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Nepal Environmental Treks & ExpeditionRegd. No: 50058/064/065 Nepal Environmental
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Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek (28 days)

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Trip Code: NET-TR-KBC

  • Trip Type Lodge or Camping
  • Duration 28 days
  • Grade Strenuous
  • Max.Altitude 5280m.
  • Min. Group Size 2
  • Travel Mode Land
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Kanchenjunga base camp trek is a highly adventurous trek that takes you through some of the most rugged mountainous terrain on earth to the foot of Kanchenjunga (8586m), a huge massif situated in the far northeast corner of Nepal on the borders of Sikkim and Tibet. The trails take you across contrasting sceneries that vary from the subtropical lowlands to stunning glacial plateaus at real high altitudes that pour into pristine valleys and beautiful Rhododendron forests.

 
Kanchenjunga in Limbu language literally means “Five treasures of the Snow”. The tranquil villages on the borders of Sikkim and Tibet add other dimensions to this highly adventurous trek.
 
Your journey to Kanchenjunga base camp trek starts from the tropical lowlands which gives way to great rhododendron forests and lovely villages of east Nepal. It is one of the most remote and least visited areas. The trails climb from 1200 meters (4,000ft) to 5180 meters (17,094 ft) above sea level. This is a purely camping trek where one gets to see and interact with various cultures, societies and the nature of the place along which one treads.
 
Nowadays, the Kanchenjunga Trekking trail has many lodges and guest house facilities. Comfortably Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek can be done on both camping and lodge-based style.

overview

 Trip code: NET-TR-KBC
  Region Kanchenjunga Region Trekking
 Trip Rating
 Trip Duration 28 days
 Trip Type: Lodge or Camping
 Trip Grade: Strenuous
 Min. Group Size 2
 Max Altitude: 5280m.
 Trip Start: Kathmandu
 Trip Ends: Kathmandu
 Best Season: Autumn: SEP-OCT-NOV
Spring: MAR-APR-MAY
 Transportation: Land
 Meals: 3 Meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
 Accommodation: 2-3 Star Hotel Accomodation in Kathmandu.
Lodge or Camping Accomodation during Trek

itinerary

 Day 01-02: Drive from Kathmandu to Basantpur via Dharan(428m.), Dhankuta(1158m.)

Drive from Kathmandu to Basantpur via Dharan(428m.), Dhankuta(1158m.) and Hille(1822m.) by bus. Takes approximately 18 hours. 
Stay Overnight at camp or Lodge.

 Day 03: Trek from Basantpur to Chauki (2400m.)

Trek from Basantpur to Chauki (2400m.) takes about six hours. The trail follows an uneven path. And the path is covered by rhododendron forests. If the sky is clear, you can enjoy panoramic views of Mount Makalu and Kanchenjunga Himal. On the way you also see some small human settlements. You can also view villages at some distance from your hiking point. Chauki is a small village with a few lodges and Nepali tea shops.
Stay Overnight at camp or Lodge.

 Day 04: Trek from Chauki to Gupha Pokhari (2940m.) to Gurja Gaon(2145m.)

Trek from Chauki to Gupha Pokhari (2940m.) to Gurja Gaon(2145m.) takes about seven hours. While trekking along this way, you pass through rhododendron forests. At one point, you come across a pass situated at 3000 meters. There is a pond at the Gupha Pokhari where prayer flags and Buddhist mani walls can be seen. On the way from Gupha Pokhari to Gurja Gaon, you can see yaks and mountain sheep grazing in the jungle. You will also observe some villages at a far distance. Gurja Gaon is inhabited by Buddhist and Hindus. It is situated at a low elevation. 
Stay Overnight at camp or Lodge.

 Day 05: Trek from Gurja Goan to Dovan (730 m.)

Trek from Gurja Goan to Dovan (730 m.) takes approximately five and half hours. The trail descends to Dovan and while en route you pass through jungle and villages. You trek through terraces where crops such as wheat, maize, rice, millet and potatoes are grown. Dovan is a village situated at a low elevation between two streams. S
tay Overnight at camp or Lodge.

 Day 06: Trek from Dovan to Mitlung (921m.)

Trek from Dovan to Mitlung (921m.) takes approximately six hours. Crossing a suspension bridge over Tamur River you follow quite a flat route. Your hike continues along the bank of the Tamur Koshi through paddy fields. You frequently cross through small jungles of cardamom plants and other natural vegetation. You can see some small villages stretching at a far distance. The area is inhabited by the Brahmin, Chhetri and Limbu communities. 
Stay Overnight at camp or Lodge.

 Day 07: Trek from Mitlung to Chirwa (1171m.)

Trek from Mitlung to Chirwa (1171m.) takes about seven hours. The path to follow is quite narrow and passes through jungle mainly covered with cardamom plants and other vegetation. You can also see small gardens of oranges on your way. You cross through some small streams while trekking. Your trek leads through an undulating path. Chirwa is a small town where you find small lodges and a camping site with local shops. The local folks here are mainly engaged in agricultural activities. 
Stay Overnight at camp or Lodge.

 Day 08: Trek from Chirwa to Sekathum (1635m.)

Trek from Chirwa to Sekathum (1635m.) takes about six hours. Your trek passes through a small jungle along the bank of a river. You find the plants of cardamom and other different vegetation. You cross a small hanging bridge before you reach Sekhathum. 
Stay Overnight at camp or Lodge.

 Day 09: Trek from Sekathum to Amjilosa (2510m.)

Trek from Sekathum to Amjilosa (2510m.) takes about five hours. The first one and half-hours you trek along flat land. Your trail then becomes a steep ascent up to Amjilasa. Amjilassa is a small village with a few houses and yak herds and local shops where you can find minimal supplies.
Stay Overnight at camp or Lodge.

 Day 10: Trek from Amjilosa to Gyable

Trek from Amjilosa to Gyable takes about seven hours. The trail is quite flat in the beginning and then gently ascends to Gyable passing through the jungle. Human settlements are visible at Gyable. People living here follow the Buddhist culture.
Stay Overnight at camp or Lodge

 Day 11: Trek from Gyable to Ghunsa (3468m.)

Trek from Gyable to Ghunsa (3468m.) takes about six hours. Your trail passes through a dense green jungle. You can see Gunsa River down the trail. The trail passes through a few human settlements and it is clearly visible that their life styles and culture has been inherited from Tibet. You pass through terraced fields where potatoes, wheat, barley and buck wheat are grown. 
Stay Overnight at camp or Lodge.

 Day 12: Rest day at Ghunsa for acclimatization.

Rest day at Ghunsa for acclimatization. This is a day to rest and acclimatize and do some excursions in and around Ghunsa. Gunsa is rich with Tibetan and Buddhist culture and is a relatively larger town inhabited by Tibetan people. The women are mainly involved in the carpet weaving profession and almost all homes engage in carpet weaving. Trekkers come across a few check points at Ghunsa. There are also local shops where you can buy goods to take along with you to the higher altitudes. 
Stay Overnight at camp or Lodge.

 Day 13: Trek from Ghunsa to Kambachen (4124m.)

Trek from Ghunsa to Kambachen (4124m.) takes about seven hours. The trail makes a gradual ascent along the south bank of the Gunsa Khola, then crosses a boulder strewn flood plain before crossing back to Rambuk Kharka on the north side of the river. Once on the opposite side, the trail passes a waterfall then makes a short, steep ascent to a very unstable slope. The trail drops to the single locked hut at Lakep, and then traverses to Khambachen, a Tibetan settlement of about a dozen houses at 4040m. 
Stay Overnight at camp or Lodge.

 Day 14: Trek from Kambachen to Lhonak (4780m.)

Trek from Kambachen to Lhonak (4780m.) takes about seven hours. The trail climbs gradually through open rocky fields to Ramtang at 4240m, then across moraines north-west of the Kanchenjunga Glacier. Lhonak, at 4790m, is near a dry lake bed on an open, sandy plain; water is scarce here. There are no houses, but you can camp among the large boulders to get out of the wind. Terrific mountain views abound in all directions.
Stay Overnight at camp or Lodge.

 Day 15: Trek from Lhonak to pangpema (5152m.)

Trek from Lhonak to pangpema (5152m.) takes about four hours.From Lhonak, the trail ascends gradually across the plain, and then gets a bit steeper as it follows the moraine. You follow the bottom of the valley to avoid the steeper section. The views are dramatic, but you cannot see Kanchenjunga or Wedge Peak until you are near Peng Pema. The spectacular main peak of Kanchenjunga, and a panorama of other peaks that make up one of the largest mountain masses in the world, tower over the single roofless hut at Pang Pema. 
Stay Overnight at camp or Lodge.

 Day 16: Trek from Pangpema to Kanchanjunga (North) Base Camp (5280m.) to Lhonak

Trek from Pangpema to Kanchanjunga (North) Base Camp (5280m.) to Lhonak takes approximately six hours. Here you can enjoy the snowcapped mountains and the Kanchenjunga glacier. During the middle of the day, the falling avalanches totally captivate you. 
Stay Overnight at camp or Lodge.

 Day 17: Trek from Lhonak to Ghunsa

Trek from Lhonak to Ghunsa takes about seven hours. Now you trek along a descending path, crossing the jungle along the Kambachen River. In some places you can see mani walls and prayer flags hanging over the trees. Also at one point, you have to cross a wooden bridge. 
Stay Overnight at camp or Lodge.

 Day 18: Trek from Ghunsa to Mirgin La (4583m.)

Trek from Ghunsa to Mirgin La (4583m.) takes about seven hours.By ascending, you pass through a jungle. While trekking, you can also catch glimpses of the various mountains along with again enjoying the mani walls and prayer flags which are hanging over the trees. You can spot various animals like mountain goats and yaks grazing over the green hills. 
Stay Overnight at camp or Lodge.

 Day 19: Trek from Mirgin La to Tseram (3725m.)

Trek from Mirgin La to Tseram (3725m.) takes about seven hours.You trek through almost desert like areas and in some places you will cross a stony path. The path ascends from Mirgin La to Tseram. On the path, you can see Lapsang La glacier, Mirgin La glacier and snow-capped mountains. There are very few stone roof houses at Tseram and also some yak huts. 
Stay Overnight at camp or Lodge.

 Day 20: Trek from Tseram to Oktang (5225m.)

Trek from Tseram to Oktang (5225m.) takes about eight hours. Today you trek through moraines. On the trail, you can see the Yalung glacier and Lapsang glacier. You can also see mountain goats as you cross a desert like area. The view of snow-covered mountains and Kanchenjunga is absolutely magnificent. 
Stay Overnight at camp or Lodge.

 Day 21: Excursion to Kanchanjunga Base Camp (South)

Excursion to Kanchanjunga Base Camp (South) takes about six hours. Trekkers have to walk through moraines and a strenuous rocky path. Trekking this day is pretty adventurous as you have to walk along and cross the Oktang glacier. The panoramic views of Kanchenjunga and Mount Jannu will mesmerize you. Some parts of this area touch the neighboring India. 
Stay Overnight at camp or Lodge.

 Day 22: Trek from Oktang to Tseram (3725m.)

Trek from Oktang to Tseram (3725m.) This takes approximately seven hours. You trek following a stream alongside the moraines of Yalung Glacier. The path is quite loose and rocky. Mani walls and prayer flags will be seen hanging over the trees. Along the way, you will see the difficult route of Lapsang La pass at a distance. There are very few stone roof houses at Tseram and some yak huts.
Stay Overnight at camp or Lodge.

 Day 23: Trek from Tseram to Yamphudin (2090m.)

Trek from Tseram to Yamphudin (2090m.) takes about nine hours.The first part of the trail goes along the bank of the river Simbua Khola. You have to walk through a dense jungle. On the way, you can see the effects of a landslide in some places. The trail ascends to Lamite Bhanjyang and then descends to Yamphudin crossing a small river. Yamphudin is a mixed community of Sherpas, Limbus, Rais and Gurungs. Among the corn and rice fields of the village there is a school and some shops with minimal supplies.
Stay Overnight at camp or Lodge.

 Day 24: Trek from Yamphudin to Khebang (1740m.)

Trek from Yamphudin to Khebang (1740m.) takes about seven hours. In the beginning, you descend to cross the Omje Khola. Now you ascend through a jungle of cardamom and orchid plants. You pass a small village where you can find different human settlements, small thatched roof houses and local shops with minimal supplies. From here, the trail ascends up to Khebang Danda and then you descend to Khebang village. Khabang is a comparatively big village where the local people follow the Hindu and Buddhism faiths.
Stay Overnight at camp or Lodge.

 Day 25: Trek from Khebang to Thorpu (1500m.)

Trek from Khebang to Thorpu (1500m.) takes approximately nine hours. The trail starts descending to Jorepul and then begins to ascend. You also trek along the flat and low land crossing paddy fields and thatched roof houses. There are many villages on the way where you can buy things you may require from the shops in these villages. Thorpu is a town where transportation facilities are available.
Stay Overnight at camp or Lodge.
 

 Day 26: Trek from Thorpu to Gopetar (2250m.)

Trek from Thorpu to Gopetar (2250m.) takes about six hours. You start off ascending through small villages up to the last destination, Gopetar. It is a town with a few small restaurants, teashops and some local bars. From here, you get on your bus to reach Phidim and finally on to Ilam.
Stay Overnight at camp or Lodge.

 Day 27-28: Drive from Gopetar to Kathmandu via Phidim (1264m.) and Ilam (1229m.).

Drive from Gopetar to Kathmandu via Phidim (1264m.) and Ilam (1229m.).


SERVICE INCLUDES/EXCLUDES

The price includes the following services:
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off services
  • Trekking permits
  • Entry permit for National Park/Conservation
  • Trekkers' Information Management system (TIMS) card
  • Trekking Guides and Sherpas
  • Necessary porters (One porter carries 25 kilograms of luggage)
  • All meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) 
  • Camping or Lodge (Tea house) accomodation
  • Necessary camping equipment such as tents, mattresses, sleeping bags, down jackets, cooking utensils, etc. 
  • Cook and kitchen helpers 
  • Cooking fuel 
  • Camping charges
  • All land transportation wherever applicable
  • Insurance and equipments for all trekking staffs
  • First aid kit
  • Rescue assistance (In case of emergency, we will organize prompt and professional rescue services. To arrange timely evacuation/rescue by helicopter, you must be well insured from a reliable travel insurance company that covers both helicopter evacuation and medical treatment cost.)
  • One farewell dinner in Kathmandu with live cultural performance at authentic Nepali restaurant on last day 
  • Souvenir (t-shirt, mug, pen, bag, etc.) 

The price does not include:
  • Personal nature expenses
  • Drinks, beverages, hot shower, etc.
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips
  • Meals & hotel accommodation in Kathmandu

Note: There are different categories of Hotels in Kathmandu ranging from budget to 5 star hotels.We are happy to arrange your hotel accommodation in Kathmandu as per your interest and budget. Please inform us in advance about the type or category of hotel you would like to stay in.

 

reviews

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    Jamie Fox San Franscisco,
    USA

    Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

    Hello potential trekkers,

    The purpose of this note is to recommend (highly) the services of Nepal Environmental Trekking (P.) Ltd.

    My new wife and I went on an almost month-long trek to Kanchenjunga base camps November 2000. Our lead sirdar/sherpa was Ang Kaji Sherpa, and our head cook was Pradeep kumar Karki. It was fabulous….I have literally hundreds of pictures including wild blue mountain goats at Pang Pema, the incredibly old Gompa at Ghunsa, and numerous faces of Nepali villagers we met along the way.

    The food was tasty and healthy, we never got sick once along the way and were given plenty of water for drinking and washing. Despite a premature and unexpected snowstorm at Sele La Kaji Sherpa led us the way back down to Tseram. Everything was expertly provided for us. They are environmentally conscious. There are no hidden cost along the way (we could have gotten along fine without bringing any money if we did not really need those cokes or beers on the way back).

    I wish I knew what else to say to convince you. Kanchenjunga is a difficult camping trek and we encountered a number of trekkers along the way who had various problems with their staff or their food. Everybody on our staff (22 including temporary porters) was considerate and great and I'd like to think we've made a couple of real friends. Please feel free to e-mail me directly if you want to verify or further clarify recommendation.

    I can't say enough about these guys.

    Sincerely,

    Jamie Fox
    San Franscisco, USA

    Anders & Hannis,
    Sweden

    27 day trek, cut short by altitude sickness to 17 days, in Kanchenjunga.

    Been on a 27 day trek, cut short by altitude sickness to 17 days, in Kanchenjunga.

    Guide was experienced and knowledgeable but the porter never showed up. Learned that he was alcoholic (known by the company) and are disappointed that the company would assign porters who are known to be unreliable (he was on a drinking binge when he should have been working for us).

    Guide managed to find a local porter who was very good. Guide and company handled evacuation very well, but afterwards here have been some difficulties in communication. We were not allowed to keep our guide for the rest of the time we had paid for his services. They are also for unknown reasons reluctant to return a passport.

    The trek itself was very enjoyable but it turned out the itinerary had not been verified by the guide before Nava approved it and it had to be altered.

    In summary: Good guide and trek and evacuation but some administration surrounding the trip has been unsatisfactory.

     

    Anders & Hannis

    Sweden

    Robert – jan,
    Netherland

    This country has a special place in my heart.

    Thanks to all of the crew who helped us to fulfill our Kanchenjunga trek. I may return to Nepal, somehow this country has a special place in my heart: nature and helpful people but: the real vacation starts when you leave Kathmandu. 
     
    We have seen this city now enough times. 
     
    Take care. 
     
    Robert – jan 
    Netherland (NL) 
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