Kanchenjunga Trekking

Kanchenjunga trekking is one of the wilderness trek to eastern Nepal.Kanchenjunga (8586m) is a massive and independent mountain of rock and ice, which sits astride the Nepalese and Indian border. It rises on a North South axis, roughly at right angles to the main Himalayan chain and takes the brunt of the monsoon – seen in the lush vegetation.

A flight from Kathmandu to Biratnager and on to Suketar leads to the start of our Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek: which follows an anti-clockwise course along the climbing peak in Nepal 

From Suketar, the route undulates between ridge-villages and valley bridges over glacial streams. Altitude is lost for the first four nights to 1690m before steadily rising to 4620m at Ramche, the last outpost. From here a morning walk leads onto the moraine of the Yalung Glacier where a flag-bedecked chorten offers the most perfect view of the giant south face of Kangchenjunga and its adjacent ice-ridges.

The return route of Kanchenjunga trek Nepal heads for Chukkung Pokhari for an overnight stop at a small lake on the route to Ghunsa. Five linked passes, including Sinion La (4646m), need to be crossed with a night stop between the last two. This route is frequently snow covered. Great views are possible from its high points. 

From Ghunsa the trail climbs through magnificent forests that give way to scrub vegetation as the altitude increases. Towering peaks rise above the trail as it works its way up the steep sided valleys. The last stage follows the moraine of the Kangchenjunga Glacier to yak pastures at Lhonak: a grassy plain 50m above the glacier and surrounded by towering ice covered peaks. 

From here a two hour walk along the moraine leads to the view point at Pang Pema. Here the glacier makes a sharp turn to the right and rises to reveal the awesome bulk of Kangchenjunga.The same trail returns to Ghunsa and then follows the river to Chirwa and Mitlung before climbing back to Suketar.

We offer a tea house trek and camping trek. Our Kanchenjunga trek package includes transport, your guide, chef, local porters, tea house accommodation, meals and sturdy tent accommodation

Outline Itinerary

Day 01 Arrive Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)

Day 02 Kathmandu valley sightseeing & trek preparation (1,300m/4,264 ft)

Day 03: Fly Kathmandu – Biratnagar (45 minutes flight)

Day 04: Fly Biratnagar – Suketar – Lali Kharak Kharka (2220 m/7300 ft) 3-4 hrs trek

Day 05: Lali Kharka – Sinchewa Bhanjyang (2240 m/7400ft) 5-6 hrs trek

Day 6:  Sinchewa Bhanjyang – Phumpe (1780 m/5900ft) 5-6 hrs trek

Day 7: Phumpe – Yamphudin (1690 m/5600 ft) 5-6 hrs trek

Day 8: Yamphudin – Amji Khola (2340 m/7800 ft) 4-5 hrs trek

Day 9: Amji Khola – Torontan (2990 m/9900 ft)  5-6 hrs trek

Day 10: Torontan – Tseram (3870 m/13900 ft) 4 -5 hrs trek                           

Day 11: Tseram – Ramche (4620 m/15400ft) 2-3 hrs.

Day 12:Ramche – Visit Oktang (viewpoint) – Chukkung Pokhari (4450m/14600ft) 5-6 hrs trek.

Day 13: Chukkung Chhuchung Pokhari – Sinelapche La (4640m/15224ft) – Mirgin La (4650m 4480?/15256ft) -

Day 14: Rest day in Ghunsa

Day 15: Ghunsa – Kambachen (4150m/13650ft) 3-4 hrs trek

Day 16:  Khambachen (Kambachen) – Lonak (4790m/15900ft) 4-5 hrs trek

Day 17:  Lhonak – Pangpema base camp (5160m/17200ft) 3-4 hrs trek

Day 18: Excursion day in Pangpema Base Camp.

Day 19: Pangpema – Kambachen: 5-6 hrs trek

Day 20: Kambachen – Ghunsa – Phale: 5-6 hrs trek

Day 21 Phale – Amjilosa (2140m/7100ft) 5-6 hrs trek

Day 22:   Amjilosa – Chiruwa (Chirwa) (1190m/3900 ft) 5-6 hrs trek

Day 23: Chirwa – Linkhim (1520m/4985ft),5-6 hrs trek

Day 24: Linkhim – Suketar (2700 m/8856ft.) 5-6 hrs trek.

Day 25: Suketar - Biratnagar - Kathmandu

We take the morning flight to Biratnagar and an onward flight to Kathmandu. After checking in at the group hotel, a free afternoon in Kathmandu.

Day 26: final departure

transfer to international airport and fly to onward destination.

                "OR"

For more fantastic ideal trip to extend your valued holiday in Nepal, from riding elephant in Chitwan to tours in Tibet and Bhutan, please browse our trip extension.

Cost Inclusive:

• All airport/Hotel transfers
• 2 star Hotel in Kathmandu for 3 nights on BB Plan
• Welcome and farewell dinner
• Full meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) during the trek
• Hot drinks (Tea & Coffee)
• All mountain accommodation
• Flight  (Kathmandu/ BiratNagar/Suketar/Biratnagar/Kathmandu )
• An experienced English-speaking trek leader (Govt. registered trekking guide), assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
• Guide & porter salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging
• All necessary paper work and permits  (Kachanjhangha Restricted Area Permit,Kanchanjangha Conservation Permit )
• A coKamprehensive medical kit
• All government and local taxes
• Trekking equipment such as four season down jacket, sleeping bag, trekking boots, rain coat, walking stick and many more as per necessity

Cost Exclusive:

• Soft drinks, alcoholic drinks
• Mineral water
• Personal expenses
• Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu
• Travel insurance & evacuation

Kanchenjunga trekking detail itinerary

Day 01 Arrive Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)

Our MMT(Mountain Mart Trek) Airport Representative will be there to greet you outside the Terminal Hall (after you have completed passport, immigration and visa requirements). He will be displaying our Treks & Expeditions logo with your name on it. You will then be transferred to your hotel. Afternoon free.  Evening: a welcome dinner, hosted by our management team, to introduce you to your guide, brief you on the trek and check on necessities.  Welcome Dinner/Accommodation

Day 02 Kathmandu valley sightseeing & trek preparation (1,300m/4,264 ft)

After breakfast, the day will start with our guided trip (tour) to cultural World Heritage sites in the Kathmandu valley such as (including), pilgrimage sites of Hindus temples at Pashupatinath, the world’s biggest Stupa Bouddhanath, visit Swayambhunath Stupa also known as the Monkey Temple. After exploring the surrounding areas, visit the historical Patan Durbar Square & Kathmandu’s Durbar Square (Freak Street) with temples, unique ancient art, architectures, museum and Kumari (living goddess). Evening pre-trip counseling and ensure once again trekking gears, medical kid and trek legalization needs. (Evening pre-trip discussion: a trekking gear and medical kit check, visa and legalization requirements.)

                 “OR”  

Leisure and rest day for your own interests.Breakfast         Breakfast/Accommodation

Day 03: Fly Kathmandu – Biratnagar (72m/236ft), 35 minutes flight

We start our journey with an internal flight eastwards to Birantnagar , on the edge of the Indian plains, where we check into our hotel and have a free afternoon. 

Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner/Accommodation

Day 04: Fly Biratnagar – Suketar – Lali Kharak Kharka (2220 m/7300 ft) 3-4 hrs trek

An early morning flight takes us north to the airstrip at Suketar (2700 m/8,800 ft). Here, we meet our trek crew and set off on the short trek. The first stage of journey partly follows the uncompleted dirt road along the rhododendron covered ridge known as Surke Danda. (2880 m) The trail leads descending through dense rhododendron forest to Lali Khark. Overnight stay in camp. Breakfat/Lunch/Dinner

Day 05: Lali Kharka – Sinchewa Bhanjyang (2240 m/7400ft) 5-6 hrs trek

The trail descends to Tembewe and (then) strains up to a ridge then to drop steeply to a (the) large villages of Shimu and Pokara and Simbu then to a suspension bridge over the Puwa Khola at 1430 m. Climb steeply up to the east side of the valley to the Limbu village Kunjari. Turn left and climb through wheat fields to a level saddle, then make a long looping traverse to the Sinchewa Bhanjyang ridge. Overnight stay in camp.      Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner  

Day 6:  Sinchewa Bhanjyang – Phumpe (1780 m/5900ft) 5-6 hrs trek

Negotiating terraced field systems high above the Kabeli Khola, we pass through many small hamlets and cross low ridges. The path continues through forest, and past a large waterfall, and then descends to the ridge.  Beyond the Khesewa Khola, we climb to Phunpe for about half an hour. Overnight stay in camp. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 7: Phumpe – Yamphudin (1690 m/5600 ft) 5-6 hrs trek

More ups and downs, crossing ridges and river valleys to the most remote settlement of the Rais and Limbus; In this area at Yamphudin. Good swimming pools in the river next to our camp. Overnight stay in Camp. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 8: Yamphudin – Amji Khola (2340 m/7800 ft) 4-5 hrs trek

Crossing a spur, we descend to a stream and follow a meandering trail to Darachok, before climbing to the Dubi Bhanjyang (2540m / 8333ft). We descend to camp beside the Omje Khola. Free time in the afternoon.  Overnight stay in Camp. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

 Day 9: Amji Khola – Torontan (2990 m/9900 ft)  5-6 hrs trek

Straight from camp, we make a steep ascent through dense forest to the crest of the Deurali Danda (3230m /10,597ft), and then trek down to Torontan in the valley of the Simbua Khola. Overnight stay in camp. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 10: Torontan – Tseram (3870 m/13900 ft) 4 -5 hrs trek      

Following a riverside trail, we trek through pine and rhododendron forest to Tseram. This place is inhabited in the summer, where herders (herds) are taken from north from Yamphudin to the summer pastures. There are great views of the Yalung Glacier, Kabru Dome (6700 m) and Rathong (or Ratong) (6675 m). Overnight stay in camp. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 11: Tseram – Ramche (4620 m/15400ft) 2-3 hrs.

[Trail climbs above tree line passing Yak grazing land alpine meadow slope up to the valley, which has series of Himalayas. The trail climbs above the tree line, passing through alpine meadows where yaks graze in summer. The mountain ridge to the east forms the border between Nepal and Sikkim. Trek climbs alongside the terminal moraine of the Yalung Glacier to a Yak Pasture.  Trail continues along the north side of the valley to often frozen lake Lapsang at 4430 m. It continues gently upwards to the flat valley of Ramche.)  Overnight stay in Camp.                         Brekfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 12: Ramche – Visit Oktang (viewpoint) – Chukkung Pokhari (4450m/14600ft) 5-6 hrs trek.

Early morning trek to the viewpoint chorten on the moraine of the Yalung Glacier, probably ½ - 1 km from where the Tso glacier meets the Yalung. The trek beyond the chorten is not easy, on snow, and all this is well before Oktang – which is marked on the far side of the Tso glacier. This awesome view point has fascinated view of Kanchanjunga South Face. Retrace to Tseram and make a final climb to the small lake Chukkung Pokhari (4450m/14600ft) Overnight stay in camp Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 13: Chukkung Chhuchung Pokhari – Sinelapche La (4640m/15224ft) – Mirgin La (4650m 4480?/15256ft) -  Simon Sinion La (4854 m 4440?/16000ft)- Sele La (4905m /16350ft) – Ghunsa (3595m/11794ft) 6-7 hrs trek

 A superb day of trekking today, as we cross 3 passes, including the Mirgin La (4650m / 15,256ft ), en route for the north side of the mountain. Superb views, then a descent to the Sele La high camp (with a hut). Contouring the hillside down hill (downhill) with more fantastic views, we cross a further 2 low passes and then descend, through rhododendron forest, to the Tibetan village of Ghunsa (3475m / 11,400ft).Overnight stay in camp. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 14: Rest day in Ghunsa

Ghunsa is an attractive valley to kick back for a day. Many trekkers use this rest day to wash clothes in the river or stroll up to the fading Gompa above the village. Collect (Recoup or Regain) energy for the next ascent to another popular Pangpema and the northern base camp of Kanchenjunga.  Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 15: Ghunsa – Kambachen (4150m/13650ft) 3-4 hrs trek

The trail leads north of Ghunsa along through larch and juniper forests to on the east bank of the river. The path corsses (crosses) a rickety, wood and stone bridge to the west side of the river at Rambak kharka (3720m) and  continues north past a waterfall and rock falls along the narrow tiny trail. Beyond the landslide the trail climbs gradually, then drops down to Kambachen. Overnight stay in camp. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

 Day 16:  Kambachen – Lonak (4790m/15900ft) 4-5 hrs trek

Above Kambachen the trail enters a desolate landscape gouged by the icy finger of the glacier. The path gradually climbs across the acre (scree?) slopes of recent landslides to the grazing land (Yak pastures?).  Easy angle trekking, with incredible views of Wedge Peak, Nepal Peak and many others. Camp at Lhonak on a grassy site above the Kangchenjunga Glacier. Overnight stay in Camp. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

 Day 17:  Lhonak – Pangpema base camp (5160m/17200ft) 3-4 hrs trek

The end point of the trek is the base camp for the ascent to the south face of Kanchenjunga is at Pangpema at 5150m. A (It is a) short, but slow-paced walk up to our highest camp at Pang Pema (5150m / 16,896ft). This is one of the most spectacular places in the world, directly opposite Kangchenjunga's north face. Overnight stay in camp. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 18: Excursion day in Pangpema Base Camp.

At leisure at Pang Pema offers a hiking options that include the hill known as Drohmo Ri (5500m / 18,045ft) above camp, which provides panoramic views of Kangchenjunga. Overnight stay in camp.  Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 19: Pangpema – Kambachen: 5-6 hrs trek

Time to walk out from this remote spot; we retrace the route of our approach to the camp at Kambachen, with more picturesque unmissable photo(?) opportunities on the way. Overnight stay in Camp.  Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 20: Kambachen – Ghunsa – Phale: 5-6 hrs trek

Today we return to Ghunsa, where we take lunch and then continue beside the downstream along the Ghunsa Khola, to the Tibetan Refugee village of Phale. Overnight stay in Camp. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 21 Phale – Amjilosa (2140m/7100ft) 5-6 hrs trek

Trekking downstream through a forest of rhododendron, conifer birch and oak, we pass the last of the Tibetan villages at Kyapla and follow an undulating trail to Amjilosa. Overnight stay in camp. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 22:   Amjilosa – Chirwa (1190m/3900 ft) 5-6 hrs trek

After a steep descent beside the Ghunsa Khola to Sakathon (Sekathum), at the junction (we reach its confluence) with the Tamur River, an afternoon's walk leads to our riverside camp at Chirwa. Overnight stay in camp.   Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 23: Chirwa – Linkhim (1520m/4985ft),5-6 hrs trek

From Chiruwa, follow the trail that climbs on the east bank of the Tamor Koshi Diwa, then start above the houses of Tawa at 1170m The trail drops into a side canyon that climb back to the ridge, eventually reaching Linkhim. Overnight stay in camp. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 24: Linkhim – Suketar (2700 m/8856ft.) 5-6 hrs trek.

From Linkhim, trail out and in of side canyons through small Limbu villageto Pumbur and a ridge overlooking vast landslide The final stage is three to four hours climb through the Sherpa village of Bung Kulung Lakchim to the airstrip to Suketar. Afternoon free and a chance for the brave to sample the local millet beer or Tungba. Our last night in the mountains together and a farewell dinner before we see off the trekking crew. Overnight stay in camp. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 25: Suketar - Biratnagar- Kathmandu

We take the morning flight to Biratnagar and an onward flight to Kathmandu. After checking in at the group hotel, a free afternoon in Kathmandu. Breakfast and farewell dinner/Accommodation

Day 26: Final departure (Breakfast)

Transfer to international airport and fly to onward destination. 

               "OR"

For more fantastic ideal trip to extend your valued holiday in Nepal, from riding elephant in Chitwan to tours in Tibet and Bhutan, please browse our trip extension.

Departure Dates for Kanchenjunga Trekking

Body wear:

T-shirt, long sleeve, half pant, long trouser, warm Jacket, fleece Jacket, Gore-tax windproof Jacket & trouser, warm trouser, rain Jacket, sleeping bag, down jacket

Head wear:

Sun hat, woolen hat/fleece hat, sunglass & scat

Hand wear:

Gloves

Foot wear:

Warm woolen socks, trekking boots & sandal

Accessories:

Personal toiletries, personal first aid kit, sun block, lip guard, shampoo, soap, shavers, moisturizer, passport copies, pocket knives, flash light, camera & film, tawel, water bottle, music & books.

What you carry for the trek:

Please, bring the equipment listed above and pack your gear for the trek into a duffel bag or rucksacks, and small day bag for you. The larger bag with your kit will be carried by the porter to meet you each evening. You should bring a day pack to carry by yourself for water, rain jacket, hat gloves, camera money etc. The weather in mountain is changeable so you will need some warm cloths with you on your day pack.

What to do about the left over baggage:

One day before your departure for the trek you could leave the valuable things which you do not need on the trek such as passport, visa card, flight tickets, in our safety box, and the rest of the things you could store it in our store room.

What is a tea house trek? Accommodation and food facilities!

Tea house trek mean staying and eating in the local lodges. We stay in double room, rooms are basic but comfortable mattress, normally just a bed and pillow. Most of them have electric light and all have and all have specious dining room –lounge. Mostly in tea houses there are common bathroom. Hot shower also available on the tea- houses but the hot water depend on weather conditions and to pay to get the shower.  We eat at tea- house, though food is usually potential and delicious, menu is not extensive. They offer variety of potato rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup. You could choose food from the menu what you could choose the food from the menu what you would like to have. You would be able to eat the food as much as you like but you would not able to order more than enough and left the food.

Health:

It’s very important not to get sick while you are going on the trek and you need to be careful about what you eat and drink.  You need to stay healthy and avoid getting sick in order to have a successful trek.

Some tips for staying healthy:

Avoid drinking or brushing your teeth with tap water. Drink only sealed bottled or proper boiled water or use water purification tablets. During the trek avoid the temptation to test your fitness through fast walking at altitude.

Medical kit

Your guide will bring normal medical kits with him while on the trek. It is recommended that you also bring a small personal medical kit including pain killers, sore throat, plasters, strapping tape for blisters, etc. If you are taking regular mediation you need to bring those medicine with you and do not forget to bring extra supply if somehow one pack is lost.

The trails:

The trekking trail of Nepal vary from wide, rode-like avenues to narrow, slippery paths built out over enormous drops. In many places, a fall from the trail would be final. One most pay attention at all the time to where you are placing your fact. Be specially  careful not move while looking through the view finder of your camera.

The weather:

Nepal has the wildest altitude range of any country of the earth. Each altitude will have its’ own weather problem, from typical heat to arctic cold. In the main trekking season in the spring and fall, the weather is often stable and even the high passes may be free of snow and relatively easy to traverse at times. Those trekkers who encountered an easy at altitude nasty spread the word that boots and warm clothing are not required. This is a mistake. That sudden storm can occur at any time, dumping one or two meter of snow on the passes. At that point, any one with simple running shoes will not be able to processed and may even be stranded for a number of days. Frostbite is a constant risk if one walks in snow at high altitude.

If you trek in the winter, you most be prepared for cold and snow. If you trek in the monsoon you might be face with slippery trails and difficult rivers crossing. You are heading into the world highest mountain range. Be prepared for changes in temperature and weather.

Altitude and preventing altitude:

Being in a hurry in the mountain of Nepal can be deadly. Acclimatization is the word used to describe the adjustments your body makes as it ascends. Ascend slowly and drinking lots of water is one of the best ways not to get high altitude. You should not plan to go to high altitude if you have know heart disease, difficulty to breathing at sea level or are pregnant. For other chronic medical conditions its better to consult your doctor. Sleeping pills, alcohol, smoking should not be used at altitude as they tend to decrease breathing and lead to Acute Mountain Sickness. It comes that during 3-4 liters of fluids (Water, Soup, etc) per day to avoid dehydration helps in the acclimatization process.

Tipping and cash requirement

On the trekking route do not forget to bring Nepalese rupees for drinks bottled water drinks/alcohol that might purchage on the way. The sum of amount to carry on the trekking route depends on the day and area you are going to trek in. Tipping is now common in Nepal but there is no certain rules how much should be tips and it’s not the must to tip.

Photographing people:

During a trek you will have many opportunities to photograph local people and amazing society. You could usetons of films taking amazing natural scenery but talking the picture of people it’s a good idea to ask before taking. Some people do not like you to take the picture of them. So always ask before taking the pictures.

Considering Environment:

While trekking you have to consider on the environment not to destroy the environment. There are so many ways you could help not to polluted the environment of the area such as pick up papers, film wrappers, burn all your toilet paper and bury your farce, do not make camp fire.

Insurance:

All tour participants should obtain their own personal insurance which covers accidents, health, emergency evacuation and loss or damage to personal effects.