Trip Overview:
The Kanchenjunga Trek is a remote and adventurous journey to the base of the world’s third highest mountain, Kanchenjunga (8,586m). Located in eastern Nepal, this trek offers spectacular Himalayan vistas, pristine wilderness, and a rare cultural experience among isolated mountain communities.
Unlike more frequented treks, the Kanchenjunga route remains largely untouched and less commercialized, allowing trekkers to immerse themselves fully in nature and the unique lifestyle of the Limbu, Rai, Sherpa, and Tibetan-influenced communities. The trail passes through dense rhododendron forests, high alpine meadows, and sacred mountain passes.
The trek culminates at the Kanchenjunga Base Camp, offering panoramic views of Kanchenjunga’s massive peaks and glaciers, making it a rewarding challenge for experienced trekkers.
Highlights:
- Trek to the base of the majestic Kanchenjunga (8,586m)
- Explore remote villages and experience the culture of the Limbu, Rai, and Sherpa people
- Walk through diverse landscapes including lush forests, alpine meadows, and glacial valleys
- Visit ancient monasteries and sacred sites along the trail
- Witness stunning views of Kanchenjunga, Jannu, Makalu, and other Himalayan giants
- Experience a pristine, off-the-beaten-path trekking route
Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur (about 45–60 minutes) and then drive 3–4 hours to Fikkal/Kanyam, the heart of Nepal’s tea plantations. Enjoy scenic views of hills, rivers, and tea gardens along the way.
Overnight: Hotel | Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Drive 4–5 hours to Taplejung, the official starting point of the trek. The road winds through hills, farmland, and cardamom villages. Taplejung has shops, ATMs, and basic facilities, so it’s a good place to stock up on supplies.
Overnight: Hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDrive 4–5 hours to Taplejung, the official starting point of the trek. The road winds through hills, farmland, and cardamom villages. Taplejung has shops, ATMs, and basic facilities, so it’s a good place to stock up on supplies.
Overnight: Hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek 5–6 hours, descending to Tamor River Valley and following Ghunsa Khola upstream. Walk through subtropical forests and small Limbu and Rai villages, cross suspension bridges, and enter Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. Sekathum is a small riverside village with simple teahouses.
Trek 6–7 hours along Ghunsa Khola through bamboo and rhododendron forests. This is one of the steepest early ascents. You may spot wildlife like langurs, Himalayan monals, and, rarely, red pandas. Amjilosa is a tiny village with basic teahouse accommodations.
Overnight: Tea House | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek 3–4 hours through pine, bamboo, and oak forests. Villages start to have Tibetan-style settlements, and yaks, sheep, and goats are common on the trail.
Overnight: Tea House | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek 3–4 hours passing Phale village, a Tibetan refugee settlement. Ghunsa is the largest village in the area, with a health post, police station, and Kanchenjunga Conservation Office.
Overnight: Tea House | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rest and acclimatize. Explore the monastery and nearby ridge for incredible views of Jannu Peak. Hiking today helps prepare your body for higher altitudes.
Overnight: Tea House | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek 3–4 hours with views of Jannu Himal. Walk through a green glacier valley; watch for wildlife like blue sheep or snow leopards. The trail passes waterfalls and some landslide-prone areas.
Overnight: Tea House | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a short 2-hour hike to adjust to altitude and enjoy panoramic views of Kanchenjunga from a nearby ridge.
Overnight: Tea House | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek 3–4 hours over moraine from the Kanchenjunga Glacier. The area is remote with no settlements, but summer yak pastures and wildlife make it scenic.
Overnight: Tea House | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek 8 hours to the North Base Camp (5,143m / 16,873 ft). Marvel at Kanchenjunga and surrounding peaks. Return to Lhonak for the night.
Overnight: Tea House | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Descend 7 hours through alpine terrain, passing Kambachen and Ramtang. Spot wildlife like blue sheep and signs of snow leopards. Ghunsa welcomes you with cozy teahouses and a tranquil monastery.
Overnight: Tea House | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek 5 hours along forest trails and grassy ridges, enjoying views of Ghunsa, Phole villages, and distant Mt. Makalu.
Overnight: Tea House | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek 7–8 hours toward the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp, crossing Sinion La and Sinelapche La passes. Descend to Cheram, the only settlement on this part of the route.
Overnight: Tea House | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek 6 hours to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp, enjoy the glacier views and Tibetan prayer flags. Return to Cheram and overnight at Ramche.
Overnight: Tea House | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek 4 hours descending to lower altitude forests. Spot wildlife like Himalayan monals, barking deer, and red pandas. Torongding is a quiet village with basic amenities.
Overnight: Tea House | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive 4 hours through farmland and cardamom plantations back to Taplejung, the administrative hub with hotels, Wi-Fi, and shops.
Overnight: Hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly 50 minutes from Bhadrapur back to Kathmandu, enjoying views of the hills, tea estates, and lowlands. Trek ends with arrival in the capital.
Overnight: Kathmandu | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch