Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek:

Kanchenjunga 8586m. (3rd highest mountain in the world) is situated on the far eastern side of Nepal, shares the border with Sikkim, a tiny Himalayan state in the north-eastern part of India. It was first climbed in 1955 Special, restricted permits are needed to trek in this conservation areas.

The far-east region of Nepal provides unique treks along rarely visited trails.This mesmerizing trekking trail begins along the Tamur River through pine trees and villages where traditional life is little touched by the modern world.

Walking through cardamom field, flowing river, waterfalls, small villages and the beautiful stone built houses, bridges, colorful forest rhododendron and pine forest, etc. will meet your zeal to trek in eastern Nepal. The peaks and mountains are visible in a distance. This region is a treasure of flaura and fauna Deer and wild  sheep are often spotted in the distance and birds are found in abundance. The region is home to ethnic groups of Kirants, notably the Rais and Limbus.

Today, Kanchenjunga trek has become one of the demanding trek for those who is seeking more authentic, remoteness, challenging and altitude. Only few numbers of tourists visit this region and you will meet only few other trekkers on the way. Participants should be physically fit enough to walk for at least 6 hours a day. In some days, the trail can go very steep up and down simultaneously. The teahouses and lodges are not developed like in Everest and Annapurna region. They only can cater up to 10-12 people with basic facilities. In the higher settlement, the foods are comparatively expensive because all the things have to be carried up by people’s back. So, the trekkers often prefer the camping trekking.

In general, the region has not developed to cater to independent trekkers so groups must be fully self sufficient.

 

Getting there:

The first option is flight to Bhadrapur which is about 45 minutes flight from Kathmandu and then drive to Taplejung which is about 6-7 hours approximately and start the trek. Recently from 2015 september, they are having two scheduled flight in a week to Suketar. The other option is driving to Basantapur which needs minimum of sixteen hours drive from Kathmandu. There are no tourist bus service so trekkers must either use scheduled bus services or arrange private transport.

Permits and fees: Much of the trekking area lies within the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and a Permit fee is required for entry. The special permit is needed to trek in this conservation area. Trekkers arriving via Kakarbitta border point must first travel to Kathmandu to obtain trekking permits as the government immigration office at Kakarbhitta doesn’t issue he required permit.

 

Best Season: The best time to trek in the region is between March-May and September-November.  

 

Trip Informaton

Activities:

Trekking

Departure:

Any day during season

Max Altitudes:

5065m at Pangpema

Trip Duration:

24 days

Trip Grade:

Strenuous High

Accommodation:

 Teahouse on trek, hotel in city

Meals:

Full board on trek, breakfast in city

Transportation:

Tourist bus/private car/local bus/private jeep

Best Season:

September-November & March-May

Walking Hour

4-6hrs per day

Day -01:

Arrive at Kathmandu & transfer to the Hotel

Day-02:

Sightseeing in Kathmandu

Day-03 :

Fly to Bhadrapur /Suketar/ -& drive to Taplejung : After arriving at the Bhadrapur airport, meet all the trekking and drive to Taplejung. It is about 6 hours drive via the beautiful tea garden of Phikkal and Illam. You can stop at Phikkal for lunch and overnight at Taplejung.

Day-04 :

Taplejung to Chiruwa(1270m): The first day is an easy day, walk through underconstruction road, that goes downward until you cross your first suspension bridge. You can stop at Mitlung for your lunch and continue further. On the way enjoy the landscapes, village and the welcoming locality to Chiruwa. The total hike for the day is about 6-7 hours.

Day-05 :

Chirwa to Sekathum(1576m): Trail continue along the Tamour river you will reach to Tapethok(1380m.) . Here, you have to check in the entry point to Kanchanjunga conservation Area. Cross the suspension bridge and follow the river along with cardamom field and reach to Sekathum. The total hike for the day is about 6 hours.

Day-06 :

Sekathum to Amjilassa(2400m): 

A step and long climb up a reasonably good trail for 5 hours to Amjillasa . One can enjoy a beautiful waterfalls, good views of valley, river below and Himalayan peaks in the distance, several open yaks grazing pastures exist here.

Day-07 :

Amjilassa to Kyapra/Gyabla (2820m) It is a hike along the riverbanks through densely forested hillside (bamboo, fir and scattered rhododendron). The river drops steeply with many waterfalls and crystal clear pools. Climb up to green pastures just beyond a group of Buddhist stone houses at Kyapra. The total hike for the is approximately 5 hours.

Day-08 :

Kyapra to Ghunsa( 3480m) The trail gently undulates with a few steep uphill portions.Passing through the village of Phale (lunch point) and visit a Buddhist Gompa near to village- much Tibetan art is evident as are the villagers weaving of rugs. Ghunsa is a large Bhotia community of stone houses and tidy small farm. The village is powered with electricity and has hot shower, telephone services.

Day-09 :

Acclimatization day at Gunsa: This day, climb to the nearest viewpoint and enjoy the panoramic views of mountains, valley and scenery. Visit to the monastery and check in to the checkpoint office.  or

Gunsa to Kangbachen(4000m) Walk along the river with colorful pine trees and rhododendron forest, cross the wooden brige, climb up through technical landslide trail. Enjoy the Kumbhakarna Himal ranges on the way.

Day-10 :

Kangbachen A rest day is taken here to enable time to relax, bath or take a day walk.

Day-11 :

Kangbachen to Lhonak (4700m) Trail climbs gradually through open rocky fields to Ramtang(4350m)Walking from here is on large boulders which leads to the terminal moraine of the Kanchanjunga glacier. Terrific mountain views abound in all direction.

Day-12 :

Lhonak to Pangpema(5065m) or Pangpema: The trail continues along the Kanchanjunga glacier with a moderate to slow ascent with excellent views. You can enjoy the view of Kanchanjunga from Pangpema shorty and come back to Lhonak if its too high elevation to spend a night.

Day-13 :

Pangpema Wonderful day hikes around or explore in the glacier. Incredible views of Kanchanjunga and Yalung kang. Blue sheep and musk deer may be seen together with lamergiers tremendous bird(span).

Day-14:

Pangpema to Kangbachen: Descent 6hrs back to Kangbachen

Day-15:

Kangbachen to Gunsa Descent 750m for 5hours

Day-16 :

Gunsa to Selele Phedi: Climb 4-5 hours up through beautiful forest full of juniper, rhododendron, and pine trees and reach Selele Phedi. Camp at bank so selele river.

Day-17:

Selele Phedi-Selele La pass(4480m)-Tseram: Cross through the three passes with the sight of breathe taking mountain ranges. Overnight at Tseram. You can have pack lunch at this day to save time. 6-7 hours walk including uphill and downhill walk.

Day-18:

Tseram to Torangding (2995m): Hike downward along the bank of river till torangding, the total hike will be about 4-5 hours.

Day-19:

Torangding to Yamphudin(2080m); Trail continues up and downhill through bamboo forest, pine forest, some recent landslides and crossing streams and river to Yamphudin. The hike for day is about 6-7 hours.

Day-20:

Yamphudin to Khebang(1915m): Trail descent through the forest, cardamom field and small villages.

Day- 21:

Khebang to Tellok (1500m): Trail will decent to Tellok encountering beautiful hills, Forest, rivers, rice field and small villages.

Day- 22:

Tellok to Suketar airport or Birtamod(Bhadrapur airport) It will take about 7hours to reach to Suketar airport or drive to Birtamod(Bhadrapur) by bus.

Day- 23:

Flight from Suketar/Bhadrapur to Kathmandu.

Day-24:

Depart from Kathmandu You will be transferred to the airport for your final departure from Kathmandu.

Cost Includes:

• All airport/hotel transfers
• Welcome and farewell dinners
• All accommodation and meals during the trek
• All Ground Transportation according to the Itinerary.
• An experienced English-speaking trek guide, assistant trek guide and porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
• Salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging of Guide,Assi. Guide & Porter
• Duffel bag (if needed)
• All necessary paper work and permits (National park permit, TIMS )
• A comprehensive medical kit
• All government and local taxes.

Cost Excludes:

• Nepal Visa fee
• Airport departure tax
• International airfare to and from Kathmandu
• Excess baggage charges
• Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
• Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
• Travel and rescue insurance
• Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc)
• Beverage( soft drink and other hard drink)
• Tips for guides and porters

Pre Departure Planning

Trekking in Nepal is a unique experience. So, to get maximum enjoyment you should be physically and mentally prepared. During the trek, you might have to hike approximately 5-6 hours almost everyday or 500-600m uphill or downhill. So, preparation should commence months before-walking, jogging, hiking and physical training would be very helpful. To learn more about trekking pre fitness consult our trekking fitness expertise http://www.trekprepfitness.com.au/

Food and accommodation

Meals will be provided by NEAT during the whole trek as per your service besides mentioned in city. We offer open and the choice menu in the tea house where you can select the food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Our guide will recommend or take you to the guest houses which serve the hygienic and nutritious food and best accomodation. Snacks, bottle drinks including mineral water and alcohol are not included in price.

Trekking group

It would be easy for you if you have your own group if not also we can arrange a group trek according to your request. You would be joining the group in Kathmandu. If you want to have a solo trip then we are always ready to help you again with single supplement charge. We try our best to make your comfortable holiday in the beauty of Kanchenjunga Region.

Trekking guide and porters

Trekking guide are very responsible person who will assist you in your whole trek. They have a very broad knowledge about geography, Flora, Fauna, culture, himalayas and trails. Trekking guide will assist and brief all your questions and confusion during trek. The company will provide you the best and authorized guide to make your holiday. Potters are very strong and poor Nepali people who will carry all your baggage wherever you go. Don’t Forget to tip them for their service.

Acclimatization

When NEAT plan your itinerary, we take everything into consideration about the altitude and other factors to minimize the chance of getting AMS.

Altitude gains-your trek is designed to gain around 600 meters (vertical) altitude daily.

Acclimatization - rest days are included in itinerary to help your body adjust to new altitude.

Each trekker must accept responsibility and trek slowly - observe the steps at which the porters and guide walks. There are no worthwhile prizes for getting to destination in record time - generally AMS.

Treatment: Mild symptoms - staying at same altitude may resolve symptoms. If there is no improvement, descend to lower level.

Severe (HAPE + HACE) - descend immediately, as failure to do so could result in death. If symptoms persist you may need to be carried to nearest medical facility or evacuated by helicopter.

Travel Insurance 

We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation and travel insurance. This comprehensive travel insurance provides coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, travel delays, loss of baggage and travel documents, baggage delay, medical expenses and emergency assistance.

Climate and Weather of Nepal

Climate in Nepal is diversified depends on season. From the low level to highest point of the World, it starts from hot to cold region from South to North. You can travel Nepal in any season but the best time to visit in Kanchenjunga region is autumn & spring. If you are in autumn the weather is perfect and sky is crystal clear but in spring the weather seem little cloudy but the full blossoming Rhododendrons are awesome. In Summer visibility is poor and there is less chances to see the himalayas and in winter it is very cold in mountain but still possible to do this trip.

Nepalese Visa Requirements And Process

Before you travel to Nepal please check your passport and validity date. Passports must have at least 6 months validity after finish date of your trek. During booking, it is necessary to send us the passport copy. To travel in Nepal, you will require a visa which you can obtained from Nepalese Embassy at your country or you can get on arrival visa at the TIA airport in Kathmandu.

Here is general list of Nepalese visa fee as below and for more detail visit http://immi.gov.np/

Cost to be levied while issuing tourist visa by the Mission or entry point:  

• US Dollars 25 or other convertible foreign currency equivalent thereto for 15 days multiple entry visa.
• US Dollars 40 or other convertible foreign currency equivalent thereto for 30 days multiple entry visa.
• US Dollars 100 or other convertible foreign currency equivalent thereto for 90 days multiple entry visa.
Notwithstanding anything written in above, no visa fee shall be applicable to the passport holder of member states of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) for 30 days.

Trekking Permits and Entry Charge

While you travel Kanchenjunga Region, you need to obtain the  entry permits and TIMS permit. All the applicable permits and entry fees are including on the given cost except personal contribution and donations. In case of extra charge and payment, the agency will inform you.

Trekkers health and medical information

Trekkers health is very important for the tour operator as we should know your health condition before making reservation with us. To do this trek, the trekkers should have good fitness and require great stamina and good health. All our Trekking guide and potter are insurance before trekking. For the medical information you should contact your medical consult before planning your trip to Nepal.

Environmental & social concerns

NEAT is highly aware with Environmental concern and keep right ecological system. There shouldn’t be awful impact while you travel around the Kanchenjunga region. So, we involve some campaign of cleaning trekking trails, works with KEEP project etc.

Booking procedure

Support the local company and the money directly goes to local community which helps to improve the economic condition of developing countries. Please contact us via e-mail or phone to check the availability and possibilities to book the trip in your date. We will gladly answer your each quires promptly so that you can make your decision faster.

TRIP PHOTOS

Click on thumbnail photo to have larger view.
  • Springcolor  » Click to zoom ->

    Springcolor

  • Kumbakarna Range  » Click to zoom ->

    Kumbakarna Range

  • Lonak  » Click to zoom ->

    Lonak

  • Pangpema 5056m  » Click to zoom ->

    Pangpema 5056m

  • Yamphudin  » Click to zoom ->

    Yamphudin

  • Selele Pass  » Click to zoom ->

    Selele Pass

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From Our Client

Stuart Rawlings

I meant to write you long ago to express my pleasure and satisfaction with your services while I was in Kathmandu. You and your staff made my Nepal experience one to remember for the rest of my life" Read More

Rod and Deb Setterlund

We have known Mr. Chandra, Managing Director of NEAT for 8 years and have come to Nepal for 5 treks, including the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp. We have found NEAT to be a very professionally ..." Read More

Günther Stummvoll & Christa

We have loved Nepal and the people!! Great Company to go thought and Chandra’s employees are fantastic and throughout Nepal. Thank you for a fanatics time " Read More

Norma Clarke

This has been one of the best managed trips I have taken. I have been struck by the expertise and experience of everyone, from the owner, Chandra, to the guide, Kedar. Every detail of the trip was well ..." Read More