Kanchenjunga Trek – Embark on a thrilling and strenuous adventure with our 28-day Kanchenjunga Trek, designed for experienced hikers as well as beginners. Nestled in the remote Taplejung district, Kanchenjunga is the third-highest peak in the world and provides breathtaking views of the north and south face of the mountain. The region falls under the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, a gift of Mother Earth that boasts unique ecosystems and biodiversity, from subtropical Evergreen Forests to Tundra Vegetation.
Overview
Our Kanchenjunga Trek takes you through the foothills of the Nepali side of the mountain, offering a chance to experience spectacular mountain scenery, diverse flora and fauna, and rich local culture. The trek takes you on a route to the northern base camp offering grand views of the Kanchenjunga range consists of five peaks: Kangchenjunga Main at 8,586 meters, Kangchenjunga West at 8,505 meters, Kangchenjunga Centra at 8,482 meters, Kangchenjunga South at 8,494 meters, and Kangbachen at 7,903 meters. Also cross several passes, deep wilderness, and wander across the Himalayas.
The area is the homeland of various ethnic groups, who follow a mixture of Buddhist, Hindu, and animist beliefs and speak various languages. Since the Kanchenjunga trek was opened to trekkers in 1988, it has become a popular destination for those seeking remoteness and adventure in the eastern part of Nepal. Join us Female Guide Holidays and witness the wonders of Himalayas and explore the Five Treasures of the Great Snow.
Entry and Permits:
Kanchenjunga Trek Necessary Permit
- A Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project Entry Permit (KCAP), and a
- Restricted Area Entry Permit for the trail in Tapethok and Yamphuding VDCs.
Permit Cost:
- Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project Entry Permit (KCAP) Nrs. 2,000 per person. There is no time limitation for the permit.
- Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit (RAP) USD 10 per person, per week.
Kanchenjunga Trek RAP Requirements:
This permit must be processed through a valid local travel agency registered in Nepal. Minimum of two trekkers in a group to obtain the permit.
You must submit the following documents and data to get these permits:
- Valid passport with at least six months remaining validity and a valid Nepal visa extending past the expiry date of your RAP.
- On the agency’s headed paper, you need to supply details of
- Application
- Itinerary
- Insurance details for guide
- Online submission id (as provided by agency)
- Details of dollars
- E-copy of passport-sized photo
You won’t have to worry about waiting for permits since the company or our guides will take care of everything.
Meals and Drinking Water:
Popular trekking areas like Kanchenjunga, Annapurna, Everest, Langtang, and Manaslu have a menu system with different ethnic cuisines foods as well as western meals, but some places provide you with typical Nepali meals which are different from international meals, these meals are prepared by the local supplement, every tourist lodge and tea house has a well-trained cook basically attention to clean, hygienic, fresh, and delicious foods, every lodge has safe drinking water or mineral water. If you buy a water purification tablet from Kathmandu you can take water from the tap and purify it by yourself, this will be cheaper and control plastic pollution as well.
Accommodation:
You will find local accommodations in the form of trekking lodges and teahouses, which are situated every hour or so along the trail. These accommodations provide basic facilities such as food, electricity, and clean rooms. The rooms generally have twin sharing beds and a single bed, with good quality mattresses that reduce the weight of your backpack. You can expect a hygienic and comfortable atmosphere at these accommodations. The dining rooms usually have a central heating system that uses firewood to keep you warm and cozy during your stay. This is also a great place to rest and connect with other travelers by sharing your stories. Additionally, campsites are available along the trail for those who want to experience camping outdoors.
Best Time to Visit?
The best time to go on Kanchenjunga Trek is during autumn and spring. The months of September, October, November, March, April, and May are the best time to visit as the weather conditions are better for exploring the high mountain terrain with good visibility.
During autumn, the weather is clear and warm, making it perfect for trekking on high Himalayan terrains. In spring, from March to May, the landscape changes with blooming trees of Rhododendron, mixed with Confers, Oaks, Orchids, and ferns, along with colorful wildflowers, making the region look stunning.
The monsoon season, with harsh weather conditions, is usually avoided by trekkers. The winter season, with heavy snowfall, covers most of the trail, making it challenging to access higher grounds in the region.
Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is required for all clients engaging in any activity. We strongly urge you to obtain a complete insurance plan from reputable insurance.
Passport and Visa:
Every client must have a valid passport from the return date with a 6-month prior validity by the Nepalese consulate in your country or the immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
Equipment List:
- Daypack above 40 liters. (Must be waterproof)
- Down jacket (rental available)
- Warm sleeping bag (rental available)
- Sun head, gulf cap, sunglasses
- Headlamp, torchlight, power bank, and extra batteries
- Ear-muffs, sun Lotions/sun cream, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer.
- Pair of liner gloves thin wool and synthetic.
- Cotton t-shirts, Synthetic t-shirts.
- Long-sleeve polyester or synthetic lightweight for sunny days.
- Soft-shell jacket water & wind resist.
- Swimming costume.
- Inner clothes as your requirement.
- Liner socks, woolen socks.
- Proper trekking boots with good ankle support.
- Imodium or Pepto Bismo capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea.
- Diamox for altitude sickness. The guide will help you to take it.
- One small personal-sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as moleskin, bands, anti-infection ointments, muscle relief ointments
Important Note:
Your safety is of paramount importance to us at the Female Guide Holiday. We have the absolute authority to cancel the trip or change the itinerary, when deemed necessary or when we have reason to believe your safety is at stake. Weather conditions, the health condition of a group member, natural disasters, and such, can contribute to changes in the itinerary when traveling in remote mountainous regions. In these extreme situations, we kindly request that you offer your full cooperation to the trusted leader of the group appointed by the Female Guide Holiday. However, we assure you that we will make every effort to keep to the above itinerary.
Itinerary
Upon arriving at Tribhuvan international airport a representative from the Female Guide Kathmandu will greet you and assist you with your accommodation. Upon arriving at your hotel rest for a while and later head out to explore Thamel, the tourist hub of Kathmandu. In the evening join in for the welcome dinner program. Overnight: Hotel. Meals: Welcome Dinner
After breakfast proceed out to explore the wonders of the Kathmandu valley. The valley is filled with historical wonders. Head on a guided tour to various UNESCO World Heritage Sites around. First head towards Swayambhunath Stupa popularly known as Monkey Temple. Set on a high hill on the western side of the valley, the Stupa is dotted with several temples and ancient landmarks. Also, witness panoramic views of the valley and the rows of snowcapped mountain peaks to the north. Next, head towards Boudhanath Stupa. Boudhanath nestled on the ancient trade route between Nepal and Tibet. The massive stupa is the largest in the country and is regarded as one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for people following Tibetan Buddhism. The stupa complex was established in the 5th century AD and built upon the relics of Kashyap Buddha. This massive stupa is regarded as a powerful meditation tool Mandala. Then explore the Pashupatinath temple. Pashupatinath Temple is the holiest Hindu temple in the country. Dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva and regarded as the head of the deity. The temple complex nestles at the bank of the holy Bagmati River surrounded by several ancient temples and various important landmarks. The Pashupatinath Temple is also known as the protector of the country. After the tour is completed, you will be dropped at your accommodation. In the evening join a short orientation regarding the trek. Overnight: Hotel. Meals: Breakfast.
After breakfast proceed towards the Airport and board a flight to Biratnagar. The flight offers majestic views of the country from the snow-capped peaks, central hills, and flat southern lands. Upon landing at the Biratnagar head towards Basantpur, a small settlement before Terathum. After reaching the settlement rest and relax as from tomorrow you will be starting the trek. Overnight: Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The first section of the trek takes you across pictorial rhododendron woodlands, offering grand views of the Arun Koshi and Tamur Koshi valleys. Progressing out of the woodland you will be traversing along ridge sections crossing several villages to Door Pani. Next, the trail takes you on a descending towards Tinjure Phedi and follows an ascending route to the victorious village of Chauki nestled on a grassy hilltop. Upon reaching the village head towards your camp. Later on, relax soaking in the grand views of the landscapes around. Overnight: Tea House. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast starts the trek following along the Milke Danda ridge. Along the way witness majestic views of snowcapped peaks and green meadows. Progressing on the trail following uphill and downhill sections eventually reach two small lakes at Lamo Pokhari at an elevation of 2940 meters. From here following the descending trail cross yet other small lakes at Gupa Pokhari and finally reach the settlement. After a brief rest if you are not too tired head out to explore the lakes and monasteries around. Overnight: Tea House. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following the meandering tracks of the Milke Danda ridge start the trek. As you progress you will follow a second ridge northeast along the rapids of the Tamur Kosi. Traversing across the ridge cross sections of rhododendrons woodlands with miles of undergrowth reach Akhar Deurali at an elevation of 3,200 meters. Next traversing across the sub-tropical woodlands and mixture of deciduous forests, finally reach, the village of Gurja Gaon. Overnight: Tea House. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake up early and enjoy the grand views of the sunrise. After breakfast starts the trek follows the trails across the wet hill forests. As you progress on the trail you will descend though vast agricultural land and reach the village of Chatrapati. Next, the trail takes you following dusty and rocky tracks to the village of Nesum. Then leaving Nesum follow the descending section towards the rapids of Tamur Kosi. After crossing the rapids over a suspension bridge over the small Maiwa Khola start traversing the deep wilderness. Following the ascending trails across woodlands reach Dobhan. After a brief refreshment explores the settlement. Overnight: Tea House. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
From Dobhan the trail follows the Tamur Kosi northeast towards Sakathum and there are tracks on both sides of the valley but due to landslides, we must ask in Dobhan for a safe trail to follow. On either side of the river, the trail picks its way through the tropical forest passing occasional farmhouses. The trails are badly eroded but after two hours we reach a well-maintained bridge across the Tamur Kosi at Thumma (760m). We follow the east bank of the Tamur as the trail dips and rises along the riverside, starting with rocky fields and landslides to the Chhetri bazaar at Mitlung. Overnight: Tea House. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast starts the trek following alongside the eastern banks of the Tamur and reach the village of Sinwa. From here the valley narrows down and you will be traversing along landslides and rocky sections. Following the high trails descend towards the Thiwa Khola and cross the river on a wooden bridge. Next. Following up and down trails eventually reach Chirwa, a pictorious village. Overnight: Tea House. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today the first section of the trek takes you along the rapids of the Tamur Koshi River. As you progress you will reach the confluence of Tamur Koshi and Ghunsa Khola. From here following the north east banks, you will reach the village of Tapethok. At Tapethok after your permits are checked you will be entering the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. From here cross the Tamur River and follow the western bank and ascend following the high trails. As you progress on the trail you will reach the small Sherpa village of Lepsung and Lelep, the headquarter for the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area project. The second section of the trek follows along the northern banks to the large village of Walunchung Gola. Then after following the descending trails again head down towards the Tamur river and cross a newly built suspension bridge along the confluence of Tamur and Ghunsa Khola. Next after a brief walk along the narrow Ghunsa Valley reaches the Tibetan village of Sakathum. Overnight: Tea House. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Head out of Sakathum following the narrow trail along the norther banks of the river. Traversing along ascending and descending trail cross a victorious waterfall and reach the tiny hamlet of Ghaiyabari. Next, traversing along inclined slopes on a ridge section reach the settlement of Amjilosa. Overnight: Tea House. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today's trek is relatively short and takes you deeper into the mountain country. Start the trek traversing along a ridge and following the zig-zag track across lush woodlands of bamboo, rhododendrons, and oaks with miles of undergrowth. As you progress along you will cross scattered pastures lands and waterfalls along the hills. Soaking in the fairytale surrounding reach Ghunsa Khola from. Then after a short climb reaches the Sherpa village of Gyabla. Overnight: Tea House. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving Gyabla follows a steep drop along forested trails of fir and rhododendron. As you progress out of the lush woodlands you will be traversing across high meadows and pasture lands. Following the pasture lands reach the village of Phole at an elevation of 3,210 meters. From Phole following the wide trails across the valley cross sections of fields and larch woodlands and reach Ghunsa the largest settlement on the trek. After a brief refreshment head out to explore the settlement and also start conversations with locals learning about their way of life and culture. Overnight: Tea House. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
From Ghunsa following the northern trails ascend across deep wilderness of larch and juniper. Progressing out of the woodland traverse along the east bank of the river and cross a wooden bridge and following the western bank reaches Rambuk Kharka perched at an elevation of 3,720 meters. Next following the ascending tracks along high routes cross dusty trails covered with loose rocks and boulders. Then the trail drops gradually towards the tiny village of Khambachen nestled at the conflusion of Nupchu Khola. Overnight: Tea House. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Proper acclimatization is very important as you gain altitude. As your body needs to adapt to the thin level of oxygen. For an acclimatization hike head towards any vantage point around the settlement. From the point witness grand views of the mountains around including the peaks of Khabur (6332m) and Phole (6645m) and Jannu which line up at the end of the valley to the east, while the snowcapped ridges beyond the Kanchenjunga Glacier loom dramatically to the north. After the hike relaxes and rest. Overnight: Tea House. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start the trek from Khambachen following the high trails across glaciers. Next, the path climbs gradually across landslides and leads to another alpine pastureland at Ramtang at an elevation of 4,350 meters. From Ramtang, the trail takes you along the lateral moraine of Kanchenjunga Glacier along the banks of the river to the mouth of Lhonak Glacier. Along this section witness grand views of the Himalayas including the crown-shaped Mera Peak standing tall at an elevation of 6,344 meters. A brief walk and you will finally reach Lhonak nestled on the sandy plains offering majestic views around. Overnight: Tea House. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast starts the trek following on ascending trails across the moraine. As you progress out of the moraines you will be traversing along ridges. After a brief walk follow the descending trails and reach the village of Pang Pema, the last settlement of the region and the north side of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp. Upon reaching the village relax and rest soaking in the grand views of the landscape. If you are not too tired head towards any vantage point and witness the splendid views of the sun rising. Overnight: Tea House. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake up before dawn and head towards a ridge perched on the norther part of the village. From this vantage point soak in the grand views of the landscapes. Witness the panoramic snowcapped peaks of Kanchenjunga, Taple Shikhar, Chang Himal, Gimmegela Chul, Pathibhara, and Kirat Chuli turning into the hue of colors. After soaking in the views head back to your accommodation and retrace your steps back to Khambachen. Overnight at tented camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast head out of Khambachen following the descending routes. Along the way cross vast sections of alpine pasture lands, barren hills, and deep wilderness of larch and juniper. Upon reaching Ghunsa rest and relax. Later head out to explore the settlement and learn about the culture and lifestyle of the locals. Overnight: Tea House. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leave Ghunsa following across the ridge section. As you progress on the trail you will reach a point along the Yamatari Khola. From here there are two options. A higher route via the 5,160 meters Lapsang La Pass. The trails along this route are tuff and strenuous. The lower trail takes you across the 4,400 meters of Mirgin La Pass and offers grandeur views of the southern face of Kanchenjunga and Jannu. You will be following the lower trail and finally reaching Sele La. Overnight: Tea House. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today wake up early and after breakfast starts the trek. As you will be crossing three high passes today it is very crucial to start early. The climb to the pass is non-technical. First cross the Sinion La at an elevation of 4,660 meters, followed by Mirgin La at 4,640 meters, and finally the Sinelapche La at 4,724 meters. From each pass witness grand views of the landscapes around. After crossing Sinelapche La Pass following the high alpine meadows reach Tseram. Overnight: Tea House. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s trek takes retracing along the banks of Simbua Khola. Next, following a steep descent of around 900 meters, you will cross a cave. From this point following along flat lands reach Tsento Kang perched at an elevation of 3,360 meters. Then following the trail cross a landslide section and traverse across the deep wilderness of rhododendrons, oaks, and pines to reach the beautiful village of Toronto. Overnight: Tea House. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leave Torontan following the deep wilderness of wet hill forests. As you progress descend towards Lamite Bhanjyang and follow the meandering trails along the Amji Khola. Then following the woodlands head towards Dhupi Bhanjyang and descend to the most remote settlement of Yamphudin. Overnight: Tea House. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast starts the trek and cross the rapids of Omje Khola. Next traversing across the hillside reach Mamankhe. The second section takes you following forested routes and several agricultural belts to the village of Phumphe. Overnight: Tea House. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake up early and soak in the splendid views of the sun rising. After breakfast soaking in the grand view of the Kanchenjunga massif reach Sinchewa Bhanjyang. Next, traversing along the deep wilderness of sub-tropical woodlands with miles of undergrowth reach the village of Kanjuri and eventually to Lali Kharka. Upon reaching the settlement relax and rest on the meadows. Overnight: Tea House. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is your last day of the trek. After breakfast follows the descending trail across the deep wilderness of sub-tropical woodland to reach the village of Suketar. Next, following the trail reaches Taplejung. Upon reaching Taplejung celebrate the success of the trek with your team. Overnight: Tea House. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast proceed towards the Taplejung Airport and board a flight to Biratnagar followed by a flight to Kathmandu. Once you arrive at Kathmandu you may explore the city on your own or head on a guided tour unfolding the secrets of the valley. In the evening join in for a special farewell dinner program to mark the end of your trek. Overnight: Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Three hours before your flight departure, our representative will drop you off at the airport. Please do let us know if you want to experience more of Nepal. Choose from one of our pre-planned itineraries or let us create a journey just for you. Meals: Breakfast Note: All of the above-mentioned trekking hours and distances are estimations and should only be used as a general guideline.
