Overview
Max Altitude
5,143m
Duration
27 Days
Difficulty
Grade IV
Price
From £1,740
Accommodation
Camping/teahouses
Group Size
2-12 People
Fixed Departures
3rd – 29th January 2027
What is the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek?
Kanchenjunga (8,586m), ‘The Five Great Treasure Houses of Snow’, the world’s third-highest peak, rises over the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area; an untouched region of forests, alpine meadows, and high-altitude wetlands. This remote landscape, jointly managed by local communities and WWF, shelters rare wildlife including snow leopards, red pandas, Himalayan black bears, clouded leopards and Assamese macaques.
The circular trek climbs through lush valleys that receive the heaviest monsoon rains in the Himalaya, then pushes north into rugged alpine terrain of forests, waterfalls and glacial rivers. You cross high passes to reach both Kanchenjunga Base Camp and the Yalung Base Camp at Ramche, before descending through lower hill villages and completing the loop back to Taplejung. This route blends raw wilderness, rich biodiversity and is physically demanding but deeply rewarding, offering a profound sense of solitude and wilderness.
Price Information
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, passport collection & informal welcome dinner
Meals included: (D)
Arrive in Kathmandu, where our team receives you and transfers you to your hotel. Once settled in, passports will be collected for the restricted area permit process. The rest of the afternoon is free to decompress after the journey. In the evening, we gather for an informal welcome dinner. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Trek briefing and preparations
Meals included: (B)
Today you will start the day with a full briefing about the trek. It covers trekking logistics, route, high-altitude safety, acclimatisation, packing essentials and other important details. The afternoon is free for checking gear, visiting local markets and preparing for the trek. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 3: Fly Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, drive to Taplejung (1,820m) - long drive
Meals included: (B, L, D)
An early 45 minutes domestic flight takes us to Bhadrapur; from there a scenic but long road transfer brings the group into the far eastern districts and up to Taplejung (c.6–8 hours by road depending on conditions). Taplejung is the last significant town before the high valley; time to stretch legs and finalise loads. Overnight in Taplejung.
Day 4: Taplejung to Mitlung (c.5–6 hrs, 921 m)
Meals Included: (B, L, D)
We descend from Taplejung down to the Tamur River then follow the river upstream. The route runs through remote villages and riparian forest as part of the Great Himalaya Trail Cultural Route. Lunch at Handewa. Expect varied terrain with river-side paths and local trails. Arrive Mitlung in the late afternoon and camp near the village.
Day 5: Mitlung – Chiruwa (c.5–6 hrs, 1,270m) - rough paths above the river
Meals included: (B, L, D)
Today is technically testing: the trail climbs and drops on exposed, often uneven tracks high above the Tamur. We pass Limbu and Tamang settlements at Sinwa, Tawa and Porke, cross old landslide and boulder fields, then descend to Thiwa Khola and cross via a wooden bridge before the final up/down into the market town of Chiruwa. Overnight in Chiruwa.
Day 6: Chiruwa – Sukethum (c.5 hrs, 1,579m)
Meals included: (B, L, D)
The trail threads Limbu, Rai, Tamang and Sherpa communities; we follow the Tamur, climb a spur, then descend to Simbua Khola (fed from the Yalung Glacier). Another ridge brings us into the narrowing Ghunsa Khola valley; the confluence with the Tamur marks our short walk to the riverside campsite at Sukethum. Overnight camp on the riverbank.
Day 7: Sukethum – Amjilossa (c.6 hrs, 2,308m)
Meals included: (B, L, D)
From Sukethum we move northeast along Ghunsa Khola, gaining altitude through mixed alpine and rhododendron terrain. After lunch at Jaubari there is a sustained uphill before reaching Amjilossa; a high, Tibetan-influenced settlement where we camp. Terrain can be exposed; craggy ridgelines frame wide views. Overnight at Amjilossa.
Day 8: Amjilossa – Gyabla (c.5–6 hrs, 2,730 m)
Meals included: (B, L, D)
A forested day: rhododendron and bamboo give shade before a final ascent toward Gyabla. Keep an eye for a large waterfall across the river; that’s your visual cue that Gyabla’s beautiful campsite is near. This is one of the most scenic campsites on the route. Overnight at Gyabla.
Day 9: Gyabla – Ghunsa (c.5–6 hrs, 3,595m)
Meals included: (B, L, D)
We cross meadows, pass a small settlement then climb before descending to cross into Ghunsa village. Ghunsa is the last permanent settlement in the valley — a vibrant Tibetan-style community with lodges, a micro hydro plant, school, health post and gompas. Overnight in lodge or camp in Ghunsa.
Day 10: Acclimatisation day in Ghunsa — short hike (c.3.5 hrs)
Meals included: (B, L, D)
Morning acclimatisation hike to the opposite side of the river (c. +400 m, round trip ≈ 3.5 hrs). Use the afternoon to rest, explore the village gompas, meet locals, and confirm high-camp logistics. Hydration and light activity are emphasised to aid adaptation. Overnight in Ghunsa.
Day 11: Ghunsa – Khangpachen (c.7 hrs, 4,050 m)
Meals included: (B, L, D)
A steady ascent along the south bank of the Ghunsa Khola through forests, mani walls and chortens. Expect scree slopes and glacial moraine before reaching the grassy plateau of Khambachen / Khangpachen. The setting gives a dramatic view of Jannu’s north face. Overnight in basic high camp.
Day 12: Khangpachen – Lhonak (c.7 hrs, 4,780 m)
Meals included: (B, L, D)
We reach the source areas of Ghunsa Khola and traverse a high plateau on the north side of the Kanchenjunga Glacier. Lhonak is a high, exposed campsite near intersecting glacier arms: very cold but spectacular, surrounded by high snow-peaks (Wedge, Mera, Nepal Peak, Twins). Strong clothing and careful tent routine required. Overnight at Lhonak.
Day 13: Trek Lhonak – Kanchenjunga North Base Camp / Pang Pema (c.3 hrs, 5,143 m)
Meals included: (B, L, D)
A shorter but very high day as we follow the glacier ridges to Pang Pema (Kanchenjunga North Base Camp). Camping here is one of the expedition’s focal moments; dramatic, humbling and remote. Time to absorb the scale and document the experience; strictly respect high-altitude protocols. Overnight at base camp.
Day 14: Kanchenjunga Base Camp – Ghunsa (3,595m) — long return day (c.8 hrs)
Meals included: (B, L, D)
We retrace route back down to Ghunsa. This is a long, mentally and physically demanding day as altitude loss is rapid and terrain variable (glacial moraines, scree, steep sections). Expect to arrive Ghunsa in the evening and sleep in lodge or camp.
Day 15: Ghunsa – Tseram (3,870m) - over Sele La (4,480m) & Sinion La (4,660m) then descend (c.8 hrs)
Meals included: (B, L, D)
A day of high passes: climb to Sele La and over Sinion La, then a sustained descent of roughly 1,000 m into the Tseram basin. Classic high-alpine scenery with panoramic ridge lines; careful pacing on the passes and a long downhill to camp in Tseram. Overnight camp.
Day 16: Tseram – Ramche (c.7–8 hrs, 4,580 m)
Meals included: (B, L, D)
We ascend to Ramche, passing the snout of the Yalung Glacier and entering an ablation valley framed by high peaks (Koktang, Rathong, Kabrus). Ramche offers a small meadow, a lake and two stone shelters; blue sheep are commonly sighted on the slopes. Night in camp; temperatures drop significantly after dusk.
Day 17: Ramche – Yalung Base Camp (c.7–8 hrs, 4,500 m)
Meals included: (B, L, D)
Expect adventurous glacier travel and walking on ice where necessary. Crossing the Oktang glacier provides spectacular, close-up panoramas of Kanchenjunga and Jannu. Route-finding and roped glacier techniques may be used depending on conditions. Overnight at Yalung Base Camp.
Day 18: Yalung Base Camp – Lapsang (c.6 hrs, 4,432 m)
Meals included: (B, L, D)
A day of backtracking: we move back to Lapsang, consolidating gains and descending slightly to a high plateau camp. Good opportunity to check boots and clothing after glacier sections and to enjoy lingering mountain views. Overnight camp.
Day 19: Lapsang – Tortong (Torontam) (c.5 hrs, 2,995 m)
Meals included: (B, L, D)
The descent begins in earnest. The trail winds down through rhododendron forests and alpine pastures into Torontam (Tortong), a lower-elevation valley settlement. Expect warmer temperatures and a return to richer vegetation. Overnight in camp or local lodge.
Day 20: Tortong – Yamphudin (c.5–6 hrs, 2,080 m) - Dubi Pass and mixed cultural villages
Meals included: (B, L, D)
Descend to the Imja Khola, cross Dubi Pass and drop into Yamphudin; a multi-ethnic village (Sherpa, Rai, Limbu, Gurung) with a conservation area office. The route shows the cultural transition from high Tibetan-influence settlements to the mixed mid-hill communities. Overnight in Yamphudin.
Day 21: Yamphudin - rest day / buffer day
Meals included: (B, L, D)
A rest and buffer day to recover, manage any minor injuries, and allow flexibility for weather or group needs. Optional short walks to local viewpoints, village visits, or cultural exchange with community members. Overnight in Yamphudin.
Day 22: Yamphudin – Phumpe (c.5–6 hrs, 1,858m)
Meals included: (B, L, D)
We descend from Yamphudin to the Kabele Khola before climbing to the mid-hill settlement of Phumpe for camp. Terrain is a mix of trail, terracing and narrow ridgelines. Overnight camp.
Day 23: Phumpe – Pha Khola (c.6–7 hrs, 1,500 m)
Meals included: (B, L, D)
From Phumpe we climb to a ridge then traverse and descend through a network of side valleys, passing Phun village to Kesawa (2,120m) and the Gurung settlement at Bhanjyang. A ridge traverse and final descent brings us to the Limbu village of Khanjari; camp on the banks of the Pha Khola. Expect varied cultural scenery and terraced landscapes.
Day 24: Pha Khola – Suketar (c.5 hrs, 2,420 m)
Meals included: (B, L, D)
A final trekking day brings the team down to Suketar, the local airstrip. This is the last night in the mountains: time to celebrate with crew, porters and guides, share reflections and handover thanks. Overnight camp/lodge at Suketar.
Day 25: Drive to Bhadrapur
Meals included: (B, L,D)
A road transfer from Suketar towards Bhadrapur; timing depends on road and flight schedules. Overnight in Bhadrapur where logistics for the return flight are finalised. Evening at leisure.
Day 26: Fly to Kathmandu
Meals included: (B)
Morning flight to Kathmandu. On arrival you are transferred to your hotel after which the rest of the day is at leisure. Relax at your hotel, explore the city, or enjoy some optional shopping or sightseeing in Kathmandu.
Day 27: Depart Nepal
Meals included: (B)
Today marks the conclusion of our journey, as it is time to bid our final farewells. Your airport transfer will be arranged to ensure you arrive in good time for your departure flight home.
*The itinerary is a guide only and may change depending on conditions, group ability and local circumstances. Trekking timings include breaks and are approximate.
What is included?
- Pre-trip advice and briefing
- Airport transfers for international and domestic flights
- All in country transportation in private vehicles
- 3 nights B&B hotel accommodation in KTM at Nomad Hotel or similar
- 1 night B&B hotel accommodation in Bhadrapur at a local hotel
- 22 nights full board accommodation at teahouse/camping
- Meals as outlined in the itinerary B:26, L:22, D:23
- Duffle bags for your trekking gear for the duration of the trek
- Minimum of 1 guide with the group at all times
- Assistant guides where required (1 guide per 6 pax)
- 1 porter for every 2 pax
- Restricted permit of Kanchenjunga Conservation Area
- Necessary permits
- Insurance for our staff
- Group medical kit
- Government taxes
What isn't included?
- Domestic flight tickets Kathmandu – Bhadrapur and Bhadrapur – Kathmandu
- International flights to and from Kathmandu
- Visas for Nepal (available on arrival)
- Insurance (insurance to include evacuation is mandatory – maximum elevation of this trek is 5,143 m – Kanchenjunga Base Camp)
- Meals unless specified in the itinerary
- Personal expenses to include, but not limited to beverages, alcoholic drinks, gifts, laundry, snacks throughout the trip. Hot showers and battery charging during the trek
- Sightseeing unless specified in the itinerary
- Excess luggage fee for domestic flights
- Tips
- Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Himalayan Quests
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