Kanchanjunga Adrenaline and Base Camp Trek – 22 Days

Kanchanjunga Adrenaline and Base Camp Trek

Destination
Nepal
Duration
22 Days
Difficulty
Moderate
Max Altitude
5,900m
Accomodation
Lodge/Tea House
Best Season
Mar-May Sep-Nov
Trip Start
Pokhara
Trip End
Pokhara

Overview of Kanchanjunga Adrenaline and Base Camp Trek

The Kanchenjunga North & South Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal’s most remote, wild, and breathtaking high-altitude adventures. Spanning both the north and south base camps of the world’s third-highest mountain Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m).This trek offers unparalleled diversity in landscapes, cultures, and experiences.

Unlike the more crowded trails of Everest or Annapurna, Kanchenjunga remains pristine and untouched, giving trekkers a rare opportunity to experience the Himalayas in their most authentic form. The journey takes you from lush subtropical tea gardens to high alpine meadows, rugged glacial valleys, and panoramic Himalayan viewpoints.

What Makes This Trek Unique ?

  • Two Base Camps in One Trip.Most treks in Nepal take you to just one base camp, but this route covers both the North Base Camp (Pangpema) and South Base Camp (Ramche & Oktang).
  • Incredible Mountain Views Close-up vistas of Kanchenjunga, Jannu (Kumbhakarna), Yalung Kang, Tent Peak, Nepal Peak, and dozens of lesser-known but equally stunning mountains.
  • Rich Cultural Experience – Meet the Limbu and Rai communities in the lower regions, and Sherpa & Tibetan Buddhist villages in the highlands.
  • Wild & Remote – The trail passes through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, home to endangered wildlife like the snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan black bear, and musk deer.
  • Dramatic Terrain Changes – In less than three weeks, you’ll walk through rice terraces, rhododendron forests, alpine pastures, glacier moraines, and high mountain passes.

Highlights

  • Stand beneath the towering north and south faces of Mt. Kanchenjunga.
  • Cross high passes like Mirgin La (4,663m) and Sinion La (4,660m) with 360° Himalayan views.
  • Visit Oktang Viewpoint for one of the closest views of Kanchenjunga’s massive south wall.
  • Explore ancient monasteries like Ghunsa Gompa.
  • Trek through remote villages with little influence from mass tourism.
  • Witness the traditional lifestyle of mountain communities untouched by modernization.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m)

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative from Beauty Nepal Adventure will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. In the evening, you can stroll through the lively streets of Thamel, the tourist hub of Kathmandu. Overnight at the hotel.

Today is dedicated to final trek preparations—double-checking gear, obtaining any missing trek permits, and making sure everything is ready for the journey ahead. In the afternoon, enjoy guided sightseeing to some of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa. These visits offer a fascinating insight into Nepal’s diverse spiritual traditions.

An early morning scenic flight takes us from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, offering sweeping Himalayan views on a clear day. From Bhadrapur, we drive by jeep through tea gardens, subtropical hills, and rural settlements to reach Taplejung, the gateway to Kanchenjunga. Overnight at lodge.

We take a local jeep along winding mountain roads to reach Handrung. From here, the real trekking begins. A gentle uphill walk through terraced fields and small Limbu villages brings us to Lamatar, a quiet settlement where we’ll spend the night.

We follow the Tamur River valley, gradually climbing through rhododendron forests and crossing several suspension bridges. Gyabla is a small Tibetan-style village known for its stone houses and warm hospitality.

The trail continues through lush pine and hemlock forests. As we ascend, the scenery opens to reveal breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks. Ghunsa is the largest village in the area, inhabited mainly by Sherpa people, and serves as an important trading post.

A crucial acclimatization day. We’ll explore the surroundings, including one of the oldest monasteries in the Kanchenjunga region—Ghunsa Gompa—rich in traditional Tibetan Buddhist art. You may also observe local yak herding and learn about Sherpa culture.

We trek through alpine meadows along the Ghunsa Khola, passing waterfalls and moraine landscapes. The peaks Jannu (Kumbhakarna) and Sharphu dominate the skyline as we approach Khambachen, a high-altitude pasture settlement.

The vegetation thins as we enter a more rugged, high-altitude zone. Lhonak is located near a broad glacial plain, offering striking views of the surrounding mountains.

We trek along the Kanchenjunga Glacier to Pangpema, the North Base Camp. This is one of the most spectacular vantage points in the Himalayas, with a close-up view of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m), the third highest mountain in the world.

An early morning climb to Dromo Ri Viewpoint rewards us with a 360° panorama of Kanchenjunga and neighboring giants. After soaking in the view, we return to Pangpema for the night.

A short and relaxed descent back to Lhonak, giving us time to rest and enjoy the quiet highland atmosphere.

We retrace our steps along the Ghunsa Khola valley back to Ghunsa. Overnight stay in this charming village.

A steady climb through rhododendron forests brings us to Selele High Camp, strategically located for crossing the passes to the south side of Kanchenjunga.

We cross several high passes, including Sinion La (4,660m) and Mirgin La (4,663m), offering jaw-dropping Himalayan panoramas. We then descend to Tseram, a village near the Yalung Glacier.

A short but beautiful trek through alpine terrain leads to Ramche. In the afternoon, we hike to the Yalung Glacier and enjoy close-up views of Kanchenjunga’s south face.

From Oktang Viewpoint, we gaze directly at the towering South Face of Kanchenjunga—a sight so powerful that many trekkers consider this the highlight of the entire journey.

We descend through forests and meadows, enjoying the change in vegetation and warmer air. Overnight in Tortong.

A pleasant walk along traditional Limbu and Rai villages, with terraced farmlands and friendly locals greeting us along the way.

A morning walk to the local roadhead, followed by a jeep drive through rolling tea gardens to Kanyam, famous for its panoramic tea estate views.

A short morning drive to Bhadrapur, then we take a flight back to Kathmandu. Free time in the evening for souvenir shopping or a celebratory dinner.

After breakfast, we transfer you to the airport for your international flight, marking the end of this unforgettable journey with Beauty Nepal Adventure.

Note :-  This Itinerary is meant only as a guideline and is subject to change to suit the local conditions. Walking hours are based on an average walking pace and may change as per individual pace.

What's include

  • Kathmandu Airport pickup and drop As per itinerary accommodation in Kathmandu .
  • Accommodation during the trek in trekking lodges (tea houses), camping tents, and homestays as per the itinerary.
  • Three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek, including one cup of tea or coffee with each meal.
  • Kanchenjunga Special trekking permits, conservation area entry permits, and all other required official documents.
  • All ground Transportation:Trek starting point and trek ending point.
  • Drive from Bhadrapur to Taplejung (1,450m) by private jeep – approx. 8 hours.
  • Drive from Taplejung to Handrung by local jeep – approx. 4 hours, then start trek to Lamatar (2 hours walk).
  • Drive from Kanyam to Bhadrapur by bus or jeep.
  • Round-trip flight Kathmandu–Bhadrapur–Kathmandu with airport taxes and pickup/drop services.
  • All land transport for Nepali staff.
  • Professional team: Highly experienced, friendly, English-speaking, government-licensed trekking guide.
  • Strong and helpful porters with proper safety and walking equipment.
  • All staff wages, meals, accommodation, transportation and insurance.
  • Camping arrangements: If we organize a fully camping trek Necessary camping gear, tents, kitchen utensils, and food for camping nights.
  • Equipment use – Sleeping bag and mattress (if you don’t have your own; must be returned after the trek).
  • Airport transfers – Pickup and drop in Kathmandu.
  • Taxes – All government taxes, VAT, and official expenses.

What‘s excluded

  • Meals in Kathmandu.
  • Nepal entry visa (obtainable on arrival at Kathmandu Airport).
  • Any bottled drinks other than the included tea/coffee. Personal travel insurance (must include medical evacuation coverage).
  • Bar bills & beverages (like mineral water, coke, fanta , rum ,beer etc.
  • Personal trekking gear.
  • International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage charges.
  • Additional personal expenses: batteries, phone calls, internet, cold drinks, laundry, etc.
  • Tips or gratuities for guides, porters, and staff.

Essential Info

Suggested Equipment List

  • Duffel/Rucksack bag
  • Walking Pole
  • Day pack.
  • Trekking shoes.
  • Sports shoes or sandals.
  • Sun Hat/cap
  • Warm woolen cap.
  • Warm fleece jacket or puffy jacket
  • Waterproof Gore-Tex layer
  • Pullover or warm sweeter
  • Raincoat
  • 4/5 pairs of good quality socks
  • Hand gloves.
  • 2/3 pairs of trekking trousers.
  • 3/4 pairs of trekking shirts.
  • 3/4 pairs of underwear (non cotton preferred).
  • Sun glasses
  • Water bottle
  • 4 season sleeping bag
  • Flash or Torch light
  • Camera and batteries

We at Beauty Nepal Adventure understand that every traveler has different dreams, schedules, and expectations when it comes to trekking and exploring Nepal.

That’s why each of our trekking itineraries is flexible and customizable. Whether it’s the duration of the trek, the destination, or the type of experience you’re looking for, we’re more than happy to tailor the journey according to your interests, time availability, and travel preferences.

If you have any specific wishes or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to share them with us. We are always open, friendly and generous when it comes to adjusting our programs to better suit your needs. Your comfort and satisfaction are our top priorities.

Feel free to express your ideas without any hesitation. We genuinely welcome your input.

Thank you for trusting Beauty Nepal Adventure. We look forward to creating a beautiful journey together! Namaste !

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