KANCHENJUNGA BASE CAMP
KANCHENJUNGA BASE CAMP
The less traveled far eastern Nepal has a huge attraction: Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. Three weeks in this remarkable wilderness where few trekkers go; a land of rhododendrons, endangered species and home to the Limbu and Sherpa people, is where you want to be!
The Kanchenjunga regionThe giant of eastern Nepal, Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), the third-highest mountain in the world, is the dominant force in a high-mountain region that is less traveled but rivals the beauty of the Annapurna. Head east to explore the unique lifestyle and culture of diverse ethnic groups like the Limbus, the Sherpas and the Tibetans. Bordering Tibet in the North and Sikkim in the East, the Kanchenjunga region is home to rhododendron forests that burst into color in the spring (34 species are recorded in the region). During the three weeks, we hike and bivouac in the magical silence of this remarkable wilderness in high altitude. From all sides, the peaks majestically rise to the sky: Kanchenjunga, Jannu (7,710 m), Sobithongie (6,670 m), Phole Peak (6,645 m), Khabur (6,332 m) and many more! A thrilling trek in the remote far eastern Nepal!
HIGHLIGHTS
- North Base Camp of Kanchenjunga and view of the imposing North Face of Jannu (Kumbhakarna).
- Discovery of a little-known, wild region.
- Discovery of villages and culture of the Limbu ethnic group.
Itinerary

For your next trek with us in the Himalayas, travel light and aware: Base Camp offers you a biodegradable soap made in Nepal, to leave no trace ...
Airport pick-up and transfer to hotel.
- Stay in the same hotel
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Accommodation: Lodge
After a 1 ½ hour drive, we start our hike to Mitlung, a village of Sherpas, Limbu, Tamang and Newar ethnic groups with about 10 houses and a shiva temple.
- Altitude difference: 50 meters
- Elevation difference less than 950 meters
- Duration of hike: 3 hr
- Accommodation: homestay (Basic)
- Ascent: + 700 meters
- Descent: - 350 meters
- Duration of hike: 6hr
- Accommodation: Basic Homestay
- Ascent: + 530 meters
- Descent: - 260 meters
- Hours of walking: 5hr
- Accommodation: Basic Homestay
We walk along the right bank of the river, and in less than 2 hours of climbing uphill, we reach Jhyangin (1,800m), after which we go downhill to a wooden bridge. After 1 hour of steep climbing and about 20 min of descent, we arrive at Lamatar (1,855m) where we rest on the left bank of the river and have lunch. After lunch, we continue hiking on a level track and cross the river, climb up and reach Amjilosa, a Sherpa hamlet of four houses.
- Ascent: + 1050 meters
- Descent: - 240 meters
- Duration of hike: 6hr
- Accommodation: Basic Homestay
We climb up a hillside gradually for one hour and then make a small descent to arrive at Thangyan, a Sherpa hamlet at 2,350 m. It takes us about 1 ½ hr of walking (including 30 min of steps) through bamboo and rhododendron forest to get to Gyabla, a Sherpa village where we stop for lunch.
In the afternoon, a gradual climb through a mixed forest leads us to the village of Phole where about 30 Tibetan refugees live. There is also a carpet factory, a school funded by an American and several monasteries. We also visit the monasteries of Gelug and Nyingma.
- Ascent: + 1400 meters
- descent: - 580 meters
- Duration of hike: 8-9hr
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Ascent: + 250 meters
- Descent: - 50 meters
- Duration of hike: 2 ½ hr
- Accommodation: Lodge
This morning’s hike takes us through a forest of thorny shrubs, juniper and birch trees; we walk across a wooden bridge to cross the river and come across a few tricky spots where there have been landslides. Stop for lunch at the camp near some yak pens. Good views of Sarphu and Jannu: Jannu (7,710 m), Sobithongie (6,670 m), Phole Peak (,6645 m) and Khabur 6,332 m). If weather permits, we take an excursion near the Jannu moraine glacier (for acclimatization). The sound of yak bells soothe us to sleep at night.
- Ascent: + 1000 meters
- Descent: - 350 meters
- Duration of hike: 6hr
- Accommodation: Lodge
We start up a gradual climb, come across some difficult passages through landslides, to reach the dry lake of Lhonak. We then hike a further two hours and stop for lunch at the Ramthang pastures. Along the way, we get many views of mountains over 6000 meters: Mera (6,344 m), Ramthang (6,700 m), etc. We set up camp in the pastures, overlooking Sarphu, Mera, Tinjung (6,097 m), Pandra (6,850 m), Kirant Chuli (7,366 m), Nepal Peak (6,910 m) and many more nameless peaks. Tibet is 15 km by air. From the camp, we can see Blue sheep and partridges.
- Ascent: + 700 meters
- Duration of hike: 5 ½ hr
- Accommodation: Homestay
We climb up steadily along the right bank of the moraine from Kanchenjunga to Pangpema and get panoramic views of Kirant Chuli, Nepal Peak, Kanchenjunga, Yalung, Twins, Kambachem, Chang Himal and more. After enjoying the views, we return to the camp via the same route. Since the weather here changes very quickly, we leave very early in the morning and enjoy a picnic.
- Ascent: + 350 meters
- Descent: - 350 meters
- Duration of hike: 4 ½ hr
- Accommodation: Homestay
- Descent: - 1350 meters
- Duration of hike: 8hr
- Accommodation: Lodge
Today we walk through a rhododendron forest for 2 hours climbing steeply to reach the small pass of Tamo La (3,940 m); a magnificent view of the Gunsa valley (villages of Phole and Gyabla). Then we gradually climb up to the camp through the Selele Pass (4,180m). Beautiful view of Sarphu III (5,865 m), Khabur, Bokton (6,143 m), etc.
- Ascent: + 900 meters
- Descent: - 100 meters
- Duration of hike: 6hr
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Ascent: + 650 meters
- Descent: - 1000 meters
- Duration of hike: 8hr
- Accommodation: Lodge
We make a gradual descent through a lovely rhododendron and juniper forest along the Simbuwa River to have lunch at Tortong. After lunch, we climb up through a forest of mixed trees to reach first, Tongsadang, and then we arrive at Lamite (Lasya) Bhanjyang (3,360 m). We then descend for about 2 hours to reach Omje Khola.
- Descent: - 1,700 meters
- Duration of hike: 4 to 5hr
- Accommodation: Lodge
We climb up for 1 hour through a forest of mixed trees to reach Dhupi Bhanjyang, then we go downhill for an hour to reach Yamphudhin, a village with a church. We eat lunch on the banks of the Khaveli river. After lunch, 2 ½ hr of walking along level ground and then uphill on a hillside to arrive at Mamamkhe (1,920m) which houses a Rai-Limbu Museum and Cultural Center. From here we get views of some 5000m. peaks and Kothang.
- Ascent: + 800 meters
- Descent: -1400 meters
- Duration of hike: 7hr
- Accommodation: Basic lodge
We embark on a cultural trek through Limbu country, cross over a small pass and reach Phumpe. After a short descent through the fields, we arrive at the Khaksewa River. We face a steep climb to reach Phumphe Danda (1,890 m), a Chhetri village of about six houses. We then walk along a relatively flat trail to our lunch spot, Phunphun Danda. After lunch, we carry on to the Nagdewa River passing in front of 2 waterfalls. Another steep climb leads us up to the village of Khande Bhanjayng and we finally reach Kesewa, a Limbu village.
- Ascent: + 1000 meters
- Descent: -650 meters
- Duration of hike: 8hr
- Accommodation: basic lodge
- Ascent: + 900 meters
- Descent : - 770 meters
- Duration of hike: 6hr
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Accommodation: Lodge
Catch a flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to the hotel.
- Accommodation: Hôtel
- An alternative to flying is the option of a 12 hr drive to Kathmandu.
End of our services.
What's included
- Jeep 4x4 local reserved (and shared on day 05) Bhadrapur - Taplejung and Taplejung - Bhadrapur
- 3 nights at Holy Himalaya hotel in BB in Kathmandu
- Trek full board in Lodge / Homestay
- English speaking guide for the trek and his/her flight
- Trekking team: porters and assistant guide according to the group size during the whole trek
- Carrying luggage up to 13 kg/person during the trek
- KCAP & TIMS trekking license
- special permit Kanchenjunga 2 weeks
- Staff Insurance
- Domestic airport taxes.
- Flights Kathmandu - Bhadrapur - Kathmandu
What's not included
- Nepal visas to get at the airport ($50 + photos)
- International flight
- Compulsory repatriation insurance
- Tips, personal expenses, and equipment, drinks, sleeping bag, hot shower during the trek ...