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Popular treks
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Quiet, off the beaten pathFewer trekkers, wild valleysTeahouse treksLodges every nightPrivate treksYour group, your dates
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EverestUp to 5,545 m
AnnapurnaUp to 5,416 m
ManasluUp to 5,106 m
LangtangUp to 4,984 m
KanchenjungaUp to 5,143 m
Nar PhuUp to 5,320 m
Pikey PeakUp to 4,065 m
Tamang Heritage TrailUp to 3,165 m2026/2027 season open · start on any date you choose
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek takes you to both sides of Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), the world's third-highest mountain, on the border of Nepal and Sikkim. After a flight to Bhadrapur and a long drive to Taplejung, the trail climbs through Limbu villages, cardamom fields and forest to the Tibetan village of Ghunsa, then up glacial valleys to Pangpema, the North Base Camp (5,143 m), below the mountain's great north face.
From Ghunsa you cross the high passes of the Sele La to Tseram and walk up the Yalung Glacier to the Oktang viewpoint near the South Base Camp, before descending through Yamphudin and its rhododendron forest. It is a restricted area in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, so you share the trail with very few other trekkers.
This is an expedition-style trek: long, remote and demanding, with basic lodges and several nights above 4,000 m. In return you get some of the wildest mountain scenery in the Himalaya, almost to yourself.
Verified route 2026/2027
Our heritage and roots
Born and raised in the mountains of Nepal, our founder grew up walking Himalayan trails with the elders of his village. That lifelong respect for the mountains became the foundation of Travel To Nepal.
Sujan SherpaFounder and lead trek director
Read our storyDirect local consultation
Message us on WhatsApp or send us an email. Either I or my team will personally answer your questions and make sure all your doubts are answered properly.
Trek milestones
Kanchenjunga's north face and its glaciers fill the view at the head of the valley.
The south face of Kanchenjunga from the viewpoint near the South Base Camp.
A long high crossing between the two sides of the mountain, with views to Jannu and Makalu on clear days.
Wooden houses, prayer flags and a monastery in a pine forest below the glaciers.
Terraced hills, cardamom farms and rhododendron forest on the lower trail.
A restricted area far from Kathmandu: you may see more yaks than trekkers.
Trekker suitability guide
An honest checklist from our guides to help you decide if this long, remote trek suits you.
Suitability checklist
Physical demands and fitness: 5 to 8 hours of walking a day for nearly three weeks, with big climbs and descents. Very good stamina is needed.
Altitude and acclimatization: Several nights above 4,000 m and a day hike to 5,143 m. Two rest days help, but previous altitude experience is a plus.
Technical skill required: None. Rough trails, moraine and high passes, but no ropes or climbing gear. Snow can lie on the passes in spring.
Trail comfort and accommodation: Basic lodges and village homes, simple food and cold rooms. Few showers and limited charging higher up.
Mental resilience: Long days far from roads, changeable weather and the chance of delays on flights and jeep roads.
Medical conditions: With heart or lung conditions or severe asthma, speak to your doctor before booking. Help is far away here.
Unsure about your fitness or readiness?Our lead trek director gives a free, no-obligation preparation check.
Step-by-step route
Twenty-two days from Kathmandu to both base camps of Kanchenjunga and back. You fly to Bhadrapur and drive to Taplejung, walk up the Tamor and Ghunsa valleys with two acclimatisation days, reach Pangpema from Lhonak, cross the Sele La to Tseram and the Oktang viewpoint, and walk out through Yamphudin. Nights are in basic teahouses and village lodges.
Airport pickup · Permit paperwork
Arrival · 1,400 m
Our team meets you at the airport and takes you to your hotel. We collect your passport details for the restricted area permit and check your gear in the evening.
Mountain flight · Tea gardens of Ilam
1 hr flight · 9–10 hrs drive · 1,820 m
A morning flight to Bhadrapur in the eastern lowlands, then a long drive north past the tea gardens of Ilam to the hill town of Taplejung.
Jeep road along the Tamor river
6–7 hrs drive · 1,650 m
A bumpy jeep ride through Limbu villages and down to the Tamor river, past Lelep, to the small settlement of Sekathum where the walking begins.
Steep climb above the Ghunsa Khola gorge
6–7 hrs · 2,510 m
The trail follows the Ghunsa Khola into a narrow gorge, then climbs steeply on stone steps to the small village of Amjilosa.
Bamboo and rhododendron forest · Waterfalls
5–6 hrs · 2,730 m
A forest walk with waterfalls and river crossings to Gyabla, a Tibetan village on a shelf above the river.
Phale village · Into the Tibetan villages
5–6 hrs · 3,595 m
Climb past the winter village of Phale to Ghunsa, the largest village of the upper valley, with wooden houses, prayer flags and a monastery.
Monastery visit · Short hike above the village
3–4 hrs hike · 3,595 m
A rest day to help your body adjust. Visit the monastery and take a short hike above the village to climb high and sleep low.
Landslide area · First views of Jannu
5–6 hrs · 4,050 m
The valley opens above the tree line. Cross a landslide section carefully with your guide and reach the yak pastures of Khambachen, below the north face of Jannu.
Hike towards the Jannu viewpoint
3–4 hrs hike · 4,050 m
A second rest day before the highest part of the trek, with an easy hike for views of Jannu (Kumbhakarna) and the Kumbhakarna Glacier.
Along the Kanchenjunga Glacier moraine
4–5 hrs · 4,780 m
A gradual climb over rocky ground beside the Kanchenjunga Glacier to Lhonak, a wide sandy plain ringed by peaks.
The high point of the trek · Kanchenjunga's north face
6–7 hrs · 5,143 m · High point
An early start along the glacier to Pangpema, where Kanchenjunga's north face rises straight above you. Time for photos, then back to Lhonak for the night.
Long descent back down the valley
6–7 hrs · 3,595 m
Retrace your steps past Khambachen and down into the forest to Ghunsa, with thicker air and a warmer night.
Climb through pine and rhododendron to the pass camp
4–5 hrs · 4,290 m
A steady climb out of the valley through forest to Sele Le, the base for crossing to the southern side of the mountain.
Mirgin La and Sinion La · Views to Jannu and Makalu
8–9 hrs · 4,646 m
The longest day: a series of passes up to about 4,650 m, with views of Jannu and, on clear days, Makalu and Everest far to the west. A long descent leads to Tseram.
Up the Yalung Glacier valley
3–4 hrs · 4,580 m
A short climb beside the Yalung Glacier to the meadows of Ramche, with blue sheep often grazing nearby.
Kanchenjunga's south face
6–7 hrs · 4,730 m
An early walk to Oktang, near the South Base Camp, for the south face of Kanchenjunga above the Yalung Glacier. Back down to Tseram for the night.
Back into the forest
5–6 hrs · 2,995 m
Descend along the Simbuwa Khola through rhododendron and pine forest to the small lodges of Torontan.
Last climb · Limbu and Sherpa villages
6–7 hrs · 3,410 m
One last climb to the ridge of Lamite Bhanjyang, then a long descent through forest and farmland to the village of Yamphudin.
Last trekking day · Celebrate with your team
6–7 hrs drive · 1,820 m
A rough jeep ride back through the hills to Taplejung, where we celebrate the end of the trek with your guide and porters.
Down to the plains
9–10 hrs drive · 90 m
The long drive back down through Ilam's tea gardens to Bhadrapur, ready for the morning flight.
Free afternoon in Thamel
1 hr flight · 1,400 m
Fly back to Kathmandu. The afternoon is free for a hot shower, shopping and a farewell dinner.
Airport transfer
1,400 m
Transfer to the airport for your flight home, or stay on for another adventure in Nepal. We are happy to help plan it.
Tailor-made treks
Unlimited free changes until it is right
Want to match your own pace, fitness, group or holiday dates? Tell us what you have in mind and our Kathmandu team will change the route as many times as you need, until it is the Kanchenjunga Trek you want.
WhatsApp +977 980000000 · traveltonepal102@gmail.com · Reply usually within a few hours
Local expertise and safety first
Licensed guides from the Kanchenjunga area, trained in wilderness first aid and at home on the long trails of the far east.
Kanchenjunga local
First aid
Kanchenjunga trek leader
Yamphudin, Taplejung
“Kanchenjunga is a long way from anywhere. That is exactly why it is worth it.”
Full disclosure
Domestic flights: Kathmandu – Bhadrapur – Kathmandu.
Ground transport: jeeps between Bhadrapur, Taplejung and the trailheads.
Licensed guide and porters: first-aid trained, insured and fairly paid.
Lodging: teahouses and lodges on the trek and 2 hotel nights in Kathmandu.
Permits: Kanchenjunga restricted area permit and Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP).
Safety gear and transfers: pulse oximeter, first-aid kit and Kathmandu airport transfers.
Meals on the trek: order from the menu (about $25–35 a day).
International airfare: flights to and from Kathmandu.
Travel insurance: required, with helicopter rescue cover up to 5,500 m.
Nepal tourist visa: on arrival at the airport.
Lodge extras: hot showers, battery charging and Wi-Fi where available.
Trekker-first transparency
Freedom of choice and appetiteAppetite changes with altitude. Order what your body wants, from dal bhat to pasta, porridge or soup.
Direct support for teahouse familiesYou pay the lodges directly, so all food money stays with the local families who run them.
No package markupsAll-inclusive meal packages are often padded. Here you pay real menu prices for what you eat.
Dietary needs and allergiesVegetarian, vegan or gluten-free: order on the spot and get food made the way you need it.
Average daily food budget: plan on about $25–35 USD per day for hearty breakfasts, lunches, hot dinners and boiled drinking water or tea.
Trail pro tips
“Dal bhat power”: unlimited refills of rice, lentils and vegetable curry. The best fuel for long days.
Go vegetarian higher up: meat is carried for days without refrigeration, so we suggest vegetarian meals above Ghunsa.
Bring snacks: lodges are far apart and menus short. Energy bars and nuts from Kathmandu help on long days.
Cash is king: there are no ATMs after Taplejung. Bring enough Nepali rupees for the whole trek.
Essential teahouse notes
Simple menus: expect dal bhat, noodles, potatoes and Tibetan bread. Choice shrinks as you climb.
Eat where you sleep: lodges keep room prices low because you take breakfast and dinner there.
Order early: small kitchens cook for everyone at once, so order dinner by 5 pm.
Acclimatization map
You sleep no higher than 4,780 m and only day hike to the high point.
Peak: 5,143 m
Route and GPS waypoints
Interactive map
Interactive Google map
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Kathmandu 1,400 mStart
Day 1Taplejung 1,820 m
Day 2Sekathum 1,650 m
Day 3Amjilosa 2,510 m
Day 4Gyabla 2,730 m
Day 5Ghunsa 3,595 m
Days 6–7Khambachen 4,050 m
Days 8–9Lhonak 4,780 m
Day 10Pangpema 5,143 mHigh point
Day 11Ghunsa 3,595 m
Day 12Sele Le 4,290 m
Day 13Tseram 4,646 m
Day 14Ramche 4,580 m
Day 15Oktang 4,730 m
Day 16Torontan 2,995 m
Day 17Yamphudin 3,410 m
Day 18Taplejung 1,820 m
Day 19Bhadrapur 90 m
Day 20Kathmandu 1,400 m
Days 21–22Interactive map by Google Maps. See our privacy policy for how Google handles your data.
Direct operator advantage
Local leadership, honest pricing and careful safety standards, straight from our Kathmandu team.
Licensed guides who grew up in the region they lead and know the teahouse families by name.
Everything included is listed before you book. Meals are paid on the trail at real menu prices.
Daily oxygen and pulse checks, a first-aid kit, and rescue coordinated from Kathmandu.
Every trek is private. Change the pace, days or route; we rewrite the plan for free.
You plan with our team directly, before, during and after your trek.
Weight limits, warm gear, insurance and fair pay for every person on your team.
Transparent pricing structure
Book directly with our Kathmandu team, with no middlemen. Every trek is private, so you choose your own start date.
| Group size | Per person | Your team | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person (solo) | $2,950 | Private guide + porter · may need to join others for the permit (we confirm) | |
| 2 people | $2,600 | Guide + 1 porter | |
| Popular3–5 people | $2,350 | Lead guide + assistant + porters | |
| 6–10 people | $2,200 | Lead guide + 2 assistants + porters | |
| 11+ people | $2,090 | Full trekking team |
Official verification
Est. 2024 · Kathmandu
Nepal Department of Tourism registration certificateRegistration tourest registation · licensed trekking agency
The Travel To Nepal advantage
Why trekkers choose our locally led Kanchenjunga treks.
Our trek leaders have walked these trails for years and know the teahouse families along the way.
Pulse oximeter readings morning and evening help catch altitude sickness early.
Fair wages, insurance, warm gear and strict weight limits for every porter.
Only your group, with personal pacing and quiet teahouse evenings.
Booking direct with a Nepali company means your money supports families along the trail.
Fast reply on WhatsApp
Direct local pricing, no middlemen. Fill this in and we open WhatsApp with your request already written.
Gear and essentials
Tested gear for a long, remote trek: −15 °C nights at Lhonak to warm days in the lower forest.
Base layers: 2–3 merino or synthetic tops and bottoms.
Fleece mid-layer: a warm fleece or softshell.
Down jacket: rated to about −15 °C for Lhonak and the passes.
Waterproof shell: jacket and trousers for rain, wind and snow.
Trekking boots: waterproof, broken in, with good ankle support.
Camp shoes: light trainers or sandals for the lodge.
Socks: 5–6 pairs of warm trekking socks.
Microspikes: useful for snow on the Sele La passes in spring.
Daypack (30–35 L): with a rain cover for layers, water and snacks.
Duffel bag: carried by your porter (max 15 kg).
Sleeping bag: comfort to −15 °C (you can rent one in Kathmandu).
Trekking poles and headlamp: for steep descents and early starts.
Water purification: tablets or a UV pen, plus two 1 L bottles.
Medical kit: blister plasters, painkillers, rehydration salts and your own medicines.
Sun protection: SPF 50 sunscreen, lip balm and glacier sunglasses.
Hygiene: wet wipes, hand sanitizer and a quick-dry towel.
Practical field knowledge
Essential insights from our local trek leaders.
Autumn (October to November): the clearest skies and most stable weather for both base camps.
Spring (April to May): warmer days and rhododendrons in flower lower down; snow can linger on the passes early in the season.
*Winter brings deep snow on the passes and many lodges close. The monsoon (Jun–Sep) means heavy rain, leeches and landslides.
Restricted area permit: issued only through a registered agency, with a licensed guide. We apply for it in Kathmandu.
Conservation area permit: the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP) is checked along the trail.
Group rules: we confirm the current group rules when you book.
Rooms: simple rooms with thin mattresses and blankets; use your sleeping bag on top.
Facilities: few hot showers and limited, paid charging above Ghunsa. Bring a power bank.
Phone signal: patchy after Taplejung; some lodges have satellite Wi-Fi for a fee.
Dal bhat: rice, lentil soup, vegetables and pickle, with free refills.
Trail menus: noodles, potatoes, Tibetan bread, porridge and garlic soup.
Hydration: drink 3–4 litres a day and treat your water; skip single-use plastic.
Rescue: our Kathmandu office coordinates helicopter evacuation with your insurer if it is ever needed.
On the trail: your guide carries a first-aid kit and pulse oximeter and knows the nearest helipads.
Insurance: travel insurance covering emergency evacuation is required for every trekker.
*Help is far away here, so we turn back early if anyone shows signs of altitude sickness.
Kanchenjunga's north face from Pangpema, its south face from Oktang, the crossing of the Sele La, the Tibetan village of Ghunsa and Limbu villages lower down, all with very few other trekkers.
Pangpema, the North Base Camp, at 5,143 m (16,873 ft) on day 11. You sleep no higher than Lhonak at about 4,780 m.
Yes. A North Base Camp-only trek takes about 16–18 days and returns the same way. Ask us and we plan it around your days.
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.
Not on your own: Nepal requires a licensed guide here. Solo travellers may need to join others for the restricted permit; we confirm the current rule and can match you with a group date.
Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur (about 1 hour), drive to Taplejung (9–10 hours) and continue by jeep to Sekathum. All transport is included.
Yes, on the standard route, though they are basic and far apart in places. Some nights are in village lodges or homes. Camping is no longer needed.
Strenuous, grade 5 of 5. It is long, with many steep days and several nights above 4,000 m. It suits fit trekkers with multi-day hiking experience.
Your guide carries a first-aid kit and pulse oximeter and checks everyone each day. If needed, our Kathmandu office arranges helicopter evacuation with your insurer, weather permitting.
Fast reply · local operator
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