| Duration: | 26 Day(s) - 25 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Trekking |
The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area in the eastern Himalaya comprises some of the most stunning scenery in all of Nepal. Not only does this region host the third-highest peak in the world (Mt. Kanchenjunga), but it is also a global hotspot for plant biodiversity.
Botanists have identified twenty-three species of rhododendron growing in the area. In this eastern Himalayan setting, glacial streams cut through high ridges, creating remote and steep valleys where traditional farming practices are a way of life.
Tucked within these hidden valleys, one can encounter rich forests that support more than 250 species of birds and endangered wildlife. A few days of walking will lead you to high-elevation pastures where yaks graze languidly and colourful alpine flowers bloom.
This trek offers the cultural diversity of Rai, Limbu, Chhetri, and Brahmin villagers, with the higher regions inhabited by people of Tibeto-Mongoloid ancestry. This trek includes exploration of the extreme far eastern part of Nepal and should be undertaken by experienced trekkers who seek complete escape into the wildest, richest part of the Himalayas. It is also ideal for explorers with an interest in natural history, with ecological zones ranging from the subtropics to glacial wilderness. Expect close-up views of Kanchenjunga. The trek starts by heading towards the Tamur River past Ghunsa for the North Kanchenjunga Base Camp after flying into Taplejung on a chartered aircraft.
There will be optional mountaineering opportunities, making it the best option for hikers seeking an extended challenge. In this region—especially on the Sikkim side of Mt. Kanchenjunga—there is an annual festival of ritual and dance dedicated to the “Worship of the Snow Range of Khang-Chen-Dzong-Nga” during the early part of autumn. As in the classical days of the Greek Gods who danced atop Mount Olympus, Lamas dressed in impressive masks and brocades of the deity prance and whirl against the backdrop of the mountain itself.
We are proud to inform you that we operate festival trekking tours in this region in the autumn as well. The main peak of Kanchenjunga is the third-highest in the world (8,586 m). Several other peaks in the Kanchenjunga range exceed 8,000 m. It is located at Latitude 27°42'9" and Longitude 88°9'1".
TRIP FACTS:
Country: Nepal
Duration: 26 days
Area: Kanchenjunga Region
Activities: Trekking
Type: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Max. Altitude: 5,400 m
Best Seasons: March–May, September–November
DETAILED ITINERARY:
DAY 01: KATHMANDU FLY TO BIRATNAGAR & DRIVE TO BASANTAPUR
Depart from Kathmandu to Biratnagar in the morning, “11:00 AM” flight with Buddha Air. Tourist bus service is not operated in the area we are heading to, so this will be a different kind of experience.
DAY 02: ARRIVE AT BASANTAPUR – 2200 m
This is our trekking starting point for the Kanchenjunga Trek. The long bus journey may make you tired, so you can rest in Basantapur for the remainder of the time.
DAY 03: BASANTAPUR TO GUPHA POKHARI – 2930 m
From Basantapur to Gupha Pokhari (2930 m) with views of Chamlang, Mera, Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and Kanchenjunga. It’s approximately 6 hours of walking, depending on your pace. Overnight at Gupha Pokhari.
DAY 04: GUPHA POKHARI TO DOBAN – 750 m
Wake up, explore the surroundings, have breakfast, and begin the trek through rhododendron and chestnut forests, cultivated fields, and rivers.
DAY 05: DOBAN TO MITLUNG – 800 m
About 5 hours of walking along rivers and villages. Greet the villagers with a smile and say “Namaste” to receive their warm and innocent smiles.
DAY 06: MITLUNG TO CHIRWA – 1200 m
After breakfast, trek to Chirwa (1200 m), encountering natural beauty and the friendliness of local villagers.
DAY 07: CHIRWA TO SOKATHAM – 1640 m
Walk for about 5 hours, climbing from the Tamur Valley to the Ghunsa Valley, eventually reaching Sokatham (1640 m). Dinner and accommodation at Sokatham.
DAY 08: SOKATHAM TO AMJILESSA – 2490 m
Trek 5–6 hours following a beautiful waterfall at Ghaiya Bari. Arrive at Amjilessa (2490 m).
DAY 09: AMJILESSA TO KYAPRA – 2680 m
A relatively easy day with a gradual climb of 200–250 m to help with acclimatisation. Trek for about 5 hours to Kyapra (2680 m).
DAY 10: KYAPRA TO GHUNSA – 3330 m
Walk for about 5 hours through Tibetan-influenced villages and rhododendron forests.
DAY 11: GHUNSA TO RAMBUK KHARKA – 3950 m
Walk about 6 hours along the Ghunsa Khola, ascending to Rambuk Kharka.
DAY 12: RAMBUK KHARKA TO LHONAK – 4790 m
Walk about 8 hours, enjoying views of Jannu and arrive at Lhonak (4790 m). Return to Rambuk Kharka.
DAY 13: LHONAK TO KANCHENJUNGA BASE CAMP – 5140 m
A major highlight of the trek—walk 4–5 hours to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp.
DAY 14: REST DAY
Explore the Base Camp and enjoy sunrise views over Kanchenjunga.
DAY 15: BACK TO RAMBUK KHARKA – 3950 m
Return to Rambuk Kharka via the same route.
DAY 16: RAMBUK KHARKA TO GHUNSA
A challenging but rewarding day as we prepare for Lapang Pass.
DAY 17: GHUNSA TO NAYA KHARKA – 4080 m
Some porters trek to Tseram via 5 passes, while others head toward Lapsang through forests and glaciers. Arrive at Naya Kharka.
DAY 18: CLIMB TO LAPSANG LA PHEDI
Climb the rocky mountain to Lapsang La Phedi (5110 m). Camp at Lapsang (4300 m). A long and challenging day.
DAY 19: EXCURSION TO YALUNG & OKTANG SOUTH BASE CAMP
Explore the southern side of Kanchenjunga.
DAY 20: TSERAM – 3870 m
Descend to Tseram.
DAY 21: TSERAM TO OMJI KHOLA
Trek downhill through rural villages and forests.
DAY 22: OMJI KHOLA TO PHUMPHE
A long walking day (8 hours) through rhododendron forests and villages.
DAY 23: PHUMPHE TO KESWA – 1960 m
A 5-hour walking day through terraced fields, rivers, and forests.
DAY 24: KESWA TO TAPLEJUNG – 2300 m
Walk 4–5 hours and arrive at Taplejung.
DAY 25: DRIVE TO BIRATNAGAR
Bus journey back to Biratnagar.
DAY 26: FLY TO KATHMANDU
Fly to Kathmandu and transfer to your previous hotel.
PRICE INCLUSIONS:
ACCOMMODATION:
1 night in Basantapur
1 night in Biratnagar
23 days camping/teahouse
TRANSPORTATION:
Airport pickup and drop-off
Domestic flight: Kathmandu–Biratnagar–Kathmandu
Transport: Biratnagar to Basantapur
Transport: Taplejung to Biratnagar
TREKKING SERVICES:
All meals (breakfast/lunch/dinner with tea/coffee)
Teahouse/camping accommodation
Sleeping bag and camping equipment
Down jackets
Special trekking permits
English-speaking guide
Porters
All staff meals, accommodation, equipment, salary, and insurance
MEALS:
25 breakfasts, 25 lunches, 25 dinners
PRICE EXCLUSIONS:
Bar bills (mineral water, soft drinks, beer)
Personal clothing
Personal expenses
Emergency rescue charges
Any unforeseen expenses
