Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek – 16 Days

Pathivara, Taplejung

After breakfast heads towards the domestic airport and catch a flight to Bhadrapur a bustling town located in the southeastern region of the country. Upon reaching Bhadrapur proceed towards Taplejung. The drive takes around seven to eight hours taking you from the plain lands of Terai to the hills of central Nepal.

Maximum Altitude: 2420m
Duration: 45 minutes flight and 8-10 hours drive
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Start the trek traversing through the lush hills of the Churia Range. The youngest Hill line is present in the southern part of the country following forested trails and sandy riverbanks. As you progress follow the ridge line. Along the way pass through several traditional villages with unique mud houses, rice fields, fruit trees, and terraced farms. Next, the trail leads you down to the Tamur River from here following uphill trails to reach the village of Sinuwa.

Maximum Altitude: 980m
Duration: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Leave Sinuwa following the forested trail. Progressing on the trail, the valley narrows down, and you will be traversing landslide-prone areas. Crossing this area descend to Thiwakhola and then cross over a wooden bridge. Then continue following curved and irregular trails to the tiny village of Chirwa.

Maximum Altitude: 1280m
Duration: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Start the trek by climbing up a ridge and then following the descending tracks to Simbuwa Khola. From here cross a bridge over the rapids of the river originating from the Yalung Glacier. Then again follow an ascending trail leading to another ridge. Following the ridge, the section reaches the Ghunsa Khola Valley. As you progress reach the convergence of the Tamur River and Ghunsa Khola. A brief walk and eventually you will reach Sakathum village.

Maximum Altitude: 1575m
Duration: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Traversing along the northeast banks of Ghunsa Khola head into the trail. As you trek along the river bank the trail takes you on ascending routes following the forested trails gaining altitude. Progressing on the trail you will come across exposed landscapes with sheer drops. Following the narrow path reach the Tibetan village of Amjilosa.

Maximum Altitude: 2310m
Duration: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Leave Amjilosa traversing across the forested trail of rhododendron and bamboo. As you progress on the trail climb higher and witness a waterfall across the hills on the other side of the river. A brief walk from here and you will eventually reach the tiny settlement of Gyable.

Maximum Altitude: 2730m
Duration: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthosue

Today's trek will take you deeper into the mountain country. Start by traversing through large alpine pasture lands, crossing villages, and sections of deep wilderness. Following the trailhead on a downhill path towards the river next cross the river. Eventually, after a brief, walk you will reach Gunsa. A large Tibetan village perched in the heart of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. At Gunsa explore the settlement and visit various Gompas of the region. Also, learn about the culture and traditions of the locals.

Maximum Altitude: 3595m
Duration: 4-5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Today is your day for acclimatization, as you ascend higher, your body must acclimate to the thinner air at greater elevations. The region has various vantage points perfect for an acclimatization hike. Hike across the river to an altitude of 400 meters above the village and soak in the grand views of the landscape. Next, explore the settlement and start conversations with the people learning about the rich culture and traditions the people.
Head towards any vantage point before dawn and witness mesmerizing views of the sunrise over the Himalayas.

After breakfast head on the trail, following through stunning pine and rhododendron forests on the southern banks of the Ghunsa Khola. Along the way witness various Chortens and Mani walls. As you gain altitude the forest thins out taking you to high mountain country with exposed terrain. Progress on the trail crossing several slopes and glacier moraines and reach the tiny Tibetan village of Kambachen. From the village witness grand views of the Himalayas.

Maximum Altitude: 4050m
Duration: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Today's trek is short but gains in altitude so take it slow and have frequent rest. Following the arid trail with patches of shrubs reach the source of the Ghunsa Khola. Next, traverse the northern side of the Kanchenjunga Glacier and then follow the trail on a flat terrain past the Lhonak Glacier. Crossing the glacier reaches the village of Lhonak. The village witnessed grand views of Wedge peak, Mera peak, Nepal peak, and Twins peak.

Maximum Altitude: 4780m
Duration: 3-4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Kanchenjunga Base Camp

Today is the most exciting day of your trek as you will be reaching the base camp of the third highest mountain in the world. Leave Lhonak following the trails of the Lhonak Glacier on the northern ridges. Traversing across stony steps and loose surfaces eventually reach Kanchenjunga Base Camp. From the base camp witness grand panoramic views of the grand Mt. Kanchenjunga at 8,586 meters/28,169 feet, Janu Himal at 7,710 meters/25,300 feet, Everest at 8,849 meters/29,032 feet, Makalu at 8,463 meters/26,247 feet, Tharpu Chuli 5,695 meters/18,684 feet, Kabru 7,412 meters/24,318 feet and endless other mountain ranges.
After soaking in the majestic views of the Himalayas retrace your steps back to Lhonak. Upon reaching Lhonak soak in the views of the sunset while relaxing on the porch of your tea house.

Maximum Altitude: 5140m
Duration: 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Start the trek following the trails to Kanchenjunga Base Camp. After a brief walk, the trail separates from where you will be following the downward tracks. As you progress the landscapes changes. Following the downhill trails eventually reach the settlement of Ghunsa.

Maximum Altitude: 3595m
Duration: 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

After soaking in the grand views of the sunrise head towards the trail. Leaving Ghunsa after an hour's trek reach the village of Phale. Here visit various monasteries and attend to monks chanting prayers and practicing rituals. Next following the deep wilderness of juniper, pine, and rhododendron woodlands finally reach the tiny village of Amjilosa. After refreshment head out to explore the village.

Maximum Altitude: 2498m
Duration: 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

The trek starts with a brief ascent following the impenetrable jungles. Next, descend a steep section. As you progress on the trail reach the confusion of the Tamur and Ghunsa Khola. A brief walk from here and you will eventually reach Sakathum. From here you will be taking a jeep to Taplejung.

Maximum Altitude: 24898m (Amjilosa)
Duration: 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

After breakfast head on a long drive towards Bhadrapur. The drive takes you from the central hills to the southern flat lands of the country. Upon reaching Bhadrapur head towards your accommodation. Later celebrate the success of your trek with your team.

Maximum Altitude:1442m (Taplejung)
Duration: 8-10 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Catch an early morning flight from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu. The flight offers you grand views of the landscapes. Upon reaching Kathmandu head towards your accommodation. Later head out to explore the valley. In the evening join in for a farewell dinner program to mark the end of your adventure.
If you have any inquiries or require assistance and further information about this trip or any other trips, please feel free to contact Alpine Club of Himalaya – Walk of the Himalaya.

NOTE: All of the aforementioned trekking hours are approximations and should only be used as a general guideline.