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Kanchenjunga from Pangpema, Kanchenjunga region

Taplejung, Nepal

Best: Apr–May, Oct–Nov

Kanchenjunga

A long, wild trek in the far east of Nepal to the base camps of Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest mountain.

  • Up to 5,143 m
  • 20–25 days
  • Strenuous
  • True wilderness trek
Highest point
5,143 m
Trek length
20–25 days
Difficulty
Strenuous
Getting there
Fly + drive
Permits
Restricted area + KCAP
Best months
Apr–May, Oct–Nov

About the region

Nepal's great wilderness trek

Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), the world's third-highest mountain, stands on the border of Nepal and Sikkim in the far east of the country. The trek to its base camps is long and remote, through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, home to snow leopards and red pandas, and few trekkers ever reach it.

The route links two base camps: Pangpema, the North Base Camp (5,143 m), below the mountain's great north face, and Oktang, near the South Base Camp, over the high passes of the Sele La. On the way you pass Limbu villages, terraced hills and Ghunsa, a Tibetan village with a monastery and prayer flags.

Best for:
  • True wilderness
  • Experienced trekkers
  • Off the beaten path
  • The world's third-highest

    Kanchenjunga's north face from Pangpema, one of the great views of the Himalaya.

  • Almost no crowds

    A restricted area far from Kathmandu: you may see more yaks than trekkers.

  • Limbu and Tibetan villages

    From Limbu farming hills to the Tibetan village of Ghunsa and its monastery.

  • Wild nature

    Glaciers, high pastures and forest in a conservation area with snow leopards.

Treks

Trek in Kanchenjunga

Kanchenjunga from Pangpema, Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Remote wildernessFixed dates

Our Kanchenjunga trek

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

  • 22 days
  • Strenuous
  • Max 5,143 m
  • Private group

To Pangpema below Kanchenjunga's north face (5,143 m), across the Sele La to the South Base Camp, and back through Limbu villages. Permits and guide included.

Want your own route?

North Base Camp only, both base camps, or a slower pace with extra rest days. We plan it around your days.

Plan it on WhatsApp →

Best time to go

When to trek Kanchenjunga

  1. JanNot ideal
  2. FebNot ideal
  3. MarPossible
  4. AprBest
  5. MayBest
  6. JunNot ideal
  7. JulNot ideal
  8. AugNot ideal
  9. SepPossible
  10. OctBest
  11. NovBest
  12. DecNot ideal
  • Best
  • Possible
  • Not ideal

Your guides

Guides who know Kanchenjunga

Meet the whole team →
  • Ang Dorje Sherpa

    Ang Dorje Sherpa

    Senior trek leader, Everest region · 20+ yrs guiding

    “We climb slowly and check everyone every evening. The mountain is not going anywhere.”

    English, Nepali, Sherpa

  • Dil Kumar Limbu

    Kanchenjunga trek leader · 18+ yrs guiding

    “Kanchenjunga is a long way from anywhere. That is exactly why it is worth it.”

    English, Nepali, Limbu

Photos

See the valley

Travel guides

Before you go to Kanchenjunga

All travel guides →

Questions

Kanchenjunga questions, answered

How long is the Kanchenjunga trek?

About 20–25 days to see both base camps, or 16–18 days for the North Base Camp only. Add travel time to and from far-eastern Nepal.

What permits do I need?

A Kanchenjunga restricted area permit and the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP). The restricted permit is issued only through a registered agency with a licensed guide. We arrange both and confirm the current group rules when you book.

How hard is it?

Strenuous. It is long, with many steep up-and-down days and several nights above 4,000 m. It suits fit trekkers with experience of multi-day walking and altitude.

Are there teahouses?

Yes, along most of the route now, though they are basic and far apart in places. Food is simple, and some nights are in village homes. Camping is no longer needed for the standard route.

How do I get to the start?

Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur (about 1 hour), then drive to Taplejung (9–10 hours) and on by jeep to the trailhead. When flights to Suketar near Taplejung run, they save a day.

North or South Base Camp?

The North Base Camp at Pangpema has the most dramatic view of the mountain. The South side has forests and the Yalung Glacier. The full trek links the two over the Sele La.

Ready for Kanchenjunga?

Tell us your dates and fitness. A local planner replies on WhatsApp within a few hours.

Plan Kanchenjunga on WhatsApp