Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek - 16 Days
16 Days
5160 M
Fairly Challenging to Strenuous
Car, Jeep and Flight
Hotel and Resort
Tea House
Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m), is the third highest mountain in the world after Mount Everest and K2,It is situated in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area which was designated as a conservation area in March 1998 and covers an area of 2035 sq km in the Taplejung district, in the north eastern corner of Nepal.
The region comprises some of the most stunning scenery to be found anywhere in Nepal. It is also a global hotspot for plant biodiversity. 23 species of rhododendrons alone have been identified by botanists in the area. Its rich forests support more than 250 species of birds and endangered wildlife like the Snow Leopard and the Red Panda.
A trek to the base camps of Kanchanjunga is a remarkable and memorable journey with fantatic high mountain vistas. Translated into English Kanchenjunga means clear crystal. The trek centers around the Arun river, the culture of the local people living in this area is as diverse and colorful as the nature here. Sherpa and Gurung communities are predominant in the northern part of the region whilst Rai, Limbu, Magar, Tamang, Brahman and Chhetri dominate the south.
Extremely rich in natural beauty Kanchanjunga Conservation Area provides a habitat to numerous wild animals, birds and exotic plants orchids,rhododendrons lilies, primula are amongst the many species of flowers. The region also serves as a habitat to the elusive snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, musk deer and red panda,bird life includes Impheyan, pheasant, red-billed blue magpie, shy drongo.
The trek is fairly strenuous so you need to be fit but the rewards are well worth the effort. If you are looking for something out of the way and off the beaten trails which is rich in flora and fauna and some tremendous views this may well be the trek for you.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Day 1 Day After Arrival Flight From Kathmandu To Bhadrapur Drive To Birtamode. O/ N Hotel
Kathmandu to Bhadrapur is a 45 minute, afternoon flight with good views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Kanchenjunga. Bhadrapur to Birtamod is a 40 min drive in a private jeep. Overnight in Birtamod, then bus to Taplejung. Birtamod is tropical and, mostly hot.
Day 2: Day 2 Birtamode To Taplejung O/N At Tea House
Birtamod to Taplejung by local bus. The road is sealed and takes 8 to 10 hours. You pass through beautifully terraced fields and hills
Day 3: Day 3 Taplejung To Simbu. Walking Around 7 Hours. O/N At Tea House.
Taplejung to Simbu, 8 hrs. It’s a long first day on the start towards Kanchenjunga South. You walk through terraced fields and forest, passing local teashop and lodges.
Day 4: Day 4 Simbu To Khesewa, Walking 5 – 6 Hrs. O/N At Tea House
Simbu to Khesewa, 5 – 6 hrs. Nice views of the Himalayas where you are heading towards over the next few days. Similar to the previous day walk, terraced field, local shops and lodges.
Day 5: Day 5 Khesewa To Mamangkhe, Walking 5-6 Hrs. O/N At Tea House
Khesewa to Mamangkhe, 5-6 hrs. Mamangkhe is the heart of the Limbu cultural region. There is a museum and cultural center in Mamangkhe. Also the Rai and Kirat ethnics groups live in Mamangkhe. Some people just trek up to Mamangkhe, and then return. This trek is named the Limbu Cultural trail.
Day 6: Day 6 Mamangkhe To Yamphuding. O/N At Tea House
Mamangkhe to Yamphuding, Yamphuding the biggest village in south side of Kanchenjunga. We spend a rest day here.
Day 7: Day 7 Rest Day At Yamphuding
Well earned rest day in Yamphuding, which helps with acclimatizing. There are no higher side trips so just explore the village and get to know the locals.
Day 8: Day 8 Yamphuding To Tortong. O/N At Tea House
Yamphuding to Tortong (Torongding), is a long walk of 9 hrs. The trail is mostly up, and passes through yak pastures and dense forest in some parts.
Day 9: Day 9 Yamphuding To Cheram, 4 – 5 Hrs. O/N At Tea House
Yamphuding to Cheram, 4 – 5 hrs. A short day with nice views of a mix of forest and mountains.
Day 10: Day 10 Cheram To Ramche, 3 Hrs. O/N At Tea House
Cheram to Ramche, 3 hrs. Lunch in Ramche, then you can hike another 2 hrs toward the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. Overnight in Ramche, but accommodation is very basic.
Day 11: Day 11 Ramche To Torongding, 6 -7 Hrs. O/N At Tea House
Ramche to Torongding, 6 -7 hrs. This will be pretty easy walk, mostly descending where you may meet trekkers on their way up to Ramche. You then climb towards the pass at Cheram before Torongding.
Day 12: Day 12 Torongding To Yamphuding, 7 – 8 Hrs. O/N At Tea House
Torongding to Yamphuding, 7 – 8 hrs. A little tough with frequent accents and descents. Yamphuding is the biggest village on the south side of Kanchenjunga, and from here you have two choices. Either trek back to Taplejung via same trail which takes 3 days, or trek a more interesting route towards Kamdime, which takes 2 days. From Taplejung it is an 8 – 10 hrs drive back to Birtamod. From Kamdime it is a 13 to 15 hrs drive back to Birtamod.
Day 13: Day 13 Yamphuding To Khebang, 5 – 6 Hrs. O/N At Tea House
Yamphuding to Khebang, 5 – 6 hrs. A low hill trek, passing through unspoiled local villages and terrace fields. This is a rarely used trail and was first used by our guide Dawa. Locals do not have a lot of contact with trekkers and are very friendly and curious. Homestay is available in Khebang.
Day 14: Day 14 Khebang To Kamdime, 6 – 7 Hr O/N At Tea House
Khebang to Kamdime, 6 – 7 hr. There is a regional school in Kamdime, with a play ground. The local teahouse is next door.
Day 15: Day 15 Khambachen - Ghunsa - 3,595 M
Drive From Kamdime To Ilam. O/N At Tea House
Drive from Kamdime to Birtamod, approximate 14 hrs. The first 3-4 hrs is off road, then you will merge in the Taplejung to Birtamod Highway to Taplejung.
Day 16: Day 16 Drive From Ilam To Bhadrapur And Fly To Kathmandu.
Drive to Bhadrapur and fly to Kathmandu . The first 3-4 hrs is off road, then you will merge in the Taplejung to Birtamod Highway to Taplejung.
The Cost Include(s)
- Airport pick up and drop plus hotel accommodation in Kathmandu B/B.
- Full board meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) when trekking
- Tea and coffee during the trip.
- Accommodation in teahouse / lodges during trekking.
- Private transportation to and from the starting and ending points of the trek.
- All domestic flights and departure tax ias mentioned in the itinerary.
- Nepal Social Treks Gear – sleeping bag, duffel bag for the use during the trip if needed.
- Professional local guide with extensive experience trained in Wilderness First Aid and accredited by the Nepalese government.
- Comprehensive First Aid Kit
- Necessary Porters to carry all personal gear and group equipment.
- Adequate insurance for all staff including porters.
- Trekking map for each trekker.
- Trek permit and government tax.
The Cost Exclude(s)
- Meals other than breakfast or if mentioned in the itinerary when staying in hotels.
- Bottled drinks of any kind plus extra tea and coffee when trekking.
- Tips and gratuities for staff.
- Personal insurance which if trekking or climbing must include helicopter evacuation.
- Please Note: Visas can be obtained on your arrival at Kathmandu Airport.
Booking
Review
Island Peak expedition
Nepal Social Treks was the most professional company I have travelled with. The airport pickup was smooth, followed by a nice stay at their hotel in Kathmandu. A day trip around Kathmandu was planned and despite being cut short, it was a very enjoyable tour. Pasang Sherpa, the trekking guide for my trip was a highly experienced guide and mountaineer and gave me an authentic Nepalese experience as we walked through the Himalayas. When it came time to summit Island Peak, I had absolute confidence in his ability to keep me safe at all times, and he led the expedition at my pace. As an inexperienced climber, Pasang made sure I had all the required skills before going onto the mountain. The transition from trekking to life back in Kathmandu was easy, and Basu and the team from Nepal Social Treks made sure I had a comfortable and enjoyable few days prior to leaving Nepal. I would recommend anyone thinking of trekking or mountaineering in Nepal to book with Nepal Social Treks as they will tailor the trip to your needs and you will be treated incredibly well for the entire trip.
Perfect taste of Nepal
Did the Explore Nepal tour 11 days and was the only one on the tour. The tour was very well organized, hitting all the main attractions to give a good flavour of Nepal. Operator was very responsive to questions and requests. Accommodations were better than expected with excellent beds and breakfasts. Highly recommend.
Two First-Timers, One Incredible ABC Trek—Thanks to an Amazing Team!
If you’re scanning through endless trek companies in Nepal (like we did!), trust me—Nepal Social Treks and Expedition is the one you’ll end up loving. We literally made a massive Excel sheet comparing quotations from almost every company out there 😂… and guess who came out on top? These guys! From day one, Sushila was our guiding light. She answered every tiny question we threw at her—with so much patience and warmth. And then there’s Mr. Basu, the owner. I only spoke to him a couple of times (because the Gen-Z protest had us all restless), but the way he comforted us on the call… rare to see that kind of calm reassurance from someone at his level. Truly appreciated. Now comes the funniest part—this was actually our FIRST EVER TREK! People still look at us like we’re crazy when we say that, but honestly… why not? We’ve always been the type who happily walk into troubles since childhood 😄. And then came Suraj, our guide—calm, kind, and the perfect person to handle two excited first-timers like us. Honestly, I don’t think I can put into words how beautiful the entire trek felt. I’ve been travelling for 10+ years but Nepal… Nepal completely changed my relationship with the mountains. Never felt this kind of addiction before! If you’re planning a trek or trip in Nepal and want something that fits your budget without compromising comfort—this is your team. The hotels they arranged, the car, everything was so well taken care of. When you travel after a hectic work life, you want peace and a headache-free experience. You don’t want to lead or worry about small things. And that’s exactly what this amazing team provides. A huge thank you to Mr. Basu, Sushila, Suraj, and everyone at Nepal Social Trek for giving us a trip we’ll remember forever. ❤️ P.S. Already planning the Manaslu Circuit with them next! 🌄✨
I had an incredible experience doing the Manaslu Circuit trek!! As I was the only one who had booked, they paired me with another solo girl from a different company which worked super well. Our guide Nekhil was attentive, supportive and made us feel really safe. He was clearly a very experienced guide and gave us lots of tips to manage the altitude and trekking, plus having lots of fun together along the way! Our porter Chhiring was awesome too! Not only were the views incredible, it felt so nice to be ‘looked after’ and have everything taken care of so we could just enjoy ourselves. This included by the office in Kathmandu, who were so helpful and generous in giving me an extra day in a nearby hotel and lending me some gear. I couldn’t have been happier with the experience! I would definitely recommend :))
Hey, this was awesome! The Agency made all well, and especially, Ngima Sherpa is the best guide ever! He made my experience on everest view trek special and wonderful. His heartwarming, calm and respectful behaviour let me feel welcome and my needs during trek seen. He knows a lot of trekking and the insides there in the mountains, showed me all possible in that 7 days and has my full 5-star review. Always again!
Amazing experience! We had a very loving and caring guide Narayan. Also not possible without our porters 💜💜
