India, Nepal · Trekking

19-Day Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek with North and South Circuits

19 Days Round trip from Sikkim Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Journey through one of Nepal's most picturesque trekking regions on the Kanchenjunga circuit
  • 02 Experience diverse habitats, from dense forests with red pandas to snow leopard territory
  • 03 Visit the northern base camp of Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest mountain
  • 04 Enjoy scenic villages, glacier trails, and panoramic views of Himalayan peaks
  • 05 Encounter local legends and folklore that add mystery to the trekking experience

Embark on a 19-day adventure to majestic Kanchenjunga, beginning with your arrival in Kathmandu and a scenic journey to Sekathum. Experience breathtaking trekking through dense forests, tranquil villages, and glacier trails, with opportunities to spot rare wildlife such as red pandas and snow leopards. Reach the northern base camp of Kanchenjunga and marvel at the world's third-highest peak while immersing yourself in the serene beauty of the Himalayas before descending back to Kathmandu.

The prayer flags and the towering Kanchenjunga - the third-highest mountain in the world - offer an unforgettable reward after several days of trekking.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 19 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Premium
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
City Kathmandu
Languages English, Russian

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu

  • Arrival in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu. Before landing, we recommend enjoying the view of the mountain peaks from the airplane window - be sure to choose a window seat!
  • Upon arrival, our representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel, where you can rest after your flight. In the evening, meet the rest of the team and attend a briefing by our team leader. Overnight at the hotel.
2
Day 02

Flight to Bhadrapur and Drive to Sekathum

  • Flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur on a domestic flight lasting 45-50 minutes.
  • At Bhadrapur Airport, jeeps will meet us and take the team to the starting point of the trek in Sekathum.
  • Along the way, we will complete the necessary formalities for entering Kanchenjunga National Park.
  • During the drive, enjoy scenic villages and tea plantations famous for Nepalese tea. The jeep ride will take about 11 hours. Overnight in a lodge.
3
Day 03

Trek to Amjilosa

  • The first full day of trekking begins as we head to Amjilosa, covering approximately 9 km with a modest elevation gain of around 200 meters. Overnight in a lodge.
4
Day 04

Trek Through Forests to Gyabla

  • Today's trek takes us to Gyabla. The trail passes through dense forests where, if we're lucky, we may spot red pandas.
  • This section is remarkable for its lack of settlements, offering peace and tranquility.
  • After a gentle ascent, enjoy stunning landscapes and a few waterfalls. Overnight in a lodge.
5
Day 05

Scenic Walk to Ghunsa

  • A scenic trek through the shade of trees leads us to the village of Ghunsa, a journey of about 5 hours at a relaxed pace. Overnight in a lodge.
6
Day 06

Trek to Kambachen

  • This segment of the trek is slightly more challenging due to landslide-prone areas.
  • However, the effort is rewarded with a chance to spot a snow leopard, native to Kanchenjunga National Park, and breathtaking views of Jannu Peak. Overnight in a lodge in Kambachen.
7
Day 07

Acclimatization in Kambachen

  • Acclimatization day in Kambachen.
  • At an altitude of about 4,100 meters, the team will rest to adjust to the thinner air.
  • We'll take a short hike to a glacier, the Jannu viewpoint, and nearby Kirati settlements to enhance acclimatization. Overnight in a lodge.
8
Day 08

Along the Glacier to Lhonak

  • The trek continues along the Kanchenjunga Glacier, passing the Ramdang Monastery.
  • The day ends in the settlement of Lhonak at an altitude of 4,800 meters, after a 6-hour trek at a comfortable pace. Overnight in a lodge.
9
Day 09

Northern Kanchenjunga Base Camp

  • Today, we hike to the northern base camp of Kanchenjunga, also known as Pangpema.
  • We will gradually ascend along moraines to reach the base camp at 5,388 meters.
  • The prayer flags and the towering Kanchenjunga - the third-highest mountain in the world - offer an unforgettable reward after several days of trekking. Overnight in a primitive shelter at the base camp.
10
Day 10

Optional Peak Climb and Return to Lhonak

  • Option to climb a nearby peak (5,900 meters) and then descend back to Lhonak.
11
Day 11

Descend to Ghunsa

  • Enjoying views of the Himalayan peaks, we leave the Kanchenjunga base camp behind and descend to the village of Ghunsa at 3,600 meters.
  • The descent feels easier thanks to acclimatization and the lower altitude. Overnight in a lodge.
12
Day 12

Trek to Sele La Base Camp

  • The trek continues to Sele La base camp at 4,130 meters.
  • This section offers another opportunity to spot snow leopards in the forest. The trail passes through Sele La Pass at 4,290 meters. Overnight in a lodge.
13
Day 13

Cross High Passes to Cheram

  • Descend to Cheram village at 3,870 meters, crossing Sinion La Pass (4,440 meters), Mirgin La Pass (4,480 meters), and Sinelapche Bhanjyang (4,646 meters).
  • Despite the number of passes, the trek is relatively easy due to good acclimatization. The 13-km route takes 4-5 hours at a steady pace. Overnight in a lodge.
14
Day 14

Yalung Glacier Excursion

  • A trek to the Yalung Glacier, passing Oktang and Ramche, offers closer views of Kanchenjunga's three peaks.
  • In the afternoon, return to Ramche. The 15-km trek takes 6-7 hours. Overnight in a lodge.
15
Day 15

Descend Through Rhododendron Forests to Tortong

  • The team will cover an 18-km route to Tortong, descending to 2,995 meters.
  • Part of the trail passes through rhododendron forests. Overnight in a lodge.
16
Day 16

Exit Kanchenjunga National Park at Lelep

  • Continue descending to Lelep at an altitude of 1,650 meters.
  • The 15-km route takes 7-8 hours. On the way, we will pass a checkpoint to complete the necessary paperwork, as this is the day we exit Kanchenjunga National Park. Overnight in a lodge.
17
Day 17

Jeep Transfer to Bhadrapur

  • A long jeep transfer of approximately 11 hours takes the team back to Bhadrapur.
  • Overnight at a hotel.
18
Day 18

Flight Back to Kathmandu

  • Morning domestic flight to Kathmandu.
  • Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
19
Day 19

Departure

  • Departure home.
Kanchenjunga Glacier, Pangpema base camp, Ghunsa village, Jannu Peak views

Where this trip takes you

Kanchenjunga Glacier, Pangpema base camp, Ghunsa village, Jannu Peak views

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Sikkim 1 city · 19 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • An experienced Russian-speaking guide from the Mountainguide team for groups of 4 or more
  • A Nepalese guide for groups of 1-3 people
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off services
  • Accommodation in a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu for 2 nights
  • Lodge accommodations during the trek
  • Group equipment (first aid kit, satellite navigator, etc.)
  • A duffel bag for personal belongings (provided by our team on-site)
  • Processing of all necessary permits and documentation for the trek (trekking permits, national park entry fees, etc.)

What's Not Included

  • International airfare
  • Visa (issued upon arrival at the airport, $50 fee)
  • Medical insurance and emergency evacuation
  • Lunches and dinners during the stay in Kathmandu
  • Meals during the trek (ordered individually from the menu)
  • Personal porter - $25/day for 20 kg (usually shared between two people); porter insurance included (yes, we insure all our staff)
  • Porter's transfer (tickets for public transport) - $40
  • Tips
  • Single accommodation
  • Early check-in/late check-out at the hotel before/after the program (we always strive to negotiate additional bonuses for our guests; often, our partners allow early check-in/late check-out at no extra charge)
  • Any deviations from the program
  • Any expenses related to program changes

What to bring

Documents:

  • Passport
  • Airline tickets
  • Medical insurance covering helicopter evacuation

Personal Equipment:

  • Backpack (30-50 liters)
  • Duffel bag for personal items (provided by our team on-site)
  • Sleeping bag with a comfort temperature of -5°C
  • Trekking poles (must have snow baskets)

Clothing and Footwear:

  • Waterproof trekking boots (ensure they are well treated with waterproofing products in advance)
  • Sneakers (for use in town)
  • Waterproof shell layer - jacket and pants (membrane fabric)
  • Fleece suit
  • Thermal underwear (top and bottom)
  • Down jacket
  • Thick gloves
  • Thin gloves
  • Bandana or buff (useful for sun protection in valleys and for warming your neck or face in colder conditions)
  • Warm hat
  • Warm trekking socks

Miscellaneous:

  • LED headlamp
  • Power bank
  • Sunglasses
  • Rain poncho
  • Rain cover for your backpack
  • Thermos or water bottle (1 liter)
  • Gaiters
  • Sunscreen (SPF 50)
  • Lip balm (SPF 10-15)
  • Personal first aid kit
  • Elastic bandage and/or support brace
  • Toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, flip-flops
  • Towel
  • Toilet paper (available for purchase in lodges along the way)

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kathmandu, Непал
Tour start
Sikkim, India
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 19 days finish where they began, in Sikkim.

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