Arrival in Kathmandu and 20-Day Trek Journey
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 ft)
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Marvel Treks will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Thamel. After check-in, you may rest or explore the lively streets of Thamel. You are welcome to visit the office for a short briefing about the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek itinerary.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Thamel
Day 2: Trek Permit Preparation & Kathmandu Sightseeing
Today is a preparation day before heading into the remote Kanchenjunga region. In the morning, your passport and photographs will be collected to process trekking permits. Later, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. In the evening, meet your trekking guide and finalize gear arrangements.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Thamel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Flight to Bhadrapur (91 m) and Drive to Taplejung (1,820 m)
Take an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur. Upon arrival, drive through the scenic landscapes of eastern Nepal toward Taplejung, passing tea gardens in Kanyam and Fikkal, rolling hills, and cardamom forests. Arrive in Taplejung by evening.
Accommodation: Standard Hotel in Taplejung
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 8-9 hours
Day 4: Trek from Taplejung to Chirwa (1,185 m)
Your trek officially begins today. Descend gradually through cardamom jungles and along the Tamor River. Pass small villages and farmland before reaching Chirwa, a Limbu settlement with basic teahouses.
Accommodation: Tea House or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 6-7 hours
Day 5: Trek from Chirwa to Sermanthang (1,650 m)
After permit inspection at the conservation area checkpoint, cross a suspension bridge and continue along the Tamor River. Walk past paddy fields, waterfalls, and traditional villages while observing local Kirati culture.
Accommodation: Tea House or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 6-7 hours
Day 6: Trek from Sermanthang to Amjilosa (2,498 m)
Ascend gradually on stone stair trails, passing from Kirati settlements into Sherpa territory. Lunch at Lamatar by the river, then continue uphill to Amjilosa, surrounded by yak pastures.
Accommodation: Tea House or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 5-6 hours
Day 7: Trek from Amjilosa to Ghunsa (3,415 m)
Climb steadily through waterfalls, forests of rhododendron and oak, and small mountain hamlets. Stop for lunch at Gyabla, where you'll see Mt. Jannu (Kumbakarna) for the first time. Continue along the Ghunsa River to reach Ghunsa village.
Accommodation: Tea House or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 7-8 hours
Day 8: Acclimatization Day in Ghunsa
A full day for acclimatization and rest. Explore this traditional Tibetan village, visit monasteries, or take short hikes nearby to help your body adjust to altitude.
Accommodation: Tea House or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Trek from Ghunsa to Kambachen (4,145 m)
Follow the Ghunsa Khola through alpine forests, passing mani walls, chortens, and prayer flags. Enjoy spectacular mountain views including Jannu, Phole Peak, and Khabur Peak.
Accommodation: Tea House or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 5-6 hours
Day 10: Acclimatization Day in Kambachen
This is your second acclimatization day. Optional hikes to nearby ridges or a visit toward Phaktalung Temple provide stunning Himalayan views.
Accommodation: Tea House or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Trek from Kambachen to Lhonak (4,792 m)
Trek across glacial moraines and wide alpine valleys. Enjoy your first close views of Mount Kanchenjunga. Lhonak lies beside a dry lakebed surrounded by towering peaks.
Accommodation: Tea House or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 5-6 hours
Day 12: Trek to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (5,140 m) and Return to Lhonak
An early start leads you to Pangpema (Kanchenjunga North Base Camp). Enjoy breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga and surrounding peaks before returning to Lhonak for the night.
Accommodation: Tea House or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 7-8 hours
Day 13: Trek from Lhonak to Ghunsa
Retrace your route through Khambachen back to Ghunsa, enjoying alpine landscapes and mountain panoramas.
Accommodation: Tea House or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 5-6 hours
Day 14: Trek from Ghunsa to Amjilosa
Descend through bamboo forests and rhododendron trails, passing Gyabla and returning to Amjilosa.
Accommodation: Tea House or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 5-6 hours
Day 15: Trek from Amjilosa to Chirwa
Cross suspension bridges and pass waterfalls and villages before descending to Chirwa.
Accommodation: Tea House or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 5-6 hours
Day 16: Trek from Chirwa to Phurumbu (1,549 m)
Continue descending through lush vegetation and villages, joining the Pathibhara trekking route.
Accommodation: Tea House or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 7-8 hours
Day 17: Trek from Phurumbu to Taplejung
Your final trekking day takes you back to Taplejung via Mutlung and Asahangpati.
Accommodation: Tea House or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 7-8 hours
Day 18: Drive from Taplejung to Bhadrapur
Enjoy a scenic full-day drive through eastern Nepal, passing tea gardens and rural landscapes.
Accommodation: Standard Hotel in Bhadrapur
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 8-9 hours
Day 19: Flight from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu
Enjoy a scenic mountain flight back to Kathmandu. In the evening, Marvel Treks hosts a farewell dinner with a cultural performance.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Thamel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 20: Final Departure
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. You may extend your stay with other trekking or tour packages offered by Marvel Treks.
