Tour Guide, Kathmandu, Nepal
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Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek: South
The south base camp trek can be accomplished in about 2 weeks and the trails are far easier to trek than the north base camp.
The area is inhabited by the local Rai, Limbu and Sherpa peoples famous for Tongba, a fermented millet drink that is definitely an acquired taste, and cardamom which is grown locally. Major villages visited on the trail are Yamphuding and Mamangkhe where the local cultural centre is worth to visit. Thorpu village on the lower section is also worth a visit as the locals there are known for their authentic and generous hospitality. Accommodation on the trek is very basic and at higher altitudes. Small stone huts, which are only open at peak times, make camping a reasonable choice.
You can trek past the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp and continue up the Simbuwa Khola valley to Oktang where the views of Kanchenjunga’s West Face and Gapur I, II, III and IV are breathtaking. It is even possible to continue on to the Yalung glacier basecamp. It is also possible on the return from Ramche to take the Lapsong La Pass along the west side of Mount Boktoh. The view to the west side of Mt Bokta is very impressive but the climb has been deemed impossible. Lapsong La pass is VERY arduous and the track ends at Ghunsa, bypassing Sele La pass.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek: North
Pangpema is from the local Sherpa language and is the alternative name for the Kanchenjunga north base camp. Pangpema is truly one of the national treasures of Nepal. It is a large grassy plain fenced by glaciers and surrounded by the incredible peaks of the Kanchenjunga range. This area begs to be explored.
The nearest village is Ghunsa, which is the most developed and has quite cosy accommodation. People often claim to have spotted snow leopards on the trail below Ghunsa, especially toward Sele Le Pass. The trail above Ghunsa toward Pangpema is prone to landslides.
Options on this trek are an ascent of Peak 5950. This will add a couple of days to your trip but as Peak 5950 is not listed under the Nepalese Mountain Association, there are no peak fees. The exact height has not been measured but it is most likely a 6,000 m peak. It is also a non-technical summit, so basic mountaineering equipment and skills will get you safely to the summit.
As with the south base camp trek, accommodation is very basic and at higher altitudes; small stone huts, which are only open at peak times, make camping a reasonable choice. There are always good flat areas to pitch your tent.
It is highly recommended that you attempt the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek covering both basecamps, but if you cannot manage the extra time needed then you can shorten the trip but only trek to either Kanchenjunga South Basecamp or Kanchenjunga North Basecamp.