| Duration: | 55 Day(s) - 54 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Expedition |
Kanchenjunga is situated at a height of 28,198 ft (8,586 m). It is the third-highest mountain in the world and the second-highest in Nepal. It was first climbed by a British team in 1956. Lying on the Nepal–Sikkim border, the lush and rich landscape of the Kanchenjunga area is an ideal environment for musk deer, blue sheep, and the infamous yeti. Few Westerners have travelled to this remote region. Kanchenjunga, at 8,586 m, consists of four summits.
The west summit, Yalung Kang, at 8,420 m, is sometimes classified as a separate 8,000 m peak. Expeditions in Nepal are very famous, and the Kanchanjunga expedition is particularly popular. The Kanchenjunga expedition is loved by adventurous climbers because of its toughness and technical challenges.
Trekking is equally famous among international trekkers. Since one must trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp for the expedition, even trekkers who arrive with no intention of climbing often feel tempted by the mountain’s unique structure.
We will fly from Kathmandu to Biratnagar and continue across the plains and mountains to the airfield at Taplejung. From here, we begin our trek, following a route along a ridge toward the Tamor River, where we will enjoy panoramic views of Mt. Makalu (8,463 m) and Chamlang (24,000 ft). As we continue through forests and rhododendron thickets, the Kanchenjunga range will soon appear.
Before approaching Kanchenjunga Himal itself, you will not be bored, as the views of Mt. Makalu—one of Nepal’s highest and most popular expedition peaks—are spectacular. Similarly, Chamlang Peak is another highlight during the trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp.
The trail continues through Limbu villages to the terraced mountainside village of Amjilessa and the legendary Sherpa village of Ghunsa (11,400 ft). We will visit the monastery there and soon have our first glimpse of a sea of unclimbed peaks, including Jannu (25,289 ft), known as the “Mystery Peak” or “Terror.” We will trek to the edge of the Kanchenjunga Glacier and, after crossing the lateral moraine, reach the junction of the Lhonak Glacier (15,680 ft) and the valley.
Crossing at this junction, we will arrive at our campsite in Lhonak. After a couple of days of rest and exploration at Lhonak—including a day trip to Pangpema (16,900 ft) for a view of the north face of Kanchenjunga—we will head south to the Yalung Glacier.
We will cross one of the two passes, Lapsang La (16,760 ft) or Margin La (15,300 ft), depending on safety, into the Simbua Khola Valley and camp at Ramche (14,000 ft). We will rest and explore the stunningly beautiful area of the Yalung Glacier and the southern face of Kanchenjunga before beginning our trek back.
TRIP FACTS:
Country: Nepal
Duration: 55 days
Area: Kanchenjunga Region
Activities: Expedition
Type: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Max Altitude: 8,586 m
Seasons: March, May–September, November
DETAILED ITINERARY:
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu International Airport (1350 m)
Arrival in Kathmandu, airport pickup, transfer to the hotel, and briefing.
Day 02: Full-Day Guided Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley
Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Durbar Square, and Swayambhunath Temple—all UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Day 03: Kathmandu – Collecting Expedition Documents
Briefing at the Ministry of Tourism; free time for shopping and gear preparation.
Day 04: Fly Kathmandu to Biratnagar, Drive to Basantpur (2200 m)
Beginning point of the Kanchenjunga Trek. Rest at Basantpur after the flight and drive.
Day 05: Basantpur to Gupha Pokhari (2930 m)
Views of Chamlang, Mera, Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and Kanchenjunga. About 6 hours of walking.
Day 06: Gupha Pokhari to Dovan (750 m)
Walk through rhododendron and chestnut forests, cultivated fields, and rivers.
Day 07: Dovan to Mitlung (800 m)
About 5 hours of walking along rivers and villages. Warm greetings from locals await.
Day 08: Mitlung to Chirwa (1200 m)
Pleasant trekking surrounded by nature and the warm hospitality of villagers.
Day 09: Chirwa to Sokathim (1640 m)
A 5-hour trek climbing from the Tamor Valley to the Ghunsa Valley.
Day 10: Sokathim to Amjilessa (2490 m)
A 5–6 hour walk, passing waterfalls and forests.
Day 11: Amjilessa to Kyapra (2680 m)
A gradual ascent helps with acclimatisation.
Day 12: Kyapra to Ghunsa (3330 m)
Trek through Tibetan-influenced villages and rhododendron forests.
Day 13: Ghunsa to Rambuk Kharka (3950 m)
Walk 6 hours along the Ghunsa Khola.
Day 14: Rambuk Kharka to Lhonak (4790 m)
Long 8-hour trek with incredible views of Jannu.
Day 15: Lhonak to Pangpema / Kanchenjunga Base Camp (5140 m)
A major milestone—4–5 hours of walking.
Day 16: Rest Day at Kanchenjunga Base Camp
Explore the area and enjoy sunrise over Kanchenjunga.
Day 17–42: Climbing Period on Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586 m)
Twenty-five days of climbing, acclimatising, and moving between camps under expert Sherpa supervision.
Day 43: Trek Back to Rambuk Kharka (3950 m)
Follow the same route back from Base Camp.
Day 44: Rambuk Kharka to Ghunsa
A challenging but rewarding route.
Day 45: Ghunsa to Naya Kharka
Porters split routes; trek through rhododendron forests.
Day 46: Naya Kharka to Lapsang La Phedi
A long and demanding day reaching Lapsang La (5110 m).
Day 47: Excursion to Yalung & Oktang – South Face Base Camp of Kanchenjunga
Day 48: Tseram (3870 m)
Descend after exploration.
Day 49: Tseram to Omji Khola Camp
Descend through valleys and learn about local culture.
Day 50: Omji Khola Camp to Phumphe
An 8-hour walk through forests and villages.
Day 51: Phumphe to Keswa (1960 m)
A scenic 5-hour trek.
Day 52: Keswa to Taplejung (2300 m)
Reach Taplejung bus station; option to continue by road or air.
Day 53: Bus to Biratnagar
Day 54: Fly Biratnagar to Kathmandu
Day 55: Final Departure
Thank you for joining us.
PRICE INCLUSIONS:
Accommodation:
• 4 nights hotel in Kathmandu
• 2 nights in Biratnagar
• 49 days camping/tea houses
Transportation:
• Airport pickup/drop
• Kathmandu Valley sightseeing tour
• Domestic flights Kathmandu–Biratnagar–Kathmandu
• Transport Basantapur–Biratnagar
• Transport Taplejung–Biratnagar
Trekking:
• All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner with tea/coffee)
• Accommodation in teahouses/camping
• Sleeping bag & camping equipment
• Down jackets
• Special trekking permits
• English-speaking guide
• Porter service
• Meals, accommodations, equipment, salary, and insurance for staff
Meals:
• 54 breakfasts, 54 lunches, 54 dinners
PRICE EXCLUSIONS:
• Bar bills (mineral water, soft drinks, beer, etc.)
• Personal clothing
• Personal expenses
• Emergency rescue fees
• Any unforeseen expenses
