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
10/10 experience
The whole experience was brilliant. Manaslu trek. From before the trip, the nepalsocialtreks team were contactable and clear in communication. The only area I would suggest for slight improvement is advice about buying hiking spikes as we weren't informed and our guide suggested we buy it whilst we were on the trek. Otherwise no issues. Now onto the the trek itself, it was brilliant. Amazing views and scenery. The organisation was brilliant from the guides and porters. Accomodation was good, nothing fancy of course but had the essentials. Food was delicious. Our guide urken was unbelievable. One of my friends became altitude sick and had to turn back. He organised everything with porter going with my friend and bus back to Kathmandu when they were able to reach a place with roads. He was efficient and acted quickly. Urken also was very attentive to our needs and always willing to help. A very kind man. The porters were amazing as well, I am shocked at their strength but they always had a smile on their face despite understandably being knackered. I would definitely recommend the trip.
Great experience on the Annapurna Circuit!
My partner and I did a private trek on the Annapurna Circuit and had an amazing time. A huge thanks to our guide Ashut and our porter Tirtha—they were a fantastic team and took excellent care of us. Everything was handled very professionally, and we felt like we were in great hands the whole way. Ashut shared so much knowledge about Nepal and the local culture. He also monitored our health closely, ensuring we were well-prepared to make it over the Thorung La Pass safely. The food and accommodations were lovely, and our guide always made sure we got the best rooms available in the teahouses. All transport was perfectly organized and smooth. It was a wonderful, exciting trip and we’d definitely recommend trekking with these guys! We will definitly be back!
Ghorepani Poonhill Trek 5 Days from Pokhara
The best blooming time of Rhododendron flower with perfect sunrise in poonhill
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 💜💜
