# Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek > The Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is a 22-day guided expedition in far-eastern Nepal to both base camps of Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), the third-highest mountain in the world. Trek through Limbu and Sherpa villages, cardamom fields and rhododendron forest to North Base Camp at Pangpema (5,143 m), cross the Sele La and Sinelapche La passes, and reach South Base Camp at Oktang above the Yalung Glacier.This is one of the wildest and least crowded treks in the Himalaya, in the restricted Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. It is graded challenging and best from April–May and October–November. We arrange the Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit, conservation permit, domestic flights, overland transport, a licensed guide, porters and teahouse lodges with meals. ## Trip facts - **Destination:** Nepal - **Duration:** 22 days - **Difficulty:** Challenging - **Activity:** Trekking - **Max altitude:** 5,143 m / 16,873 ft (Pangpema) - **Best season:** Apr–May, Oct–Nov - **Group size:** 1–12 people - **Accommodation:** Hotels in Kathmandu and Ilam, teahouse lodges - **Meals:** Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trek - **Price:** from US$2,290 per person - **Web page:** https://www.himalayanhiking.com/kanchenjunga-base-camp-trek - **Book:** https://www.himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=kanchenjunga-base-camp-trek ## Overview Far from the busy trails of Everest and Annapurna, the **Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek** is a true wilderness journey. For three weeks you walk through remote valleys where trekkers are still a rarity, from terraced hills and cardamom plantations to Tibetan-style villages, glaciers and the vast north and south faces of **Kanchenjunga**, the "Five Treasures of the Great Snow". The **Kanchenjunga Circuit** visits both base camps: **Pangpema** on the north side, beneath the immense north face and surrounded by peaks such as Jannu (Kumbhakarna) and Wedge Peak, and **Oktang** on the south side, overlooking the Yalung Glacier. Between them, the route crosses high passes with views towards Makalu and even Everest on clear days. ### Kanchenjunga trek at a glance Trip factDetailsDuration22 days from Kathmandu (about 17 days of trekking)Highest pointPangpema (North Base Camp), 5,143 m (16,873 ft)Also visitsOktang (South Base Camp viewpoint), Sele La and Sinelapche La passesGradeChallengingDaily walking5–8 hoursAccessFlight to Bhadrapur and drive via Ilam to TaplejungAccommodationHotels in Kathmandu and Ilam, basic teahouse lodges on the trekPermitsKanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit and Conservation Area PermitRulesMinimum 2 trekkers with a licensed guideBest timeApril–May and October–November### Why trek to Kanchenjunga? - **Both base camps** of the world's third-highest mountain. - **Remote wilderness** with very few other trekkers. - **Limbu, Rai and Sherpa cultures** in traditional villages. - **Jannu (Kumbhakarna)**, a huge wall of rock and ice that climbers rate among the hardest peaks in Nepal. - **Rich forests**, home to red pandas, and spring rhododendrons. - **Ilam's tea gardens** on the journey in and out. ### The Kanchenjunga Circuit route After flying from Kathmandu to **Bhadrapur** in the eastern plains, you drive through the tea gardens of **Ilam** to **Taplejung** and on to the trailhead. The trek follows the Tamor river north through **Chirwa**, **Sekathum** and **Amjilosa** to the Tibetan-style village of **Ghunsa**, then climbs via **Kambachen** and **Lhonak** to **Pangpema**, North Base Camp. Returning to Ghunsa, you cross the **Sele La** and **Sinelapche La** to **Tseram** and climb to **Ramche** and the **Oktang** viewpoint above the Yalung Glacier for South Base Camp. The descent leads through forest and villages such as **Tortong** and **Yamphudin** back to the road. ### Permits and rules Kanchenjunga is a **restricted area**. You need the **Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit** and the **Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit**, issued through a registered agency for groups of **at least two trekkers** with a **licensed guide**. Both are included. ### How difficult is the Kanchenjunga trek? The trek is **challenging**: long, remote, with many steep ascents and descents, several days above 4,500 m and high passes between the base camps. Lodges are basic and rescue takes longer than in busier regions. We recommend it for trekkers with previous multi-day experience at altitude. ### Acclimatisation The itinerary includes acclimatisation days at **Ghunsa (3,595 m)** and **Kambachen (4,050 m)** before sleeping at Lhonak and visiting Pangpema. Your guide carries a first-aid kit and pulse oximeter and stays in contact with our office, using satellite communication where there is no signal. ### Best time for the Kanchenjunga trek **October–November** is the best season, with stable weather and clear views. **April–May** is also good, with rhododendrons in bloom. Winter snow can block the passes and upper valleys, and the monsoon brings heavy rain and leeches to eastern Nepal. ### Accommodation and food Simple teahouses now operate along the whole circuit, so camping is no longer essential, but lodges are basic, with shared rooms and facilities. Menus are short but filling: dal bhat, noodles, potatoes, Tibetan bread and soups. Try *tongba*, the warm millet drink of the Limbu people. There are no ATMs beyond Taplejung. ### Why book the Kanchenjunga trek with Himalayan Hiking? - **Restricted permits, flights and overland transport** arranged. - **Two acclimatisation days** and a reserve day. - **Experienced guides** for remote trekking, with satellite communication. - **Camping options** for extra comfort on request. ## Highlights - North Base Camp at Pangpema (5,143 m) beneath Kanchenjunga's north face - South Base Camp viewpoint at Oktang above the Yalung Glacier - Cross the Sele La and Sinelapche La passes - Views of Jannu (Kumbhakarna), Wedge Peak and the Twins - Remote Limbu, Rai and Sherpa villages - Tea gardens of Ilam on the way in and out ## Day-by-day itinerary ### Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) We pick you up at the airport and drive you to your hotel. We finalise your restricted area permit. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 2: Fly to Bhadrapur, drive to Ilam (about 1,200 m) Fly to Bhadrapur in the eastern plains and drive up through tea gardens to Ilam. _Altitude: 1,200 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 3: Drive to Taplejung and on to Chirwa (1,270 m) A long drive via Phidim to Taplejung and down to the Tamor river at Chirwa, depending on road conditions. _Altitude: 1,820 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 4: Trek to Sekathum (1,660 m) Follow the Tamor river past cardamom fields and small villages, entering the conservation area. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 1,660 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 5: Trek to Amjilosa (2,510 m) Climb steeply through the Ghunsa Khola gorge to Amjilosa. _Walking: 6–7 hours · Altitude: 2,510 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 6: Trek to Gyabla (2,730 m) Walk through bamboo and rhododendron forest, home to the red panda, to Gyabla. _Walking: 4–5 hours · Altitude: 2,730 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 7: Trek to Ghunsa (3,595 m) Climb past Phale, a Tibetan refugee village, to Ghunsa, the largest village on the route. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 3,595 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 8: Acclimatisation day in Ghunsa Hike above the village and visit the monastery, then rest. _Walking: 3–4 hours · Altitude: 4,000 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 9: Trek to Kambachen (4,050 m) Cross landslide areas and climb into the wide valley of Kambachen, with the huge north face of Jannu in view. _Walking: 6–7 hours · Altitude: 4,050 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 10: Acclimatisation day in Kambachen Hike towards the Jannu viewpoint and return to Kambachen. _Walking: 3–4 hours · Altitude: 4,400 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 11: Trek to Lhonak (4,780 m) Follow the Kanchenjunga Glacier moraine to the yak pasture of Lhonak. _Walking: 4–5 hours · Altitude: 4,780 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 12: Pangpema, North Base Camp (5,143 m), return to Lhonak Walk along the glacier to Pangpema, facing Kanchenjunga's north face, and return to Lhonak. _Walking: 6–7 hours · Altitude: 5,143 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 13: Trek to Ghunsa (3,595 m) Descend the valley via Kambachen to Ghunsa. _Walking: 7–8 hours · Altitude: 4,780 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 14: Trek to Sele Le (4,290 m) Climb through forest to the high camp of Sele Le below the passes. _Walking: 4–5 hours · Altitude: 4,290 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 15: Cross Sele La and Sinelapche La, trek to Tseram (3,870 m) A long day crossing several passes around 4,500–4,650 m, with views to Makalu and Everest on clear days, and descending to Tseram. _Walking: 8–9 hours · Altitude: 4,650 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 16: Trek to Ramche (4,580 m) and Oktang, South Base Camp viewpoint Walk up the Yalung Glacier valley to Ramche and on to the Oktang viewpoint facing Kanchenjunga's south face, returning to Ramche. _Walking: 6–7 hours · Altitude: 4,730 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 17: Trek to Tortong (2,995 m) Descend past Tseram through forest to Tortong. _Walking: 6–7 hours · Altitude: 4,580 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 18: Trek to Yamphudin (2,080 m) Climb over the Lamite Bhanjyang ridge and descend to the Limbu and Sherpa village of Yamphudin. _Walking: 7–8 hours · Altitude: 3,400 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 19: Drive to Ilam or Birtamod Drive out of the hills by jeep towards the plains. _Altitude: 2,080 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 20: Fly Bhadrapur – Kathmandu Drive to Bhadrapur and fly back to Kathmandu. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 21: Reserve day in Kathmandu A buffer day for delays, or free time for sightseeing. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 22: Final departure Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast_ ## What is included - Airport pick-up and drop-off in private vehicles - 3 nights in a hotel in Kathmandu and 2 nights in hotels in the east with breakfast - Flights Kathmandu – Bhadrapur – Kathmandu - Jeep transport to and from the trailheads - Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit and Conservation Area Permit - Teahouse lodge accommodation during the trek (16 nights) - Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek - Licensed, experienced trekking guide trained in first aid - Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers) with their wages, food, lodging and insurance - Sleeping bag and down jacket on loan if needed - First-aid kit, pulse oximeter and satellite communication - All government and local taxes ## Not included - International flights to and from Kathmandu - Nepal visa fee - Travel insurance covering trekking to 5,500 m and helicopter evacuation (compulsory) - Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara - Drinks, snacks, hot showers, battery charging and Wi-Fi on the trek - Extra nights caused by early return, flight delays, landslides or cancellations - Helicopter evacuation or charter - Personal equipment and expenses - Tips for your guide and porters ## Useful information ### Fitness and preparation You need excellent fitness and previous multi-day trekking experience at altitude. Expect three weeks of walking with many steep climbs and descents. Train for at least three to four months. ### Altitude sickness The highest point is 5,143 m at Pangpema and around 4,500–4,700 m on the passes. Most people feel the altitude a little: a mild headache, poor sleep, less appetite. Go slowly, drink 3–4 litres a day, skip the beer until you are back down, and tell your guide straight away if you feel worse. Going down is the cure that always works. Ask your doctor before you travel whether altitude medication makes sense for you. ### Weather and temperatures The lower valleys are warm and humid; nights above Ghunsa are cold, and Lhonak and Pangpema are well below freezing. Eastern Nepal receives more rain than the west, so showers are possible outside the monsoon. ### Domestic flights and baggage Flights to and from Bhadrapur operate most days; road journeys in the east are long and can be affected by landslides, which is why a reserve day is included. ### Permits The Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit and Conservation Area Permit are included. Restricted area permits require at least two trekkers and a licensed guide. ### Money, charging and Wi-Fi Carry Nepali rupees for drinks, snacks, showers and charging, and get them in the city; mountain ATMs are rare and unreliable. Wi-Fi is available in many lodges for a small fee. A power bank is worth packing. ### Drinking water Buy boiled or filtered water at lodges or use purification tablets or a filter with a refillable bottle, instead of buying plastic bottles. ### Travel insurance You need travel insurance that covers trekking to 5,500 m, medical care and helicopter rescue. We ask for your policy details before you arrive. ### Visa You can usually get a Nepal visa on arrival at the airport or apply online in advance. Check that your passport is valid for at least six months, and pack a few passport photos for permits. ## Packing list ### Clothing - Moisture-wicking base layers - Fleece jacket or mid-layer - Warm down jacket (can be borrowed from us) - Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers - Trekking trousers and shirts - Warm hat, sun hat and buff - Liner gloves and insulated gloves - Trekking socks ### Footwear - Broken-in waterproof trekking boots - Camp shoes or sandals for the lodges ### Equipment - Sleeping bag rated to about −15°C (can be borrowed from us) - Daypack of 25–35 litres with rain cover - Trekking poles - Head torch with spare batteries - Water bottles and purification tablets - Sunglasses with UV protection - Power bank and charging cables - Gaiters and waterproof overtrousers - Extra cash for the whole trek (no ATMs beyond Taplejung) ### Personal items - High-factor sunscreen and lip balm - Personal first-aid kit and medication - Toiletries, quick-dry towel and wet wipes - Snacks such as energy bars and nuts - Passport, insurance details and copies ## Frequently asked questions ### How long is the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek? This circuit to both base camps takes **22 days** from Kathmandu. North or South Base Camp alone takes about 14–20 days. ### How high is Kanchenjunga? Kanchenjunga is **8,586 m**, the third-highest mountain in the world. North Base Camp at Pangpema is about **5,143 m**. ### Do I need a special permit? Yes, the **Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit** and **Conservation Area Permit**, both included. At least two trekkers and a licensed guide are required. ### How difficult is the Kanchenjunga trek? It is **challenging**: long, remote and steep, with basic lodges and several days above 4,500 m. Previous trekking experience is recommended. ### Are there teahouses on the Kanchenjunga trek? Yes, simple teahouses operate along the circuit, so camping is not essential. ### When is the best time to trek Kanchenjunga? **October–November** and **April–May**. ### How do I get to the Kanchenjunga trailhead? Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, then drive via Ilam to Taplejung and the trailhead, usually over two days. ### Is there phone signal on the trek? Only in some villages. Your guide carries satellite communication for emergencies. ### Can I see red pandas? Red pandas live in the forests of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, but sightings are rare. ### Can I trek Kanchenjunga solo? No, restricted area permits require at least two trekkers. Contact us about joining other trekkers. ### Are there ATMs on the trek? No, not beyond Taplejung. Bring enough Nepali rupees for three weeks. ### How much does the Kanchenjunga trek cost? Prices are per person and drop for larger groups; the price box shows the rates. It includes permits, flights, transport, hotels, lodges, meals on the trek, a guide and porters.