Trip Level
Moderate Strenuous
Destination
Nepal
Max Altitude
5143 meter
Trip Duration
24 Days
Overview
Kanchenjunga and Darjeeling are functionally in different worlds. The serene, forgiving lush lowlands contrast sharply with the majestic and forbidding icy summits. Stretching northward and embracing the southern arc of Kanchenjunga, the tea plantations near Darjeeling give way imperceptibly to the spice plantations of Nepal and Sikkim.The trek provides the closest view of the world’s third highest mountain Mt. Kanchenjunga. (8586m.) along with other mountains. The trail of the trek follows pleasantly beautiful natural scenarios and panoramic view of high mountains. Kanchenjunga region is one of the popular remote treks in Nepal. The region has full of flora and fauna along with different wildlife and birds. Kanchenjunga Trek offers the exploration of Nepal’s eastern life to the Border of Eastern Nepal. As the trail ascends high mountains, the picturesque view of the grassy lands, rocky outgrowths and the sub-tropical forests make you feel charmed by the magic of nature. The superb scene of flowery forest of rhododendron, lilies, primula and orchids is unforgettable along with the views of green valleys and pasture lands and terraced fields.
Trekking in this region is also the opportunity to explore Nepal’s remote area and the life style of high mountain people. The cultural and religious practices of the remote area and their simple life style in this age of modern technology give a deep insight about their status. The economic activities and their daily routines are far more difficult than your imaginations. Hospitality of the local people and warm smile adds energy while trekking. The trekking continues to the wilderness for some days.The Trek to Kanchenjunga follows the route to the Onglakhing Glacier and Samity Lake. The ascend to the pass also provides superb scenery of Talung Glacier and the gigantic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Around view is of Kirat Chuli (7365m.), Talung (7349m.), Kabru (7338m.), Pyramid Peak (7123m.) and Rathong (6679m.) etc. is breath stopping and life memorable.
Kanchenjunga Trek is to the remote area of Nepal which is very rich in its hidden beauty of the nature. Trekking in this trail needs good health and fitness. Previous experience of the trekking in high altitude can be helpful though committed trekkers with the spirit of having adventure can make trekking their life adventure while trekking in Kanchenjunga region.
Outline Itinerary
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m /4,264 ft) and transfer to hotel
Our airport representative will picks up from Kathmandu International airport and transfer to hotel. Evening welcome dinner with Nepalese cultural show.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 02: Optional sightseeing in Kathmandu/ Trekking preparation
After breakfast we have choice, either doing the sightseeing to some UNESCO world heritage sites or be free for the next day's preparations.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Suketar (2,420m/7938ft), trek to Lalikharka (2265m/7,431ft)
We will take early morning flight to Suketar Airport lies in the eastern region of Nepal. After reaching there we will prepare our luggages, meet the trekking porters and walk to Lalikharkha.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 04: Lalikharka to Khesewa (2120m/6,955ft)
We begin our trek to Khesewa after breakfast. It is mostly an easy descent until Phundrawa. From here we begin our ascent. It is a steep climb until Yangpang from where we climb steadily up until Phumphe Danda followed by another ascent to Khesewa. Our trek will be through forests and small villages. Overnight in Khesewa.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 05: Khesewa to Mamankhe (1785m/5,856ft)
After breakfast we begin our trek towards the Kabeli Khola. Next, we walk on a trail that passes through forests before crossing a small stream. On the way, we enjoy amazing views of the Himalayan peaks while also passing through several beautiful small villages. Overnight in Mamankhe.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 06: Mamankhe to Yamphudin (2080m/6824ft)
Today’s trek will be mostly uphill on an easy trail whereby we mostly walk alongside the Kabeli Khola. During the walk we also admire the beautiful ridge behind the stream. We continue our walk and admire a beautiful waterfall nearby. After walking for some time, we cross a small suspension bridge. We pass through small settlements before reaching Yamphudin to spend the night.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 07: Yamphudin to Tortong (2,995m/9,826ft)
We begin our walk on a path commonly used by the villagers and pass through terraced farms and green meadows. Along the way, we have the constant company of the Himalayas to enjoy. Our walk will be on a trail along the Amji Khola. We also cross a pass at Lassiya Bhanjyang before reaching Tortong. Overnight in Tortong.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 08: Tortong to Cheram (3,870m/12,696ft)
We begin our steady climb to Cheram after breakfast. Our trail is right at the side of the Simbuwa Khola. We enjoy walking on the beautiful Lalung valley and have Tuplung peak for company for the most part of today’s journey. We pass through thick rhododendron forest and enjoy the magnificence of the Yalung Glacier. Overnight in Cheram.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 09: Acclimatization and Rest at Cheram
We spend a day in Cheram which will help us acclimatize to the high altitude. We can spend the rest of the day resting and taking part in small hikes. We can explore the areas around the Yalung Glacier. There is also a viewpoint for Kabaru and Rathong peaks. Overnight in Cheram.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 10: Cheram to Ramchaur (Ramche) (4,580m/15,026ft)
we begin our short trek after breakfast. From Cheram, we ascend for sometime before reaching the snout of the Yalung Glacier. It is a beautiful walk on a valley trail. We also cherish the views of several Himalayan peaks. We pass through a small settlement of Lapsang before reaching Ramche. Overnight in Ramche.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 11: Ramchaur (Ramche) to Yalung Base Camp (4500m), back to Cheram
From Ramche, we walk further up the valley. We then follow a stream before climbing on the moraine top until confronted by Kanchenjunga’s southern face. We walk further ahead for a glimpse of the Jannu Himal. We continue our trek further towards the Oktang Monastery. From here, we climb further up and reach the Yalung Base Camp. The views from the base camp are extraordinary. Kumbakarna (Jannu), Nyukla Lachung and other Himalayan peaks are close by. We descend and spend the night at Cheram.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 12: Cheram to Sele La (4290m/ 14,074ft)
We begin our trek after breakfast. We cross four passes today beginning with Sinelapche Bhanjyang. After crossing the pass we continue to Mirgin La pass. We continue trekking and reach the Sinion La pass which is not very far. From here, we ascend to Sele La pass. There are prayer flags strung across one of the steeper sections of the trail which is very near to the Sele La pass. We cross the pass. Overnight in Sele La.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 13: Sele La to Ghunsa (3,595/11,794)
We begin our trek after breakfast. We walk towards the north with Tangbgharma Danda nearby. We reach a chorten marked by prayer flags which marks the start of a steep trail. We descend through rhododendron, birch and pine forests before reaching Ghunsa. It is a beautiful village of houses with dark and weathered pine walls and Buddhist prayer flags. Overnight in Ghunsa.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 14: Ghunsa to Kambachen (4,050m/13,287ft)
From Ghunsa, we trek further north along the river bank which presents us with magnificent mountain scenery. We pass through meadows filled with beautiful wildflowers, then cross rhododendron and pine forests. We cross a bridge at Rampuk Kharka, continue past a waterfall and cross the tricky section of a landslide. After crossing the landslide area we begin to see the spectacular view of Mt. Jannu. Further exploring and tackling the tricky mountain trail we finally arrive at Kambachen and spend the night.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 15: Kambachen to Lhonak (4,780m/15,682ft)
Today will be another challenging day and an early start is needed. We trek through rocky fields and large boulders on the hillside along the riverbank and arrive at a waterfall. We then cross a bridge to Ramtang monastery. We then come across a landslide section which we must pass through at a steady pace before descending to the river and finally arriving at Lhonak. Overnight in Lhonak.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 16: Kanchenjunga base camp, overnight at Pangpema (5,143/16,873ft)
From Lhonak, we trek towards the Kanchenjunga Base Camp. Our trail is alongside the gigantic Kanchenjunga Glacier. After passing Pangpema we descend towards the Kanchenjunga Base Camp. The view from the base camp is extraordinary. Mt. Kanchenjunga, Jannu Himal and other Himalayan peaks are ours to admire. We descend back to Pangpema to spend the night.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 17: Pangpema to Lhonak (4,780m/15,682ft)
From Pangpema we trace back our steps to Lhonak. Overnight in Lhonak.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 18: Lhonak to Ghunsa (3475m/11,400ft)
From Lhonak, we descend all the way to Ghunsa via Kambache. It is the same route we took when we were climbing up.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 19: Ghunsa to Amjilosa (2,308m/7,572ft)
From Ghunsa, we descend towards Phale. We pass through several Manes and a monastery nearby. We walk through Juniper forests and reach Phale. From here, it is a steady descent to Gyabla. We cross a bridge over Chhundatangka Khola to reach Gyabla. As we continue our trek, we see a waterfall nearby. We also cross a suspension bridge over Sumbung Khola before reaching Amjilosa. Overnight in Amjilosa.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 20: Amjilosa to Chirwa (1,270m/4,166ft)
After walking for a while we see a beautiful waterfall nearby. We continue our trek and pass a small settlement of Solima before crossing a suspension bridge over Ghunsa Khola. We cross another suspension bridge over Ghunsa Khola and reach Sukathum. Our trail passes through several villages and is beside Thunsa Khola at first followed by Tamor Nadi before reaching Chirwa. Overnight in Chirwa.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 21: Chirwa to Phurumbu (1,549/5,082ft)
We notice that the settlement starts to get thicker as we are descending. Our trail is alongside lush vegetation. We pass through several villages before reaching Sinwa. From here we continue our descent and cross a bridge over the Sisne Khola. Now we are in the Pathibhara Trek trail. We pass through another village and cross another suspension bridge this time over the Yaphre Khola to reach Phurumbu. Overnight in Village.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 22: Phurumbu to Suketar
Today in the last day of our trekking. We will walk around Suketar.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 23: Fly back to Kathmandu
We will have early morning flight from Suketar to Kathmandu. After arrival in Kathmandu we will have free time for shopping and rest. Evening we have farewell dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Dinner
Day 24: Final departure from Kathmandu
Free till departure. Our representative will take you to airport for the departure flight.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cost Details
Equipments Checklist
Clothing
Warm jacket or down jacket
Water and windproof jacket, poncho or umbrella
Long sleeved synthetic fleece
Thermal underwear
Hat, pair of gloves and scarf
Comfortable hiking trousers (loose fitting)
Shorts and trousers, or skirt
2 pairs of warm wool-blend socks
2 pairs of running socks or liner socks
Proper hiking boots
Running shoes and flip-flops
T-shirts
During winter season, additional clothings may include:
The outer jacket should be warm, down jacket is highly recommended during winter season
Bring a pair of warm winter trousers, in addition to the hiking trousers
Bring at least one windproof layer of clothes, helping to reduce any chill factor influence.
Snow gaitors
Trekking Gear
Pair of polarizing sun-glasses (to be comfortable and to avoid potential snow-blindness)
Backpack and backpack cover (against rain and dust)
Map of the trekking area
Head torch, or small torch, plus spare batteries
Sleeping bag and silk liner
Water bottles
Miscellaneous
Toiletries
A small light weight and quick drying towel
Bar of soap
Sunscreen (at least SPF +20)
Earplugs
Insect repellants (for lower elevations)
First aid kid
Water purification tables or a water filter
Some Diamox pills against potential altitude sickness (if going beyond 4,000 m elevations)
Toilet paper
Optional items
Camera, battery etc
Altimeter
Compass
Binoculars
Books/magazines
Trekking poles
GPS unit
Padlocks for guest house rooms and bags
Sewing/repair kit
Pocket knife
Candles (for lodges)
Dairy or notebook plus pencil/pen
Camping
Tent
Stove and fuel
Cooking, eating and drinking utensils
Sleeping mat
Food and water (for the very remote trekking areas)
Map
Gallery
