Mt. Kangchenjunga (8586m.), the third highest mountain in the world.
The view from Kanchenjunga camp
Suspension bridge on the way to Sekathum

Kanchenjunga Trekking

100% 5 star based on 168 reviews from TripAdvisor. Kanchenjunga Trekking
Embark on a challenging Kanchenjunga trekking adventure in Nepal. Explore the majestic peaks, cultural villages, and stunning landscapes, including the North and South Base Camps of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Book with Himalayan Mentor for the best trekking experience at the best price.,Kanchenjunga Trekking,Trekking,Kanchenjunga base camps trekking,Published: 2024-12-30,Last Updated: 2024-12-30,https://www.himalayanmentor.com/kanchenjunga-trekking.html, Excellent Tour Company for Nepal & Bhutan by December 1, 2020A true highlight of my trip around the world. A first-rate company that is very well organized for a Western traveler. Kanchenjunga Trekking 2695 USD In stock Jan 06, 2040 Trekking
  • Duration: 25 Days
  • Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Tour Type: Private Guided Trek
  • Max altitude: 5140m
  • Transportation: Land & Air
  • Best Time: Sep. - Nov. & Mar. - May

Kanchenjunga Trekking: A Challenging Adventure in Nepal's Himalayan Heart

Kanchenjunga trekking is a strenuous yet rewarding adventure in Nepal, offering an incredible Himalayan experience for seasoned hikers. Located in the far eastern part of Nepal, along the border with India's Sikkim state, Kanchenjunga (8,586m) is Nepal's second-highest peak and the world's third-highest mountain.

This trek is a top choice for adventure enthusiasts, providing maximum satisfaction through its awe-inspiring landscapes and challenging routes. While Kanchenjunga trekking was once limited to tented camping, the introduction of lodge-to-lodge trekking has made it more accessible and affordable, with basic lodges now available along the trail. This has made the trek more popular and cost-effective compared to the traditional camping option.

Kanchenjunga trekking was officially opened to regular trekkers in 1988, quickly becoming one of Nepal's most renowned trekking routes. The Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek includes two distinct base camps on the Nepalese side: the northern Pangpema Base Camp and the southern Ramche Base Camp. Both offer stunning views of the mighty Kanchenjunga and its surrounding peaks.

The trek takes you through diverse cultural regions, home to ethnic groups like the Rai, Limbu, and Tibetan communities. These groups, especially the Rai and Limbu, are known for their historical association with the British Gurkha Regiment. Along the trail, you'll experience a unique fusion of culture, traditions, and landscapes.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp trekking offers an unparalleled experience of Nepal’s Himalayan beauty. Trekkers will encounter dramatic landscapes, remote villages, and magnificent views of Kanchenjunga and its surrounding peaks. Historically, this region was only accessible to mountaineering expeditions, but since it became semi-restricted in the late 20th century, it has attracted trekkers from around the world.

For those seeking a challenging trek that includes high-altitude passes and stunning mountain views, Kanchenjunga Base Camp is the ultimate destination. Our experienced guides ensure that every step of the journey is safe and manageable, making your adventure as enjoyable and rewarding as possible.

Book your Kanchenjunga trekking adventure with Himalayan Mentor, a local trekking agency in Kathmandu, Nepal. We offer the best prices and high-quality trekking services to ensure you have an unforgettable experience in the Himalayas.

Kanchenjunga trekking trip highlights

  • A 25 days fully private guided trek to Kanchenjunga base camps
  • Explore Himalayas, mountain, landscape, people, their culture and tradition of eastern Nepal
  • Fantastic walking trip through beautiful valleys, diversity of nature
  • Enjoy stunning panoramas of Kanchenjunga main (8,586), Kanchenjunga west/Yalung Kang( 8,505m), Kanchenjunga Central(8,482), Kanchenjunga South(8,494m), and Kangbachen(7,903m). as well as distant views of the eastern faces of Makalu and Everest
  • Trek on very less touristic trail to walk on your pace without hassles
Kanchenjunga Trekking,Embark on a challenging Kanchenjunga trekking adventure in Nepal. Explore the majestic peaks, cultural villages, and stunning landscapes, including the North and South Base Camps of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Book with Himalayan Mentor for the best trekking experience at the best price.,https://www.himalayanmentor.com/assets/images/kanchenjunga/kanchenjunga-trekking.webp,Last Updated: 2024-12-30,en-US, Himalayan Mentorhttps://www.himalayanmentor.com/assets/images/kanchenjunga/kanchenjunga-trekking-small.webp

Trip Itinerary

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Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu airport Nepal

Up on arrival meet our office representative at airport and transfer to hotel/ after refreshing complete the official formalities/ briefing about the preparation and rest of the day free for your own leisure.

Accommodation: Hotel Meals: None Place: Kathmandu Maximum Altitude: 1400m.

Day 02: Full day guided sightseeing around Kathmandu city

Historical Kathmandu Durbar Square area, Pasupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa & Swyambhunath Stupa which will take you to visit Nepal’s most popular attractions

Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast Place: Kathmandu Maximum Altitude: 1400m.

Day 03: Kathmandu to Bhadrapur by Flight & drive to Ilam (1677 m, 5 hours)

After breakfast, your guide will escort you to the airport for a short scenic flight to Bhadrapur, offering stunning views of the Kathmandu Valley and Nepal's iconic mountains. Upon arrival, we drive to Ilam, Nepal's renowned tea plantation region.

Accommodation: Local Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Place: Ilam Maximum Altitude: 1677m.

Day 04: Drive from Ilam to Taplejung (1820m., 4-5 hours)

After breakfast, we drive for 4 hours through terraced fields and hills to reach Taplejung, where we will spend the night. After lunch, you'll have time to explore the town, which is known for its many Buddhist gompas.

Accommodation: Local Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Place: Taplejung Maximum Altitude: 1820m

Day 05: Trek from Taplejung to Chirwa (1270 m, 6 hours)

Today, we begin our trek in earnest! It's a long day of mostly downhill hiking, with a chance to catch our breath at the village of Sinwa, located on the banks of the Tamor River, before continuing on.

Accommodation: Local Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Place: Chirwa Maximum Altitude: 1270m.

Day 06: Trek from Chirwa to Lelep (1860 m, 7 hours)

Today is another long day of hiking, around 7 hours. As we pass through Tapethok, we enter the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, where our permits are checked before crossing a suspension bridge and ascending to Lelep.

Accommodation: Local Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Place: Lelep Maximum Altitude: 1860m.

Day 07: Trek from Lelep to Amjilosa (2308m, 5-6 hours)

Today's trail features waterfalls and suspension bridges, leading us to the first Sherpa village of our trek, Amjilosa, where we will stay overnight. The village is primarily used during the grazing season for yaks and sheep, with only a few families residing here year-round.

Accommodation: Local Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Place: Amjilosa Maximum Altitude: 2308m.

Day 08: Trek from Amjilosa to Gyabla (2730m, 4-5 hours)

After breakfast, we trek through forests of pine, bamboo, rhododendron, and oak, noticing the villages and people beginning to resemble Tibetan culture. Along the way, we encounter yaks, sheep, goats, and a variety of birdlife. After lunch, the trail ascends through dense forest and crosses a wooden bridge, leading us to Gyabla, where we spend the night.

Accommodation: Local Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Place: Gyabla Maximum Altitude: 2730m.

Day 09: Trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa (3595m, 4-5 hours)

Today, the trail continues through forests, passing Phale Village, a former Tibetan refugee camp established when Tibetans fled the Chinese communist regime. Now a winter settlement, we have time to explore the village, where local handicrafts are available for sale. We then head to Ghunsa, the largest village in the area, which has a police station, health post, and the Kanchenjunga Conservation Office, along with telephone and internet services.

Accommodation: Local Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Place: Ghunsa Maximum Altitude: 3595m.

Day 10: Acclimatization day

We are now at a higher altitude and preparing to go even higher, so we take the opportunity to relax and acclimatize in Ghunsa. There is a monastery to explore and a ridge to climb. The 5-hour round trip to the ridge offers stunning views of Jannu Peak, making it well worth the effort. We highly recommend climbing the ridge to aid in acclimatization, and we will bring a packed lunch for the journey.

Accommodation: Local Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Place: Ghunsa Maximum Altitude: 3595m.

Day 11: Trek from Ghunsa to Kambachen (4100 m, 4 hours)

Today, the views of Jannu Himal dominate the skyline. Following a gentle upward path, we reach a green glacier valley, where we may be lucky enough to spot blue sheep and snow leopards. The trail continues past a waterfall and into a landslide-prone area, where we must take extra care.

Accommodation: Local Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Place: Khangpachen Maximum Altitude: 4100m.

Day 12: Acclimatization Day

Once again, we take the opportunity to acclimatize our bodies to the altitude in preparation for our visit to the North Base Camp. Today, we can climb another ridge that offers stunning views of Kanchenjunga.

Accommodation: Local Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Place: Khangpachen Maximum Altitude: 4100m.

Day 13: Trek from Kambachen to Lhonak (4785m, 4 hours)

Today, the trail takes us primarily over moraine from the Kanchenjunga Glacier. As we hike uphill over large boulders, we are treated to stunning views on both sides. Being deep in Snow Leopard territory, we keep a watchful eye for this rare animal. This area is also home to summer yak pastures, but there are no settlements along the route.

Accommodation: Local Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Place: Lhonak Maximum Altitude: 4785

Day 14: Day Trip to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (5143m, 8 hours)

After a hearty breakfast, we set out across the moraine from the Kanchenjunga Glacier, gently climbing upwards. Upon reaching Base Camp, we are awestruck by the surrounding mountains, with Buddhist prayer flags fluttering in the wind, adding to the peaceful atmosphere. We take some time to sit, enjoy the tranquillity, and savor hot drinks and snacks before returning to Lhonak for the night.

Accommodation: Local Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Place: Lhonak Maximum Altitude: 5143

Day 15: Trek from Lhonak to Ghunsa (3595m, 7 hours)

Trekking over pebbles and moraine, we reach Kambachen Village for lunch before heading east along the Tamor River. The vegetation becomes greener as we make our way back to Ghunsa, where we spend the night.

Accommodation: Local Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Place: Ghunsa Maximum Altitude: 3595m.

Day 16: Trek from Ghunsa to Sele Le (4390 m, 5 hours)

Today, the trail takes us through a forest and along a grassy ridge, offering views of Ghunsa and Phole villages, with Mt. Makalu visible in the distance.

Accommodation: Local Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Place: Sele Le Maximum Altitude: 43980m.

Day 17: Trek froom Sele Le to Cheram (3870 m, 8 hours)

We start early this morning towards the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp, crossing the Sinion La pass (4,450m) before continuing along a ridge to the Sinelapche La pass (4,830m). From here, the views of Mt. Kanchenjunga and its valley are breathtaking. We then descend along a small trail to Cheram, the only settlement on this route.

Accommodation: Local Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Place: Cheram Maximum Altitude: 4830m.

Day 18: Day Trip to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp (4610m, 6 hours)

A day trip to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp involves a trek of approximately 16 km (10 miles) round trip, starting from Cheram and reaching the base camp at 4,610 m , offering stunning views of the Kanchenjunga massif, glaciers, and pristine Himalayan landscapes

Accommodation: Local Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Place: Cheram Maximum Altitude: 4610m.

Day 19: Trek from Cheram to Torongding (2080m, 4 hours)

Today's trail is predominantly downhill as it winds through a gorge, but the final stretch involves a steep uphill climb through a landslide-prone area and dense forests. There are no settlements along the way until we reach Torongding, where a few teahouses are available.

Accommodation: Local Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Place: Torongding Maximum Altitude: 2080

Day 20: Trek from Torongding to Yamphuding (1980m, 8 hours)

After breakfast, we begin with a downhill trek that transitions into a steep and lengthy uphill climb. The trail passes through a landslide-prone area leading to Lasiya Bhanjyang, where we can pause for lunch at a lone teashop. From there, the path descends steeply through dense forests, eventually reaching the large village of Yamphuding.

Accommodation: Local Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Place: Yamphuding Maximum Altitude: 1980m.

Day 21: Trek from Yamphuding to Khebang (1910m, 4 hours)

The trek becomes easier as we descend to a lower altitude, passing through charming villages and terraced fields along the way. We continue onward to Khebang, where we spend the night.

Accommodation: Local Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Place: Khebang Maximum Altitude: 1910m.

Day 22: Trek from Khebang to Khamdime (1500m, 4 hours)

This is the final day of our trek, as tomorrow we will travel by vehicle to the Bhadrapur airport.

Accommodation: Local Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Place: Khamdime Maximum Altitude: 1915m.

Day 23: Drive from Khamdime to Bhadrapur (10 hours)

Today, we have a long drive ahead, providing plenty of time to reflect on the incredible sights we've experienced and to rest our tired legs. Upon reaching Bhadrapur in the evening, we can enjoy a hearty dinner and unwind in the comfort of a cozy guest house for the night.

Accommodation: Guest House Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Place: Bhadrapur Maximum Altitude: 91m.

Day 24: Fly from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu (50 mins.)

Fly from Bhadrapur to Kathamndu and transfer to the hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast Place: Kathmandu Maximum Altitude: 1400m.

Day 25: Final Departure

Transfer to the airport for the final departure!

Accommodation: None Meals: Breakfast Place: - Maximum Altitude: 1400m.

Narayan Kadel - Kesh
Plan Your Trip with an Expert
Narayan Kadel (Mr. Kesh)

Above itinerary for Kanchenjunga Trekking might not be suitable for everyone. So please feel free to send us your requirements to info@himalayanmentor.com or call us at +977 9841 875661 (Direct Call/Whatsapp/Signal) to customize as you wish.

Inclusion in the Package

Included

  • Airport transfers - pick up and drop upon arrival and departure 
  • Full board basis on the way of trekking- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -3 meals per day and overnight accommodation at Local Tea House.
  • Transportation- Fly to Bhadrapur & drive to trek starting point and from trek ending point to drive to Bhadrapur and fly to Kathmandu
  • Necessary restricted area trekking permit, conservation and TIMS fee.
  •  Supporting staffs (trekking guide and porter), as well as their necessary insurance, and accommodation meals allowance and salary
  • 3- Nights accommodation in Kathmandu in BB basis before and after the trek.
  • Wildness First aid kit pack for the trekking.

Excluded

  • Hotel in Kathmandu and extra days stay except mentioned in package.
  • Food (Lunch & Dinner) before and after the trip in Kathmandu and along the bus journey.
  •  Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, alcoholic beverages, bottled drinks (including cold drinks and mineral), tips for guide, porters, kitchen & camping team etc. 
  • Travel insurance and emergency evacuation cost.
  • Additional costs- extra days stay, incase of flight cancellation due to the natural calamities, bad weather forecast and other unforeseen circumstances
  • Personal trekking gear for the trek.

Availability

This trip is a private guided one and can be arranged on your requested date. The group size for this trip is two persons to above.

We also have a group departure for this trip in October2025. Please find the departure dates and Manaslu Circuit trek cost for group joining trip as below;

Trip Dates Availability Price Book
25 Oct to 18 Nov, 2025 3 slots available US $2,640 Book

Useful Information

Here’s some useful information for trekking to Kanchenjunga Base Camp:

Best Time to Trek

  • Autumn (September to November): Clear skies, mild temperatures, and great visibility.
  • Spring (March to May): Ideal for wildflower blooms and stable weather, though it may be slightly warmer.

Difficulty Level

  • The Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is challenging, with steep ascents, high altitudes, and remote locations. It requires good physical fitness and stamina.

Altitude

  • Kanchenjunga South Base Camp: 4,600m (15,090ft)
  • Kanchenjunga North Base Camp: 5,140m (16,863ft)
  • The trek involves significant altitude gain, with a risk of altitude sickness. Proper acclimatization is essential.

Trail Highlights

  • Scenic Views: Spectacular views of Kanchenjunga, Jannu, Makalu, and other peaks.
  • Diverse Landscapes: From lush forests to alpine meadows, glaciers, and moraine fields.
  • Local Culture: The trek passes through Sherpa, Rai, and Limbu villages, providing a chance to explore local culture, monasteries, and unique architecture.
  • Wildlife: Spot wildlife such as blue sheep, yaks, and possibly snow leopards in the higher altitudes.

Accommodation

  • Tea houses are available along the trekking route, though they may be basic and limited in higher altitudes. Some camping may be required for certain stretches of the trek.

Food and Water

  • Basic vegetarian food options like dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), noodles, and potatoes are available in tea houses.
  • Carry a water purification system or iodine tablets as water sources along the trail may not always be safe.

Health and Safety

  • Acclimatization: Make sure to take rest days at key points (such as Ghunsa and Lhonak) to acclimatize to the altitude and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
  • First Aid Kit: Carry a comprehensive first aid kit, including medication for altitude sickness.
  • Local Medical Facilities: Basic medical facilities are available in towns like Ghunsa. For serious cases, evacuation is required.

Packing Essentials

  • Warm clothing: Layers, including thermal wear, jacket, gloves, hat, and sleeping bag for cold nights.
  • Trekking Boots: Sturdy, waterproof trekking boots with good ankle support.
  • Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection at higher altitudes.
  • Trekking Poles: Helpful for navigating the rocky, downhill sections and reducing strain on your knees.

Challenges

  • Remote Location: The trek takes you through isolated, rugged terrain, making rescue operations difficult in case of emergency.
  • Weather: The weather can change rapidly, so be prepared for rain, snow, or intense sunlight.

Guides and Porters

  • You must trek with a government-registered agency, as the Kanchenjunga trail requires a special permit, and a minimum of two foreign travelers must be in a group. Hiring a porter is recommended for safety and ease, especially in the more remote sections of the trek.

Local Customs

  • Be respectful of local traditions, especially in villages. Always ask before taking photos of people or religious sites.
  • Buddhist Monasteries: You’ll pass several monasteries—take time to visit them and show respect.

With its stunning views, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural experience, the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is a challenging yet rewarding adventure for those seeking a more remote and less-crowded alternative to other popular treks in Nepal. We at Himalayan Mentor operate this trek to ensure an unforgettable trekking adventure in Nepal.

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