Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

On Day 1, you depart from Kathmandu on a scenic drive toward eastern Nepal, heading to Taplejung. The journey offers changing landscapes, from rolling hills and river valleys to terraced farmland and remote mountain villages. Upon reaching Taplejung, you continue by local jeep to Sekathum, the gateway to the Kanchenjunga trekking region. The drive passes through rugged terrain and lush forests, providing a first glimpse of the region’s natural beauty. Overnight at a local lodge in Sekathum.

Today’s trek begins from Sekathum and follows a narrow trail along the Ghunsa Khola, crossing several suspension bridges and passing through dense forests of bamboo and rhododendron. The path gradually ascends through remote terrain, with occasional steep sections and waterfalls along the way. As you move deeper into the Kanchenjunga region, the surroundings become quieter and more pristine. After several hours of trekking, you arrive at the small settlement of Aamjilasa, where you will spend the night at a local lodge.

The trek from Aamjilasa to Gyabla continues through dense forests of bamboo, rhododendron, and pine, following the course of the Ghunsa Khola. The trail includes gradual ascents and descents, with occasional landslide-prone sections, offering a true sense of adventure in this remote region. As you gain altitude, the air becomes cooler and the vegetation begins to change. Passing through a few small settlements and grazing areas, you eventually reach the beautiful village of Gyabla at 2,750 meters. Overnight at a local lodge.

Today is a rewarding hiking day as you trek toward Ghunsa, one of the main villages in the Kanchenjunga region. The trail climbs steadily through lush forests of rhododendron, pine, and juniper, following the Ghunsa Khola upstream. Along the way, you pass waterfalls, alpine meadows, and small traditional settlements, with increasing views of the surrounding peaks.

As you gain altitude, the landscape becomes more alpine, and the influence of Tibetan culture becomes noticeable in the architecture and lifestyle of the local people. After several hours of hiking, you arrive at Ghunsa (3,430 m), a charming Sherpa village and an important acclimatization stop. Overnight at a local lodge.

Leaving Ghunsa behind, the trail follows the Ghunsa Khola as it gradually climbs through open forests of pine and juniper. The landscape becomes increasingly rugged, with wide alpine valleys and impressive mountain scenery. Along the way, you may spot blue sheep and other high-altitude wildlife, as well as enjoy close-up views of surrounding peaks.

The route involves a steady ascent with some rocky sections as you approach the high alpine zone. After several hours of trekking, you reach the remote settlement of Khambachen at 4,050 meters, surrounded by towering mountains and glaciers. Overnight at a local lodge.

Today’s trek takes you deeper into the high Himalayan wilderness as you ascend from Khambachen to Lonak. The trail follows the lateral moraine of the Kanchenjunga Glacier, offering dramatic views of icefalls, rugged peaks, and vast glacial landscapes. The terrain is mostly rocky and exposed, with a gradual but steady climb throughout the day.

As you gain altitude, the scenery becomes stark and breathtaking, surrounded by towering mountains and wide valleys. After several hours of hiking, you arrive at Lonak (4,800 m), a remote high-altitude campsite set beneath the massive north face of Mount Kanchenjunga. This day is important for acclimatization. Overnight at a basic lodge or tented camp.

Today is a highlight of the trek as you hike to Pangpema, the North Base Camp of Mount Kanchenjunga. The trail follows the glacial terrain along the Kanchenjunga Glacier, with breathtaking views of the towering north face of Kanchenjunga and its surrounding peaks. As you approach Pangpema (5,200 m), the vast scale of the mountains and glaciers creates a truly awe-inspiring experience.

After spending time at North Base Camp, enjoying panoramic views and taking photographs, you retrace your steps back to Lonak. This long but rewarding day helps with acclimatization while offering some of the most dramatic scenery of the entire trek. Overnight at Lonak.

After summiting the North Base Camp and returning to Lonak, today you begin your descent back toward Khambachen. The trail retraces through the high alpine terrain, passing glacial moraines and open valleys, giving you another chance to soak in the panoramic views of Kanchenjunga and surrounding peaks.

The descent is steady but requires careful footing on rocky sections. You will pass through the same forests and small settlements you encountered on the way up, noticing the changing light and atmosphere from a different perspective. Arrive at Khambachen (4,050 m) in the afternoon and rest for the night at a local lodge, preparing for the next stage of your trek.

Today, you continue descending from Khambachen back to the charming village of Ghunsa. The trail winds through alpine meadows, pine and rhododendron forests, and along the Ghunsa Khola, offering beautiful views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

As you descend, the air becomes warmer and the vegetation more lush, making for a pleasant trekking day. You may encounter local herders and glimpse the daily life of the remote communities along the way. Arrive at Ghunsa (3,430 m) in the afternoon, where you will spend the night at a local lodge.

Today, the trek ascends from Ghunsa toward Selele Kharka, entering higher alpine terrain. The trail gradually climbs through forests of rhododendron and juniper before opening up to wide grassy meadows and high mountain pastures.

As you gain altitude, the views of Kanchenjunga’s north and east faces become more dramatic, with glaciers and rugged peaks dominating the skyline. Along the way, you may spot Himalayan wildlife such as musk deer or snow pheasants. After several hours of steady trekking, you reach Selele Kharka (4,480 m), a serene high-altitude meadow surrounded by towering mountains. Overnight at a lodge or tented camp.

On Day 11, you continue your journey through the high alpine landscapes of the Kanchenjunga region, trekking from Selele Kharka to Tseram. The trail gradually descends through open meadows and rocky paths, offering panoramic views of surrounding peaks, glaciers, and deep valleys.

Along the way, you pass small settlements and yak grazing areas, experiencing the traditional lifestyle of the local communities. The air becomes crisper at higher elevations, and the scenery is dominated by towering mountains and rugged terrain. Arrive at Tseram (4,250 m) in the afternoon and settle in at a local lodge or campsite for the night.

Today’s trek takes you from Tseram to Ramche, moving deeper into the southern side of the Kanchenjunga region. The trail gradually descends and then ascends through high-altitude meadows, rocky ridges, and scattered alpine forests.

Along the way, trekkers are treated to impressive views of the South West face of Mount Kanchenjunga, as well as surrounding peaks and glaciers. You may encounter grazing yaks and small seasonal settlements, offering insight into the local way of life. After several hours of trekking, you reach Ramche (4,200 m), where you will stay overnight at a lodge or camp.

On Day 13, you trek from Ramche toward the Oktang viewpoint, a short but rewarding hiking route that offers spectacular panoramic views of Kanchenjunga’s South and South West faces. The trail passes through high-altitude meadows, rocky ridges, and open landscapes, giving trekkers an unobstructed view of glaciers and surrounding peaks.

Today, you continue trekking from Oktang toward Tortong Ding, moving through high-altitude valleys and alpine landscapes. The trail offers incredible views of Kanchenjunga’s South and South West faces, as well as neighboring peaks, glaciers, and pristine meadows.

The terrain includes gradual ascents and descents over rocky paths, with occasional streams and yak grazing areas along the way. The route showcases the beauty of the southern Kanchenjunga region while remaining remote and unspoiled. Arrive at Tortong Ding (4,100 m) in the afternoon and settle in for the night at a lodge or campsite.

On Day 15, the trek descends gradually from Tortong Ding toward Kingsher. The trail passes through alpine meadows, rocky ridges, and small streams, offering continuous views of Kanchenjunga’s South and South West faces.

Along the way, you may encounter yak herders and seasonal settlements, giving insight into the traditional lifestyle of the region. The descent is steady, making for a moderately easy trekking day after the high-altitude sections. Arrive at Kingsher (3,850 m) in the afternoon and stay overnight at a local lodge or campsite.

On Day 16, you begin your descent from Kingsher toward the lower settlements, trekking through scenic alpine forests, past meadows, and along mountain streams. The trail gradually leads you back to accessible roads, offering your last close-up views of the majestic Kanchenjunga peaks.

From here, you board a local jeep and drive back to Taplejung. The journey provides a chance to reflect on the trek while enjoying the lush landscapes of eastern Nepal. Overnight in Taplejung at a comfortable lodge or hotel.

On the final day of the trek, you depart Taplejung and travel back to Kathmandu. Depending on your chosen route, this may include a combination of a jeep ride to Bhadrapur and a scenic flight or road journey to Kathmandu.

The journey offers beautiful views of the eastern hills, river valleys, and rural landscapes, providing a relaxing end to your Kanchenjunga adventure. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel, marking the conclusion of the trek. The evening is free to rest, explore the city, or celebrate the completion of your journey.

Today is a free day in Kathmandu to relax and recover after your Kanchenjunga trek. You can use this time to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage, visit famous sites such as Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, or Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), or shop for souvenirs in Thamel.

It’s also an ideal day to rest, enjoy local cuisine, and reflect on your incredible trekking experience. Overnight stay at your hotel in Kathmandu.

On the final day, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu for your onward journey home. This marks the conclusion of your unforgettable Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek.

Take with you the memories of towering peaks, pristine landscapes, and the unique cultures of eastern Nepal. Safe travels!