Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek
Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek

Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek

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Trip at a Glance
Duration21 Days
Trip GradeStrenuous
CountryNepal
Maximum Altitude5160 m
Group Size2-20
StartsKathmandu
EndsKathmandu
ActivitiesTrekking & Adventure
Best TimeSpring and Autumn

The Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek offers an unforgettable adventure through one of Nepal’s most remote and pristine trekking regions. Located in the far eastern part of Nepal, the trek takes you to the base camp of Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586m), the third-highest mountain in the world. The trek is not just about reaching a base camp, but about immersing yourself in nature, culture, and the rich biodiversity of the region.

The trek provides awe-inspiring views of the Kanchenjunga massif, including its towering peaks: Kanchenjunga Main, Kanchenjunga West, and Kanchenjunga South. Along the way, trekkers are treated to panoramic vistas of other notable peaks such as Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, and Kumbhakarna. As you get closer to the base camp, the views become even more dramatic, with glaciers, icefalls, and snow-capped peaks surrounding you.

The Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek is one of the more off-the-beaten-path treks in Nepal. Unlike the popular Everest or Annapurna treks, Kanchenjunga remains relatively less crowded, offering a more serene and peaceful trekking experience. The trail traverses remote valleys, dense forests, alpine meadows, and high-altitude deserts, all of which provide trekkers with an opportunity to experience nature in its raw and untouched form.

As you trek through the region, you will pass through picturesque villages inhabited by the Tamang, Bhotia, and Sherpa people. These communities maintain traditional lifestyles, with many villagers still relying on agriculture and animal husbandry for their livelihoods. The trek offers a rich cultural experience, with opportunities to visit ancient monasteries, interact with locals, and observe their unique customs and way of life. The presence of Buddhist prayer flags, stupas, and monasteries throughout the route adds a spiritual dimension to the journey.

The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area is renowned for its biodiversity, and the trek offers a chance to witness a variety of flora and fauna. The lower sections of the trek pass through dense forests of rhododendron, pine, and bamboo, while the higher elevations are dotted with alpine meadows and glaciers. Wildlife such as the red panda, snow leopard, Himalayan tahr, and blue sheep can be spotted, along with a wide range of bird species, including the Himalayan griffon and vultures.

This trek is considered more challenging compared to some of Nepal’s other base camp treks due to its remoteness and altitude. Trekkers will face steep ascents, high-altitude hiking, and long days on rugged terrain. However, the rewards are plentiful. The sense of achievement upon reaching Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (at 5,140 meters) is immense, and the surrounding scenery of glaciers, icefalls, and towering peaks makes every step worth the effort.

To ensure safety in the high altitudes, the trek includes proper acclimatization days, allowing trekkers to adjust to the altitude before pushing higher. The trek is a great choice for those looking to experience a challenging, yet stunning, Himalayan adventure in one of Nepal’s most remote and beautiful regions.

In summary, the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek is a journey of discovery, offering breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural experiences, and a sense of tranquility that is hard to find on more popular trails. It’s a perfect choice for seasoned trekkers seeking a unique and off-the-beaten-path adventure in the heart of the Himalayas.

Highlights

  •   Unparalleled views of Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world.
  • Experience the culture and hospitality of local communities such as the Limbu and Rai people.
  • Visit ancient monasteries, which provide insight into the local Buddhist practices. 
  •  Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, which has diverse flora and fauna
  •    Rhododendron forests and rare wildlife like the snow leopard and red panda.
  •    Traditional and challenging trekking experience, ideal for adventure enthusiasts.
  •    Interactions with local porters and guides can provide deeper insights into the region’s culture and lifestyle.
  •   unique and memorable adventure for those seeking both natural beauty and cultural richness.

Cost of Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek

The cost of trekking to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp varies by package type:

  • Basic Package: $1,200 to USD 1,500 per person, covering basic teahouse/Lodge accommodation, a guide, and necessary permits.
  • Standard Package: $1,800 to USD 2,500 per person, including better accommodation, meals, guide, porters, and some additional services.
  • Luxury Package: $3,000 to USD 4,500 per person, offering luxury lodges, private transportation, gourmet meals, experienced guides, and high-end services.
  • Prices can vary depending on the season, group size, and specific services offered.

Who is Suitable for the Trek?

The Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek is suitable for:

  • Experienced Trekkers: Those with prior high-altitude trekking experience.
  • Physically Fit Individuals: The trek involves steep climbs and challenging terrain.
  • Nature Enthusiasts: Trekkers who enjoy remote, less-crowded routes and pristine natural landscapes.
  • Cultural Explorers: Those interested in interacting with local Himalayan communities.
  • This trek is ideal for seasoned adventurers seeking an off-the-beaten-path, physically demanding journey.

What are the Benefits of Trekking with Us?

Trekking with us we offer several benefits:

  • Experienced, Certified Guides: our skilled guides prioritize safety, provide in-depth local knowledge, and enhance the trekking experience.
  • Personalized Itineraries: We customize treks to suit your fitness, time, and interests.
  • Comprehensive Logistics: From permits to quality gear, we manage all logistics, ensuring a smooth, worry-free adventure.
  • Focus on Safety and Acclimatization: Emphasis on gradual acclimatization minimizes risks, especially at high altitudes.
  • Responsible Tourism: We support eco-friendly practices and community-based tourism, benefiting local communities and the environment.
  • 24/7 Support: Reliable support throughout the trek for any assistance or emergencies.
  • These benefits make Us an excellent choice for a safe, enriching, and well-organized trekking experience in Nepal.
Itinerary
Trip PlanExpand all

At Kathmandu international airport, View Nepal guide / staff receives you for a short drive to respective hotels around Thamel area, a tourist hub of Kathmandu. After rest and getting refreshed our guide will provide orientation program regarding hotel, Kathmandu and North of Kanchenjunga trekking with evening welcome dinner in an authentic Nepalese restaurant with culture programs.

Max Altitude: 1400 m Meals: DinnerAccommodation: Hotel/Lodge

Morning as per the flight time transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport for scenic 45 minutes flight to Bhadrapur, low lands of Eastern Nepal from here drive to hill town at Ilam famous for teas and huge field of tea garden.

Max Altitude: 3,000 m Meals: B-L-DAccommodation: Lodge

After an interesting time at Ilam with huge tea garden, few hour drive to Sukhetar as the ride leads through farm villages and towns, crossing Kabeli Khola (Small River) on rough road reaching at Sukhetar village in Taplejung. From Suketar start walk on downhill path with few short ups in between to reach a small farm village of Mitlung at 921 m for overnight stop.

Max Altitude: 921 m Meals: B-L-DAccommodation: Lodge

Morning walk follows long downhill to Tamor River with few short ups and downs to reach Sinwa village. From here descends to Tawa village crossing several streams and walking past scattered farm villages, then reaching our overnight camp at Chirwa. A moderate size village of mix tribes includes mostly Rai (Kirat tribe) some Magar, Tamang and Hindu Chettries, Brahmins with Dalits.

Max Altitude: 1,270 m Meals: B-L-DAccommodation: Tea House/Lodge

From Chirwa morning walk to Sukathum village, on reaching a river bank with mix terrains and cultivation of cardamom fields in the shade of thick trees, from here walk higher up over farm fields with short descend to overnight camp at Lungthang, a small farm village where air is much cooler with dramatic change of culture of Tibetan Buddhist religions.

Max Altitude: 1,576 m Meals: B-L-DAccommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Walk leads to one of our destination at Holung located on-route Tibet border; this is a large village with high mountains around, Walangchung - Gola also called Holung, here with 2 overnights, to explore this interesting and impressive high remote village.

Max Altitude: 3,200 m Meals: B-L-DAccommodation: Tea House/Lodge

A nice place for rest with excursion around village, houses are built with stones, the people here are of Bhotia’s tribe with Tibetan Buddhism culture. People around still do trade with Tibet on this old caravan route exchanging and trading goods from both sides. Here visit the village and old monastery.

Max Altitude: 3,200 m Meals: B-L-DAccommodation: Tea House/Lodge

After a great time at Holung village and Wangchungo-la, morning walk to Tamor Khola and at confluence of Dinsangba River which later joins Tamor river way down. From here cross a small wooden bridge with a climb for 3 hours to reach Lumba Sumba ridge top, into rhododendron, pines, oaks and magnolia tree forest, From the top downhill to Dinsangba Khola and again climb passing several yak pasture called kharka to reach a large green valley, continue walk over black rock band to another valley and complete the day walk with overnight stop on the grazing meadow.

Max Altitude: 4,450 m Meals: B-L-DAccommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Starting the morning walk earlier as today a long day trekking of nearly eight hours on a faint trail heading North West of a stream flowing from high rocky cliff edge, after few hours of nice walk reaching an icy pond, from here climb over a plateau beyond to ridge top of Lumba Sumba-la pass at 5,160 meters. The highest spot of this adventure offering views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Khumbakarna Himal and massive Mt. Kanchenjunga range. From the top long downhill loosing 600 meters descend to reach a wide valley and to camp on the large pasture field at 4,500 meters altitude the highest camping spot of this trip.

Max Altitude: 5,160 m Meals: B-L-DAccommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Today being isolated from human settlement for few days, from this camp walk towards warmer area with gradual descend and a climb for a while and back to pleasant walk with few short ups on route, and into a forest to reach at Thudam, a nice village with Tibetan style as in Holung village built with stone and fine pine woods.

Max Altitude: 3,600 m Meals: B-L-DAccommodation: Tea House/Lodge

After nice time around remote areas, walk leads into dense forest to camp at Kharka (Sheppard’s shelter), at first following a path through thick vegetation of bushes and tall trees then heading downhill to river and with short climb in between but more or less on downhill path walk to reach an isolated yak herders camp at Kharka for overnight stop.

Max Altitude: 2,850 m Meals: B-L-DAccommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Today another long walk of seven hours, starting with a short climb to a small village on the mid-hills just above Arun River, from here three hours climb to a small pass and then a long descend on muddy / wet trail to reach Arun River. From here walk across a bridge, which leads to a steep climb to overnight camp at Lhomi village and Chyamtang both village linked together.

Max Altitude: 2,190m Meals: B-L-DAccommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Morning walk leads on moderate trail with few short ups and downs passing many scattered farm villages then reaching to a village with a large old landslide section, which damaged many houses and primary schools in 2012. From here a nice walk leads to Hongaon for overnight stop.

Max Altitude: 2,320 m Meals: B-L-DAccommodation: Tea House/Lodge

From this village, morning walk leads to warmer areas reaching sub-tropical climate zone, journey continues following Arun River downstream fed by the glacier of Mt. Makalu and Barun Himal flowing close at Tumlingtar, later joins Sun Kosi on the flatland of Nepal Terai. Walk leads across many farm lands, villages reaching our overnight camp at Hatiya village, a popular village located on Nepal / Tibet trade route.

Max Altitude: 1,585 m Meals: B-L-DAccommodation: Tea House/Lodge

After Hatiya walk leads to many small farm villages and cultivated terraces with rice paddies, continues following on the main trail for five hours, then downhill with short ups to reach overnight stop at Gola a farm village.

Max Altitude: 1,128 m Meals: B-L-DAccommodation: Tea House/Lodge

From here onwards villages with mix people of Kirat Rais, Magar, Gurung, Chettries, Brahmins and few Dalits people, the walk is interesting meeting friendly villagers along the walk passing many villages and finally reaching at Gadhi-danda for an overnight stop, offers views of Jaljala rocky peaks of Milke danda area.

Max Altitude: 1,180 m Meals: B-L-DAccommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Today last walk of this adventure to Num village, on leaving Gadhi-Danda village descend to farm fields for few hours, passing many villages and then end the day walks at Num village located on route Makalu base camp, and this village slowly developing into a town along with the construction of motor road.

Max Altitude: 1,560 m Meals: B-L-DAccommodation: Tea House/Lodge

After a wonderful time in the mountains, morning after breakfast a jeep ride to Tumlingtar, on reaching at Tumlingtar farewell dinner and celebration among staff, guide and porters.

Max Altitude: 950 m Meals: B-L-DAccommodation: Tea House/Lodge

As per the flight time board on small aircraft for a short flight to Kathmandu, on reaching Kathmandu transfer to respective hotels with rest of the afternoon free to relax after a great adventure to North of Kanchenjunga.

Max Altitude: 1,400 m Meals: Breakfast and LunchAccommodation: Hotel/Lodge

A free and leisure day in Kathmandu after an adventurous journey and tough trekking, on this day if interested book for the sightseeing tour around places of interest in Kathmandu-Bhaktapur or Patan with rest of the day free for individual activities and shopping souvenirs.

Max Altitude: 1,400 m Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Today, last day in Nepal with great experience and wonderful time around hidden area of North Kanchenjunga, as per your time for international flight, View Nepal staff transfer you to airport for your final departure homeward bound or to your next destinations.

Max Altitude: 1,400 m Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Hotel
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Cost Details
Includes
  • All arrival and departure transportation airport / hotel / airport.
  • Three Star (Tourist Standard) hotel in Kathmandu with bed / breakfast basis.
  • A guide who can speak English and government licensed.
  • Porter (2 clients: 1 porter).
  • Food in Trekking (B-L-D).
  • Lodge accommodation during trekking.
  • Applicable TIMS (Trekking Information Management Systems) card.
  • Necessary permit for restricted area.
  • Transportation before and after trek as per the itinerary.
  • Flight ticket Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and Tumlingtar to Kathmandu. Trips briefing with full information and reconfirmation of international air tickets.
  • Service of trekking guide and porter daily wages-medical insurance, meals, and transportation allowance.
  • Welcome or Farewell dinner in Kathmandu at authentic Nepalese restaurant with cultural programs.
  • Note: We strongly advise you to take out personal travel insurance.
Excludes
  • Nepal Visa-International airfare-personal travel / medical insurance.
  • Emergency evacuation by any means of transportation including Heli services and personal medical kit.
  • Tips for guide and porter.
  • Early return from the trip due to personal / medical problem in this case clients should bear his / her own expenses on return from trek and in Kathmandu including expenses of accompanying guide / porters.
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Bhupendra Adhikari
+977 9851029611
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