Kanchenjunga Basecamp Trek

Detail Itinerary

Day 1Arrive Kathmandu & Transfer to Hotel - 1,300m/4,264 ft Arrival in the Kathmandu airport (TIA) and meet with representative of Pink Mountain Treks and Expedition (PMTE). Then transferred to hotel. After checking in, you will visit Pink Mountain Treks and Expedition's office to meet with trekking leader as well as other participants and make final preparations for the trip.

Day 2Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation After breakfast proceed to guided tour with Pink Mountain Treks and Expedition to the heritage sites of Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered as World Heritage Sites; including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhunath) and Buddhists shrine (Bouddhanath) which is one of the large Stupas in the world. In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where you can meet our trek leader and other team members. Pink Mountain Treks and Expedition briefs you regarding our trek as well as provides you opportunity to ask any questions you may have regarding our upcoming adventure.

Day 3Fly from Kathmandu to Biratnagar (81 m/266 ft) You will fly from Kathmandu to Biratnagar. Depending upon the availability of flying options to Suketar from Biratnagar you will be presented with either of the two possibilities listed below: a. If there is availability of flight to Suketar you spend the night in Biratnagar and fly to Suketar the next morning. b. If there are no flights available to Suketar you drive to Phidim and spend the night there.

Day 4Fly from Biratnagar to Suketar (2,420 m/7,938 ft) or Drive from Phidim (1,179 m/ (3,868 ft) to Suketar If you spent overnight at Biratnagar the previous day you will directly fly to Suketar this day and spend the night there. But, if you spent your night in Phidim you will be driving to Suketar. Either way you spend overnight at Suketar.

Day 5Suketar to Mitlung (921 m/3,021 ft) 4-5 hrs We, Pink Mountain Treks and Expedition officially kick start the day with a downhill walk to Mitlung. The trails throughout the lower sections of the Kanchenjunga region pass through fertile valleys with beautiful pastures and small villages. you then cross Hangdewa River and walk alongside the raging Tamor River. As you gradually head in a northerly direction the trail steepens after a few hours before a final descent of 350 meters on a muddy trail to Mitlung. You will spend the night there.

Day 6Mitlung to Chirwa (1,270 m/4166 ft) 5-6 hrs The trail ascends and descends steadily as you make our way towards the village of Sinwa. you continue trekking downhill until you reach Tawa. At Tawa, you ascend to some heights and cross the suspension bridge at Thiwa. you pass beautiful rural landscape along the way and reach Chirwa, a beautiful Limbu village with few lodges, tea shops etc. you spend the night at Chirwa.

Day 7Chirwa to Sukathum (1,576 m/5,169 ft) 5-6 hrs The trek from Chirwa to Sukathum passes through varied landscapes such as cardamom fields and dense forests. you trek uphill for sometime then descend to the lush green fields below and continue trekking along the Tamor River passing through a dense forest. It’s both uphill and downhill trek until crossing the Ghunsa River after which you reach Sukathum and spend the night there.

Day 8Sukathum to Amjilosa (2,308 m /7,570 ft) 6-7 hrs Trekking from Sukathum to Amjilosa is challenging. After crossing the suspension bridge outside Sukathum you enter a dense forest, ascend the steep trail, descend and cross the river again. you also climb a gorge from the bottom and pass by Solima village and descend again to the level of the river. All in all, this day’s trekking is rather tough. Therefore, it is advisable to be very careful especially while walking the trail that passes the gorge. you later follow a tricky trail which goes both uphill and downhill until reaching Amjilosa where you spend the night.

Day 9Amjilosa to Gyabla (2,730 m /8,954 ft) 6-7 hrs you start trekking from the river bank, pass through a densely forest of bamboo, fir and rhododendrons eventually reaching a small stone house by the river. you then climb uphill crossing a few small bridges along the way. Here, you get to enjoy the company of stunning waterfalls that originate from the mountains. After yet another short uphill walk you reach the Tibetan settlement to Gyabla.

Day 10Gyabla to Ghunsa (3,595 m/11,792 ft) 5-6 hrs you descend down the river and notice the valley as it slowly opens up before reaching Phale, a Tibetan refugee settlement where it is possible to purchase handicrafts and homemade rugs from locals. After purchasing a few souvenirs you travel through conifer and pine forest and reach the Sherpa village of Ghunsa where you spend the night. This place is known for its hydroelectricity plant and the fact that more than 20 prominent conservationists met a tragic end in a helicopter crash.

Day 11Acclimatisation day at Ghunsa you take care to spend time acclimatising around Ghunsa before continuing our next day’s trek. you recommend you to stay active even in a rest day as it is better than being idle while on a trekking journey. Therefore, you take a short hike towards the Laspsan La monastery through the lush green forest. Come back to Ghunsa by afternoon and relax.

Day 12Ghunsa to Kambachen (4,050 m/13,284 ft) 5-6 hrs From Ghunsa you trek further north along the river bank which presents us with magnificent mountain scenery. you pass through meadows full with beautiful wildflowers, rhododendron and pine forests. you cross a bridge at Rampuk Kharka, continue past the waterfall and cross the tricky section of the landslide. After crossing the landslide area you begin to see the spectacular view of Mt. Jannu. Further exploring and tackling the tricky mountain trail you finally arrive at Kambachen and spend the night.

Day 13Acclimatisation Day at Kambachen you take yet another day for acclimatisation at Kambachen which is reserved to accommodate participants in high altitude and also to observe if anybody in the group has any symptoms of altitude sickness. The overall idea for this day is to relax- take a bath and/or explore the Nuphchu Khola Valley area. you spend yet another night at Kambachen.

Day 14Kambachen to Lhonak (4,780 m/15,678 ft) 6-7 hrs Today will be another challenging day and an early start is needed. you trek through rocky fields and large boulders on the hillside along the riverbank and arrive at a waterfall. you then cross a bridge to Ramtang monastery. you then come across a landslide section which you must pass through at a steady pace before descending to the river and finally arriving at Lhonak.

Day 15Trek to Pangpema/Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (5,388 m/17,673 ft) 6-7 hrs you trek along the Kanchenjunga Glacier to spend a night at Pangpema, Kanchenjunga base camp on the north side. you urge you to be careful around the rockier sections as they are prone to landslides. After a short while you reach Pangpema, a flat grassy base camp. Climb a little higher and enjoy the splendor of Jannu, Kanchenjunga and Chang Himal.

Day 16Trek back to Kambachen (4,050 m/13,284 ft) 6-7 hrs you retrace our path to Lhonak and continue down the valley to Ramtang Monastery. The return journey offers a different perspective of the mountains Kanchenjunga, Taple Shikhar, Gimmigela, and Mera Peak among others. Due to the descending nature of this trek you will reach Kambachen by evening and spend the night there.

Day 17Kambachen to Ghunsa (3,595 m/11,792 ft) 3-4 hrs It’s essentially the reverse of our Day 12 trek. you descend to Ghunsa from Kambachen which means that you get to enjoy the beautiful forests along with a backdrop of impressive mountain scenery. Overnight at Ghunsa

Day 18Ghunsa to Sele Le (4,290 m/14,071 ft) 6-7 hrs It’s a steep trek upward from Ghunsa to Sele-Le. Upon reaching Sele Le you climb through a dense forest of moss, rhododendron and juniper. Lunch will be served in an appropriate place with the availability of water. you spend the night in Sele Le.

Day 19Sele Le to Cheram (3,870 m/12,694 ft) 6-7 hrs you do an uphill trek and enjoy the mesmerizing south side view of Jannu Himal and Makalu (the world's 6th highest mountain). Today is a strenuous trekking day as you cross several passes- Sinion La, Mirgin La and Sinelapche Bhanjyang. you then make a steep descend to Cheram and spend the night there.

Day 20Cheram to Ramche (4,580 m/15,022 ft) and return back to Cheram, 4-5 hrs you ascend past the snout of the Yalung Glacier and walk alongside the Simbuwa Khola, pass through Lapsang village and reach Ramche. While there, you walk further up the valley or ascend a ridge for a tremendous view of blue sheeps. you then follow the stream before climbing on the moraine top until confronted by Kanchenjunga’s southern face. you walk further ahead for a glimpse of the Jannu Himal. you can even consider continuing to Oktang Monastery. Descend and spend the night at Cheram.

Day 21Cheram to Tortong (2,995 m/9,824 ft) 5-6 hrs As you descend to Tortong you first encounter two trails. One trail is the one you took while descending down from Sele Le. However, you ignore this route and descend further down to the trail alongside the Simbuwa Khola. you enjoy the lush rhododendron forest along the way.

Day 22Tortong to Yamphudin (2,080 m/6,822 ft) 6-7 hrs While descending from Tortong to Yamphudin you pass through Lasiya Bhanjyang which involves walking up through trees and area of landslides. The terrain changes after every monsoon but by the middle of October it should be stable with a route through. Walking further down you reach the village of Yamphudin, a village inhabited by Sherpas, Limbus and Rais.

Day 23Yamphudin to Yangpang (1,007 m/3,304 ft) 6-7 hrs you descend from Yamphudin, cross the bridge at Samekham and continue following the Kabeli Khola. you pass through Mamankhe which houses the Limbu Museum and Cultural Center. you then cross the bridge over Khaksewa Khola and ascend through the cardamom forest, pass by a few villages and descend further down to Yangpang. Overnight at Yangpang.

Day 24Yangpang to Thorpu (1,500 m/4,290 ft) 5-6 hrs Instead of going back to Taplejung you descend down to Thorpu. By opting for Thorpu you will not only be saving us time but will also get to enjoy the landscape of a different route. While descending to Thorpu you pass through some really beautiful terraced villages, where the people are very interested to see you. you spend the night in Thorpu and enjoy the hospitality of the villagers.

Day 25Thorpu to Birtamod (300 m/ 984 ft) 5-6 hrs you are most likely to drive from Thorpu to Birtamod which is a lively Terai town in Eastern Nepal. Along the way you will notice the climate getting warmer with a landscape that is different from the mountains and the hills. The town boasts a number of good accommodation facilities therefore you spend the night in Birtamod.

Day 26Drive from Birtamod to Bhadrapur then Fly to Kathmandu The drive to Bhadrapur from Birtamod is only of short distance. you fly back to Kathmandu from Bhadrapur Airport. Upon arriving in Kathmandu you can take a rest and relax throughout the day in your hotel or if you are interested in taking souvenirs for your loved ones, you can shop around the tourist area of Thamel. Pink Mountain Treks and Expedition will be hosting a fantastic celebration dinner for the successful completion of your Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking.

Day 27Fly Out to your destination. Your adventure in Nepal and Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek comes to an end today.If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. A representative from Pink Mountain Treks and Expedition will take you to the airport approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight.