Introduction
For an all round trekking experience in a remote area of Nepal, the Kanchenjunga region situated in north eastern Nepal on the borders of Tibet and India is well worth considering. Kanchanjunga is the third highest mountain in the world standing at 8598 mtrs. Translated into English Kanchenjunga means clear crystal. A lot of the treks in this region centre around the Arun river and the culture of the local people living in this area is as diverse and colorful as the nature here.The Sherpa and Gurung communities are predominant in the northern part of the region Rai, Limbu, Magar, Tamang, Brahman and Chhetri dominate the south.
Kanchenjunga North and South Base Camp 27 days trek
The area is extremely rich in natural beauty and provides a habitat to numerous wild animals,birds and exotic plants.Rhododendrons, orchids, lilies, primula are among-st the many species of flowers found here.The region is also home to the elusive snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, musk deer and red panda and the bird life includes Impheyan, pheasant, red-billed blue magpie, shy drongo.
The trek is fairly strenuous so you need to be fit but the rewards speak for themselves.If you are looking for something out of the way rich in flora and fauna with some tremendous views this may well be the trek for you especially if you are into nature.
Inclusion
What's included ?
- Accommodation in Kathmandu, 3 star category hotel, on bed and breakfast basis as per the itinerary
- City tour in Kathmandu with guide by private vehicle
- Entry fees when sightseeing in Kathmandu
- Kanchenjunga National Park trekking Entry Permit
- Special Permit for restricted area
- Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) registration fee
- First aid kit for comprehensive medical supplies
- Round trip / overland transport as per the itinerary
- Flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and Bhadrapur to Kathmandu
- Accommodation in guest houses/lodges
- Three meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) and a cup of tea/coffee a day during the trek and seasonal fresh fruit after every dinner
- Qualified and experienced trekking guide and porter services
- Transportation, accommodation, meal allowance, equipment and insurance for trekking staff
- All the official paper work and all the applicable government taxes
- Airport transfers for internal flights
- Sleeping bag, down jacket, rucksack, duffel bag, trekking poles if required
- Farewell Dinner with typical local cultural program
- Airport pick-up on arrival and drop-off on departure
What's not included ?
- Meals other than breakfast when staying in Kathmandu
- Personal expenses and bar bills
- Clients’ travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
Day to Day Itinerary
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DAY 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu (1300m), according warm welcome & then transfer to hotels. Introductory briefing about the program. -
DAY 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing:
After breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu.. we visit include the World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhu Nath) and Buddhists shrine (Bouddha Nath). In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. You can also make your last minute buying of personal items as you will be flying to the Himalayas tomorrow. -
DAY 03: Fly to Bhadrapur, Jhapa & Drive by jeep to Taplejung: 8 to 9 hrs
Today, we have a scenic drive to Taplejung via Phidim. Overnight stay in Taplejung. -
DAY 04: Trek to Mitlung: 4 hrs
This day trekking will start with a downhill walk to Mitlung. Our route will pass through scenic pastures and small villages. On the way, we cross the Hangdewa Khola and the raging Tamur River. -
DAY 05: Trek to Chirwa: 5 to 6 hrs
Trek uphill for some time then descend to the village of Sinwa. Continue to Tawa and then another climb. Cross the suspension bridge at Thiwa. Thus, going uphill and downhill at the same time enjoying the great unfolding vistas. Thus we arrive at Chirwa, a small Limbu village with a few lodges, shops, and camping sites. -
DAY 06: Trek to Sekathum: 5 hrs
Trek uphill for some time then descend to the lush green vegetation below. Continue along the Tamur River until arrive at the Olangchung Gola, the entry point of the Kanchenjugha National Park. Thus we go uphill and downhill again before crossing the Ghunsa Khola. Ater crossing the suspension bridge, and another half an hour’s walk we arrive at our campsite of Sekathum. -
DAY 07: Trek to Amjilosa: 7 to 8 hrs
Today is going to be a rather tough day. Cross the river and ascend the steep trail. Then descend again and cross the river again. Another climb from the gorge bottom. Pass by Solima. Desend again to the river level. The trail passes along the gorge, hence be careful while walking. Then following the uphill and downhill tricky trial, we conclude our today’s hectic journey at Amjilosa. -
DAY 08: Trek to Gyabla: 5 hrs
Again, we hike upward river bank. Pass through the densely forest of mainly bamboo, fir and rhododendrons. Eventually reach a small stone house by the river. Then climb up again crossing a few small bridges. You will find that the river drops steeply with many waterfalls and pools. Enjoy the stunning company of the waterfalls. Another short uphill walk takes us to the Tibetan settlement of Gyabla. -
DAY 09: Trek to Ghunsa: 4-1/2 to 5-1/2 hrs
We descend again down the river. The valley slowly opens up before we arrive at Phole. Another couple of hours take us to the famous Sherpa village of Ghunsa with hydroelectric plant. It’s also the place where more than 20 prominent conservationists met their tragic end in a Helicopter crash. -
DAY 10: Acclimatisation day at Ghunsa
We spend this day for acclimatization. Health experts always recommend us to stay active and moving during the rest day too instead of being idle. We make a short hike towards the Lapsan La through lush green forest. Get by to Ghunsa by afternoon and relax. -
DAY 11: Trek to Kambachen: 7 hrs
From Ghunsa, we trek further north along the river bank. Walk through the high land trees and vegetation. Cross the bridge at Rampuk Kharka. Continue past the waterfall. Cross the tricky and hazardous section of the landslide. After crossing the landslide, we start getting the views of Jannu. Thus, exploring the tackling the tricky mountain trail, we finally arrive at Kambachen. -
DAY 12: Trek to Lhonak: 3-1/2 hrs to 4-1/2 hrs
Climb through the rocky fields and boulders on the hillside along the river bank. Arrive at a waterfall. Cross the bridge to Ramtang. Cross some small landslides, before dropping down to the river and finally arriving at Lhonak. -
DAY 13: Trek to Pangpema – Kangchenjunga North Base Camp: up and down 6 hrs.
Today, we trek along the edge of the glacier which is mostly gradual path on grassy trails. Be careful on some rockier sections and areas prone to landslides. Enjoy the views of the Chang Himal on your right. Back to Lhonak Overnight at Hotel at Lhonak -
DAY 14: Trek back to Khambachen: 6 to 7 hrs
We retrace our path to Lhonak and continue down the valley to Ramtang. Enjoy the views of Kanchenjungha, Taple Shikhar,Gimmigela Chuli, Kirat Chuli among others. Since, we are descending, we can get to Kambachen by evening, which would also help to make a shorter trek tomorrow. -
DAY 15: Return to Ghunsa: 5 hrs
It’s essentially the reverse of our Day 12 trek. We descend to Ghunsa from Khambchen. -
DAY 16: Trek to Sele Le High Camp: 6 hrs
It’s a steep trek upward from Ghunsa to Sele- Le. After getting the Ghunsa village, climb through the dense forest of moss, rhodedendron and juniper. Lunch at a suitable place with the availlbility of water. -
DAY 17: Tseram: 6 to 7 hrs
Make a uphill trek on a hill. Enjoy the mesmerizing views Jannu Himal. It’s a strenuous day today, as we cross several passes. The passes we cross are: the Sinion La, the Mirgin La and the Sinelapche La. Enjoy the memerising views of the east Himalayas from these passes. Finally, make a steep descent to Tseram. -
DAY 18: Trek to Ramche: 4 hrs
After lunch explore the area by walking further up the valley or ascending a ridge above camp for even more tremendous views. -
DAY 19: Day trip to Yalung Glacier/Oktang
Follow the stream before climging on to the moraine top. Hold your breath as the magnifiscent south face of Kanchenjungha appears before you. Walk further ahead for a glimpse of the Jannu Himal. In interested, you may also consider continuing to Oktang. Return back to Ramche. -
DAY 20: Trek to Torontan: 6 hrs
If we stayed at Ramche yesterday, we get back to Tseram today. From Tseram, we descend mostly downhill to Torontan. Follow the trail along the Simbua Khola. -
DAY 21: Trek to Sherpa gaun (1792m), approx., 7/8 hours
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DAY 22: Trek to Phumpe dada (1,860m) 6/7 hours overnight at tea house.
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DAY 23: Trek to Kadevanjyang (2,190m) 6/7 hours overnight at tea house.
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DAY 24: Trek to Lali kharka (2,266m) 5/6 hours overnight at tea house.
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DAY 25: Trek to Suketar (2,420m )3 ½ hours overnight at tea Lodge.
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DAY 26: From Suketar drive to Bhadrapur, 7/8 hrs.
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DAY 27: Flight back to Kathmandu