Kanchenjunga base camp trek

Day 1 Arrival at Kathmandu

At your arrival at a Tribhuwan international airport, Kathmandu our representative from Caravan Outdoors wait for you outside at the Arrival gate with your Name card. Our team will welcome and collect your baggage at the airport. By formal introduction with the representative and transferred to your hotel. In the evening you will enjoy a complimentary welcome dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant with Nepalese cuisine. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley- Trek Preparation, permit issuance

After breakfast, our office representative and your trekking guide and support staff will meet you at the hotel and discuss all programs and coordinate any last-minute arrangements. After the staff meeting, one of our professional tour guides will take you for a sightseeing trip and then back to the hotel. The rest of the day can be used for traveling around Thamel and buying any last minute equipment and other necessities. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3 Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur (1 hour, then drive to Taplejung, about 7-8 hours’ drive)

Pick up from the hotel in Kathmandu and take a morning flight to Bhadrapur with your guide from Kathmandu and drive to Taplejung. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 4 Taplejung drive to Sekathum (1,576 m/5,169 ft.) – trek to Amjilosa (2,308M/7,570ft)

After the morning Tea, drive to Sekhathum. It takes about 3 hours rough road drive (Suketar- MItlung- Cheruwa) to Sukathum passes through varied landscapes such as cardamom fields and dense forests. We trek uphill for some time then descend to the lush green fields below and continue trekking along the Tamor River passing through a dense forest. It’s both uphill and downhill trek until crossing the Ghunsa River after which we reach Sekathum. Trekking from Sukathum to Amjilosa is challenging. After crossing the suspension bridge outside Sukathum we enter a dense forest, ascend the steep trail, descend and cross the river again. We also climb a gorge from the bottom and pass by Solima village and descend again to the level of the river. All in all, this day’s trekking is rather tough. Therefore, it is advisable to be very careful especially while walking the trail that passes the gorge. We later follow a tricky trail that goes both uphill and downhill until reaching Amjilosa where we spend the night.

Day 5 Amjilosa to Gyabla (2,730 m /8,954 ft.)

We start trekking from the riverbank, pass through a dense forest of bamboo, fir, and rhododendrons eventually reaching a small stone house by the river. We then climb uphill crossing a few small bridges along the way. Here, we get to enjoy the company of stunning waterfalls that originate from the mountains. After yet another short uphill walk we reach the Tibetan settlement to Gyabla.

Day 6 Gyabla to Ghunsa (3,595 m/11,792 ft.)

We descend down the river and notice the valley as it slowly opens up before reaching Phale, a Tibetan refugee settlement where it is possible to purchase handicrafts and homemade rugs from locals. After purchasing a few souvenirs we travel through conifer and pine forest and reach the Sherpa village of Ghunsa where we spend the night. This place is known for its hydroelectricity plant and the fact that more than 20 prominent conservationists met a tragic end in a helicopter crash.

Day 7 Acclimatization day at Ghunsa

We take care to spend time acclimatizing around Ghunsa before continuing our next day’s trek. We recommend you to stay active even on a rest day as it is better than being idle while on a trekking journey. Therefore, we take a short hike towards the Laspsan La monastery through the lush green forest. Come back to Ghunsa by afternoon and relax.

Day 8 Ghunsa to Kambachen (4,050 m/13,284 ft.)

From Ghunsa we trek further north along the river bank which presents us with magnificent mountain scenery. We pass through meadows full of beautiful wildflowers, rhododendron, and pine forests. We cross a bridge at Rampuk Kharka, continue past the waterfall, and cross the tricky section of the landslide. After crossing the landslide area we begin to see the spectacular view of Mt. Jannu. Further exploring and tackling the tricky mountain trail we finally arrive at Kambachen and spend the night.

Day 9 Kambachen to Lhonak

Trek starts from Kamachen to Lhonak, boulders on the hillside along the riverbank, and arrive at a waterfall. We then cross a bridge to Ramtang monastery. We then come across a landslide section which we must pass through at a steady pace before descending to the river and finally arriving at Lhonak.

Day 10 Trek to Pangpema/Kanchenjunga North BC (5,388 m/17,673 ft.)- Lhonak

Trek along the Kanchenjunga Glacier to Kanchenjunga base camp on the north side. We urge you to be careful around the rockier sections as they are prone to landslides. After a short while, you reach Pangpema, a flat grassy base camp. Climb a little higher and enjoy the splendor of Jannu, Kanchenjunga, and Jannu Himal- Then trek down to Lhonak, Overnight in Lhonak.

Day 11 Lhonak to Ghunsa (3,595 m/11,792 ft.)

It’s essentially the reverse of our Day 12 trek. We descend to Ghunsa from Lhonak, which means that we get to enjoy the beautiful forests along with a backdrop of impressive mountain scenery. Overnight at Ghunsa

Day 12 Ghunsa to Sele Le (4,290 m/14,071 ft)

It’s a steep trek upward from Ghunsa to Sele-Le. Upon reaching Sele Le we climb through a dense forest of moss, rhododendron, and juniper. Lunch will be served in an appropriate place with the availability of water. We spend the night in Sele Le.

Day 13 Sele Le to Cheram (3,870 m/12,694 ft.)

We do an uphill trek and enjoy the mesmerizing south side view of Jannu Himal and Makalu (the world’s 6th highest mountain). Today is a strenuous trekking day as we cross several passes- Sinion La, Mirgin La, and Sinelapche Bhanjyang. We then make a steep descend to Cheram and spend the night there.

Day 14 Cheram to Ramche (4,580 m/15,022 ft.) and return back to Cheram,

We ascend past the snout of the Yalung Glacier and walk alongside the Simbuwa Khola, pass through Lapsang village and reach Ramche. While there, we walk further up the valley or ascend a ridge for a tremendous view of blue sheep. We then follow the stream before climbing on the moraine top until confronted by Kanchenjunga southern face. We walk further ahead for a glimpse of the Jannu Himal. We can even consider continuing to Oktang Monastery. Descend and spend the night at Cheram.

Day 15 Cheram to Tortong (2,995 m/9,824 ft.)

As we descend to Tortong we first encounter two trails. One trail is the one we took while descending down from Sele Le. However, we ignore this route and descend further down to the trail alongside the Simbuwa Khola. We enjoy the lush rhododendron forest along the way.

Day 16 Tortong to Yamphudin (2,080 m/6,822 ft.)

While descending from Tortong to Yamphudin we pass through Lasiya Bhanjyang which involves walking up through trees and areas of landslides. The terrain changes after every monsoon but by the middle of October, it should be stable with a route through. Walking further down we reach the village of Yamphudin, a village inhabited by Sherpas, Limbus, and Rais.

Day 17 Yangpang to Thorpu (1,500 m/4,290 ft.)

Instead of going back to Taplejung, we descend down to Thorpu. By opting for Thorpu we will not only be saving us time but will also get to enjoy the landscape of a different route. While descending to Thorpu we pass through some really beautiful terraced villages, where the people are very interested to see you. We spend the night in Thorpu and enjoy the hospitality of the villagers.

Day 18 Thorpu to Birtamod (300 m/ 984 ft.)

We are most likely to drive from Thorpu to Birtamod by sharing a Jeep, which is a lovely  Terai town in Eastern Nepal. Along the way, you will notice the climate getting warmer with a landscape that is different from the mountains and the hills. The town boasts a number of good accommodation facilities, therefore, we spend the night in Birtamod.

Day 19 Drive from Birtamod to Bhadrapur then Fly to Kathmandu

The drive to Bhadrapur from Birtamod is only of short distance. We fly back to Kathmandu from Bhadrapur Airport. Upon arriving in Kathmandu you can take a rest and relax throughout the day in your hotel or if you are interested in taking souvenirs for your loved ones, you can shop around the tourist area of Thamel. Caravan Outdoors will be hosting a fantastic celebration dinner for the successful completion of your Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking.

Day 20 Final Departure

Today is your last day with us in Nepal. You will escort to the airport for your onward destination with the unforgettable moment of your life from the wonderful Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek. Our office representative came to your hotel to pick up and drop you at the airport.