Availability
March to May & September - November
Trip Duration
18 days
Trek Difficulty
Moderate
Group Size
Private and Group Tour
Maximum Altitude
4785 m
Guide Language
English
Quick Overview
Introduction
Nepal is home to arguably some of the most beautiful trekking destinations in the world. Right from the Mountain ranges to picturesque grasslands, pristine lakes, majestic slopes as well as gushing rivers, the region is a trekker’s delight and Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek is a combination of all. With elevations of about 5,200 above sea level, many people consider the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek as the most splendid of the Kanchenjunga Treks.
The trek to Kanchenjunga north basecamp is a long itinerary and offers one of the thrilling high-altitude trekking trips, leading the most famous peaks of eastern Nepal as Kanchenjunga and mysterious Jannu via the spectacular Yalung Glacier. You'll also get to witness some of the spectacular mountain peaks including Everest (8848 meters), Kabru (7412 meters), Tharpu Chuli (Tent Peak) (5663 meters), Makalu (8481 meters), Jannu (7710 meters), and Kanchenjunga(8,586 meters) itself, the third highest mountain in the world.
If you're lucky enough, you'll get to encounter the impedance Red–Billed Blue Magpie, Musk Deer, Pheasant, Himalayan black bear, and even the Red Panda. Trekking to Kanchenjunga is possible throughout the year but March to May and September to December are the best months of the trek.
Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek begins with a scenic flight to Suketar, Taplejung, in the remote northeast part of Nepal. From Suketar, the trek continues through fascinating Rai and Limbu villages where you get to learn about their culture and history. As we head up through pristine forests to the awe-inspiring South Face Base Camp at Ramche we can enjoy the best of the off-the-beaten-path trek. We cross Mirgin La Pass to the north side of Mount Kanchenjunga and the Pang Pama Base Camp. Stepping on the base camp of the world's third-highest mountain is a beautiful feeling. Pristine mountain rivers, Himalayas, nature, and culture make this trek an unforgettable experience.
Kanchenjunga North basecamp Trek Highlights
Kanchenjunga North basecamp Trek Difficulty :
The Kanchenjunga North basecamp trek is the most difficult trekking route in Nepal among hundreds of other trekking routes in Nepal. Crossing the high passes called Sele – la of Kanchenjunga is the most difficult part of the trek, Sele – la is the connection to the two base camps of Kanchenjunga North and South. Beginning the trekkers will not feel that much difficult, we can combine it with another normal trek in Annapurna or the Everest region of Nepal. When you rise up every day in high altitude place you will feel slowly difficult.
Kanchenjunga's north basecamp trek trail is mostly rocky and narrow into the deep valley between two hills, and most of the time we will follow the river which comes from Kanchenjunga Mountain glacier. In addition, the Kanchenjunga base camp trek food and accommodation are more basic than in Everest and Annapurna region. So it will make you feel difficult. But when you have done some treks above 5000m in the mountains, you will not feel difficult. We Nature Explore Trek highly recommend those who want to do the trekking to Kanchenjunga please be prepared both physically and mentally. And choose an experienced, professional guide, and company.
HOW CAN REACH TO KANCHENJUNGA TRE.
If you want to go by bus it takes 2 days to reach the trekking starting point from Kathmandu. And if you go by airplane from Kathmandu to Suketar direct flight then it takes one hour flight. Basically, you will start to walk from here. Ends of the trek you can return to Kathmandu by driving in a Jeep or bus. On the way back to Kathmandu you can also visit the Ilam tea garden and then take an airplane from Badrapur or Biratnagar to Kathmandu. Or if you have limited time then you can take a flight from Suketar to Kathmandu, the same place as you fly from Kathmandu beginning of the trek.
Kanchengunga North Basecamp Cost :
Normally costs start from 1500 USD to 2200 USD including guides, Porters, local sharing transportation, Food, Accommodation, Kanchenjunga restricted permits Kanchenjunga conservation permits many more. If you take an airplane and private transportation then it will be extra.
Best time for the Kanchenjunga North Basecamp Trek.
The best time to trek in Nepal is autumn and spring. And for the Kanchenjunga trek also same time is the best
The best time to do the Kanchenjunga trek is autumn mid-September, October, and November end and Spring Mid-march to end May every year.
Autumn and spring are the best seasons in Nepal for trekking and climbing the mountains because of the clear weather, and warm temperature most of the day. Autumn always comes after the summer season in Nepal. From mid-September, the rain will start to stop and the sunshine day will begin slowly – slowly. So autumn is the best season for trekking to Kanchenjunga.
Spring comes after winter, the spring season is always popular for Expeditions to big mountains like Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Manaslu, Annapurna many more. So spring is the second biggest best season In Nepal after the autumn season in Nepal.
Food in Kanchenjunga Basecamp Trek :
In most of the places, you'll find teahouses run by local people who provide delicious food such as Bhat, Eggs, Potatoes, Vegetables, Fried rice, Noodles, Pasta, Cereals, Soup, etc and other Nepali food, Indian food, Chinese Food, American food, Continental food, Local food, and many more dishes you like to have from the menu card. We always recommend you have organic and local food, and vegetable from their own garden. However, you will stay in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu with breakfast, lunch, and dinner service.
Accommodation In Kanchenjunga Basecamp Trek :
During the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek, you will have two types of accommodation, a 3-star hotel, and local teahouses or camps. During your days in Kathmandu Valley, you will stay at a 3-star hotel, and during the trek, you will stay at tea houses. Teahouses are run by local people with good service and clean beds. The rooms will be private rooms with a twin and triple sharing basis and attached bathrooms in most of the places. In high altitude, there won't be any teahouses, so we have to set up a camp for an overnight stay.
Upon your arrival at the airport, our representative will be there at Tribhuvan International Airport waiting for your arrival. As you arrive at the airport terminal, you’ll be driven to the hotel and stay overnight.
The very next day, you’ll take an early flight to Biratnagar. The flight to Biratnagar features the great views of rivers, green hills and some stunning Himalayas in eastern Nepal. After your arrival at the airport, our staff will take you to the hotel for an overnight stay.
We'll have breakfast at the hotel and fly to Suketar which takes about 30 minutes from Biratnagar. We'll have lunch there and start our trek to Phurmbu. We climb slowly along the valleys the trail goes up through pristine forests, crop fields, and tranquil villages. Overnight at a lodge in Phurmbu.
The trail goes along the sub-tropical rainforest and follows the valley and from village to village crossings and up again. This region is home to ethnic Kirantis but now known as Limbus and most of the people are involved in agriculture at the moment. We continue through the riverside before descending towards the Thiwa River and continue to Chirwa for overnight stay.
Today's trek is easy and mostly passes through lush green hills blanketed in all varieties of trees and flora, suspension bridges, waterfalls, and enormous glaciers will greet you throughout the journey. Overnight at Tpaethok.
Today's walk is a peaceful one where we walk through the village of Hellok, and Lelep and move alongside Tamor River and go downhill towards Simbu Khola. You can see the beautiful view of Yalung Glacier. We then trek through steep and narrow Ghunsa Khola valley to reach Sakathum which takes 4 hours. Overnight in Sakathum.
Early morning trek follows the north bank of the Ghunsa Khola which is a steep and narrow valley. The trail is full of oak and rhododendron forest with bamboo undergrowth as well as small Sherpa settlements. You'll come across many yak pastures and reach small Tibetan settlements of Amjilosa village. Overnight stay.
Today, we walk through the forests of rhododendrons and bamboos and also pass many waterfalls and rivers on the way to Gyapla. There are several ups and downs on the trail and you ascend steeply and stop at Sherpa village Gyabla. Most of the people are fully dependent on agriculture in this area so you'll see many farming lands.
We'll have breakfast at Gyapla and head towards Gyapla which goes through the forests and after a while rises up. We'll also come across Phale village where you can see a wooden Gompa. We continue through the forest and descend towards the Ghunsa River to reach Ghunsa which is the biggest village in the region. Overnight stay.
Before going forward, we'll take rest at Gunsa village for better acclimatization with higher altitude. You can explore Gunsa village in the meantime, know about their culture and tradition. Overnight stay.
The walk goes along the river bank with beautiful alpine scenery as we pass through meadows off beautiful wildflowers, eventually hiking through rhododendron and pine forests. Easy walk for 4-5 hours takes us to Khambachen for overnight stay.
Today's walk is a bit challenging where the trail goes along rocky fields with large boulders on the hillside. We follow the riverbank until we arrive at a waterfall. We cross the river bridge at Ramtang and continue until we arrive at Lhonak, which is a beautiful little town located on a big ground and surrounded by high mountains. Overnight stay.
Today's highlight is a trek to Pangpema Nothe Base Camp. We start our day with a slow walk today, arriving at our destination after just 3.5 hours of descent walk. We'll have lunch with an amazing view of mt. Kanchenjunga and continue up to the north of Pang Pema for a once-in-a-lifetime view. Return to Lhonak for overnight stay.
After breakfast at Lhonak village, we head to Ghunsa village via pine, rhododendron forest, and beautiful waterfalls. After descent downhill walks, we arrive at Ghunsa village and have lunch and enjoy the rest of the day. Overnight stay.
The trek goes down enjoying the views of Kanchenjunga, Gimmigela Peak, Mera Peak and other peaks and mountains at the backdrop. We will reach Gyabla from where we will have lunch over there and continue down to Amjilosa for overnight stay.
From Amjilosa, we will traverse the oak forest to reach Chhiruwa Village. You'll see Tibetan influenced culture there. We follow the Tamur river down and cross numerous small tributary streams to arrive at chirwa village. Overnight stay.
Today's walk mostly passes through small Limbu villages and Sherpa villages. We walk downhill enjoying the last day of our walk of Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek. Overnight at Suketar.
This is the final day of Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek, we'll first fly to Biratnagar from Suketar and fly back to Kathmandu from Biratnagar. We'll say you farewell after reaching Kathmandu valley and drop you to the airport for your flight back home.
Cost Includes
Cost Excludes
1. CAN I GET NEPAL VISA ON ARRIVAL OR ONLINE ?
Yes, you can get an arrival visa at Trivubhan international airport. Visa cost per person US$25 for 15 days of single/multiple entries, US$40 for 30 days of single/multiple entries, US$100 for 90 days of single/multiple entries. Those individual passport holders from the member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) do not need to pay a visa fee for 30 days
2.Does your company provide pickup and drop-off services from the airport?
Yes, we pick up and drop off from the airport. One of our nature explore trek's staff shall be weighing you at the arrival gate with your name details and transfer you to the hotel by private car/jeep and bus accordingly to group size
3. PACKING LIST FOR Kanchenjunga Basecamp Trek ?
1. 1 trekking walking boots 2. 1 Medium size backpack 3. 1 Day pack 4. 1 Sleeping bag (15 - 20C) 5. 1 Down Jacket/Gore tax Jacket 6. 1 Light wind & water proof jacket 7. 1 Inner sleeping sheet 8. 2 Long sleeve T-shirts 9. 1 Water bottle 10. 1 Pair gaiters/over trousers 11. 1 Pair sport shoes or sandal 12. 2 Pairs light weight trousers 13. 1 Pair shorts 14. 1 Fleece / warm sweater 15. 2 T-shirts 16. 2 Pair’ light socks 17. 3 Pairs heavy wool socks 18. 1 Sweatshirts / light sweater 19. 1 Torch & spear batteries 20. 1 Swimming costume / bathing suits (not for Everest region) 21. 1 Medium size towel 22. 1 Washing kit including washing powder, small clothesline and pegs, insect repellents etc. & personal toiletries 23. Moleskin for blister 24. Toilet paper, biodegradable soap/shampoo (toilet paper you can buy every place in Nepal) 25. Personal medication. (if you are taking rebury otherwise for high altitude we provide) 26. Underwear (including thermals) 27. Warm hat/ gloves 28. Sunglasses, sun hat and sun cream 29. Spear plastic bags for wrapping clothes Note: even high altitude medication you can bring in your favor like Diamox otherwise Nepalese taste we do have always (but we treat naturally all the time go slowly and drink lots of water
4. HOW DIFFICULT IS THE KANCHENJUNGA NORTH BASECAMP TREK ?
The Kanchenjunga trek is the most difficult trekking routs in Nepal among hundreds of other trekking routes in Nepal. Crossing the high passes call Sele – la of Kanchenjunga is the most difficult part of the trek, Sele – la is the connect to the two base camp of Kanchenjunga North and South. Beginning of the trekkers will not feel that much difficult, we can combine with other normal trek an Annapurna or Everest region of Nepal. When you rise up every day in high altitude place you will feel slowly difficult. Kanchenjunga trek trail is mostly rocky and narrow into the deep valley between two hills, and most of the time we will follow the river which is come from Kanchenjunga Mountain glacier. Addition Kanchenjunga base camp trek food and accommodation is more basic than an Everest and Annapurna region. So you it will make you feel difficult. But when you have done some treks already above 5000m higher in mountain, you will not feel difficult. We nature explore trek highly recommend those who want to do the trekking to Kanchenjunga please be prepared both physically and mentally. And chose an experience, professional guide and company.
5. HOW CAN REACH TO KANCHENJUNGA NORTH BASECAMP TREK ?
If you want to go by bus it takes 2 days to reach at the trekking stating point from Kathmandu. And if you go by airplane from Kathmandu to Suketar direct flight then it takes one hour flight. Basically you will start to walk from here. Ends of the trek you can retrun to Kathmandu by drive in Jeep or bus. On the way back to Kathmandu you can also visit Ilam tea garden and then take airplane from Badrapur or Biratnagar to Kathmandu. Or if you are with limited time than you can take flight from Suketar to Kathmandu, same place as you flu from Kathmandu beginning of the trek.
6. COST FOR KANCHENJUNGA NORTH BASECAMP TREK ?
Normally cost start from 1500 USD to 2200 USD including Guide , Porters , local sharing transportation , Food , Accommodation , Kanchenjunga restricted permits and Kachenjunga conservation permits many more. If you take airplane and private transportation then it will be extra.
7. WHEN IS THE BEST TIME DO THE KANCHENJUNGA BASECAMP TREK ?
Best time to trekking in Nepal is autumn and spring. And for Kanchenjunga trek also same time is the best The best time to do the Kanchenjunga trek is autumn mid-September, October, and November end .and Spring Mid-march to end May every year. Autumn and spring are the best season in Nepal for trekking and climbing the mountain because of the clear weather, warm temperature most of the day. Autumn always come after summer season in Nepal. From mod September the rain will start to stop and sunshine day begins slowly – slowly. So autumn is the best season for trekking to Kanchenjunga. Spring come after winter , spring season always popular for Expeditions to big mountains like Everest ,Kanchenjunga , Lhotse , Makalu , Manaslu , Annapurna many more. So spring is second biggest best season In Nepal after autumn season in Nepal.
8. DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR KANCHENJUNGA TREK ?
Yes travel insurance is important to have with you during your travel in Nepal encasing of emergency use. If you lost the bag or emergency if you have any problems during the trek and need to emergency evacuate from mountain to Kathmandu then you can claim for insurance company. For your safety and security we would highly recommend you to have insurance for Kanchenjunga trek.
9. DO I NEED A GUIDE FOR KANCHENJUNGA BASECAMP TREK?
Yes guide is compulsory for Kanchenjunga Basecamp trek, when we obtain your Kanchenjunga base camp trek restricted area permits at immigration office in Kathmandu without guide they don’t accept your documents. For your safety and security during the remote region Nepal we highly recommend you to go with guide. Guide knew the trail and he will help you to communicate with local people, you will have more chance to know about region, culture, landscapes of region, religions when you trek with guide. Our guide is well train by professional teacher and they have deep knowledge about the Kanchenjunga region. Some of our guide is also from the same region. So it will be easier for them to guide in the same their hometown.
10. DO I NEED PERMITS FOR KANCHENJUNGA BASECAMP TREK ?
Yes permits are compulsory to trek in Kanchenjunga region Nepal. You need two types of permits. Restricted area permits and Kanchenjunga conservation permits. For restricted permits you have to go Nepal immigration office at Kalika sthan, Kathmandu through local trekking agency. Without trekking agency they will not accept your documents. So when you plan trekking in Nepal in far, remote, and restricted area of Nepal you most go with local trekking agency
11.HOW COLD IS KANCHENJUNGA BASECAMP TREK?
Beginning of the trek, you will not feel cold, its nice subtropical climate. It will be 20 to 25 Celsius, but upper part of the trek in evening and morning it will be 10 to 15 in early autumn. Late autumn it will be -7 to 10. Spring time same , beginning of the trek warm hot , and upper part of the trek in early spring 10 to 13 and mid of the season 15 to 20 Celsius.
12: CAN I GET WII – INTERNET AND MOBILE SERVICE IN KANCHENJUNGA BASECAMP TREK ?
Beginning of the trek you will have a good mobile signal and mobile date will work. You will also get Wi-Fi in certain place. And upper part of the trek till the date there is no Wi-Fi or mobile service. For emergency contact we can use local Telephone phone from Nepal governments.
FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION IN KANCHENJUNGA BASECAMP TREK ?
Kanchenjunga basecamp is one of the remote, challenging difficult trekking routes in Nepal. Food and Accommodation will be basic compare to Everest region and Annapurna and Langtang region trekking area. In Kanchenjunga basecamp trek you will get basic room. Most of the place already builds small tea house and some place still you have to sleep in homestay. Food , still you can chose from basic menu card , but you will not see many items ,but still you can eat , local organic food, rice , bread, potato , fry noodles , different types of vegetables and meet in lower part of the trek. Compare with Everest region and Annapurna region trekking routes Kanchenjunga region is basic and simple but nice experience to have local food and sleep in basic rooms in your life time.