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Kangchenjunga Base Camp Trek - North & South

Adventurous Himalayan trekking - BOTH Base Camps - The immense north face of Kangchenjunga - Makalu and the Kangshung Face of Everest

All Meals on Trek Included

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Duration

21 Days
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Grade

Very Challenging
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Max Altitude

5300m
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Walking Days

14 Days
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Accommodation

4 Nts Hotels - 16 Nts Trekking Lodges
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Trip Overview

An epic, true Himalayan trek to Kangchenjunga's North and South Base Camps

Our Ultimate Kangchenjunga Trek is exactly that, as it visits both Kangchenjunga North Base Camp and Kangchenjunga South Base Camp, making for a lengthy and very demanding trek. However, it is also possible to shorten the total duration to just one of the two base camps (see further below). But, given the effort in terms of travel just to get from Kathmandu to the far east of Nepal, where the massif of Kangchenjunga is, if you have the time, then this example itinerary that combines both base camps is without doubt just about as spectacular as Himalayan treks get. This lesser-trodden region of Nepal remains unspoilt by tourism, and although the trekking is very challenging and at very high, sustained altitudes, the rewards are immense. From both base camps, the imposing bulk of Kangchenjunga towers right above you. There are high passes to cross, glacial moraines to negotiate, and a mountain wilderness to savour, as well as tiny, authentic hill villages to appreciate too. In fact, this trek has just about everything. But, of course, it is a serious undertaking too, most certainly not for novices, and remains the domain of the experienced trekker with a good level of fitness only. For those who dare, this is Himalayan adventure at its very, very best. Don’t forget that our trekking holidays are tailor-made, and although the rate of altitude gains is reasonable, you may wish to consider adding acclimatisation days, rest days, and even contingency days. The itinerary is merely a suggested itinerary and is not entirely 'set in stone'. Sleeping bags (4-season) will be required for nights spent in trekking lodges. We can arrange sleeping bag rentals if required.

Kangchenjunga North or South Base Camp only

If you only want to trek to one of the two Kangchenjunga Base Camps and save some time, this is possible.

For Kangchenjunga North, the trek would start and finish in Sekathum. For Kangchenjunga South, the trek would start and finish in Yamphudin. Both options would be linear routes. Contact Us for more details on either option.

Another alternative is our Kangchenjunga Short Trek Circuit.

An epic, true Himalayan trek to Kangchenjunga's North and South Base Camps

  • Our Ultimate Kangchenjunga Trek is exactly that, as it visits both Kangchenjunga North Base Camp and Kangchenjunga South Base Camp, making for a lengthy and very demanding trek. However, it is also possible to shorten the total duration to just one of the two base camps (see further below). But, given the effort in terms of travel just to get from Kathmandu to the far east of Nepal, where the massif of Kangchenjunga is, if you have the time, then this example itinerary that combines both base camps is without doubt just about as spectacular as Himalayan treks get. This lesser-trodden region of Nepal remains unspoilt by tourism, and although the trekking is very challenging and at very high, sustained altitudes, the rewards are immense. From both base camps, the imposing bulk of Kangchenjunga towers right above you. There are high passes to cross, glacial moraines to negotiate, and a mountain wilderness to savour, as well as tiny, authentic hill villages to appreciate too. In fact, this trek has just about everything. But, of course, it is a serious undertaking too, most certainly not for novices, and remains the domain of the experienced trekker with a good level of fitness only. For those who dare, this is Himalayan adventure at its very, very best. Don’t forget that our trekking holidays are tailor-made, and although the rate of altitude gains is reasonable, you may wish to consider adding acclimatisation days, rest days, and even contingency days. The itinerary is merely a suggested itinerary and is not entirely 'set in stone'. Sleeping bags (4-season) will be required for nights spent in trekking lodges. We can arrange sleeping bag rentals if required.

    Kangchenjunga North or South Base Camp only

    If you only want to trek to one of the two Kangchenjunga Base Camps and save some time, this is possible.

    For Kangchenjunga North, the trek would start and finish in Sekathum. For Kangchenjunga South, the trek would start and finish in Yamphudin. Both options would be linear routes. Contact Us for more details on either option.

    Another alternative is our Kangchenjunga Short Trek Circuit.

Example Itinerary

    • Day 1
      Arrive Kathmandu
    • Day 2
      Kathmandu to Ilam
    • Day 3
      Drive to Sekathum
    • Day 4
      Trek to Amjilosa
    • Day 5
      Up down and up to Gyabla
    • Day 6
      Trek to Ghunsa
    • Day 7
      Acclimatisation Day at Ghunsa
    • Day 8
      Up to Khangbachen
    • Day 9
      Acclimatisation Day at Khangbachen
    • Day 10
      Wild walking to Lhonak
    • Day 11
      Pang Pema, Kangchenjunga North Base Camp
    • Day 12
      Long hike down to Ghunsa
    • Day 13
      To Sele La
    • Day 14
      High Passes to Cheram
    • Day 15
      Kangchenjunga South Base Camp
    • Day 16
      Down to Tortong
    • Day 17
      Trek to Yamphudin
    • Day 18
      Drive to Phidim
    • Day 19
      Drive to Ilam
    • Day 20
      Fly to Kathmandu
    • Day 21
      Depart Nepal
  • DAY
    1

    Arrive Kathmandu

    Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu and to the "KGH" Hotel in the heart of the Thamel district. You'll be given a briefing on your forthcoming adventure, and in the evening, you can take dinner at your leisure in one of the many choices of cafes and restaurants in Kathmandu, although the open-air courtyard cafe of the KGH Hotel is as good as anywhere. Please note that a special permit is required for this trek. In order for us to obtain permits for you, we have to present hard copies of your passport (scans are not accepted) by 1000 hrs. to the permit issuing office. The permit office is open Sunday-Thursday, Friday Mornings, and all day Saturday. The permit office is also closed on Nepali Public holidays. Please anticipate that you may require extra days in Kathmandu as a result so that we can obtain your permit.

    Accommodation: KGH Hotel - Kathmandu
    
Included Meals: None

    DAY 1

    Arrive Kathmandu

    Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu and to the "KGH" Hotel in the heart of the Thamel district. You'll be given a briefing on your forthcoming adventure, and in the evening, you can take dinner at your leisure in one of the many choices of cafes and restaurants in Kathmandu, although the open-air courtyard cafe of the KGH Hotel is as good as anywhere. Please note that a special permit is required for this trek. In order for us to obtain permits for you, we have to present hard copies of your passport (scans are not accepted) by 1000 hrs. to the permit issuing office. The permit office is open Sunday-Thursday, Friday Mornings, and all day Saturday. The permit office is also closed on Nepali Public holidays. Please anticipate that you may require extra days in Kathmandu as a result so that we can obtain your permit.

    Accommodation: KGH Hotel - Kathmandu
    
Included Meals: None

    DAY
    2

    Kathmandu to Ilam

    Kangchenjunga lies in the far east of Nepal, and getting here has never been easy. A combination of this difficulty in access and very challenging trekking at high altitudes does, however, keep the Kangchenjunga trekking trails limited to the dedicated trekker only. As mentioned in Day 1 above, a special permit is required to visit Kangchenjunga, and this example itinerary assumes, for the purpose of illustration only, that you arrived early enough yesterday for us to obtain your permit. Otherwise, you will need at least one additional night in Kathmandu, as no permit means no trek.

    If you are considering this lengthy, strenuous trek, then it’s best to contact us first, not only to determine the logistics of obtaining your permit but also the travel involved to get to the start of the Kangchenjunga trek. It may be (for example) that a short flight to Taplejung airstrip (where the trek starts) may be possible in the future again (as it was in the past), but it is not practical to assume this in an example itinerary or take into account other potential changes to travel to such a remote part of Nepal. So, please get in touch with us first for the most up-to-date information.

    Presently, the best way is to first fly to Bhadrapur, so a private transfer will take you to Kathmandu Airport to take this 50-minute flight to the lowlands of Nepal. From here, you’ll then travel around 3 hours in a private vehicle into the Himalayan foothills and the tea-growing region of Nepal, and overnight in the town of Ilam, surrounded by verdant, lush green hills.

    Accommodation: Basic Hotel, Ilam
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 2

    Kathmandu to Ilam

    Kangchenjunga lies in the far east of Nepal, and getting here has never been easy. A combination of this difficulty in access and very challenging trekking at high altitudes does, however, keep the Kangchenjunga trekking trails limited to the dedicated trekker only. As mentioned in Day 1 above, a special permit is required to visit Kangchenjunga, and this example itinerary assumes, for the purpose of illustration only, that you arrived early enough yesterday for us to obtain your permit. Otherwise, you will need at least one additional night in Kathmandu, as no permit means no trek.

    If you are considering this lengthy, strenuous trek, then it’s best to contact us first, not only to determine the logistics of obtaining your permit but also the travel involved to get to the start of the Kangchenjunga trek. It may be (for example) that a short flight to Taplejung airstrip (where the trek starts) may be possible in the future again (as it was in the past), but it is not practical to assume this in an example itinerary or take into account other potential changes to travel to such a remote part of Nepal. So, please get in touch with us first for the most up-to-date information.

    Presently, the best way is to first fly to Bhadrapur, so a private transfer will take you to Kathmandu Airport to take this 50-minute flight to the lowlands of Nepal. From here, you’ll then travel around 3 hours in a private vehicle into the Himalayan foothills and the tea-growing region of Nepal, and overnight in the town of Ilam, surrounded by verdant, lush green hills.

    Accommodation: Basic Hotel, Ilam
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    3

    Drive to Sekathum

    An “up and down and up” sort of drive in a private vehicle takes you ever closer to the mountains, with the odd tantalising glimpse of Kangchenjunga and Jannu. An early start is necessary, as it takes around 5–6 hours to first reach the old trailhead at Taplejung/Suketar (2420m). However, a very rough and ready jeep road extends further into the Kangchenjunga region now, and although it’s very bumpy and uncomfortable, it is possible to start the trek at Sekathum (1700m). From Ilam, it takes around 9–10 hours in total to reach Sekathum. Or you could add a couple of days of additional trekking to start from Taplejung. Lodges here in the Kangchenjunga region are much simpler affairs than those in the likes of the Annapurna and Everest regions, providing just the very bare minimum of creature comforts and in very limited supply. The higher and more remote you get, the more basic the lodges get, and washing and toilet facilities (invariably shared) can be very rudimentary. Private rooms may not be available.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Sekathum

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    Find out more about Trekking Lodges

    DAY 3

    Drive to Sekathum

    An “up and down and up” sort of drive in a private vehicle takes you ever closer to the mountains, with the odd tantalising glimpse of Kangchenjunga and Jannu. An early start is necessary, as it takes around 5–6 hours to first reach the old trailhead at Taplejung/Suketar (2420m). However, a very rough and ready jeep road extends further into the Kangchenjunga region now, and although it’s very bumpy and uncomfortable, it is possible to start the trek at Sekathum (1700m). From Ilam, it takes around 9–10 hours in total to reach Sekathum. Or you could add a couple of days of additional trekking to start from Taplejung. Lodges here in the Kangchenjunga region are much simpler affairs than those in the likes of the Annapurna and Everest regions, providing just the very bare minimum of creature comforts and in very limited supply. The higher and more remote you get, the more basic the lodges get, and washing and toilet facilities (invariably shared) can be very rudimentary. Private rooms may not be available.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Sekathum

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    Find out more about Trekking Lodges

    DAY
    4

    Trek to Amjilosa

    Your trek that takes you deeper into the Kangchenjunga region and the route ultimately to Pang Pema begins with an ascent, and after crossing the Ghunsa Khola by way of a suspension bridge, you climb up an increasingly steep and narrow trail heading up through dense forest. Passing a rather dramatic gorge, you continue to climb ever higher on a switchback trail up to Amjilosa (2510m). Walking time is approximately 5–6 hours.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Amjilosa
    
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 4

    Trek to Amjilosa

    Your trek that takes you deeper into the Kangchenjunga region and the route ultimately to Pang Pema begins with an ascent, and after crossing the Ghunsa Khola by way of a suspension bridge, you climb up an increasingly steep and narrow trail heading up through dense forest. Passing a rather dramatic gorge, you continue to climb ever higher on a switchback trail up to Amjilosa (2510m). Walking time is approximately 5–6 hours.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Amjilosa
    
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    5

    Up down and up to Gyabla

    A short climb through bamboo, oak and rhododendron forest begins from Amjilosa. Reaching a ridge you drop down to Thyanyani (2400m) and the Ghunsa Khola River. Following several up and down sections and after passing a large, impressive waterfall there’s final steep climb to Gyabla (2730m). Walking time approx. 5hrs.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Gyabla
    
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 5

    Up down and up to Gyabla

    A short climb through bamboo, oak and rhododendron forest begins from Amjilosa. Reaching a ridge you drop down to Thyanyani (2400m) and the Ghunsa Khola River. Following several up and down sections and after passing a large, impressive waterfall there’s final steep climb to Gyabla (2730m). Walking time approx. 5hrs.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Gyabla
    
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    6

    Trek to Ghunsa

    As the valley starts to open out, today's walk begins with a relatively easy hike gradually ascending to Phole. From here, it’s up to Ghunsa (3595 m), and now that it's heading over 3000 m, the temperatures become noticeably cooler, especially at night. Ghunsa is an attractive Tibetan mountain village, and as well as a couple of shops, carpet weaving, and gompas, there’s also a small Kangchenjunga Conservation Area office here. Walking time is approximately 4-5 hours.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Ghunsa
    
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 6

    Trek to Ghunsa

    As the valley starts to open out, today's walk begins with a relatively easy hike gradually ascending to Phole. From here, it’s up to Ghunsa (3595 m), and now that it's heading over 3000 m, the temperatures become noticeably cooler, especially at night. Ghunsa is an attractive Tibetan mountain village, and as well as a couple of shops, carpet weaving, and gompas, there’s also a small Kangchenjunga Conservation Area office here. Walking time is approximately 4-5 hours.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Ghunsa
    
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    7

    Acclimatisation Day at Ghunsa

    At just over 3500 m, it’s absolutely essential to have an acclimatisation day. To aid the acclimatisation process, the “climb high, sleep low” principle really helps. Tomorrow you will head to over 4000 m, and from Ghunsa, your guide will take you on a walk (there are a couple of options) to help your body acclimatise.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Ghunsa
    
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 7

    Acclimatisation Day at Ghunsa

    At just over 3500 m, it’s absolutely essential to have an acclimatisation day. To aid the acclimatisation process, the “climb high, sleep low” principle really helps. Tomorrow you will head to over 4000 m, and from Ghunsa, your guide will take you on a walk (there are a couple of options) to help your body acclimatise.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Ghunsa
    
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    8

    Up to Khangbachen

    Things are becoming increasingly dramatic and habitation less common as you head up through pine forests to a yak pasture known as Ramphuk Kharka at around 3720m. This is a good place to take a rest, as you’ve got more ascent ahead. But, as you climb, you’ll get some really impressive views of Jannu before you contour the mountain side and drop down slightly to Khangbachen (4100m), which around 10–15 locals call home. Walking time is approximately 4-5 hours.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Khangbachen
    
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 8

    Up to Khangbachen

    Things are becoming increasingly dramatic and habitation less common as you head up through pine forests to a yak pasture known as Ramphuk Kharka at around 3720m. This is a good place to take a rest, as you’ve got more ascent ahead. But, as you climb, you’ll get some really impressive views of Jannu before you contour the mountain side and drop down slightly to Khangbachen (4100m), which around 10–15 locals call home. Walking time is approximately 4-5 hours.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Khangbachen
    
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    9

    Acclimatisation Day at Khangbachen

    Once again, you must allow your body to acclimatise, as even higher elevations lie ahead. With good mountain views, peace and quiet, and a very traditional atmosphere, Khangbachen is a nice place to relax and acclimatise. One option today is to walk up to Nupchu Khola for spankingly good views of Jannu.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Khangbachen
    
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 9

    Acclimatisation Day at Khangbachen

    Once again, you must allow your body to acclimatise, as even higher elevations lie ahead. With good mountain views, peace and quiet, and a very traditional atmosphere, Khangbachen is a nice place to relax and acclimatise. One option today is to walk up to Nupchu Khola for spankingly good views of Jannu.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Khangbachen
    
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    10

    Wild walking to Lhonak

    From here, the walk that eventually leads up to Pang Pema (Kangchenjunga Base Camp North) really starts to become a high mountain wilderness. There’s an altitude gain of around 700m to reach Lhonak (4800 m), and while most of it is reasonably gradual, the physical effort at such high altitude can make it feel a lot harder. Beyond Khangbachen, there aren’t really any permanent settlements, just the odd seasonal yak grazing area. As you’re reaching the moraine rubble of the Kangchenjunga Glacier, the conditions underfoot start to get a bit trickier beyond a yak grazing area known as Ramtang (4370m). Here, the fluted summit of Wedge Peak first becomes visible. Progressing further, there is a rock field (as well as the risk of rock falls) and an awkward moraine to negotiate. Nepal Peak, the Twins, Merra, and White Wave all come into view, but you really also have to keep focused and remain sure-footed. The very basic lodge at Lhonak is on a grassy plain perched high above the Kangchenjunga Glacier opposite Wedge Peak. It is exposed to the icy wind, but the view more than compensates for the cold! Walking time is approximately 4-5 hours.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Lhonak

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 10

    Wild walking to Lhonak

    From here, the walk that eventually leads up to Pang Pema (Kangchenjunga Base Camp North) really starts to become a high mountain wilderness. There’s an altitude gain of around 700m to reach Lhonak (4800 m), and while most of it is reasonably gradual, the physical effort at such high altitude can make it feel a lot harder. Beyond Khangbachen, there aren’t really any permanent settlements, just the odd seasonal yak grazing area. As you’re reaching the moraine rubble of the Kangchenjunga Glacier, the conditions underfoot start to get a bit trickier beyond a yak grazing area known as Ramtang (4370m). Here, the fluted summit of Wedge Peak first becomes visible. Progressing further, there is a rock field (as well as the risk of rock falls) and an awkward moraine to negotiate. Nepal Peak, the Twins, Merra, and White Wave all come into view, but you really also have to keep focused and remain sure-footed. The very basic lodge at Lhonak is on a grassy plain perched high above the Kangchenjunga Glacier opposite Wedge Peak. It is exposed to the icy wind, but the view more than compensates for the cold! Walking time is approximately 4-5 hours.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Lhonak

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    11

    Pang Pema, Kangchenjunga North Base Camp

    Although tantalisingly close, Kangchenjunga isn’t visible from Lhonak. But today it will be! Following the Kangchenjunga Glacier, it’s tricky going underfoot at times. However perseverance is more than rewarded once the vast north face of Kangchenjunga is revealed, and once you reach Pang Pema (a couple of stone huts), you are at Kangchenjunga Base Camp North (5150m), which has to be one of the most spectacular mountain locations in the world. Depending on time, it is possible to climb a little way above Pang Pema for a stunning panorama of Kangchenjunga and its glacier. You’ll then retrace your ascent up to here and pick your way back down to Lhonak. Walking time: approx.5-6hrs.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Lhonak
    
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 11

    Pang Pema, Kangchenjunga North Base Camp

    Although tantalisingly close, Kangchenjunga isn’t visible from Lhonak. But today it will be! Following the Kangchenjunga Glacier, it’s tricky going underfoot at times. However perseverance is more than rewarded once the vast north face of Kangchenjunga is revealed, and once you reach Pang Pema (a couple of stone huts), you are at Kangchenjunga Base Camp North (5150m), which has to be one of the most spectacular mountain locations in the world. Depending on time, it is possible to climb a little way above Pang Pema for a stunning panorama of Kangchenjunga and its glacier. You’ll then retrace your ascent up to here and pick your way back down to Lhonak. Walking time: approx.5-6hrs.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Lhonak
    
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    12

    Long hike down to Ghunsa

    To reach the route that will ultimately lead to Kangchenjunga South Base Camp, you must first go back down to the trail junction at Ghunsa. Walking time is approx. 6–8 hours.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Ghunsa

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 12

    Long hike down to Ghunsa

    To reach the route that will ultimately lead to Kangchenjunga South Base Camp, you must first go back down to the trail junction at Ghunsa. Walking time is approx. 6–8 hours.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Ghunsa

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    13

    To Sele La

    It’s a very steep ascent as you climb up through forest on a rough and rocky trail, to then ascend further over the Sela La and onto Sele La Base Camp (4290m), which is around a further 30 minutes of walking. There are a couple of simple wooden lodges and a small lake here, but there are also views of distant Makalu! Walking time is approximately 5 hours.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Sele La Base Camp

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 13

    To Sele La

    It’s a very steep ascent as you climb up through forest on a rough and rocky trail, to then ascend further over the Sela La and onto Sele La Base Camp (4290m), which is around a further 30 minutes of walking. There are a couple of simple wooden lodges and a small lake here, but there are also views of distant Makalu! Walking time is approximately 5 hours.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Sele La Base Camp

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    14

    High Passes to Cheram

    This is quite a challenging day, but also a real highlight as far as extensive views go. With luck, you might see the Kangshung face of Everest and Makalu too on the far horizon. There is, however, no small matter of some high passes to cross. The Sinion La (4670m), the Mirgin La (4690 m), and the Sinelapcha La (4730m), so expect some steep climbs and descents on rough, narrow trails before a final (again steep) long descent of around 1000m down to Cheram (3910m). Walking time is approx. 6-7 hours.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Cheram
    
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 14

    High Passes to Cheram

    This is quite a challenging day, but also a real highlight as far as extensive views go. With luck, you might see the Kangshung face of Everest and Makalu too on the far horizon. There is, however, no small matter of some high passes to cross. The Sinion La (4670m), the Mirgin La (4690 m), and the Sinelapcha La (4730m), so expect some steep climbs and descents on rough, narrow trails before a final (again steep) long descent of around 1000m down to Cheram (3910m). Walking time is approx. 6-7 hours.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Cheram
    
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    15

    Kangchenjunga South Base Camp

    The handful of small lodges, a couple of stone huts, and a small lake and meadow area known as Ramche are better known as Kangchenjunga South Base Camp. The scenery is magnificent as you ascend past the snout of the Yalung Glacier into a series of ablation valleys that give relatively easy walking (the term 'easy' here applies to the underfoot conditions and not the effort required to trek at this altitude!). A frozen lake, clear streams, and views of Koktang, Rathong, and Kabru are the highlights of the walk up to Ramche, a broad, flat ablation zone at 4580 metres. If you left Cheram at a reasonably early time in the morning, you should be here in time for lunch. In the afternoon, you can head further up the Yalung Glacier to an area known as Oktang, which is a 5-hour round trip, or you can go the other way if you’re not feeling so strong. The climbing route to the summit of Kanchenjunga, first climbed by Joe Brown and George Band in 1955, can be seen from Oktang and the whole mountain cirque is above 7500 m. Even better, the three main Kangchenjunga summits, all over 8400 m, can be seen. Walking time is approx. 6–8 hours.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Ramche

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 15

    Kangchenjunga South Base Camp

    The handful of small lodges, a couple of stone huts, and a small lake and meadow area known as Ramche are better known as Kangchenjunga South Base Camp. The scenery is magnificent as you ascend past the snout of the Yalung Glacier into a series of ablation valleys that give relatively easy walking (the term 'easy' here applies to the underfoot conditions and not the effort required to trek at this altitude!). A frozen lake, clear streams, and views of Koktang, Rathong, and Kabru are the highlights of the walk up to Ramche, a broad, flat ablation zone at 4580 metres. If you left Cheram at a reasonably early time in the morning, you should be here in time for lunch. In the afternoon, you can head further up the Yalung Glacier to an area known as Oktang, which is a 5-hour round trip, or you can go the other way if you’re not feeling so strong. The climbing route to the summit of Kanchenjunga, first climbed by Joe Brown and George Band in 1955, can be seen from Oktang and the whole mountain cirque is above 7500 m. Even better, the three main Kangchenjunga summits, all over 8400 m, can be seen. Walking time is approx. 6–8 hours.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Ramche

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    16

    Down to Tortong

    Back down to Cheram, and then you’ll continue to lose height and actually drop below (only just) 3000m for the first time in a while as you head to Tortong (2995m). Walking time approx.6-7hrs.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Tortong
    
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 16

    Down to Tortong

    Back down to Cheram, and then you’ll continue to lose height and actually drop below (only just) 3000m for the first time in a while as you head to Tortong (2995m). Walking time approx.6-7hrs.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Tortong
    
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    17

    Trek to Yamphudin

    There’s a good three hours to descend around 1000m before you have to climb steeply up to Lamite Bhanjyang, passing a large landslide area en route. From here, you drop down sharply to the Imja Khola, then contour the hillsides before finally descending to Yamphudin (1700m) and the end of the trek. This village has a mixed community of Sherpa, Rai, Limbu, and Gurung, and it should also be starting to feel warm once more. The Kangchenjunga Conservation Area office is also based here. Walking time: approx. 6 hours.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Yamphudin
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 17

    Trek to Yamphudin

    There’s a good three hours to descend around 1000m before you have to climb steeply up to Lamite Bhanjyang, passing a large landslide area en route. From here, you drop down sharply to the Imja Khola, then contour the hillsides before finally descending to Yamphudin (1700m) and the end of the trek. This village has a mixed community of Sherpa, Rai, Limbu, and Gurung, and it should also be starting to feel warm once more. The Kangchenjunga Conservation Area office is also based here. Walking time: approx. 6 hours.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Yamphudin
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    18

    Drive to Phidim

    A recently constructed “rough and ready” jeep road now extends as far as Yamphudin, so today will be a rather bumpy drive in a locally chartered 4WD vehicle to Phidim, which takes around 5–6 hours.

    Accommodation: Basic Lodge, Phidim
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 18

    Drive to Phidim

    A recently constructed “rough and ready” jeep road now extends as far as Yamphudin, so today will be a rather bumpy drive in a locally chartered 4WD vehicle to Phidim, which takes around 5–6 hours.

    Accommodation: Basic Lodge, Phidim
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    19

    Drive to Ilam

    Yet more unavoidable overland travel as you journey out of the eastern Himalaya. But at least the road surface is metal for most of the long 7-hour drive to Ilam.

    Accommodation: Basic Hotel, Ilam
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 19

    Drive to Ilam

    Yet more unavoidable overland travel as you journey out of the eastern Himalaya. But at least the road surface is metal for most of the long 7-hour drive to Ilam.

    Accommodation: Basic Hotel, Ilam
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    20

    Fly to Kathmandu

    A private transfer will take you by road to Bhadrapur Airport for the flight back to Kathmandu. From Kathmandu Airport, a private transfer will take you to the KGH Hotel.

    Accommodation: KGH Hotel, Kathmandu
    Included Meals: Breakfast

    DAY 20

    Fly to Kathmandu

    A private transfer will take you by road to Bhadrapur Airport for the flight back to Kathmandu. From Kathmandu Airport, a private transfer will take you to the KGH Hotel.

    Accommodation: KGH Hotel, Kathmandu
    Included Meals: Breakfast

    DAY
    21

    Depart Nepal

    A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.

    Included Meals: Breakfast

    Of course, there's no reason to depart today; your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made

    DAY 21

    Depart Nepal

    A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.

    Included Meals: Breakfast

    Of course, there's no reason to depart today; your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made

    IMPORTANT

    This is an EXAMPLE ITINERARY and can be customised for you accordingly.

    Please consider whether you want your customisable, private trip itinerary to also include CONTINGENCY.

    See our ABOUT CONTINGENCY Information

    Please CONTACT US to discuss CONTINGENCY and ADDITIONAL ACCLIMATISATION, as well as other CUSTOMISATION POSSIBILITES for your PRIVATE CUSTOM TREK

Price Guide

Price based on a private party of 4 persons, twin share rooms, low season.
  • $ US 2920 per person

IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT OUR PRICE GUIDES

Restricted Area Permit: A special permit is required for this trek. The current cost of $US 60 per person is NOT INCLUDED in the above price guide. Extra days on trek may increase the cost of the permit and we will advise you of the permit cost applicable to your customised itinerary and indicate this to you separately. The permit cost will be charged in addition to the custom trip cost on your final balance invoice.

What's included

The price shown is for guideline purposes only. The price is inclusive of all accommodation described in the detailed itinerary, all airport and land transfers, all internal flights as indicated in the itinerary, meals as indicated in the itinerary (all meals on trek), porterage on trek, Kangchenjunga  National Park fees, and a Snow Cat Travel Trekking Guide. All guides are English-speaking professionals and fully licenced.

Restricted Area Permit: In order for us to obtain permits for you, we have to present hard copies of your passport (scans are not accepted, so we are unable to arrange Restricted Area Permits in advance) by 1000 hrs. to the permit issuing office in Kathmandu. Restricted area permits are issued for a minimum of two people only. However, a permit for a solo traveller can be obtained, provided the minimum two-person total cost is paid

Don't Forget

We can customise
all our trips.

extend. shorten. upgrade

Don't Forget

We can customise
all our trips to Nepal.

extend. shorten. upgrade

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Read our Nepal Travel Guide

Nepal is home to a beautiful and varied landscape, a wealth of cultural sights, and a diverse people. Here’s everything you need to know, from the capital of Nepal to visa rules.
Nepal Travel Guide
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+44 1405 862917

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Snow Cat Travel is the brand name of and trading as Rural Heritage Journeys PVT LTD of Nepal with a Head Office in Kathmandu. Our parent company Rural Heritage Nepal owns and operates select boutique, heritage hotels in Nepal such as the Famous Farm at Nuwakot and the Old Inn at Bandipur.
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