Trip Duration
29 Days
Trip Difficulty
Challenging
Group Size
1-16
Max. Altitude
4,440m. /14,567 ft.
Accommodation
Hotel/ Lodge /Tea House
Best Seasons
Mar-May/Sept-Nov
Activity per day
Trekking
Start/End
KathmanduTrip Overview
The classic Kanchenjunga Trek takes you to the eastern region of Nepal, where you do not often see visitors or trekkers. This Kanchenjunga Trek package incorporates both the Southern Kanchenjunga Base Camp and the Northern Kanchenjunga Base Camp, with amazing views of the Kanchenjunga peak all the way through.
The third-highest peak of the world, Kanchenjunga, reaches a total height of 8586 meters above sea level, while this trek takes you to a maximum altitude of 5143 meters. We will reach this altitude at the Northern Kanchenjunga Base Camp, also known as Pang Pema. In general, this trek takes about 18 to 30 days to complete, but 18 days is just too short a time to fully explore the villages and attractions of the Kanchenjunga region.
Our Kanchenjunga Trek package is a 220 km long journey that offers you many scenic treats, many moments so cultural learning, and most importantly, a great experience in the remote highlands. At Adventure Tansen, our guides are well-trained to cater to the different individual capabilities and preferences. For example, not everyone has the same trekking pace, so our trek will make sure to find the sweet spot.
In addition to that, our porters will take on your heavy luggage from the beginning of the Kanchenjunga Trek till the end of the trek. You do not have to worry about carrying them even for a moment during your trekking days. But make sure that you do not cross the 13 kg per person luggage weight limit. You will be charged with extra weight fee if you fail to stay under the limit.
In addition to the amazing nature, you will also greatly enjoy the culture and tradition of the remote highland village of the Kanchenjunga region. There are many ethnic groups living together, including Limbu, Sherpa, Rai, Tamang, and more. These are the native people of the Himalayas, and you will have plenty of chances to taste their local dishes.
Likewise, let us learn more about this beautiful Kanchenjunga Trek. This detailed breakdown of the Kanchenjunga Trek package should be enough to help you understand what to expect during the trek.
Highlights of Kanchenjunga Trek
- Reach the 5143-meter-high Pang Pema, also known as, North Base Camp of Kanchenjunga.
- Reach the stunning Oktang viewpoint for a beautiful view of the Kanchenjunga peaks, including Kanchenjunga Main, Kanchenjunga South, Kambachen, Yalung Kang, and more.
- Cross a bunch of high mountain passes, including the Sela La Pass (4290 m), Sinion La (4440 m), and Sinelapche La Pass (4830 m).
- Explore the amazing Sherpa village of Ghunsa and visit the ancient Ghunsa monastery.
- Experience the authentic Rai, Limbu, and Sherpa culture that has been passed down through generations, without being influenced by modern culture.
Itinerary of Kanchenjunga Trek
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
It might be a long flight to Kathmandu, so we will not take up much of your time and will let you rest at your accommodation for the night. But before you leave the airport, you are expected to have your tourist visa approved. In order to make it happen, you will have to provide the immigration officer with your visa application, bank receipt for the visa fee payment, passport, two passport-sized photos, proof of stay, and proof of return tickets.
Once everything is in order, your visa will be stamped on your passport. The entire process takes about one hour to complete.
Max. Altitude: 1350m./4,429ft. (Kathmandu )
Meal: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 02: Explore day in Kathmandu
Before going on the trek, we will take a look around the amazing historic valley of Kathmandu. There are a lot of interesting and historic sites to explore. This is a great way to learn a little about the history of Nepal and the royalties that ruled the country. In addition to that, the architectural style and the intricate woodworking on buildings such as the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, Kumari Ghar, Patan Durbar Square, and others are worth a visit. We are sure you will take a lot of pictures of these interesting-looking buildings.
Max. Altitude: 1350m./4,429ft. (Kathmandu )
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 03: Fly to Bhadrapur and drive to Taplejung
Day 3 of the Kanchenjunga Trek flies us out to Bhadrapur via a 45-minute flight from Kathmandu. You will be able to see some peaks in the north as we fly over the hills. After we reach Bhadrapur, we will grab our bags and get on a ride to Taplejung. This drive is about 240 km long, which takes around 9 to 10 hours to complete. We will drive along the Mechi highway for the most part, which is not in the best condition. There are many potholes and a few completely unpaved sections along the route.
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 04: Trek from Taplejung to Mitlung
The first day of trekking on the Kanchenjunga Trek itinerary starts at 1820 meters in Taplejung and ends at 921 meters above sea level in Mitlung. This trek loses us almost 900 meters of elevation while stretching out over 10 km. As you might have guessed, we will be descending for the majority of today’s route, going through lush forests and traditional villages. We will be walking alongside the Tamor River till we reach our destination of the day.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 921m./3,022ft. (Mitlung )
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 05: Trek from Mitlung to Chiruwa
The 5th day of the Adventure Tansen’s Kanchenjunga Trek is a bit harder than the previous day, since we will be ascending for the most part. The day starts at 921 meters and takes us to 1270 meters by the end of the day. We will gain about 350 meters of altitude, covering over 12 km of distance, which requires about 5 to 6 hours of trekking. The trail follows the Tamro River upstream yet again, passing by villages like Sinwa, Tawa and Porke, Thiwa Khola, and more to get us to Chiruwa.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 1270m./4,167ft. ( Chiruwa )
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 06: Trek from Chiruwa to Sekathum
Today’s Kanchenjunga Trek gains us almost 400 meters of elevation as we trek to Sekathum village, situated at 1660 meters above sea level. This village is 12 km away from Chiruwa and requires about 5 to 6 hours of trekking, including the occasional breaks we take in between. First, we will make our way to Taplethok via a mix of ups and downs, then the trail takes us to Tamewa village. Following that, we will arrive at Lelep, the last village before we get to Sekathum.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 1660m./5,446ft. (Sekathum )
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 07: Trek from Sekathum to Amjilossa
The 7th day of the Kanchenjunga Trek is a challenging trekking day because of the steep ascents. The trek starts at 1660 meters above sea level in Sekathum, and by the end of the day, we will be staying at 2498 meters in Amjilosa. The elevation gain of the day is about 840 meters with a total distance of 9 km, requiring 5 to 6 hours of trekking. We will first cross a suspension bridge to Ghaiyabari and ascend a steep trail to Solima. The steepness continues all the way to Amjilosa.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 2498m./8,196ft. ( Amjilossa )
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 08: Trek from Amjilossa to Gyabla
The 2498-meter-high village of Amjilosa will be the starting point of the 8th day of the Kanchenjunga Trek. This day ends at 2730 meters above sea level, taking us 232 meters higher, and covering over 7 km of distance within 4 to 5 hours of trekking. Leaving Amjilosa, we will trek alongside the Ghunsa River, gently ascending all the way through until we reach the final push to Gyabla. This is a steep section that takes about 30 minutes to complete.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 2730m./8,957ft. (Gyabla)
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 09: Trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa
Day 9 of the Kanchenjunga Trek itinerary is yet another difficult trekking day as we will gain over 680 meters of elevation following a 5 to 6-hour trek. We will be covering over 10 km of distance and ending the day at 3415 meters in Ghunsa village. Leaving Gyabla, we will follow the Ghunsa River upstream, cross a couple of suspension bridges, and reach Phole village. From there, we will gradually ascend all the way to Ghunsa village.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 3415m./11,204ft. (Ghunsa)
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 10: Acclimatization day in Ghunsa
The 10th day of this trek is our very first acclimatization day of the Kanchenjunga Trek. Our acclimatization hike option for the day is a short side trek to Lapsang La’s base. Climbing this 5160-meter-high pass would be a very challenging task, unless you are a hundred percent sure, we will avoid hiking all the way to the top. After returning to Ghunsa, you will have plenty of time to explore the village, look around for interesting activities of the locals, and make sure that your time there is anything but bland.
Activity: Rest
Max. Altitude: 3415m./11,204ft. (Ghunsa)
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 11: Trek from Ghunsa to Khambachen
Starting the day at 3415 meters of elevation, we will end the day at 4050 meters above sea level at Khambachen. This will gain us over 600 meters of elevation, requiring trekking a total distance of over 10 km, which takes 5 to 6 hours to complete. The day starts with a suspension bridge crossing over the Ghunsa River. Then, we will continue the trek to Rampuk Kharka, trekking alongside the river all the way. “Kharka” translates to meadows or pasture lands; it’s a great place to rest. We will shortly reach Khambachen from Rampuk via an ascending trail.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 4050m./13,287ft. (Khambachen)
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 12: Acclimatization day in Khambachen
This is the second acclimatization day of the Kanchenjunga Trek itinerary. This time, our acclimatization hike option is a side trek to Ramtang. It is the popular option in the region and takes us to 4700 meters of elevation. It should take us about 3 to 4 hours to complete this side trek. After that, you are free to explore the Khambachen village, have a little chat with the locals, observe their daily tasks, and witness their practices and culture. The goal of this day is to rest well and avoid altitude sickness by climbing continuously to a higher elevation.
Activity: Rest
Max. Altitude: 4050m./13,287ft. (Khambachen)
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 13: Trek from Khambachen to Lhonak
Today’s trek is only 8 km long, takes about 4 to 5 hours to complete, and has an elevation gain of over 700 meters. At the end of the day, we will reach 4780 meters of elevation, spending the night in Lhonak. Leaving Khambachen, we will trek along the Ghunsa River and cross a couple of tiny streams. As we move forward, the path gets rockier and alpine vegetation starts to take shape. Ascending gently, we will make it to Lhonak with a few more crossings over small streams.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 4780m./15,682ft. ( Lhonak)
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 14: Trek from Lhonak to Pang Pema (Kanchenjunga North Base Camp)
Day 14 of the Adventure Tansen’s Kanchenjunga Trek itinerary is the ultimate day, the climax of the entire journey. We will start the day at 4780 meters and reach 5143 meters at the base camp. This is a short 6 km trek that takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete. It is a short trek, but it is not that easy to complete. We will be ascending for the most part, trekking over rocky trails with icy patches scattered all over, and climbing switchbacks to get to the Kanchenjunga base camp.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 5143m./16,873ft. ( Pang Pema)
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 15: Rest day with a hike to Pang Pema
Today is the third and final acclimatization/rest day of the Kanchenjunga Trek itinerary. The main goal of the day is to give your body enough time to adapt well to the change in environment. So, we will go on a short acclimatization hike to Pang Pema, only a kilometer away from the base camp. It is an easy side trip with great views of the Kanchenjunga and other peaks in the region.
Activity: Rest
Max. Altitude: 5143m./16,873ft. ( Pang Pema)
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 16: Trek from Pang Pema to Khambachen
For the first time in weeks, we will be descending instead of climbing up further into the valley. Our destination of the day is the 4050-meter-high Khambachen village, which takes about 6 to 7 hours to reach. We will lose about 1080 meters of elevation over a distance of over 14 km. Leaving the base camp, we will descend rocky trails and barren lands with stunning open scenes of the valley. As we get closer to Khambachen, we will start to see more greenery surrounding us.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 4050m./13,287ft. (Khambachen)
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 17: Trek from Khambachen to Ghunsa
On the 17th day of the Kanchenjunga Trek itinerary, we will lose yet more elevation by getting down to 3415 meters to Ghunsa village. We will lose over 600 meters of elevation, cover 9.2 km of distance, and be on the trail for about 5 to 6 hours. We will begin the descent following the Ghunsa River downstream, going through lush forested trails as we make our way to Henshing Fakku. We will cross a couple of suspension bridges and enjoy some great scenes along the way to finally arrive at Ghunsa.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 3415m./11,204ft. (Ghunsa)
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 18: Trek from Ghunsa to Sele La camp
The descending stops today, we will now climb up to the 4290-meter-high camp of Sele La. This climb will gain us over 750 meters of elevation, cover about 10 km of distance, and require a maximum of 5 hours of trekking. We start the trek with a gentle ascent through a lush forest dominated by pine, birch, and rhododendron trees. We will also cross a couple of small wooden bridges to transition to a rocky path. The trail now gets steeper with lush vegetation slowly hiding as we gain altitude. The final leg to Sele La camp is a major transition in vegetation and overall environment.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 4290m./14,075ft. (Sele La camp)
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 19: Trek from Sele La camp to Tseram
Today is yet another day of elevation loss as we go down to 3870 meters of altitude from 4290 meters. This trek takes about 4 to 5 hours to complete, spans over 10 km, and loses us over 400 meters of elevation. The descent begins with a trek along a ridgeline and soon takes us to the base of Sinion La Pass (4440 m). Crossing this mountain pass takes us to Sinelapche La Pass (4830 m). It is probably the most exhausting day of the Kanchenjunga Trek itinerary. We will then descend to Tseram, passing by pasture lands and lush forests.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 3870m./12,697ft. (Tseram)
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 20: Trek from Tseram to Ramche
Today, we will gain elevation once again and get to Ramche village, sitting at 4610 metres above sea level, from 3870 metres. We will cover just about 4 km of distance, which should take us 3.5 hours, losing over 700 meters of elevation. This is the shortest trekking day of the Kanchenjunga Trek itinerary. We will start the day with a gradual ascent, passing by meadows and patches of grassland. As we get closer to Ramche, the trail steepens as we make our way through a forest of pine and rhododendron.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 4610m./15,125ft. (Ramche )
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 21: Day hike to Oktang (south base camp)
Today is yet another ultimate day of the Kanchenjunga Trek as we climb up to the Oktang Viewpoint (Southern base camp of Kanchenjunga). It is a 4 km round-trip distance and takes about an hour to reach. We will spend some time at the 4730-meter-high viewpoint, take many memorable pictures, and rest a little before heading back to Ramche village to end the day. You can also explore the village and roam around the vicinity to make the most of your time there.
Same Day Trek from Tseram to Tortung
We will be losing considerable elevation today as we make our way down to Tortung, located at 2980 meters above sea level. This trek stretches over 13 km and takes about 4 to 6 hours to complete, losing almost 900 meters of elevation. Leaving Tseram, we will follow the Simbuwa River downstream and pass by a rhododendron forest to get to Tortung village.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 4730m./15,518ft. (Oktang)
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 22: Trek from Tortung to Yamphuding
Day 22 of the Kanchenjunga Trek package loses even more elevation compared to the previous day. We will be going all the way down to 1692 meters at Yamphuding from 2980 meters, losing over 1280 meters of altitude. This trek takes about 8 hours to complete, making it the longest trekking day of the Kanchenjunga Trek, and spans over 10 km. The day starts with a descent to the Tamor River. We will soon pass Sekathum village and Chhetri village to get to Yamphuding.
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 23: Trek from Yamphuding to Mamankhe
Today, we will trek over 13 km to get to Mamankhe village. This trek takes about 4 to 5 hours to complete and has trivial elevation gain, just over a hundred meters. Leaving Yamphuding, we will descend farmlands and tiny villages along the Kabeli Khola River. This part of the trek is full of lush forests. Enjoying the scenes of nature along with the distant peaks up north, we will ultimately get to Mamankhe village.
Activity: Trek
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 24: Trek from Mamankhe to Keswa
By the end of the 24th day of the Kanchenjunga Trek package, we will gain over 300 meters of elevation after about 5 hours of trekking to get to Keswa village. This village lies at 2120 meters above sea level. We will start the day with a gradual ascent alongside farmlands to get to Marmilng village. Keeping up the pace, we will soon reach Lumba Sumba village; from there, the trail transitions to a ridgeline. Following the ridge, we will pass a couple of forests to get to Keswa village.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 2120m./6,955ft. (Keswa)
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 25: Trek from Keswa to Lalikharka
On this day of the Kanchenjunga Trek, we will travel over 10 km, taking over 3 hours, to arrive at Lalikharka village. The elevation gain of the day is just a hundred meters, taking us to 2220 meters. Leaving the Sherpa village of Keswa, we will trek alongside farmlands full of barley and millet plants. Continuing the trek takes us to a lush forest, the canopy of trees provides us with shade from the sun, even though it’s just momentary. It is a plain trail all the way from Keswa to Lalikharka with some ups and downs along the way.
Activity: tek
Max. Altitude: 2220m./7,283ft. (Lalikharka)
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 26: Trek from Lalikharka to Taplejung
Today’s Kanchenjunga Trek loses us 400 meters of elevation as we make our way to Taplejung (1820 m) from Lalikharka (2220 m). This trek is approximately 7 km long, and the total trekking time is just 4 hours. The trek begins with a descent from the village; this descent takes us into a thick forest with many small mammals and birds. It is a peaceful and easy trekking experience, perhaps the easiest trekking day of the entire Kanchenjunga Trek package.
Activity: trek
Max. Altitude: 1820m./5,971ft. (Taplejung )
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 27: Drive to Bhadrapur and flight to Kathmandu
Day 27 of the Kanchenjunga Trek package marks the end of trekking days. Today, we will drive for over 8 hours to get to Bhadrapur, a city 200 km south of Taplejung. We will get on a comfortable bus for this trip, as it is a very long road ride. We will have our breakfast at Taplejung, while our lunch will be at one of the eateries we stop at on the way. This meal will not be a part of the Kanchenjunga Trek package. We will also stop frequently for refreshments.
After we make it to Bhadrapur, we will get on our flight back to Kathmandu. This 45-minute flight is the last piece of travel that the Kanchenjunga Trek requires. After arriving at Kathmandu, we will drop you off at your accommodation for the night.
Max. Altitude: 1350m./4,429ft. ( Kathmandu)
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 28: Leisure day in Kathmandu
After such a lengthy trip to the hills and the Himalayas, we expect you to rest for a day, roam around the city a little if you are up for it, and have a relaxing time in Kathmandu. You should take this time to reflect on the amazing Kanchenjunga Trek you just completed, remembering the great moments you shared with your fellow trekkers and friends. You can shop around for souvenirs and memorabilia while you have ample time to look around the city.
Activity: Rest
Max. Altitude: 1350m./4,429ft. (Kathmandu)
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 29: Depart Kathmandu
Today marks the last day of the Kanchenjunga Trek package. Adventure Tansen hopes that your time with us was worth the effort. We are very open to your feedback and digital reviews, make sure that your opinion about us is heard on the internet for others to learn. After we settle everything, we will bid you farewell and drop you off at the Tribhuvan International Airport.
Max. Altitude: 1350m./4,429ft. (Kathmandu)
Includes/Excludes
What is included?
- All arrival, departure transfers as per above itineary by car/van and bus.
- Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with an english speaking guide, transport and entrey fee for monuments.
- Ground transportation for to and from trek by private vehicle.
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- Hotel accommodations in Phidim and Ilam with meals.
- All meals (3 meals each day) with tented accommodation whilst on the trek.
- Guide, Cook, kitchen helper and necessery porters for the trek.
- All kitchen and cmaping equipments and their ground fee.
- Kanchanjunga Conservation Area entry fee for trek entry permit.
- Restricted Area Permit from Department of Immigration.
- Staff salary, wages, transport and insurance.
- Necessery government taxes.
- Company Ground handling charges.
What is not included?
- International flights to Nepal.
- Meals not mentioned above or in the itinerary.
- Travel and medical insurance including evacuation.
- Nepal entry Visa fees.
- Expenses of personal nature such as laundry, bar bill, telephone calls etc and tips for staff.
- Any additional activities not in the itinerary.
Route Map & Altitude Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
No, trekking to any conservation area without the accompaniment of a licensed guide is punishable by law. The government of Nepal does not allow foreign visitors to visit protected regions unaccompanied.
You can shorten this trek but cutting down the Kathmandu sightseeing tour and removing some destinations within the standard itinerary. But it will make the journey a little bland.
Our trekking groups consist of 8 to 10 trekkers, all of whom have to share a room with a fellow trekker. There will be two beds in each room but if you want private room, we can arrange it at a cost.
