Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, Illam, and the Full Trek Journey
Day 1: Flight from Kathmandu (1,400m) to Bhadrapur (91m) & Drive to Illam (1,677m)
Your journey to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp begins with a scenic domestic flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, offering breathtaking aerial views of Nepal's diverse landscapes. Upon arrival, you will continue by road to Illam, a charming hill town famous for its lush tea plantations.
After checking in at your hotel, enjoy a leisurely walk around the tea estates. Illam has been producing premium black, green, and white teas since the 1860s and is known for its serene scenery and cool climate.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 5-6 hours
Distance: 92 km / 57 miles
Day 2: Drive from Illam (1,677m) to Taplejung (1,820m)
After breakfast, continue your overland journey by jeep or bus toward Taplejung. The road becomes rougher as you leave the tea-growing regions behind and enter the mountainous terrain of eastern Nepal. Along the way, enjoy changing landscapes, forested hills, and occasional views of the Kanchenjunga massif.
Taplejung marks the gateway to the Kanchenjunga region and the official entry point into the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 5-6 hours
Distance: 152 km / 94.4 miles
Day 3: Trek from Taplejung (1,820m) to Lali Kharka (1,880m)
Today marks the start of your trek. The trail winds through subtropical forests, traditional villages, and cultivated farmland. You will pass through settlements such as Batase, Deurali, and Deurali Bhanjyang, inhabited mainly by the Limbu (Kirati) community, who rely on traditional farming.
The day ends at Lali Kharka, where you settle into a local teahouse.
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 5-6 hours
Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles
Day 4: Trek from Lali Kharka (1,880m) to Khesewa (1,960m)
The trail climbs to a ridge before descending sharply to Simbu, then ascends steeply through bamboo groves and banana trees toward Kunjari. After crossing the Phawa Khola via a suspension bridge, you continue through Gurung villages such as Kande Bhanjyang and Sinchebu.
Today offers your first glimpses of the Kanchenjunga landscape before reaching the prosperous village of Khesewa.
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 6-7 hours
Distance: 14.5 km / 9 miles
Day 5: Trek from Khesewa (1,960m) to Pumphe Danda (1,780m)
After breakfast, trek through mixed forests with views of Mt. Jannu, Mt. Simvu, and Mt. Kanchenjunga. During spring, the rhododendron forests bloom in vibrant colors. You will pass waterfalls and follow the Kabeli Khola before stopping for lunch at Yangpang.
A short but steep ascent brings you to Pumphe Danda for the night.
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 6-7 hours
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Day 6: Trek from Pumphe Danda (1,780m) to Yamphuding (2,080m)
The trail gradually ascends alongside the Kabeli Khola, passing through landslide debris, alpine meadows, and rhododendron forests. Look out for Himalayan pheasants, eagles, and kites along the way.
Cross a suspension bridge before arriving at Yamphuding, a scenic Sherpa village.
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 5-6 hours
Distance: 8 km / 4.9 miles
Day 7: Trek from Yamphuding (2,080m) to Torongding (2,340m)
Following a well-maintained stepped trail through ancient rhododendron forests, you climb toward Lasiya (Lamite) Bhanjyang. From here, enjoy panoramic views of Mt. Jannu before descending and crossing the Simbuwa Khola.
A final ascent leads to Torongding.
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 6-7 hours
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Day 8: Trek from Torongding (2,340m) to Cheram (3,868m)
The trail climbs through pine and rhododendron forests and open pastures known as yak grazing areas. After crossing Yak Kharka and Anda Phedi, you reach a sacred Buddhist shrine adorned with prayer flags and stone cairns.
Continue across alpine terrain to Cheram, where a basic lodge awaits.
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 5-6 hours
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Day 9: Trek from Cheram (3,868m) to Ramche (4,160m) & Explore Kanchenjunga South Base Camp (4,730m)
Today is a highlight of the trek. Ascend past the Yalung Glacier, crossing moraines and ablation valleys surrounded by towering peaks such as Talung, Kabru, and Rathong. Visit Oktang Viewpoint for breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga's south face.
Ramche, the final teahouse on this route, offers spectacular alpine scenery.
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 5-6 hours
Distance: 9 km / 5.5 miles
Day 10: Trek from Ramche (4,160m) to Torongding (2,995m)
Descend through Cheram and past Lapsang and Yalung Bara. The trail gradually becomes easier as you lose altitude, offering a relaxing yet scenic day of walking back to Torongding.
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 5-6 hours
Distance: 14 km / 8.6 miles
Day 11: Trek from Torongding (2,995m) to Yamphuding (2,080m)
Climb briefly toward Lasiya Bhanjyang before descending through silver pine forests. Enjoy distant views of Mt. Jannu before continuing down stepped trails to Yamphuding, also known as Sherpagaon.
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 6-7 hours
Distance: 18 km / 11 miles
Day 12: Trek from Yamphuding (2,080m) to Ranipul (900m) & Drive to Phidim (1,200m)
Your final trekking day takes you downhill through forests and villages to Ranipul, located near the Tamor River. From here, drive to Phidim, passing terraced hills and rural settlements.
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 6-7 hours
Distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles
Day 13: Drive from Phidim to Bhadrapur & Flight to Kathmandu
After breakfast, drive to Bhadrapur and catch a scenic flight back to Kathmandu. On clear days, enjoy aerial views of four 8,000-meter peaks: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner with cultural performances.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
