, you should skip this entire Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek and go for another easier one.

Also, another main thing to keep in mind for this day’s trek is that the route does not consist of several places to savor lunch. There is only one lunch eating place at Yasing Village. So if you don’t take lunch here, it will be your worst decision ever. However, if you carry the packaged lunch there is nothing to regret for.

Though this trekking day is the most strenuous out of all trekking days, the glimpse of colorful flowers, green meadows, beautiful butterflies, and many other living creatures makes the trek more tempting. Upon arriving at Ranipul the farmland of Cardamom and corn can be witnessed.

Reminiscing the whole trekking day spend a blissful night at Ranipul.

Walking Hours: 5 To 7 Hours Drive.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner

Accommodation: Lodge

Today we will take a drive to Suketar from Ranipul.

Walking Hours: Drive 45 Min And Flight 40 Min

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: 3 Star Category Hotel

Decorated Mini Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu Durbar square is the twenty-second day of our Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek. Finally, leaving the Kanchenjunga region behind we will take a flight to Kathmandu with pleasing memories and experiences. Upon reaching Kathmandu, go for the remaining sightseeing or souvenir shopping.

Walking Hours: Rest Day

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: 3 Star Category Hotel

The trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp is not the easier one and includes several challenges all way around. You never know when you have to spend the extra days. Even the flights might get delayed due to which this contingency day is a must for all Kanchenjunga region trekkers.

Walking Hours: 30 Minutes Driving

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: None

It’s your departure day. Our member will transfer you to the airport as per your flight schedule.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Cost

  • Airport pickup and drop-off services for both local and international flights.
  • Accommodations in Kathmandu of the three-star deluxe category which includes breakfast.
  • Beautiful and clean accommodations at guest houses, and lodges during the trek.
  • Full board meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner with a cup of hot drinks).
  • Trekking guide who is very knowledgeable, courteous, fluent in English, licensed by the government, and trained by the ministry of tourism. He also receives a wage, meals, lodging, transportation, and insurance.
  • One strong porter with his salary, meals, accommodation, transportation, and insurance.
  • All required permits and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Permits
  • Down Jacket, Four-seasonal sleeping bags, Duffel bag, and trekking map (Jackets and bags should be returned after trip completion).
  • Complimentary welcome or Farewell dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant with a cultural dance show
  • All necessary paper works Government tax and office service charges.
  • First Aid Medicines and medication with your guide.
  • Certificate of your trekking signed by the company Manager and your trekking Guide.
  • Domestic flight from Kathmandu to Suketar and back from Suketar to Kathmandu with your guide and porter.
  • Lunch and dinner at Kathmandu (Also not included in case of early returns, flight delays, or other causes than the scheduled itinerary)
  • International airfare from and to Nepal.
  • Travel medical insurance and emergency evacuation.
  • Your expenses (Hot shower, Alcoholic beverages, Telephone, Laundry, personal snacks, Internet, Battery Charging, hot water, Mineral water, beer, coke)
  • Extra accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara rather than the itinerary
  • Upon arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a (two passport pictures, USD 25 for multiple entries for 15 days, USD 40 for multiple entries for 30 days, and USD 90 for multiple entries for 90 days) can be issued for Nepal Visa Fees.
  • Gratitude, tips for your guide and porter.
  • Cost arising from mishaps, and natural calamities.
  • Services that are not mentioned in the Include section.
  • Sightseeing costs in Kathmandu City.

Trip Gear

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Map

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Map

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Support

Necessary Information for the trek:

  • Lodges on these treks are very basic. Trekking staff and trekkers sleep in lodges and tents. There are plenty of good Camps but require a few bucks.
  • Ghunsa has some good lodges that have a hot showers.
  • At the Lhonak, probably trekkers do have not enough sleep due to less oxygen at a higher elevation.
  • Kanchenjunga was considered the world’s highest mountain until 1852. After the measurement of Mt. Everest and Mt. K2, Mt. Kanchenjunga was placed at the third position in the world’s highest mountain list.
  • Trekkers with good physical and mental fitness can proceed to explore both South and North region of Kanchenjunga over Mirgin la (4663m) and Lapsang La (5160m).

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Trip Facts
durationTrip Duration 23 Days
regionRegion Kanchenjunga Treks
countryCountry Nepal
groupsizeGroup Size 2 to 15 person
arrivalArrival On Kathmandu
departureDeparture From Kathmandu
seasonBest Season October to December 15, March 1 to May 30
altitudeMax Altitude 5143M
difficult-icon Difficult Trekking is both moderate and difficult. Altitude you reach is around 4000-5500 meters. Hike about 6 hours per day and requires to be physically fit and acclimatization is required.

Trip Grade

Difficult
Nepal Trekking Activities
Nepal Trekking
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