Nepal · Trekking

20-Day Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek in Eastern Nepal via Pangpema

20 Days Round trip from Kathmandu 44600 Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Trek to the base of Mount Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world
  • 02 Experience remote and less crowded trails in eastern Nepal
  • 03 Discover unspoiled Limbu, Rai, and Tibetan-influenced mountain culture
  • 04 Enjoy dramatic scenery of glaciers, alpine valleys, and high mountain passes

Embark on a 20-day Kanchenjunga Trek into the remote eastern Himalayas and journey to the base of the world's third-highest peak. Trek through untouched forests, alpine valleys, glaciers, and high passes while discovering the unspoiled culture of Limbu, Rai, and Tibetan-speaking communities. Enjoy magnificent views of the Kanchenjunga range, rich flora and fauna, and true wilderness landscapes on this less crowded and rewarding trekking adventure designed for experienced trekkers seeking solitude and raw Himalayan beauty.

Embark on a 20-day Kanchenjunga Trek into the remote eastern Himalayas and journey to the base of the world's third-highest peak.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 20 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
City Kathmandu
Languages English, Hindi, Korean

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu and Thamel Exploration

  • Arrive in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.

  • Meet our representative at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

  • Freshen up, rest, and explore the busy streets of Thamel while enjoying local food.

Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel

2
Day 02

Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

  • Spend the day packing the necessary equipment for the trek.

  • Explore Kathmandu's rich culture, temples, and local markets.

Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: Private Vehicle
Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel

3
Day 03

Flight to Bhadrapur and Drive to Taplejung

  • Take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur.

  • Drive towards Taplejung through the lush valleys and rivers of eastern Nepal.

  • Prepare your trekking gear and discuss the journey with the trekking team.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transportation: Air Flight
Accommodation: Teahouse

4
Day 04

Drive from Taplejung to Rani Pool

  • Drive through rugged mountain roads, remote villages, and green forests.

  • Experience an off-road journey that introduces the remoteness of the region.

  • Prepare your gear and relax by the riverside at Rani Pool.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse

5
Day 05

Trek from Rani Pool to Amjilosa

  • Follow a narrow trail along the river and cross suspension bridges.

  • Walk through dense forests with waterfalls and emerald valleys.

  • Reach the traditional village of Amjilosa for an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse

6
Day 06

Trek from Amjilosa to Gyabla

  • Trek through bamboo, rhododendron, and oak forests.

  • Enter alpine terrain as temperatures gradually drop.

  • Walk along a quiet and less crowded trail before reaching Gyabla.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse

7
Day 07

Trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa

  • Ascend gently through open valleys alongside the Ghunsa River.

  • Reach the culturally rich village of Ghunsa with Tibetan-influenced houses and monasteries.

  • Stay overnight at an important acclimatisation point.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse

8
Day 08

Acclimatisation Day in Ghunsa

  • Take short hikes to nearby viewpoints.

  • Explore monasteries and traditional village life.

  • Allow your body to adapt to higher altitude conditions.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse

9
Day 09

Trek from Ghunsa to Kambachen

  • Trek through a wide glacial valley with rocky terrain.

  • Enjoy views of Mount Jannu (Kumbhakarna) dominating the skyline.

  • Pass seasonal yak pastures before reaching Kambachen.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse

10
Day 10

Trek from Kambachen to Lhonak

  • Trek into a high-altitude alpine valley.

  • Witness views of Kanchenjunga, Chang Himal, and the surrounding peaks.

  • Walk beside glaciers and moraines before reaching Lhonak.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse

11
Day 11

Pangpema Exploration and Kanchenjunga North Base Camp

  • Trek along the Kanchenjunga Glacier to Pangpema.

  • Experience close-up views of Mount Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest peak.

  • Return to Lhonak for an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse

12
Day 12

Trek from Lhonak to Ghunsa

  • Descend through the glacial valley back to Ghunsa.

  • Enjoy changing landscapes and easier breathing at a lower altitude.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse

13
Day 13

Trek from Ghunsa to Selele Kharka

  • Leave the main valley and climb through forested trails.

  • Trek along a quieter and less travelled route.

  • Reach the peaceful alpine area of Selele Kharka.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse

14
Day 14

Cross Chaiyaram Pass and Trek to Ramjer

  • Descend through alpine meadows and rocky trails.

  • Retrace scenic paths with views of glaciers and peaks.

  • Walk carefully on loose terrain before reaching Ramjer.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse

15
Day 15

Trek from Ramjer to Torangding

  • Continue descending through forests and waterfalls.

  • Experience warmer temperatures and lower-altitude terrain.

  • Reach Torangding for an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse

16
Day 16

Trek from Torangding to Helok

  • Trek through forests, farmland, and mountain villages.

  • Experience rural life in a peaceful Himalayan setting.

  • Stay overnight in Helok village.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse

17
Day 17

Drive from Helok to Taplejung

  • Take a scenic drive showcasing valleys, rivers, and hilltop villages.

  • Mark the end of the trekking portion of the journey.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse

18
Day 18

Drive from Taplejung to Birtamod

  • Drive from the mountains to the plains of eastern Nepal.

  • Pass through towns, rivers, and farmland landscapes.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transportation: Private Vehicle
Accommodation: Teahouse

19
Day 19

Fly from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu

  • Transfer to Bhadrapur airport for an early morning flight.

  • Return to Kathmandu with final views of the Himalayan foothills.

  • Enjoy a complimentary local dinner hosted by the company.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transportation: Air Flight
Accommodation: Teahouse

20
Day 20

Final Departure from Kathmandu

  • Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport as per your flight schedule.

  • Depart with lifelong memories of the Kanchenjunga Trek.

Pangpema, Kanchenjunga Glacier, Mount Kanchenjunga, Ghunsa village

Where this trip takes you

Pangpema, Kanchenjunga Glacier, Mount Kanchenjunga, Ghunsa village

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Kathmandu 44600 1 city · 20 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Permits and fees: All the necessary permits for the Kanchenjunga Trek, including the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP), are included.
  • Accommodation: Accommodation in local teahouses or lodges throughout the trek is included. This also includes hotel stays in Kathmandu before and after the trek in a 3-star hotel on a BB plan (twin-sharing basis).
  • Meals: This package includes 3 meals a day - breakfast, lunch, and dinner - during the trek. It also includes hot beverages during breakfast and lunch, and seasonal fruit after dinner.
  • Transportation: It includes all ground and air transportation as per the itinerary, including flights or tourist vehicle transfers between Kathmandu, Bhadrapur, and Taplejung for the trek.
  • Guide and porter: You will be provided with an experienced, English-speaking trekking guide and a porter to carry luggage for up to 2 trekkers.
  • First aid kit: A basic first aid kit for emergency support.
  • Trekking map: A detailed map of the Kanchenjunga trekking route.

What's Not Included

  • International flight: International flights to and from Nepal are not included.
  • Travel insurance: Travel insurance that covers emergency rescue is not included, and you will be expected to have your own.
  • Personal expenses: Expenses for extra meals, snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, showers, and other personal costs are not included.
  • Nepal visa fees: Entry visa fees for Nepal are not included.
  • Trekking gear: Trekking equipment, such as hiking boots, trekking poles, and other gear, is not included.
  • Tips: Tips for the guide and porter are not included and are left to your decision.

What to bring

  • A backpack built with supportive and adjustable straps
  • Duffle bag
  • Breathable short- and long-sleeved clothing
  • A warm mid-layer, such as a thick fleece or down jacket
  • Lightweight windbreaker
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket
  • Waterproof trousers
  • Durable trekking pants
  • Comfortable hiking shoes
  • Thermal innerwear
  • Hiking socks
  • Thermal socks
  • Strong trekking boots for long and uneven trails
  • Light camp shoes for evenings at the teahouse
  • Foldable trekking poles for stability
  • Layered gloves
  • UV-protection sunglasses
  • Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
  • Water bottles
  • Neck gaiter for dust and warmth
  • Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • SPF lip balm, essential for dry and windy zones
  • Passport and ID copies
  • Local currency because ATMs often do not work
  • First aid kit
  • Lightweight emergency blanket or shelter
  • Duct tape for fast repairs
  • Plastic bags for organizing gear and carrying waste

Know before you go

  • Best seasons: Spring (Mar to May) and Autumn (Sep to Nov) only.
  • The trek is remote and challenging; previous high-altitude trekking experience is essential.
  • Restricted Area Permit and Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit are required.
  • A minimum of two trekkers and a licensed guide are necessary.
  • Basic teahouses and camping facilities are available in some areas.
  • There are no communications and no ATMs; please ensure sufficient cash availability.
  • Strong cold- and rain-weather gear is necessary due to harsh weather conditions.
  • Recommended for experienced trekkers seeking real wilderness and solitude.
  • A sleeping bag is available if needed.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kathmandu, Nepal
Tour start
Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 20 days finish where they began, in Kathmandu 44600.

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Starting from

USD 2,040 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $2,040.00 — $2,520.00
Double Sharing $2,040.00 — $2,340.00

When

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