Kanchenjunga North-South BC trek
Starting from US$ 2560.00
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!
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. This trek requires special restricted area permits (included) and a minimum of two people, partly the reason we are offering this locally lead trek. 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!
NOTE: The Oct departure is 3 days longer - 27 days to make it possible to try climbing an amazing 6K viewpoint at Pangpema
- Starts In: Kathmandu
- Ends In: Kathmandu
- Duration: 24 Days
- Difficulty Grade: Challenging
Highlights
- Visit both the South and North Base Camps of Kanchenjung
- 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
Fixed departure dates
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 Thamel House
Day 02: Fly 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 03: Drive 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 04: Drive to Sukethum [1560m]
Prior to 2020 we trekked this section however now the very much under construction highway to Tibet heads up valley to Sukethum. Thankfully we branch off when we cross the river to Sekathum as the road construction continues up the main valley heading towards Olangchung Gola and Tibet. We don’t hear or see the road again as we head up the valley to Ghunsa and Pangpema.
Transport: Private jeep
Driving time: Approx. 5-6 hours
Accommodation: Local Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 05: Trek to Amjilosa [2460m]
Finally after days of travel getting the start of the trek, this morning we start trekking. We cross the river and keep following the river through dense forest and on a small riverside trail. We re-cross the river a couple of times and hike through a stunning steep gorge before having our lunch at Solima.
After lunch we have yet another suspension bridge to cross the river again and then begin the real climb to Amjilosa on switchbacks up through the forest, here we will come across our first rhododendron trees of the trek. This climb will feel like a real workout, specially because this is our first day but eventually we reach a grassy saddle with views of Amjilosa our destination for today. As we are still not too high for a little brew, tonight might be a good place to try the local Tongba.
Walking time: Approx. 5 hours
Accommodation: Local Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 06: Trek to Gyabla [2800m]
Today we start with a short ascent to a little ridge above Amjolosa, we trek through lush bamboo, oak and rhododendron forests. We then descend to the Ghunsa Khola (river), trek past waterfalls and pasture lands. The trail is again undulating, and we keep climbing on a more challenging trail. We pass a lovely waterfall, with the river far below us, and soon reach the beautiful Sherpa village of Gyabla. There is an an old monastery and some ancient Buddhist chortens here. We stay in a comfortable tea house here and can spend the afternoon exploring the village some distance above the tea house.
Walking time: Approx. 4-5 hours
Accommodation: Local Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 07: Trek to Phale [3240m]
Today the valley opens up as we continue trekking up through the forested river valley. The climb is more gradual and before we know it we are into the cooler air above 3000 meters. We pass through an unused summer settlement and soon after reach the beautiful village of Phale, with its old Gompa which is well worth a visit this afternoon.
We consider this a necessary acclimatization stop, and it is also a delightful area. The village is in two parts, Tibetans who fled Tibet in the 1960’s live permanently here, whereas the separate ramshackle, abandoned-looking houses will spring to life in the winter as everyone from Ghunsa scuttles down to here and lower for the harshest part of winter. There is more sun here than in shaded Ghunsa. We will explore the village this afternoon and see what we can learn about this old village and its inhabitants.
Walking time: Approx. 3-4 hours
Accommodation: Local Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 08: Trek to Ghunsa [3420m]
We have a really short day trekking today, it is only a bit over two hours up to Ghunsa but we are now at an elevation where we really have to be careful with our acclimatisation. We are on good trail up through the valley, we cross the Yangma Samba Khola which comes from the Nango La, and continue up through forests of larch. Not far from Ghunsa 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 we will visit tomorrow 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: Approx. 2-3 hours
Accommodation: Local Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 09: Rest Day in Ghunsa [3420m]
We take a full day here for acclimatizing to altitude, which is mandatory, and it is a good break to wash clothes, have a shower even, and let the worked trekking legs recover. Ghunsa has some of the best trekking lodges on our route too.
The village itself sits in a steep-sided valley, so steep that the sun hits late and leaves relatively early too, the one downside to this otherwise wonderful place. Previously, families would have to send their children away to get a decent education however HDFA (Australia) and other NGOs have given substantial assistance to upgrade the school facilities, and working hand in hand with the locals, there is now a school to be proud of, enabling everyone to get a good education.
Visiting the gompa back across the bridges is another idea.
Accommodation: Local Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Trek to Kambachen [4100m]
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 have lunch 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.
Walking time: Approx. 6 hours
Accommodation: Local Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Kambachen Acclimatisation [4100m]
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 12: Trek 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 13: Trek to Pangpema [5,143M] the North Base Camp of Kanchenjunga, return to Lhonak [4760m]
We have a big day ahead of us today, so we head out early morning, following the lateral moraine towards Pangpema. 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. Combined with the altitude, this is a long and tough day, do bring plenty of snacks and water. Your guide will advise on whether the simple lodge at Pangpema is open, or not, for lunch.
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. 7-8 hours
Accommodation: Local Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14: Trek 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. 8-9 hours
Accommodation: Local Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15: Rest Day in Ghunsa [3420m]
After a few tough days at altitude, we take a break here. Today is a good day to just relax, have a coffee, read a book or you might have some laundry to do. This is also a day in hand in case of weather, festivals or elections (!).
Accommodation: Local Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16: Trek to Selele camp [4220m]
Today is a half day walk and a slower start works ok, too. 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 onto our trail of days 7 and 8.
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. Dawa, the friendly lodge owner, is an expedition cook and whips up a storm in his simple kitchen. Snow leopard have been seen from this camp in the last couple of years!
Walking time: Approx. 4-5 hours
Accommodation: Local Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17: Trek to Tseram [3880m] via Mirgin La [4662m]
We start this morning with a climb to Sinion La [4641m], all the while with a spectacular Jannu backdrop. In clear weather we will not only see Jannu and Makalu from here but also the rarely seen Kangshung face of Mt Everest! We continue over Mirgin La [4662m] and Sinelapse La [4700m], we stay high between the passes never descending too far before climbing to the next pass, this is a particularly panoramic day.
From Sinelapse La we start the real descent to Tseram, have that knee-saving trekking pole handy. We now have views of Rathon and Kabru for the first time and will stop to enjoy the view and a cup of tea at the little tea shop at a lake not too far below the pass. From here it is another 600m steep downhill to our tea house, look out for Himalayan monal (Danphe), Nepal’s national bird on the way down as we have seen it here before.
Walking time: Approx. 7-8 hours
Accommodation: Local Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 18: Trek to Ramche [4100m]
This is one of our longer days on the trail, but also one of the more rewarding, do bring plenty of snacks and water. We start the morning by climbing out of the beautiful forests at Tseram and up to the headwall of the Yalumg glacier. We once again climb to get onto the side of the glacier which we follow for the rest of the day. Almost the whole way up we have stunning views of the Kabrus, Rathong and Kokthang mountains if the weather is clear. Not long before the Lapsang lake we also get a great view to the north of Boktah, and soon after we get to Ramche .
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. The sunset can be good from Oktang but it is a long way back into darkness to the very basic lodge at Ramche, factor that in! More conservatively, hike for a packed lunch at Oktang (there is no lodge) and descend to Ramche before darkness sets in.
Walking time: Approx. 8-9 hours
Accommodation: Local Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 19: Trek to Torangden [3000m]
No rush today as we are descending all the way. We start from Ramche mid morning and descend along the Yalung moraine, back down to the forest above Tseram where we will stop for lunch. After lunch we continue descending through delightful sections of thick primary forest to the couple of lodges at Torangden, which has various spellings. At Andaphedi, look back as it will be your last chance for a view of Kabru before descend into the stunning rhododendron forests.
Walking time: Approx. 6 hours
Accommodation: Local Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 20: Trek 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 21: Drive 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 22: Drive 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 23: Fly 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 Thamel House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 24: 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
starting from US$ 2560.00$
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)
