Kanchanjunga trek: Exploring the Majestic Himalayan Wonderland

The Kanchenjunga Trek is an awe-inspiring adventure that takes trekkers to the pristine and remote region of eastern Nepal, offering a remarkable journey through the world’s third highest peak, Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586 meters). This trek is a paradise for nature enthusiasts, providing breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and an opportunity to witness the unique culture of the local communities.

Stretching over a distance of approximately 177 kilometers, the Kanchenjunga Trek is renowned for its challenging terrains, remote trails, and untouched wilderness. The trek typically begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Taplejung, a small town in the Taplejung district, which serves as the gateway to this Himalayan wonderland.

The journey starts with a gentle ascent through terraced fields, dense forests, and picturesque villages, allowing trekkers to immerse themselves in the rich local culture. The region is home to a diverse array of ethnic communities, including the Sherpas, Limbus, and Rai people, who warmly welcome trekkers and provide insights into their traditional way of life.

As trekkers continue their ascent, the trail leads them through breathtaking landscapes, including lush rhododendron and bamboo forests, cascading waterfalls, and high alpine meadows. The trek also offers mesmerizing views of the surrounding peaks, such as Mount Jannu, Kabru, and Rathong.

One of the highlights of the Kanchenjunga Trek is the opportunity to explore the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, a protected region established to preserve the unique biodiversity of the area. This conservation area is home to numerous rare and endangered species, including the elusive snow leopard, red panda, and musk deer. Trekkers may also encounter various species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

The trek presents trekkers with the chance to visit remote villages, such as Ghunsa, Sele Le, and Pangpema, where they can experience the authentic lifestyle of the local communities. These villages offer a glimpse into the traditional practices, religious customs, and warm hospitality of the people living in this isolated region. Trekkers can savor the local cuisine, interact with the villagers, and even participate in cultural celebrations if their visit coincides with any festivals.

One of the major highlights of the Kanchenjunga Trek is reaching the Pangpema Base Camp, which offers a jaw-dropping close-up view of the majestic Kanchenjunga peak. The towering snow-capped mountains, immense glaciers, and the tranquil Oktang Lake create a surreal ambiance, leaving trekkers in awe of the natural wonders surrounding them.

The Kanchenjunga Trek is considered a strenuous and demanding trek, requiring excellent physical fitness, trekking experience, and proper acclimatization. Trekkers must be prepared for long days of hiking, challenging terrains, and unpredictable weather conditions. Hiring an experienced guide is highly recommended to navigate the trails and ensure a safe and memorable journey.

In conclusion, the Kanchenjunga Trek is an unforgettable expedition for trekkers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure in the Himalayas. The pristine landscapes, rich biodiversity, and cultural encounters make it a truly remarkable experience. This trek not only offers a chance to witness the grandeur of Mount Kanchenjunga but also allows trekkers to connect with the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region. The Kanchenjunga Trek is a journey of a lifetime, promising unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the wonders of nature.

Trekking in Kanchanjanga  region

Group size of the Trek

Minimum one person

Maximum 12 person

Trek features :

1. Best  view from 

2. spectacular mountain views of ….. ranges

3. Rhododendron flowers forest, many types of orchids

4.  cultural & practices.

Grade : Hard / streneous 

Accommodation : Tea House/ Tented camp

Food: Continental 

Equipment List

The requirement of equipment is diffrent for each trek. these are common requirment of personnel things for most of our treks. Please feel free to ask for advice we will provide you the best suggestion.

Clothing and Equipment Check List

  1. Pair of T-shirts and half pants
  2. Fleece jacket and warm Trousers
  3. Raincoats & water proof pants
  4. Down jacket
  5. Thermal underwear
  6. Windproof jacket
  7. Fleece/wool warm hat
  8. Baseball hat or sun hat
  9. Snow & sun  glasses
  10. Fleece gloves
  11. Socks – 3/4 pairs
  12. Socks- woolen
  13. Trekking shoes
  14. Ligh sport shoes
  15. Small rucksack for daypack
  16. Waterbottle (metal )
  17. Kit Bag medium size
  18. Trekking poles (optional)
  19. Sleeping bag down ( -5-10 degree)
  20. Flash light & batteries

Personal things

  1. Small kit bag (valuable things can put inside , pocket knife )
  2. Sun Cream & lip care cream
  3. Moist towels for personal hygiene

Kanchanjunga trek Itinerary

Day 01: Flight Kathmandu to Bhadrapur early morning then drive to Taplejing Over night guest House.

Day 02: Trek to Kunjari (2300m)

Day 03: Trek to Phumphe Danda (1858m) pass through many small hamlets and cross low ridges. Beyond the Khesewa Khola.

Day 04: Yamphudin (1678m), ups and downs, crossing ridges and river valleys to the most remote settlement.

Day 05: Dhupi Bhanjyang (2540m), Crossing a spur, descend to a stream and follow a meandering trail to Darachuk, camp beside the Omje Khola

Day 06: Torontan, steep ascent through dense forest to the crest of the lasiya Bhanjyang (3310m) then trek down to in the valley of the Simbua Khola

Day 07: Tseram (3870m) , riverside trail, trek through pine and rhododendron forest , great views of the Yalung Glacier, Kabru and Rathon

Day 08: Acclimatization day ay Tseram

Day 09: Ramze (4615m), trek up to the south side base camp for Kangchenjunga

Day 10: Exploration above Ramze, as far as Oktang, Eventually this path take to you chorten topped with prayer flags, this is OKTANG (4780m) and it makes a splendid view point .

Day 11: Manibuk (4290m) (Selele) a superb day of trekking , cross 3 passes , day pass to south side to north side base camp via first pass unnamed pass 4720m then other second pass Mirgenla- 4675m & last pass Siniola- 4660m. From Siniola pass able to recognize Mt Everest, Lotse, Makalu, Chamlang etc, long range of snow peaks to the north –west while a Janu is granted to the north east, Then steeply hill down.

Day 12: Ghunsa (3475m),Contouring the hillside with more fantastic views, cross a further 2 low passes then descend through rhododendron forest to the Tibetan village Ghunsa.

Day 13: Kambachen (4225m),Stunning trekking, through pine forest and then open country, with a steep climb and descent reach the summer village of Kambachen.

Day 14: Side trip to Janu base camp and back to Kambachen.

Day 15: Lonak, easy angle trekking, with incredible views of Wedge Peak, Nepal Peak and many others.

Day 16: Pang Pema (5150m), a short, but slow-paced walk up to our highest camp at Pang Pema this is one of the most spectacular places in the world, directly opposite Kangchenjunga's north face on Kanchenjunga base camp.

Day 17: Khambachen, return back from this remote spot.

Day 18: Phole,Trek to Ghunsa, then continue beside the Ghunsa Khola, to the Tibetan Refugee village of Phole.

Day 19: Amjillarsa, trek downstream through a forest of rhododendron, conifer birch and oak, pass the last of the Tibetan villages at Kyapra and follow an undulating trail to Amjillarsa.

Day 20: Chirwa, after a steep descent beside the Ghunsa Khola to Sakathon at the junction with the Tamur River, an afternoon's walk leads to our riverside camp at Chirwa

Day 21: Phurumba ,trek through villages and cultivated fields, contour around on a high trail above the Tamur River to Phurumba .

Day 22: Suketar , short morning's hike to our camp alongside the airstrip at (Suketar) Taplejung, or continues to Basantapur via way out or continues to Tumlingtar Arun valley,

Kanchanjunga trek cost Includes/Excludes

Kanchanjunga trek cost Includes

  • Pick & Drop to Airport / Hotel in Kathmandu & required places
  • Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing with Tour guide.
  • Food (Breakfast , lunch & dinner with tea -coffee ) in Trekking guest houses .
  • Accommodation in trekking area guest houses twin sharing bases on the trek .
  • English speaking Government licenses holder trekking guide & Supporters
  • Staff food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine are included in trekking.
  • Primary First Aid Kits (For the first aid treatment purpose such as bandage , some medicine......)
  • Trekking permits & TIMS for Conservation area /Restricted area & all the necessary official documents for trek.
  • Transport ; trek start to ending point by private car/van/ Bus.

Kanchanjunga trek cost Excludes

  • Nepal entry visa fee and necessary documets
  • Flight fare domestic and international .
  • Food in Kathmandu or other cities .
  • Airport Tax in Domestic & International Airpot & other taxes.
  • Personal insurance , equipment ,medical and travel insurance during the trek
  • Entrance fees for sightseeing/Monument /donation and some personal expenses.
  • Helicopter rescue charge in case of Emergency .
  • Staff tips and other personal expenses
  • Expenses burden due to Natural disaster ; such as bad weather , land slide

Kanchanjunga trek map

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Kanchanjunga trek: Exploring the Majestic Himalayan Wonderland