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Kanchenjunga Base Camp
Also known as: Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
Distance: 177 km
Duration: 18 - 20 days
Country: 
Nepal
NepalThe Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is a hidden gem in the remote region of eastern Nepal that takes you through stunning alpine forests, quaint villages, and lush valleys with snow-capped peaks towering above. The trek offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the unspoiled natural beauty and rich culture of the region, with fewer crowds than the more popular treks in Nepal. The route leads you to the base of the world's third-highest mountain, Kanchenjunga, providing breathtaking views and an unforgettable sense of awe. The trek is a perfect balance of adventure and culture, with the chance to interact with the friendly locals and learn about their way of life. For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is a must-do that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Table of contents
Prepare for an adventure treking Kanchenjunga Base Camp. This overview provides essential details on routes, difficulty, costs, and the best times to go, helping you plan a successful trek.
Distances
- 18 - 20 days, 177 km, +7,400 m, 5,388 m high point
- daily: 4 - 7 hours, 7 - 18 km, +200 - 1,000 m gain
Route
- Circuit
- Starting and ending in Suketar
Cost
- $750 - $1,500 solo
- $1,600 - $2,590 guided
When to go
- March and April
- October and November
Permits
- 3 permits are needed
- costing around $121 total
Guide mandatory?
- no
Accommodation
Teahouses, Lodges, GuesthousesThese are pictures taken while trekking Kanchenjunga Base Camp. They're shown here to give you an idea of what the route is like. You're welcome to share your own pictures of hiking Kanchenjunga Base Camp, to help the community of hikers. Picture here are either uploaded by members (there own, or creative commons pictures), or guides.
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is a spectacular and remote trek that takes you to the base camp of the world's third highest mountain, Kanchenjunga. This itinerary covers the route from Taplejung to Kanchenjunga Base Camp, offering breathtaking mountain views, diverse landscapes, and cultural encounters with local communities.
Day 1
Fly to Suketar, Trek to Mitlung (920 m)
Take a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Suketar and start the trek. Descend through terraced fields and forests to reach the village of Mitlung.
Day 2
Trek to Chirwa (1,270 m)
Distance: 9 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: +350 m
Continue the trek along the Tamor River, passing through villages and lush forests. Reach Chirwa, a small settlement inhabited by the Limbu community.
Day 3
Trek to Sekathum (1,640 m)
Distance: 8 kmTime trekking / climbing: 5 hoursElevation change: +370 m
Cross several suspension bridges and trek through beautiful landscapes. Pass by the village of Taplethok and descend to Sekathum.
Day 4
Trek to Amjilosa (2,510 m)
Distance: 10 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: +870 m
Follow the trail along the Ghunsa River, crossing a mix of dense forests and bamboo groves. Reach Amjilosa, a small Tibetan settlement.
Day 5
Trek to Gyabla (2,730 m)
Distance: 7 kmTime trekking / climbing: 5 hoursElevation change: +220 m
Continue the trek, passing through rhododendron and pine forests. Enjoy the scenic views of waterfalls and reach Gyabla, a Sherpa village.
Day 6
Trek to Ghunsa (3,595 m)
Distance: 10 kmTime trekking / climbing: 5 hoursElevation change: +865 m
Trek through a dense forest of juniper and rhododendron. Reach the village of Ghunsa, inhabited by the Tibetan-speaking Sherpa community.
Day 7
Acclimatization Day in Ghunsa
Take a day to acclimatize and explore the surroundings of Ghunsa. You can visit the monastery and enjoy the beautiful mountain views.
Day 8
Trek to Kambachen (4,040 m)
Distance: 11 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: +445 m
Resume the trek, ascending through alpine meadows and crossing the Lhonak Glacier. Reach Kambachen, a remote village with stunning mountain vistas.
Day 9
Trek to Lhonak (4,785 m)
Distance: 9 kmTime trekking / climbing: 5 hoursElevation change: +745 m
Continue the trek along the Kanchenjunga Glacier, surrounded by towering peaks. Arrive at Lhonak, a high-altitude campsite near the base of Kanchenjunga.
Day 10
Trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp (Pangpema) (5,140 m)
Distance: 12 kmTime trekking / climbing: 8 hoursElevation change: +355 m
Embark on an adventurous trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp (Pangpema). Enjoy the awe-inspiring views of the Kanchenjunga massif and glaciers. Return to Lhonak for overnight stay.
Day 11
Trek to Ghunsa (3,595 m)
Distance: 21 kmTime trekking / climbing: 7 hoursElevation change: -1,545 m
Retrace your steps and trek back to Ghunsa, descending through forests and enjoying the scenic beauty of the region.
Day 12
Trek to Sele La (4,290 m)
Distance: 14 kmTime trekking / climbing: 7 hoursElevation change: +695 m
Resume the trek, crossing several streams and ascending towards Sele La Pass. Camp near Sele La, surrounded by the stunning Himalayan landscape.
Day 13
Trek to Cheram (3,870 m)
Distance: 10 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: -420 m
Cross Sele La Pass (4,290m) and descend through rhododendron forests. Reach Cheram, a small village located in a valley surrounded by peaks.
Day 14
Trek to Ramche (Kanchenjunga South Base Camp) (4,580 m)
Distance: 14 kmTime trekking / climbing: 7 hoursElevation change: +710 m
Trek through yak pastures and enjoy panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga massif. Reach Ramche, the South Base Camp of Kanchenjunga.
Day 15
Trek to Tortong (2,995 m)
Distance: 17 kmTime trekking / climbing: 7 hoursElevation change: -1,585 m
Descend along the Simbuwa Khola, passing through forests and small settlements. Reach Tortong, a village surrounded by terraced fields.
Day 16
Trek to Yamphudin (2,080 m)
Distance: 14 kmTime trekking / climbing: 7 hoursElevation change: -915 m
Continue the descent, trekking through villages inhabited by the Limbu community. Reach Yamphudin, a beautiful village with traditional houses.
Day 17
Trek to Khebang (1,910 m)
Distance: 12 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: -170 m
Trek through terraced fields, cardamom plantations, and dense forests. Reach Khebang, a village known for its cultural significance.
Day 18
Trek to Suketar (2,420 m)
Distance: 12 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: +510 m
Conclude the trek by descending to Suketar. Celebrate the successful completion of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek.
Day 19
Fly to Kathmandu
Take a flight from Suketar back to Kathmandu. Rest and relax in the capital city, and reflect on the incredible journey.
The trek is 7 / 10, based on the below factors:
Terrain & route condition 7 / 10
Treks that involve rugged or uneven terrain, such as rocky paths, scree slopes, or dense forests, may require more technical skills or physical effort.
Altitude / Elevation 10 / 10
Considering the maximum altitude reached during the trek. Higher altitudes can present challenges like thin air, low oxygen levels, and potential altitude sickness.
Distance 8 / 10
The total distance of the trek. Longer treks generally require more endurance and physical fitness.
Elevation gain 9 / 10
Total elevation gain throughout the trek. Treks with significant altitude changes can be more challenging, especially if they involve steep ascents or descents.
Technical difficulty 7 / 10
Some treks may require basic technical skills like river crossings, using ropes, or scrambling over rocks.
Access to facilities / Remoteness 5 / 10
Based on the availability of support facilities such as accommodation, food, water sources, and emergency services. Treks with limited infrastructure or remote areas can be more challenging due to self-sufficiency requirements. The less support facilities there are the harder the trek.
Climate & weather 8 / 10
How tough are the prevailing weather and climate conditions during the trek. Harsh weather, extreme temperatures, or unpredictable conditions can add to the difficulty.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp weather
How is the weather on Kanchenjunga Base Camp, and when is the best time to go.
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek offers a diverse range of weather conditions throughout the year. The best months to do the trek are March, April, October, and November when the weather is generally milder and more stable.
The best time to trek Kanchenjunga Base Camp is in these months:
- Mar
- Apr
- Oct
- Nov
unpredictable and changeable weather outside of the best months.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Services
Gear rental, porters, guides, transport, internet, accommodation
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp route offers a range of services to cater to trekkers' needs. Here's an overview of the available services and facilities along the route.
Accommodation
Accommodation options on the Kanchenjunga Base Camp route include teahouses and camping. Teahouses are commonly used by trekkers and provide basic lodging facilities with shared rooms and common areas. Camping is also an option for those who prefer a more immersive outdoor experience.Food
Food is available along the route at teahouses and local eateries. You can expect a variety of meals, including local Nepali dishes and international cuisine. It's advisable to carry some energy snacks for longer stretches.Guides
Experienced guides are available for hire on the Kanchenjunga Base Camp route. Hiring a guide can provide valuable local knowledge, assistance with navigation, and insights into the culture and environment. The cost of hiring a guide may vary depending on the duration and services provided.Porters
Porters are available for hire to assist with carrying heavy loads during the trek. They can help alleviate the burden and make your trek more comfortable. The cost of hiring a porter depends on the duration and the weight they need to carry.Medical facilities
Limited medical facilities such as basic clinics and pharmacies are available at some settlements along the route.Gear rental
Gear services on the Kanchenjunga Base Camp route primarily include renting or purchasing trekking equipment. While some teahouses may provide basic rental gear like sleeping bags or trekking poles, it's advisable to bring your own gear for comfort and reliability.Transport
To reach the starting point of the trek, you can opt for a combination of flights and road transportation from Kathmandu to Taplejung or Suketar. Local buses or private jeeps are available for transport between towns and villages along the route.Internet / Phone
Connectivity along the Kanchenjunga Base Camp route is limited. While some teahouses may offer intermittent Wi-Fi or have satellite phones for emergencies.ATMs
ATMs are not commonly available along the Kanchenjunga Base Camp route.Shops
There are small shops or local markets in some settlements along the route where you can find basic supplies such as snacks, bottled water, toiletries, and trekking essentials.Kanchenjunga Base Camp Accomodation
What is the accommodation like treking Kanchenjunga Base Camp
During the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek, you'll find a variety of accommodation options that cater to trekkers' needs. The available accommodations range from teahouses ($10-20 per night, includes meals) to basic lodges (Price: $15-30 per night, includes meals) and guesthouses (Price: $20-40 per night, includes meals). Prices for accommodation usually include meals, and the options vary in terms of facilities, services, and availability.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp permits
What permits are needed for treking Kanchenjunga Base Camp
For the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek, you will need to obtain certain permits. Here's an overview of the permits required for this trip:
1. Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP)
- $18.5 (~2,000 in the local currency)
- Permit to enter and trek within the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.
- You can obtain the KCAP at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or at the Department of Immigration in Pokhara.
2. Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
- $92.5 (~10,000 in the local currency)
- Permit required to enter the restricted area of Kanchenjunga region.
- You need to apply for the RAP through a registered trekking agency in Nepal, as it requires special permission from the Department of Immigration.
3. Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card
- $9.25 (~1,000 in the local currency)
- Card to maintain a record of trekkers and ensure their safety.
- You can obtain the TIMS card at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or at the TIMS counter in Pokhara.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp access - getting there
How to get to Kanchenjunga Base Camp
- Flight to Taplejung Airport: You can take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Taplejung Airport, which is the closest airport to the start of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek.
- Overland Journey: Another option is to travel overland from Kathmandu to Taplejung by bus or private vehicle. This journey takes several days and involves scenic drives through mountainous terrain.
- Local Transportation: From nearby towns or cities, such as Bhadrapur or Biratnagar, you can take local buses or hire private jeeps to reach the start of the trek in Taplejung.
- Return Journey: At the end of the trek, you can retrace your steps and use the same transportation options to return to your starting point.
- Flight from Taplejung Airport: You have the option to take a domestic flight from Taplejung Airport back to Kathmandu, providing a convenient and faster way to return.
- Overland Journey: Alternatively, you can choose to travel overland from Taplejung back to Kathmandu by bus or private vehicle.
Get inspired by these incredible videos capturing the experience of climbing Kanchenjunga Base Camp. From route highlights to summittrail views, these clips showcase the treks beauty and the challenges it presents. Have your own Kanchenjunga Base Camp video? We'd love for you to share it with the community to inspire future trekkers.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp questions
What to know about trekking Kanchenjunga Base Camp
Common questions people have about this trek, if yours isn’t here - add it to get an answer.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Links
useful websites, Groups and communities
Groups / links with more info on the Kanchenjunga Base Camp route.
Use facebook groups to find up to date info, plan trips and find trekking buddies.
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