Adventure Friendship
Kanchenjunga Trekking
Trip Overview
Trip Highlight
- Spectacular views of Kanchenjunga Massif, Mt. Jannu, Kabru, and other Himalayan peaks
- Exploration of Kanchenjunga Conservation Area with rich biodiversity
- Unique cultural experiences with local communities and monasteries
- Trek through remote valleys and high mountain passes including Mirgin La Pass
- Visit Yak pastures and alpine settlements
- Opportunity to see rare wildlife: red panda, snow leopard, blue sheep
- Off-the-beaten-path trekking with minimal tourist traffic
Detailed Itinerary
- Day 1 : Kathmandu to Bhadrapur (40–45 min flight)
Arrive in Bhadrapur, the gateway to eastern Nepal. Explore the town known as the “Tea City of Nepal,” observe local rice cultivation, markets, and enjoy your overnight stay.
- Day 2 : Drive to Taplejung (1,820m)
Drive along Mechi Highway via Ilam, the “Queen of Hills,” and Phidim. Enjoy scenic tea gardens, terraced fields, and lush landscapes before reaching Suketar, where the trek begins. Overnight in Suketar.
- Day 3 : Trek to Chirwa (1,270m)
Start the trek with descents and ascents along rivers and terraced fields. Pass through Mitlung, Sinwa, and Tawa, crossing Hungdewa Khola and Tamur River. Overnight in Chirwa.
- Day 4 : Trek to Sekathum (1,660m)
Follow the Tamur Nadi valley to Sekathum, witnessing a gradual change in scenery. Enjoy the serene environment and overnight at Sekathum.
- Day 5 : Trek to Gyabla (2,730m)
Trek through dense forests of bamboo, rhododendron, and oak. Climb to Gyabla, enjoying panoramic mountain views along the way. Overnight in Gyabla.
- Day 6 : Trek to Ghunsa (3,595m)
Cross the 3,000m mark, walking through rhododendron and fir forests. Visit Pholey Tibetan village, its monastery, and yak pastures. Reach Ghunsa village for overnight stay.
- Day 7 : Acclimatization at Ghunsa
Acclimatize by hiking to nearby ridges and visiting Lpasan La Monastery, preparing your body for higher altitudes.
- Day 8 : Trek to Khambachen (4,050m)
Trek through larch and juniper forests, cross Rambuk Kharka (3,720m), and witness Mt. Jannu Glacier. Overnight at Khambachen.
- Day 9 : Trek to Lhonak (4,780m)
Enter a barren, high-altitude landscape. Cross Ramtang and Lhonak glaciers, enjoy alpine meadows, and spot wildlife like blue sheep and marmots. Overnight in Lhonak tents.
- Day 10 : Hike to Kanchenjunga Base Camp and return (5,065m)
Explore Ramche and approach the South Base Camp of Kanchenjunga. Marvel at the panoramic views of Kanchenjunga peaks (8,586m, 8,420m, 8,474m). Return to Lhonak.
- Day 11 : Trek back to Ghunsa (5,140m)
Retrace the route from Lhonak to Ghunsa, enjoying new perspectives of the Himalayan vistas. Overnight at Ghunsa.
- Day 12 : Trek to Selele (4,290m)
Leave Ghunsa, trek through rhododendron and juniper forests to the isolated settlement of Selele. Keep an eye out for wildlife. Overnight at Sele Le.
- Day 13 : Trek to Tseram (3,870m)
Cross Mirgin La Pass (4,480m), enjoy alpine vistas and eagles soaring above. Overnight at Tseram.
- Day 14 : Trek to Ramche (4,580m)
Trek to the Yalung Glacier viewpoint and pass through Lapsang to reach Ramche. Overnight at Ramche.
- Day 15 : Trek to Oktang Base Camp and back to Tseram (5,364m)
Explore Yalung Glacier and the South Base Camp. Enjoy views of Kanchenjunga’s south face, Rathong, Kabru, and frozen lakes. Return to Tseram for overnight stay.
- Day 16 : Trek to Torongten (2,995m)
Descend through rhododendron and pine forests along Simbuwa Khola. Overnight at Torongten.
- Day 17 : Trek to Sherpa Gaun (1,792m)
Trek through lush villages and farmland. Overnight at a local teahouse.
- Day 18 : Trek to Phumpe Danda (1,860m)
Walk past Delok and Khesewa, enjoy terraced fields and waterfalls, reaching the village of Phumpe Danda. Overnight stay.
- Day 19 : Trek to Kande Bhanjang (2,190m)
Descend and ascend along terraced fields, crossing Takshewa Khola. Overnight at Kande Bhanjang.
- Day 20 : Trek to Lail Kharka (2,220m)
Cross oak forests, explore Simbu village with views of Makalu, and overnight at Lail Kharka.
- Day 21 : Trek to Suketar (2,320m)
A short 2-hour trek through forested ridges to Suketar. Explore the village and enjoy the last evening of the trek. Overnight at Suketar.
- Day 22 : Flight from Suketar to Biratnagar, then Kathmandu
Fly from Suketar to Biratnagar and onward to Kathmandu. Transfer to the hotel or airport depending on your schedule.
Trip Cost Inclusion
- International airport pickup and drop-off
- Domestic flights: Kathmandu–Bhadrapur, Suketar–Biratnagar–Kathmandu
- Transfers: Bhadrapur to Taplejung by bus/jeep
- 1 nights hotel in Kathmandu (BB Plan), 20 nights in local lodges/teahouses
- Trekking permits: TIMS, Kanchenjunga Special Permit, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during trek; farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- Experienced English-speaking guide and support staff with insurance
- 1 porter on 2 trekkers (20 kg per 2 trekkers)
- First-aid kit and emergency support
Trip Cost Exclusion
- Nepal visa fees
- Tips for staff
- Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, WiFi, battery charging, hot showers)
- Travel insurance (mandatory, minimum USD 100,000 coverage for medical and emergency evacuation)
- Extra days not mentioned in the itinerary
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