Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a representative from Summit Nepal Adventure will warmly receive you and escort you to your hotel. After some rest, you’ll receive a briefing about the upcoming trek, including route details, safety measures, and final gear checks. If time allows, you may explore the lively streets of Thamel or enjoy a peaceful evening in the capital.
After breakfast, you’ll board a scenic flight to Bhadrapur in eastern Nepal, offering sweeping views of the Himalayas. From Bhadrapur, a long but captivating drive winds through lush hills, traditional villages, and terraced landscapes to reach Taplejung—gateway to the Kanchenjunga region. The drive takes approximately 7–9 hours, giving you your first glimpse into rural eastern Nepal.
This morning, a rough and adventurous drive takes you to Sekathum, the starting point of your trek. From here, your walk begins along the Ghunsa Khola River through dense forest and steep terrain. After about 5–6 hours of trekking, you arrive in Amjilosa—a small settlement tucked into a quiet hillside, signaling your entry into a truly remote Himalayan environment.
The trail from Amjilosa climbs steadily through bamboo, rhododendron, and oak forests. As you gain altitude, the landscape opens up and the air becomes cooler. After about 4–5 hours of walking through this tranquil and untouched forest trail, you’ll reach Gyabla, a quiet mountain village surrounded by forested ridges and traditional stone houses.
Today’s trail continues through alpine vegetation and opens up to stunning mountain vistas as you follow the river upstream. Gradually, the environment becomes more Tibetan in character, with chortens, mani walls, and prayer flags marking the way. Ghunsa is one of the larger villages in the region, inhabited by Tibetan Buddhist communities, and offers comfortable teahouses and an opportunity to learn about local culture.
To adjust to the increasing altitude, you’ll spend a rest day in Ghunsa. You may choose to relax or take a short hike to a nearby ridge or monastery for acclimatization. This is a perfect opportunity to learn more about local life, visit the monastery, or simply enjoy views of surrounding peaks such as Jannu and its glacier. Proper acclimatization here is essential before heading to higher altitudes.
The trail ascends gradually through forests and moraine fields, crossing several small wooden bridges and passing yak pastures. As you climb, the vegetation thins and the terrain becomes more rugged. After about 5–6 hours of scenic walking, you arrive at Khambachen, a windswept valley surrounded by towering snow-covered peaks including Jannu (7710m). The air is crisp and thin, reminding you that you're now in high-altitude terrain.
Today’s trek is relatively short but challenging due to the high altitude and rocky trails. The landscape becomes stark and dramatic, with views of glaciers and snow-capped ridges. You’ll pass the remnants of glacial lakes and traverse narrow paths alongside moraines. After around 4–5 hours of trekking, you reach Lhonak—a high-altitude outpost in a remote glacial valley with expansive views.
This is one of the most rewarding days of the trek. Starting early, you hike to Pang Pema, the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, which offers jaw-dropping views of Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak. The enormous glacier basin and the sweeping Himalayan panorama make this moment truly unforgettable. After spending time at base camp, you retrace your steps back to Lhonak.
Retracing your trail, you descend from the high alpine environment of Lhonak back to the forested and lively village of Ghunsa. The long trek—roughly 7–8 hours—offers a different perspective of the stunning terrain you’ve already crossed. The descent is easier on the lungs but still demands focus due to uneven trails and rockfall areas.
Leaving the main trail, you now climb through rhododendron and pine forest to the remote Sele Le Base Camp. This part of the trail is less traveled and offers a quiet, pristine trekking experience. After about 5–6 hours of hiking, you reach your campsite below the high passes, with superb views of the surrounding peaks and a peaceful alpine atmosphere.
This is one of the most scenic and exhilarating days as you cross several high passes, including the Sele La and Sinion La. The trek is strenuous but immensely rewarding, with dramatic views of Makalu, Everest, and the Kanchenjunga range on a clear day. After the high traverses, you descend steeply to the village of Tseram nestled in a beautiful valley.
From Tseram, you hike toward Ramche and then onward to the Oktang viewpoint, which offers an unparalleled view of Kanchenjunga South Face and the Yalung Glacier. The hike is challenging but breathtaking in every sense. After soaking in the views and perhaps catching glimpses of avalanches tumbling down distant cliffs, you return to Tseram for the night.
The trail descends through lush forests and along the Simbuwa Khola River. This section is rich with greenery and cascading waterfalls. It’s a pleasant 6–7 hour walk down to Tortong, a small settlement in the middle of the forest, where you’ll spend the night in a teahouse.
Today is a long and varied trek as you pass through tropical forests, farmland, and traditional villages. The descent is steep in parts, and the trail winds through rhododendron and oak forests before reaching Yamphudin—a mixed-community village where you can witness the blend of Rai, Limbu, and Sherpa cultures.
After breakfast, a long but scenic drive takes you through tea gardens, rolling hills, and villages to reach Bhadrapur. From there, you take a late afternoon flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for a well-earned hot shower and perhaps a celebratory dinner hosted by Summit Nepal Adventure.
Your epic journey to Kanchenjunga Base Camp comes to an end today. A representative from Summit Nepal Adventure will escort you to the airport for your departure flight, bidding you farewell with hopes of seeing you again for another Himalayan adventure.
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is an extraordinary high-altitude trekking journey in eastern Nepal that takes you to both the North (Pang Pema) and South (Oktang Viewpoint) Base Camps of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain (8,586 meters). Offered by Summit Nepal Adventure, this 17-day trek offers dramatic scenery, alpine valleys, untouched Himalayan wilderness, and culturally rich Tibetan-influenced villages. With fewer crowds than popular trekking routes, it provides a truly off-the-beaten-path experience for those seeking solitude, adventure, and a connection with remote mountain life.
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is considered strenuous and is recommended for experienced trekkers with good physical conditioning. The trail involves long walking days, steep ascents and descents, and multiple days above 4,000 meters—including visits to Pang Pema (5,143m) and Oktang Viewpoint (4,740m). Trekkers should be comfortable hiking 6–8 hours per day in high-altitude terrain. This trek is not technical, but its remoteness and length demand strong fitness, prior trekking experience, and mental preparedness.
The best times for this trek are during spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November). During these seasons, the weather is typically clear and dry, offering excellent mountain views and moderate daytime temperatures. Winters can be harsh and passes may be snowbound, while the monsoon season (June to August) brings rain, leeches, and slippery trails.
The highest elevation reached is Pang Pema (5,143m / 16,873ft) at the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. The second-highest point is the Oktang Viewpoint (4,740m / 15,551ft), which offers an unforgettable panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga South Face and its surrounding peaks. These high-altitude destinations are accessed with proper acclimatization built into the itinerary to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
Accommodations along the Kanchenjunga route are primarily basic tea houses and homestays, operated by local families. While the facilities may be modest—shared rooms, limited electricity, and simple toilets—they provide a warm, authentic atmosphere. Summit Nepal Adventure ensures trekkers stay at clean and reliable lodges with hot meals and friendly hospitality.
Trekkers are provided with three nutritious meals daily, featuring local dishes such as dal bhat (rice with lentils and vegetables), as well as options like noodles, pancakes, eggs, and soups. While food variety may become limited at higher altitudes, our guides help ensure safe food preparation and adequate calorie intake throughout the journey.
The journey begins with a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, followed by a scenic drive to Taplejung. After completing the trek, you will drive from Yamphudin back to Bhadrapur and fly back to Kathmandu. Summit Nepal Adventure manages all transportation logistics, including airport pickups, domestic flights, and ground transport using comfortable private vehicles.
Since this region is a restricted trekking area, you’ll need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), along with the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP). Summit Nepal Adventure takes care of all permit arrangements prior to your departure, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Yes. Due to its restricted area status, the Kanchenjunga region requires all trekkers to be accompanied by a licensed guide, and you must trek in a group of at least two people. Summit Nepal Adventure provides experienced, government-licensed guides, and porters to carry your luggage, allowing you to trek with just a light daypack. Our staff are trained in altitude safety, first aid, and local knowledge.
We recommend engaging in cardiovascular training, hiking practice with a backpack, and strength-building exercises for at least 8–10 weeks before the trek. You should be able to walk comfortably for several hours a day with elevation gain. Summit Nepal Adventure also provides a pre-trek briefing, packing checklist, and personal consultation to ensure you're fully prepared.
Your safety is Summit Nepal Adventure’s top priority. We follow well-structured acclimatization schedules, use pulse oximeters to monitor oxygen levels, and carry first-aid kits at all times. Our guides are trained to recognize signs of altitude sickness and are equipped to coordinate emergency evacuations if needed.
Booking your adventure is simple—just contact Summit Nepal Adventure through our official website or email. Our team will guide you through the process, including permit paperwork, gear advice, and travel arrangements. We also offer customized departures and private group options for a more personal experience.
