Kanchenjunga Trekking

Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and drive to Ilam (1,677m).

Today, we will fly to Bhadrapur early in the morning and then drive by jeep to Ilam. After reaching Ilam, we will visit the most popular garden, which spans a vast area. Stay overnight at Ilam.

Drive from Ilam to Taplejung (1,820m).

Early in the morning, we will catch the sunrise from the view tower after heading towards Taplejung by jeep, which is approximately 5 to 6 hours away from Ilam. Upon reaching Taplejung, we will stroll around a quiet and calm bazaar after some time. Similarly, early in the morning, we will view the sunrise and the surrounding mountains from the hotel's rooftop.

Drive from Taplejung to Sekathum (1,650m).

Today is the 3rd day of our drive from Taplejung to Sekathum. After having the breakfast we will start our jeep ride to Sekathum, which will take around 8 to 9 hours. Usually, trekkers would walk from Taplejung to Sekathum when they had plenty of time, but those with limited time would opt for a jeep ride.

We will pass through Mitlung, Chirwa, Thapethok, and Lelep, located along the Tamor River. Tapethok is the location where we are required to purchase and register our Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP). After checking, we will continue to drive to Sekathum and stay overnight there.

Trek from Sekathum to Amjilosa (2,498m).

Today we will walk gradually uphill to Amjilosa. We then hike through the small village of Lamatar, Ghaiyabari, passing small forests covered with rhododendrons and bamboo. Upon arrival at Aamjilosa, we will have our lunch, dinner at night, and laundry if needed. Aamjilasha is the real place to experience the countryside of Nepal and the taste of the landscape as well.

Trek from Amjilosa to Gyabla/Kyapra (2,725m).

Today we will walk a few uphills and downhills through the cliffs covered by a small forest until we reach Thyangyani. It is the midpoint of our trek. Right after reaching Thyangyani and walking gradually, we will reach Gyabla through the forest of alpine trees. Gyabla is a small village consisting of only two hotels. There are some ideal places for Sherpa people which is worth visiting. Similarly, if the weather is favorable, we can also see Lapsang. Stay overnight at Gyabla.

Trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa (3,415m).

Earlier today, we will walk mostly through the dense forest with gradual uphills until we arrive at Phole. In Phole, we will take a short break and have a cup of tea. Also, we will visit the Buddhist monastery and explore the site. Continuing our walk, we will trek to Ghunsa through the pine and rhododendron forests. It takes an hour to get to an interesting place called Ghunsa from Phole. Ghunsa is a big valley with a vast settlement of Sherpas who migrated from Tibet centuries ago.

Similarly, we then walk around during the day and experience the culture, traditions, manners, and other aspects by meeting with them in person. You will also have the opportunity to charge your electric gadgets, as they are powered by micro-hydropower generated from a small river near Ghunsa village, which spans two villages: Ghunsa and Phale.

Acclimatization day in Ghunsa (3,415m). Day hike to Kharka (4,161m).

Today is the acclimatization day. On this day, we will stay at the same place we arrived yesterday and make some side trips. We will ascend to Kharka (4,161m) through a dense forest, where we can enjoy sightseeing from a vantage point offering a close-up view of numerous mountains. The Landscape is impressive, which makes you speechless. After that, we will get back to Ghunsa. Visiting the oldest monastery near Ghunsa village, we can see ancient artifacts and gain the opportunity to learn about them.

Trek from Ghunsa to Khangpachen/Khambachen (4,145m).

We will trek to Khambachen from Ghunsa today, which is a 5-6 hour walk. Walking through the pine and larch forest up to the middle and then through the big and long landslide area, we will reach Khambachen. On the way, some peaks are seen. If the weather is clear, fascinating mountains like Ghabur Peak, Kumbhakarna (Jannu), and Merra Peak to the right, and the Sarphu Range to the left, can be seen. Additionally, there are several hotels in Khambachen, including Kanchenjunga White House, which features an international chef who makes an effort to prepare meals that will make you feel happy.

Acclimatization in Khambachen. Day hike to Jannu Himal Base Camp (4,500m).

Today is our acclimatization day. We need to acclimate our bodies for over 5,000m for North Base Camp. We will walk for around 5 to 6 hours to the Jannu Himal Base Camp, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the mountains and also have a chance to see Kumbhakarna. After the day hike, we will go back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Trek from Khambachen to Lhonak (4,792m).

Walking for 4-5 hours from Khambachen, we will reach Lhonak today. We will step up gradually through the small bushes of the Juniper tree and along the rocky trail to Lhonak. If the weather is good, we can see the Kanchenjunga Center (8,473m) from the midpoint. On this day, we need to exercise caution while hiking, as we will be moving to a higher altitude than we have before. Drinking plenty of water can help prevent altitude sickness.

Once we arrive at Lhonak, we will be surrounded by mountains and hills in every direction. Some mountain goats are also seen grazing around with their thick wicks, which makes you pay attention to them. Likewise, Lhonak is only established for the upliftment of tourism. It is a place with a big open space to feel the untouched nature. Here, the accommodation and food are basic. Additionally, we will take care of everything here, including lunch, dinner, and other necessities, as there are no facilities available along the way. 

Hike to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp/Pang Pema (5,140m) and return back to Lhonak (4,792m).

After a quick breakfast in the morning, we will start our hike to catch the magnificent 360-degree panorama view. It is best to arrive at the Base Camp around 8 am for the stunning view. Due to the slippery trail, rocky way and moraine glacier, we need to be very careful while walking. Today, we will be surrounded by mountains everywhere once we arrive at Pang Pema, which is also known as the North Base Camp. When you get there, I bet that you will feel as if you are in Paradise.

Moreover, we will have tea, coffee, or snacks available on the grounds of the tea house, right in front of Kanchenjunga. We can even take pictures of the mountain carefully from there. Also, from the base camp, you can view the main Kanchenjunga. We will get back to Lhonak after the fun and stay there overnight.

Trek from Lhonak to Ghunsa (3,415m).

Today, we will return to Ghunsa from Lhonak, a 7-8 hour walk. We will return the same way as we came to Lhonak before.

Trek from Ghunsa to Sele Le (4,240m).

Initially, we will ascend gradually through the pine and rhododendron forest. Later, the trail steeply ascends through the rocky terrain, where we will reach near Sele Le.

On the way, we will enjoy the natural beauty of the large hills and the forest en route. Apart from this, we will view some mountains, including Makalu and an over 8,000m peak, from the yard of the Sele Le hotel. Hills, mountains, and barren land will surround us. The place Sele Le has super basic accommodation and food, which we have to adjust to.

Trek from Sele Le to Cheram/Tseram (3,868m).

Today, we will start our hike with a packed lunch, as there are no facilities along the way. This day is the second most significant achievement of our trek. As we have to cross two large passes, Sinion La and Mirgin La, at nearly 5,000 meters in a single day, it will be pretty challenging. Likewise, we will walk up gradually and then take a slightly steep path through the rocky trail until we reach Mirgin La. From the top of the passes, mountains such as Rathong, Kabru I to IV, along with a part of Kanchenjunga, are visible. Right after Sinelapache La Pass, we will climb down a bit and up again for 30 minutes. Then we go entirely down to Tseram through a small pine and juniper forest. Tseram is a place with more than four guesthouses, as well as open spaces to chill and walk. The accommodation and food here are somewhat good.

Trek from Tseram to Ramchaur/Ramche (4,610m).

Today, we will start our trek by walking through a small forest covered with Juniper that gradually rises until the midpoint. Then, we will walk through a short, rocky trail for a few minutes and then through a prominent open area until we reach Ramche. In Ramche, there are only 2-3 guest houses that seem to be okay. We need to adjust for a single night. Similarly, people here are primarily running businesses related to tourism because when the offseason starts, they relocate to lower-lying areas to live. This area is also known as the Blue Sheep Sightseeing Area. Surrounded by mountains on all sides, Ramche is a remarkable place. We can see the moraine glacier from near the guest house.

Trek from Ramche to Yalung Base Camp/Kanchenjunga South Base Camp (4,840m) & back to Tseram (3,868m).

Leaving the hotel early to catch the excellent view of Kanchenjunga and sunrise, today we will head towards Yalung Base Camp/ Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. Just one and a half hours' walk through the open flat trail from Ramche, we will reach South Base Camp, from where we can see the south face of Kanchenjunga and its range, which is sure to take our breath away. You won't feel like going back to the guest house once you reach there. After exploring, we will return to the guest house for lunch and then proceed to Tseram, where we will stay overnight.

Trek from Tseram to Tortong (2,980m).

Early in the morning, we will head towards Tortong from Tseram, a 3-4 hour walk away. We will mostly climb down through the small forest and pass the place called Anda Phedi to arrive in Tortong. The forest surrounds two hotels in Tortong. We will stay overnight there.

Trek from Tortong to Yamphudin (1,692m).

This day also falls under one of the longest hiking days of this trek. We will start our trek early this morning and walk down for the first 30 to 45 minutes through a large forest, crossing a suspension bridge. After that, we will climb up to the top through a big sheep farm, which is worth seeing. Likewise, we will begin climbing down through the massive forest until we reach Yamphudin. If we find the tea house or it's not closed, we can have a quick lunch in the middle.

Yamphudin is a place characterized by a vast human settlement with a diverse culture and traditions. Exploring the village, we will have the opportunity to learn about the values, lifestyle, and religion of the people living there. The major attraction of today is the cultivated land, which features a variety of crops.

Drive from Yamphudin to Ilam/Kanyam (1,677m).

After breakfast at the hotel in Yamphudin, we will start our journey to Kanyam. Today, we will only ride a jeep, which takes around 8 to 9 hours to reach Illam. We will pass through the Kabeli River and enjoy the beautiful mountain views, finally arriving in Kanyam, where we can see the large and stunning tea garden. Kanyam is renowned for its tea and cardamom production, and this place is also famous among local tourists.

Drive from Ilam to Bhadrapur (93m) & fly back to Kathmandu (1,400m).

After breakfast at the hotel in Kanyam, we will take a jeep to Bhadrapur, a 2 to 3-hour journey. In the afternoon, we will take a flight back to Kathmandu, which takes around 50 minutes. Finally, you will arrive in Kathmandu, and your guide will drop you at the hotel in Thamel.