Kathmandu, Nepal
Private Tour
Trekkers embarking on the 25-day Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek can expect an exhilarating adventure filled with stunning vistas, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural encounters. The trek takes you through lush subtropical forests, terraced fields, and rugged mountain terrain, leading to breathtaking views of the towering Kanchenjunga massif and its surrounding peaks. Along the way, trekkers will have the opportunity to visit vibrant local villages, interact with the friendly communities, and gain insights into the region’s unique traditions. Fitness and endurance are essential, as the journey includes challenging ascents and descents, but the rewards of triumphant views and serene environments make every step worthwhile.
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal, staff from Ghale Treks will be there to assist you. We provide reliable and comfortable airport transfer services to transport you from the airport to your hotel. Whether you arrive in the morning, afternoon, or late at night, we will be ready to pick you up.
Furthermore, if you require a local mobile SIM card or currency exchange services, we can conveniently arrange those for you at the airport.
Today, we will embark on a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, which is located 621 km away. The flight takes approximately 45 minutes, and the airport is commonly referred to as “Chandragadhi Airport.” Bhadrapur serves as a vital gateway to India from southeastern Nepal and provides access to numerous picturesque destinations in the Himalayas. Here, we will commence our trek to the Kanchenjunga region. Following our arrival, we will take a local jeep or bus to Phidim, where we will stay in a cozy local guesthouse.
We will drive from the flatlands of Bhadrapur along the Mechi Highway towards Taplejung, beginning our journey into the lush green hills of Ilam, often referred to as the “Queen of Hills.” This region boasts a temperate climate and fertile landscapes, presenting stunning vistas of rolling hills and vibrant tea plantations. Continuing our drive towards Taplejung via Phidim, we’ll savor the breathtaking scenery as we ascend to Suketar, the starting point of our trek tomorrow. We will spend the night in Suketar, Taplejung, preparing for the adventure ahead.
Today marks our first day of actual trekking. After enjoying breakfast in Suketar, we will set off towards Chirwa, beginning our journey with a downhill descent to Mitlung. We will follow the Kanchenjunga trek route, passing through scenic pastures and quaint villages, while crossing the Hungdewa Khola and the Tamur River along the way. As we continue towards Mitlung, we’ll traverse the east bank of the Tamur River, navigating a trail that undulates gently while showcasing striking rocky fields and areas affected by landslides, as we enter the valley of the Limbu people.
A short break will be taken in Mitlung before we ascend uphill for a while, followed by a gradual descent into Sinwa, a charming village known for its cheerful local residents. Continuing from Sinwa, we will trek towards Tawa, where the trail resumes its uphill climb. After navigating through both uphill and downhill sections, we’ll cross a wooden bridge at the Thiwa Khola, situated at 1,140 meters. Following the trail, we’ll enjoy the stunning surroundings as we walk alongside the Chirwa Khola riverbank, eventually arriving in Chirwa, a small Limbu village with a few lodges, shops, and campsites. We will spend the night in Chirwa village.
Today promises to be a long but rewarding day as we begin our journey with an early morning breakfast in Chiruwa village. We’ll follow a narrow trail that leads north along the east bank of the Tamur River, eventually reaching the Chhetri village of Tapethok at 1,320 meters, where we’ll check in at the Kanchenjunga National Park checkpoint and show our permits. After departing from the village, we’ll cross the Simbuwa Khola, which originates from the Yalung glacier, and descend to the Tamur River, navigating through a series of ups and downs beside the water. A notable highlight will be crossing a suspension bridge at the confluence of the Ghunsa Khola and Tamur River before continuing to the riverside campsite and arriving at the Tibetan village of Sakathum at 1,640 meters for a short break. From Sakathum, we will trek towards Amjilossa, navigating stone steps up to the small village of Ghaiyabari at 2,150 meters, and passing through a gorge after climbing from Solima, so caution is advised as we tackle these challenging sections. Upon reaching Amjilossa, a Tibetan settlement, we will encounter local Sherpa and Tibetan communities whose lifestyle is adapted to the high altitude. We will spend the night in Amjilossa.
Today will be a more relaxed day, with a shorter trek than in previous days. After enjoying a hearty breakfast in Amjillosa, we’ll set off towards Gyabla, continuing our ascent along the Ghunsa Valley. This section of the trail is remote, far removed from human settlements, and will take us through a rich, dense forest filled with bamboo, rhododendrons, and gnarled brown oaks, where the tranquility of nature envelops us. As we climb, we’ll eventually reach a flat ridge that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, complemented by scattered pastures and cascading waterfalls along the way. The ascent to Kyapart is steep, leading us to Ghunsa village, situated 350 meters above the Ghunsa Khola amidst terraced hills. Here, we’ll pause to take in the stunning scenery of terraced fields, the flowing Ghunsa Khola, and far-off landscapes before making our way to the small village of Gyabla, where we will spend the night.
Today marks an important milestone as we cross the 3,000-meter elevation threshold. Our journey begins with a steep descent into a gorge, followed by a more leisurely walk through lush forests filled with rhododendrons and firs, making the trek easier. We’ll then follow the riverbank to the picturesque Yak pastures in Pholey, situated at 3,210 meters. Pholey, a charming Tibetan village renowned for its potato cultivation, offers a perfect spot for a relaxing lunch break. Here, we can appreciate the influences of Tibetan Buddhist culture and visit a beautiful monastery. Continuing our trek, the valley above Pholey widens, and we’ll navigate through green fields and larch forests before descending to the riverbed of the Ghunsa Khola. After crossing a bridge over the river, we will arrive at Ghunsa village, where we will spend the night camping in tents.
It’s now time for us to take rest. Today is our acclimatization day in Ghunsa village.
During high altitude treks, we must get our body adapted to the changing atmosphere. The amount of oxygen in the air reduces as we trek to the higher elevations. So, we are prone to acute mountain sickness.
So, we schedule an acclimatization day after a certain altitude gain.
We will stay active by hiking up to the surrounding ridges. We will hike up through the lush forests to the Lpasan La Monastery. After enjoying some time there, we will descend back to Ghunsa.
Ghunsa is the last permanent settlement on the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek route. We will spend some good times in the afternoon at Ghunsa.
The trail from Ghunsa to Kambachen is known for its susceptibility to landslides, and we will be trekking through the scenic and less-traveled paths of Kanchenjunga North. As we head north, the route gradually ascends through a beautiful forest of larch and juniper while skirting the east bank of the river, where we’ll encounter picturesque meadows. Our journey will take us over sandy, boulder-strewn riverbank paths, and we’ll cross a wooden and stone bridge to reach Rambuk Kharka at 3,720 meters. After this point, caution is key as we navigate through a section exposed to waterfalls and landslides. Following this challenging stretch, we are treated to breathtaking views of the north face of Mt. Jannu at 7,710 meters, along with a glimpse of the Jannu Glacier. As we rejoice in the stunning vistas, we’ll begin our descent to Kambachen, a temporary settlement featuring small stone teahouses that serve as lodges for trekkers. Though basic comfort is the norm in the teahouses, we’ll opt for camping at the base of Jannu Glacier, where we can fully enjoy magnificent views of both the Kanchenjunga massif and Mt. Jannu.
As we trek through a desolate landscape devoid of villages, the trail guides us over icy moraine debris where caution is essential to avoid slips. We’ll reach Ramtang at 4,350 meters, home to the beautiful Ramtang Monastery next to a waterfall, before continuing along the north bank of the river and crossing the Lhonak Glacier to its junction with the Kanchenjunga Glacier. After overcoming challenging terrain, we’ll enjoy magnificent views, including Mera Peak, and eventually arrive at Lhonak, a small settlement with a few stone teahouses. Our campsite on the spacious grassy plain offers excellent accommodation and opportunities to spot wildlife like blue sheep and eagles, where we will spend a comfortable night in tents.
Today, we will trek to Pang Pema, the local name for the Kanchenjunga north base camp, which promises to be a memorable experience. The trail climbs gradually along the moraine, but caution is needed in sections that are prone to landslides, and trekking poles can aid in navigating the rocky terrain. Upon reaching the base camp, we’ll be greeted by a flat grassy plain basin offering stunning views of the towering Kanchenjunga peak. We will spend the night in Pang Pema, soaking in the breathtaking surroundings.
Today, we will explore the Kanchenjunga base camp area by hiking to a nearby ridge for stunning views of the Himalayas, including Mt. Jannu, the North Face of Kanchenjunga, and Chang Himal. This less-visited area offers a serene atmosphere to appreciate the breathtaking glaciers. We might encounter climbers preparing for their ascent, which requires an additional four days and no special permits for Mt. Kanchenjunga. We will return to spend the night in Pang Pema.
Today, we bid farewell to the north Kanchenjunga Base Camp as we retrace our steps back to Ghunsa. The trek offers an opportunity to enjoy the magnificent Himalayan vistas from a new perspective, making the return journey just as beautiful as the ascent. As we make our way down, we’ll pass breathtaking views of Mt. Jannu and must remain cautious around landslide-prone areas and glaciers. Our trek will take us from Pang Pema to Lhonak, Kambachen, and finally to Ghunsa, where we will spend the night.
From Ghunsa, we will divert right, leaving the trail to Gyabla, and embark on a steep uphill trek to Sele Le, an isolated area away from human settlements. The route is stunning, winding through dense forests of Rhododendron and Juniper, adding to the magical atmosphere. At Sele Le, you’ll find only a couple of small stone teahouses, where many travelers have reported sightings of elusive snow leopards, so it’s important to stay close to the teahouses at night for safety and warmth. We will spend the night in Sele Le.
Early morning offers crisp and clear views as we hike up the ridge north of Pangpema, taking in the stunning panorama of the enchanting Himalayas. Today’s trek will be challenging, involving a 400m climb to Mirgin La Pass, where we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Mt. Jannu, Makalu, Baruntse, Chamlang, Kangchenjunga, and Kabru, alongside the Himalayan range bordering Sikkim. Our journey continues to the high-altitude Mirgin La and Lapsang La passes at 5,160m, connecting us to the Kanchenjunga south treks; however, be prepared for potential weather-related challenges along the way. Embrace the surrounding vistas, which will inspire you as we later descend along the ridges to Tseram for an overnight stay.
Today, after a hearty breakfast in Tseram, we’ll embark on an exploration of the Yalung Glacier and Oktang Base Camp, which is 7km away and involves a 300m elevation gain. As we trek higher, we’ll be treated to stunning vistas of snowy mountains and ridges, with the viewpoint of Kangchenjunga offering breathtaking sights alongside Mt. Rothang and Kabru, located on the Nepal-Sikkim border. The views become increasingly magnificent as we ascend past the snout of the Yalung Glacier, where we’ll stop to appreciate its captivating features before continuing through beautiful ablation valleys. Upon reaching Oktang Base Camp, the South Base Camp, we’ll enjoy impressive views of the Khumbakarna Glacier and the south face of Kanchenjunga, complemented by frozen lakes and crystal-clear streams along our path. After a day filled with remarkable landscapes, we’ll complete our journey by descending back to Tseram for an overnight stay at the camp.
Starting our trek from Tseram, we’ll be greeted by splendid views of the towering peaks of Kabru and Rathong as we descend to lower altitudes. As we continue, magnificent sights of the snowy Himalayas unfold before us, including an impressive view of the Yalung Glacier. Our route features a steady descent through lush forests primarily composed of Rhododendron and Pine, leading us towards Torangden. Following an easy trail alongside the Simbua Khola, we’ll enjoy the serene beauty of the surrounding nature as we navigate through the vibrant jungles. After a rewarding day of trekking, we’ll settle in for the night in Torangden.
Today’s trek is challenging, involving difficult, landslide-prone sections that require caution. We’ll ascend 600m to the tough Lamite Pass at 3500m, then make our way into the valley of Simbua Khola, crossing a wooden bridge over intersecting rivers. Navigating steep slopes through forests of Pines and Rhododendrons, we’ll climb to the Dhupi Bhanjyang pass at 2540m before descending through cultivated fields. Our journey culminates in the beautiful village of Yamphudin, a mixed community of Sherpas, Limbus, Rais, and Gurungs, where we’ll overnight.
After a hearty breakfast in Yamphudin, we’ll set off early for a trek that takes us through the villages of Chhetri and Brahmins, providing a delightful contrast to our previous remote journeys. Along the beautiful trail, we’ll experience stunning landscapes and diverse ethnic communities, observing their unique lifestyles and cultures. As we navigate the ups and downs of the splendid terrain, we’ll eventually reach Khebang, where we’ll spend the night.
Today will be a long trek as we descend 1,000 meters over 6 kilometers from Khebang to the charming village of Dobhan, where we’ll stop for lunch. After enjoying a filling meal, we’ll embark on another 8 kilometers to Khandembe, taking brief water breaks along the way. Following the village path, we’ll steadily make our way to Khandembe, where we’ll overnight in a local inn.
Today marks our final day of trekking as we ascend 1,200 meters to the picturesque Tharpu Village. Take in every moment of this journey, as you’ll cherish these memories long after. Reflecting on our trek, we’ll arrive at Tharpu, known for its beauty, where we’ll stay overnight. Be sure to savor the last stunning views of the Kanchenjunga range, as the mountain sunsets will be a rare sight for a while. Enjoy a joyful evening in the village, soaking in this perfect vantage point.
Bhadrapur Airport is located 190 kilometers from Tharpu, but the journey is marked by numerous twists and turns that make for an adventurous ride, taking nearly 9 hours to complete. Although the trip can be tiring, the experience is ultimately rewarding. Once we arrive, we’ll check into a hotel in Bhadrapur to rest and prepare for our flight tomorrow.
Today marks the conclusion of our journey as we take a scenic flight from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu. On a clear day, you’ll be treated to stunning aerial views of snowy peaks, which are truly impressive. Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, we will transfer you to your hotel, where you can relax and unwind in a comfortable room. In the afternoon, feel free to explore some popular streets in the area. Enjoy your overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Enjoy a free day in Kathmandu, ideal for shopping and relaxation. Take this chance to explore local markets and shops for unique souvenirs and gifts. In the evening, immerse yourself in Nepalese culture with a special dinner at a traditional restaurant. We will spend the night at the Hotel KTM, ensuring a comfortable and restful experience.
A representative from Ghale Treks will assist you by verifying your flight tickets and ensuring you are transferred to the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure. We look forward to serving you again in the future and wish you a safe and pleasant journey.
Know Before You Go: 25-Day Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is an incredibly rewarding journey through one of the most stunning regions in Nepal. However, it’s essential to prepare adequately for such an adventure. Here’s what you need to know before you go:
Best Time to Trek
Trekking Permits
Physical Preparation
Altitude Awareness
Accommodation
Food and Water
Travel Insurance
Packing Essentials
Connectivity
Cultural Sensitivity
Environmental Responsibility
Emergency Preparations
By preparing adequately and being informed, you can fully enjoy the breathtaking beauty and diverse experiences that the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek offers. Happy trekking!
Packing for a 25-day Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek requires careful consideration to ensure you have everything you need while keeping your load manageable. Here’s a comprehensive packing list:
Clothing
Footwear
Gear
Personal Items
Documents and Money
Optional Items
Environmental Responsibility
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek with Ghale Treks was an unforgettable adventure that allowed us to discover the majestic landscapes of this remote region in Nepal. As travelers from the Netherlands, we were in awe of the breathtaking views of towering peaks, lush forests, and diverse wildlife that surrounded us. Our knowledgeable guides, Mr. Arun and Mr. Santa, provided exceptional support and insight into the local culture, making our journey even more enriching. Each day’s trek unveiled new panoramas, from serene glacial lakes to stunning sunsets over the Kanchenjunga massif. The warm hospitality of the local communities we encountered truly made this trek a memorable and immersive experience. We wholeheartedly recommend this trek for anyone seeking to explore the beauty of the Himalayas!
