Kanchanjunga Base Camp Trek
Overview
Kanchanjunga Base Camp trek and Mount Kanchanjunga world's third tallest mountain stands on the border of Nepal & India and south of Tibetan Autonomous. Government of Nepal opened Kanchanjunga region to trekkers in 1988. A trekking to Kanchanjunga is real wilderness adventure, fascination of Mountains, Local villages and living in harmony of different ethnical group in the low land Rai, Limbu and Chhetri and upper part dominated by Sherpa Peoples who have migrated from Tibet long ago. Various types of the flora, fauna, herbs & scrubs are the other feature of the trip. So Kanchanjunga is the most popular trekking destination which will fire up the imagination of everyone. It was first climbed by G. Band, Evans & J. Brown in 1955This region was opened for trekkers in 1998 only but lots of mountaineering groups were already accessing this route for their attempt to summit the mountain. This region is largely inhabited by Rai and Limbu who are known to be very friendly people.
This trek begins and ends at the small airstrip at Suketar (Taplejung) which lies in the remote north east corner of Nepal. From Suketar we will begin out trek, following a route alone a ridge top towards the Tamour River where we will enjoy panoramic views of the Makalu (27825ft) and Chamlung (24000ft) peaks. We will continue through forests and rhododendron thickets and soon the Kanchenjunga range will Arrear River through the Limbu villages to the terraced mountainside village of Amjilassa and the legendry Sherpa village of Ghunsa (11400ft). We will visit the monastery there and soon have our first glimpse of a sea of unclimbed peaks including the Jannu (25289ft), known as a mystery peak or Terror. We will trek to the edge of the Kanchanjunga glacier and after crossing the lateral moraine; we will cut across at this junction and arrive at our campsite at Lhonak, an undisturbed landscape of unspeakable beauty.
After a couple of days of rest and exploration at Lhonak, including a day trip to Pangpema (16900ft) to see the north face of Kanchanjunga, we will head south to Yalung glacier. We will cross of two passes, the Lapsang-La (16700ft) or Margin-La (15300ft) depending on which is the safest at the time, into the Simbua Khola valley and camp at Ramche (14000ft). We will rest and explore the Yalung Glacier and the southern face of Kanchenjunga , then begin out trek back to our last night of camping, we will celebrate with our Sherpas and porters the completion of our trek together.
Highlights
- Rim of the Kathmandu valley excursion
- Trekking through terraced fields and typical eastern- Nepali villages
- Traditional villages, Unique Himalayan culture with majority of Sherpa, Rai, Limbu, Tamang, Chhetri, Brahamn & Tibetan
- Monasteries, Chortens, Temple and prayer walls
- Explore the Kanchenjunga Base Camp.
- Explore world’s biggest blue glacier of Yalung.
- Magnificent views of Mt. Everest, Makalu and Kanchenjunga
- Crossing the pass over Mirgin-La.
- Diverse flora and fauna and rich local culture
- Pangpema, Kanchenjunga's North BC, and the superb view of the biggest concentration of mountains in Himalaya
Trip Summary
Trip Grade | Moderate to Strenuous |
---|---|
Trip Duration | 25 Nights/26 Days |
Trip code | NAP-KAN-410 |
Trip Start/Ends | Kathmandu, Suketar/Suketar, Kathmandu |
Maximum Altitude | Pangpema (5150m) |
Trip Cost | Prices on request |
Group Size | Minimum 2 upto 16 persons in one group |
Accessibillity | 45 minutes flight to Taplejung/Suketar from Kathmandu |
The Route | Pangpema (5150m) northern Kanchanjunga Base Camp, 5/7-hrs average walking per day, moderate to strenuous trail. |
Season | Sept – Nov / March - April |
Permit Fee | Per week per person US$ 10 or equivalent convertible foreign currency. |
Trip Facilities | 3+ hotel in city on B/B and home-stay/camping accommodation on mountain |
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Tribhuwan international airport, welcomed by our representative and transfer to hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. A pre trip meeting and briefing will held all together with you at hotel about the daily program activities by company representative and your trip Leader/Guide where you can discuss your final questions all together. In the evening there will be pre-trip discussion where you can meet your group leader/guide then you can ask any questions you may have.
Half hour flight to Taplejung at Suketar Airport. The porters and crew will be waiting for our arrival. After landing we take an early lunch, while the crew arranges our gear. In the afternoon we blow out the cobwebs with an easy 2 to 3 hours walk along the ridge line to Lali Kharka, a grazing area.
After traversing the hillside a short way, we descend to the village along the Phawa Khola, crossing a suspension bridge before beginning the steep climb up towards Kunjuri. Lunch will be taken somewhere below Kunjuri and the afternoon's walk takes on a short distance over the crest of the ridge to our campsite at Khesewa. We get our first views of Kanchenjunga, and should be able to clearly make out the south and main summit along with Yalung Kang.
This day the path covers steep hillside through terraced fields high above the Kabbeli Khola. There are some ups and downs crossing side valleys but there are many shady spots to rest. After lunch at one of these we pass the village of Anpan, before descending to cross the Kashawa Khola and then, finally, we climb again through terraced fields to the village of Mamankhe.
This day the walk start with an easy climb to Yamphudin along a track which contours the hillside above the Kabeli Khola. The path has several ups and downs as we cross the ridges and stream beds that make up the valley sides. Generally the route is flat and the river eventually becomes level with the trail a couple of hours before Yamphudin. At last we can stop to bathe in one of the clear pools within this beautiful river. It is truly an idyllic spot. After lunch by the river we complete the day's walk to Yamphudin. Yamphudin is the most remote settlement in this area and the last village we will see until we reach Ghunsa. It is a charming place tucked away beneath the ridge of Deurali Danda that we must cross next.
Beyond Yamphudin the trail ascends a steep spur, a gentle introduction for what will come. Leaving villages behind us trek through pleasant forest, stopping for lunch in a meadow capturing fine views of the north and south. A steep descend to the river an interesting bridge across the Omje Khola to our campsite in Chitre.
Starting the day with 3 hours of steep ascent to the rest of the Deurali Danda in dense forest most of the way. From the 3230 meters pass we see Jannu, definitely closer! We descend across some steep and exposed areas before entering the forest again. The sharp descent through beautiful forest continues down into the valley of the Simjua Khola. Across the 'interesting' wooden bridge is Tortongn, a camping place with numerous rock shelters amid towering conifers.
This day we follow the river through more beautiful forest, the conifers giving way to the rhododendron forest. The valley climbs fairly steeply and as the day progresses the trees become more stunted and scattered, giving us glimpses of the snow-capped giants ahead and the massive snout of Yalung Glacier. Just before Tseram the towering heights of Kabru and Rathong peak start to peep over the moraine. Camping at Tseram, a grazing area, the night temperatures will remind us that we are really gaining height.
A shorter day's walk up the final 600 meters to Ramche where the trail to Kanchenjunga South turns dangerous. The scenery is magnificent as we ascend past snout of the Yalung Glaciers into a series of ablation valleys which gives easy walking and good camping. A frozen lake, clear streams and views of Koktang, Rathong and Kabru are the highlights of this stroll.
Yalung Glaciers and a series of valleys, give good walking and perfect camping. A frozen lake, clear streams and magnificent views are the highlights of this stroll.
We trek down the valley, passing the turn off to the high and challenging Labsang-La route to Ghunsa and the north side of Kanchenjunga. This pass is rough and dangerous, especially for porters so we take the more southern set of passes, beginning with the Mirgin-La. After an initial steep climb and several false summits we reach Mirgin-La. Apart from the magnificent Jannu, on the horizon are Makalu, Gyakung Kang, Everest, Lhotse and Chamalang. To the south it is possible to see down to the Terai, a panorama worth the effort. Our campsite will be beyond the pass, after 6 to 7 hours tough walking.
Although there four more passes, there is little descent between them, so in effect it is a high scenic area. After lunch descent brings us to Lamba Sumba Kharka where there are more views of the awesome Southwest Face of Jannu. From Kharka the going is easy again down a pleasant forested trail to the village of Ghunsa, where we camp in the village. Ghunsa is a picturesque Tibetan village; prayer flags flutter from the wooden houses and there are two monasteries, a welcome sight after the many days of wilderness. One of the local specialties’ is 'Tongba', a curious alcoholic drink. A jug or large bamboo cup is filled with fermented millet seed and boiling water pored over. The flavor and alcohol seep though and you drink it with a special straw. You might need a drink after the tough 4 to 6 hour walk.
Gradually the trail ascends to south of the Ghunsa Khola and crossing flood plains while emerging on a pasture situated at the north side of the river. We climb to a slope from where crosses a slide then descends to Lakepo then a short climb from here to the village of Kambachen (4040m).
Today we spend acclimatizing to high altitude. It also doubles up as a rest day and can be used for a short morning hike to explore the area around Kambachen. Those who feel the urge should be able to catch up on their laundry. Otherwise, a good book should get you through the day perfectly. It is essential to acclimatize to the higher altitude as you have been spending a lot of time at lower altitudes. From here there are good mountain views of the peaks near Kanchenjunga which are visible. You can hike up the ridge above the village for better views or take a day hike to the Jannu Base Camp. The Nepali name for Jannu is Kumbakarna.
A gradual climb through rocky fields gets you to Ramtang at elevation of 4240 meters then crossing northwest of the Kanchenjunga Glacier you reach Lhonak. Lohnak is on a sandy plain near a dry lakebed. You will camp between the boulders here to stay out of the wind. There are beautiful mountain vistas all around. Water is very scarce in Lhonak and you will need to use only as much as absolutely necessary.
The main Kanchenjunga peak is only visible from Pangpema, which is the base camp for expeditions on Kanchenjunga. From Lhonak, the trail gradually ascends across the plain but soon gets steeper as it follows the moraine. Pangpema is at a height of 5140 meters.
Explore around Kanchenjungha Base Camp and retrace your steps to Kambachen 5 hours: This day those who would like to take a morning hike up a ridge, north of Pangpema. A climb of 200 or 300 meters and provides a great vantage point with views of Kanchenjunga, Wedge Peak, the Twins and Tent Peak. As usual the descent goes faster and you can reach Kambachen the same day.
More descents thru magnificent sections of forest as long as we make Amjilosa tomorrow it doesn't matter where we stay. From Ghunsa an hour down we pass through Phole, a village in two parts. The upper sections house Tibetan refugees who are well established, the second is the winter village of Ghunsa. Further down is Yangswa, a great and warm camp.
We cross the Ghunsa Khola Bridge and ascend a gentle hill. Soon we will descend through thick rhododendron forest to arrive at Phole. We continue amid cultivated a field that leads to a broad meadow. Soon we will descend a short hill and follow the descending path along the Ghunsa River. At the last stretch we will ascend for Kyapra (2770m) then descend to Thyangem for the overnight camp.
The trail follows many ups and downs to finally catch a gently downward slopping path to Amjilassa. Amjilassa is a small village set among terraced fields. From here to Ghaiya Bari the going gets tough initially we begin ascending after crossing two streams to be followed by a couple of ups and downs. This is immediately followed by a very difficult descend with rocky outcroppings. This sharp drop should be tackled carefully then continue walk to Sekathum for the overnight camp.
We cross the Simbu Khola, which originates from Kanchanjunga's south base camp, the Khola that we followed up from Torontan. It is pleasantly warm at these low altitudes and cardamom grows freely in the moist shaded forest. Crossing numerous small tributary streams we reach Chhirwa, a village set among large boulders. We camp in a field out of the village.
This day is leisure day in Kathmandu
After breakfast you will have some free time until the time to leave the international airport for your final departure.
Cost Included
- Fee: Kanchanjunga special permit, Conservation entrance permit
- Activities: Sightseeing and trekking trip as per itinerary.
- Equipment: All necessary camping equipments, kitchen utilize
- Accommodation: 4 nights hotel in Kathmandu on twin sharing beedroom and 21 nights tented accommodation on mountain
- Food: Full board on camping (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trekking and 4breakfast in Kathmandu.
- Staffs: Leader/Guide and supporters and their daily wage, food, and accommodation
- Transportation: Airport arrival/departure transfer and surface road-head transportation and lKathmandu to Biratnagar/Suketar and Kathmandu return flight
- Company and Government’s service charge: All applicable Government taxes and official service charges. And Crew’s, daily wages/salary, food, equipment, air and road-head transportation
Cost Excluded
- Your international flight
- Travel/medical insurance coverage personal accidents, medical and emergency Helicopter rescue
- Personal travel and trekking equipments
- Lunch and dinner while in city
- Items of a personal nature such as normal drinks, hot shower, dessert, laundry, internet and phone call.
- Expenses occurred due to unavoidable Events i.e. road wrecks, flight delays etc.
- Tips/Gratuities for your trekking crews
- Temple and Monastery entrance fees
- Optional activities
- And unforeseen expenses which are out of control by Nepal Adventure Point
Trip Notes
Please request our Trip Note advice and detailed itinerary.