Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is the perfect trekking destination for you daredevils.
Duration
26 Days
Grade
Moderate/Strenuous
Max Altitude
5,143 M
Description
The Kangchenjunga region, located in Nepal and near the border with India, remains largely unexplored by trekkers due to its remote location and difficult accessibility from India. This has helped to preserve its pristine beauty. Trekking into this area from Sikkim has only been allowed recently.
Departure Seasons
2023 March - May September - December
2024 March - May September - December
We also do custom private trips according to your time and availability.
Dates
2023 March - May September - December
2024 March - May September - December
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Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest mountain at 8,586m, is surrounded by the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, which features unspoiled forests, alpine meadows, and high-altitude wetlands. This region, located on the border of Nepal and Sikkim, is among Nepal's most sparsely populated areas. The trek takes you through lush green semi-tropical Rai and Limbu villages in the mid-hills, and remote Tibetan villages higher up in the semi-arid plateaus at the foot of the mountain.
Managed by the WWF and local communities, this stunningly beautiful conservation area is home to the endangered snow leopard, the red panda, the vulnerable Himalayan black bear, the clouded leopard, and the Assamese macaque. During the trek, you will witness the region's seasonal flower-filled valleys that receive the heaviest monsoon rains in the entire Himalayan range before moving north into spectacular high alpine landscapes full of woodlands and mountain streams.
You will then pass through high passes to Kanchenjunga Base Camp and Ramche Yalung Base Camp before returning to lower elevations and ending the trek at Taplejung. This circular trek requires a good level of fitness and provides an unforgettable experience with its ecologically diverse and stunning scenery.
Day 1 : Arrival in Nepal
Day 2 : Trek briefing and preparation
Day 3 : Flight Kathmandu to Badrapur – Drive to Taplejung (1,820m)
Day 4 : Trek Taplejung – Mitlung (921m) 5-6 hours
Day 5 : Trek Mitlung – Chiruwa (1,270m) 5-6 hours
Day 6 : Trek Chiruwa – Sukethum (1,579m) 5 hours
Day 7 : Trek Sukethum – Amjlosa (2,308m) 6 hours
Day 8 : Trek Amjilosa – Gyabla (2,730m) 5-6 hours
Day 9 : Trek Gyabla – Ghunsa (3,595m) 5-6 hours
Day 10 : Ghunsa acclimatisation day
Day 11 : Trek Ghunsa – Khangpachen (4,050m) 7 hours
Day 12 : Trek Khangpachen – Lhonak (4,780m) 7 hours
Day 13 : Trek Lhonak – Kanchenjunga Base Camp (5,143m) 3 hours
Day 14 : Trek Kanchenjunga Base Camp – Ghunsa (3,595m) 8 hours
Day 17 : Trek Ramche – Yalung Base Camp (4,500m) 7-8 hours
Day 18 : Trek Yalung Base Camp – Lapsang (4,432m) 6 hours
Day 19 : Trek Lapsang – Tortong (2,995m)
Day 20 : Trek Tortong – Yamphudim (2,080m)
Day 21 : Yamphudim – Rest day
Day 22 : Trek Yamphudim – Phumpe (1,858m)
Day 23 : Trek Ponphe – Pha Khola (1,550m)
Day 24 : Trek Pha Khola – Suketar (2,420m)
Day 25 : Long Drive from Taplejung to Bhadrapur
Day 26 : Fly to Kathmandu
Note: The trek itinerary is a guide only and may be subject to change at short notice
Initiative Outdoor uses a layering system where different pieces of clothing are worn together or separately to achieve optimum body temperature control. The upper body garments listed here are either synthetic or merino wool garments that retain their insulating properties when wet, or nylon or Gore-Tex layers which help prevent heat loss by cutting wind, rain, and snow.
UPPER BODY LAYERS
Equipment
Quantity
Comments
T-Shirts – walking
2
We recommend merino wool, Capilene or other synthetic fabric as they wick away the moisture and dry quickly. No cotton.
T-shirt – sleeping
1
This can be cotton
Base layers (ie thermal top)
1
Lightweight or mid-weight long-sleeved t-shirt of merino wool, polyester, Capilene, or Polartec power dry
Top insulating Layers
1
Mid-weight fleece that can be worn over other layers
Fleece Vest
1
Rain jacket
1
Down Jacket
1
LOWER BODY LAYERS
Equipment
Quantity
Comments
Underwear
Sufficient for the trek (remember you can wash them)
T-shirt – sleepingThermal long johns/long underwear
1
Trekking Trousers
2
Lightweight quick-dry trousers (no cotton). Zip offs are good
Evening/sleeping trousers
1(optional)
1 pair of lightweight tracksuit bottoms (sweat pants) or yoga style trousers for evening wear and sleeping in. No jeans.
Hiking Shorts
1
If no zip-off trousers. Below the knee for ladies
Rain Pants
1
PACKS & BAGS
Equipment
Quantity
Comments
Day pack
1
Approx. 35ltrs. We will provide you with a duffle bag for your trekking gear
Sleeping bag with compression sack
1
Minimum 3 season
Sleeping bag liner
1
Optional
FOOTWEAR
Equipment
Quantity
Comments
Hiking boots
1
Must be well worn and comfortable with ankle support
Socks
3
Flip flops/Camp shoes
1
Lightweight for evening use
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
Equipment
Quantity
Comments
Water bottles
2
One liter each, Nalgene or Sig style or a bladder if preferred
Water purification drops
1
Cheap and easy to buy in Kathmandu (Piyus)
Lip Balm
1
With SPF factor
Sunscreen
1
We recommend SPF 30 or greater
Mosquito repellent
1
Personal first aid kit
1
To include any prescribed medications
Sunglasses
1
Bandana/Buff
1
Useful for a variety of purposes.
Flashlight /head torch
1
Head torch is best as it leaves your hands free + extra batteries
Travel towel
1
Lightweight and compact
Wash kit
Travel size items for the trek & eco friendly if possible
Instant Hand Sanitizer
1
Alcohol-based for keeping hands clean
Sun hat
1
Warm hat
1
Gloves
1
Trekking poles
(Optional)
Trekking snacks
Good selection available in KTM
Camera
With charger &/or extra batteries
Toilet paper & rubbish bag
Book/journal
Pack of cards/travel game
1
For evening entertainment
Passport photos
Always useful and a must-have if you want a local sim card
Photocopies of all your important documents
A great sense of humor & a positive attitude
Essential – don’t come without it!! J
This is a guideline only
Your trek cost includes:
Pre-trip advice and detailed information
Expert trip leadership and motivated staff for the duration of the trek
Airport transfers in Nepal (where applicable)
2 nights accommodation pre-trek & 1-night post-trek in Kathmandu
1-night accommodation pre or post-trek in Pokhara (where applicable)
Transportation to and from trek start and finish for you and your trekking team (different budget options available)
Basic teahouse/lodge/camping accommodation during the trek on a twin sharing basis
During the trek all meals on a full board basis (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) to include tea/coffee during the meals, but excluding any drinks outside of the meal times
All permits, conservation area, and restricted area fees
Porters
Insurance and equipment for Nepali staff
Rescue assistance
Group medical kit
Your trek cost does NOT include:
International flights to and from Kathmandu, Nepal
Visa for Nepal
Travel insurance (insurance to include evacuation is mandatory. Please make sure you are covered to the correct altitude)
Personal expenses such as fizzy drinks, chocolate, gifts, snacks, hot showers during the trek, etc.
Meals unless specified
Sightseeing
Gratuities
Excess baggage on internal flights
Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Initiative Outdoors
