Olangchun Gola and Kanchenjunga North-South BC Trek
The Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (Pangpema) and Kanchenjunga South BC (Oktang), also called the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek, is one of the most magnificent long tea house treks in Nepal! With this trek we make this circuit even bigger and more adventurous, heading up to Olangchun Gola and over the Nango La pass before joining the main trail at Ghunsa.
Still less trekked than other regions of Nepal, the Kanchenjunga region offers some of the best trekking in Nepal. The trek quickly works its way up through thick forests and pleasant villages, through rhododendron, fir and larch into spectacular high alpine valleys that just keep going and going. No crowds, just mountains and more mountains, and all accessible from the rustic lodges.
The sight of Kanchenjunga, seen from both Oktang and Pangpema are impressive, as is the north face of Jannu/Kumbhakarna, a spectacularly worthy destination itself. Kanchenjunga [8,586m] is the third highest mountain on the planet, first climbed in 1955 by Joe Brown and George Band in a team of British mountaineers. Unlike Everest and K2, the trek to its base camps has been strangely neglected with very few trekkers visiting.
Kanchenjunga is the latest teahouse trek, with tea houses all being built here fairly recently, previously we only did this trek as a camping trek. Tea houses are still far more basic than the Everest or Annapurna area treks, with a rough charm of trekking several decades ago. We have designed this trek with ample acclimatisation time, allowing you to really enjoy the high alpine areas when we get up there. No unnecessary headaches or evacuations here!
- Starts In: Kathmandu
- Ends In: Kathmandu
- Duration: 27 Days
- Difficulty Grade: Challenging
Highlights
- Visit both the South and North Base Camps of Kanchenjunga
- Potential for a stretch goal of a 6000m view point
- High passes, remote villages and a truly off the beaten path trek
- Experience the charm of simple, tea house trekking plus remote camping
- Incredible vistas and viewpoints
- BONUS -wildlife spotting: blue sheep, red panda and snow leopard if you are lucky
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu
We will welcome you at the international airport and guide you through the initial culture shock of Kathmandu’s narrow, winding streets to get you settled into your hotel.
We will have a pre trek briefing where you meet the guide at the hotel and we will collect your passport as part of the permit process.
Accommodation: Hotel Manaslu
Day 02: Permit and Relax day
Today is yours to take as you please as we get your permits done. Get out and explore on your own, find a street-side café to sip lattes and people watch or stay ‘in’ and relax. Of course, we’re always here to help with any ideas or assistance for today.
- Vespa Tour: Take a unique tour on the back of a vintage Vespa, travelling in style. We highly recommend the Street Art Gallery tour and Nepali Food Safari. See www.vespavalley.com.
- City Sightseeing Tour: Kathmandu is home to 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites and in a day you can visit 3 to 4 of them. Let us know if you have any special interest and we can custom design something for you.
- Customised Shopping Tour: There are some fantastic designers and produces of homewares, clothing, accessories, pashminas, Tibetan carpets/furniture, trekking/outdoor gear, art (religious and contemporary), and much, much more. Let us know if you would like a day designed according to your personal interest or if we can point you in the right direction of some of our favourite stores to explore on your own.
- Mountain Flight to Everest: This is the most spectacular flight with the closest possible aerial views of Mt. Everest and Kanchanjunga (the highest and the third highest Mountains in the world). This unique and awe-inspiring 1 hour flight also takes you past to Dorje-Lakpa, Chhoba-Bhamate, Gauri Shankar, Cho-Oyu, Pumori, Nuptse, Lotse and Amadablam.
Accommodation: Hotel Manaslu
Meals included:
Breakfast
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, Drive to Phidim
In the morning the various permits are issued, which the office handles. We fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur. To the left of the aircraft there are often spectacular views of the Central and Eastern Himalaya, passing in turn Cho Oyu, Nuptse, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and then in the distance looms the Kanchenjunga Range. The first beautiful view of your destination. You land at Bhadrapur Airport, which is situated on the plains, making for a relaxed landing. After leaving the airport we drive from plains to foothills, rising through Ilam’s beautiful tea plantations. After Ilam we continue winding up and down through increasingly-dramatic terraced foothills to the town of Philim. It is a very long drive to Taplejung so we usually break it up. Be warned, the accommodation tonight will be simple!
Transport: Secheduled flight & Private jeep
Driving time: Approx. 8 hours
Accommodation: Standard Hotel
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 04: Drive from Phidim to Taplejung [1820m]
Today we enjoy a short drive, which also serves as a contingency to allow for any delays with the flight or drive yesterday. Kanchenjunga shining is hopefully dominating the horizon, on the morning drive. After arriving at Taplejung, we wander through the picturesque market town.
Transport: Private jeep
Driving time: Approx. 4 hours
Accommodation: Standard Hotel
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 05: Drive from Taplejung to Ila Danda [2050m]
Pre 2020, we used to trek this part of the Kanchenjunga route but now there is a road. Be warned the dusty road is rough! Admire the endless terracing and rice paddies as we drive to the end of the road.
Leaving the main Kanchenjunga trek route at Lelep, we ascend to corn and millet country, staying in the last village for a couple of days at Ila Danda.
Transport: Private jeep
Driving time: Approx. 8 hours
Accommodation: Local Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 06: Trek from Ila Danda to Jongin [2600m]
Our first camp and we are now away from villages. Depending on how far we got on the road yesterday, we might camp earlier or later there are a few options and Olangchung is not too far away tomorrow no matter where we get to.
Walking time: Approx. 5 hours
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 07: Trek from Jongin to Olangchung Gola [3200m]
It is a lunch camp to this historic trading village of Olangchung Gola, the last bit of the trek is a steep climb up past the stunning Tamor waterfall. It will be exciting to see if the yak trains are going to Tibet again, when Mads came through here last year there had not been any trade with Tibet since before Covid. The rough “road” to the Tibet border was all but gone up to the turnoff to the Lumba Sumba pass.
Walking time: Approx. 4 hours
Accommodation: Local Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 08: Rest/Explore/Acclimatize Olangchung Gola [3200m]
Above 3000m/~10,000ft, we take a day to get acquainted with the village and gompa and acclimatize.
Accommodation: Local Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 09: Trek from Olangchung Gola to Langjong Kharka [3746m]
We leave the village and head back down to the junction of the Tamar river and the Yangma Khola, here we turn north up the Yangma Khola. It is an amazing few hours up and down along this stream before we finally cross it on a new bridge. From here we climb steeply on a trail through beautiful old growth forest, we then cross the Thasa khola (stream) and not long after we reach the beautiful campsite at Langjong Kharka. This is a great place to camp as we have the porters shelter to sit inside to have dinner together with the crew.
Walking time: Approx. 6 hours
Accommodation: Camping or Porter Shelter
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Trek from Langjong Khark over Nango La to Kharka
A big day today, with around a 1000m climbing to the top of Nango La (pass), so we start early. We follow the stream up through the valley heading straight east till we come out of the vegetation and above the treeline come to a couple of old stone huts, used in the summer for greasing. Here we turn south and will soon be able to see the top of the Nango La, the amazing views of the Sarphu peaks are behind us, so do stop and turn around to enjoy the view now and then. The best view of course is from the top of the pass, enjoy it but don’t hang around for too long as we are pushing it a bit with the altitude here. We descend fairly fast on good trail and about an hour below the pass, we come to our camp for the night at Kharka. Here there is again a porters shelter, so a good place to stop.
Walking time: Approx. 8-9 hours
Accommodation: Camping or Porter Shelter
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Trek from Khraka to Ghunsa and Rest
We have a really short day trekking today, it is only a bit over two hours down to Ghunsa but we will probably need a little rest after a big day yesterday. We follow the Yangma Samba Khola down through forests of larch. Not far from Ghunsa we join the main Kanchenjunga trail and we will stop at the WWF chorten and learn about the horrific helicopter crash in 2006. We continue up to Ghunsa passing the Tashi Chhyoling Monastery which is worth a visit and get to our tea house in time for lunch. The afternoon is free to relax or explore the village, the biggest of the trek.
Walking time: 3 hours
Accommodation: Local Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Trek from Ghunsa to Kambachen [4040m]
Today we head north out of Ghunsa on the east banks of the Ghunsa Khola, we gain altitude while we trek through stunning larch, spruce and dwarf rhododendron forest. We take a break at Labuk, in the past we would have crossed the river to Rambuk Kharka but now we stay on the eastern side of the river on the new trail. We come out into more open country as we start climbing up and around the headwall of the Jannu glacier and start getting views of Jannu [7,711m] the higher we go. As we come into the more open landscape close to Kambachen, suddenly, we are face to face with huge real Himalayan mountains. Being pretty well acclimatized, we should make good time and be in Kambachen in time for lunch. If you are feeling good, the afternoon could be used for a walk up towards the Jannu viewpoint, which would leave tomorrow open to explore the Nupchu valley and the beautiful lake at the end of it, tomorrow.
Accommodation: Local Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Acclimatisation in Kambachen [4040m]
Today is all about “climb high, sleep low”, as we do our best to acclimatise well for the next couple of day higher up. For those who are felling the altitude a bit the walk up Nupchu Khola is pretty easy and still affords great views of Jannu across the valley. The more energetic can trek up to the stunning Jannu viewpoint on this mandatory acclimatization day. This really is one of the most impressive day trips, and that sheer face of Jannu? Wow!
If you are a day ahead, staying an extra day here is a good idea, as there is a lot to explore around here and conditions are not too harsh.
Accommodation: Local Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14: Trek from Kambachen to Lhonak [4760m]
We gain plenty of altitude today however there is nowhere to stay between Kambachen and Lhonak, hence spending two nights at Kambachen. Quite early in the day, we have one particularly loose and dangerous slope to cross, keep a lookout above using a buddy system and beware of rockfall. We cross the stream beneath the Khando waterfall before a steep climb up to the yak herders camp at Ramdang, from here the trail is more gradual and easier the rest of the way to Lhonak.
We transition from the taller alpine shrubs of azalea, juniper and rhododendron around Kambachen to the truly alpine and at Lhonak there is only grass, tussock and dwarf rhododendrons. The lodges also reflect this simplicity and are much more on the basic side although the are being updated. It is going to take considerable investment to make comfortable lodges up here in this extreme environment. There are amazing views of Kirat Chuli, Nepal Peak and Chang Himal among other from Lhonak!
Walking time: Approx. 4-5 hours
Accommodation: Local Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15: Trek from Lhonak to Pang Pema [5200m]
We have a shortish day today, following the lateral moraine towards Pangpema, getting there with time to explore in the afternoon. There are some fairly big ups and down crossing some recent landslides but otherwise it is a gradual climb all the way. Views of Chang Himal, Nepal Peak and Gimmigela peak are stunning. After about four hours trekking, we reach Pangpema and get the stunning Kanchenjunga views. Neither sunset nor sunrise are spectacular from Pangpema, so on this middle of the day visit you’ll catch the mountains in the best light. Your guide will advise on whether the simple lodge at Pangpema is open, we bring our tents anyway and can camp out no matter what.
This is also snow leopard country and it is common to see blue sheep today, the main meal of snow leopard. Blue sheep mostly don’t mind your voices or presence, and if you move closer, move slowly but in full view of them but try not to get so close that you scare them. As you might find, they are more comfortable around people than snow leopards.
Walking time: Approx 4 hours
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16: Trek from Pangpema to Kambachen [4040m] via 6K viewpoint
If we are feeling good and conditions are right we start at first light, we trek back towards Lhonak and after the first stream crossing, head up grassy then rocky slopes to the most amazing viewpoint, the highest anywhere and our favourite. The trek highlight just over 6K meters… We might not make it all the way back to Kambachen if we make it to the viewpoint but stay in Lhonak and will easily reach Ghunsa tomorrow.
Walking time: Approx 9-10 hours
Accommodation: Local Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17: Trek from Kambachen to Ghunsa [3420m]
We retrace our steps down the valley reaching Kangpachen in time for lunch then onwards to Ghunsa, it really shows how much easier it is to descend, it feels like you are moving lightly. Although we haven’t spent a long time in the more barren alpine altitudes, it is nice to be back in the forest. This is a full day’s trekking, our second full day in a row. We will take a rest day, if everything has gone to plan. If not, this is a day to be used elsewhere for weather or other issues.
Walking time: Approx. 3-4 hours
Accommodation: Local Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 18: Trek from Ghunsa to Lapsang La Phedi
Today we start climbing again, there is an initially a steep climb through the forest, then a little surprise, a pretty forest and open area followed by a more steep ascent. Although the altitude is not particularly high, the trail can sometimes be icy in this shaded area. Cresting a ridge with a good snack spot, is a great birds eye view that looks down the valley.
The trail now eases off, still ascending, but less steeply now as we traverse around the ridge amid semi-alpine plants and open views across the smokey middle hills in the distance. The couple of simple lodges appear suddenly after a rise, and probably not a moment too soon for well worked legs, we have lunch here.
After lunch we climb for a couple of hours, to Lapsang La Phedi which will be our camping spot for the night at the bottom of the Lapsang La.
Walking time: Approx 6 hours
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 19: Trek from Lapsang La Phedi to Ramche
We start at first light to trek across the little trekked Lapsang La 5110m, it is not a long day but as with all pass crossings it is hard going due to the altitude and on this pass there is also no trail as such. We should be in Ramche by lunch time, if the little tea shop is open we can take lunch there, otherwise we will set camp and cook our own.
Walking time: Approx 7-8 hours
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 20: Explore Oktang and Trek to Tseram [3880m]
This morning we continue on from Ramche and soon start getting views of the remaining peaks in the Kabru range and then all of a sudden Kanchenjunga comes into view and with that Yalung Khang and Khambachen as well. This is truly out of the this world mountain scenery, amazing! Look out for blue sheep, they are often seen up here. We explore as far as we can and enjoy the scenery at Oktang before returning to Ramche for lunch. In the afternoon we descend along the Yalung moraine, back down to the forest above Tseram where we will stop for the night.
Walking time: 7-8 hours
Accommodation: Local Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 21: Trek from Tseram to Torangden [3000m]
We have a very shot day today, so either sleep in and have a late start or take the detour to the Chhuchung Pokhari in the Mirgin La trail above Tseram, you will get great views and can descend the trail to Anda Phadi and continue down the valley from here. Walking through delightful sections of thick primary forest to the couple of lodges at Torangden, which has various spellings.
Walking time: 3 hours
Accommodation: Local Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 22: Trek from Torangden to Ranipul
We have a long day ahead of us today, so we start early. We trek a newly upgraded trail along the river instead of taking the old route that was a big climb over a nasty landslide and a steep descent. We quickly cross the river twice before descending into a steep gorge though beautiful jungle on a very narrow trail. These bamboo forests are prime Red Panda habitat, so keep your eyes peeled! We eventually re-cross the river on an old suspension bridge, do look down the gorge is just amazing here. Soon after we come out of the forest and into the village of Yaksang where we will have a simple lunch. In the afternoon we continue descending down through the village of Hellok, the first real village we have seen since Gunsa, to the road head at Ranipul, not far from where we started the trek.
Walking time: Approx. 8-9 hours
Accommodation: Local Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 23: Drive from Ranipul to Phidim
Driving back along the same road we came in on before we started the trek, we return to Taplejung and continue the drive further to Phidim to break up the drive back to Bhadrapur tomorrow.
Transport: Private jeep
Driving time: Approx. 8-9 hours
Accommodation: Standard Hotel
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 24: Drive from Phidim to Bhadrapur
Road trip! Regardless of where we ended up last night, today is a driving day, taking most of all of the day to reach Bhadrapur. We climb over ridges and and descend in and out of valleys, seemingly randomly, however, the road does take the best route, and is scenic. The farther away you are, the bigger the Kanchenjunga massif looks, impossible though that seems …
Down in the flat country on the last bumpy section to Bhadrapur, the terrain should be familiar from the start of the trek, however that seems such a long time ago now, and perhaps you now have a better appreciation of the flat Tarai. It is also warm, or hot even, definitely worthy of a cold beer over dinner!
Transport: Private jeep
Driving time: Approx. 8-10 hours
Accommodation: Best available
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 25: Fly from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu
Today we bid farewell to eastern Nepal and take the mid-morning flight back into the Kathmandu Valley. In Kathmandu, we take you to your hotel.
The rest of the day is yours to relax and enjoy the luxuries of the city (and a hot shower!), just let us know if you would like any assistance organising anything for today.
We meet up in the evening for a final dinner together.
Transport: Secheduled flight
Accommodation: Hotel Manaslu
Meals included:
Breakfast
Day 26: Free Day in Kathmandu
Today is yours to take as you please. Get out and explore on your own, find a street-side café to sip lattes and people watch or stay ‘in’ and relax. Of course, we’re always here to help with any ideas or assistance for today.
- Vespa Tour: Take a unique tour on the back of a vintage Vespa, travelling in style. We highly recommend the Street Art Gallery tour and Nepali Food Safari. See www.vespavalley.com.
- City Sightseeing Tour: Kathmandu is home to 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites and in a day you can visit 3 to 4 of them. Let us know if you have any special interest and we can custom design something for you.
- Customised Shopping Tour: There are some fantastic designers and produces of homewares, clothing, accessories, pashminas, Tibetan carpets/furniture, trekking/outdoor gear, art (religious and contemporary), and much, much more. Let us know if you would like a day designed according to your personal interest or if we can point you in the right direction of some of our favourite stores to explore on your own.
- Mountain Flight to Everest: This is the most spectacular flight with the closest possible aerial views of Mt. Everest and Kanchanjunga (the highest and the third highest Mountains in the world). This unique and awe-inspiring 1 hour flight also takes you past to Dorje-Lakpa, Chhoba-Bhamate, Gauri Shankar, Cho-Oyu, Pumori, Nuptse, Lotse and Amadablam.
Accommodation: Hotel Manaslu
Meals included:
Breakfast
Day 27: Depart
It’s time to say farewell to Nepal. We recommend and afternoon flight out of Kathmandu, just in case we get delayed returning to Kathmandu. Enjoy your last moments in Kathmandu with breakfast in a café, a city stroll, and/or souvenir shopping.
A representative will meet you at your hotel and drive you to the airport for your return flight home. It’s good to be at the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure.
Alternatively, you are welcome to stay on longer and we can assist with hotel bookings and sightseeing suggestions.
Meals included: Breakfast
Gallery
Included In Price
• Tea house accommodation while on trek
• Meals as per the itinerary (all meals on trek, with filtered drinking water)
• Transportation as per the detailed itinerary in private transport
• Your trekking guide and porters, with all their transport, equipment, insurance, meals and accommodation
• A first aid kit with basic supplies appropriate for the group size and trek route – if you require or are taking specific medications it is critical that you discuss this with us prior to your trip departure
• Trekking permits and registration fees
Note: The local tea houses are basic but clean and they do not often have attached bathrooms or hot showers. The price is based on twin share and does not include any extra charge that lodge owners may levy for single rooms, attached bathrooms or hot showers (if these facilities are available) or for battery charging. We can’t know in advance what they may charge for such things in the different lodges along the way, so we prefer to leave this cost out, rather than pass along an estimated charge to you.
The meal inclusions on trek are breakfast (one set breakfast and a tea or coffee), lunch (one main meal and a tea or coffee) and dinner (soup, main and dessert with a tea or coffee)
Not Included In Price
• Single supplement, please see single supplement charge
• International flights to and from Kathmandu; Nepal visa fees and international airport taxes; any excess baggage charges
• Comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and emergency rescue / evacuation that covers all of the activities you will undertake during your trip should this be required for any reason (we require this as the minimum insurance cover)
• Services and activities not mentioned in the detailed itinerary above (eg additional nights, optional trips and sightseeing tours)
• Any gear or equipment that you may need to rent/buy – please ask us if you would like any advice about gear to bring/buy/rent
• Personal expenses (eg mineral water/soft drinks/bar bills, entrance/photography fees at monasteries, laundry, telephone calls, postage, donations, extra snacks etc)
• Any extra charge that tea house owners may levy for single rooms, attached bathrooms, or hot showers (if these facilities are available) and charging of batteries
• Tips for your city guide, drivers, hotels, restaurants etc (please ask if you would like guidance about appropriate tips)
• Costs incurred due to unforeseen events (eg caused by natural disasters, adverse road conditions / flight delays, labour strikes, fuel shortages, extreme exchange rate changes, etc)
