Trekking to Kanchenjunga Base Camp

The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek проходит through one of the most scenic regions of Nepal, around Kanchenjunga — a peak that ranks among the top five most dangerous mountains in the world. Located on the border between Nepal and India, Kanchenjunga is considered the highest peak of India and the second-highest mountain in Nepal. The mountain is famous not only for the stunning beauty of its five peaks, which locals call the “Five Treasures of the Great Snows,” but also for the many legends that surround it.

For example, many believe that this is one of the most likely places to encounter the Yeti (the Abominable Snowman), as a British expedition documented its footprints in the snow here in 1925. According to another legend, a female spirit lives within the mountain and is fiercely jealous of other women, killing female climbers who attempt to conquer the summit — earning Kanchenjunga the nickname “The Killer of Women.” Mystics and esoteric thinkers, in turn, believe that somewhere in this region at the foot of the mountain there is a portal to the world of immortality, which opens only to the chosen ones on certain days.

Although many of these stories may be nothing more than legends, they undeniably add mystery and magic to this magnificent mountain, making trekking around Kanchenjunga in Nepal an especially vivid and unforgettable experience.

Join our team on this fascinating journey, where you will walk along ancient trails, feel the magic of the Himalayan peaks, and immerse yourself in an atmosphere of adventure and discovery!

Day 1. Arrival in the capital of Nepal — Kathmandu. Even before landing, we recommend enjoying the mountain views from the airplane window, so choose a window seat! At the airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred comfortably to the hotel, where you can rest after the flight. In the evening, you will meet the rest of the team and receive a short briefing from our team leader. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2. Flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur on a domestic flight lasting about 45–50 minutes. At Bhadrapur airport, jeeps will meet us and take the team to the start of the trek in Sekathum, completing all formalities related to permit checks at the entrance to Kanchenjunga National Park along the way. During the drive, we will enjoy views of picturesque villages and famous Nepali tea plantations. The jeep journey takes approximately 11 hours. Overnight in a lodge.

Day 3. Today marks the first full trekking day to Amjilosa. We will walk about 9 km with a gentle elevation gain of around 200 meters. Overnight in a lodge.

Day 4. Today we trek to Gyabla. The trail passes through dense forest, where, if we are lucky, we may spot red pandas. This section of the Kanchenjunga Circuit is remarkable for the absence of settlements, allowing participants to enjoy absolute silence and tranquility. After a gentle ascent, we will be rewarded with beautiful landscapes and several waterfalls. Overnight in a lodge.

Day 5. Today offers another enjoyable trekking day under the shade of trees as we walk to the village of Ghunsa, which will take about 5 hours at a relaxed pace. Overnight in a lodge.

Day 6. This section of the route is slightly more challenging due to landslide-prone terrain, but the reward is a high chance of spotting a snow leopard, which inhabits Kanchenjunga National Park, as well as stunning views of Jannu Peak. Overnight in a lodge in Kambachen.

Day 7. Acclimatization day in Kambachen. With the overnight altitude already around 4,100 meters, the team will rest to allow the body to adapt to the thinner air. We will take a short hike to a glacier, the Jannu viewpoint, and Kirati settlements to enhance acclimatization. Overnight in a lodge.

Day 8. We continue along the trail across the Kanchenjunga Glacier, passing the Ramdang Monastery. The day ends in the settlement of Lhonak at an altitude of 4,800 meters. The trek takes about 6 hours at a steady pace. Overnight in a lodge.

Day 9. Today we hike to the North Base Camp of Kanchenjunga, also known as Pangpema. We will gradually ascend along moraines to reach Kanchenjunga Base Camp at an altitude of 5,388 meters. Prayer flags and the majestic sight of Kanchenjunga — the world’s third-highest mountain — are the reward after several days of trekking. Overnight in a basic shelter at base camp.

Day 10. Optional ascent of a nearby peak at approximately 5,900 meters, followed by descent back to Lhonak.

Day 11. Enjoying views of Himalayan peaks, we continue the trek back toward Ghunsa at an altitude of 3,600 meters, leaving Kanchenjunga Base Camp behind. This section feels easier due to good acclimatization and decreasing altitude. Overnight in a lodge.

Day 12. Today we trek to Sele La Base Camp at an altitude of 4,130 meters, with another chance to spot snow leopards in the forest. There are a few small settlements with teahouses, open only during the main trekking season. The route crosses Sele La Pass at 4,290 meters. Overnight in a lodge.

Day 13. Descent to the village of Cheram at 3,870 meters via Sinion La (4,440 m), Mirgin La (4,480 m), and Sinelapche Bhanjyang (4,646 m). Despite the number of passes, the route is relatively easy thanks to good acclimatization. The total distance is about 13 km, taking 4–5 hours at a relaxed pace.

Day 14. Today the group hikes to the Yalung Glacier via Oktang and Ramche, enjoying close-up views of three Kanchenjunga peaks. In the afternoon, we return to Ramche. The total distance is about 15 km and takes 6–7 hours. Overnight in a lodge.

Day 15. Today the team covers a relatively easy route to Tortong at an altitude of 2,995 meters, despite the seemingly long distance of 18 km. Part of the trail passes through rhododendron forests. Overnight in a lodge.

Day 16. Continued descent to Lelep at an altitude of 1,650 meters. The trek takes about 7–8 hours and covers approximately 15 km. Along the way, we pass a checkpoint to complete exit formalities, as today we leave Kanchenjunga National Park. Overnight in a lodge.

Day 17. Jeep transfer to Bhadrapur, taking about 11 hours. Overnight at a hotel.

Day 18. Morning flight to Kathmandu on a local airline. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 19. Departure home.

• International flights
• Domestic flights (approximately USD 140–150 one way; price depends on airline fares and exchange rates)
• Visa (issued on arrival at the airport, cost USD 50)
• Medical insurance and emergency evacuation
• Lunches and dinners during the stay in Kathmandu
• Meals on the trek (ordered individually from the menu)
• Personal porter — USD 25 per day for up to 20 kg (usually shared between two participants); porter insurance included (yes, we insure all staff)
• Porter transportation (scheduled bus tickets) — USD 40
• Tips
• Single room accommodation
• Early check-in / late check-out at the hotel before or after the program (we always try to arrange 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

Documents:

• Passport
• Flight tickets
• Medical insurance covering helicopter evacuation

Personal equipment:

• Backpack 30–50 liters
• Duffel bag for personal belongings (provided on site by our team)
• Sleeping bag, comfort temperature –5°C
• Trekking poles with baskets

Clothing and footwear:

• Trekking boots, thoroughly waterproofed in advance with a special treatment
• Sneakers (for city use)
• Waterproof membrane layer — jacket and pants
• Fleece set
• Thermal underwear (top and bottom)
• Down jacket with hood
• Thick gloves
• Thin gloves
• Bandana or buff (in addition to sun protection in the valley, it can be used to keep the neck or face warm in cold conditions)
• Hat
• Warm trekking socks

Miscellaneous:

• LED headlamp with at least 12 hours of battery life
• Power bank
• Sunglasses
• Rain poncho
• Rain cover for backpack
• Thermos or water bottle — 1 liter
• Gaiters
• Sunscreen SPF 50
• Lip balm SPF 10–15
• Personal first-aid kit
• Elastic bandage and/or support brace
• Toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, flip-flops
• Towel
• Toilet paper (available for purchase in lodges along the route)