Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek - Itinerary & Route Details

Day 1: 

Drive from Siliguri to Taplejung ( 2300m ), ~ 280 km, ~ 10 hours

We start very early from Silliguri around 5 AM.  Breakfast will be done in Kakarvitta where we change vehicles for Taplejung. Siliguri to Kakarvitta takes about 30 - 40 minutes. While entering Nepal, your bags might be checked by the officials on the Nepal side, which might take some time. Once everything is resolved, we then board our vehicle on the Nepal side which will take us to Taplejung. Its a journey of some 7 - 8 hours. After reaching Taplejung, we checkin our hotel and take rest.

Day 2: 

Trek to Simbhu.4 hours

We start at ease after breakfast. A gentle uphill climb of about 3 hours will take us to Lali Kharak where we break for lunch. Typical experience of the famous Dal Bhaat in Nepal. Post lunch, we trek downhill to the village of Simbhu, where we rest for the night.

Day 3: 

Trek to Khesewa (2120meters). 5 hours

We start at ease after breakfast. An easy trek downhill to the suspension bridge over Phawa Khola after which starts our hard climb to Kunjari Danda which takes about a little more than couple of hours to tackle. We pass by  Sinchewa Bhanjyang and reach Kande Bhanjyang, where we break for lunch.

Post lunch, its an easy trek to Khesewa village for about hour and half. We spend the night here.

Day 4: 

Trek to Mamangkhe (1920meters). 5 hours.

A gentle walk to Phumpe Danda where we break for lunch. Post lunch, climb starts to Mamangkhe which takes about 3 hours.

Day 4: 

Trek to Yamphudin (2080meters) 6 hours.

Today its a flat walk for about 6 hours to bring us to a bigger villages on this route. Its the last settlement on this trek till we reach Ghunsa on return.

Day 5: 

Trek to Chitre (2965meters) 5 hours.

Beyond Yamphudin the trail ascends a steep spur, a gentle introduction for what will come. Leaving villages behind we trek through pleasant forest, stopping for lunch in a meadow capturing fine views of the north and south. A steep descend to the river an interesting bridge across the Omje Khola to our campsite in Chitre

Day 6: 

Trek to Toronding (3010meters) 6 hours.

A gradual uphill steep climb till Lasyatham with great views of Mt.Janu. We descend down to the forest back again to the Simjua Khola valley. Further ahead is our campsite at Torongding.

Day 7: 

Trek to Tseram (3870meters) 6 hours.

Today we follow the river through more beautiful forest, the conifers giving way to the rhododendron forest. The valley climbs fairly steeply, with the day progressing the trees become more stunted and scattered, giving us glimpses of the snow: capped giants ahead and the massive snout of Yalung Glacier. Just before Tseram the towering heights of Kabru and Rathong peak start to peep over the moraine. Camping at Tseram, a grazing area.

Day 8: 

Trek to Ramche (4580meters) 4 hours.

One of the most beautiful days of this trek. You are surrounded by the Himalayan beauties of Rathong, Koktang, Kabru and a high altitude lake as you cross the snout of Yalung glacier and camp on the meadow of Ramche

Day 9: 

Exploratory Trek to Oktang (4730meters). South Base Camp. 5 hours.

Walk alongside the moraine of Yulung glacier to reach Oktang. It offers great views of the South face of Kanchenjunga and other peaks including Rathong, Kabru and Koktang. Head back to Ramche.

Day 10: 

Trek to Selela over the Mirgin La (4480meters) 6 hours.

We trek down the valley, passing the turn off to the high and challenging Labsang La route to Ghunsa and the north side of Kanchenjunga. This pass is rough and dangerous, especially for porters so we take the more southern set of passes, beginning with the Mirgin La. After an initial steep climb and several false summits we reach Mirgin La. Apart from the magnificent Jannu, on the horizon are Makalu, Gyakung Kang, Everest, Lhotse and Chamalang. To the south it is possible to see down to the Terai, a panorama worth the effort. Our campsite will be beyond the pass, after 6 to 7 hours tough walking

Day 11: 

Trek to Ghunsa (3475meters) 5 hours.

Although there four more passes, there is little descent between them, so in effect it is a high scenic area. After lunch the descent brings us to Lamba Sumba Kharka, where there are more views of the awesome Southwest Face of Jannu. From Kharka the going is easy again down a pleasant forested trail to the village of Ghunsa, where we camp in the village. Ghunsa is a picturesque Tibetan village; prayer flags flutter from the wooden houses and there are two monasteries, a welcome sight after the many days of wilderness.

Day 12: .

Trek to Kampuchean (4040meters) 6 hours.

Gradually the trail ascends to south of the Ghunsa Khola and crossing flood plains while emerging on a pasture situated at the north side of the river. A steep climb to a slope from where it crosses a slide and then descends to Lakepo. A short climb from here to the village of Kampuchean

Day 13: 

Trek to Lhonak (4790meters) 6 hours.

The trail climbs gradually through open rocky fields to Ramtang (4240m) then across moraines north - west of Kanchenjunga glaciers. Lhonak, at 4790m, is near dry lake bed on an open, sandy plain; water scarce here. There are no houses, but we can camp among the large boulders to get out of the wind. Stunning mountain views abound in all directions.

 

Day 14: 

Explore Kanchenjunga Base Camp 5100m

It is well worth exploring the upper end of the valley to fully appreciate the peaks that make up one of the largest mountain masses in the world. The main peak of Kanchenjunga and Wedge Peak cannot be seen until we are almost at Pangpema (5140m) and to increase our chances of good mountain views, we aim to spend an overnight here. This will, however, depend on the weather and trail conditions and progress of each particular group member, which will be decided by your guide. The trail follows moraine for much of the time and due to its ever changing nature and infrequent use is often in poor condition. There are a number of alternative side trips in the area that provide impressive mountain panoramas including Tent and Pyramid Peaks and the Twins. One does not need to go far to enjoy the impressive yet varied mountain views. We aim to spend as much time as possible in the area hoping the weather will be in our favor!
 

Day 15: 

Trek to Ghunsa ( 3475m) 6 hours.

Day 16: 

Trek to Amjilosa (2460meters) 4 hours.

Day 17: 

Trek to Chirwa(1200meters) 5 hours

We cross the Simbu Khola, which originates from Kanchenjunga’s south base camp, the Khola that we followed up from Torontan. It is pleasantly warm at these low altitudes and cardamom grows freely in the moist shaded forest. Crossing numerous small tributary streams we reach Chhirwa, a village set among large boulders. We camp in a field out of the village. This is an easier day.

Day 18:

Trek to Suketar, 7 hrs

Day 19:

Drive to Siliguri