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Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek - 28 Days.
"Kang-chen-zod-nga", meaning "Five Great Treasuries of the Snow", actually it has seven major summits. To the locals Kanchenjunga which stands at a height of 8585meters the third highest mountain in the world, is the abode of gods who bestow prosperity and goodwill on them and their lands, while to the climbers of this mountain the phrase "Five Great Treasuries of the Snow" takes on a slightly more ominous tone. The avalanches that Kanchenjunga throws down are said to be the largest anywhere!
Since the locals worship the mountain, there is a tradition among mountaineers not to stand on the actual summit. All "successful" assaults have stopped just short of the summit honouring an old promise made by the leader of the first successful attempt in 1955 to the maharaja of Sikkim.
Kanchenjunga lies on the eastern border of Nepal providing a great chance to experience remoteness, spectacular mountain scenery, diverse flora and fauna and rich local culture, quite different to those found further west.
We begin the journey to Kanchenjunga with a flight from Kathmandu to Taplejung (Suketar). From Suketar the trek leads to Chauki through the villages of Mitlung, Ghunsa, Khambachen and Lhonak to Pangpema (5140 meters) which is also the Base Camp for expeditions attempting the North Face of Kanchenjunga 2 and the culmination of the first part of the trek.
Itinerary in Details
Day 01- Arrival in Kathmandu airport (1345meters). There you will be met by our Airport Representative and transferred to hotel by private tourist vehicle. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02- Sightseeing around Kathmandu valley. Your sightseeing trip will start at 9 AM in the morning after your breakfast. We will provide a private vehicle and professional tour guide. Places we visit are Pasupatinath temple, Buddhanath, Monkey temple, Bhaktpur durbar square and Kathmandu durbar square. The afternoon includes a final briefing and preparations for the trek. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03- Fly from Kathmandu to Taplejung (2320meters) trek to Lali Kharka (2276meters) 3 hours. Half hour flight to Taplejung at Suketar Airport. The porters and crew will be waiting for our arrival. After landing we take an early lunch, while the crew arranges our gear. In the afternoon we start with an easy 2 to 3 hours walk along the ridge line to Lali Kharka, a grazing area. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 04- Trek to Khesewa (2120meters). 5 hours After traversing the hillside a short way, we descend to the village of Pakora along the Phawa Khola, crossing a suspension bridge before beginning the steep climb up towards Kunjuri. Lunch will be taken somewhere below Kunjuri. The afternoon's walk takes us on a short distance over the crest of the ridge to our campsite at Khesewa. We get our first views of Kanchenjunga, and should be able to clearly make out the south and main summit along with Yalung Kang. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 05- Trek to Mamankhe (1920meters). 5 hours. Today the path covers steep hillside through terraced fields high above the Kabbeli Khola. There are some ups and downs crossing side valleys but there are many shady spots to rest. After lunch, we pass the village of Anpan, before descending to cross the Kashawa Khola and finally, we climb again through terraced fields to the village of Mamankhe. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 06- Trek to Yamphudin (2080meters) 6 hours. Today the walk start with an easy climb to Yamphudin along a track which contours the hillside above the Kabeli Khola. The path has several ups and downs as we cross the ridges and stream beds that make up the valley sides. Generally the route is flat and the river eventually becomes level with the trail, a couple of hours before Yamphudin. At last we can stop to bathe in one of the clear pools within this beautiful river. It is truly an idyllic spot. After lunch by the river we complete the day's walk to Yamphudin. Yamphudin is the most remote settlement in this area and the last village we will see until we reach Ghunsa. It is a charming place tucked away beneath the ridge of Deurali Danda that we must cross next. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 07- Trek to Chitre (2965meters) 5 hours. Beyond Yamphudin the trail ascends a steep spur, a gentle introduction for what will come. Leaving villages behind we trek through pleasant forest, stopping for lunch in a meadow capturing fine views of the north and south. A steep descend to the river an interesting bridge across the Omje Khola to our campsite in Chitre. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 08- Trek to Tortongn (3010meters) 6 hours. Starting the day with 3 hours of steep ascent to the crest of the Deurali Danda in dense forest most of the way. From the 3230meters pass we see Jannu, definitely closer! We descend across some steep and exposed areas before entering the forest again. The sharp descent through beautiful forest continues down into the valley of the Simjua Khola. Across the 'interesting' wooden bridge is Tortongn, a camping place with numerous rock shelters amid towering conifers. The steep hills make today a tough 6 to 7 hours trekking. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 09- Trek to Tseram (3870meters) 6 hours. Today we follow the river through more beautiful forest, the conifers giving way to the rhododendron forest. The valley climbs fairly steeply, with the day progressing the trees become more stunted and scattered, giving us glimpses of the snow-capped giants ahead and the massive snout of Yalung Glacier. Just before Tseram the towering heights of Kabru and Rathong peak start to peep over the moraine. Camping at Tseram, a grazing area, the night temperatures will remind us that we are really gaining height. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 10- Trek to Ramche (4580meters) 4 hours. A shorter day's walk up the final 600 meters to Ramche where the trail to Kanchenjunga South turns dangerous. The scenery is magnificent as we ascend past the snout of Yalung Glaciers into a series of ablation valleys, which gives easy walking and good camping. A frozen lake, clear streams and views of Koktang, Rathong and Kabru are the highlights of this stroll. Expect to feel the altitude today. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 11- Explore around Ramche (4580meters) and trek to Oktang (4730meters) 5 hours. Our first close encounter with Kanchenjunga. Following the valley round to see the stunning south face of Kanchanjunga and Jannu. We get across the Yalung Ri Glacier and continue by a sweeping curve, at Oktang, 4730meters, suddenly we are confronted with the southern wall of the mountain. This vast ridge forms a cirque over 15 kms long, nowhere less than 7500meters high and with three main summits of Kanchenjunga at 8420meters, 8586meters, and 8474meters! It is a breathtaking mountain panorama and especially impressive is Jannu while observing the glaciers flowing from its east face. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 12- Trek to Yalung Ri Base Camp (5400meters) 5 hours. This extended part will take you to the high altitudes. It requires determination. The crossing of high passes requires good weather, and of course perfect logistic support. Expect to get acclimatized with the altitude today. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 13- Trek back to Ramche (4580meters) 5 hours. Yalung Glaciers and a series of valleys, give good walking and perfect camping. A frozen lake, clear streams and magnificent views are the highlights of this stroll. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 14- Trek to Sallerle over the Mirgin La (4480meters) 6 hours. We trek down the valley, passing the turn off to the high and challenging Labsang La route to Ghunsa and the north side of Kanchenjunga. This pass is rough and dangerous, especially for porters so we take the more southern set of passes, beginning with the Mirgin La. After an initial steep climb and several false summits we reach Mirgin La. Apart from the magnificent Jannu, on the horizon are Makalu, Gyakung Kang, Everest, Lhotse and Chamalang. To the south it is possible to see down to the Terai, a panorama worth the effort. Our campsite will be beyond the pass, after 6 to 7 hours tough walking. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 15- Trek to Ghunsa (3475meters) 5 hours. Although there four more passes, there is little descent between them, so in effect it is a high scenic area. After lunch the descent brings us to Lamba Sumba Kharka, where there are more views of the awesome Southwest Face of Jannu. From Kharka the going is easy again down a pleasant forested trail to the village of Ghunsa, where we camp in the village. Ghunsa is a picturesque Tibetan village; prayer flags flutter from the wooden houses and there are two monasteries, a welcome sight after the many days of wilderness. One of the local specialties’ is 'Tongba', a curious alcoholic drink. A jug or large bamboo cup is filled with fermented millet seed and boiling water pored over. The flavour and alcohol seep though and you drink it with a special straw. You might need a drink after the tough 4 to 6 hour walk. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 16- Trek to Kambachen (4040meters) 6 hours. Gradually the trail ascends to south of the Ghunsa Khola and crossing flood plains while emerging on a pasture situated at the north side of the river. A steep climb to a slope from where it crosses a slide and then descends to Lakepo. A short climb from here to the village of Kambachen 4040meters. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 17- Exploration day at Kambachen. Today we spend acclimatizing to high altitude. It also doubles up as a rest day and can be used for a short morning hike to explore the area around Kambachen. Those who feel the urge should be able to catch up on their laundry. Otherwise, a good book should get you through the day perfectly. It is essential to acclimatize to the higher altitude as you have been spending a lot of time at lower altitudes.
From here there are good mountain views of the peaks near Kanchenjunga which are visible. You can hike up the ridge above the village for better views or take a day hike to Jannu Base Camp. The Nepali name for Jannu is Kumbakarna. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 18- Trek to Lhonak (4790meters) 6 hours. A gradual climb through rocky fields gets you to Ramtang at elevation of 4240 meters then crossing northwest of the Kanchenjunga Glacier you reach Lhonak. Lohnak is on a sandy plain near a dry lakebed. You will camp between the boulders here to stay out of the wind. There are beautiful mountain vistas all around. Water is very scarce in Lhonak and you will need to use only as much as absolutely necessary. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 19- Trek to Pang Pema (5140meters) 4 hours. The main Kanchenjunga peak is only visible from Pang Pema, which is the base camp for expeditions on Kanchenjunga. From Lhonak, the trail gradually ascends across the plain but soon gets steeper as it follows the moraine. Pang Pema is at a height of 5140 meters. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 20- Explore around Kanchenjungha Base Camp (5100 meters) and retrace your steps to Kambachen 5 hours. Today those who would like to take a morning hike up a ridge, north of Pang Pema. A climb of 200 or 300 meters providing a great vantage point with views of Kanchenjunga, Wedge Peak, the Twins and Tent Peak. As usual the descent goes faster and you can reach Kambachen the same day. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 21- Trek to Ghunsa 6 hours. More descents thru magnificent sections of forest as long as we make Amjilosa tomorrow. From Ghunsa an hour down we pass through Phole, a village in two parts. The upper section houses Tibetan refugees who are well established, the second is the winter village of Ghunsa. Further down is Yangswa, a great and warm camp. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 22- Trek to Amjilosa (2460meters) 4 hours. Initially we pass thru beautiful forest opening out to steep, grassy hillsides where Amjilosa is perched. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 23- Trek to Sakathum (1600meters) 5 hours. Down, down and down! After a short climb we begin the steep descent that will take most of the day. We reach the joining of the Tamur and Ghunsa Kholas. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 24- Trek to Chhiruwa (1200 meters) 5 hours. We cross the Simbu Khola, which originates from Kanchenjunga's south base camp, the Khola that we followed up from Torontan. It is pleasantly warm at these low altitudes and cardamom grows freely in the moist shaded forest. Crossing numerous small tributary streams we reach Chhirwa, a village set among large boulders. We camp in a field out of the village. This is an easier day. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 25- Trek to Suketar (2420meters) 5 hours. Traversing in an out of minor valleys, we pass thru a succession of picturesque villages on our way to Suketar, reaching around late afternoon. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 26- Fly back to Kathmandu. Enjoying your last glimpse of the mountains you have recently visited one last time on the 35 minute Scenic flight back to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
Day 28- Transfer for your final flight departure. The trip ends, our Airport Representative will drop you to the Kathmandu International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal.
NOTE: The above information is a guide and standard template of what we provide. The trek can be customized at your request to accommodate your specific requirements.
Trip cost as per above program
Group Size
2 - 3
4 - 6
7- 9
10 - 12
Cost per person in USD
2430.00
2250.00
2050.00
1850.00
Cost per person in GBP
1345.00
1245.00
1135.00
1025.00
Cost per person in EURO
2010.00
1860.00
1695.00
1530.00
Cost per person in AUD
3240.00
3000.00
2735.00
2465.00
Single supplementary (if require) US$ 200, GBP 110, EURO 165, AUD 260 Per Person
The above cost Includes
1. Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by private car / van / bus.
2. Standard accommodation in four/five star hotel in Kathmandu breakfast included. (4 nights on twin sharing)
3. Guided city tour in Kathmandu by car / van / bus.
3. Full board meal during camping, prepared by our cook with Tea & coffee.
4. Twin sharing tented accommodation and equipment during the camping trek. (We will provide fully water proof two men tents, dining tents, kitchen gear, dining table, chairs, toilet tents, shower tent etc.)
5. A local government licensed English speaking Guide during the trek with cook, required number of porters, their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, medicine, transportation.
6. Boiled and purify drinking water for the trek.
7. All special trekking permits & fees.
8. Surface Transfer to and from Kathmandu.
9. Flight cost from Kathmandu – Taplejung – Kathmandu including airport departure taxes in both airport.
10. Down Jacket, sleeping bag and duffel/kit bag by Ace the Himalaya (which needs to be returned after the trek.)
11. A general group first aid kit during the trek/tour
12. All our government taxes.
13. Tourist service charge, vat.
14. Official expense.
Please Note:
-US$65 per person per night for Single room and US$ 40 per person per night for Double room if you need extra accommodation in Kathmandu including breakfast. The above cost Excludes
1. Lunch and dinner whilst in Kathmandu.
2. Your travel insurance (compulsory).
3. International airfare and airport departure tax.
4. Nepal entry visa fee (US$ 30 per person) you obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport Kathmandu for 60 days from date of issue. You will require 2 passport size photos.
5. Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry.
6. Personal trekking Equipment.
7. Tips for trekking staff and driver. (Tipping is expected.)
8. Sightseeing/Monuments entrance fees in Kathmandu.
9. Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section.
Frequently Asked Questions for Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
Q. What type of shape do I need to be in, is this trip for me? A. Kanchenjunga trek is suitable for any kind of person who is moderately fit, keen of adventure and local culture, no previous experience is required. To condition yourself for the trek, some physical fitness programs such as walking, running, swimming, and hiking are recommended before you embark on your journey. Any person suffering from a pre-existing medical condition or diseases must seek medical advice before considering any trek. Whilst on the trek, it is common to experience some discomfort before being fully acclimatized.
Q. What sort of accommodation can I expect in Kathmandu and in trekking? A. We use standard rooms from four or five star hotels in Kathmandu with breakfast included. Along the trekking routes we provide the best possible camping service complete with comfortable two person tents with good mattresses. A kitchen, dining, shower, toilet tents, chairs with tables are also provided. Refer to the equipment list for items you will need to bring. We usually camp in or near a village, which allows you to buy sweets and drinks, which we do not carry with us. We provide a limited amount of toilet paper and facilities for hand and face washing before meals. You will also get a bowl of hot water each morning in your tent for a quick scrub up.
Q. What sort of food can I expect in trekking? A. Our expert camping cook can prepare specially requested food if you advise. In any case, you will have similar fare to teahouses, except along the way we may buy some fresh local produce such as fish, chicken or cheese to supplement the supplies. And the cost of all the food we prepare is included in the price of the camping treks. You can eat as much as you like. If you have any special dietary requirements please advise us in advance so that we can make the necessary arrangements.
Q. What is the best season for this trekking? A. The best time for this trekking is October to November and mid February to May.
Q. What is the weather & temperature like in trekking? A. Weather in the mountains is notoriously difficult to predict. At night it is generally cooler the days are generally warm. There will be snow during the month of December and February. It is important to make sure that you can stay warm and dry in just about any conditions. Expect the unexpected! The temperature could be as high as 20 deg C to -10 deg C low.
Q. Can I charge my digital camera or other batteries on my trip? A. These facilities will be not available in this trekking as this is remote area trek in Nepal. But in Kathmandu of course yes. Remember to bring your adapters!
Q. Is the water OK to drink? Do I need to bring purifying tablets/filter? A. We will provide you boiled and purify water to drink. So you don’t need anything. But you can buy also mineral water in some village along the trial.
Q. Are the Ace the Himalaya Agency's staff insured? A. Our company insures all our trekking staff, including guide, cook, sherpa and porters. Please, Click on LEGAL DOCUMENT page (Company) to view insurance details.
The above cost Includes
The above cost Excludes
