Nepal

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Best Season: March - May & August - Mid-Dec

Max Altitude: 5143 m

Group Size: Min 2 Pax

Transport: 5143 m

Trip Grade

Difficulty

moderate

Duration:
22 Days

Trip Overview

The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is one of the main Himalayan paths that runs through Nepal's eastern region. In Nepali, the word "Kanchenjunga" means "clear sky." Kanchenjunga (8586m) is the world's third highest mountain and is also known as the "Five Treasures of the Great Snow," which include gold, silver, precious stones, grain and the Holy Scriptures. Kanchenjunga is a renowned mountain in Nepal's north-east region, bordering India's Sikkim. Kanchenjunga can be seen from India, Bhutan and Tibet because the peak is partially in Nepal and partly in India.

The trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp passes through the Arun Valley, which is regarded as one of Nepal's most attractive trekking areas. The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, which encompasses an area of 2035 square kilometers, is one of the trek's key highlights. The area is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, as well as species such as Himalayan black bears, musk deer, snow leopards, wild boar, red panda and other animals. From alpine grasslands to subtropical woods, low river valleys, glacial moraine, and rocky scree slopes, the route to basecamp presents a diverse landscape.

Trekkers can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of enormous mountain peaks such as Lhotse (8516m), Everest (8848m), Kanchenjunga (8586m), Makalu (8481m), and many others throughout the journey. The trip ascends through the gorgeous and cultivated foothills into the great mountain fortress of peaks such as Jannu, Kumbhakarna, Rathong, and, of course, Kanchenjunga, delivering some of the Himalaya's most awe-inspiring and majestic views on the way to South Base Camp (5143m). Until recently, the trek could only be completed by asserting considerable effort in transporting all of life's necessities, such as food and camping gear, but with the addition of tea houses along the journey in response to its increasing popularity, the supply chain of the journey has become significantly easier. 

The Kanchenjunga trip is for those seeking adventure, a desire to explore lesser-traveled trails, and the resolve and conditioning to face the demands of a physically demanding route through one of Nepal's most remote locations. The Kanchenjunga region is home to a mixed community of Sherpa, Rai, Limbu, and Gurung, providing trekkers with an opportunity to learn about their culture and way of life.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

A representative from Firante will greet you at the airport upon your arrival. He'll take you to the hotel, where you'll have plenty of time to relax once you've checked in. We'll meet you at the hotel in the evening to go over the details of the trip. Any concerns you may have about your trip will be addressed so that you are fully prepared for it.

Day 2: Flight from Kathmandu- Bhadrapur then drive to Taplejung (8-9 hours)

Bhadrapur is located in the Eastern Terai region of Nepal. The flight from Kathmandu takes around 45 minutes and provides views of the Himalayan region where the trek would take place. After landing at Bhadrapur, we will take a jeep and head towards Taplejung. It is the region's entryway and a bustling town, thanks to its significance in local trade and transportation.

Day 3: Trek from Taplejung – Chirawa (6-7 hours, 1270m)

Today's trek will take us through lush jungle and layered landscapes with distant views of the ever-present Himalayas. We will pass by the riverbank village of Siwan and the suspension bridge that connects us to Chirawa, our destination for the day.

Day 4: Trek from Chirawa – Lelep

Today, we will enter the conservation area that protects the Kanchenjunga region after checking our permits at the regional park office. We will then continue our trek through the gorgeous sub-tropical environment until we reach Lelep.

Day 5: Trek from Lelep – Amjilosa

We will cross the Ghunsa Khola on a magnificent suspension bridge to Jaubari, then across another bridge to the narrow trail climbing up the steeply sloped slopes to Amjilosa and its yak pasturelands. We will spend the night in Amjilosa.

Day 6: Trek from Amjilosa – Gyabala

Today, we'll go through a densely forested zone of dense rhododendron and venerable oak trees, past numerous waterfalls, and through dispersed villages nestled in a tranquil valley beneath the mountains. As we slowly make our approach towards Gyabala, there will be yaks grazing solemnly in verdant pastures, and sporadic indications of animals appear amid the trees or high on the slopes.

Day 7: Trek from Gyabala to Ghunsa

Today we will spend the morning by trekking gently towards Phole, a Tibetan village, and then ascending steadily to Ghunsa, a lovely town with a spectacular view of the surrounding area.

Day 8: Rest Day at Ghunsa

Today is a designated rest day to allow the body adjust to the high altitude, and Ghunsa is ideal for the location thanks to its gorgeous mountain surroundings and cultural attractions, such as the local gompa.

Day 9: Trek from Ghunsa – Khambachen

As we climb slowly to the upper glacial valleys on our route, emerald green forests give way to frost-browned vegetation of the Kanchenjunga region's alpine regions, with gigantic Jannu looming before us in all his splendor as we journey through the picturesque terrain towards Khambachen.

Day 10: Trek from Khambachen – Lhonak

We will trek today into the center of the towering Kanchenjunga massif, gradually ascending to the base of the mountain's formidable glacier and on past snow-fed waterfalls and sights of highland fauna such as blue sheep perched high on the hills towards Lhonak. We might even see the light footsteps of the region's most intriguing creature, the enigmatic snow leopard, if there's snow around and we're very lucky.

Day 11: Hike to Kanchenjunga Base Camp and back to Lhonak

Today we will climb the isolated and lofty outpost of Pangpema to reach Kanchenjunga Base Camp. The fluttering colors of the prayer flags eventually lead us to the spot at the summit's very edge, with spectacular views of the surrounding region's snow-capped peaks giving the cherry on top of the day's adventure. We will return to Lhonak after spending enough time at the base to savor the views and enjoy our accomplishment.

Day 12: Trek from Lhonak – Ghunsa

We will return to Ghunsa through the same path. We will gain a new and refreshing perspective on the region's stunning scenery.

Day 13: Trek from Ghunsa – Selele Base Camp

A steep trail will lead us through the woods to a trailhead with spectacular mountain views, including the mysterious Makalu, which sits alone on the horizon towards Selele Base Camp.

Day 14: Trek from Selele Base Camp – Cheram

Today's trek will take us on a hard roller coaster ride, passing via two passes, the first of which is Sinion La (4646m) and the second of which is Mirgin La. (4470m). e will climb through the region till the path gradually slopes down to our rest stop at Cheram. We can witness the views of Everest and Makalu before us.

Day 15: Trek from Cheram – Ramche

Today our route will extend out through the woods until we reach the Yarlung Glacier's moraine field, with Jannu, Kanchenjunga, and other nearby peaks towering high above us in the valley. We will spend our night at Ramche.

Day 16: Trek from Ramche – Tortong

Today, we will leave the alpine regions behind and descend into the lush surroundings of the lower foothills, with their dense rhododendron and pine woods. As we proceed down to Tortong, the rapid streams of the Simbuwa Khola will become our constant companion.

Day 17: Trek from Tortong – Yamphuding

Another day of trekking on an undulating trail, this time through tree-lined slopes and grassy fields clinging dangerously to life on steep inclines. We will return to the major road that runs across the region when we arrive in Yamphuding.

Day 18: Trek from Yamphuding – Khebang

After our thrill of the alpine heights, the lower ranges' terraced farms, calm communities, and vibrant colors make for a soothing trip as we slowly wind our way down to the end towards Khebang.

Day 19: Trek from Khebang - Hapu Khola

We will trek through Limbu towns and a steady patchwork of agriculture and meadows on our final day of trekking, with the smiling faces of the ever-curious people welcoming us as we pass by. Our arrival in Kamdine allows us to unwind and reflect on an incredible adventure across Nepal's most remote districts.

Day 20: Drive from Hapu Khola – Bhadrapur

We will make the difficult ride to the main road and then turn towards Bhadrapur after a hard day. We'll check into a local hotel in preparation for our early morning flight back to Kathmandu the next day.

Day 21: Flight from Bhadrapur – Kathmandu

If the weather permits, we will get the opportunity to see some of the Himalayan range's most spectacular peaks as we return to Kathmandu. You have the rest of the day to explore Kathmandu's lively streets and important landmarks. At night, we will host a farewell dinner program for the successful completion for the trek. 
 

Day 22: Departure

It's the final day of your Nepal journey! We'll make sure you arrive at Kathmandu International Airport well ahead of schedule for your return flight. At this time, we'll say our goodbyes and bid you farewell, leaving you with fond memories and lovely photographs to share with your loved ones.

Cost Includes

  • Pick-up and drop service by private car.
  • Twin sharing accommodation with breakfast in a star category hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Kathmandu-Taplejung-Kathmandu flight
  • Other ground transportation to and from trekking destination
  • Necessary documents and permits including Kanchenjunga Conservation fee, Kanchenjunga Special Permit and TIMS card
  • Experienced and English-speaking trekking guide, assistant guide and porters and the expenses for their food, accommodation, insurance, salary, equipment and so on.
  • All government and local taxes, official charges and VAT
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek(with tea and coffee)
  • Medical first aid kit
  • Sightseeing in Kathmandu (excluding entrance fees)
  • Transportation on private vehicle as agreed on the itinerary

Cost Excludes

  • Visa Fees and International airfare, excess baggage charge and airport tax
  • Travel insurance and medical evacuation
  • Extended stay in Kathmandu and Taplejung due to any reason other than programmed itinerary
  • Personal expenses such as phone calls, laundry, beverages, bottle or boiled water, hot shower, extra porters, personal equipments and clothing
  • Tips for guides and porters (expected and not mandatory)

Accommodation

 Firante Treks and Expedition Manages for best and comfortable accommodation and also provides you hygienic food. Standard (3 Star) are booked in the cities such as Kathmandu and Pokhara, whereas a tyical trek lodge will be booked on remote areas. 

Luxurious rooms from 5 Star hotels are also made avaiable on demand in the cities on additional cost but remote regionss dont have such facilities.

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