The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is a long and beautiful walk in the far east of Nepal. You will walk through quiet forests cross rivers and see some of the highest mountains in the world. The trek takes you close to Mount Kanchenjunga which is the third highest mountain on Earth.
This trek is not crowded like other famous treks. It is perfect for people who love nature and want to explore something quiet and peaceful.
Where is Kanchenjunga
Kanchenjunga lies in the Taplejung District which is in the eastern part of Nepal near India and Tibet. It is part of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area home to snow leopards red pandas and many birds.
How Long is the Trek
The trek usually takes twenty to twenty five days. You can visit the North Base Camp the South Base Camp or both.
North Base Camp Trek takes about twenty to twenty two days
South Base Camp Trek takes about fourteen to sixteen days
Both Camps takes around twenty two to twenty six days
Best Time to Trek Kanchenjunga
The best time to trek is
Spring from March to May for blooming flowers and great views
Autumn from September to November for clear skies and colorful trees
Avoid trekking in monsoon and winter as the trail can be muddy or snowy
Major Highlights of the Kanchenjunga Trek
One Remote Trails
The Kanchenjunga Trek is peaceful and not crowded like other treks
Two Big Snowy Mountains
You will see many snow covered peaks such as
Mount Kanchenjunga
Mount Jannu
Mount Kabru
Mount Rathong
Three Green Forests and Flowers
In spring the trail is full of red pink and white rhododendrons
Four Wild Animals
You may see
Red pandas
Blue sheep
Himalayan black bears
Colorful birds
Five Mountain Villages
You will pass through
Taplejung
Ghunsa
Yamphudin
Tseram
Pangpema
The people are friendly and you will learn about Tibetan and Limbu culture
Sample Itinerary for North Base Camp Trek
Day One Travel to Taplejung from Kathmandu
Day Two Trek to Mitlung
Day Three Trek to Chirwa
Day Four Trek to Sekathum
Day Five Trek to Amjilosa
Day Six Trek to Gyabla
Day Seven Trek to Ghunsa
Day Eight Rest and Acclimatization
Day Nine Trek to Khambachen
Day Ten Trek to Lhonak
Day Eleven Trek to Pangpema
Day Twelve Explore North Base Camp and return to Lhonak
Day Thirteen Trek back to Ghunsa
Day Fourteen Trek to Sele Le
Day Fifteen Cross Sele La Pass and reach Tseram
Day Sixteen Trek to Ramche
Day Seventeen Trek to Tortong
Day Eighteen Trek to Yamphudin
Day Nineteen Trek to Khebang
Day Twenty Drive to Bhadrapur and fly to Kathmandu
Where Do You Sleep and Eat
This is a tea house trek
You sleep in small guest houses and eat simple local food such as
Dal Bhat
Noodles
Soup
Pancakes
Tea and warm drinks
What to Pack
Warm jacket and sleeping bag
Raincoat and trekking boots
Woolen hat gloves sunglasses
Water bottle
Snacks
Passport and trekking permits
Permits Needed
You need
Restricted Area Permit
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit
TIMS Card
Guide is compulsory
Minimum two trekkers are needed
How Hard is the Trek
This trek is moderate to difficult
You walk five to seven hours every day
The trail goes up and down
It can be cold but very beautiful
Walk slow and drink water often
How Much Does it Cost
The full trek may cost between two thousand to three thousand US dollars
This includes
Permits
Guide and porter
Transport
Food and guest house stay
Best Views and Photo Spots
Pangpema for Kanchenjunga views
Ramche for glacier photos
Sele La Pass for panoramic views
Ghunsa for village and mountain photos
Local Culture and People
People here follow Buddhism and nature beliefs
You will see prayer flags stone shrines and smiling faces
They speak Tibetan Limbu and Nepali
Always ask before taking photos
Respect their customs
Why Kanchenjunga Trek is Special
It is peaceful and far from crowds
You see real Himalayan life
You support locals by staying in tea houses
You walk in the protected forest
It is a hidden gem
Tips for a Great Trek
Walk slowly
Drink clean water
Take rest when needed
Listen to your guide
Carry some money as there are no ATMs
