Trekking to Kanchenjunga Base Camp (India)

Trekking in Sikkim is a unique opportunity to experience the grandeur of Kanchenjunga, a peak rising to 8,586 metersand the third-highest mountain in the world. The trail to Kanchenjunga Base Camp offers an experience unlike other trekking routes, not only in India but also in Nepal. The Kanchenjunga massif spans the borders of three countries — Nepal, Tibet, and India, making this region especially significant for mountain enthusiasts.

Until 1849, before the discovery of Everest and K2, Kanchenjunga was considered the highest mountain on Earth. Today, trekking in the Indian Himalayas—particularly in the Sikkim region—attracts travelers with its unique natural beauty. After trekking routes were opened in 1988, the region gained popularity thanks to its hidden treasures: alpine lakes, mountain villages, and forests rich in diverse flora and fauna.

The route begins in the village of Yuksom and passes through Bakhim, Dzongri, Lakshmi Pokhari, Bikhbari, and the Rathong Glacier. Over 11 days of trekking in Sikkim, participants will enjoy breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga as well as other peaks such as Kokthang (6,148 m), Pandim (6,691 m), and many more.

High-altitude villages, snow-covered summits, misty forests of rhododendrons and magnolias, and dramatic landscapes make this trek in the Indian Himalayas truly unforgettable. Don’t miss the chance to embark on this exciting adventure! The trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp is perhaps the most vivid adventure in the heart of the Indian Himalayas.

Day 1. Arrival at Bagdogra Airport and transfer to Gangtok, the capital of the state of Sikkim. The city is located at an altitude of 1,650 m and is known for its authentic atmosphere created by secluded monasteries and scenic landscapes. At the airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel, where you can rest after the journey. In the evening, there will be time for a walk around the city and your first impressions of this new destination. Later, dinner awaits, where you will meet the other participants and the guide who will accompany you on this trip. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2. Rest day in Gangtok with sightseeing, including Tashi View Point, Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok, and the famous Enchey Monastery. After breakfast, visits to the Institute of Tibetology, the Institute of Handicrafts, Do-Drul Chorten Stupa, the ropeway, the flower show, and the world-famous Rumtek Monastery. Return to the hotel. Evening walk along the main street or shopping / leisure time. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3. Drive from Gangtok to Yuksom (1,780 m). In the evening, a walk to the Coronation Throne of Yuksom — a simple stone bench where three monks crowned the first King of Sikkim. Visit to the nearby Ani Gompa (a women’s Buddhist monastery). Overnight in a lodge.

Day 4. Trek from Yuksom to Sachen (2,450 m), taking about 6 hours. The trek begins with a gentle ascent until crossing Sachen and the third bridge. The trail passes through dense pine and oak forests. After crossing the Prek Chu River, a steep ascent at an angle of up to 70 degrees begins — the most challenging section of the entire trek. The duration of this stage depends on the participants’ fitness. Eventually, we reach Bakhim, which serves as a rest point on the first day. This camp has only one forest department hut located deep in the forest. Overnight in tents.

Day 5. Trek to Bakhim, with the trail passing through magnolias and rhododendrons; the journey takes about 7 hours. The ascent may feel particularly tiring. Tshoka is a small village at an altitude of 3,000 m, with around a dozen straw-roofed houses, mainly a Tibetan settlement. In clear weather, views open up to Pandim, Araulunchong, Lama-Lamini, and Pandim. Overnight in tents.

Day 6. Trek from Tshoka to Dzongri (4,020 m), continuing with a steep ascent that takes about 5 hours. The trail passes through dense rhododendron forests with more than 400 species of flowering plants. A place called Deorali Dara offers magnificent mountain views. We then reach Phethang, a cozy spot for rest and snacks. After Phethang, the ascent continues until reaching Dzongri, where vegetation becomes sparse, with only low shrubs and grasses. Overnight in a hut.

Day 7. Rest and acclimatization day in Dzongri. You can enjoy mountain views by hiking up to Dzongri Top. From here, panoramic views open up to Kabru (7,353 m), Rathong (6,678 m), Kanchenjunga (8,534 m), Kokthang (6,147 m), Pandim (6,691 m), and Narsing (5,825 m). To the west, the Singalila Range is visible, separating Sikkim from Nepal. Overnight in tents.

Day 8. Trek from Dzongri to Thansing (3,800 m), taking about 5–6 hours. We gradually ascend along an open slope to a low ridge visible from the camp at 4,115 m. Prayer chortens and flags create a stunning, photo-worthy landscape. Then follows a descent to the Prek Chu River (3,749 m) for lunch. After crossing the river, the ascent continues through pine forests until reaching the campsite on a meadow at the foot of the beautiful Pandim Peak. Overnight in tents.

Day 9. Short trek to Lamuney (4,298 m), taking about 3 hours, allowing time to rest before the big day ahead. The trail runs parallel to the Prek Chu River. Samiti, a sacred lake on the opposite side, shimmers emerald green, surrounded by prayer flags. Overnight in tents.

Day 10. Early start for the ascent to Goecha La Pass (4,984 m). The morning climb leads to the Zemathang Plateauunder the shadow of Pandim. The pass is decorated with colorful prayer flags, and the views of Kanchenjunga’s eastern face are truly impressive. Return to Kokchurang Camp. Overnight in tents.

Day 11. Trek from Kokchurang to Tshoka (3,800 m), taking about 7–8 hours. An alternative route avoids the long ascent back to the Dzongri Plateau but involves a lengthy descent through jungle terrain. Overnight in tents.

Day 12. Continued descent from Tshoka to Yuksom, taking about 5–6 hours. In the evening, enjoy a well-deserved rest and a leisurely hot dinner. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13. Morning 35-minute walk to Dubdi Monastery (built in 1700) and the Stone Throne of Tashi Namgyal. Then drive to Darjeeling (95 km, approx. 5 hours) — a charming town famous for its tea plantations and British heritage. Evening free time to explore local culture. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 14. Farewell to the team and transfer to Bagdogra Airport (90 km, approx. 3 hours). Departure home. Please plan flights after 2:00 PM.

• International flight
• Visa (issued on arrival at the airport, cost USD 50)
• Medical insurance and emergency evacuation
• Lunches and dinners during hotel stays
• Personal porter — USD 25 per day for up to 20 kg (usually shared between two participants); porter insurance included (yes, we insure all staff)
• Tips
• Single room accommodation
• Early check-in / late check-out at the hotel before or after the program (we always try to negotiate additional bonuses for our guests with our partners; often early check-in / late check-out is provided free of charge)
• Any deviations from the program
• Any expenses related to changes in the program
• Expenses due to unforeseen circumstances (cancellations, weather conditions, property damage, illness, etc.)