Kanchenjunga trekking is one of the most astonishing and finest trekking trails in Nepal and lies in the far east of Nepal bordering the Indian state of the Sikkim. Kanchenjunga is high altitude trek. Mount Kanchenjunga means ‘Five treasures of the great snow’ in the Tibetan Language. Mount Kanchenjunga is 2nd highest mountain in Nepal and 3rd highest mountain in the world. 28 days long trek takes us to the remote mountain regions of the Nepal.
Kanchenjunga is unspoiled and restricted trekking trails in eastern Nepal. One must follow the Nepal Government rule in order to trek in the Kanchenjunga region. There must be at least two trekkers and a local guide in order to trek in this region.
On the way to trek, we will pass through the Kanchenjunga Conservation area which is the protected area. You will notice that it's home to elusive snow leopards, the Himalayan black bear, and the Assamese macaque (a medium-sized, chiefly forest-dwelling Old World monkey which has a long face and cheek pouches for holding food), as well as an unforgettable landscape of towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and verdant forests of rhododendron and bamboo and also we can see birds like pheasant, dragon, snow leopard, black bear, red panda etc.
Also, you will notice the diverse population scattered throughout the mountains is made up of the warm-hearted Rai and Limbu people, with a culture that traces back to Tibetan origins and a unique belief system based on a combination of Buddhist, Hindu and animist principles.
The trek is marked by uneven trails, scattered settlements, and monsoon downpours. The trek travels the forested lowlands and hills to the mountains of the region.
Highlights of Kanchenjunga Trekking
- High passes and Yalung Glacier
- Traditional Sherpa villages with unique cultures
- Kanchenjunga Conservation Area which is a protected area
- Different Monasteries, chorten temples and prayers walls
- Rhododendrons, orchids, lilies, primula and other flowers
- Options to explore basecamp at Kanchenjunga
- Abundant wildlife species such as blue sheep, musk deer, snow leopard, and black bear
Best Time for Kanchenjunga Trekking
Spring (March, April, May) and autumn (September, October, November) seasons are the best time for Kanchenjunga Trekking because of the favorable weather and temperature in these seasons. So, you anyone can have a comfortable trekking.
Also, Trekking in Kanchenjunga can be done throughout the year, but in Monsoon, the frequent rainfall adds complexities in the trekking. And also in the winter you will face complexities due to extreme cold.
Difficulties during Kanchenjunga Trek
Trekking in the Kanchenjunga isn’t easy. Kanchenjunga trekking is a long duration trek. So, the trekkers feel exhausted in the middle of the trek. You need to be mentally prepared before going to trek In the Kanchenjunga.
There may be the possibility of landslides and avalanches in this region. Mainly, in the rainy and the winter seasons.
You need to get energy bars or chocolate during the trek because you might feel low. Some days, you need to walk 7 or 8 hours. So, you need to be mentally and physically fit. Make sure that you can walk 7 hours a day.
Day 01: Land in Kathmandu
Our representative will receive you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. You can take rest and roam around the Thamel area.
Day 02: Sightseeing around Kathmandu valley
We spend the day visiting different tourist’s site in Kathmandu. The guided tour will take you to the famous areas like Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swoyambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Day 03: Flight to Bhadrapur -Drive to Ilam
We take a morning flight (45 minutes long) to Bhadrapur and then drive to Ilam. Ilam is famous as Nepal’s largest tea plantation area. We stay overnight in Ilam.
Day 04: Drive to Taplejung (1,820m)
From Ilam, we drive 8 hours long to reach taplejung where we spend our second night.
Day 05: Trek to Sinuwa (980m)
From Taplejung, we trek along the green mid-hills of Nepal along rivers and steep ridges. We pass through traditional villages with mud houses, paddy fields, fruit trees, and terraced farms.
Day 06: Trek to Taplethok (1380m)
After we trek to sinuwa, the valley narrows and we pass through landslide boulders. Then we travel to Thiwakhola . After a few uneven trails, we reach the Chiruwa market. From there, we will again follow Tamur River to get to Taplethok.
Day 07: Trek to Sakathum (1575m)
On this day, We descend to SimbuaKhola after trek to taplethok. We reach to the GhunsaKhola Valley after crossing the river formed by the Yalung glacier. After another ridge, we reach GhunsaKhola Valley. We set up a camp after reaching a confluence of Tamur and Ghunsakhola
Day 08: Trek to Amjilosa (2310m)
Amjilosa is a Tibetian village. From Sakathum, we trek north-east along GhunsaKhola. We gain altitude as we move towards Kanchenjunga Base camp. The trek passes through exposed terrain with steep, uphill climb to Amjilosa.
Day 09: Trek to Gyable (2730m)
Gyable is one of the best place with gorgeous view of the surrounding. We will pass through rhododendron and bamboo forests. After a time, we will come across a big waterfall on the side of the river which points to our destination.
Day 10: Trek to Ghunsa (3595m)
The trek duration of ghusna is of 5 hours. We will reach the maximum altitude of 3595m. From Gyable we cross a river in order to reach a village of Ghunsa. Ghunsa is a large tibetian village with wooden houses, schools and hydropower plant as well.
Day 11: Trek to Khambachen(4050m)
Kambhachen is a small Tibetian accommodation with around small number of houses surrounded by mountains. The trek duration from Ghunsa to Khambachen is around 6 hours. We can see the enchanting view of Mt. Jannu and Jannu glacier as well.
Day 12: Trek to Lhonak (4780m)
Trek duration from Kambhachen to Lhonak is around 7 hours. Lhonak is a small settlement with few teahouses. Through Lhonak we can see the mesmorizing views of Mera peak, Wedge peak, Nepal peak. We will set a camp and stay in lhonak for that day.
Day 13: Trek to Kanchenjunga base camp (5140m) and back to Lhonak
After Lhonak we headed towards the KBC which is also called Pang Pema. We will visit a north base camp of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Believe me, hiking to the base camp is one of the best feeling. After visiting Kanchenjunga Base Camp we will back to Lhonak to stay there overnight.
Day 14: Trek to Ghunsa (3595m)
After lhonak, we degraded to the altitude of 3595m where ghunsa is located. And we spend our night there.
Day 15: Trek to Sele la Kharka (4290m)
After trek back to Ghunsa from Kanchenjunga base camp, we trek to sele la kharka diverting right hand side leaving trail to gyabla. To reach sele la kharka we pass through different trails of dense forest covered by rhododendron. If you are lucky then you can see snow leopard here. We stay at sele la kharka overnight.
Day 16: Trek to Sele la Pass – down to Tseram (3870m)
To reach to sele la pass, we passes through two pass named as Sele La Pass and Sinion La. The trek duration is around 8 hours and we stay overnight at Sele la Pass.
Day 17: Trek to Oktam base camp (4730m)
We will see astonishing views of Mt. Rothang and Kabru on the Nepal-Sikkim border. We will see Yalung glacier and the Oktang Base Camp. Enjoying the mesmerizing view of mountains we trek higher today. We will walk through ablation valleys. Oktang base camp is the south base camp. We can view impressive view of Khumbakarna Glacier and back to Ramche. And stays overnight here.
Day 18: Trek back to Tseram (3870m)
After visiting Oktam Base Camp we trek back to Tseram
Day 19: Trek to Lamtebhanjyang(3370m)
We descended to Simbuwakhola from Tseram. Again we can view mesmerizing beauty of Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. We pass through Toronton and then reach lamtebhanjyang. We stay overnight in Lamtebhanjyang. Lamtebhanjyang is dense forest of pine.
Day 20: Trek to Yamphudin (2080m)
From Lamtebhanjyang, we cross the Amjikhola and then degraded to Yamphudin where we stay overnight. To reach yamphudin we need to trek through the lanslides prone which is absolutely not easy for everyone.
Day 21: Trek to Phumphe (1780m)
We can see a lot of variant waterfalls throughout the trails. On this day we walk along the Kabelikhola. Finally, we reach phumpe we stay overnight here.
Day 22: Trek to Kunjari(1700m)
From Phumphe, we climb a ridge and then reach Phun village descended through the side vallyes. Then we reach ksewa which is the settlement of Gurung tribes. After ksewa we passes the ridge to reach Kunjari, a limbu village. We stay overnight here.
Day 23: Trek to Taplejung (1580m)
This is a last day of trekking, we go to the suketar of Taplejung this day. And we stay overnight here.
Day 24: Drive to Bhadrapur by bus
From Taplejung, we travel to Birtamod of Bhadrapur by bus which is a 8-9 hrs long journey. And we stay overnight here in Bhadrapur.
Day 25: Flight to Kathmandu from Bhadrapur
We can take an early morning flight to Kathmandu. We will land at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. You can get back to your hotel and can get rest. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 26: Departure for home.
We will drop you off at Tribhuvan International airport in a tourist bus or a private vehicle and see you off to your next destination.