Overview
Kanchenjunga Trek is an exhilarating adventure that offers beautiful views of the pristine landscapes of Eastern Nepal. The trek is perfect for those who are looking for trekking in remote zones. Kanchenjunga Region is renowned for rivers, streams, beautiful waterfalls, and glaciers. During this extraordinary journey, you will get a chance to explore the base camp of the beautiful Mount Kanchenjunga (8586 m), which is the third-highest mountain in the world.
Kanchenjunga Trek takes you to off-beat trekking routes and offers you a chance to walk through the remote areas rewarding you with the mesmerizing views of awe-inspiring vistas of the region. The trek passes through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project, which is gifted with beautiful glaciers and diverse flora and fauna. Animals like the Red Panda, Blue Sheep, and Snow Leopard can be spotted in this conservation area.
The incredible 17-day journey starts with an exhilarating flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and takes you to scenic places like Ilam, Taplejung, Sekathum, Amjilosa, Gyabla, Ghunsa, Khamachen, Pang Pema, Lhonak, Selele, Tseram, Oktang and many more. You will hike to the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, from where you can witness the beautiful views of the north face of Mount Kanchenjunga, Jannu Himal, and other surrounding peaks. You will also get a chance to hike the South Base Camp View Point, from where you can get clear views of snowy peaks such as Kanchenjunga South, Kanchenjunga Central, Kabru, and Rathong.
Kanchenjunga Trek is often described as a hidden gem and undiscovered treasure by the trekkers as the trails are relatively less crowded than other popular trekking destinations. The trek is adventurous as well as scenic, which is an ideal choice for those who are looking for a journey that offers the sense of thrill as well as presents the breathtaking beauty of nature.
Best Time for Kanchenjunga Trek
The best time to partake in this incredible adventure is during Autumn (September, October, November) and Spring (March, April, May).
During the Autumn season, the weather is stable, and the temperature is mild, which allows you to have a favorable walking experience and smooth journey. There are fewer chances of rainfall, which results in drier trails, which makes navigation easier. The air is crisp, which allows you to have a refreshing journey. The visibility is excellent, and you can enjoy the unobstructed views of the snow-covered peaks.
Spring is also considered as the best time for Kanchenjunga Trek. During the spring season, the temperature is moderate, and the environment is decorated by the blooming flowers which makes the whole atmosphere vibrant. The beautiful rhododendrons can be seen during the spring season, which makes your trekking experience delightful. The skies are clear, and you can get the clear views of the snowy peaks. The stable weather during the spring allows you to have a pleasant journey while enjoying the maximum perks.
Highlights of Kanchenjunga Trek
- Drive to scenic places like Ilam and Taplejung.
- Trek through the protected Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.
- A chance to explore the unique and pristine landscape of the region.
- Walk through the lush forests, serene rivers, and cascading waterfalls.
- A chance to explore the local culture and visit beautiful monasteries along the trail.
- Mesmerizing views of Kanchenjunga Range, Jannu, Kabru, Rathong, Mera, and many other surrounding peaks.
- Explore Nepalese and Tibetan Culture.
- Visit Kanchenjunga North and South Base Camp
- Enchanting views of the tea gardens in Kanyam.
Kanchenjunga Trek 17 Days Detailed Itinerary
Flight Duration: 45 minutes
Drive Duration: Ilam: 3 hours, Taplejung: 6 hours
Kathmandu Elevation: (1400 m/ 4593 ft)
Ilam Elevation: (1627m/ 5338 ft)
Taplejung Elevation: (1820 m /5971 ft)
On the first day of your journey, you will take an exciting flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur. We will receive you from the hotel and transfer you to the airport, from where you will board the plane. The 45-minute flight is captivating, as you will witness rolling green hills, lush forests, and many traditional settlements. After the aircraft makes its landing, you will transfer to a comfortable vehicle and enjoy your scenic drive from Bhadrapur to Illam or Taplejung. The drive from Bhadrapur to Illam takes about 3 hours, whereas the drive to Taplejung takes about 6 hours. You will stay in one of the guest houses in either Illam or Taplejung.
Ilam Elevation: (1627 m/ 5338 ft)
Taplejung Elevation: (1820 m /5971 ft)
Sekathum Elevation: (1650 m/5413 ft)
Drive Duration: 6 to 9 hours
On the 2nd day of the journey, you will enjoy the scenic drive from either Ilam or Taplejung to Sekathum. The adventures and captivating drive will offer you stunning views of hills and traditional settlements. You will have an adventurous drive and witness the beautiful views of Tamor storage. The beautiful flowing small rivers along the way will captivate your heart. The lush hills, terrace farmlands, and small settlements are the most common sightings you will see during the drive. Most of the time, you will be driving through off-roads. You will drive on the bridge over the Tamor River. After an adventurous drive on a rugged and unpaved road for a long duration, you will finally arrive in Sekathum. You will stay overnight in Sekathum.
Sekathum Elevation: (1650 m/5413 ft)
Amjilosa Elevation: (2498 m/ 8195 ft)
Trek Distance: 9 km/ 5.59 miles
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 Hours
The third day of the journey is the day when you will start the trek. You will start the trek in the morning after having a wholesome breakfast. You will climb up along the beautiful Ghunsa Khola and cross many bridges throughout the journey. You will walk through the steep pathways and also witness small settlements. You will walk through the stone-paved staircase and witness many small streams. You will come across many goats throughout the journey. After ascending and descending through the rocky paths crossing many suspension bridges you will finally make it to Amjilosa. You can then rest, get refreshed, and enjoy the warm meal prepared by the hosts. Staying overnight in Amjilosa will provide you with a much-needed recharge.
Amjilosa Elevation: (2498 m |8195 ft)
Gyabla Elevation: (2725 m /8940 ft)
Trek Distance: 8 km/ 4.97 miles
Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Your destination for the 4th day of your journey is Gyabla. You will walk through the narrow paths, witnessing the views of beautiful hills. The tranquil forests along the way create a serene atmosphere, and you can walk feeling the peacefulness of nature. You will see waterfalls, stone-structured houses and very few teahouses where you will have lunch and take a short break.
After having lunch, you will continue your trek towards Gyabla, walking through the stone stairs, waterfalls, and rivers. You will be crossing many suspension bridges along the trail. After climbing up through the rocky paths, you will finally reach Gyabla. The total duration of the trek is about 4 to 5 hours. You will stay overnight in Gyabla.
Gyabla Elevation: (2725 m/ 8940 ft.)
Ghunsa Elevation: (3415 m /11204 ft)
Trek Duration: 5 hours
On the fifth day of your journey, you will trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa. You will walk down through the stone stairs in the initial section and then gradually ascend through the rocky paths. Along the way, you will be rewarded with the beautiful river flowing through the rocks. You will then walk up through the stone-paved stairway in the large section of the trail and reach Phale village.
Upon reaching the Phale, you will notice many vibrant prayer flags and a handful of settlements. You can also visit a monastery in Phale and then continue your trek towards Ghunsa. You will cross the suspension bridge and walk through the narrow paths. After crossing a suspension bridge again, you will finally make it to Ghunsa. Upon arriving in Ghunsa you will witness a few tea houses decorated with colorful prayer flags. You will stay overnight in Ghunsa.
Ghunsa Elevation:(341 5m /11204 ft)
Khambachen Elevation: (4145 m /13599 ft)
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
You will start the trek in the early morning after a wholesome breakfast in your teahouse in Ghunsa. Your destination for this day is Khambachen. You will walk through the rugged and rocky terrain, witnessing the beautiful view of the flowing river. The hills covered with forests of brown and green leaves create a mesmerizing scenery, leaving you in awe. You will cross wooden bridges and trek through the rocky paths a lot on this day. The view of the snowy peaks becomes closer as you ascend. You will cross the suspension bridge over the beautiful Ghunsa River and continue walking on the steep paths. After walking on the wooden bridge over a small stream, you will finally arrive in Khambachen. You will see beautiful and colorful teahouses in Khambachen. You will stay overnight in Kambachen.
Khambachen Elevation: (4145 m/13599 ft)
On the 7th day of your journey you will stay in Kambachen for acclimatization. You can explore the beautiful nearby areas on this day. Most of the trekkers visit the famous Jannu Viewpoint. You can witness the clear views of the snowy peaks and the sun shining above them, which uplifts your sightseeing experience. After exploring the viewpoint and surrounding area, you can walk back to Kambachen for an overnight stay.
Khambachen Elevation: (4145 m/13599 ft)
Lhonak Elevation: (4792 m/ 15721 ft)
Trek Distance: 10 km/ 6.21 miles
Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Your destination on the 8th day of the journey is Lhonak. You will start the trek early in the morning after having a delicious breakfast in Khambachen. You will walk through the rocky paths and witness the beautiful waterfall falling freely from a cliff. The clear view of the snowy peak can be seen on this day, making the whole journey scenic and exhilarating. After walking through the narrow pathways, you will cross the wooden bridge over the Lhonak River and finally reach Lhonak. As you arrive in Lhonak, you will see some tea houses situated in the barren area surrounded by stiff cliffs and snowy mountains. The beautiful snowy peak can be seen very clearly from Lhonak, filling your heart with joy. You will stay overnight in Lhonak.
Lhonak Elevation: (4792 m/ 15721 ft)
Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Elevation (Pang Pema) : (5143 m/ 16873 ft)
Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Trek Distance: 9 km/ 5.59 miles
On this day, you will hike to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. You will walk through the moraine of the Kanchenjunga glacier and hike up towards the north base camp. The snowy peaks can be seen very clearly as you hike up. The landscapes are rugged, and hiking is challenging, so you should ascend gradually, taking care of every step. When you finally reach Pang Pema, you will witness the beautiful views of Kanchenjunga. After observing the beauty of the surroundings for a while, you can return back to Lhonak for an overnight stay.
Lhonak Elevation: (4792 m/ 15721 ft)
Ghunsa Elevation: (3415 m/ 11204 ft)
Trek Duration: 21 km/ 13 miles
Trek Distance: 7 to 8 hours
On the 10th day of your journey, you will trek to Ghunsa from Lhonak. You will walk through the sandy paths. You can see many beautiful rivers along the way. You will trek through the flat, as well as rugged and steep sections. The total duration of the trek for day 10 is 7 to 8 hours. You will stay overnight in Ghunsa.
Ghunsa Elevation: (3415 m/ 11204 ft)
Sele Le Base Camp Elevation: (4240 m/ 13910 ft)
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Trek Distance: 6 km/ 3.72 miles
After having an early breakfast in your teahouse in Ghunsa, you will head towards Sele Le Base Camp. You will walk through the rugged terrains and cross the wooden bridge over a beautiful flowing river.
The pathways are rugged terrains in most of the section of the trek. After climbing up through the grassy terrains you will finally arrive in Selele Base Camp where you will stay overnight.
Sele Le Base Camp Elevation: (4240 m/ 13910 ft)
Tseram Elevation: (3868 m /12690 ft)
Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Trek Distance: 9 km/ 5.59 miles
Your trek will start in the morning after having a hearty breakfast at Sele Le Base Camp. Your destination for this day is Tseram. You will ascend through the rocky paths and witness a beautiful yak pasture. The beautiful view of Jannu Peak is visible along the trail. The unique landscape of the region, along with the mesmerizing view of the snowy peaks, makes the whole trek captivating. The small pond that is seen along the way is so clear that the beautiful reflection of the snowy peaks can be seen, elevating your sightseeing experience. The trail requires you to walk up and downhill. After walking down hills for a while, you will finally reach Tseram. You will stay overnight in Tseram.
Tseram Elevation: (3868 m /12690 ft)
Oktang (Yalung South Base Camp Viewpoint) Elevation: (4740 m/15551 ft.)
Trek Duration: 7 to 8 hours
Trek Distance: 14 km/ 8.6km
On the 13th day of your journey, you will trek towards Ramche from Tseram. You will walk through the steep path and flowing river. Walking through the Yalong glacier, you can witness the beautiful views of the snowy peaks.
After a short lunch break in Ramche you will hike to Oktang, walking in the rugged terrains. You will witness the clear views of Mount Kanchenjunga and other surrounding mountains like Kabru and Rathong. You can take your time to observe the mesmerizing views of the snowy peaks and then head to Tseram for an overnight stay.
Tseram Elevation: (3868 m /12690 ft)
Tortong Elevation: (2980 m/ 9776 ft)
Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Trek Distance: 13 km/ 8 miles
After having a wholesome breakfast in Tseram, you will start your trek, heading towards Tortong in the morning. You will start the trek descending through the rocky and rugged terrains. The sight of a small flowing water stream is mesmerizing and will keep you captivated with its soothing sounds throughout the journey. Passing through the lush forests and walking alongside the beautiful river, you will finally arrive in Tortong. You will stay overnight in Tortong.
Tortong Elevation: (2980 m/ 9776 ft)
Yamphudin Elevation: (1692 m/ 3910 ft)
Trek Duration: 9 km/ 5.59 ft
Trek Distance: 6 to 7 hours
On this day, you will trek to Yamphudin from Tortong. You will start the trek in the morning after the wholesome breakfast. In the initial section, you will descend, and soon, the trail requires you to climb uphill. After descending through the steep path you will be walking through the tranquil forests and finally arrive in Yamphudin. You can then head towards your teahouse, have a warm meal prepared by the owner, and take the much-needed rest.
Yamphudin Elevation: (1692 m/ 3910 ft)
Kanyam Elevation: (1210 m/ 3969 ft)
Drive Duration: 8 hours
On this day you will explore the beautiful villages in Yamphudin village and then settle in a Jeep and drive towards Kanyam. You can see the beautiful hills and settlements along the way.
After you reach Kanyam, you can rest your bags in your lodge, freshen up, and explore the area. You can see the beautiful tea garden, green hills, and many small stalls selling local snacks and drinks. If you love trying different types of Food, then there are many varieties of food items available.
The chayote dumpling is a special food item of Illam, and it is liked by many people. Similarly, many people enjoy taking pictures wearing the traditional dresses of Nepal. The fresh air in the beautiful tea garden of Kanyam will captivate your heart. You will witness many locals traveling through the beautiful auto rickshaws. After exploring Kanyam, you can head back to your lodge and have a warm dinner prepared by the host. You will stay overnight in Kanyam.
Kanyam Elevation: (1210 m/ 3969 ft)
Bhadrapur Elevation: (91 m/ 299 ft)
Kathmandu Elevation: (1400 m/ 4593 ft)
Drive Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Flight Duration: 45 minutes
On the last day of the journey, you will enjoy the scenic drive from Kanyam to Bhadrapur. The beautiful tea garden and greenery of the surroundings will keep your journey engaging. The road is smooth, and the ride is adventurous. You will see lush tea gardens and beautiful hills along the way. You will witness beautiful hills, small local markets, and beautiful settlements. You will soon start noticing the change in landscapes as you approach Bhadrapur. Kanyam is famous for tea, if you like tea then you can purchase it.
Leaving the turnings of the hillside you will travel on a straight road in the plain areas, witnessing the beautiful farms and local settlements. After you reach Bhadrapur, you can take your time to observe the beautiful green surroundings of the plain areas of the country. You will then take an exciting flight from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu. The 45-minute flight rewards you with beautiful views of green hills and the diverse landscapes of Nepal.
After you land in Kathmandu, we will drop you off at your hotel, which marks the completion of this incredible 17-day trek.
Useful Info
What Can You Expect During Kanchenjunga Trek?
Kanchenjunga Trek starts with an exciting flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur. You will then drive to Ilam or Taplejung. The drive will be engaging as it rewards you with enchanting views of green hills, tea gardens, local markets, and settlements. The traditional style houses nestled amidst the hills look surreal, adding an extra touch of beauty to the region’s aesthetics. You will start your trek on the 3rd day from Sekathum. Kanchenjunga Trek is challenging as the paths are rocky and rugged but the stunning views of the landscapes make it all worth it.
You will walk through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, which is a protected zone and is gifted with beautiful glacial rivers and valleys. You will cross many suspension bridges along the way, which adds a sense of thrill to the journey. The beautiful waterfalls and water streams along the way will captivate your heart, presenting its breathtaking beauty.
Hiking to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, you will witness the stunning views of Mt Kanchenjunga, which is one of the special attractions of this trek. It is relatively less visited compared to other trekking destinations which helps to feel the serenity of nature and connect with nature on a deeper level.
What Makes Kanchenjunga Trek Special?
Water streams
You will witness many water streams along the way during Kanchenjunga Trek. The soothing sounds of the beautiful flowing water streams make the whole journey captivating. The water streams are stunning and add an extra touch of serenity for the trekkers. During the Kanchenjunga Trek, you will cover a long distance, walking through the rugged terrains, and witnessing the water streams along the way can be healing for many. The fresh air around the water streams and its soothing melody enhance your trekking experience. If you love photography, then you can also capture beautiful aesthetic shots of the water streams, whose beauty is complemented by the lush hills in the background.
Tranquil Paths
Kanchenjunga Trek allows you to walk through the tranquil paths, the trail is remote and still yet to be discovered by many means there are fewer crowds which allows you to trek while feeling the serenity of nature. The tranquil paths allow you to feel the peacefulness and calmness of nature. The trek is ideal for those who wish to traverse in a pleasant environment far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, which covers an area of 2035 sq. km., was established in 1998 AD. It lies in the Taplejung district of Eastern Nepal. The forests of rhododendrons, oaks, maples, junipers, and many others can be found in the conservation area. The animals like blue sheep and snow leopards, musk deer, and red panda, and the birds like impeyan pheasant, red-billed blue magpie, and snow cock are also spotted. The trek passes through this exceptional area and rewards you with enchanting views of hills, glaciers, and pristine rivers.
Who Can Do Kanchenjunga Trek?
Kanchenjunga Trek is graded as a challenging trek. It passes through a remote trail full of rocky pathways. You will be crossing many mountain passes and will be ascending and descending throughout the journey. As the difficulty level is higher, it is important that you have a good level of physical fitness. You will need to be physically and mentally prepared to embark on this journey. You need to be well- trained and have enough stamina to navigate through the challenging terrains. You can incorporate physical exercises to develop the stamina that is required for trekking. We recommend incorporating strength training and cardiovascular exercises into your routine to develop the endurance that is required for trekking.
Some of the strength training exercises that you can include in your routine some months before the trek are as follows:
- Push-ups
- Lunge
- Weight lifting
- Deadlift
- Pull- up
- Bicep Curls
- Planks
- Squat
- Military Press
You can also include cardiovascular exercises into your routine, and they are:
- Running
- Jumping Rope
- Jogging
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Rowing
- Hiking
Including the exercises in your routine will help you build a good level of endurance and strength that is required for trekking. Kanchenjunga Trek is challenging and can be done by those with a good level of physical fitness and adequate preparation,
Why Trek with Us?
- We provide customized itineraries considering your experience and timeframe.
- We are a registered company specializing in providing organized treks and taking care of all the logistics.
- We prioritize personalized service and design the trip on the basis of your request and interest.
- Our guides are good at maintaining communication and will accompany you throughout the trek, promising you an interactive and intriguing journey.
- Our porters are helpful and will assist you in carrying the luggage, which makes the trekking experience enjoyable.
- We encourage sustainable tourism practices for the conservation of local resources and the betterment of the local economy.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is important for Kanchenjunga Trek. You will walk in uneven and rugged terrains for several days for a long duration of time. You will need travel insurance that will provide you with financial protection against the possible risks that may occur during the journey. It is highly recommended to select a plan which will provide the protection against the following risks:-
- Expenses of medical assistance because of the illness or accidents during the trek.
- The trip interruption because of any unforeseen events.
- Stolen/ Lost Baggage during the trek.
- Helicopter Evacuation in case of emergencies.
- Trip cancellations or delays.
Altitude Sickness
Kanchenjunga Trek takes you to an elevation of 5143 at Pangema. The risk of altitude sickness is always there when you are trekking in the higher zones. You should be aware of the acclimatization and ascend gradually to minimize the risks of Altitude sickness.
The symptoms of Altitude sickness are:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Having Difficulty to sleep
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Rapid heartbeat
- Dizziness
You can minimize the risk of getting altitude sickness if you take preventive measures. The preventive measures are:
- Maintain proper hydration.
- Trek gradually; don’t rush or over-exhaust yourself.
- Be mindful and know how your body is reacting to the changes in altitude changes.
- Maintain a Balanced diet.
- Incorporate rest days during the trek to get accustomed to the changing environment.
- Descend to the lower altitudes if you feel the symptoms aren’t getting better.
- Inform the guide immediately if you feel any kind of discomfort during the journey.
- Diamox is a medicine that can also be taken to prevent or treat altitude sickness, and consulting the doctor about its usage is advisable. (You can consult with your physician before embarking on the Trek)
What Should You Pack for Kanchenjunga Trek?
It is important to pack warm clothes for every season. The weather in the high-altitude zones is unpredictable, so the most important item that you must pack is Rain Gear. Packing the rain gear is essential for protecting yourself from rain. Rain gears are the most important item that you must include in your pack list. For clothing, you need to pack Down Jackets and Windproof Jackets. The weather in high-altitude zones is cold, so you will need warm clothes in every season. Similarly, you can pack socks, gloves, undergarments, scarves, sunhats, caps, Trekking T-shirts, and Trekking Pants. Make sure to pack sturdy Hiking Boots and Trekking Sandals for a comfortable walking experience. If you are traveling in winter it is highly recommended to be dressed in warm clothes and in layered clothing.
You should pack a comfortable backpack with a rain cover. Similarly, you should carry important trekking gear like Sleeping Bags, Trekking Poles, Headlamps and Flashlights. The temperature is cold in the higher altitude zones, so it is important to carry sleeping bags as sometimes the warm blankets aren’t enough to keep yourself warm.
Other essentials that you must pack during the trek are a First Aid Kit with necessary medicines and bandages. Packing Towels, Soap, Hand Sanitizer, Tissues, Wet Wipes, and Shampoo are important for maintaining hygiene. You should pack sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburn and lip balm for nourishing your lips. Similarly, you should pack a reusable water bottle for hydration and high-energy snacks and bars for maintaining the energy required for trekking.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are two permits required for the Kanchenjunga Trek, and they are:
- Restricted Area Permit for Kanchenjunga
- Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project Permit
During the Kanchenjunga Trek, you will be staying in the teahouses and lodges. Most of the teahouses will offer you a clean and cozy room with a single bed. As the trails are still remote the facilities are basic but your stay will be comfortable. Many tea houses provide a comfortable bed with a mattress, pillow, and blankets which will help you have a good rest after covering long distances by walking.
As Kanchenjunga Trek passes through the remote trekking areas, the variety of food items is not available compared to the mainstream trekking destinations, especially in the higher zones. However, you will have full board meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) covered in the package. The most common food item you will be served with is Dal Bhat. It is served warm and is also very filling. Thukpa is another popular dish that you will find during the Kanchenjunga Trek. The menu gets very limited as you move up to the remote zones so it is advisable to carry energy snacks.
No, drinking tap water directly is not recommended during Kanchenjunga Trek. You can drink boiled water that you can find in the teahouses. Many trekkers bring reusable water bottle and then they fill the boiled water in the places they have lunch, by paying some amount of money. Bringing water purification tablets is also highly recommended. Maintaining hydration is important during trekking, so make sure to bring the purification tablets and take the advice of guides about the purification process.
Yes, carrying cash is necessary during the Kanchenjunga Trek. The trek passes through several remote areas, and you will not find ATMs or Banks there. The teahouses and lodges only accept cash. So, for a secure journey, we advise you to withdraw cash from the city areas.
