Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
An expedition-level trek to the north and south base camps of the world's 3rd highest peak (8,586m) in remote far-eastern Nepal.
Taplejung · Koshi Province
Duration
18–24 days
Distance
290 km
Max elevation
5,143 m
Permit cost
$100
Overview
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is a remote, committing journey to the foot of the world's third-highest mountain (8,586m) in far-eastern Nepal, on the border with Sikkim. Through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area the trail climbs from subtropical river gorges and Limbu and Rai villages to high glacial basins at Pangpema (North Base Camp, 5,143m) and Oktang (South Base Camp). A restricted-area permit and registered guide with a minimum group size are required. Graded strenuous and long (18-24 days), it rewards self-sufficient trekkers with pristine wilderness, red panda habitat and views of Kanchenjunga, Jannu (Kumbhakarna) and Yalung Kang. Best in spring and autumn.
Highlights
- check_circleKanchenjunga North & South BC
- check_circleWilderness trails
- check_circleLimbu & Rai culture
- check_circleTseram glacial camps
- check_circleRemote far-eastern Nepal
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Fly Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, drive to Taplejung (1,820m)
Flight to the eastern Terai then a long mountain drive to Taplejung.
Stay: Teahouse, TaplejungMax alt: 1,820 mWalking: ~1 hMeals: BLD - 2
Taplejung to Chiruwa (1,270m)
Descend into the Tamur river gorge.
Stay: Teahouse, ChiruwaMax alt: 1,270 mWalking: ~6 hMeals: BLD - 3
Chiruwa to Sekathum (1,640m)
River trail to the Limbu village of Sekathum.
Stay: Teahouse, SekathumMax alt: 1,640 mWalking: ~6 hMeals: BLD - 4
Sekathum to Amjilosa (2,510m)
Steep climb above the Ghunsa Khola.
Stay: Teahouse, AmjilosaMax alt: 2,510 mWalking: ~6 hMeals: BLD - 5
Amjilosa to Gyabla (2,730m)
Forest trail with waterfalls.
Stay: Teahouse, GyablaMax alt: 2,730 mWalking: ~6 hMeals: BLD - 6
Gyabla to Ghunsa (3,420m)
Reach the main Tibetan-influenced village of Ghunsa.
Stay: Teahouse, GhunsaMax alt: 3,420 mWalking: ~5 hMeals: BLD - 7
Ghunsa acclimatisation day
Acclimatise with a local viewpoint hike.
Stay: Teahouse, GhunsaMax alt: 3,800 mWalking: ~4 hMeals: BLD - 8
Ghunsa to Kambachen (4,050m)
Cross landslide terrain with Jannu views.
Stay: Teahouse, KambachenMax alt: 4,050 mWalking: ~6 hMeals: BLD - 9
Kambachen to Lhonak (4,790m)
High glacial valley walk.
Stay: Teahouse, LhonakMax alt: 4,790 mWalking: ~6 hMeals: BLD - 10
Lhonak to Pangpema (5,143m) and back
Climb to the North Base Camp viewpoint beneath Kanchenjunga, return to Lhonak.
Stay: Teahouse, LhonakMax alt: 5,143 mWalking: ~7 hMeals: BLD - 11
Lhonak to Ghunsa
Long descent back to Ghunsa.
Stay: Teahouse, GhunsaMax alt: 3,420 mWalking: ~7 hMeals: BLD - 12
Ghunsa to Amjilosa
Continue descending through forest.
Stay: Teahouse, AmjilosaMax alt: 2,510 mWalking: ~7 hMeals: BLD
Teahouses & homestays
Lodging and food along the route. Book ahead in peak season; availability and prices vary.
Ghunsa
3,420 mFood: Dal bhat, Tibetan dishes, limited bakery; main resupply village.
Lodging: Basic lodges and homestays; community-run options.
Kambachen
4,050 mFood: Simple menu; carbohydrate meals advised.
Lodging: Very basic stone lodges; cold nights.
Lhonak
4,790 mFood: Minimal high-altitude menu; soups and dal bhat.
Lodging: Spartan shelters; the last lodges before Pangpema.