Kanchenjunga North Base Camp is a perfect destination for travelling enthusiasts offering incredible panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and scenic hiking trails. Overall, it is a superb choice for adventurous travelers to explore the geographical beauty of Nepal.

Explore the traditional culture of the Rai and Limbu community inhabitants with spectacular views of sunrise and sunset. Embark on a journey to conquer the highest peak of the world for a memory that will last a lifetime.

Moreover, Kanchenjunga North Base Camp is a rather challenging trek ideal for physically fit and mentally strong trekkers. This trek is not recommended for beginners, due to its rough and strenuous moraines.

Kanchenjunga North Base Camp is a 16-day long trek. Our journey begins at the heart of Nepal, Kathmandu. Here, we receive the necessary paperwork including permits and passports. We take an early flight to Bhadrapur and take a drive to Taplejung. On the way, we pass through picturesque places such as Illam, and Birtamod till we reach Taplejung.

We travel through numerous treks starting from Sekathum to Amjilosa, Amjilosa to Gyabla, Gyabla to Ghunsa, Ghunsa to Khambachen, Khambachen to Lhonak, and lastly Lhonak to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp.

On our journey to Kanchenjunga North Base camp, we witness the majestic view of breathtaking snow-capped mountains such as Jannu, Temachungi, and Phoelesbi Thongje.

Along the way, we come across Ghunsa viewpoint or Dudh Kunda, a tranquil lake reflecting the beautiful imagery of lofty mountain peaks keeping us motivated for the upcoming journey ahead. We also walk by Rambuk Kharka and Lyakep village, taking in the customs and way of life of the locals.

Finally, we reach our destination, Kanchenjunga North base camp boasting the stunning Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m/28,169 ft), Janu Himal (7,710 m/25,300 ft), Everest (8,849 m/29,032 ft), Makalu (8,463 m/26,247 ft), Tharpu Chuli (5,695 m/18,684 ft), Kabru (7,412 m/24,318 ft) and many other.

The panoramic scenery of the serene mountain peaks from Kanchenjunga North base camp will be a heavenly sight to behold, strong enough to revitalize any fatigue you have faced on your journey to the peak.

Thereafter, witnessing the grandeur of Kanchenjunga North base camp we retrace our path back to Kathmandu following these treks Lhonak to Ghunsa, Ghunsa to Sekathum, Sekathum to Kanyam, and finally to Bhadrapur.

Afterwards, we took a long delightful ride back to Kathmandu enjoying the captivating view of rugged landscapes. This will be the end of our beautiful journey, Kanchenjunga North Base Camp.

To go on the Kanchenjunga north base camp trek you will be required to have two permits, a Special Restricted Area Permit (SRAP) and the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project permit (KCAP).

Transportation

Bus, Flight
Best Season

Autumn and Spring
Trip Type

Off the Beaten

Overview

Itinerary

FAQs

Overview

Itinerary

FAQs

Overview

This trek features the third-highest mountain, Mt. Kanchenjunga, home to some of the most exclusive flora and fauna. The trekking route is filled with different climate zones with lush rhododendron forests, alpine forests, and pristine views of glaciers.

Trip Higlights

Incredible panoramic views of snow-capped mountains
Hiking trail filled with lush rhododendron forests, alpine forests, and pristine views of glaciers.
Indulge in the exotic lifestyle of the inhabitants of the mountain and their culture
Discover the lifestyle and culture of the people of the Kanchenjunga Conservation area.
Take a tour of an infamous tea cultivation area, Illam.
Enjoy spectacular views of the sunrise over tower peaks
Opportunity of a lifetime to observe mountain peaks such as Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m/28,169 ft), Janu Himal (7,710 m), Everest (8,849 m), Makalu (8,463 m), Tharpu Chuli (5,695 m), Kabru (7,412 m).

Itinerary

Day 1:

Arrival In Kathmandu

We begin our journey from Kathmandu, the heart of Nepal. From here, we begin our journey to the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp trek. You will stay at the hotel of your choice as you get welcomed to the country.

You can refresh your flight exhaustion by walking through the streets of Thamel during the evening. Explore the streets of Nepal for a glimpse of the Nepali lifestyle.

Day 2:

Trek Preparation

We prepare ourselves for the trek today. You can choose to tour around the temples and the heritage sites in Kathmandu as you get your necessary permits ready. For a taste of Nepalese culture, we will visit the temples, stupas, and historical relics and monuments in Kathmandu.

Day 3:

Flight to Bhadrapur, then drive to Taplejung(1820m)

Today, you will take an early flight to Bhadrapur from Kathmandu. From Bhadrapur, you will take a ride to Taplejung from which we can see the stunning landscapes of Kanchenjunga massif already.

Some notable natural attractions in the region include the Yalung Glacier, Ghunsa Valley, and Olangchung Gola. You will also spend your night in Taplejung.

Day 4:

Taplejung to Sekathum

We will take a drive of around 5 – 6 hours from Taplejung to Sekathum which is about 39km long. The roads are narrow and winding and we will be traveling alongside Tamor Nadi and passing some bridges until we reach Sekathum. You will also be required to present the required permits while passing the area into the checkpost.

Day 5:

Trek from Sekathum to Amjilosa

Starting today, we will start our hike to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. We trek from Sekathum to Amjilosa with paths filled with mountain views and Rhododendron forests.

The path we take will consist of several suspension bridges, uphills, and downhills taking around 5-6 hours. You will spend the night at Amjilosa.

Day 6:

Trek from Amjilosa to Gyabla

Following the path of Ghunsa Khola, we will hike to Gyabla today. We hike for around 4-5 hours till we reach Gyabla/Kyapra village where we will be spending the night.

In our passage to the Gyabla/Kyapra village, we get to view the serene snow-capped mountain peaks. Moreover, if you get lucky there is a rare chance you might spot a red panda.

Day 7:

Gyabla To Ghunsa

Our journey for today is from Gyabla to Ghunsa. It will be a walk for about 5 hours following the trails passing through the forests. You get to observe the beautiful scenery of the traditional lifestyle of Himalayan yaks carrying loads. It provides a breathtaking glimpse into the culture and way of life of mountain people.

Day 8:

Ghunsa to Khambachen

After reaching Ghunsa, you can hike to Ghunsa viewpoint or Dudh Kunda, a tranquil lake reflecting the mighty snow-capped mountain peaks. This is a great choice for a side trip while in Ghunsa which you can take in the morning.

Dudh Kunda, commonly referred to as the “milky lakes,” has incredibly pure, invigorating water that makes you feel less tired and ready to continue traveling.

Day 9:

Acclimatization and Rest Day

Today, we will acclimatize ourselves in Khambachen. From the village, you get the striking scenery of Jannu, Nagphu, Sarphu ranges, Nupchu, and many more. You can choose to stay and hang around the village or hike up to Nupchu Pokhari (4952m) or Janu Viewpoint. We will be staying at a teahouse in Khambachen.

You will get the amazing chance to experience up close what it’s like to live in such a pure setting with the locals while in Khambachen.

Day 10:

Khambachen to Lhonak

We continue our trek after acclimatization to Lhonak which will take around 5-6 hours. We follow the trail of the bank of Ghunsa Khola to Lhonak. On our hike to Lhonak, we get to view Kanchenjunga, Ramtang, Gimmigela, and many more.

We walk beside the pristine Kanchenjunga glacier and across the dry lake as we reach Lhonak.

Day 11:

Hike to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp

Today we begin our day by hiking to Pang Pema and officially we have reached the base camp of the third highest mountain, Mt Kanchenjunga. With a completely serene panorama view of the mountain peaks such as Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m/28,169 ft), Janu Himal (7,710 m), Everest (8,849 m), Makalu (8,463 m), Tharpu Chuli (5,695 m), Kabru (7,412 m), we make our way to Pang Pema. The base camp offers a surreal experience of viewing the Himalayas.

You’ll have witnessed an event that will live on in your memory for all time, a trip that culminated in a breathtaking vista of the mountaintop.

Day 12:

Lhonak to Ghunsa

We will retrace our path from Kanchenjunga North Base Camp with a sight that will never be forgotten back to Ghunsa. Reliving the path of Rhododendron forests and mountain view we descend back to Ghunsa.

Day 13:

Ghunsa to Sekathum

Today we will have a long descent from Ghunsa to Sekathum. As the day is long today, we begin our descent early following the path tracing the path of Ghunsa Khola crossing Phale, Gyabala, Amjilosa, and Ghaiyabari. The descent is steep and via paths of stones.

Day 14:

Sekathum to Kanyam,Illam

We will part ways with the incredible mountain peak with the fond, refreshing memory of our journey to the mountain peak. We take a drive to Illam, famous for tea cultivation. Today, we make our way through natural scenic landscapes enjoying the cool breeze.

Day 15:

Drive from Illam to Bhadrapur and flight back to Kathmandu

We take a drive from Illam to Bhadrapur after visiting the tea cultivation areas. Via Bhadrapur Airport, with a 45-60 minute flight, we will reach Kathmandu in late afternoon.

Later, You can choose to tour around famous stupas and temples as we spend our final night of our trek at Kathmandu.

Day 16:

Departure

We will part ways after completing one of the best hikes we have ever done, which includes climbing one of the most breathtaking Himalayan peaks in the world. Here, we part ways hoping that you will explore Nepal again for even more fond memories.